Programme Specification and Regulations 2013 2014 Laws (Scheme F and Route F) (LLB) Important document please read. This document contains important information that governs your registration, assessment and programme of study.
University of London International Programmes Programme Specification and Regulations for the Scheme F and Route F of the LLB Contents Important information regarding the Programme Specification and Regulations booklet... 2 Programme Specification 2013 2014... 4 Entrance requirements... 7 Educational aims and outcomes of the programmes... 9 Outcomes for the Awards... 9 Teaching, learning and assessment strategies... 11 Assessment methods... 12 Student support and guidance... 13 Quality evaluation and enhancement... 13 After Graduation... 14 Detailed Regulations 2013-14... 15 1 Structures of the programmes... 15 2 Credit transfer and accreditation of prior learning... 17 3 Registration... 18 4 Assessment for the programme... 21 5 Number of attempts permitted at an examination... 24 6 Assessment offences and penalties... 25 7 Progression within the programme... 26 8 Schemes of award... 29 9 Receiving the final Diploma and Diploma Supplement... 30 10 Fees and refunds... 31 11 Transfer of registration... 33 12 Students with specific access requirements... 35 13 Complaints, suspension and termination of registration... 35 Appendix A Structure... 37 Appendix B Syllabuses... 39 Appendix C Scheme of Award... 54 Appendix D Assessment Criteria... 56 Appendix E - Accreditation of prior learning in respect of the LLB Scheme F and the Zwischenprüfung... 58 Glossary of terms... 60 Related documents and other sources of information... 66 1
Important information regarding the Programme Specification and Regulations booklet About this document Last revised 06/09/2013 This Programme Specification and Regulations document is presented in support of our commitment to the nationally agreed reference points for assuring the quality and standards of higher education, known as the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. Further information can be found at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuringstandardsandquality/pages/default.aspx 1 This document contains all the regulations for a specific programme(s). It is divided into two parts: the Programme Specification and the Detailed Regulations (which includes relevant Appendices). The Programme Specification sets out the core regulatory information about the programme and is supplemented by the Detailed Regulations. The document also contains a Glossary which defines certain terms used within this document and a section containing details about related documents and sources of information which a student is likely to need at different times in their studies. 2 Some regulations are General Regulations, which mean that they apply to all University of London International Programmes at a given level of study. These regulations are marked with (GR) next to the paragraph number. 3 Students registered for any of the programmes covered by this programme specification and Detailed Regulations are required to comply with procedures, deadlines and instructions issued by the University, including the University of London Regulations. The University is not responsible for any consequences arising from a student s failure to comply with the regulations, procedures, deadlines or instructions. See the section on related documents and sources of information. 4 On all matters where the regulations need to be interpreted, or are silent, the University s decision is final. 5 For the duration of a student s registration for a specific programme, core elements (set out in the Programme Specification) of that programme will remain unchanged unless appropriate consultation with students has taken place. However, the Programme Specification and Regulations are reviewed and published annually, and certain programme details are subject to change. Each year s programme specification and detailed regulations replace those of the previous year, and students must ensure that they always refer to the current version. Changes for registered students will be introduced as follows: Two years notice will be given when a course is withdrawn, when a syllabus is substantially amended, when a prerequisite for a course is introduced, and when the assessment method for a course is changed. Five years notice will be given if the University decides to withdraw the programme. All other regulations may be amended without notice. If a change to the regulations is considered to have an adverse effect on students, appropriate student consultation will take place prior to introducing the change to a current student cohort. Normally major changes to a programme will only be introduced for a new cohort of students. Examples of changes to the regulations which can be considered to have an adverse effect for registered students are significant changes to the structure of the programme, changes to the progression rules in the programme, changes to the weighting of courses and changes to pass marks or the classification of the award. 6 Students registered for the programmes covered by this programme specification and regulations are registered with the University of London International Academy. The Colleges of the University of London and the University of London International Academy collaborate to deliver the University of London International Programmes. 2
7 All University of London International Programmes adhere to the University s agreed policies for academic programmes and awards. 8 Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the material produced by the University of London International Programmes and likewise, the content contained within the pages of this document. This document contains links to third-party sites; the University of London International Programmes is not responsible for the content of these sites. Likewise, references and links to any such websites should not be taken as an endorsement by the University of opinions expressed or services provided at those sites. 3
