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ISTANBUL BllGI UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL DUAL DEGREES

OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

INTRODUCTION

This document supplements the Institutional Agreement for the Administration of Dual Degree Undergraduate Programmes and the Academic Protocol Agreements for the Development of Dual Degree Programmes signed by both Istanbul Bilgi University (hereafter referred to as "IBU") and the University of Liverpool (hereafter referred to as "UoL") in March/April 2011 and 2012. The Framework establishes the basic requirements of each partner in respect ofthe delivery ofthe designated programmes.

The operational framework shall remain in force until all students on the approved dual degree programmes have either completed studies or transferred onto an alternative programme at IBU.

SECTION A: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

1. Programme Structure

1.1. The programmes are full time to comply with the Tier 4 visa requirements for student visitors entering the UK.

1.2. Students will register sequentially at the two Universities with registration for Years 1, 2 and 3 of study at IBU followed by registration at the UoL for Year 4 of study.

1.3. The dual degree programmes consist of years of study, normally four, of which Years 2 and 3 will be taught and assessed in English at IBU and Year 4 will be taught and assessed in English at the UoL. Students who successfully complete the programmes will receive two degree certificates: one from the IBU and one, with accompanying Higher Education Achievement Record incorporating the European Diploma Supplement, from the UoL.

1.4. A year of study consists of modules which have a total value of 60 ECTS' credits. Students will not normally be allowed to register for more than the 60 ECTS credits of Year 4. Any request for a student to be permitted to register for more than 60

1 One ECTS credit equates to two University of Liverpool credits. Therefore a University of Liverpool study year of 120 credits equates to 60 ECTS credits.

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ECTS credits in Years 1-3 of study must approved in accordance with the IBU

regulations governing credit allowances.

1.5. The smallest possible module normally has a value of 5 ECTS credits and the

maximum size of a module will normally be 15 ECTS credits. Modules will normally have credit values which are multiples of five. Permission to offer modules which

exceed 15 ECTS credits in Year 4 of the programmes must be sought from the UoL

Academic Quality and Standards Committee.

1.6. The notional study hours (including tutorials, practical sessions, participation in

online activities, private study, revision and assessments/examinations) associated with one ECTS credit point are 20 hours.

1.7. Modules must be assigned a credit level2. For the dual degree programmes these

are 4, 5, and 63. Level 7 modules may be offered only in Year 4 of the Bachelor's

programmes, only on an optional basis, and these will carry a pass mark of 50%.

1.8. The requirements for credit levels are as follows :

a. In Year 2 a minimum of 75% of the credits must be at Level 4

b. In Year 3 a minimum of 75% of the credits must be at Level 5

c. In Year 4 a minimum of 75% of the credits must be at Level 6

1.9. Student workload should normally be divided equally between the two semesters in each year of study, i.e. they should normally take modules totalling 30 ECTS

credits in each semester. However, programmes may be designed with imbalances

of up to 5 ECTS cred its between semesters, e.g. 25 ECTS credits in semester one and 35 ECTS credits in semester two. Any proposal for a programme to be

designed with a greater imbalance of workload (up to 15 ECTS credits difference between the two semesters) will require specific permission as follows:

a. If the imbalance occurs in Years 1-3 approval should be sought from IBU in accordance with its stated procedures for module/programme approval;

b. If the imbalance occurs in Year 4 approval should be sought from the UoL's

Academic Quality and Standards Committee. Such permission will only be given in exceptional circumstances on submission and acceptance of a satisfactory

rationale.

2 The level assigned to a module is an indicator of the relative demand, complexity and depth of learning required of a learner. External reference points for determining credit levels include the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland http://www.qaa.ac. uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publicationI?Pubi 0=2843 and the level descriptors produced by the various credit consortia (e.g. those associated with the Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System http://nicats.ac.uk/mainindex.html.

3 These descriptors for the level of credit correspond to the descriptors in the QM Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) as follows: • UoL Year 1 is FHEQ level 4; • UoL Year 2 is FHEQ level 5; • UoL Year 3 is FHEQ level 6; • UoL Postgraduate modules are FHEQ level 7.

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1.10. In exceptional circumstances, individual students may be allowed to choose options in their programme of studies which would result in an imbalance of up to 5 ECTS credits, e.g. 25 ECTS credits in semester one and 35 ECTS credits in semester two. Such choices in Years 1-3 require the specific permission of the Programme Co-ordinator at IBU and in Year 4 require the specific permission of the Director of Studies for the programme at the UoL. A student choosing such a pattern of study must be made aware by either or both Universities that the uneven workload will

not be regarded as a mitigating factor in the case of failure in assessments and consequent failure to progress to the next year of study or to achieve a final award.

