General Regulations for Master of Science and Postgraduate Diploma Courses

Note: See the individual course regulations for exceptions to the following, and for the Regulations governing the modular MSc in Integrated Environmental Studies.

  1. The normal requirement for entry shall be a degree in a relevant discipline of any approved university or the CNAA. Candidates with other qualifications approved by the Head of the relevant Department may be accepted by the Faculty Board.

  2. All candidates shall be registered initially for the degree of Master of Science (MSc) which requires successful completion of 12 months ` full-time study, or, where permitted by individual course regulations, not less than 24 months of part-time study. Subject to any individual course regulations, candidates for the Diploma must successfully complete at least three terms ` full-time (or 6 terms ` part-time) study.

  3. The courses shall begin in October and shall include lectures, coursework and a research project.

  4. Candidates shall present themselves for qualifying examinations as required by the Head of the relevant Department. All candidates who are successful in qualifying examinations will proceed with their courses in candidature either for the Diploma or the Degree, but in every case shall continue with supervised study while undertaking a research project.

  5. Full-time degree candidates shall submit a dissertation or report on the project by 30 September following initial registration; part-time degree candidates, and all candidates for the Diploma will submit a dissertation or report by a date specified by the Head of the relevant Department. In special circumstances, and only with the agreement of the Head of the Department, the dissertation may be submitted by a later specified date.

  6. By arrangement with the Head of Department the research project may be carried out in an establishment outside the University.

  7. A candidate who satisfies the examiners in written papers, coursework and dissertation will be recommended for the appropriate award.

  8. With the permission of the Faculty Board a candidate failing to satisfy the examiners may, on one subsequent occasion, sit a supplementary examination and/or submit a revised dissertation by a date to be specified by the Faculty Board.