Programme Specification 2013 2014 For prospectus details about the programme, please see http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/prospectus/intercollegiate-prospectus.pdf Title and name of awards See glossary for an explanation of terms. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Diploma of Higher Education in Law (offered as an exit award only) Certificate of Higher Education in Laws (offered as an exit award only) There is no provision for individual courses to be taken on Scheme F or Route F of the LLB. Students graduating with a University of London award will be sent two documents: a final diploma parchment, and a diploma supplement. The final diploma will indicate registration with the University of London and the award of a University of London Degree or Diploma, incorporating the University of London logo and signature of the Vice-Chancellor, and indicating that Undergraduate Laws Consortium was the Lead College involved. The diploma supplement will describe the nature, level and content of the programme that has been successfully completed, including a transcript of modules taken and marks achieved as well as the overall classification. It also provides further information about the role of the Lead College and method of study. Level of the programmes The FHEQ forms part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The awards are placed at the following Levels of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ): LLB degree Level 6 Diploma of Higher Education in Law Level 5 Certificate of Higher Education in Law Level 4 Relevant QAA subject benchmarks group(s) See the QAA website for information. Law www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationandguidance/pages/subject-benchmark-satatement-law-2007.aspx Awarding body University of London Registering body www.londoninternational.ac.uk University of London International Academy Lead College See Glossary for an explanation. The following Colleges contribute to the programme: Birkbeck; King s College London; London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE); Queen Mary, University of London; School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and University College London (UCL) Accreditation by professional or statutory body Scheme F and Route F of the LLB are not recognised as a Qualifying Law Degree in England and Wales. A student who wishes to study for a Qualifying Law Degree should consult the Programme Specification and Regulations for the A and B Pathways of the LLB. 4
Language of study and assessment See also section 4 of the Detailed Regulations. English Mode of study Find further details about student support in the Student Handbook and VLE. Study is by distance and flexible learning. Programme structures and requirements LLB degree Scheme F and Graduate Entry Route F The LLB degree is offered as follows: Scheme F consists of 12 courses (360 credits), examined in a minimum of three parts and a maximum of six parts Graduate Entry Route F consists of nine courses (270 credits), examined in a minimum of three parts and a maximum of four parts, See full details in section 1 of the Detailed Regulations. A student may apply for credit and/or accreditation of prior learning for up to four Intermediate courses (120 credits) under Scheme F. No credit transfer or accreditation of prior learning permitted under Graduate Entry Route F. Details of credits and accreditation of prior learning are to be found in section 2 of the Detailed Regulations. Accreditation of prior learning will be considered for students who have obtained Level 6 of the Professional Higher Diploma in Law or the Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice of the Institute of Legal Executives to a maximum of four Intermediate courses (120 credits). Students who have passed examinations specified by the University are eligible to apply for credit transfer in respect of study equivalent to the Intermediate examinations for the LLB degree under Scheme F. Applications for credit transfer will be considered only where students satisfy the general entrance requirements for the LLB degree. Credit transfer requests will be considered from students who have successfully completed, within five years before the date of application, the Intermediate or equivalent examination of an appropriate degree at a university acceptable to the University of London provided that: and the student has successfully passed all the necessary assessments and examinations in any full year of study for which credit is transferred the student has not failed any part of the degree programme on which transfer is based. Full details are in section 11 of the Detailed Regulations. The maximum and minimum periods of registration, from a student s effective date of registration, are: LLB degree Scheme F and Graduate Entry Route F Minimum Three years under Scheme F (Two years where maximum accreditation of prior learning has been granted) or Three years under Graduate Entry Route F Maximum Eight years Full details are in section 3 of the Detailed Regulations. Study materials are made available after registration and on payment of the applicable fee. Registration may be extended, subject to approval and payment of applicable fees. 5
The LLB is awarded according to the following classes: Mark range Classification 70 and over First Class Honours 60 to 69 Second Class Honours (Upper Division) 50 to 59 Second Class Honours (Lower Division) 40 to 49 Third Class Honours 0 to 39 Fail To be considered for the award of the LLB degree, a student must have attempted all the examination requirements under the scheme or route for which they are registered. For students on their third and final attempt one compensated pass in a course (30 credits) is permitted where the mark is between 35-39%. For Scheme F the class of degree awarded is determined on the basis of the student s performance in the eight (240 credits) Finals courses. The student s aggregate mark is also taken into account. For Graduate Entry Route F, the class of degree awarded is determined on the basis of the student s performance in all courses. The student s aggregate mark is also taken into account. All courses that count towards the class of degree are weighted equally. To obtain a degree with a given class of Honours a student will normally be required to achieve passes in at least half the courses at or above that class, and to achieve an aggregate mark at or above that class, but the Examiners will take into account a student s overall performance. See also section 8 of the Detailed Regulations. Exit Awards The Diploma of Higher Education in Law consists of eight courses. The Diploma of Higher Education in Law is offered to students as an exit award only, at the discretion of the University. To be awarded the Diploma of Higher