1

Awarding Institution:

University of Exeter

2

College(s)/Teaching Institution:

Flexible Combined Honours (FCH)

3

Programme accredited/validated by:

N/A

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Final Award(s):

BA, BSc - according to the subject combination studied

5

Programme Title:

The exact degree title depends on the subjects studied.

The general name for the degree programme is Flexible Combined Honours.

6

UCAS Codes:

Y004 - 3 years

Y006 - 4 years with Study or Work Abroad

Y007 - 4 years with UK Work Experience

7

FHEQ Level of Final Award(s):

H

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QAA Subject Benchmarking Group:

As appropriate to the subjects studied.

9

Date of Production/Revisions:

Approved October 2008.

Minor revisions November 2009 - clarification of levels and credits, as specified in other University documentation

Minor revisions July 2010 - updating, e.g. list of subject areas, amending 'School' to 'College' throughout, removing reference to WebCT, replacing old University departmental/unit names with new ones.

Major revision July 2010 - adding four-year pathway of UK work experience.

Minor revisions February 2011 - clarified degree title procedures.

Minor revisions November 2011 - updated subject list; clarified qualifying requirements for study abroad

10

Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards

The FCH programme may be followed either full-time or part-time, is normally studied for three stages over three years and is University based. A student may transfer from full-time to part-time or vice-versa at any appropriate point.

Four-year versions are available involving either:

• one year's study or work abroad

or

• one year's UK-based work experience

The year abroad or year working in the UK usually occurs between the second and final years in Exeter.

The University-based years of study of the four-year versions can be taken either full-time or part-time, but the year abroad or year work experience must be completed within one academic year (i.e. 'full-time').

Entry may be possible at second year level, in which case the programme covers stages 2 and 3 of the three-year degree, and stages 2 to 4 of the four-year degrees.

The programme leads to a named Honours Degree reflecting the subjects studied and the achievement of the appropriate learning outcomes, and to the award of either a BA or a BSc as appropriate for the subject areas studied.

The programme is available in the following subject areas and further ones may be added:

• Ancient History
• Animal Behaviour
• Anthropology
• Arabic
• Archaeology
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences: Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Chemistry
• Chinese (Mandarin) - minor pathway
• Classics/Classical Studies
• Computer Science
• Economics
• English
• Film Studies
• French
• Geography
• German
• Global Futures - Sustainability
• Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
• History
• International Relations
• Italian
• Japanese - minor pathway
• Kurdish
• Latin
• Law
• Management, including Leadership
• Mathematics
• Medieval Studies
• Mediterranean Studies
• Middle East and North African Studies
• Persian
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Psychology
• Renaissance Studies
• Russian
• Sociology
• Spanish (Hispanic Studies)
• Sport and Health Science
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - minor pathway
• Theology
• Visual Culture

The programme website ( www.exeter.ac.uk/fch/ ) contains up-to-date information on subject availability and programme content.

Each stage of the programme consists of modules to total 120 credits. In accordance with the University's standard workload to credit ratio, the credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload and one credit is nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work and the level of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and skills within the chosen programme.

The three-year programme consists of 360 credits and the four-year one 480 credits.

FCH students are allowed to take up to 180 Level 1 credits overall in their three years (four if spending a year abroad), mainly in order to start a new subject area after year one.

FCH students are not usually allowed to take Level 1 modules in their final year. Special permission can be granted by the FCH Director if there are significant academic reasons to take Level 1 credits in the final year.

At least 90 Level 3 credits must be studied overall. These are usually taken in the final year of study, but may be taken in any year.

There are no rules about the maximum or minimum number of Level 2 credits, or when Level 2 credits can be taken.

Each subject area offers a pathway composed of modules ranging generally between 15 and 30 credits each. Some modules may be core (compulsory) and others optional, according to the individual requirements of the subject. The pathways may be changed from time to time, and up-to-date details of each may be accessed on the FCH website (www.exeter.ac.uk/fch/ ).

Students usually take 60 credits in each subject pathway per academic year, but they may take more or less than 60 credits according to the requirements and restrictions of each of the subjects (e.g. the balance of core and optional modules), with the approval of the Director of the FCH programme and timetable permitting. Such flexibility can also be used to allow a third subject area to be taken (e.g. a foreign language), with the approval of the Director of the FCH programme and timetable permitting.

Students may also follow Themed Pathways. These allow students to assemble a study programme comprised of modules from a variety of teaching areas that follow one or more overall subject areas. Such Themed Pathways can be those already existing and named on the FCH website (e.g. Mediterranean Studies, Medieval Studies or Renaissance Studies) or ones that students create themselves with appropriate academic guidance from the Director of the FCH programme and the various FCH subject academic co-ordinators.

Not all modules will be available every year and in some cases a module may only be taken if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied. Timetable constraints and pressure of student numbers on available places on modules may also restrict the choice.

