MSc Student Introduction

1
MSc Student Introduction

• Dr Russell Campion
• MSc Programme Manager

2
Structure of Enhanced MScs

• Awards follow a modular framework
• - Both core and option modules
  contained
• - Each module studied is equal to 15 credits
• - The dissertation is equal to 45 credits (3
  modules)
• - In total you study 180 credits (12
  modules)
• for an MSc
• Exit qualifications available on the Scheme
• - Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
• - Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
• - Master of Science (MSc)

3
PgC (Postgraduate Certificate)

• Requires 60 M-level credits
• Either cores or options
• Modules are assessed via coursework / exams etc.
• On passing this stage of award you will not
  receive a certificate, instead passing this stage
  moves you to the PgD stage
• Normal rules for progression need you to pass 4
  modules. Or at least 3 of your modules outright
• Can normally only trail a single module
• If you are referred in two modules you cannot
  normally progress

4
PgC (Postgraduate Certificate)

• Note for any module you are only allowed a first
  attempt and then a referral at a given component
• If you get a referral you can only get a Pass
  mark for the referred component
• PgD (Postgraduate Diploma)
• Requires 120 M-level credits (4 more modules)
• A mix of options / cores
• The PgD stage forms entry to the MSc

5
How are you Graded

• 13-15 (70-100 or grade A) will be deemed
  equivalent to a Pass with Distinction.
• 10-12 (60-69 or grade B) will be deemed
  equivalent to a Pass with Merit.
• 7-9 (50-59 or grade C) will be deemed equivalent
  to a Pass.
• 4-6 (40-49 or grade D) are Compensatable Fails
  where you may be compensated for a module
• 1-3 (0-39 or grade F 1 grade E 3) are fails.
• (for a pass you must get 50 overall and no
  component below 20)

6
Compensation

• This can be applied to an individual module
  overall if the grade point for the module is 4-6
  (and therefore referred)
• You need normally to pass 3 other modules to be
  eligible for compensation
• Results in a Compensated Pass, E.g. 4C, 5C or 6C
• Compensation limits
• - 15 credits at Certificate stage
• - 15 credits at Diploma stage
• - No compensation at Masters stage

7
MSc (Master of Science)

• Requires 180 M-level credits
• You write a Dissertation (worth 45 credits)
  coupled to either
• - A placement (taken at end of PgC, or PgD)
• or
• - Research paper (alongside dissertation)
• On passing the dissertation an MSc will be
  awarded with a classification of Pass, Merit or
  Distinction

8
MSc award classification

• PASS - If you have enrolled for a Masters award,
  have completed the requirements for your award
  and have achieved a Grade Point 7 or above in all
  your modules or been compensated in no more than
  30 credits, and your average grade point is 9.49
  or lower, you will be awarded a Pass in your
  Masters Degree.
• MERIT - If you have enrolled for a Masters award,
  have completed the requirements of your award,
  have achieved a Grade Point 7 or above in all
  your modules or been compensated in no more than
  30 credits, and have achieved a Grade Point
  Average of 9.5 to 12.49, you will be awarded a
  Masters Degree with Merit.

9
MSc award classification

• DISTINCTION - If you have enrolled for a Masters
  award, have completed the requirements of your
  award, have achieved a Grade Point 7 or above in
  all your modules or been compensated in no more
  than 30 credits, and have achieved a Grade Point
  Average of 12.5 or above, you will be awarded a
  Masters Degree with Distinction.

10
Important Links

• As a priority over the next 3 weeks, please read
• The Award Handbook
• http//www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/prospective_students/
  postgrad_award_books/MScCompSciAwardhbook5B15D.p
  df
• Academic Dishonesty Regulations
• http//www.staffs.ac.uk/images/academic_dishonesty
  _tcm68-12681.pdf
• Extenuating Circumstance Procedures
• http//www.staffs.ac.uk/images/extenuating_cir_tcm
  68-15855.pdf