TEACHING AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS 2012-2013 MASTER OF ARTS Military Strategic Studies (MSS) Faculty of Military Sciences Netherlands Defence Academy
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LIST OF CONTENTS TEACHING AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS Section 1 General... 4 Article 1 Areas to which the regulations apply... 4 Article 2 Definitions of terms used... 4 Article 3 The programme objective... 5 Article 4 The programme s final attainment levels... 5 Article 5 Admission to the programme... 7 Article 6 Taking the programme on a full-time or part-time basis... 8 Article 7 Language... 8 Section 2 Composition of the study programme and the degree audit... 8 Article 8 Composition of the study programme and the degree audit... 8 Section 3 Examinations... 8 Article 9 Number, times and frequency of examinations... 8 Article 10 Sequence of examinations... 9 Article 11 Validity of examinations... 9 Article 12 The form of examination and method of assessment... 9 Article 13 Oral examinations... 9 Article 14 Determining and announcing the results... 9 Article 15 The right to inspect the results... 10 Article 16 Discussing the examination results... 10 Section 4 Studying with a disability... 10 Article 17 Adaptations to help students with a disability... 10 Section 5 Exemptions... 11 Article 18 Exemption from examinations or practicals... 11 Section 6 Degree audit... 11 Article 19 The times and frequency of the degree audit... 11 Section 7 Study progress checks... 11 Article 20 Study progress checks... 11 Section 8 Contravention, changes and implementation... 11 Article 21 Contravening the regulations... 11 Article 22 Changes to the regulations... 11 Article 23 Transitional regulations... 12 Article 24 Publication of the regulations... 12 Article 25 Entry into force... 12 APPENDIX 1: RULES AND GUIDELINES BOARD OF EXAMINERS... 12 APPENDIX 2: IMPLEMENTATION REGULATIONS... 25 3
Section 1 General Article 1 Areas to which the regulations apply 1. These regulations apply to the teaching and the examinations related to the Master s degree programme in Military Strategic Studies, hereafter to be referred to as the programme. 2. The teaching and organisation of the programme is the responsibility of the Faculty of Military Sciences at the Netherlands Defence Academy, Breda and Den Helder hereafter to be referred to as the faculty. 3. The programme is governed by Implementation Regulations which constitute part of these Teaching and Examination Regulations. Article 2 Definitions of terms used The terms used in these regulations should be interpreted as meaning the same as in the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act, insofar as they are defined in that Act. The following terms are to be defined thus: a.the Act: the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (in Dutch, the WHW), in the Dutch Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees, number 593 and as amended since; b. the programme: the Master s degree programme as denoted in Article 7.3a paragraph 1, subparagraph b of the Act; c. student: anyone enrolled at the faculty as a student or extraneous student for the purpose of benefiting from education and/or for the purpose of sitting the examinations and undergoing the degree audit which form part of the programme; d. cohort: the group of students who have registered for a degree programme for the first time in a given academic year; e. teaching period: half a semester; f. course: a teaching unit within the programme as intended in Article 7.3, paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Act; g. practical: a practical exercise as intended in Article 7.13, paragraph 2, subparagraph d of the Act, taking one of the following forms: writing a thesis; conducting a project; completing a research assignment; conducting a literature review; participating in fieldwork or an excursion; conducting tests; participating in other educational activities aimed at enabling participants to attain certain skills. h. examination: an assessment of the knowledge, insight and skills of a student in relation to a subject, as well as the marking of that assessment by at least one examiner, appointed for that purpose by the board of examiners; 4
i. component examination: an assessment of the knowledge, insight and skills of a student in relation to a component within a subject, as well as the marking of that assessment by at least one examiner, appointed for that purpose by the board of examiners; j. degree audit: an assessment by which the board of examiners, in accordance with Article 7.10 of the Act, establishes whether all examinations in the various subjects that constitute the programme have been successfully completed; k. board of examiners: the programme s board of examiners, which has been installed in accordance with Article 7.12 of the Act; l. examiner: the individual who, in line with Article 7.12, paragraph 3 of the Act, has been appointed to set the examinations; m. Implementation the Implementation Regulations which form part of these Course and Regulations: Examination Regulations; n. credit: a credit awarded in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS); one credit denotes a study load of 28 hours; o. working day: Monday to Friday with the exception of recognised national public holidays; p. studyguide: a guide to the programme containing specific information pertaining to the various subjects; q. institute: Faculty of Military Sciences; r. TeleTop: the electronic system designed for the exchanging of teaching information; s. disability: all conditions which are (at least for the period in question) chronic or lasting in nature and which form a structural limitation for the student in receiving education and/or sitting examinations or taking part in practicals. Article 3 The programme objective The programme aims to educate students to become a Master of Arts in Military Strategic Studies, whereby the final attainment levels described in Article 4 must be achieved. Article 4 The programme s final attainment levels Exit qualifications There are three categories of exit qualifications: 1. Knowledge 2. Skills 3. Attitude 1. Knowledge-related exit qualifications 1 The course provides knowledge of and insight into military strategic issues. This means that the graduate is able to analyse such issues based on theoretical concepts, and is also able to be critical with respect to solutions chosen for problems in theory and practice and to develop alternative and well-founded solutions. As regards substantive knowledge, a level is required which makes the student a specialist in the field of 1 See Study Guide for specific objectives. 5
