NJTSI Bachelor of Engineering Assessment Regulations

These Assessment Regulations have been agreed by the JEI, and the relevant authorities in each institution, to manage the assessment of the Undergraduate degrees awarded by Swansea University (SU) and the Bachelor of Engineering awarded by Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech) in the Joint Education Institute (JEI).

These regulations apply to programmes delivered at a partner institution outside Wales so are exempt from the Welsh Language Standards.

1. Bachelor Degrees

1.1

Bachelor's degrees with honours are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

A systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline.
An ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline.
Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
- To devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline.
- Tto describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline.
- An appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
- The ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline).

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects.
Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem.
Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

And holders will have:

The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
- The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility.
- Decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts.
- The learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

2. Structure of Examination Boards

2.1

The JEI operates an assessment system for all its programmes, in collaboration with Swansea University and Nanjing Tech who award the qualifications. The system is intended to deal with progression issues at all levels and with the awarding of qualifications.

2.2

The model below represents the JEI’s structure for managing student progression and awards.

2.3 Examination Boards

2.3.1

The Joint Management Board and its subsidiary, the Joint Academic Board, has overall responsibility to ensure that both institutions provide overall module marks (to include component marks for each element of assessment) for each student studying its modules in an accurate and timely manner and to ensure that all marks are moderated in accordance with the Swansea University Assessment, Marking and Feedback policy.

2.3 Examination Boards

2.3.1

The Joint Management Board and its subsidiary, the Joint Academic Board has overall responsibility to ensure that both institutions provide overall module marks (to include component marks for each element of assessment) for each student studying its modules in an accurate and timely manner and to ensure that all marks are moderated in accordance with the Swansea University Assessment, Marking and Feedback policy.

Initially, and following strict marking conventions, provisional marks for continuous assessment and examinations shall be determined and recorded on the assessment at both institutions. A sample of the assessments submitted for the core modules will be considered by the programme External Examiner, who will confirm the marks awarded. These marks will give the overall module mark, to be considered at the JEI Joint Examination Board.

The provisional marks and decisions from the JEI Joint Examination Board will then be submitted to the overarching JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board which will confirm the progression and award decisions.

Evidence of extenuating circumstances relating to individual students will be considered as part of any Extenuating Circumstances requests and the decisions will be reported to the JEI Joint Examination Board(s).

2.3.2

Membership of JEI Joint Examination Boards and JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board

Membership will include representation from both institutions:

Joint Examination Boards

Chair: JEI Dean (or nominee).

Chief External Examiner: One External Examiner to act as Chief External to sign the official results endorsement form.

External Examiner: Relevant External(s) for all boards where award recommendations are made.

Internal Examiner: Programme Director and Deputy Programme Director.

Module co-ordinators and/ or members of the academic teaching delivery team from SU and Nanjing Tech.

Secretary: To be determined by Chair.

Joint Progression and Awards Board

Chair: JEI Dean (or nominee).

Chief External Examiner: One External Examiner to act as Chief External to sign the official results endorsement form.

External Examiner: Relevant External(s) for all boards where award recommendations are made.

Internal Examiner: Programme Director and Deputy Programme Director.

Secretary: To be determined by Chair.

2.3.3

JEI Joint Examination Boards - Terms of Reference

To ensure that the rules and regulations relating to progression are applied consistently and those standards are maintained;
To confirm marks for modules taught by SU and Nanjing Tech within the JEI;
To receive recommendations on extenuating circumstances and finalise marks;
To determine progression issues, with reference to the rules and regulations, and to award supplementary assessments;
In the case of students at the end of their programme of study - to make recommendations on provisional awards for degrees/certificates/diplomas and other qualifications to the JEI Joint Progression and Award Boards;
To make recommendations on exit qualifications;
To nominate representatives to attend, on behalf of the subject, the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board;
To draw up subject level pass lists/result endorsement forms and ensure that these are signed by the Chief External Examiner.