1.11. Modules totalling a minimum of 15 ECTS credits must be completed (i.e. taught and assessed) in semester one. Up to 15 ECTS credits of learning undertaken in semester one may form part of modules which are taught over two semesters. The balance of the credit must be gained from modules taught and assessed in semester two. Modules of 5 ECTS credits should, as far as possible, be taught within one semester and not over two semesters. Any changes to programmes which involve the introduction of modules taught over two semesters in Year 4 must be approved by the relevant UoL Faculty Academic Quality and Standards Committee and in Years 1-3 by the IBU Faculty Executive Board.

1.12. Modules may be designated as mandatory, required, pre-requisite or co-requisite (definitions are provided at the end of this document). The number of mandatory modules in any study year should not normally be of value of more than 45 ECTS credits and it is expected that mandatory status will normally be reserved for those modules in which competence is a requirement of profeSSional or accrediting bodies of the degree scheme. It should also be noted that a module which is mandatory in one degree programme may be taken as an optional module in another programme.

1.13. The pass mark for modules at Levels 4,5 and 6 is 40% or 2.00 GPA; for any Level 7 modules which are offered on an optional basis to students in Year 4 of the Bachelor's programmes, the pass mark is 50%.

2. Registration Periods

2.1. Students on the full-time dual programmes leading to the award of Bachelor must complete a minimum of four years of study. The maximum period for which a full­time student may be registered for a programme of study leading to the award of Bachelor, including periods of suspension of study and repeated years of study, shall normally be three years more than the minimum length of the programme, i.e. seven years from the date of first registration at IBU.

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3. University Mark Scales

3.1. Marks awarded for individual modules are categorised as follows (this scale assu mes rounding of raw scores and percentages, if necessary, to the nearest whole number, with decimal places up to four being rounded down and decimal places of five or more being rounded up):

Bilgi Bilgi Bilgi Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool Letter GPA Assessment Mark Mark Degree Grade Descriptor Range Class

A(S) 4.00 Superb 90-100 90 First 1st

A(E) Excellent 80-89 80 First 1st

A(VG) Very Good 70-79 70 First 1st

A- 3.70 Highly 65-69 65 Upper 2.1

Competent Second

B+ 3.30 Competent 60-64 60 Upper 2.1

Second

B 3.00 Highly Sufficient 55-59 55 Lower 2.2

Second

B- 2.70 Sufficient 50-54 50 Lower 2.2

Second

C+ 2.30 Pass 45-49 45 Third 3

C 2.00 Narrow Pass 40-44 40 Third 3

C- 1.70 Pass with 35-39 38 Fail

Compensation

D+ l.30 Pass with 35-39 36 Fail

Compensation

D 1.00 Pass with 35-39 35 Fail

Compensation

F 0 Fail 0-34 0 Fail

4. Timing of assessments and disclosure of results to students

4.1. The assessment of a module must be completed by the end if the semester in which the teaching of it is completed.

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4.2. Marks for coursework should be disclosed to students as soon as practicable and the marks achieved in first semester examinations should be disclosed as soon as they are available following the first semester examinations. However the disclosure of such marks is made on the understanding that they:

a. will remain provisional until a final determination is made at the main meeting of the Board of Examiners held in the summer;

b. are released at this stage for general guidance only; c. may be subject to further amendment at the main meeting of the Board of

Examiners.

5. Boards of Examiners

5.1. There shall be UoL representation at all meetings of IBU's Boards of Examiners for Years 2 and 3 of study for the relevant programmes and representation from IBU at the UoL's Boards of Examiners for Year 4 of study for the relevant programmes. Representation may be in person or by digital communication such as video conference or Skype.

6. Progression from Year 3 to Year 4

6.1. In order to progress from IBU to UoL on the undergraduate degree programmes students must fulfil one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

a. IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component; b. Laureate Network B2 level Test Engine Examination score of a minimum of 70.

6.2. The criteria for completing Year 3 and progressing to Year 4 require a student to a. Pass (Le. achieve 40% or 2.00 GPA) all mandatory modules; and b. Pass (Le. achieve 40% or 2.00 GPA) in modules amounting to 45 ECTS credits;

and c. Achieve at least 40% or 2.00 GPA averaged across all modules and a minimum

mark of 35% or 1.30 GPA in all modules.

