Temporary changes to assessment regulations to support our students’ success in their studies and assessments during COVID-19 pandemic
The University and its partner institutions have strived to provide alternative teaching, assessment and support for students during the pandemic that is broadly equivalent to normal arrangements, so that all can continue to engage in learning and have opportunities to demonstrate achievement.
Following wide ranging consultation with our academic and quality colleagues as well as reviewing Office for Students (OfS) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) guidelines, we have implemented a series of temporary variations to our assessment regulations to mitigate against any adverse effects of the pandemic on the academic performance of our students during this period of disruption. You can find out more about the temporary variations in place for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years below.
Our aim has been ensuring a consistent and fair approach for all students that provides additional flexibility, while making sure course learning outcomes are achieved and we maintain academic standards so that employers and other external stakeholders can continue to have confidence in the integrity and value of University of Suffolk awards.
Please note that if the course being studied is accredited by a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB), it may not be possible to implement all the temporary changes to the assessment regulations. The Dean of School will notify students if any of the changes do not apply to a particular course because of PSRB requirements.
We hope that these measures will support you to succeed in these difficult times. If you would like further information, advice or guidance, please contact the Academic Registrar’s Office via assessment@uos.ac.uk.
Professor Mohammad Dastbaz
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
The University and its partner institutions are continuing to provide teaching, assessment and support for students during the pandemic that is broadly equivalent to standard arrangements (adapted as necessary to accommodate any changes in government requirements), so that students can continue to engage in learning and have opportunities to demonstrate their achievement. With the significant advances in the Covid vaccination programme over recent months, it is hoped that a degree of normality can return to course delivery arrangements in 2021-22, whilst continuing to capitalise on the work undertaken to implement effective online delivery models during the pandemic as part of our new block and blend delivery approach.
The temporary variations to assessment regulations that we are extending into 2021-22 are intended to mitigate against any adverse impact of the pandemic on our students’ final degree outcomes, in that the classifications should not be adversely affected if students’ performance in assessments undertaken during the period of disruption was lower than their performance at other stages in their studies. It is important that degree classifications are fair, valid and reliable.
We are mindful of the continuing effects of the pandemic on students and in particular those who might be most vulnerable to disruption, including those suffering from coronavirus or who need to self-isolate; those having to take on additional caring responsibilities; and international students who may face restrictions on travel. While all other temporary variations to the assessment regulations will come to an end, our extenuating circumstances procedures will continue to be sympathetic to adverse personal circumstances related to Covid, although in line with the standard policy and to ensure parity of treatment, evidence will be required where a student might reasonably be able to provide it.
For the 2021-22 academic year, the following variations will apply at levels 5 and 6:
- Modification to Foundation degree classifications: If you are completing your Foundation degree this academic year, we will use two alternative methods for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. your performance at level 5).
The first alternative method will use your achievement in all level 5 modules excluding any module results ratified between 23 March 2020 and the end of the 2019-20 academic year.
The second alternative method will take into consideration your achievement in all Level 4 and Level 5 modules where results were ratified outside the period of disruption (see below for definition). We will use an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules to determine an overall mark for each level. Marks from Level 4 and Level 5 will then be weighted 40% and 60% respectively and combined to give an overall Foundation degree mark.
The application of both alternative classification methods will be subject to there being a minimum of 60 eligible credits on which to base the calculation. Where an alternative classification method can be applied, the Assessment Board for your course will award you the highest of the three classifications.
- Modification to Honours degree classifications: If you are completing your Honours degree this academic year, we will use two alternative methods for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. the best 100 credits at Level 6 and the best 100 credits at Level 5 or above, weighted 60:40 respectively).
The first alternative method excludes any Level 5 and/or Level 6 module results ratified from 23 March 2020 to the end of the 2019-20 academic year.
The second alternative method is based on your achievement in all Level 5 and Level 6 modules where module results were ratified outside the period of disruption (see below for definition), using an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules.
The application of both alternative classification methods will be subject to there being a minimum of 60 eligible credits on which to base the calculation. Where an alternative classification method can be applied, the Assessment Board for your course will award you the highest of the three classifications.
Definition of period of disruption
The period of disruption is from 23 March 2020 to the end of the 2020-21 academic year. Any module results ratified during the period of disruption will be excluded from the second alternative classification calculations.