2.3.4

JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board – Terms of reference

To ensure that the assessment regulations relating to the programmes are applied consistently and those standards are maintained;
To approve recommendations on the awarding of degrees and other qualifications by the JEI Joint examination boards;
To report to the Swansea University Progression and Awards Board on recommendations for awards bestowed by Swansea University for the JEI;
To approve recommendations from JEI Joint examination boards on progression issues with reference to the assessment regulations;
To receive and consider reports from all relevant boards;
To determine cases where a procedural irregularity has occurred during the proceedings of progression and award boards and where a recommendation has been made contrary to Regulations;
To make recommendations on the revocation of awards;
To review, on an annual basis, issues relating to the assessment process;
To monitor and report on key performance indicators in relation to assessment outcomes;
To make recommendations on the bestowing of Swansea University aegrotat and posthumous awards;
To consider External Examiners’ reports and ensure appropriate responses are made and any issues of concern are reported to the JAC and subsequently the Swansea University Regulations, Quality and Standards Board.

2.4 Issues Requiring Approval by Swansea University Senate

2.4.1

Recommendation on the revocation of an award

At an Exam Board every effort shall be made to reach a consensus. If a disagreement arises between the External Examiner and the relevant Examining Board regarding issues of standards, the views of the External Examiner shall be noted in the minutes of the Board and in the external examiners’ report. The External Examiner may appeal, in exceptional circumstances, to the Swansea University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) or another Pro Vice-Chancellor (where the PVC (Education) is unavailable or is in conflict of interest). The decision of the Pro Vice-Chancellor shall be final.

When the decision of an External Examiner gives rise to a case of dispute between the External Examiner(s) and internal examiners it is within the power of the Swansea University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) to decide on the matter, at their discretion, or to appoint another External Examiner to provide an independent opinion. The Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) may take into account any written reports submitted by members of the Examining Board.

In choosing a second External Examiner the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) may also take into account, but need not be bound by, the nomination (if any) of an Examining Board for a second External Examiner. A decision on whether or not to reconvene the Examining Board shall be at the discretion of this second External Examiner whose decision on this matter shall be final.

2.4.2

Disputes between the JEI Examination Board and the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board

Decisions made by the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board or by the Chair/Deputy Chair of that Board shall normally be made in accordance with the regulations and therefore, such decisions will normally be final. In exceptional circumstance where there is a disagreement between the JEI Joint Examination Board and the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board or the Chair/Deputy Chair of that Board with regards to the application of the regulations, the Chair of the JEI Joint Examination Board may appeal to the Swansea University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), who is responsible for Standards and Quality. The decision of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) shall be final.

3. Rules for Progression and Awarding Credit in a Modular Environment

3.1

The following progression regulations shall apply to all JEI students undertaking the SU BEng and Nanjing Tech Bachelor of Engineering degree programmes.

3.2 General Principles

3.2.1

The progress of a candidate shall normally be assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.

3.2.2

Presentation of Marks for Non-finalists (levels 3-5)

When determining progression issues, the JEI Examination Boards shall be presented with all marks of assessment undertaken during the academic year. JEI Examination Boards shall make recommendations on progression decisions to the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Boards.

3.2.3

Presentation of Marks for Finalists (level 6)

JEI Joint Examination Boards shall consider the result profiles of final year students and make recommendations on final award outcomes to the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board. The results profile of the relevant students presented to both the JEI Joint Examination Board and the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board will include:

The final year results.
The results of modules pursued during previous Levels of Study but which contribute towards the awarding process (e.g. for SU awards, Level 5/year 3 of the 4 year undergraduate award).

3.2.4

Anonymous Marking

Students submitting assessments for SU coded modules will be anonymised by student number and names will not be used when marking. Staff will not take steps to identify any students by their student number. Students may confirm the defined coding for reference within the JEI and Programme Handbooks. All student assessments for SU coded modules submitted via the Canvas Digital Learning Platform (DLP) will be marked in an anonymous state to ensure there is no (conscious or unconscious) bias in marking. Work submitted outside of the DLP, or which requires specific marking approaches (e.g. specific marking guidelines) will be identifiable by student number only.

Examinations for Nanjing Tech coded modules will also be anonymised by student number and names will not be used for marking. Other assessments for Nanjing Tech coded modules will include student names.