Education in Law a student must have achieved a pass in eight courses. The final mark is determined by an average of all eight marks, weighted equally. The Diploma of Higher Education will be awarded with the grading Distinction, Merit, Credit or Pass. To obtain a Diploma of Higher Education with a given classification a candidate is required to achieve a final mark within the range as follows: Mark range Class 70 and over Distinction 60 to 69 Merit 50 to 59 Credit 40 to 49 Pass Below 40 Fail The Certificate of Higher Education in Law consists of four courses. The Certificate of Higher Education in Law is offered to students as an exit award only, at the discretion of the University. To be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education in Law a student must have achieved a pass in four courses. The final mark is determined by an average of all four marks, weighted equally. The Certificate of Higher Education will be awarded with the grading Distinction, Merit, Credit or Pass. To obtain a Certificate of Higher Education with a given classification a candidate is required to achieve a final mark within the range as follows: Mark range Class 70 and over Distinction 60 to 69 Merit 50 to 59 Credit 40 to 49 Pass Below 40 Fail 6
Credit value of courses Where credits are assigned to each course of a programme, credit indicates the amount of learning undertaken, and a specific level indicates the relative depth of learning involved. The credit value indicates the amount of learning in terms of notional study hours and the level of learning in terms of depth, complexity and intellectual demand. For the LLB and Diploma in Law, credits are assigned to the courses as follows: Each course of the LLB degree has been assigned a credit value of 30 either at FHEQ Level 4 or 6. Further information about the credit systems used by universities in the UK and Europe is available in: The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationandguidance/documents/creditframework.pdf The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationandguidance/documents/fheq08.pdf The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc48_en.htm Entrance requirements An applicant must satisfy the relevant entrance requirements given in this section. In order to be considered for admission as an International Programmes Student, applicants must also submit an application that is in accordance with the procedures and deadlines set out on the University of London International Programmes website. See www.londoninternational.ac.uk for details on the application process alternative qualifications that may be accepted and English Proficiency tests. Students with specific access requirements should refer to section 12 of the Detailed Regulations. An applicant must normally satisfy both the University of London s general entrance requirements and the additional programme specific entrance requirements as follows: LLB Degree Age An applicant must normally be at least 17 years of age on or before 30 November in the year of registration. University of London general entrance requirements for degrees: An applicant must have passes in: either two subjects at GCE A level, and at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE O level (at not less than grade C or a pass if taken prior to 1975) or three subjects at GCE A level (with one A Level at not less than grade D) or three subjects at GCE A level, and one further subject at GCSE or GCE O Level (at not less than grade C) or two subjects at GCE A Level, and two further subjects at AS Level. The University may, at its discretion, accept other qualifications in place of those above. Students should also satisfy any programme entrance requirements given in this programme specification. English language proficiency For awards at FHEQ levels 4, 5 or 6, applicants must provide satisfactory evidence showing that they have: 1. Passed acceptable examinations equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level English Language at grade C or above; or 2. Demonstrated fluency in academic English gained through either: a) Five years secondary schooling taught solely in English and/or passed GCE A levels or IB in essay based subjects; or 7
b) Passed an International Foundation programme for UK HEI entry with a unit in English for Academic purposes (EAP) or its equivalent; or c) A full Postgraduate award, or a full first degree or Associate degree taught and examined in English from an institute that is acceptable to the University; or d) Have, within the past three years, passed a Diploma awarded by any of the polytechnics in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong that is acceptable to the University; or e) Have, within the past three years, passed a test of proficiency in English language from an organisation acceptable to the University as outlined in the English Proficiency Schedule that is published by the University. The Qualifications for Entrance schedule can be found at: http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/applicationsadmissions/am-i-qualified Where an applicant does not meet the prescribed English language proficiency requirements but believes that they can demonstrate the requisite proficiency for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application. Internet access All students are required to have regular internet access, allowing them to access the following resources: The student portal University of London email address Details of their student records Programme resources on the VLE Programme resources on the University of London International Programmes website The Programme Specifications and Regulations for their programme of study The University Regulations and the University of London International Programmes Student Charter Students with Specific Access Requirements Students with specific access requirements should refer to section 12 of the Detailed Regulations. The University of London International Programmes welcomes applications from students with disabilities and/or specific access requirements. It aims to provide the appropriate support to enable students with specific access requirements to have the same chance as all other students to successfully complete their studies. Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that both the application procedure and the programme itself are organised and delivered to offer all students the opportunity to participate fully. Students with a disability or others who may need special arrangements to assist in taking examinations (such as separate room or special aids) should complete the relevant section of the application form, or contact the Inclusive Practice Manager. Requests will be considered by a University panel, which aims to ensure that students with specific access requirements are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged when compared with other students. Sources of funding and scholarships Information about potential sources of funding and scholarships is updated annually and available on the prospectus web pages. For information, please see www.londoninternational.ac.uk Other programme specific entrance requirements The following are eligible to apply for graduate entry: Graduates holding a full First degree from a state University in the United Kingdom or another European country or in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa or the West Indies. Graduates holding a full First degree from a regionally accredited institution in the USA. 8
Graduates holding a full First degree from an Indian Institute of Technology or a four year full-time First degree from a recognised university or a three year full-time First degree from a limited number of acceptable universities in India. Graduates holding a four-year full-time First degree from a limited number of acceptable universities in Vietnam. Professional qualifications may be considered for graduate entry. Students with other degrees or professional qualifications regarded as Level 6 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) or above not listed above should seek advice from the Admissions Office at the address in the prospectus. Professional Qualifications must be passed by examination from a body acceptable to the University and the award should be comparable to three years full-time study and equivalent to a UK full First degree. Degrees and professional qualifications not listed above will be considered at the discretion of the University. Educational aims and outcomes of the programmes The aims of the Laws Programme are to: provide flexible access to common law legal study world-wide; promote independent learning; support that learning through providing a resource-rich online learning environment; support the development of transferrable intellectual skills; enable the development of critical awareness; facilitate an understanding of the language of law; Outcomes for the Awards LLB Subject knowledge Students will have knowledge and understanding of the principal features of the legal system including familiarity with its institutions and procedures. Students will have knowledge of the key principles and values of a range of legal areas extending beyond the core. Students will have some in-depth knowledge of specialist areas. Subject application/problem solving Students will be able to identify the legal issues arising from particular factual situations. Students will be to apply their knowledge so as to provide practical and reasoned advice and solutions to particular problems over a wide range of legal areas. Subject sources and research Students will be able to identify and use primary and secondary legal sources relevant to the topic under study. Students will be able to identify contemporary debates and engage with these whilst accurately documenting the law in the area. Analysis, evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis Students will be able to: Autonomy Identify issues in terms of policy and doctrinal importance; Produce clear doctrinal synthesis and summary of policy issues; Evaluate law both independently in terms of doctrinal coherence and in relation to other policy perspectives which have been incorporated in the topics studied; Create new or imaginative ways of approaching a problem or analysing material in different ways. Students will be able to act independently in planning and managing their own learning and the tasks in areas which they have studied. Students will be able to provide some reflection on their learning experiences. 9
Key Skills Communication and literacy Students will be able to communicate fluently in English, using legal terminology correctly. Students will be able to read a range of complex works within and about law and to summarise their arguments accurately. Students will be able engage in academic debate in a professional manner. Other key skills Students will have demonstrated proficient use of word-processing, the use of standard information retrieval systems to access legal information and internet resources. Certificate of Higher Education in Law offered as an exit award only Subject knowledge Students will have knowledge of the essential features of the legal system studied, including general familiarity with its institutions and procedures. Students will have knowledge of the core principles of Public Law, Contract and Criminal Law. Subject application/problem solving Students will be able to identify the relevant legal issues arising from factual situations. Students will be able to identify and apply case law and statutes relevant to the identified legal issues. Students will be able to draw on these sources to address defined and/or routine problems in a legal context. Subject sources and research Students will be able to identify and use primary and secondary legal sources relevant to the specific topics studied. Students will use the customised resources available on the VLE. Analysis, evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis Students will be able to collect and synthesise legal materials and use them in a focused and coherent manner. Students will be able to rank identified issues and related facts in terms of their relevance and apply knowledge gained from identified sources to analyse relatively straightforward issues. Students will formulate and articulate an argument addressed to the identified issues supporting it with relevant legal principles. Autonomy Students will be able to act independently in planning and managing tasks with guidance in the areas which they have studied. Students will be able to provide some reflection on their learning experiences. Key skills Communication and literacy Students will be able to write fluently, using legal terminology correctly. Students will be able to read legal cases and summarise the arguments in them. Other key skills Students will be able to use standard applications to present information. Students will be able to demonstrate basic competence in retrieving information from the VLE and on-line library. Diploma of Higher Education in Law offered as an exit award only Subject knowledge Students will have knowledge and understanding of the essential features of the legal system including familiarity with its institutions and procedures. Students will have knowledge of the key principles and values of legal areas extending beyond the core. [one option studied in year two] Students will have knowledge of the core principles of Public Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Law of Trusts, Law of Tort and Jurisprudence. 10