military strategic studies, more specifically, regarding the tracks military management and logistics, war studies or intelligence and security. Detailed knowledge at a high academic level is combined with practical examples and applications in the military domain. After successfully completing the programme, all students will have gained knowledge about war and warfare in the (post) modern world and contemporary security and strategy. Having successfully completed the MSS programme, and regardless of any specific track, all students will have gained knowledge and understanding of, can explain, analyze and research: Key issues, debates, approaches and developments concerning contemporary international security The nature of war, why war is studied and the epistemological challenges associated with its study The characteristics of various types of conflict The evolution of war and warfare as an historical and societal phenomenon. The main western strategic theories, military doctrines and academic debates informing the question of logic and utility of military force in various types of wars The role of strategy at the interface between political and military activity; The main legal principles governing the employment of military force The specific nature of modern land, air, maritime and joint warfare in various types of conflict The motives, (il)logic, conduct, effects, and impact of recent complex military operations Moreover, dependent on their selection of one or more- graduation tracks, students will have gained knowledge one of the following graduation tracks: Intelligence and Security a) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of intelligence and its environment; b) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of intelligence organizations and their cultures; c) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of methodologies of intelligence analysis; d) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of the practice of military intelligence. Military Management and Logistics a) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of defence economics and performance management; b) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of the military as a public and deploying organization; c) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of strategic military asset management; d) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of military leadership, ethics and human resource management; e) knowledge o(and the appliance of knowledge) f defence information and innovation. War Studies a) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of the military in interventions and state-building; b) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of insurgency and counterinsurgency; c) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of coercive diplomacy, sanctions, blockades and deterrence; d) knowledge (and the appliance of knowledge) of international law of military operations. 2. Skills-related exit qualifications a) the ability to conduct research with an abstract, academic character, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses and the seeking out of the necessary sources and analyzing, summarizing the data (all tracks); b) the ability to report clearly and concisely (i.e., effectively communicating), both orally and in writing, about research at an academic level; c) the ability to analyse key issues from the field within the chosen graduation tracks, to form one s own judgments, to assess offered knowledge critically and to creatively resolve associated problems. 6
3. Attitude-related exit qualifications a) insight into the strategic, legal, ethical, historical, organisational, logistical, economic, social, political, intelligence and security related aspects of military practice and Defence related institutions; b) the ability to both function independently and to cooperate constructively within a team; c) an understanding of the social and political context within which military strategic studies are being practiced and to be able to reflect on their own and others assumptions regarding the social and political context in which MSS is practiced. Based on the above MSS Master s graduates will: 1. be capable of being analytical in their work, on the basis of a broad and deep scientific knowledge; 2. be able to synthesise knowledge and to solve problems in a creative way when dealing with complex issues in the military field; 3. possess the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional, and more specifically, military and Defence related environments; 4. be able to assume leading roles, including management roles, in defence organisations and related institutions, and be able to contribute to innovation; 5. be able to work in an international environment, helped by their social and cultural sensitivity and language and communication abilities, partly acquired through experience of team work, operational experiences, officers competencies and/or any study periods abroad; 6. possess an awareness of possible ethical, social, political, legal and economic implications of their work and the insight to act accordingly; 7. possess an awareness of the need to update their knowledge and skills. In addition, MSS Master s graduates should possess the following kinds of competencies: 1. required core knowledge and understanding in the field of military strategic studies; 2. knowledge of research methods and practice in their graduation track; 3. training in theoretical knowledge and methods; 4. advanced knowledge of specific areas in their field of study, dependent on the graduation track; 5. awareness of connections with other disciplines and ability to engage in interdisciplinary work. Article 5 Admission to the programme 1. All students possessing a certificate proving that they have successfully completed either one of the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts studies at the Faculty of Military Sciences will be admitted to the programme. 2. Students who do not possess one of the degrees mentioned in paragraph 1, but are in the possession of a comparable or higher degree, are required to obtain proof of admission to the programme from the dean, who will seek the advice of the board of examiners on this matter. 3. In order to obtain proof of admission, the student mentioned in paragraph 2 must meet or, as the case may be, possess: a. the general relevant criteria set by the executive board, b. a certificate, together with the accompanying list of marks, proving that he/she possesses knowledge of a sufficiently high level and broad scope to successfully complete the programme within the allotted period. 4. Unless their degree is of an adequate level and quality, holders of a foreign degree can only be admitted to the programme if they have a Grade Point Average of at least 75% of the maximum available points. 7
