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) Nursing Studies
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
 
The admissions criteria are:
  • Successful achievement of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing with Registration on the NMC nurse part of the register (formerly Parts 12 (Adult), 13 (Mental Health) and 15 (Children)) studied at the University of Southampton according to the curriculum validated in March 2002.

  • Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
There is no external accreditation for this programme (i.e. NMC recognition), however the achieved learning outcomes will contribute to professional development criteria and will complement the competencies outlined within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.

Registration on this programme must be within five years of completion of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Equality Statement
The Faculty wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of nursing. The University and the Faculty are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current students should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment.

The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.

Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (AL)
APEL/APCL will be considered on a case by case basis and in accordance with the University regulations for APL.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The MSc Nursing Studies is a modular postgraduate programme only for nurses on the NMC register who have completed the University of Southampton Postgraduate Diploma with registration (PGDip/RN), and therefore have 120 credits.

It will normally be undertaken over two years part time study, but can be undertaken full time in one year. The maximum period of registration shall normally be two years.

The programme comprises one compulsory academic module. This is a 60 credit module at Level 7.

This, added to the 120 credits the students bring to the award from the prerequisite PGDip/RN, make up the MSc Nursing Studies award requiring that students obtain 180 credits at level 7.


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

The module pass mark and overall pass mark for the award of MSc Nursing Studies is 50%.


4. Assessment
 
This award consists of one module. The assessment is 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)
 
In order to qualify for the award of the degree of MSc Nursing Studies candidates must have satisfied the examiners and have accumulated the requisite number of credits.

The classification of award will be calculated in accordance with the University Regulations for a standalone Masters degree and based on the marks achieved for modules 4 to 6 of the Postgraduate Diploma, plus the Dissertation (totalling 120 credits).

There is no exit award as entry to the award requires the candidate to have a postgraduate diploma (PGDip/RN).


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


7. Other
 
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: 26-Jul-2013
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