In addition, there are necessary exceptions to anonymity where assessments include ‘in-person’ (including virtual) elements including, but not limited to, performance, practical work, presentations and some team or group assessments.

3.2.5

Disclosure of Identity

Please refer to the Swansea University Assessment, Marking and Feedback policy.

Student names will not be used while marking is taking place and for as long as practically possible thereafter. It is acknowledged that:

Preserving the anonymity of a student’s marks may not in all cases preserve the anonymity of the student;
Candidates who have submitted an application for extenuating circumstances or who require reasonable adjustments may need to have their assessment(s) identified in order to consider what further action might be necessary;
Anonymity is not maintained for final degree classifications.

The JEI Joint Examination Board may be conducted either anonymously or by name. The Progression and Awards Boards will not be anonymous and will be conducted by name.

3.2.6

Disclosure of Marks

A distinction should be made between provisional marks and confirmed marks.

Please refer to the Swansea University Assessment, Marking and Feedback policy.

3.2.7

Appeals against Academic Decisions

Students may appeal against the decision of the Swansea University Progression and Awards Board in accordance with the Academic Appeals Procedure and/or Accuracy of Published Marks Procedure.

A summary of award and progression decisions that can be awarded by the SU Progression and Awards Board is contained in Appendix 3 - Summary of Decisions Awarded by Progression and Awards Boards.

3.3 General Assessment Rules

The Pass mark for modules will be set at 40% (Swansea University system), equivalent to 60% (Nanjing Tech system) at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6. Credits will only be awarded to candidates who pass a module. The following table will be used to convert marks between systems: Mark conversion table - DRAFT.xlsx.

In order to complete each level, a candidate must accumulate 120 Swansea University credits by obtaining modules with a mark of 40% (Swansea University) /60% (NJTU) or better in each core module.

Candidates must satisfy attendance and assessment requirements of all modules.

Candidates will usually complete a level of study within a maximum of two academic sessions. At the discretion of the JEI Progression and Award Board, candidates who have not acquired sufficient credit to complete the level of study after the first and second attempts, may be permitted to proceed to the next level with the opportunity to undertake two further attempts to redeem the failures in the modules in order to be allowed to complete the level of study. Students will have a maximum of four attempts in total for any module which contributes to the Swansea University award. These attempts may consist of one retrieval attempt (capped at the pass mark at levels 5 and 6 for the Swansea University Award), one retake of the module ((capped at the pass mark at levels 5 and 6 for the Swansea University award), unless the student has applied for, and been confirmed to Repeat Failed Level, and a further retrieval attempt (with a capped mark for modules at levels 5 and 6 for the Swansea University award). These attempts must normally take place within a maximum two academic sessions. Any retrieval attempts, regardless of level will be capped at the associated pass mark of 60% within the NJTU system. Candidates must not expect, as of right, to be offered the maximum number of attempts to redeem failures.

Candidates will not be permitted to formally proceed to a further level of study until the initial level is successfully completed (i.e. candidates cannot proceed to fully enrol at level 6 until all core modules in level 4 are successfully completed within a maximum of 4 attempts).

Candidates who attain fewer than 120 Swansea University credits but more than 80 Swansea University credits for core modules may be permitted to proceed to the next level of study while they undertake further attempt(s) at the failed module(s).These modules will be considered to be ‘trailed’ from one level to the next. During the retrieval attempt period, candidates will be expected to participate fully in the next level of study, including any scheduled teaching sessions and assessments, as well as participating fully in the trailed modules, while they await the outcome of the examination boards.

Candidates who pass at least one core module but attain fewer than 80 Swansea University credits for a level of study will be required to Repeat Failed Modules before progressing to the next level of study. Such candidates will retake all failed modules but will retain the credit already gained in modules which have been successfully passed. Assessments submitted for retake modules will be capped at the pass mark (40% Swansea University / 60% NJTU) for levels 5 and 6 for the Swansea University award and at all levels for the NJTU award.

Candidates who attain 0 Swansea University credits for a level will be required to repeat the failed level of study before progressing to the next level (to a maximum of 4 attempts – see G4). The marks of candidates who repeat the Level of Study shall not be capped for the Swansea University award. However, an attempt at assessment during the repeat level of study shall be regarded as one of the three opportunities available to candidates to redeem a failure.