5. In order to meet the stipulations outlined in paragraph 3, clause b, knowledge may be lacking in various subjects as long as it does not exceed the level of 20 credits. 6. In case of deficiencies, the board of examiners will advice the dean according the Implementation Regulations, Chapter 2. Article 6 Taking the programme on a full-time or part-time basis This programme is taught only on a part-time basis. Article 7 Language 1. Classes are taught and examinations and degree audits take place in English. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, the dean can give permission for classes to be taught in Dutch if the particular nature of the subject, the organisation, the quality of the education or the origin of the students gives cause for this. 3. Should a student request permission to complete one or more parts of the examination or the degree audit in a language other than English, this will be subject to the stipulations of the board of examiners in this regard, as laid down in the Rules and Guidelines of the board of examiners. 4. In order to participate successfully, students are required to have a sufficient command of the English language. These requirements are met by students possessing the following certificates: a. All certificates mentioned in Article 5, paragraph 1; b. Other certificates (as mentioned in Article 5, paragraph 2), provided that the foreign (Bachelor of higher) degree involved stems from an English (Bachelor or Master) program; c. The successful conclusion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), scoring at least 550 points (paper based); or at least 213 points (computer based) or at least 79 points (internet based); or d. the successful conclusion of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), scoring at least 6.0; or e. a Cambridge Certificate of either Advanced English, or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, scoring at least grade C. Section 2 Composition of the study programme and the degree audit Article 8 Composition of the study programme and the degree audit 1. The composition of the study programme is laid down in the Implementation Regulations. 2. The Master s degree audit forms part of the programme. The programme has a total study load of 60 credits. Section 3 Examinations Article 9 Number, times and frequency of examinations 1. There are two opportunities in each academic year for sitting examinations: - the first opportunity is immediately after the teaching period for the subject to which the exam in question relates, - the second opportunity is during the resit period in August or January. 8
2. The frequency of examinations is laid down in the Implementation Regulations. A timetable of all the opportunities for sitting written examinations is drawn up on an annual basis and distributed before the start of the academic year. 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, there will be at least one chance in a year to sit examinations relating to subjects not taught in a given academic year. 4. In exceptional cases, the board of examiners may permit a deviation from the standard number of times that certain examinations can be taken. Article 10 Sequence of examinations The sequence in which students are required to sit examinations and participate in practicals is laid down in the Implementation Regulations. Article 11 Validity of examinations The result of an examination is valid for an unlimited period. However, in cases where the examination result dates from over six years ago, the board of examiners may impose an additional or substitute examination. Article 12 The form of examination and method of assessment 1. Examinations are set as described in the Implementation Regulations or the study guide. 2. The board of examiners may, if it so wishes, deviate from the provisions of paragraph 1, in favour of the student. Article 13 Oral examinations 1. Only one student at a time will sit an oral examination, unless the examiner in question specifies otherwise. 2. A second examiner will be present during oral examinations, unless determined otherwise by the board of examiners. 3. Oral examinations will be held in public, unless determined otherwise by the board of examiners in a special case or unless the student has formally objected to the public nature of the examination. 4. Prior to an oral examination, the examiner must ask the student to provide proof of identity. Article 14 Determining and announcing the results 1. The examiner is required to determine the result of an oral examination as soon as it is finished and to supply the student with a written statement of the result. 2. In the case of written examinations, the examiner is required to determine the result as soon as possible after the examination but within 15 working days at most. The examiner forwards the necessary details to the student administration. Taking due account of the student s right to privacy, the student administration then ensures that the results are registered and published within 20 working days of the examination date. If the examiner is not able to meet these requirements due to exceptional circumstances, he or she must inform the board of examiners, stating the reasons for the delay. The student administration will then pass this information on to the students. 9
