PURPOSE: this regulation explains the normal duration of a course and the maximum length of time which can be taken by students to achieve their award.

1.1 Taught Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses

The table in the Academic Awards Framework states the normal and maximum time limits of awards for students studying on full-time or part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• If you start a course with recognised prior credit or transfer credit from another course, the normal and maximum time limits are changed accordingly (e.g. a full-time student starting an Honours Degree programme at Level 5 has a normal duration of 2 years and a maximum time limit of 5 years).
• If you transfer to a different course without any credit, the maximum time limit of the new course will apply.
• If you have reached the time limit for your course but have outstanding assessments to complete due to exceptional circumstances, you may carry this over to the next academic year. You cannot start new study on the same course once you have reached the time limit.
If you are unable to complete your course within the maximum time permitted, you will be withdrawn from your course and considered for an interim award if appropriate. Any further application for study at the University will be considered under the University Admissions Policy.

1.2 How the time limit is calculated

The course duration includes the years that you study a course plus any additional time you may need due to:
• Exceptional circumstances
• Taking a break from study
• Repeating any modules, you may have failed.
If you exceed the normal time limit, this could impact your fees, funding or visa.