University of Southampton Calendar 2010/11


University Calendar 2010/11 Section XIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Social and Human Sciences

Academic Unit	School of Education (managed and co-delivered by the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Unit)
Final Award	Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP)
Programme(s)	PCAP Modules 1 and 2
Last modified	May 2010

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

1.1	Eligibility Candidates must be academic staff within the University or staff in a partner institution teaching University of Southampton students.
1.2	Fellows of the Higher Education Academy are exempt from PCAP.
1.3	Normally candidates must be engaged in at least 20 hours of teaching activities in an academic year as part of their normal professional duties. They will have been nominated by, or receive the support of, their Head of School. University admissions regulations for a Higher Degree apply.
1.4	Equal Opportunities In line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy, individuals are treated on their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the module, School and University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective student or current student should receive any less favourable treatment on any grounds which are not relevant to academic ability and attainment. Every effort is made to ensure that disabled students are aware of and assisted in making use of the support provided by the University; to ensure access to lectures, classes, learning materials; and to ensure that where necessary appropriate variations to normal examining arrangements are made.
1.5	APEL and related APCL & APEL opportunities are available for staff applying to take part in PCAP. APCL or APEL is given where it can be demonstrated that the applicant has some prior learning that is judged to be equivalent to the learning which would occur from following and completing Module 1. This learning can be demonstrated through previously assessed and certificated learning (APCL: Accreditation of prior certificated learning) or through learning achieved within HE (APEL: accreditation of prior experiential learning).

Structure of Programme(s)

2.1	PCAP is a part-time work-based programme consisting of two 30 CATS (15 ECTS) level 7 credit modules, half delivered by LATEU and half by the School of Education. Participants are supported by an approved mentor recommended by their School. Candidates follow a taught component, have meetings with their mentor, engage in practice related and independent learning and complete assignments which are assessed.
2.2	The programme begins at the start of semester 1. It is expected that in normal circumstances that the PCAP is competed within 3 years of commencing module 1. Furthermore it is expected that each module will be completed within a year of commencement. Flexible options are available for attendance dates upon agreement with the individual's Head of School and the PCAP programme leader.
2.3	Please refer to the PCAP Programme Specification for more details, available at www.soton.ac.uk/lateu/professional development/PCAP.

Progression

3.1	All aspects of Module 1 must be completed before progression on to Module 2. Candidates successfully completing Module 1 may postpone entry to Module 2 for a period of not more than two years.
3.2	The programme is designed to form an integral part of the probationary programme of the University's academic staff, and successful completion is a condition of probation.

Assessment

4.1	Assessment shall be based on a prescribed number of assignments submitted during or at the end of each module.
4.2	Candidates can submit their assignments for any of the rolling deadline dates which will be published annually. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure completion of the modules in time to fulfil any probationary requirements.
4.3	The performance of candidates shall be assessed by the PCAP Board of Examiners in accordance with the regulations governing examinations for the programme.
4.4	Subject to the approval of the PCAP Board, candidates who have been unsuccessful may submit themselves for re-examination on two occasions only.
4.5	Further information is available in the PCAP module handbooks (http://www.soton.ac.uk/lateu/professional development /PCAP).
4.6	Details on the submission of assignments can be found in the PCAP programme handbooks (http://www.soton.ac.uk/lateu/professional development/PCAP).

Award of Qualification(s)

5.1	All learning outcomes and professional levels have to be demonstrated to at least threshold standard to qualify for the award.
5.2	The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice is awarded by Senate, on the recommendation of the School of Education, to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved programme of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.
5.3	Please see the University’s regulations and procedures for appeals and complaints, if necessary.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

Not applicable.

Other

7.1	These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.
7.2	All core module sessions are compulsory, and any sessions missed must be made up through completion of an alternative workshop recommended in the PCAP programme handbooks or other learning event agreed with the Programme Director.
7.3	Candidates are required to inform the Programme Director of their intention to submit assignments for both Module 1 and Module 2.
7.4	Feedback on the course may be raised through the Student representatives and Staff-Student Liaison Committee.
7.5	Students should comply with the University's regulations on attendance.