3. Regarding any examinations that are not taken orally or in writing (e.g. simulation), the board of examiners will determine beforehand precisely how and within what period of time the student will be notified of the results. 4. When receiving the result of an examination, the student will be made aware of his or her right to inspect the results as referred to in Article 15, as well as the opportunity to lodge an appeal with the Examination Appeals Board. Article 15 The right to inspect the results 1. For a period of at least 20 working days after notification of the results of any written examination, the student has the right to inspect his or her marked work, on request. If a student intends to lodge an appeal regarding the marking of his or her work, he or she will be supplied with a copy of the marked work at cost price. 2. During the period referred to in paragraph 1, all interested students may acquaint themselves with the questions and assignments set in the examination, as well as with the criteria used for marking. 3. The board of examiners may determine that the right to inspection or perusal referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 will take place at a location specified beforehand and at no less than two specific times, also decided on beforehand. If the student can prove that he/she is or was unable to be present at the location at the set time due to circumstances beyond his or her control, then another opportunity will be provided, if possible within the period stated in paragraph 1. The location and times mentioned in the first sentence will be announced well in advance. Article 16 Discussing the examination results 1. As soon as possible after the results of an oral examination have been announced, an opportunity can be arranged for the examiner to discuss the results with the student, either at the student s request or at the instigation of the examiner. At this meeting, the reasons behind the marks awarded will be explained. 2. For a period of 20 working days after the results have been announced, students who have taken a written examination may submit a request to discuss the results with the relevant examiner. The discussion will take place within a reasonable time span and at a place and time determined by the examiner. 3. In cases where a collective discussion is organised by or on the instructions of the board of examiners, a student may only submit a request, as described in the preceding paragraph, if he/she was present at the collective discussion and if he/she provides a good reason for the request or if, due to circumstances beyond his/her control, he/she was unable to attend the collective discussion. 4. The provisions of paragraph 3 are similarly applicable if either the board of examiners or the examiner first gives the student the opportunity to compare his/her answers with model answers. 5. The board of examiners may permit departures from the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3. Section 4 Studying with a disability Article 17 Adaptations to help students with a disability 1. Students who have a physical or sensory disability are entitled to adaptations in teaching, examinations and practicals, on written request. These changes will be geared as much as possible 10
to a student s individual needs, but they must not affect the quality or the degree of difficulty of a subject or an examination programme. The facilities provided to this end may involve adapting the form or duration of examinations and/or practicals to the student s individual situation or making practical aids available. 2. The request referred to in paragraph 1 should be accompanied by a recent medical certificate from a doctor or a psychologist. If there is evidence of dyslexia, the request should be accompanied by a document issued by a recognised dyslexia-testing bureau (i.e. registered with BIG, NIB, or NVO). If possible, this certificate should also estimate the extent to which the disability forms an obstacle to study progress. 3. Requests for the adaptation of teaching facilities will be decided upon by the dean or by the director of studies acting on the dean s behalf. The board of examiners will decide on requests for adaptations to examinations. Section 5 Exemptions Article 18 Exemption from examinations or practicals 1. After having been advised by the relevant examiner, the board of examiners may decide to exempt students from an examination or practical - excepted the compulsory courses - on the grounds of: a. an examination, degree audit or practical completed within the Dutch higher education system or elsewhere which, as regards content and study load, corresponds with the subject for which exemption is sought, or b. knowledge and/or skills acquired outside the higher education system. Section 6 Degree audit Article 19 The times and frequency of the degree audit At least twice a year (in January and August) there is an opportunity to undergo the Master s degree audit. The dates set by the board of examiners are published before the start of the academic year. Section 7 Study progress checks Article 20 Study progress checks The Faculty s student administration is responsible for ensuring that each student is able to see and check his/her own results. Section 8 Contravention, changes and implementation Article 21 Contravening the regulations If the study guide and/or any other regulations relating to the programme and/or the examination programme prove to contravene these Teaching and Examination Regulations and the accompanying Implementation Regulations, precedence will be given to the provisions of these Teaching and Examination Regulations in combination with the Implementation Regulations. Article 22 Changes to the regulations 1. Any changes made to these regulations will be made by special resolution of the dean. 11