Following the announcement of the national lockdown, in addition to the previously agreed variations to assessment regulations for the 2020-21 academic year (see below), the following variations will be implemented from 4 January 2021:
Applying to all levels of study (Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7)
- Extensions and deferrals: If you cannot meet a deadline due to the impact of the lockdown, you can apply for Extenuating Circumstances quickly and easily online, via OASIS. For lockdown-related applications, evidence will not be required in the vast majority of cases.
- Late submission: For components of assessment where the assessment type allows late submission, we are removing the cap on marks if you submit work a little late at your first attempt. This will enable the full range of marks to be awarded for any work submitted up to three working days after the deadline. We are also extending the opportunity to submit work up to three working days late to resubmissions (although capping of marks will still be applied as per normal arrangements).
- Removal of capped marks for resubmissions: Normally, if you are referred in an assessment at first attempt because you submit work but fail to achieve an overall pass mark for the module, for your second attempt your mark will be capped at the pass mark. From 4 January 2021, where you submit work at first attempt but do not pass the module, your second attempt will not be capped and you will be eligible for the full range of marks. This applies only where work is submitted at first attempt and not already subject to a capped mark.
Applying to levels 5 and 6
- Modification to Foundation degree classifications: If you are completing your Foundation degree this academic year, we will use a third alternative method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. based solely on your performance at Level 5) and the variation already in place for this academic year (i.e. based on your overall performance at level 5 excluding any module results ratified between 23 March 2020 and the end of the 2019-20 academic year). The third alternative method will take into consideration your achievement in all Level 4 and Level 5 modules where results were ratified outside the period of disruption (see below for definition). We will use an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules to determine an overall mark for each level. Marks from Level 4 and Level 5 will then be weighted 40% and 60% respectively and combined to give an overall Foundation degree mark. The application of both alternative classification methods will be subject to there being a minimum of 60 eligible credits on which to base the calculation. Where an alternative classification method is applied, the Assessment Board for your course will award you the highest of the three classifications.
- Modification to Honours degree classifications: If you are completing your Honours degree this academic year, we will use a third alternative method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. the best 100 credits at Level 6 and the best 100 credits at Level 5 or above, weighted 60:40 respectively) and the variation already in place for the 2020-21 academic year (i.e. excluding any level 5 or level 6 module results ratified between 23 March and the end of the 2019-20 academic year). This third alternative method will take into consideration your achievement in all Level 5 and Level 6 modules where module results were ratified outside the period of disruption (see below for definition), using an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules. The application of both alternative classification methods will be subject to there being a minimum of 60 eligible credits on which to base the calculation. Where an alternative classification method is applied, the Assessment Board for your course will award you the highest of the three classifications.
Definition of period of disruption
The period of disruption is from 23 March 2020 to the end of the 2020-21 academic year. Any module results ratified during the period of disruption will be excluded from the third alternative classification calculations.
The following temporary changes to assessment regulations will be in place for the full 2020-21 academic year:
Applying to all levels of study (Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7)
- Modification to component pass mark (non-core components): Normally at undergraduate level, an overall module mark of 40%+ is required to pass a module, with a mark of at least 35% for any non-core components of assessment and a mark of at least 40% for any core components of assessment. For taught postgraduate programmes, an overall module mark of 50%+ is normally required, with 45%+ for non-core components and 50%+ for core components. This is known as in-module compensation. During the pandemic, we are reducing the minimum threshold for non-core components of assessment from 35% to 30% (undergraduate) and from 45% to 40% (postgraduate), so that you can still pass a module if your performance drops slightly on non-core components but you have attained an overall pass mark for the module.
Applying to Levels 3 and 4 of study
- Modification to component pass mark (core components): We are extending in-module compensation (as per variation 1 above) to allow for core components (as well as non-core components) to be compensated at Levels 3 and 4 where the component mark is at least 30% and the overall module mark is at least 40%.
