University Calendar 2008/9
Section VII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics
School of Mathematics


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University regulations for progression and award of degree apply to all students. In addition, the following regulations apply to students in the School of Mathematics.

All modules in the undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes referred to below are credit rated in accordance with the principles contained in the CATS Guide and Regulations. A statement of how the CATS arrangements apply to each programme is included in the Undergraduate Degree Course Programmes Handbook or relevant MSc Programme Handbook.

A BSc or MMath student may be permitted to follow a programme varying slightly from the normal requirements, eg: spending one semester abroad, not as a programme requirement.


General Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science by Full-Time Study
  1. All candidates admitted to a programme for the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the School shall be candidates for an honours degree and must:

    1. satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations;
    2. satisfy the appropriate programme requirements.

  2. The programme of study for the degree of BSc is three academic years except for those requiring an additional year for studies abroad as part of their programme of study. Candidates shall take an approved pattern of study in accordance with the regulations set out below to qualify for the award of a single, joint or combined honours degree.

  3. All undergraduate programmes are based on a common module structure as follows:

    1. the subjects available in the School are divided into modules; candidates are required to take the equivalent of eight modules in each year to form a coherent pattern of study;

    2. each degree programme may prescribe certain modules which are core or compulsory and this information is included in the Undergraduate Degree Course Programmes Handbook.

  4. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) except that the Qualifying Mark for undergraduate programmes is zero (not 25%). As a result the School has a different set of progression criteria and these are detailed in the Undergraduaate Student Information Handbook Section II: Examinations which is issued annually to all students.

  5. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) for the determination and classification of degrees.

  6. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) in cases where candidates do not obtain a standard in the examinations deemed satisfactory to the School Board. The following is additional to those regulations.

    1. A candidate repeating at the normal time of the assessments held in the following year shall normally be required to take the papers set for that occasion regardless of any change in syllabus.

    2. A candidate for any of the joint or combined honours degree programmes must also satisfy the examiners of the named second subject. A candidate who does not meet this requirement in the assessments held during the first or second year of the programme may be permitted to continue on to the subsequent year of the Mathematics or the Mathematical Studies programme if appropriate. A candidate in this position may elect to be referred in those modules in which failure has prevented continuation on the named joint or combined honours degree. A candidate who does not meet the named second subject requirement in the final year may, if appropriate, be recommended for the award of a degree in Mathematics or Mathematical Studies.

General Regulations for BSc Single Honours
  1. Programme Structure

    1. The full honours programme consists of 24 modules (or equivalent) , eight to be taken in each year of study. Each module lasts one semester, and is offered at levels 1, 2, 3 or 4 with the level coinciding notionally with the year of study. In each year at least six of the eight modules must be at or above the corresponding notional level.

    2. Normally four modules are taken in each semester.

    3. In the second and third years candidates choose modules, other than those which are core or compulsory, from the appropriate second, third and fourth level modules in consultation with their Tutors and relevant Programme Co-ordinators. Normally no more than three non-MATH modules may be taken on this programme.

    4. Core and compulsory modules for Single Honours programmes are specified in the Undergraduate Degree Programmes Handbook.

  2. Assessment

    Each module in Mathematics is normally examined at the end of the semester in which it is given; some modules may include coursework or other assessment which takes place during the session. First year assessments form Part I, those in the second year form Part II and those in the third year form Part III of the degree programme.

  3. Practical Requirements

    Candidates who undertake a project in the third year or select modules involving the use of computing facilities may be required to attend the University for part of one or more vacations.


Programme Regulations for BSc Single Honours Mathematics

  1. Programme Requirements

    Passes at the required level in three relevant subjects at GCE Advanced level including an approved mathematics subject. The School Board may admit candidates with other qualifications.

  2. Programme Structure

    Details are included in the Undergraduate Degree Programmes Handbook.

General Regulations for Joint and Combined Honours Programmes
  1. The following degree programmes are offered:

    Joint Honours
    Mathematics and a Modern Language

    Combined Honours
    Mathematical Studies
    Mathematics with Actuarial Science
    Mathematics with Astronomy
    Mathematics with Biology
    Mathematics with Computer Science
    Mathematics with Economics
    Mathematics with Finance
    Mathematics with Management Sciences
    Mathematics with Music
    Mathematics with Operational Research
    Mathematics with Physics
    Mathematics with Statistics

  2. Programme Structure

    1. Each full honours programme consists of 24 modules (or equivalent). Each module lasts one semester.

    2. Normally four modules are taken in each semester.

    3. Each programme contains core and compulsory modules. These are specified in the Undergraduate Degree Programmes Handbook.