2. No changes made will affect the current academic year unless it is reasonable to suppose that the interests of students will not be adversely affected. 3. None of the changes may, to the detriment of the student, influence any decisions concerning a student that are made by the board of examiners on the basis of these regulations. Article 23 Transitional regulations 1. If the composition of the study programme undergoes intrinsic changes or if these regulations are amended, the dean will draw up transitional regulations that will be incorporated into the Implementation Regulations. 2. Such transitional regulations are required to include: a. a provision concerning the exemptions that can be given on the basis of the examinations already passed; b. a provision specifying the period of validity of the transitional regulations. 3. If a subject is removed from the study programme, four opportunities to sit an examination in this subject will be granted after the last classes have been taught: an examination following on from the classes, a resit in the same academic year, and two resits in the subsequent academic year. Article 24 Publication of the regulations 1. The dean is responsible for finding a suitable way of publishing these regulations and the relevant Implementation Regulations, as well as any changes to the regulations. 2. The Teaching and Examination Regulations, together with the accompanying Implementation Regulations, will always be published on the programme s website. Article 25 Entry into force This ruling will come into effect on January 1, 2013. Drawn up by the dean of the faculty on June 30, 2012. 12
APPENDIX 1 RULES AND GUIDELINES BOARD OF EXAMINERS (under Article 7.12, section 4 of the Higher Education Act (WHW)) MASTER OF ARTS Military Strategic Studies (MSS) Faculty of Military Sciences Netherlands Defence Academy 13
LIST OF CONTENTS RULES AND GUIDELINES BOARD OF EXAMINERS Article 1 Area of application and definition of terms... 15 Article 2 The board of examiners standard procedures... 15 Article 3 The establishing of subcommittees, their composition and powers... 15 Article 4 Registering for course examinations... 15 Article 5 Registering for final examination... 15 Article 6 Withdrawal/illegal participation... 15 Article 7 The language... 16 Article 8 The sitting of written or oral examinations... 16 Article 9 Order during examinations... 16 Article 10 Cheating... 17 Article 11 Questions and assignments... 17 Article 12 Evaluation... 17 Article 13 Credits in admission requirement... 18 Article 14 The retaining of written examination papers and examination results... 18 Article 15 Passing on and publicizing the results of exams and practicals... 18 Article 16 The compulsory core and track-linked courses... 18 Article 17 the Graduation Work: the Research Seminar... 18 Article 18 Composition of the examination committee... 19 Article 19 The examination committee s approach... 19 Article 20 The exemption request procedure... 20 Article 21 Exemption... 21 Article 22 The appointing of external experts as examiners... 21 Article 23 Courses followed elsewhere, additional courses... 21 Article 24 The master s degree pass and fail ruling... 21 Article 25 The pre-master's (subsidiary programme) pass and fail ruling for students from higher vocational institutes (hbo) or another deficiency programme... 21 Article 26 The bestowing of the designation "cum laude"... 22 Article 27 The degree, the marks list and the diploma supplement... 22 Article 28 The Special Certificate... 22 Article 29 A study results declaration... 22 Article 30 Amendments to the Rules and Guidelines... 22 Article 31 Unforeseen circumstances... 22 Article 32 Coming into force... 23 14
Article 1 Area of application and definition of terms 1. These Rules and Guidelines are applicable to the master s degree programme Military Strategic Studies (MSS) offered by the faculty of Military Sciences at the Netherlands Defence Academy, hereafter termed the programme. The programme includes the following tracks: - Intelligence and Security (I&S) - Military Management and Logistics (MM&L) - War Studies (WS) 2. The terms as laid down in Article 1.1 of the Higher Education Act and Article 2 of the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) for the MSS master s degree course, hereafter termed the MA TER, are applicable. Article 2 The board of examiners standard procedures 1. In principle, the board of examiners meets once every three months. 2. The meetings are not public. 3. Everything discussed is recorded in the meeting minutes. Article 3 The establishing of subcommittees, their composition and powers 1. The board of examiners is responsible for deciding on the master's final degree audit. 2. The board of examiners may, if it so wishes, establish permanent subcommittees and subcommittees in an ad hoc fashion. 3. The permanent subcommittees determine on a majority vote basis. 4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 2 are similarly applicable to the permanent subcommittee. Article 4 Registering for course examinations 1. Registering for a written examination takes place with the Student Administration 14 days before the examination is due at the very latest. 2. In special cases the board of examiners may deviate from the registration period detailed in paragraph 1 but only if this is in the interest of the student. 3. Students who fail to register in time may not be allowed to sit the examination in question. Only if there is evidence of special circumstances the board of examiners may allow such students to sit an examination. 4. Anyone who does an exam without registering beforehand will be given a nought. Article 5 Registering for final examination 1. Students must register with the MSS programme s educational board for the final master of arts degree examination 20 working days, at the very latest, before the relevant meeting is scheduled to take place. 2. The student must submit his/her definite examination programme to the student administration on the day when the period mentioned in paragraph 1 commences at the very latest. Article 6 Withdrawal/illegal participation 1. Until 5 working days before the examination is due to take place, at the very latest, it is possible to withdraw via the Student Administration. If, however, there is evidence of special circumstances then the board of examiners may give permission for withdrawal at a later stage. 2. Up until 5 working days before the board is due to meet in conjunction with the exam in question students may withdraw by notifying the education administration accordingly in writing. 3. Failure to withdraw in time and absenteeism from the examination that cannot be excused will automatically result in a nought. 15