Candidates, except those in the final year, who are required to repeat failed modules, may apply to repeat the level of study as internal candidates. Candidates wishing to repeat the level of study may apply to the JAB to do so. Students are strongly advised to discuss their decision with an appropriate member of staff in the JEI. It is recommended that a record is kept summarising the advice given to the student, signed by both the student and the member of staff. Applications must be completed by the end of the first week of the new Academic Session via the form/online system. Full details of the process are outlined in the student handbook.

Candidates repeating failed modules must do so as internal candidates. Only candidates who fall into the following categories may apply to repeat the failed modules as external candidates.

Final-Year students who have exceptionally been offered the opportunity to repeat failed modules in the next academic session due to extenuating circumstances.
Non-Final Year students who have exceptionally been offered the opportunity to repeat failed modules across a third academic session due to extenuating circumstances.

Candidates who repeat failed modules:

May not repeat any module which has been passed; and
Must repeat all failed modules.

Candidates who repeat the level of study:

Must undertake all modules for that level; and
May not retain any marks from a previous attempt at a module

Applications to repeat modules as an external candidate must be supported by the JAB. The decision will be made by the Swansea University Assessment team on behalf of the Swansea University Progression and Awards Board in conjunction with members of the JEI Examination Boards for both Swansea University and NJTU modules.

Candidates who are permitted to repeat failed modules shall not be able to repeat any module which has been passed. Candidates who are permitted to repeat failed modules will be required to repeat all failed modules.

G10

Students who are repeating failed modules only in Level 5, provided they satisfy the examiners, shall have a capped mark of 40% (Swansea University system). Any repeated module or supplementary assessment will be capped at 60% within the Nanjing Tech system and reflected in the NJTU award. The capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module irrespective of their actual level of performance. The JEI Progression and Awards Board shall refer to the capped mark in determining the average for a Level of Study.

This does not apply to candidates repeating modules at Levels 3 and 4 (the foundation year and year 1) since the actual mark scored will be recorded in their case. Level 6 does not allow for a repeat failed modules decision. Students will be permitted to one supplementary opportunity and further failure would require the student to consider resitting as an external candidate (G9).

G11

Candidates who have qualified to proceed from one Level of Study to another shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any module which has been passed in order to improve their performance.

G12

It is recognised that some candidates will not be able to attend examinations during scheduled Assessment Periods due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Please see the Policy on Extenuating Circumstances for more information. Applications for extenuating circumstances will be considered and supported by the Joint Extenuating Circumstances committee.

Candidates granted deferrals will be required to sit the examinations at the next scheduled examination point for the modules concerned. Deferral requests will be managed alongside any failed modules and decisions will be made in line with the progression criteria and accrued credits.

G13

Final year candidates who are unable to sit an examination in Semester One and who have been granted a deferral by the JAB should sit the examination at the next available opportunity in the Semester Two. The JAB will endeavour to provide a deferral opportunity within the current academic year where possible.

G14

The rules outlined in the Specific Progression Rules will normally influence the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board in arriving at a progression decision for candidates. However, candidates must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to sit supplementary examinations or repeat the level of study. The Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate's case before taking any progression decision. The Board would not be expected to allow a candidate to progress to the next Level of Study unless they have satisfied the minimum criteria.

G15

Candidates who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed, by the academic Faculty/ School concerned of the coursework required. Details of supplementary coursework will not be included in the results published by Swansea University Education Services on the individual student intranet record.

G16

Exit Qualifications

Swansea University Exit Qualifications:

A candidate who is admitted to an initial degree programme but is subsequently unable, or is not permitted, to progress to completion may, depending upon the number of SU credits attained at the appropriate levels at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards:

Only credits attained for a completed level of study can be counted towards any Swansea University Exit Qualification.

Exit Qualification	Number of SU credits to have been pursued and achieved
Foundation Certificate	120 at Level 3
Certificate of Higher Education	120 at Level 3 and 120 at Level 4
Diploma of Higher Education	120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5

Exit awards of Certificate of Higher Education are unnamed awards. All other exit qualifications shall normally be named awards.