Subject application/problem solving Students will be able to identify the relevant legal issues arising from particular factual situations. Students will be able to identify and apply case law and statutes relevant to the identified legal issues. Students will be able to apply their knowledge in a logical and coherent way to address routine legal issues arising over a range of legal areas. Subject sources and research Students will be able to identify and use primary and secondary legal sources relevant to the topic under study. Students will be able to evaluate information and demonstrate its relevance to the intended audience. Analysis, evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis Students will be able to collect and synthesise legal materials and use them in a focused and coherent manner. Students will be able to rank identified issues and related facts in terms of their relevance and apply knowledge gained from identified sources to analyse legal issues. Students will be able to formulate and articulate an argument addressed to the identified issues supporting it with relevant legal principles, at the same time recognising potential alternative arguments. Autonomy Students will demonstrate sustained ability to plan and manage their learning to achieve established objectives. Students will be able to provide some reflection on their learning experiences. Key Skills Communication and literacy Students will be able to communicate effectively in writing, using legal terminology correctly. Students will be able to read a range of legal materials and summarise their arguments accurately. Students will be able to demonstrate techniques of legal argument. Other key skills Students will be able to demonstrate competence in retrieving information from the VLE and on-line library. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies The University of London Laws programme by distance learning is currently offered to over 18,000 students situated in over 50 countries. As a result, students come from very diverse backgrounds and cultures, and their learning is affected by a number of factors. These factors include previous educational experience, student orientation to study, and whether students study independently or through local institutions. The strategy of the Laws Programme is to promote learning environments which encourage meaningful and active student centred learning, but which acknowledge the existence of diverse perspectives and approaches to teaching and learning, is sensitive to the time and place constraints of students, communicates high expectations, and is delivered via (print and electronic) media that are accessible, reliable and effective in terms of promoting the learning outcomes that have been identified for the LLB. LLB students may also attend locally based teaching institutions. The distance learning study materials complement the face-to-face learning support provided by these institutions. All students are supported in their learning by provision of the book Studying Law which provides a general introduction to the nature of law and justice and a guide to the fundamental knowledge, skills and techniques that the study of law demands. Subject guides These are intended to guide students through the courses as well as to introduce them to particular topics within the syllabus. Each subject guide sets out the learning outcomes for that course as well as providing advice on approaching the study of that course. This includes the essential reading, preparation for the examination, and a series of self-test activities and general feedback together with sample examination questions, designed to enable students to test their understanding. Study packs Supplementing the subject guides, these provide essential and further readings that are not available through the VLE of the on-line library. 11
Course textbooks and statute books On initial registration, for each of the Intermediate and the Compulsory Finals courses students receive a text book and a statute book (where relevant). Online study resources As well as the study materials outlined above, the Laws Programme also provides a wide range of online resources to support student learning. These are available through the International Programmes student portal, accessible using a single username and password through a secure website: http://my.londoninternational.ac.uk All students are required to have internet access. The Online e-induction www.londoninternational.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/panel/law/online_induction.shtml This provides an interactive step-by-step e-induction to all the resources provided by the Laws Programme, demonstrating how to use the materials, identifying how they are integrated in the process of learning, and introducing students to the knowledge and skills required in order to successfully complete the programme. The Laws Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) The Laws VLE provides one centralised location where the following resources are provided: Law course pages with news and updates, provided by legal academics associated with the Laws Programme. Complete versions of subject guides and study packs. Online Audio Presentations these supplement the subject guides and are being rolled out incrementally for most courses. Annual recent developments in law. Past examination papers and reports. Discussion forums where students can debate and interact with other students. Computer Marked Assessments multiple choice questions with feedback which allow students to test their knowledge and understanding of the key topics. Online Legal Research Exercises exercises which are designed to build and enhance the ability to find legal materials using electronic sources and to conduct legal research more generally. The