Progress Review

1
Progress Review

• An explanation

2
Why do it?

• It is a requirement of the university that each
  student receives a review of his/her progress
  after semester 1.
• You will receive a letter which advises you of
  the results of modules in Semester 1.
• It serves to offer students an opportunity to
  consider their options in the light of their
  results so far.

3
Types of Credit

• Column 1 Type
• This can either be
• C Core
• N Non-Core
• Column 2 Crdt. (Credit)
• This can either be
• S Specific
• G General
• At this stage these columns are not of concern.

4
Column 3 Grade

• Grade points signify how good your pass mark is
  i.e. the grade of pass.
• Grade points operate on a sliding scale from 15
  down to zero.
• Even if you fail a module you will be given a
  grade point.
• A non-submission is given a grade point of zero.
• At the first level of an award at Staffordshire
  University, as long as all modules are passed,
  there are no penalties at all for not doing well.
  However, if you do get good results you may be
  offered an opportunity to fast-track on to a
  degree award. This will be based on the full
  results profile following the June examination
  board.

5
The Grade Point Scale
6
What is required to pass a module?

• In order to pass a module you MUST receive 40
  overall.
• Additionally you MUST achieve at least 20 in
  each assessed component.
• If you receive less than 20 in a component, then
  regardless of the overall percentage the highest
  overall gradepoint will be a 3 which gives the
  referral code R3.

7
Column 4 CATS

• Awards are gained by the accumulation of Credits
  These are referred to as CATs (Credit
  Accumulation Transfer) points.
• In line with many other universities, all awards
  at Staffordshire University are modular. Each
  module is allocated a number of CATs which at
  Staffordshire University is either 15 or a
  multiple of 15.
• CATs are not the same as Grade Points.
• CATs are awarded on an all or nothing basis. If a
  module is passed then 15 CATs are gained. IF a
  module is failed then this results in ZERO CATs
  against that module.
• There is no sliding scale the number of CATs
  gained per module is either 15 or zero.

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More about CAT Points

• CAT points are transferable they can act as
  currency between awards through the APL process
  (Approved Prior Learning).
• This applies to modular awards both at this
  university and other universities in the UK and
  internationally.
• Each year of a full-time award has 120 CATs (8
  modules)

9
What is compensation?

• If a module is failed but the grade point is at
  least 2, (i.e. if you have R2 or R3 against the
  module) then there is a possibility that this
  module may be compensated at the award board in
  June.
• Each Award level has 8 15 credit modules i.e.
  120 CATs
• Up to 30 CATs (2 single modules) may be
  compensated if the other 90 CATs (6 modules) are
  passed.
• Compensation means that the modules need not be
  retaken they will be considered passed (and the
  15 CATs will be awarded) because the overall
  results profile is considered adequate.

10
Compensation Note!!

• Modules cannot be compensated until the June
  award board.
• Compensation depends on the whole profile of the
  8 modules.
• Note Compensation is the term used when specific
  modules at grade points 2 and 3 are considered
  passed another term Condonation is used for
  general credits.

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What is an FAO

• A Further Assessment Opportunity is just that! If
  you have had extenuating circumstances upheld
  then you will be offered the opportunity to take
  the module assessment again at the next available
  opportunity and gain the full grade points for
  it.
• If you passed the module, the FAO will be
  optional and you will need to advise the course
  administrator of whether you intend to take it or
  not.

12
What is referral?

• Referral takes place if
• More than 30 CATs (more than 2 modules) have been
  failed at grade point 2 or above.
• Modules have been awarded grade point 0 or 1.
• Every student is entitled to a second attempt at
  all modules so getting a referral on your first
  attempt does not mean that you have failed the
  module or your award.

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Types of referral

• The referral type will be given following the
  examination board in June when the board can see
  the overall results profiles.
• Resit
• Takes place in August need to complete and
  submit resit coursework and/or resit an
  examination. Details of resit work for each
  module will be given following the June
  examination board. If you pass the resit work,
  you will gain a maximum of grade point 4
  regardless of the actual percentage given. If a
  module is failed at resit, then at the absolute
  discretion of the examination board, an
  opportunity to retake with attendance may be
  offered.
• Retake
• If you have a lot of referrals or if you have
  been awarded a grade point zero for a module you
  will be required to retake modules with
  attendance. If you pass the retaken module, you
  will gain a maximum of grade point 4 regardless
  of the actual percentage given. If a module is
  failed following a retake, then no further
  attempts are allowed.

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Progression to level 2

• If all modules are passed, 120 CATs will be
  gained.
• If 105 CATs are gained, the failed module may be
  trailed (this means retaking a level 1 module
  while taking level 2 of the award).
• If 90 CATs are gained, then students trail two
  modules but do not take the level 2 project
  this must be taken in a third year.
• If less than 90 CATs are gained, students may
  progress to Level 2 HNC which can subsequently be
  topped up in a third year to the HND.

15
Progression to different awards

• CAT points are transferable.
• If several modules are failed, it might be
  advisable to review your choice of award with
  your level leader or award manager.
• Many different HNCs AND HNDs are now available
  and if you have been referred in modules, an
  appointment will have been made for you to
  discuss all the progression possibilities with
  your tutor.