A candidate exiting a degree programme with an undergraduate Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education under the circumstances detailed in the preceding paragraph shall be eligible for the award of a Distinction where they have attained an overall mark of 70% (SU) or above for the award in question.

Nanjing Tech Exit Qualifications:

Certificate of Completion (Jieye Zhengshu) – candidates who complete the modules for the Nanjing Tech award but do not meet the graduation requirements, will be issued a Certificate of Completion (Jieye Zhengshu).

Graduation Certificate (Biye Zhengshu) – candidates who complete all modules for the Nanjing Tech award except the dissertation will be awarded a Graduation Certificate (Biye Zhengshu).

Certificate of Attendance (Yiye Zhengshu) – Students who fail to attain modules for the Nanjing Tech award but complete a minimum of one academic year of study will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance (Yiye Zhengshu).

Such exit qualifications shall be approved by the JEI examination boards and JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board and confirmed by the SU Progression and Awards Board.

3.4 Specific Progression Rules - for Students Pursuing Levels 3-4 and 4-5

3.4.1

Rules to be applied during the JEI Joint Progression and Award Board

Candidates who accumulate 120 SU credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study.

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 120 SU but at least 80 SU credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study, provided that the failure of a module(s) is redeemed by resubmission of failed assessment component(s) at the next available opportunity, alongside study at the next level, within a maximum of four attempts including a final supplementary opportunity for any retake modules.

At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be granted supplementary examinations in all failed modules. Students will be required to re-sit all modules. It must be noted that all modules must be passed. Candidates will have the opportunity to redeem failed modules in the supplementary assessment period for that module at the start of the semester immediately preceding the initial assessment period.

At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board candidates who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study with a minimum of 80 SU credits will normally be required to repeat failed modules before undertaking the next level of study. Alternatively, students can apply to repeat the level of study, Such candidates will undertake all core modules for that level and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G8).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

Candidates who accumulate 0 SU credits will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study and will be required to repeat the level of study (see G8). Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study, will be granted supplementary examinations (the fourth attempt) as the final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

Candidates who are repeating the year or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study following a final, supplementary assessment (the fourth attempt) will be awarded a decision of Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are awarded an academic decision of Required to Withdraw from the University will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates will not be eligible to transfer SU credits to another programme of study at Swansea University and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ shall not be readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme awarded by both institutions but may be eligible to transfer to an alternative programme of study awarded by Nanjing Tech, with the approval of Nanjing Tech Academic Affairs Office.

Depending on the number of credits attained, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G15). The JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant SU and/or NJTU exit qualification.

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures will not be capped with regards to the SU award at Levels 3 and 4. However, all resubmission attempts will be capped with regards to the NJTU award.

3.4.2

Rules to be applied during the Supplementary JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board

Candidates who accumulate 120 SU credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study.

S10

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 80 SU credits will fail to qualify to proceed to/continue in the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board such candidates will normally be required to repeat failed modules.

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Failed Modules, may be permitted to repeat the Level).

Such candidates will normally be required to redeem the failures during the academic year.

S11

Candidates who pass 0 SU credits will be required to repeat the level of study (see G8).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S12

Candidates who are repeating the level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study, may be granted supplementary examinations (the fourth attempt) as the final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

S13

S14

3.5 Specific Progression Rules - Level 5-6

3. 5.1

Rules to be applied during JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board at the end of each standard, assessment period.

S15

Candidates who accumulate 120 Swansea University credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study.

S16

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 120 but at least 80 Swansea University credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study, provided that the failure of a core module(s) is redeemed by resubmission of failed assessment component(s) at the next available opportunity, alongside study at the next level, within a maximum of four attempts including a final supplementary opportunity for any retake modules.

At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board, such candidates will normally be granted supplementary examinations in all failed modules. Students will be required to re-sit all modules. It must be noted that all modules must be passed. Candidates will have the opportunity to redeem the modules in the supplementary assessment period for that module at the start of the semester immediately preceding the initial assessment period.

