University Calendar 2013/14
Section X : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Health Sciences



PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2007/8
ARCHIVE 2008/9
ARCHIVE 2009/10
Academic Unit Health Sciences
Final Award Master of Science (MSc)
Programme(s) Advanced Clinical Practice
Last modified July 2013

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.

1. Admissions
 
Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in Section IV of the University Calendar. In addition, the normal requirement for entry to all programmes is a good first degree (first or second class), or equivalent, in a relevant subject of an approved University or institution of higher education.

Candidates without a good first degree may be admitted to the programme but will be expected to provide evidence of suitable professional experience and supportive qualifications. The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice award requires candidates to have gained an approved professional qualification before admission and they must hold a current professional registration in relation to this. They are also required to have a current or recent (must be current for some pathways) relevant job contract in a clinical area (we will by negotiation accept those working in health care education). They must also have at least two years relevant clinical experience.  Additonally, clinical and an academic reference is required for access to this programme.

All candidates must satisfy the Programme Leader that they are competent to pursue the programme. Candidates must also be approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences. The right to refuse permission shall be reserved to the Programme Leader.

Candidates may register for one of the following:
  • MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
APEL/APCL will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the University regulations for APL.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The programme structure is as follows:
  • 90 ECTS (equivalant to 180 credits) at HE7 level (60 ECTS taught credits plus a dissertation of 30 ECTS)
  • Individual modules: specified credits at HE7 level. (Most modules are 10 ECTS equivalent to 20 credits.)
The programme may be of full-time or part-time study. The full-time period of study is normally one year, and a minimum of two years/maximum of five years for part-time study.

Candidates may apply to suspend from the programme temporarily for a specified period which will not normally exceed 12 months in accordance with the University regulations for suspension. Save in exceptional circumstances, permission to suspend will only be granted where the candidate can still complete the programme within the time limit defined by the regulations.

The programme may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, coursework, contract learning and projects as specified for individual modules. Candidates will select their modules in consultation with, and with the approval of, the Programme Leader.

Candidates will be required to undertake a dissertation that will normally be in the form of a paper for publication with supporting log book and critical reflection. This will be on a topic to be agreed with the academic supervisor. The dissertation must be submitted within the relevant timeframe specified by the Faculty. Part-time candidates may commence their dissertation before all taught modules are complete, but cannot submit it until all taught modules are successfully completed.


3. Progression
 
Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results.


4. Assessment
 
Each module will be assessed according to the assessment guidelines within the module profile. Assessments may include written assignments, including case studies, critical reports, practical or written examinations, reflective assignments, and a dissertation. In addition, candidates may be required to attend a viva voce examination.

When attending for an examination you must produce either your university ID card or a form of photographic ID in which you are clearly identifiable. Students without photographic ID will not be permitted entry to the examination.

Work submitted up to 5 days after the deadline will be marked as usual.  The final agreed mark is then reduced by the factors detailed in the relevant University Policy. https://sharepoint.soton.ac.uk/sites/ese/quality_handbook/Handbook/Assessment%20Framework.aspx.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
Candidates who have satisfied the examiners and who have accumulated the requisite number of credits shall be awarded the qualification for which they have registered in accordance with the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results.

Candidates who fail to achieve a pass mark in the dissertation (even after any permitted re-assessment) may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

Candidates who register on the MSc but who elect to exit the programme after achieving 60 credits at HE7 level may normally be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences. For the award of Post Graduate Certificate (30 ECTS) students must complete of the following:
  • Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice (10 ECTS)
  • 20 additional ECTS from any modules offered within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Candidates who register on the MSc but elect to exit the programme having achieved 120 credits at HE7 level may normally be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice depending on the modules achieved. For the award of Post Graduate Diploma Certificate (60 ECTS) students must complete all the module requirements of their chosen pathway with the exception of the dissertation.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
Not applicable.


7. Other
 
Students who elect to leave the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma may normally rejoin the programme up to two years after the date of their exit with the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.

Compensation
Compensation is not permitted on this programme.

Fitness to Practice
Students are advised to acquaint themselves with the University Fitness to Practise Policy which is used within the Faculty of Health Sciences.


Submitted by Corporate Services
Last reviewed: 25-Jul-2013
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