9. Approved courses of study
9.1 An approved course of study for a foundation degree must, in accordance with the University Ordinances, extend over two academic years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study and be continuously pursued, unless Academic Board has permitted generally by regulation or in special cases its interruption or reduction on grounds of illness or other adequate cause. (See also paragraphs 9.4 and 9.5 below.)
9.2 An approved course of study for a first degree must, in accordance with the University Ordinances, extend over not less than three academic years and be continuously pursued, unless the Academic Board has permitted generally by regulation or in special cases its interruption or reduction on grounds of illness or other adequate cause. (See also paragraphs 9.3 and 9.4 below.)
Note: In the case of students admitted under the Regulations for Advanced Students the duration of the course of study may be not less than two academic years (See also Section 11).
9.3 The following principles apply:
- The award of a First degree of the University of London should imply evidence of:
1. the graduate’s academic progress in terms of depth of study over the period of full-time study (or its equivalent) normally prescribed for that area of study at university level in the University
2. the graduate’s having followed a coherently structured programme of study
3. the graduate’s ability to study at an advanced level, to assimilate, assess and interpret information and to communicate effectively. - Provided the criteria in (a) are satisfied a First degree of the University of London may be based on programmes of study that are interdisciplinary or in specialised subject areas or that are designed to meet the particular needs and interests of individual students.
- The objectives of intended programmes of study and the criteria against which achievements will be judged should be clearly defined.
- If the student is to graduate from the University of London, (s)he must:
1. meet the prescribed criteria for the award
2. be assessed for the award under the auspices of the University
3. have studied for a minimum of one year, including the final year, under the direction of teachers in the College. - Due regard should be given to the academic currency of studies and examinations at the time of the award of a University of London degree and, to that end the period between first embarking on the studies which will count towards the University of London degree and the date of award should not normally exceed six years (or the part-time equivalent).
9.4 The Academic Board may, at its discretion, permit in special cases the shortening of the course of study for a First degree on grounds of illness or other cause judged adequate.
9.5 The College may, at its discretion, grant an interruption of course of study to a candidate on grounds of illness or other adequate cause for a maximum period of two consecutive years. An application for an interruption of course of study of more than two consecutive years must be made to the Academic Board.
9.6 A student who has been awarded a Bachelor’s degree or any other qualification by the University may not subsequently be awarded the same qualification in the same subject or branch of study.
9.7 Except where the regulations for any award provide otherwise a student who has been awarded a qualification by the University may enter again for that same qualification in a different subject or field of study provided that on each occasion the student shall register de novo and shall comply with all regulations for the qualifications as if (s)he were entering for the first time.
9.8 Subject to the regulations for the qualification in question, a student who has already been awarded a qualification may register for a supplementary course of study under the regulations for that same qualification and may enter the corresponding examination after a period of study which will be prescribed in each case. Students who complete a supplementary course and pass the corresponding examination will be provided with a statement which will include the following information:
- name of student
- qualification already obtained
- period of supplementary study
- standard of honours or other mark of distinction attained (where appropriate)
- School or Institution attended
- examinations passed.
9.9 All questions relating to the modification of courses of study by students or to the granting of exemptions from such courses, except in so far as they are dealt with in the foregoing regulations shall stand referred to the Academic Board.