6.3. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression to Year 4, following one attempt at re-sit examinations in July, may be allowed by the Faculty Executive Board at IBU to retake the modules in the following academic session according to the IBU's progression and probation rules. However students who fail the year of study on two occasions shall normally not be allowed to progress to the UoL programmes.

7. Failure of modules in Years 1, 2 and 3

7.1. Subject to the regulatory framework both for progression from Year 3 to Year 4 (section 6 above) and for maximum registration periods (section 2 above), IBU will operate its normal rules on repeating modules, progression and probation for students who fail modules in Years 1-3.

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7.2. For the UoL degree, following re-sit examinations the mark will be recorded in the student record system as having been obtained following a second or subsequent sitting of an examination or assessment, except where the IBU Faculty Executive Board has determined, as a result of a student's ill-health or other mitigating circumstances, that the re-sit should be treated as a first examination. In these circumstances the mark achieved in the re-sit examination will not be flagged. Examiners must clearly identify to the relevant Student Administration and Support Division (UoL) or Student Affairs Office (IBU) when this is the case.

8. Further Failure in Study Year 3

8.1. If a student fails to satisfy the progression requirements following re-sit

examinations/assessments in July, the following options are open to the Faculty Executive Board at IBU:

a. Termination of studies; b. Retake all examinations/assessments in the failed modules during the next

academic session. The Faculty Executive Board will determine whether students should retake the failed modules with or without attendance at lectures and classes for those modules. In those circumstances where a student is required to attend for the retake of a module, the student may be allowed, on academic grounds, to replace the failed module by a new module. In this case the mark for the new module would be capped at 40% for progression to Year 4;

c. Retake the whole or part-year with attendance. This alternative would only be allowed where there is clear evidence that a student's year of study had been significantly affected by ill-health or other just cause and in these circumstances the examinations/assessments taken would be regarded as first attempts, not re-sits.

8.2. Except for reasons of ill-health or other mitigating circumstances (where special consideration may be given) students who fail to satisfy progression requirements

following a repeat year of study, will not normally be permitted to continue with their studies at the University of Liverpool.

9. Mitigating Circumstances

9.1. If a student is unable to attend an examination or to submit an assessment which counts towards the final mark of the module owing to illness or other unavoidable circumstances, they must inform their department, preferably in writing or by email, before the examination or assessment deadline, in order for the absence to be regarded as authorised. Provided that acceptable evidence of 'good cause' for such absence (e.g. a medical note) is presented for consideration by the relevant Committee in accordance with the UoL Code of Practice on Assessment Appendix M or the IBU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures, the student will be granted a right to re-sit as a first attempt (unless the examination missed was not a 'first attempt' examination). Only in exceptional circumstances, where a Board of

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Examiners (UoL) or the Faculty Executive Board (IBU), on the advice of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee, judges that it was not feasible for the student to have provided prior notification, will a student who is absent from an examination or fails to submit an assessment without informing their department in advance, be granted a 'first attempt' re-sit.

9.2. Boards of Examiners, and where relevant Faculty Executive Boards (IBU), may determine that a student who is absent from an examination or fails an assessment without good cause (even when they have informed their department in advance) should not be granted a re-sit attempt without repeating the Year of study.

10. Completion and Degree Classification (UoL awards)

10.1. The system is based on the use of an overall average of the weighted marks for Year 4 as the first indicator of the degree classification, with a system of profiling being employed in cases of students whose averages are at the borderline between classifications.

Credit to be passed 10.2. If modules totalling 165 ECTS credits from Years 2, 3 and 4 or more have been

passed, i.e. the module has been awarded a GPA of 2.00 or a mark of 40% or above and all mandatory modules have been passed, the candidate will be considered for the award of a classified honours degree. If modules totalling more than 15 ECTS credits in Year 4 have been failed, i.e. the module has been awarded a mark of less than 40%, the candidate will not be eligible for the award of an honours degree but may be eligible for the award of a pass (non-honours) degree.

Weighting 10.3. The marks for Year 4 are used to determine the UoL degree classification.

Averaging 10.4. A mark is allocated for each module. Each mark is multiplied by the number of

credits allocated to the module to which it relates. The resulting numbers for each module in the year of study are totalled together and divided by 60 (the total number of ECTS credits for a year of study), resulting in an average mark. The overall average is rounded to the nearest whole number (decimal places of one to four are rounded down, decimal places of five or more are rounded up). This calculation is done for Year 4 marks only.

