There are limits on the amount, level and aim of ISMs which may be included within an award, as follows:

a) ISMs are normally undertaken at levels 5, 6 and 7 only. ISMs are not normally appropriate for level 4 study, unless in very exceptional circumstances.

b) ISMs may be permitted up to a maximum of 20 credits within an undergraduate award. At postgraduate level, ISMs may be permitted up to 15 credits within a masters award.

c) When an ISM at level 6 or 7 is being considered, careful consideration is needed to ensure that the ISM proposal is sufficiently distinct in subject from any project or dissertation the student is required to undertake as part of the validated programme of study.

d) A student cannot undertake both ISM and ad hoc Learning from Work/WBL modules based on the same source of learning and assessment, even if the modules are at different levels.

e) ISMs must avoid repetition of learning on similar modules, except when an ISM is being undertaken to replace a module previously studied and failed but no longer available (normally a core module) and which would be necessary to meet certain specified learning outcomes to obtain the award for which the student is enrolled.

f) ISMs cannot be used to shorten the normal duration of an award, ie. an ISM cannot replace study and assessment of taught modules that are readily available within a programme but which would take a longer period to complete.

g) ISMs cannot be used for cohorts of students; nor, can they replace formally approved phasing out arrangements for courses that have been closed and/or are due to be replaced by new or revalidated provision. Phasing out arrangements are normally considered at validation and the use of ISMs for this purpose will not be considered.

h) An ISM must consist of 100% coursework