Online Library The Online Library provides access to: The professional legal databases LexisNexis and Westlaw. Cases and up-to-date statutes. Key academic law journals. Law reports. Links to important websites such as the Law Commission. Assessment methods The LLB provide for formative as well as summative assessment. Formative assessment is designed to provide students with feedback on progress and inform development but does not contribute to the overall assessment of achievement. Formative assessment is provided through computer marked assignments accessed via the Laws Virtual Learning Environment, and the online legal research exercises undertaken in the Common Law Reasoning and Institutions course. Summative (formal) assessment is provided in each subject by a three-hour unseen written paper examination (plus 15 minutes reading time). All summative assessment is set and marked by UK based academics appointed by the International Programmes as Chief Examiners/Examiners, and is marked to the same standards as for students studying in the UK at one of the colleges of the University of London. There is no local setting or marking of summative assessments. As well as ensuring that students on the distance learning programmes meet the same rigorous 12
standards as students studying at the Colleges this also ensures the security of the assessment process and protects the very high reputation of the University of London qualification. Find full details of the assessment and the scheme of award at sections 4 and 8 of the Detailed Regulations. Further information on the Laws Skills Portfolio can be found at section 1. Examinations will take place in May/June each year and are held at established centres worldwide. Additional single course re-sit examinations are available for those who are eligible. These additional examinations will take place in October each year. Student support and guidance There is further information on support and guidance in the student handbook. The following summarises the support and guidance available to students in addition to the support indicated above: Recent developments in Law booklet available on-line; Student Handbook: - Programme section includes information about the resources available and how to access them and procedures for assessment and examinations. Handbooks also give study skills advice. - General Section gives information which is common to all International Programmes. It reflects the student life cycle and gives information about matters of importance from the start of a students' relationship with the International Programmes through to their graduation. This section also puts the Regulations in context for the student. A University of London email account and web area for personal information management. University of London library - registered students may use the resources located within the Senate House library (for a small additional fee). Programme Specification and Regulations, containing full details of syllabuses, programme structure, assessment regulations, degree classification criteria etc. The Student Charter is intended to state key mutual obligations between the University of London International Programmes and its International Programmes students. See http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/community-support-resources/current-students/student-charter for further information Quality evaluation and enhancement Refer to the International Programmes website for its policies and procedures in quality assurance. The Colleges of the University of London and the University of London International Academy collaborate to deliver the University of London International Programmes. The policies, partnerships and systems are defined within our key documents: The Quality Framework, the Quality Assurance Schedules, Guidelines for Examinations and Detailed Regulations for each programme. Parity of award standards Every programme of study is developed and approved by a Lead College, or Consortia, to the same standards and requirements as would be applied in the Lead College(s); Learning materials are written and examinations are set and marked by academic staff employed or chosen by the Lead Colleges, who are required to apply the University s academic standards. Review and evaluation mechanisms Procedures are in place to assure the quality of the programme development, delivery, management, systematic monitoring and ongoing review and enhancement of all University of London International Programmes. Enhancements are made as necessary to ensure that systems remain effective and rigorous. Annual programme reports are prepared in order to enhance individual programmes and to plan ahead; Periodic programme reviews are conducted on a 4-6 year cycle to review how a programme has developed over time and ensure that it remains current and up-to-date; 13
Annual External and Intercollegiate Examiner reports are prepared by independent External and Intercollegiate Examiners to confirm that a programme has been assessed properly and meets the appropriate academic standards; Comprehensive student information statistics are reviewed annually and feed into all systematic reporting within the University of London International Academy. Student feedback mechanisms Annual Student Experience Surveys collect programme level feedback according to the student lifecycle and the stages reached by students in their learning. In addition some Lead Colleges schedule their own course level surveys; Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), if applicable, provide the opportunity for informal feedback and discussion; University of London International Academy committees and sub-committees include student membership where appropriate. Some programmes recruit their own student representatives at the programme level. The University of London International Programmes website provides further information on the governance structure, including Terms of Reference, Agendas and Papers and can be accessed via:http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/our-global-reputation/governance This Programme Specification is presented in support of our commitment to the nationally agreed reference points for assuring the quality and standards of higher education, known as the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. Further information can be found at: www.qaa.ac.uk/assuringstandardsandquality/code-of-practice/pages/default.aspx