- Modification to condonement at Level 4: At Level 4, normally you can be condoned for failure of up to 40 credits of non-mandatory modules, if all other Level 4 modules (i.e. at least 80 credits) have been passed; the overall average Level 4 mark is at least 40%; all Level 4 modules have an overall module mark of at least 35%; and the failed module and/or its components have no marks of refer infringement or fail infringement at any attempt. During the pandemic, we are reducing the minimum mark required for all modules at Level 4 from 35% to 30%, so that you will still be eligible for condonement if your performance drops slightly on some modules and you meet all the other criteria. You will be awarded credit for the condoned module(s), and the condonement will be recorded on your transcript.
Applying to Levels 5 and 6
- Use of condonement at Levels 5 and 6: During the pandemic, we are temporarily extending condonement to Levels 5 and 6, meaning that you can be condoned for failure of up to 40 credits of non-mandatory modules at your relevant level of study, if all other modules at that level (i.e. at least 80 credits) have been passed; the overall average level mark is at least 40%; all modules within the level have an overall module mark of at least 30%; and the failed module and/or its components have no marks of refer infringement or fail infringement at any attempt. You will be awarded credit for the condoned module(s), and the condonement will be recorded on your transcript. Condonement is subject to an overall limit of 40 credits for Level 5 and 6 combined.
- Modification to Foundation degree classifications (for students due to graduate in 2020-21): If you are a Foundation degree student due to graduate in 2020-21, we will use an additional method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards. This alternative method will draw on your achievement in all Level 5 modules completed outside SEM2 and SEMY 2019-20 (i.e. excluding module results ratified between 23 March 2020 and the end of the 2019-20 academic year). The Assessment Board for your course will award you the higher of the two classifications.
- Modification to Honours degree classifications (for students due to graduate in 2020-21): If you are an Honours degree student due to graduate in 2020-21, we will use an additional method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. the best 100 credits at Level 6 and the best 100 credits at Level 5 or above, weighted 60:40 respectively). This alternative method will exclude Level 5 and/or Level 6 module results ratified from 23 March 2020 to the end of the 2019-20 academic year. The Assessment Board for your course will award you the higher of the two classifications.
If you are a part-time student either enrolled on a Level 6 progression route or if you have joined the final year of an undergraduate degree programme (i.e. via Recognised Prior Learning), we will use an additional degree classification algorithm that excludes module results ratified between 23 March 2020 and the end of the 2019-20 academic year. Again, the Assessment Board for your course will award you the higher of the two classifications.
The following temporary changes to assessment regulations were put in place to cover the period from the commencement of lockdown (23 March 2020) to the end of the 2019-20 academic year:
Applying to all levels of study (Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7)
- Extensions: Wherever possible the published submission deadlines have been pushed back to allow you more time to complete assignments. If you cannot meet a deadline, you can apply for Extenuating Circumstances quickly and easily online, via OASIS. In light of the circumstances, evidence will not be required in the vast majority of cases.
- Late submission: For components of assessment where the assessment type allows late submission, we are removing the cap on marks if you submit work a little late at your first attempt. This will enable the full range of marks to be awarded for any work submitted up to three working days after the deadline. We are also extending the opportunity to submit work up to three working days late to those resubmitting work (although capping of marks will still be applied as per normal arrangements).
- Removal of capped marks for resits: Normally, if you are referred in an assessment at first attempt because you submit work but fail to achieve an overall pass mark for the module, for your second attempt your mark will be capped at the pass mark. During the pandemic, where you submit work at first attempt but do not pass the module, your second attempt will be eligible for the full range of marks (i.e. not capped). This will ensure that you are not disadvantaged if you are unable to successfully complete the assessment to the required standard at first attempt. This change applies to students at all levels of study (and only where work is submitted at first attempt).
- Modification to component pass mark: Normally at undergraduate level, an overall module mark of 40%+ is required to pass a module, with a mark of at least 35% for any non-core components of assessment and a mark of at least 40% for any core components of assessment. For taught postgraduate programmes, an overall module mark of 50%+ is normally required, with 45%+ for non-core components and 50%+ for core components. This is known as in-module compensation. During the pandemic, we are reducing the minimum threshold for non-core components of assessment from 35% to 30% (undergraduate) and from 45% to 40% (postgraduate), so that you can still pass a module if your performance drops slightly on non-core components but you have attained an overall pass mark for the module.