10.5. The initial indication of degree classification is then reached as follows: 70%+ 60-69% 50-59% 40-49% Less than 40%

First Class Upper Second Class Lower Second Class Third Class Pass degree

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Profiling 10.6. If a candidate achieves 69%, 59%, 49% or 39% by averaging, i.e. missing automatic

classification by no more than 1% (after rounding) they will have their mark profile considered. For the purpose of determining the average mark for profiling, GPAs will be converted to percentages and re-sit marks will be capped at 40% (or 50% for Level 7 modules), unless the re-sit is being treated as a first examination in cases of ill-health or other mitigating circumstances determined by the Board of Examiners (or, where appropriate the Faculty Progress Committee).

10.7. If a candidate is profiled, s/he will be awarded the higher class if either a. 60 ECTS credits of study in Years 3 and 4 are in a higher class than the overall

average mark and of these at least 15 ECTS credits have been achieved in Year 4·or ,-

b. at least 30 ECTS credits of study in Year 4 have been achieved in the higher class.

Failure of Year 4 modules

10.8. If a candidate meets the criteria set out above for the award of a classified honours degree but has failed a module or modules in Year 4, the Board of Examiners, before recommending the award of a classified honours degree, must satisfy itself that the overall learning outcomes of the programme of study have been achieved and that the student has made a reasonable attempt at the assessments that were failed. If, for example, without mitigating circumstances, a student has a mark of zero in a module due to non-attendance or failure to take the assessments, the Board of Examiners would be unlikely to recommend the award of an honours degree.

Pass (Non-Honours) Degree 10.9. Candidates who do not meet the criteria for a classified honours degree will be

eligible for the award of a pass (non-honours) degree if they achieve the pass mark (40%) in modules totalling a minimum of 150 ECTS credits (irrespective of their overall average). The credits passed must be at the appropriate level, as detailed in Appendix A of the UoL's Code of Practice on Assessment and must not include Year 1 credits. This therefore includes:

a. Candidates who are not considered for a classified honours degree because they have not achieved the minimum 165 ECTS credit requirement;

b. Candidates who have achieved the minimum 165 ECTS credit requirement for an honours degree but whose average mark is less than 40% and who are either not eligible for profiling or are not eligible for a classified honours degree

following profiling: and c. Candidates with a failed module or modules in Year 4 who have prima facie met

the criteria for the award of a classified honours degree but to whom the Board of Examiners has declined to award a classified honours degree on the basis that they have failed to achieve the overall learning outcomes of the programme or the Board is not satisfied that the student made a reasonable attempt at the failed assessments.

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Year 4 Reassessments 10.10. Candidates who fail final year (Year 4) modules may re-sit

examinations/assessments for those modules at the next ordinary sitting of the examinotions/assessments for those modules, on the following basis:

a. Candidates a. Who achieve the minimum 165 ECTS credit requirement for the award of a

classified honours degree but whose average mark/module profile does not entitle them to a classified honours degree; or

b. Who achieve 150 ECTS credits but fewer than 165 ECTS credits and are only therefore eligible for the award of a pass degree; or

c. With a failed module or modules in Year 4 who have prima facie met the criteria for the award of a classified honours degree but to whom the Board of Examiners has declined to award a classified honours degree on the basis that they have failed to achieve the overall learning outcomes of the programme or the Board is not satisfied that the student made a reasonable attempt at the failed assessments;

will be able to opt either to accept a pass degree or to re-sit the examinations/assessments for the failed modules. The marks for the modules in which examinations/assessments have been reassessed will be capped at 40% (or 50% for Level 7 modules) for the purpose of calculating the average for the degree classification. All credits passed must be at the appropriate level, as detailed in Appendix A to the UoL's Code of Practice on Assessment, and must not include Year 1 credits

b. Candidates who do not achieve enough credits for either an honours degree or a pass degree will be allowed to re-sit and, depending upon the results of the examinations/assessments which are reassessed, may be eligible for the award of either a classified honours degree or a pass degree. The marks for the modules in which examinations/assessments have been reassessed will be capped at 40% (or 50% for Level 7 modules) for the purpose of calculating the average for the degree classification.