After Graduation Possible routes to further study Successful completion of the programme may serve as preparation for students who wish to go on to take further study in the subject area whether to be undertaken at University of London International Academy or elsewhere. Careers advice and resources The University of London s Careers Service can provide confidential advice and guidance appropriate to the diverse needs of students, at any stage of their career. Advisers can assist on an individual basis (including help with career planning, CV writing and interview technique), in small groups or online, through the e-advice service. Students may also make use of the dedicated careers library. For further information, please see www.careers.lon.ac.uk The Alumni Association Membership of the International Programmes Alumni Association is free and open to all former students of the University of London International Programmes. This is a diverse community of over 150,000 alumni in more than 190 countries, including local chapters and social networking groups, and with regular events, communications and opportunities to meet fellow alumni in many different parts of the world. The Association aims to provide past students with lifelong links to the School and each other, and is keen to foster a vibrant and active alumni community. All alumni are encouraged to register their details and participate further. For further information, please see www.londoninternational.ac.uk/alumni, www.facebook.com/londonualumni and http://linkd.in/alumniassociation 14
Detailed Regulations 2013-14 Detailed Regulations contain the rules which govern the relationship between students and the University of London for each degree programme. The Regulations are subject to change annually so students should ensure that they refer to the most recent version. 1 Structures of the programmes Appendix A and Appendix B give the full structure and content of the programmes. LLB Degree 1.1 As indicated in the Programme Specification, the Scheme F and Graduate Entry Route F of the LLB degree under these Regulations is offered under two schemes of examination, as follows: Scheme F consists of 12 courses - 360 credits. A student must pass the four Intermediate courses (120 credits), the four Compulsory Finals courses (120 course credits) and four Optional Finals courses (120 credits). Graduate Entry Route F consists of nine courses - 270 credits. A student must pass the four Intermediate courses (120 credits), three Compulsory Finals courses (90 credits) and two Optional Finals courses (60 credits). For how to progress through the degree, see section 7. 1.2 A student may apply for credit and/or accreditation of prior learning for up to four Intermediate courses (to a value of 120 credits) under Scheme F. There is no credit transfer permitted under Graduate Entry Route F. Find details on credits and accreditation of prior learning in section 2. 1.3 (GR) It is a student s responsibility to ensure that their choice of courses complies with the current regulations. 1.4 (GR) A student can only select from available courses. Not all courses are available every year To find out which courses will be available, contact https://my.londonexternal.ac.uk/london/portal 1.5 Subject to satisfying the provisions in Section 7 and Appendix A, a student may apply to change their choice of optional courses at any stage in their studies until they make an examination entry for the course concerned. An application from a student who has entered the examination for the course concerned will not be considered until after the examination results for that session have been published. 1.6 A student may not apply to transfer to LLB Scheme A or B, Graduate Entry Route A or B, the Diploma in Law or the Diploma in the Common Law from Scheme or Route F of the LLB. A student wishing to register for one of these programmes must cancel their registration for Scheme or Route F and re-apply to register for the relevant programme. Find full details in section 11. Students wishing to obtain a Qualifying Law Degree 1.7 Scheme F and Graduate Entry Route F of the LLB are not recognised as a Qualifying Law Degree in England and Wales. A student who wishes to study for a Qualifying Law Degree should consult the Programme Specification and Regulations for the A and B Pathways of the LLB. 15
Transfer from the Diploma in Law 1.8 (GR) A student who obtains an award at Level 4 or 5 of the FHEQ will be considered to have satisfied the entrance requirements for the related degree and may, at the discretion of the University, transfer their registration to the degree and receive appropriate credits. The Diploma in Law is placed at Level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Find full details of transfers in section 11. Transfer from the Diploma in the Common Law 1.9 A student who has passed at least three courses of the Diploma in the Common Law may apply to transfer to Scheme F. All transfers will be at the discretion of the University and any credits awarded will be done so on an individual basis. A student will not be able to re-sit a course for which they have received credit. Transfer from LLB (Scheme A and Scheme B) and Diploma in Law The following paragraphs should be read alongside section 11. 1.10 A student registered for the Diploma in Law or LLB degree (Scheme A, Route A, Scheme B or Route B) may apply to transfer to Scheme F or Route F of the LLB degree. All transfers will be at the discretion of the University and any credits awarded will be done so on an individual basis. A student will not be able to re-sit a course for which they have received credit. 1.11 Transfers to Scheme F or Route F of the LLB degree are not permitted in any circumstances where credit for courses passed under the Old Regulations would be taken into account in the classification of the award under Scheme F. 1.12 A student who transfers to Scheme and Route F of the LLB will carry their period of registration with them. 1.13 A student who has transfers to Scheme and Route F of the LLB will not be permitted to transfer back to the previous Regulations at a later date. 1.14 An application to transfer which is submitted after a student has made entry to any examination will not be considered until after the result of that examination has been published. The result of that examination will then be taken into account by the University in instances when permission to transfer is dependent on the student s examination record and/or where the student is applying to transfer between the routes or schemes of the same programme of study. A Student who wishes to transfer must complete a transfer request form. Transfer from Scheme F to Graduate Entry Route F 1.15 A student who satisfies the entrance requirements for a Graduate Entry Route prior to their first examination entry under Scheme F may transfer their registration to the Graduate Entry Route F. Attendance requirements 1.16 (GR) Where attendance is a programme requirement, the University reserves the right not to present an award to, or to publish the examination results of, a student who has not met the requirement. 16