Applying to Levels 3 and 4 of study
- Modification to in-module compensation: In addition, for Level 3 and 4 students only, if you are either (a) referred in components of assessment after your first attempt and you are not eligible for in-module compensation (as outlined above) or (b) deferred in components of assessment, then if the outstanding component(s) of assessment represent 50% or less of the overall assessment for the module, we will waive the requirement for you to complete (re)assessment. Your mark will be based on the most favourable weighted average of either: (i) all components of assessment for the module (if you decide to engage in (re)assessment of the outstanding component(s) of assessment and improve your mark), or (ii) only those components of assessment that have not been waived. If you decide to complete the (re)assessment but the mark for the component draws down the average, it will be discounted.
- Modification to condonement: At Level 4, normally you can be condoned for failure of up to 40 credits of non-mandatory modules, if all other Level 4 modules (i.e. at least 80 credits) have been passed; the overall average Level 4 mark is at least 40%; all Level 4 modules have an overall module mark of at least 35%; and the failed module and/or its components have no marks of refer infringement or fail infringement at any attempt. During the pandemic, we are reducing the minimum mark required for all modules from 35% to 30%, so that you will still be eligible for condonement if your performance drops slightly on some modules and you meet all the other criteria. You will be awarded credit for the condoned module(s), and the condonement will be recorded on your transcript.
Applying to Levels 5, 6 and 7 of study
- Introduction of condonement at Levels 5 and 6: During the pandemic, we are temporarily extending condonement to Levels 5 and 6, meaning that you can be condoned for failure of up to 40 credits of non-mandatory modules at your relevant level of study, if all other modules at that level (i.e. at least 80 credits) have been passed; the overall average level mark is at least 40%; all modules within the level have an overall module mark of at least 30%; and the failed module and/or its components have no marks of refer infringement or fail infringement at any attempt. You will be awarded credit for the condoned module(s), and the condonement will be recorded on your transcript. Condonement is subject to an overall limit of 40 credits for Level 5 and 6 combined.
- Modification to Foundation degree classifications: If you are a Foundation degree student at Level 5, we will use an additional method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. based solely on your performance at Level 5). This alternative method will take into consideration your achievement in all Level 4 and Level 5 modules where results were ratified prior to the period of disruption. We will use an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules to determine an overall mark for each level. Marks from Level 4 and Level 5 will then be weighted 40% and 60% respectively and combined to give an overall Foundation degree mark. The Assessment Board for your course will award you the higher of the two classifications.
- Modification to Honours degree classifications: If you are an undergraduate student at Level 6, we will use an additional method for calculating your final degree classification, in addition to the existing method outlined in the Framework and Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (i.e. the best 100 credits at Level 6 and the best 100 credits at Level 5 or above, weighted 60:40 respectively). This alternative method will take into consideration your achievement in all Level 5 and Level 6 modules where module results were ratified prior to the period of disruption, using an arithmetic average of marks weighted according to the credit value of the modules. The Assessment Board for your course will award you the higher of the two classifications. This will ensure that your overall weighted average does not fall below that obtained prior to the pandemic.
If you are taking a Level 6 'progression year' course or have joined the final year of an undergraduate programme, you normally have your final award calculated using the best 100 credits at Level 6. During the period of disruption an additional method for calculating the degree outcome will be used if you have already passed at least 60 credits at Level 6 (i.e. from module results ratified prior to the period of disruption). An arithmetic average of these module marks, weighted according to the credit value of the modules, will be calculated, and the Assessment Board will award you the higher of the two classifications. Where at least 60 credits have not been ratified prior to the period of disruption, the Assessment Board will review the outcomes of Level 6 modules taken to date, together with previous academic achievement where this is available, and in exceptional cases where it is felt a student's performance has been affected by the pandemic (i.e. where there is a significant difference in module marks achieved before and during the period of disruption), may consider applying an alternative calculation based on the achieved credit. This decision would be taken in conjunction with the Academic Registrar.
- Postgraduate courses modification: If you are completing a taught postgraduate course, it is currently a requirement to pass a specified amount of credit at first attempt in order to be eligible for your award. We are removing this requirement with immediate effect, so that if you are referred in an assessment as a result of the disruption, this will not prevent you from attaining your award upon successful completion of re-assessment. This will be a permanent change to the regulations.