4. If a student withdraws from a course or final examination it will be necessary to register anew at a later date in accordance with the points laid down in articles 4 and 5. Article 7 The language 1. Any student who lodges a request with the board of examiners, as intended in Article 7, paragraph 3 of the MA TER, to do one or more parts of the exam in a different language must justify this request. 2. Before making a decision on such a request the board of examiners will first seek the advice of the relevant course coordinator/examiner. Article 8 The sitting of written or oral examinations 1. All exams constitute a search by or on behalf of the board of examiners for evidence of knowledge, insight or skills on the part of the student as well as the assessments of the results of such a search. 2. In cases where, simultaneously or not, the same examination is taken by more than one examiner and likewise the results are assessed by one or more examiners, such assessing will be based on predetermined and similar norms (see also the course dossier). 3. If necessary, the board of examiners will appoint an examiner who has overall responsibility for the examination. In special cases the board of examiners may permit a student to do an oral exam instead of a written one. When such requests are placed they must, however, be justified. 4. Oral examinations must be taken by two examiners. 5. Whether or not the conditions for admission to participation in a course or final examination have been met will be ascertained by or else on behalf of the board of examiners. Article 9 Order during examinations 1. The appointed examiner is responsible for ensuring that invigilators are present during written examinations who, on behalf of the board of examiners, are responsible for seeing to it that the exam proceeds in an orderly fashion. 2. Upon request, students are obliged to produce identification and proof of registration. 3. Students are expected to follow any instructions given by the board of examiners, the examiner or the invigilator that have been circulated before the examination begins, together with any instructions given during the examination or immediately afterwards. 4. Attaché cases, bags, mobile telephones and such like may not be taken into the examination room. 5. Any student who does not abide by the stipulations laid down in or ensuing from paragraphs 2, 3 or 4 may be excluded from further participating in the exam by the board of examiners or the examiner. The result given will be a nought. 6. In written examinations, the questions and assignments may not afterwards be taken away by the students unless the examiner specifically allows this. 7. Students are responsible for producing their own writing, calculating and drawing materials. Calculation paper and rough paper however will be supplied. 8. If it is acceptable to use a calculator then the student may use one of the kind allowed at secondary school unless stated otherwise in the study guide. 9. Examination calculations may not be written in pencil unless the examiner has expressly given permission for this beforehand. 10. During the examination no books, readers, excerpts or such like may be consulted unless the examiner has given specific permission for that to be done. 11. Students are not allowed to leave the examination room within half an hour of the official start of the examination. In urgent cases they may be given permission to leave the examination room after half an hour has elapsed if accompanied by an invigilator. No more than one student may be out of the room at any one time. 12. Before definitely leaving the examination room (no earlier than half an hour after the examination has begun) the student must make sure to submit the exam paper together with his or her name and student/peoplesoft number, to the examiner or invigilator. 16
13. Students wishing to enter the examination room half an hour after the exam commencement time will not be allowed in. Article 10 Cheating 1. Cheating is any deliberate activity or omission on the part of a student that makes it difficult or impossible for a correct assessment to be made of the knowledge, insight and skills possessed by this student or another. 2. If an invigilator or examinator suspects or detects that there has been cheating during the exam this must be recorded in writing as soon as possible. The invigilator can ask the student to produce the possible evidence and if he/she refuses, this too will be recorded. The report and possible evidence will be handed over to the board of examiners as soon as possible. 3. The board of examiners will ask the student to add written comments to the invigilator s report. 4. In the case of cheating taking place during the exam the examiner may, on behalf of the examining committee, decide to further exclude the student from exams. Such exclusion will mean that none of the exam work will be assessed. 5. In the event of cheating, the board of examiners has the right to conditionally or unconditionally bar the student from sitting one or more further subject or final exams for a maximum period of one year. 6. The board of examiners will not take the decision mentioned in paragraph 5 until the student in question has been given the chance to tell his or her side of the story. Article 11 Questions and assignments 1. None of the questions and assignments included in an exam must deal with subjects external to the sources which have been detailed beforehand as examinable. Furthermore, these sources must be largely made known prior to the commencement of the course leading up to the exam in question. The exact extent of the material will be made known a month before the exam at the very latest. 2. The questions and assignments in the exam must constitute a balanced representation of the material studied. 3. As regards content and form, the exam must represent the appropriate educational goals as formulated in the study guide. 4. The questions and assignments must be clear and unambiguous. The instructions pertaining to the evaluation of the questions and assignments must also be clear and unambiguous and formulated in such a way that it is obvious to the student just how extensive and detailed the answers must be. 5. Well in advance of a written examination the examiner will, if possible, allow the students to familiarize themselves with a sample exam and will also provide model answers together with an indication of the assessment norms. Article 12 Evaluation 1. The duration of the examination must be such that students will, by all reasonable standards, have sufficient time to answer the questions. 