10.11. Where a student who, owing to ill-health or other mitigating circumstances, has not completed all assessments or whose performance in his/her assessments is considered by the Board of Examiners to have been affected by ill-health or other mitigating circumstances, the Board of Examiners should decide whether it has sufficient evidence of the student's achievement to determine the award. If the

Mitigating Circumstances Committee considers that there is enough work (normally 30 ECTS credits) and that there is evidence that the programme's learning outcomes have been met, they will recommend the award which should be made (including the class of the award, if appropriate) and that the student be offered the option of either accepting that award or of re-taking/re-sitting the missed/affected assessments as a 'first attempt' at the next ordinary sitting. Where the Board of Examiners decides to award a pass degree or considers that there is not sufficient evidence to determine the award but decides to offer an aegrotat degree, then the student concerned should be given the opportunity either to accept the pass or aegrotat degree or to take/retake the missed/failed assessments at the next ordinary sitting of those assessments. An aegrotat degree will only be offered

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where it is considered that a student's ongoing ill-health would preclude them from re-sitting/re-taking the missed/affected assessments.

10.12. Normally candidates will re-sit the failed modules without attendance, unless the Board of Examiners determines that there are special circumstances which suggest that they should be allowed to retake with attendance.

10.13. Candidates may opt not to repeat all their failed final year modules but rather to repeat the requisite number which, if passed at an appropriate level, would result in the award of a degree. However, they would be well advised to repeat all final year failed modules, in view of the fact that re-sit marks are capped at 40% (or 50% for Level 7 modules) and also that no further opportunity for retaking examinations/assessments would be available.

10.14. In circumstances where there have been significant changes to a module or a module is not offered in every year, special examinations/assessments must be set for candidates retaking the module following failure in the final year. These examinations/assessments will take place when the examinations/assessments for the changed module take place or when the examinations/assessments for the module would have taken place were it to be offered that year.

10.15. Candidates who fail up to 15 ECTS credits in the final year but who still achieve an average which results in a classified honours degree being awarded will not be allowed to retake modules to gain a higher classification.

Role of the Boord of Examiners 10.16. The Board of Examiners for each programme will include a representative from

the partner University and will ratify the results and give special consideration to the cases of students who prima Jacie have met the criteria for the award of a classified honours degree, but who have failed modules in their final year, and of students whose performance might have been affected by ill-health or other mitigating circumstances. The External Examiner's role will be focused on scrutinising module marks before they are fed into the calculations, considering the cases of students with final year failed credit and those whose performance may have been affected by ill-health or other mitigating circumstances and verifying the assessment process.

Certificate and Diploma in Higher Education 10.17. The awards of the University of Liverpool Certificate or Diploma in Higher

Education are not offered as exit qualifications for students registered on the dual degree programmes who either leave the University before completing Year 4 or leave the University as a result of failure of modules in Year 4.

11. Completion and Degree Classification (Istanbul Bilgi University)

11.1. In order to be eligible for the Istanbul Bilgi University award candidates must have successfully completed all obligatory and optional modules and courses of the

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programme and have obtained a Grade Point average of 2.00 out of 4.00. The calculation of the Grade Point Average shall be determined by the rules set out in the Istanbul Bilgi University Regulations Governing Undergraduate Studies.

11.2. Students who fail to meet the academic requirements of both IBU and UoL shall not be considered for either of the awards.

12. Transfer of student results

12.1. As set out in paragraph 18 of the Institutional Agreement arrangements for the transfer of students' Year 3 and Year 4 results should be formalised to allow the entry of all percentage module marks from Years 3 and 4 on SPIDER at the UoL and onto the Student Information System at IBU as soon as the marks have been confirmed. The transfer of results should be secure to protect individual student's data and should be timely for progression, visa and graduation processes at both Universities.

12.2. Both IBU and UoL shall notify the other of the conferment of awards to students on the named programmes.

SECTION B: ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

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1. Assessment strategies

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1.1. In designing and reviewing assessment strategies care should be taken to ensure that there is an appropriate mix of formative and summative assessment. A range of assessment techniques should be adopted which are appropriate to the teaching and learning methods and relevant to the specified module learning outcomes. The assessment modes should provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes being assessed. The assessment methods

should be rigorous, reliable, equitable and should facilitate differentiation between achievement at the pass threshold and at other levels.

1.2. All assessment tasks for modules in Years 2 and 3 should be verified by the UoL Link Tutors and External Examiners prior to the start of each semester, using the template provided by UoL.