S17

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year. At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board candidates who fail to qualify to proceed to the next level of study with a minimum of 80 Swansea University credits will normally be required to repeat failed modules before undertaking the next level of study. Alternatively, candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Failed Modules may apply to repeat the level of study. Such candidates will undertake all core modules for that level and will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G8).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S18

Candidates who accumulate 0 Swansea University credits will fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study and will be required to repeat the level of study (see G8). Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S19

Candidates who are repeating the Level or repeating failed modules, and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study, will be granted supplementary examinations (the fourth attempt) as a final opportunity to redeem failures in all failed modules.

S20

Candidates who are repeating the Level or repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study following a final, supplementary assessment (the fourth attempt), will be awarded a decision of Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are awarded an academic decision of ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates will not be eligible to transfer Swansea University credits to another programme of study at Swansea University and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ shall not be readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme awarded by both institutions but may be eligible to transfer to an alternative programme of study awarded by Nanjing Tech, with the approval of Nanjing Tech Academic Affairs Office.

S21

Marks achieved by candidates who are repeating failed modules only, at Levels 5 shall be capped at 40% (Swansea University system) for the Swansea University award, equivalent to 60% (Nanjing Tech system). Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module.

The marks achieved by candidates repeating the level of study shall not be capped for the Swansea University award but will be capped with regards to the NJTU award.

3.5.2

Rules to be applied during the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board following a supplementary period.

S22

Candidates who accumulate at least 120 Swansea University credits in modules at the appropriate Level automatically qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study.

S23

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 120 Swansea University but at least 80 credits may qualify to proceed to the next level of study, provided that the failure of a module(s) is redeemed by resubmission of failed assessment component(s) at the next available opportunity, alongside study at the next level, within a maximum of four attempts including a final supplementary opportunity for any retake modules.

S24

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 80 Swansea University credits will fail to qualify to proceed to/ continue in the next Level of Study. At the discretion of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board such candidates will normally be required to repeat failed modules – marks will be capped for these modules. Students may wish to apply to Repeat the Level, such candidates will automatically forfeit any credit already gained (see G8).

(In accordance with the General Progression Rule G8, those candidates who have been given the decision of Repeat Failed Modules may be permitted to Repeat the Level)

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S25

Candidates who accumulate 0 SU credits will be required to repeat the level of study (see G8).

Such candidates will be required to redeem the failures during the next academic year.

S26

S27

Candidates who are Repeating the Level or Repeating Failed Modules and who fail to qualify to proceed to the next Level of Study following a final, supplementary assessment (the fourth attempt) will be awarded a decision of Required to Withdraw from the University.

Candidates who are awarded an academic decision of Required to Withdraw from the University will be given no further attempts to redeem failures. Candidates will not be eligible to transfer Swansea University credits to another programme of study at Swansea University and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of Required to Withdraw from the University shall not be readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme awarded by both institutions but may be eligible to transfer to an alternative programme of study awarded by Nanjing Tech programme, with the approval of Nanjing Tech Academic Affairs Office.

S28

Marks achieved by candidates who succeed in redeeming failures during the supplementary examination period at Levels 5 and 6 will be capped at 40% (Swansea University system)/60% (Nanjing Tech system) (see General Progression Rule G9). Students should note that the capped mark shall be used for classification purposes in each such module.

3.6 Rules for Awarding Credit in the Final Year

3.6.1

Rules to be applied during the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board

S29

Candidates who accumulate 120 Swansea University credits in modules at the appropriate level for the final level of study automatically qualify to be considered for the award of an Honours degree.

S30

Candidates who have an approved deferral and do not sit an examination in Semester One should, where possible and with the approval of the JAB, sit the examination in the Supplementary period the start of semester Two examination period in preference to the semester two examination period.

S31

Candidates who accumulate fewer than 120 Swansea University credit and by definition, fail core module(s), will fail to qualify for an honours degree. Such candidates may be permitted one final attempt to redeem the failure(s) in the modules(s) during the supplementary examination period. For the purposes of classifying the degree, the marks(s) so achieved shall be capped at 40% (Swansea University)/ 60% (Nanjing Tech). The marks for all other modules will be retained for the purposes of classifying the degree.

