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NFAAR-PGT: Information for students on Taught Postgraduate Programmes (NFAAR Phases 2 & 3)

Terminology | Details in Programme Structure | Examples of NFAAR-PGT information in Programme Catalogues | Where to access further information

NB. The information below pertains only to students on taught postgraduate programmes (links to pages for students on other types of programme can be found on the NFAAR index page).

In 2008/09 the University introduced a new academic framework of assessment regulations governing most undergraduate degree programmes. In 2010/11, Phase 2 of this framework, covering some taught postgraduate programmes (see list below) was implemented. From the 2011/12 academic year, this new framework is being extended to cover most postgraduate taught programmes.

The framework - called the New Framework for Assessment: Assessment Regulations Phases 2 & 3 for taught postgraduate programmes (NFAAR-PGT) - describes the rules for progression from one stage of a degree programme to the next (including supplementary assessment, and the extent of failure that can be condoned), as well as for the award of degrees. Students taking programmes which fall within the NFAAR-PGT will be assessed according to these rules.

Phase 2 of the NFAAR-PGT (implemented from 2010/11 onwards) covers the following programmes:

1. Full-time programmes in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry as listed below:

2. Full-time programmes in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering as listed below:

Phase 3 of the NFAAR-PGT (implemented from 2011/12 onwards) covers:

...most other taught postgraduate programmes not exclusively part of the Continuing Professional Development (CDP) Framework (there is a separate version of NFAAR covering CPD programmes - called 'NFAAR-CPD').

How do I know which version of NFAAR my programme is being assessed under?

You will be able to see which version of NFAAR your programme is being assessed under by looking at the relevant entry in the programme catalogue. Programmes assessed under NFAAR-PGT will have a box at the beginning of the programme structure containing text which begins "NFAAR-PGT assessment regulations:"; for programmes assessed under NFAAR-CPD the text in this box will begin "NFAAR-CPD assessment regulations".

These changes will not affect students who commenced programmes of study included in Phase 2 of NFAAR-PGT (see list above) prior to the 2010/11 academic year or students who commenced programmes of study included in Phase 3 of NFAAR-PGT prior to the 2011/12 academic year.

Terminology

The NFAAR-PGT has necessitated the introduction of new terminology which you may come across within the postgraduate programme catalogues:

You can find a full list of the terminology used in the NFAAR-PGT in Appendix 2 (PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view) of the NFAAR documentation.

Programme Structure

The programme catalogues have been structured to help you understand the way in which the NFAAR-PGT has been applied to each programme of study. Years of programmes which fall within the NFAAR-PGT will have the relevant taught and dissertation/project units described as well as any designated essential units (or designated essential optional units) and stage required units. Also, at the beginning of each year within the programme, the catalogues include a block of text providing further NFAAR-PGT information:

This information will appear in a shaded box at the top of each year of study within the programme catalogues.

Example 1: a programme with a DAP and a Higher Programme Progression Requirement

Click here for further information NFAAR-PGT assessment regulations:

  • This programme has the following designated alternative programmes (DAPs): PG Diploma; PG Certificate
  • Assessment Regulations: Appendix 11 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Programme progression requirement: 50%
  • Taught credits: 60; Dissertation/Project credits: 30

 

Example 2: a programme with a DAP, Programme Progression Requirement and a Stage Required Unit

Click here for further information NFAAR-PGT assessment regulations:

  • This programme has the following designated alternative programmes (DAPs): PG Diploma
  • Assessment Regulations: Appendix 11 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Programme progression requirement: 40%; Stage Required Unit (SRU) must be passed to progress to dissertation
  • Taught credits: 60; Dissertation/Project credits: 30

 

Example 3: a programme with no DAP and no Programme Progression Requirements
Click here for further information NFAAR-PGT assessment regulations:
  • This programme does not have a DAP
  • Assessment Regulations: Appendix 11 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Programme progression requirement: not applicable
  • Taught credits: 36; Dissertation/Project credits: 54

 

Where to access further information