1.3. Assessment strategies should be clearly indicated in programme and module specifications.

1.4. All assessment should be completed, submitted and marked in English.

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2. Grading criteria and marking 2.1. For each module the assessment tasks should be clearly defined and should be

related to the learning outcomes which they are designed to test. For each individual assessment task the following should be clearly defined to students:

a. Purpose b. Criteria to be used in allocating marks c. The proportion of the marks allocated to different parts of the assessment (if

appropriate) d. The proportion of the total marks for the module which the assessment

represents (if appropriate) e. Whether or not failure in the assessment task may be compensated for by

higher marks in other assessment components of the module f. If there is a word limit attached to the assessment and what, if any, the mark

penalty would be for exceeding that word limit.

2.2. The information provided to students should enable them to understand what is expected of them to pass the assessment at the threshold and to obtain higher

grades.

2.3. For every assessment that contributes to an award of UoL there must be one or more internal examiners responsible for marking the assessment in relation to the stated criteria for the assessment, any agreed marking scheme, qualitative descriptors and marks scales.

3. Moderation 3.1. Moderation is the examination of a selection of pieces of work from an assessment

task by an individual to verify or otherwise the level and consistency of the marks allocated by the markers. For modules in Years 2 and 3 this will be conducted by the UoL Link Tutors. For modules in Year 4 moderation will be conducted in accordance with the normal UoL Code of Practice on Assessment procedures.

SECTION C: STUDENT EXPERIENCE

1. Visa Issues 1.1. Students on the dual awards will need a Tier 4 visa (issued by UK Visa and

Immigration) to enter the UK for Year 4 of study. The UoL must act as a sponsor for the students by providing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) to each individual student before they can apply for a visa. To avoid unnecessary delay in the process IBU must supply details of the students eligible to progress to study Year 4 of the dual programmes by the end of the first week in July of each year so that UoL can issue the requisite CAS references in time for students to obtain their visas before the commencement of the next academic session in September.

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2. learning Resources 2.1. Students will be registered at IBU and have access to its learning resources in study

Years 1, 2 and 3. Students will not have access to UoL's learning resources during study Years 1, 2 and 3.

2.2. Students will have access to the UoL's learning resources when they register for study Year 4 in Liverpool. Students will also have access to IBU's learning resources during study Year 4.

3. learning and Teaching 3.1. The strategies for learning and teaching should be designed to enable the students

to become confident independent learners. Curricula should be stimulating and research-led. Students should have opportunities for collaborative learning and be exposed to a diversity of assessment types throughout the degree programmes that align to skill development as well as subject knowledge and understanding.

3.2. Students should be provided with opportunities for personal development as learners through the provision of a variety of learning opportunities and experiences which could include e-Iearning.

3.3. Teaching practice should be responsive to student evaluation and feedback.

3.4. All academic staff teaching on the programmes should be appropriately professionally qualified, be aware of the pedagogy of their discipline and have access to appropriate resources that their University makes available for learning and teaching.

3.5. Assessment practice in all programmes should allow for both formative and summative assessment and feedback to students. Students should be aware of the assessment criteria applying to them in advance of submitting work.

4. Student Support and Guidance at the Uol

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4.1. The UoL operates a Welcome Week for all new students at the start of the academic session. Events and presentations are arranged centrally by the University and the academic departments. Comprehensive information on University procedures, support systems, programme details and key contacts will be made available for all Year 4 students on the dual degree programmes.

4.2. The Uol has an extensive range of support services for students and specifically for International students. The International Support Team within the Student Support Services is located centrally on campus, has an informative Webpage and produces a number of publications for use by students before and after arrival in the UK. These publications provide information on topics such as: on-line registration with the University; registering to use the University's computer facilities; payment of tuition fees; visa issues; registering with the Police (for which a separate fee is

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payable); sport and fitness facilities; banking; accommodation; personal insurance; support for students with disabilities; registering with a doctor/dentist. These services will be available to all Year 4 students on the dual degree programmes.

4.3. Although UoL has substantial experience in hosting large numbers of international students, it is recognised that students from IBU on the dual awards may need additional (electronic) support from a named tutor from IBU in the early part of their stay in Liverpool to help them deal with the transition and any cultural or academic challenges.

5. Student Representation 5.1. UoL is committed to receiving and responding to student feedback; working in

partnership with students in order to improve the quality of their experience within the institution. Feedback on the dual degree programmes should be gathered at IBU for study Years 1, 2 and 3 and at UoL for study Year 4 through student evaluation questionnaires, through student representation and within UoL Staff­Student Liaison Committees (SSLC) or their equivalent at IBU.