For the purposes of classifying the SU award, the mark(s) so achieved shall be capped at 40% (Swansea University). The marks for all other modules will be retained for the purposes of classifying the degree.

S32

Candidates who fail to meet the requirement of 29, 30 or 31 above will fail to complete the final level of study.

Such candidates will be given no further attempts to redeem failures and will be Required to Withdraw from the University. Candidates will not be eligible to transfer SU credits to another programme of study in Swansea University and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of ‘Required to Withdraw from the University’ shall not be readmitted to that same programme of study or to a cognate programme awarded by both institutions but may be eligible to transfer to an alternative programme of study awarded by Nanjing Tech programme, with the approval of t Nanjing Tech Academic Affairs Office.

Depending on the number of credits attained, such candidates may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G15). The JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board will be responsible for considering the number of Swansea University credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant Swansea University and/or NJTU exit qualification.

S33

In exceptional circumstances and only with the expressed permission of the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board, final year candidates may be permitted to repeat study the following session. Such a decision shall be taken with possible reference to the outcomes of a Committee of Enquiry, a Special Circumstances Committee or an Academic Appeal Board. Such decisions shall include a recommendation as to whether the marks achieved during the repeat study should be capped or uncapped.

Such candidates who are repeating failed modules and who fail to qualify to be considered for an award at the final level of study will be Required to Withdraw from the University (see S32).

Depending on the number of credits attained, such students may be eligible for an exit qualification (refer to G15). The JEI Joint Progression and Award Board will be responsible for considering the number of credits attained and, if appropriate, awarding the relevant Swansea University and/or NJTU exit qualification.

S34

The rules outlined in this section will normally influence the JEI Joint Progression and Award Boards in arriving at a decision for candidates. However, candidates must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to sit a supplementary examination in a core module(s). The Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the candidate’s case before taking any decision.

4. Classification of Honours Degrees – Nanjing Tech Awards

4.1 Admission to Degrees

Nanjing Tech Awards are pass/fail so do not have a classification.

However, Nanjing Tech awards honorary certificates to outstanding bachelor's degree recipients. Bachelor’s degree grades with honours are divided into “High Distinction” and “Distinction”:

High Distinction – students will achieve a cumulative GPA of the top 10% (inclusive) for the core modules.

Distinction – students will achieve a cumulative GPA of the top 10-30% (inclusive) for the core modules.

4.2 Eligibility for Consideration of an Award

Students eligible for the Nanjing Tech awards will apply for graduation at the beginning of the first semester of their final year of study (see Nanjing Tech Undergraduate Student Status Management Regulations Chapter 7 for details). There are no application requirements for the SU awards.

4.3 Graduation

Nanjing Tech will conduct a graduation audit to consider whether all criteria have been met. Candidates who have completed the educational components of the Nanjing Tech programme but not met the requirements for graduation will be granted a ‘Certificate of Completion’ (see Nanjing Tech Undergraduate Student Status Management Regulations Chapter 7 for details).

5. Classification of Honours Degrees – SU Awards

5.1 Admission to Degrees

To be eligible for consideration for the award of an undergraduate Bachelor in Engineering (BEng) degree, awarded by Swansea University, under these regulations, a candidate shall:

Have pursued an approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
Have attained such minimum levels of credit as specified by Swansea University in a programme approved by SU;
Have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by SU.

All modules pursued at Level 5 and 6 and identified as part of the relevant SU award shall contribute towards the final classification, i.e. 240 SU credit points for these four-year programmes.

Students must have pursued 240 SU credits within the two years which contribute towards the classification of their degree. Any modules pursued in addition to the 240 SU credits will not be considered for the purpose of classification for the SU award, including those additional modules pursued for the Nanjing Tech award.

5.2 Classification Bands – SU Awards

The candidate’s class of degree will normally be determined by the weighted average mark for all modules contributing to the honours assessment (i.e. all modules in levels 5 and 6) using the following classification boundaries:

Class of Degree	Weighted Average
First Class Honours	70%+
Second Class Honours, Division I	60-69.99%
Second Class Honours, Division II	50-59.99%
Third Class Honours	40-49.99%
Pass Degree	35-39.99%

5.3 Eligibility for the Consideration of an Award

When considering whether a student is eligible for the consideration of an SU award, the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board shall consider the candidate's overall performance during Levels 5 and 6, which contribute towards the award.