2 Credit transfer and accreditation of prior learning 2.1 (GR) The University reserves the right to review the credit transfer and accreditation of prior learning policy in respect of all awards each year. See the Glossary for definition of credit and accreditation of prior learning. 2.2 No credit or accreditation of prior learning will be granted for any course of the Graduate Entry Route F. 2.3 (GR) No credit transfer or accreditation of prior learning will be granted unless an application has been made in accordance with the instructions in the Undergraduate Laws prospectus. Applicants are required to pay the credit transfer or accreditation of prior learning application fee. Procedures and deadlines for applying for accreditation of prior learning and credits can be found in the Student Handbook and VLE. 2.4 (GR) All applications are considered on an individual basis and credits and accreditation of prior learning awarded are at the discretion of the University. Credit transfer 2.5 (GR) A student who satisfies the entrance requirements for an award and who is appropriately qualified may be considered for credit transfer in specified subjects. An application cannot, however, be considered after a student has entered for the examination in the course(s) concerned. 2.6 (GR) Where credit is given, the mark obtained for the subject previously studied may be carried forward to the student's record and will contribute towards their award, in accordance with the scheme for award. 2.7 An applicant wishing to transfer to the University from another institution acceptable to the University may be considered for credit transfer in Scheme F subject to the requirements set out in paragraph 2.7. 2.8 An applicant will be considered for credit transfer if they have successfully completed, within five years before the date of application, the Intermediate or equivalent examination of an appropriate degree at a university acceptable to the University of London. The applicant must: 2.9 (GR) have passed all the necessary assessments and examinations in any full year of study for which they wish credit to be transferred and have not failed any part of the degree programme on which the credit transfer application is based. The University will produce a final transcript detailing the subjects for which credit transfer was awarded and the year of study. Accreditation of prior learning (APL) 2.10 (GR) A student who satisfies the entrance requirements for an award and who is appropriately qualified may apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL) mapped against specific courses. An application will be considered on the basis of successfully completed studies at an appropriate level. A student who is awarded accreditation of prior learning for a specific course is considered to be exempt from that course. This means that the student is considered to have completed the course for the purposes of progression within the programme. 17
2.11 (GR) APL is at the discretion of the University and may not be permitted for all programmes. Where APL is permitted, it can only be considered for up to one third of the programme award concerned. Regulations set by Professional and Accrediting Bodies may impose further restrictions on the amount of accreditation of prior learning that is recognised. Students should seek further advice regardingtheir specific programme. 2.12 (GR) APL can only be awarded for whole named courses, not for part of a course. 2.13 (GR) APL is normally only awarded for whole courses equivalent to FHEQ Level 4, but may arise from prior learning mapped against Levels 5, 6 or 7. 2.14 A student who has obtained Level 6 of the Professional Higher Diploma in Law or the Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice of the Institute of Legal Executives, may be considered for APL for up to a maximum of four Intermediate courses of Scheme F. 2.15 (GR) A decision to give APL is valid for a limited time only and as indicated in the University s confirmation of APL. If a student does not enter an examination within this period, the offer of APL will lapse and it will be necessary to make a fresh application. 2.16 (GR) An offer of APL is valid only for the particular programme of study and course for which the offer has been awarded. APL will no longer be valid if the programme is withdrawn before the student registers. A student who transfers their registration to another programme may be required to submit another application for APL. 2.17 (GR) A student may not register for, or make an examination entry in, any course for which APL has been granted. 2.18 (GR) The mark obtained when the course, for which a student has been granted APL was passed, will not be carried forward to the student's record and will not contribute towards the award. 2.19 (GR) Applications for APL cannot be considered after a student has entered the examination for the Intermediate courses. 2.20 (GR) If a student has failed an examination for a course, they may not at a later stage apply for APL from the failed course. Accreditation for concurrent learning 2.21 A student registered on Scheme F of the LLB degree may be considered for accreditation for concurrent learning at an institution acceptable to the University in a maximum of three laws courses. No credit for concurrent learning can be given for the foundation subjects as defined by the Joint Academic Stage Board (JASB). 3 Registration Effective date of registration See Glossary for the definition of effective date of registration. 3.1 (GR) There will be an effective date of registration of 30 November for all undergraduate students. 3.2 (GR) A student whose effective date of registration is 30 November in any year will be permitted to enter for examinations at the next opportunity. 18