Programmes of study
Qualifications and programmes
9. The taught postgraduate qualifications (Higher Degrees, with the exception of Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Letters and Doctor of Science) offered by the University are included within Ordinance 58. Ordinance 17 prescribes the basis of admission to the University. Ordinance 18 prescribes the basis for matriculating and becoming a student of the University.
10. A student will have been registered on a programme of study as part of the admissions process. The programme of study may lead to a qualification, or may relate to study on a 'credit only' basis where no qualification will be awarded.
11. A student cannot commence a programme of study more than two weeks after its formal start date.
12. A student must matriculate every academic year, unless on an approved leave of absence for the duration of that academic year. Matriculation confirms agreement to the regulations in force for that academic year, and the programme being studied.
13. With the exception of some credit-only programmes, each programme's curriculum is defined through its degree programme table, available here. A student must comply with the detailed requirements as set out in the appropriate degree programme table.
Recognition of prior learning
14. As contribution to a University of Stirling award, credits achieved at other institutions may be acknowledged in recognition of prior learning (RPL), provided that the credit was achieved no more than five years previously.
15. RPL credit can also be given for recognised academic or vocational qualifications or experience considered to be of equivalent status.
16. RPL credit must be applied for as part of the admissions process.
17. Credit can either be:
- General credit exemptions - allowing prospective students to omit a specified number of credits from their programme of study; or
- Specific credit exemptions - allowing prospective students to omit one or more particular modules from their programme of study.
18. An award from the University of Stirling requires that a minimum of one-third of the total credits are acquired through study at or validated by the University of Stirling. For some specific qualifications, this level may be higher.
19. Study undertaken at another institution during a period of authorised leave of absence cannot contribute to an award of the University of Stirling.
20. Credit previously used as part of recognition of prior learning at another institution cannot contribute to an award of the University of Stirling.
Duration of study
21. Students will be awarded credit for all successfully completed modules. The following maximum periods include any extensions and periods of leave of absence.
Postgraduate Certificate
22. The maximum academic period of study for completion of a specific named Postgraduate Certificate programme is three years from commencement.
Postgraduate Diploma
23. The maximum period of study for completion of a specific named Postgraduate Diploma programme is six years from commencement.
Master’s Degree
24. The maximum academic period for completion of a specific named Master’s degree programme is nine years from commencement.
Integrated Master’s Degree
25. The maximum academic period for completion of a specific named Integrated Master’s degree programme is thirteen years from commencement.
Modes of study
26. A student will be designated as full-time or part-time. Where part-time, a programme may be studied on a part-time structured basis or a part-time intermittent basis.
27. A student studying for an individual module will be designated as studying on a part-time intermittent basis.
Change in mode of study
28. A student can change mode of study, provided that the mode of study definition is satisfied, and there is sufficient capacity on the programme of study. There may be financial and, where relevant, visa implications of a change for the student.
Change in programme of study
29. A student can change programme of study, provided that (i) admissions criteria for entry to the new programme and year of study are met; (ii) the requirements of the degree programme table for the new programme are or can be met; and (iii) there is a space on that programme of study. There may be financial and, where relevant, visa implications of a change for the student.
Programme attendance
30. A student must attend and participate as required in all aspects of their programme of study as prescribed under the Attendance and Engagement Code of Practice. This includes being available for and completing all forms of assessment as detailed in module descriptors.
Dissertation attendance
31. A student must attend the required academic contact points as detailed in the module descriptor and actively participate in their dissertation module during the Summer Semester. The Summer Semester is not a vacation period and whilst there may be no classes students are still academically engaged with writing their dissertation which is a component part of the Masters programme.
Temporary absence from studies
32. A student who is prevented from engaging with their programme of study for up to five working days is required to self-certify absence for University approval.
33. A student who is prevented from engaging with their programme of study for longer than five working days must submit documentation related to the absence for University approval. Further information can be found in the Attendance and Engagement Code of Practice.
Leave of absence
34. A student may be authorised to take a leave of absence from their programme of study.
35. A full-time student may take leave of absence from their programme of study for a maximum of 12 months cumulatively and a part-time student may take leave of absence from their programme of study for a maximum of 24 months cumulatively.
36. Where a programme is to be discontinued or significantly amended, it may not be possible to authorise a leave of absence.
37. A student who does not re-matriculate on the agreed recommencement date, or who has not communicated intentions towards their studies by the end of the leave of absence period, will be deemed to have withdrawn from the programme of study.
38. A student may undertake re-assessments (second attempt and assessment only) during a leave of absence, but may not repeat a module in its entirety nor attempt a module for the first time.
39. Any module for which the first attempt assessment has not been completed at the
Studying away from the University
40. A student requires authorisation to attend another academic institution on a recognised exchange scheme or other approved programme of study, to undertake an approved placement, or to undertake studies such as a fieldtrip.
Termination of studies
41. A student's studies will be terminated where regulations are not met; examples include:
- Failure to make adequate academic progress or complete within the prescribed maximum period of study
- Failure to comply with the University's disciplinary code
- Non-attendance, including persistent non engagement with their programme of study and its modules, or prolonged and unauthorised absences from the programme of study
- Failure to matriculate, including failure to return from a leave of absence or failure to present satisfactory evidence of permission to study in the UK.
Readmission to a programme of study
42. Readmission of a student to a programme of study is at the discretion of the Head of Admissions in consultation with the academic faculty. A student’s previous academic history will stand, provided that credits were achieved within the past five years.
43. Where a student has previously failed to achieve an award due to academic failure, their case for re-admission will be considered by the Academic Panel.
44. If readmitted, the current regulations and degree programme table requirements will be applied.
45. If readmitted to a programme of study, the student will be required to surrender certification for any previous University of Stirling qualification awarded for previous study on the programme, once a higher award is achieved.