5.2. Student representatives for the SSLCs, or their equivalent at IBU, should be elected by their peers to present constructive feedback from their constituents to their Departments and to report back to students the outcomes of the meetings. SSLC membership should include a minimum of one student representative for each year of study and should where possible reflect the diversity of the student population. Students must be registered on the dual programme for which the specific SSLC is responsible to be eligible to stand for or vote in elections.

5.3. Information about the student representation system should be provided by departments as part of their induction material and should be included in departmental student handbooks.

5.4. It is expected that Heads of Departments will nominate members of academic staff to serve on the SSLCs. There should be a reasonable balance between staff and student members.

5.5. Departments should arrange a minimum of three scheduled committee meetings per year, convened at an appropriate stage in each semester, at times that are convenient to both students and staff. At the first meeting of each year there should be a short introduction to the purpose, powers and procedures of the SSLC, and the members should elect officers, to include, as a minimum, a Chair and a Secretary. Where possible the officers should be students;

5.6. SSLCs should ensure that they consider the learning experience of all students on relevant programmes and would normally consider matters relating but not restricted to curriculum development; the organisation and delivery of the programmes; departmental arrangements; timetabling issues; resources, e.g. availability of teaching and learning materials, library opening hours, IT provision;

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communications. Staff-Student Liaison Committees should not discuss individual students and should only discuss individual staff in the context of general issues.

6. Student Complaints and Appeals 6.1. The policies and procedures in force for a student would be those of the University

the student is currently formally registered with and attending: that is the complaints and appeals procedures of IBU will apply to students in study Years 1, 2 and 3 and those of UoL in study Year 4.

6.2. The student handbooks should clearly reflect these arrangements so that the students have a clear understanding of their entitlements and the procedures they would need to follow at each of the Universities.

7. External Examiners 7.1. External Examiners for the study Years 2, 3 and 4 shall be appointed by the UoL. IBU

shall meet the direct costs, including the relevant fee, for the external examiners appointed in respect of study Years 2, 3 and 4 of the dual degree programmes.

8. Quality Assurance

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8.1. Proposals to modify existing dual degree programmes must be submitted to the relevant UoL Board of Studies and then notified to the UoL's Teaching Quality Support Division (TQSD) for consideration for approval by the University's Collaborative Provision Committee. TQSD will inform IBU of UoL Committee decisions.

8.2. The UoL will conduct an annual monitoring visit to IBU normally in the autumn term of each year. The visit will be carried out by a Panel from UoL comprising: the Pro­Vice Chancellor (Education) or his nominee, the Academic Secretary (or her nominee), the Secretary to the UoL Collaborative Provision Committee or other member of the UoL Teaching Quality Support Division. The direct costs of the visit should be met by IBU in accordance with the Termination Agreement paragraph 11.

8.3 . In order to carry out the visit effectively the visiting Panel will usually require some documentation from IBU prior to arrival. UoL will request these documents at least six weeks before the visit and, at the same time, will enquire if IBU has any items it would like to be included on the agenda for the visit.

8.4. The documents would normally include:

a) A self-evaluation document (guidelines provided separately), including but not limited to:

i. Proposals to modify or amend the programme specifications ii. Monitoring data on student recruitment, admissions (including

English Language score on entry), retention, progression and achievement

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iii. Monitoring data on graduate destinations iv. Responses to Link Tutors' and external examiners' reports v. Summary of arrangements for student representation

vi. Summary of student evaluations of academic provision and IBU's

responses to this feedback vii. Changes to staffing and CVs of newly appointed staff teaching on

the dual programmes viii. Procedures for the identification of staff development needs

ix. Key outcomes of internal monitoring processes and any changes to

those processes x. Measures taken to meet the equality requirements of the UoL in

respect of disability, race, gender, age and other protected characteristics as specified in the Equality Act 2010;

b) Student handbooks (programme and module)

c) d) e)

f)

Minutes of Staff Student Liaison Committees External Examiners' reports Internal annual monitoring documents Existing and proposed promotional materials in Turkish and translated into

English

8.5. On receiving the documents the TQSD at UoL will circulate them to all Panel members and consult on agenda items for the visit. Two weeks before the visit the

TQSD will finalise the agenda and arrangements for the visit with IBU.