2. In line with Article 8, paragraph 2, the assessment of written examinations must be based upon model answers and norms that have been laid down beforehand but which have possibly been amended in conjunction with the correcting process (see also the course dossier). 3. The assessment method must be transparent enough for the student to comprehend how the examination result has been arrived at. 4. The result will be given by means of a mark, a v (for: "voldoende", pass) or vr (for: "vrijstelling", exemption) or o (for: onvoldoende, fail). 5. The final marks for written and oral exams will be indicated in whole marks from 1 to 10 in which 1 stands for very poor, 5 for insufficient, 6 for a pass and 10 for excellent. The results of exam parts may extend to one decimal figure after the point. 17
6. If an examination section consists of several parts then precisely how the final mark is arrived at will be explained in the course overview in the study guide. 7. In case a student has obtained more than one result for one subject, the highest result will count in the final degree audit. Article 13 Credits in admission requirement When assessing whether a student has achieved the number of credits stipulated as an admission requirement for the programme or component (such as admission to the Graduation Work), only credits from components that have been completed with a final mark will be taken into account. Article 14 The retaining of written examination papers and examination results 1. In conjunction with possible appeal procedures all written work must be kept for at least five years after the result has been made known. 2. In instances where no result is made known or may be made known, the period referred to in paragraph 1 will commence from the date when the exam was sat. 3. Examiners are obliged to keep all exam results for at least ten years. Article 15 Passing on and publicizing the results of exams and practicals 1. Article 14 of the MA TER stipulates just how examination results must be made known. 2. Examiners pass on the results of examinations to the education administration together with notification of the date when the written or oral examination took place. 3. If it has been agreed that the practicals are to constitute separate components then the examiners will note down the date when the practical took place when passing on the relevant results to the education administration. 4. The examiner may lay down further rulings relating to the final date when a report has to be submitted or when a practical has to be completed. Such a ruling has to be mentioned in the study guide pertaining to the course overview. 5. The examiner must check that the student has given the correct submission date at the top of the report. The date taken as the assessment date will be the date when it was submitted. 6. The examiner has to determine the result of a report within 15 working days as mentioned in MA TER Article 14, paragraph 2. If the result of the report is not a final result and is not processed by the Student Administration, the examiner will announce the result to the student within 20 working days. Article 16 The compulsory core and track-linked courses 1. As intended in Article 3 of the Implementation Regulations two courses on War and Warfare in the (post)modern World and on Contemporary Security and Safety precede the track-linked courses. Both courses are compulsory to all students taking part of the programme and must be rounded of successfully before embarking on the Graduation Work. 2. As intended in Article 3 and Article 4 of the Implementation Regulations subsequent track-linked courses, including any preferred electives, have to be registered by the student with the graduation coordinator upon the start of the programme. Thereafter, and ultimately upon finishing the compulsory core courses, the graduation coordinator will determine the exact examination programme. Article 17 the Graduation Work: the Research Seminar 1. Before embarking on the Graduation Work, as intended in Article 3 of the Implementation Regulations, the student must complete the form entitled graduation commencement request which can be obtained from the education administration. On the basis of that form the board of examiners will then check, or otherwise ensure, that the student does indeed comply with the requirements laid down for the start of the Graduation Work, as intended in Article 11 of the 18
Implementation Regulations. If everything is in order the student can then report to the graduation coordinator linked to the chosen track and register for the Research Seminar. 2. The Research Seminar is track-linked and focuses on the research methods and skills necessary to conduct independent research underpinning the master thesis. It is considered the necessary first step in the Graduation Work process. Based on the Research Seminar students will draw up a work plan which at least describes: the subject, both track-linked and relevant to the military field and/or Defence related institutions, the approach to the research, including the research strategy, methods of data collection and data analysis, an overview of the literature to be studied as well as an indication of the duration, and which provides a general outline of the content of the thesis. Both the required internal (immediate) and, if applicable, the external supervision of the thesis are addressed in the work plan. 3. The Research Seminar is concluded successfully upon approval of the work plan. To this effect, the student forwards the work plan to the intended internal supervisor of the thesis. The work on the thesis may not be started until the work plan has been approved by the chairman of the examination committee and the immediate (internal) supervisor, as intended in Article 18, paragraph 1 and Article 19, paragraph 2. 