    4. A Programme Co-ordinator is appointed for each Programme who, subject to the approval of the School Board, will ensure that each candidate's choice of modules forms a coherent pattern of study.

  3. Assessment

    Each module in Mathematics is normally examined at the end of the semester in which it is given; modules given by other Schools are examined at the normal time for those Schools. Some modules may include coursework assessment which takes place during the session. First year assessments form Part I, those in the second year form Part II and those in the final year form Part III of the degree programme.

  4. Practical Requirements

    Candidates who undertake a project in the final year or select modules involving the use of computing facilities may be required to attend the University for part of one or more vacations.


Regulations for BSc Joint Honours Programmes
  1. Programme Requirements

    Passes at the required level in three relevant subjects at GCE Advanced level, including an approved mathematics subject; for Mathematics and a Modern Language Advanced level pass in the appropriate language is required. The School Board may admit candidates with other qualifications.

  2. Programme Structure

    1. In the final year at least four MATH modules at level 3 or 4 must be taken for the Mathematics and a Modern Language programme.

    2. A candidate is required to take the core and compulsory modules and options which will provide a profile of modules appropriate for the programme of study.

    3. Students following the Mathematics and a Modern Language programme will be required to spend the third year abroad in a country where the language of study is normally spoken. Where possible this period will be in a Mathematics Department of a University in the country visited, and the arrangements will be subject to the approval of the Head of School concerned.

    4. Students following the Mathematics and a Modern Language programme will take Part II in the second year and Part III in their fourth year. In addition coursework or relevant examinations during the year abroad may be required.

Regulations for BSc Combined Honours Programmes
  1. Programme Requirements

    Passes at the required level in three relevant subjects at GCE Advanced level including an approved mathematics subject. For the Mathematics with Physics programme, Advanced level pass in Physics is required; for the Mathematics with Biology programme, Advanced level pass in Biology is required; for Mathematics with Music, Advanced level pass in Music is required. The School Board may admit candidates with other qualifications.

  2. Programme Structure

    1. A candidate is required to take the core and compulsory modules and options which will normally provide a profile of modules to include at least 16 MATH modules.

    2. In the final year, at least four of the MATH modules taken must be at level 3 or 4.

General Regulations for the Degree of Master of Mathematics by Full-Time Study
  1. All candidates admitted to the Master of Mathematics (MMath) degree programme in the School shall be candidates for an honours degree and must:

    1. satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations;

    2. satisfy the appropriate programme requirements.

  2. The programme of study for the degree of MMath is four years.

  3. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) except that the Qualifying Mark for undergraduate programmes is zero (not 25%). As a result the School has a different set of progression criteria and these are detailed in the Undergraduate Information Handbook, Section II : Examinations which is issued annually to all students.

  4. Candidates are normally required to achieve an average of 55% or more in Part II. A candidate not achieving this level may choose either to refer in relevant courses or, if his/her performance has met the requirement for a BSc programme, may transfer to that programme. An MMath candidate failing to achieve the standard prescribed for the BSc programmes will be permitted to repeat or to take referrals only for a BSc programme.

  5. A candidate must satisfy the examiners in Part III in order to remain in candidature for the MMath degree programme.

  6. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) for determination and classification of degrees.

  7. The School follows the University Progression Regulations (Section IV of the University Calendar) in cases where candidates do not obtain the required standard in examination deemed satisfactory to the School Board. The following is additional to those regulations:

    1. A candidate repeating at the normal time of the assessments held in the following year shall normally be required to take the papers set for that occasion regardless of any change in syllabus.

  8. The School Board may recommend the award of the degree of BSc to an MMath candidate who has failed to reach a satisfactory standard in Part IV.

  9. The School Board may recommend the award of the degree of BSc to a candidate who has reached a satisfactory standard in Part III but who is prevented from completing Part IV.

  10. Candidates awarded the degree of BSc under Regulations 27-28 above will not be permitted to remain in candidature for the degree of MMath.

Programme Regulations for MMath
  1. Programme Requirements

    Passes at the required level in three relevant subjects at GCE Advanced level including an approved Mathematics subject. The School Board may admit candidates with other qualifications.

  2. Programme Structure

    The MMath programme consists of 32 modules, eight to be taken in each year of study. Modules are offered at levels 1, 2, 3 or 4 with the level coinciding notionally with the year of study. In each year at least six of the eight modules must be at or above the corresponding notional level. A profile is required of at least 20 MATH modules in the final three years of the programme. The full-year project is equivalent to two modules. Core and compulsory modules are shown in the Undergraduate Degree Programmes Handbook. Remaining modules are optional and must be selected in consultation with Tutors and the Programme Co-ordinator.