8.6. The visit will normally take place over at least one but not more than three days. The visit will commence with an introductory meeting at which the panel members will meet key IBU staff, the agenda and itinerary can be confirmed and any outstanding documentation received by the panel. If necessary a tour of new facilities, such as library, IT facilities, laboratory facilities, teaching rooms, study space and social space for students should be included at an early stage in the visit.

8.7. IBU will be responsible for ensuring that the appropriate members of staff attend each meeting so that all questions can be dealt with satisfactorily.

8.8. At the end of the scheduled meetings a private panel meeting may be held to discuss the issues raised and to read any further documentation requested. This would be followed by a meeting between the Panel and key IBU staff members to review the discussions that have taken place, to ask further questions and request any further documentation.

8.9. A written report of the visit will be produced by the panel secretary and circulated to the Chair of the Panel and IBU for confirmation before a finalised version is submitted to the UoL Collaborative Provision Committee.

8.10.The provision will also be subject to an annual programme monitoring report for Year 4 of study which will be completed by the UoL academic lead for each

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programme and submitted to the UoL Collaborative Provision Committee for approval prior to forwarding to IBU for information.

9. Staff Recruitment and Development 9.1. Each University shall retain the obligation for the provIsion and appointment of

suitably qualified teaching staff for the programmes and notify the other party of changes in the allocation of staff to programmes leading to awards from IBU and UoL.

9.2. All teaching staff engaged in the delivery of the dual degree programmes shall satisfy the requirements of both IBU and UoL. To ensure those persons teaching on the programmes are duly accepted by both Universities, IBU shall provide UoL, as part of the documentation supporting the annual monitoring visit, with the CVs of its staff contributing to the teaching of the dual degrees. On request UoL shall provide IBU with the CVs of its staff contributing to the teaching of the dual degrees.

9.3. For the avoidance of doubt, teaching staff at IBU shall have no employment relationship with the UoL and teaching staff at UoL shall have no employment relationship with IBU.

9.4. The teaching staff at both Universities shall be encouraged to participate in curriculum and staff development and other joint activities, such as research and teaching exchanges, in order to promote enhancement of the standards of the dual degree programmes.

SIGNED by

PROFESSOR JANET BEER

Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool

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SIGNED by PROFESSOR GAVIN BROWN Pro Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Liverpool

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Date: :rl q /1 s I I

Date: [Iff Auluk 2o(S

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Glossary of Terms

Co-requisite Module A is a co-requisite for module B if it must be taken along with module B.

Credit A quantitative measure of learning achievement. Credit is normally awarded for the achievement of a set of specified learning outcomes and is related to the amount of learning needed to achieve the learning outcomes. One EeTS credit equates to two University of Liverpool credits. Therefore a University of Liverpool study year of 120 credits equates to 60 EeTS credits

Flagged mark A mark is flagged when it is achieved at a second or subsequent attempt at assessment (unless a Board of Examiners has determined that on the grounds of ill-health or other special circumstances, the assessment should be regarded as a first attempt). When a mark is flagged, the actual mark achieved is used for the purpose of determining progression and it appears on the student's transcript of studies but is shown as having been achieved at a second or subsequent attempt. For the purpose of determining a student's final degree classification, however, a flagged mark is capped at 40%, or 50% if it is a module at Level 7.

Mandatory A module is mandatory because competence is a pre-requisite for everything else, hence a pass in the module is essential. This status should be used sparingly.

Module A module is a discrete component of a year of study, with an EeTS credit value, having stated learning outcomes, teaching and learning opportunities to achieve those outcomes and assessment tasks to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the outcomes.

Pre-requisite Module A is a prerequisite for Module B if A must have been taken before B can be taken.

Programme

A programme is an approved course of study, expressed in named modules, that provides a coherent and structured learning experience leading to one or more awards.

Reassessment Where a student has failed a module or components of a module at the first attempt and has an entitlement to be reassessed in that module or in those components, the reassessment can take the form of either:

Re-sit where the student submits assessment tasks and/or undertakes another examination at the next ordinary sitting of the examinations/assessments for those modules Retake where it would be impractical for the student to re-sit as the reassessment task(s) would require attendance at formal sessions such as practical sessions, fieldwork, workshops.

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Required A module which must be taken in a particular study year, e.g. certain professiona l bodies may require particular subjects to be taken as part of a degree course but may not require anything more than a low level of competence.

Semester A fifteen week period usually accommodating twelve weeks of teaching and three weeks of revision and assessment.

Year of Study

A collection of modules worth 60 ECTS credits.

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