In order to be eligible for consideration for an undergraduate Bachelor in Engineering (BEng) award of Swansea University, candidates shall attend and complete modules within the maximum period of registration, the credit weighting of which shall be as follows:

Full-Time Honours Degree Programme	Credit to be pursued
BEng programmes with a Foundation Year	Total of 480 SU credit points with: A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 3 A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 4 A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 5 and A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 6

Full-Time Honours Degree Programme

Credit to be pursued

BEng programmes with a Foundation Year

Total of 480 SU credit points with:

A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 3
A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 4
A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 5 and
A minimum of 120 SU credit points at Level 6

5.4 Borderline Cases

The following Guiding Principles are designed to assist the JEI Joint Progression and Award Board in the consideration of borderline cases in the classification of degrees. These Principles shall be used in conjunction with the revised Banding method of classification and shall be considered in the cases of all students whose classification average falls within the ‘window of opportunity’ (i.e. within 2% of a classification boundary). These principles apply for initial degree candidates and those pursuing advanced initial degrees.

The JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board should raise a student’s classification if he/she falls within the ‘window of opportunity’ and satisfies the criteria of 5.4.1 (Preponderance Principle) and/or 5.4.2 (Exit Velocity Principle).

These Principles also assume that the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board will not change marks that have been confirmed by JEI Examination Boards.

Viva voce examinations shall not be permitted for the purpose of determining degree classifications for candidates pursuing undergraduate degrees.

5.4.1

Preponderance Principle

Where a student’s classification average falls within 2% of a classification boundary, the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board shall consider the proportion of marks obtained by the student each classification band. The JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board shall consider only those marks, which have been used to calculate classification (Levels 5 and 6).

In order that the student be awarded the higher classification, a student must have achieved 100 SU credits in the final year of study and marks in the higher classification band must have been achieved in modules attracting a credit weighting equal to half or more of those contributing to the degree classification.

Borderline	Requirement for Higher Classification
I – 2i	120+ SU credits at 70%+
2i - 2ii	120+ SU credits at 60%+
2ii - 3	120+ SU credits at 50%+
3 -	Pass 120+ SU credits at 40%+

5.4.2

Exit Velocity Principle

Where a student’s classification average falls within 2% of a classification boundary, the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board shall consider the non-weighted average of the Final Year of Study. (This average will have been calculated for the purposes of awarding final year credit.) Where the student’s Final Year average is in the higher classification band, the JEI Joint Progression and Awards Board shall normally award the higher class degree.

5.5 Revised Banding System

5.5.1

Determining the Average Mark

Candidates are to be classified according to their weighted average mark on all modules taken beyond Level 4.

Thus, for the BEng programmes, the weighted average would be calculated using marks from modules attracting 240 SU credits which would have been pursued during Levels 5 and 6 (i.e. normally Year 2 and the Final Year).

Students will be awarded a mark for each module based on their performance in the various assessment components. Those marks will be assigned to one of 4 Bands, depending on the level of the module, the mark and the credit weighting of the module. (i.e. marks for Level 6 modules will be placed in Band 3 or 2; marks for Level 5 modules will be placed in Band 2 or 1, depending on the performance).

For these programmes, the marks in the best 80 SU credits of the final year (Level 6) will be placed in Band 3 and the marks for the remaining 40 SU credits in Band 2. The marks in the best 40 SU credits at Level 5 will be placed in Band 2 and the remaining Level 5 marks in Band 1.

The weighted degree classification average mark shall therefore be arrived at using the following formula.

Four year BEng Degrees:

Band 3: Best marks achieved in 80 SU credits pursued at Level 6, given a weighting of 3
Band 2: Level 6 marks from the remaining 40 SU credits pursued and the best marks achieved in 40 SU credits pursued at Level 5, given a weighting of 2
Band 1: Marks achieved in remaining Level 5 SU credits pursued, with a weighting of 1

A formula is then applied to calculate the degree classification average.