  3. Assessment

    Each module is normally examined at the end of the semester in which it is given; some modules may include coursework assessment which takes place during the session.

  4. Practical Requirements

    Candidates undertaking a project in the fourth year of study or selecting modules involving the use of computing facilities may be required to attend the University for part of one or more vacations.


General Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science by Part-time Study

  1. To qualify for admission to the programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science by part-time study in the School a candidate must:

    1. satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations;

    2. satisfy the appropriate programme requirements.

  2. The part-time programme of study leads to either an honours or ordinary degree in Mathematical Studies.

  3. The part-time programme of study shall extend over not less than four and not more than eight academic years. Candidates shall follow an approved pattern of study in accordance with the programme regulations set out below in order to qualify for the award of a degree.

  4. The pattern of study is based on a module system. A part-time candidate may enrol for not less than two and not more than five modules in each academic year. To gain credit for a module a candidate must reach a standard deemed satisfactory by the School Board in the relevant assessments for that module.

  5. A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in a module may either refer in that module when it is next examined or repeat the module as an internal student. Additional repeats may be allowed at the discretion of the School Board.

  6. In order to qualify for the award of an honours degree a candidate must normally register for not less than 24 modules and must satisfy the examiners in not less than 20 of those modules, subject to programme and School assessment rules.

  7. A candidate who has registered for not less than 18 modules and who does not wish to proceed to an honours degree by further part-time study must satisfy the examiners in not less than 16 modules in order to qualify for the award of an ordinary degree.

  8. A candidate who has initially enrolled for part-time study may with the permission of the School Board be eligible to enrol subsequently for full time study as an honours degree candidate. In order to qualify for admission to the second year the part time candidate must have registered for not less than eight modules and have satisfied the examiners in not less than seven of them. In order to qualify for admission to the third year the part-time candidate must have registered for not less than 16 modules and have satisfied the examiners in not less than 14 of them. Permission to effect such transfers will be granted by the School Board only if an approved programme of study can be based on the modules already satisfactorily completed. A candidate once enrolled for full time study would not normally be allowed to revert to part time study.

Programme Regulations
  1. Programme Requirements

    Advanced level passes in at least two but preferably three subjects, including an approved Mathematics subject. The School Board may admit candidates with other qualifications.

  2. Programme Structure

    The full honours programme consists of 24 modules. Each module lasts one semester and is offered at levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 with the level coinciding notionally with the year of study. The programme has core and compulsory modules as identified for the Mathematical Studies programme in the Undergraduate Degree Programme Handbook. Modules must be selected in consultation with the Programme Co-ordinator and are in all cases subject to School Board approval.

  3. Assessment

    Each module is normally examined at the end of the semester in which it is given, but a module may be assessed wholly or partly on coursework assigned during that semester.

  4. Practical Requirements

    Candidates who undertake a project or select modules involving the use of computing facilities may be required to attend the University for part of one or more vacations.


Mathematics Undergraduate Modules 2008/09

A list of modules available is in the Undergraduate Programmes Handbook and on the School of Mathematics website. Although the list of modules shown there is as accurate as possible, there may from time to time be a need to make changes.


Regulations for the Postgraduate Programmes in Operational Research, Operational Research and Finance, and Statistics with Applications in Medicine
  1. The normal requirement for entry to the programme is a good (normally First or Upper Second) honours degree in Mathematics, Science, Engineering or Social Science. For Operational Research programmes a postgraduate qualification involving substantial work with quantitative methods will be considered: for the Statistics programme a postgraduate statistics qualification will be considered. Candidates with other qualifications may be approved by the School Board.

  2. The programme shall normally begin in October and includes lectures and a variety of assessment methods including coursework.

  3. Candidates will be assessed by a variety of methods including coursework and written examinations.

  4. The School uses the Faculty MSc progression regulations (Section VII of the University Calendar) for its postgraduate taught programmes. Details of these and any additional requirements are in the relevant programme Student Handbook.

  5. On successful completion of a Diploma programme, candidates deemed suitable by the School Board may be permitted to continue with work on a full time supervised project. A dissertation on this project must be submitted by the following 30 September. For part-time students and in special cases, and with the approval of the School Board, a candidate may submit by a later specified date.

  6. Candidates accepted for further study will carry out their projects either at the University or with a selected industrial/business institution. In special cases permission may be given by the School Board for the work to be done at a Research Institute or other recognised centre.


Assessment Regulations : Faculty of Engineering, Science & Maths
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Submitted by the Secretariat
Last reviewed: 12-Aug-2008
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