4. The student must actually be registered as such at the time when he or she hands in his or her final thesis report. The final assessment should be understood to be the meeting during which the examination committee s chairman makes known the results of the student s work. The accompanying presentation constitutes part of the final assessment and takes place preferably on the same day as the final assessment. Generally speaking, the final assessment will occur within four weeks (the months of July and August excluded) of the final thesis report having been handed in. Article 18 Composition of the examination committee 1. At the instigation of the chairman of the examination committee that is to be appointed for the purposes of supervising and assessing a master thesis the board of examiners will appoint an examination committee of at least three members, the internal supervisor and the chairman included. 2. Those able to serve on the examination committee are: - anyone who is an academic member of staff and an active researcher at the Faculty of Military Sciences or at any other Dutch or foreign accredited (defence)university, - external experts as described in Article 22. 3. The chairman of the examination committee must be a professor within the MA MSS programme. Article 19 The examination committee s approach 1. As soon as the (final) thesis study phase begins the examination committee's chairman will indicate to the student which of the members of the examination committee are directly involved in his/her supervision. 2. In consultation with the student, the chairman of the examination committee and the immediate (internal) supervisor approve of the work plan, as intended in Article 17, paragraphs 2 and 3. 3. If the work plan is not approved of then supplementary material must be supplied by the student. 4. The point when the work plan is approved marks the point when the work on the thesis may begin. 5. Dramatic changes in the work plan must be re-approved by the examination committee. 6. During the (final) thesis study phase there must be at least two interim meetings with the examination committee to gauge the progress being made. 7. Before a presentation date is agreed the student must present the draft report text to the complete examination committee and wait for the assessment. 8. After the student has received the examination committee s approval he must then arrange a presentation date. 9. The final assessment and the presentation of the thesis should be preferably planned for the same day. At least two members of the examination committee, one of whom must be the chairman, ought to be present at the time of the presentation. 10. Members of the examination committee who are unable to be present at the time of assessment should react in writing, possibly by email, to the material received from the student beforehand. The reaction has to be addressed to the chairman. 19
11. Each time the examination committee evaluates matters during the interim meetings, the student must compile an official report, summarizing agreements and intended courses of action, and post it or mail it to the examination committee for approval. If, after a week, no reaction has been received he or she may presume that the agreements detailed in the report have been accepted. 12. When it comes to the task of assessing the master thesis the examination committee will be guided by the criteria as stated in the Bachelor/Master thesis assessment form of the Faculty of Military Sciences of the Netherlands Defence Academy. Regarding the master thesis, these criteria will be extended to include the following aspects: a. intrinsic aspects: - originality and creativity - independence - productivity - analytical ability - synthetic ability - methodological approach to the research. b. written presentation: - structure - readability - presentation - language use. c. oral presentation: - structure - clarity for a wider audience - quality of the audiovisual aids - defence. 13. The final mark must preferably be given as a rounded off figure or to the closest half point, although it is acceptable to give one decimal fraction. 14. The chairman will arrive at a final mark in the way that is suggested in the Bachelor/Master thesis assessment form of the FMS. The student will be notified of the marks obtained on the differing criteria underlying the determination of the final mark. 15. The examination committee will ensure that provided the level of the master thesis is high enough the time devoted to the work involved will not be greater than the study load in conjunction with the allocated number of credits. 16. A member of the examination committee appointed in conjunction with the graduation coordinator remains responsible for ensuring that the relevant regulations stipulated in the MA TER and the Rules and Guidelines laid down by the board of examiners are adhered to. What will be particularly well checked is whether the commencement stipulations are observed, whether the subsequent procedures are followed and if the master thesis is assessed according to the criteria and norms as stated in the Bachelor/Master thesis assessment form of the FMS. 17. The immediate (internal) supervisor must keep a record of how long the student has worked on the master thesis. If it has not been completed within a year then the immediate (internal) supervisor will ask the student why that is so. If the student does not subsequently progress fast enough the chairman of the examination committee will notify the board of examiners accordingly. 18. If the board of examiners is involved in the graduation process in the way sketched in paragraph 19 it will ask both the examination committee and the student to elucidate matters in writing and to further detail how the graduation process can be completed. The board of examiners subsequently has the right to decide that the existing material will be viewed as the final thesis. The possibility that the student in question will thus fail to successfully round off his or her studies will arise. In such cases students are required to find a new thesis topic and repeat the graduation process. Article 20 The exemption request procedure 1. Requests for exemption from parts of the degree course must be submitted to the board of examiners in writing and backed up with a reasoned argument. The student also adds the written advice from the relevant examiner (course coordinator). 2. Regarding the dating of the exemption permission, the date taken as valid will be the date on which the board of examiners gave exemption. 20