Students entering the programme will be expected to continue with their chosen subject pathways for the duration of their studies. However, at the end of each year, transfer between pathways may be allowed if acceptable and good academic reasons are provided by the student. Transferring between pathways can only be done with the advance agreement of the Director of the FCH programme and the FCH discipline co-ordinators.

For the current assessment and degree classification conventions see: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/fch/assessment-procedures.php

Study or Work Abroad

Requirements – year one marks

• Students need an overall average of at least 60% from their first year to be able to go abroad.
• If students study a European language for 60 credits across years one and two, they can normally go to the appropriate European country if their overall first-year average is less than 60%.

Requirements – language

If a student want to study in a University that does not teach in English, they need to have achieved a pass in at least Level 2 (Modern Language modules) or Advanced Level (Foreign Language Centre modules) in the appropriate language.

Degree Titles

During the Spring term, the Director of the FCH programme proposes degree titles to all final year students. If students are unhappy with the proposed title they can talk through desired changes and if these are academically appropriate and acceptable to the Director, such changes can be made. Students cannot, however, insist on changes or on a specific title.

Once the titles for all final year students are agreed between the students and the Director, the appropriate teaching departments are consulted. The departments have the right to change titles.

The departmentally approved titles are presented to the FCH Board of Studies for comment, further revision if required, and approval.

They are given final approval by the Undergraduate Faculty Board.

The title reflects the subjects studied in the second and final years. Where appropriate, first year subjects can also be considered in formulating the title (e.g. the learning of a foreign language in years one and two only or the following of a wide range of core modules in a Single Honours subject which was then followed at a reduced level in subsequent years).

Subjects studied in equal or near-equal proportion in the second and final years (i.e. between the ratios of 120:120 and 135:105 credits - appropriately adjusted for year abroad students) are placed in alphabetical order and separated by 'and', e.g.

• BA (Hons) in Economics and Geography

Subjects studied in unequal proportion (i.e. one subject is 135 or more credits) are placed with the larger subject first and separated by 'with', e.g.

• BSc (Hons) in History with BioSciences

Some subjects require core elements to be studied or a certain level to be reached, and if they are not, then that subject may include the word 'studies' to indicate it is a reduced form of the subject, e.g.

• BA (Hons) in Mathematics and Psychological Studies
• BA (Hons) in English with Spanish Studies

A subject can only be mentioned in a degree title if it is studied for at least 60 credits, usually within either of the second and final years or spread across both (e.g. 30 credits in each year). Modules followed in the first year can also sometimes be considered as forming part of the 60 credits, e.g. language learning. Such minor subjects are placed at the end of a degree title after the word 'with', e.g.

• BA (Hons) in History and Geography with Theology

Degree titles with Study Abroad

If 60 or more credits of the degree are spent studying abroad, then the phrase "with Study Abroad" is added to the degree title. It does not matter in which academic year the study abroad occurs.

Degree titles with a minor pathway in a Modern Foreign Language

Modern foreign languages can be taken as a minor pathway within a FCH degree programme, allowing a new language to be started or the development of an existing one. This usually involves 30 credits of the language per year for more than one year.

The way the language is mentioned in the degree title varies according to how the language has been taken (French is used as an example below):

• "... with French" - minimum of 60 credits, comprising:
  • 30 credits of language modules at level 2 or higher and
  • 30 credits more of language, or relevant option modules at level 2 or higher
  with the language modules taken within the appropriate Modern Language department
• "... with French studies" - minimum of 60 credits of relevant option modules at level 2 or higher, which do not include language modules
• "... with proficiency in French" - minimum of 60 credits of language modules, of which 30 credits are at level 2 or higher, taken through the Foreign Language Centre.

11

Educational Aims of the Programme

The University aims to provide an excellent learning environment intended to give students a powerful grasp on their chosen disciplines and to equip them to develop their intellectual capacities and transferable skills, thus enabling them to fulfil their personal aspirations and to be responsible, questioning and productive members of society. To this end, the FCH Degree Programme:

• allows students to study to degree level, combinations of subjects not otherwise available at the University leading to specific named degrees
• allows a range of entry points to such subject combinations thus permitting students to adapt their study programmes whilst in their first year at Exeter, and occasionally during later years of study
• allows flexibility and choice within the chosen programme together with academic rigour and coherence
• prepares students for a career in flexible, interdisciplinary environments
• permits the tailoring of degree content to specific career requirements
• encourages students to assume control of their own degree programmes
• promotes the development of independence of mind and a sense of personal responsibility in the pursuit of study
• ensures opportunities for independent study, thereby supporting students who wish to continue to study at postgraduate level
• provides a facility for students to add to their experience and transferable skills through a year or term abroad studying/ working, or work experience in the UK for a year, term or a module

12

Programme Outcomes

(a) Subject knowledge and skills

Each individual programme is identified by the subject pathways chosen, and its subject knowledge and skills are defined by the learning outcomes of the modules studied. Successful completion of a level of the Programme is dependent upon the demonstration of the mastery of the knowledge and skills identified in the relevant module descriptors and the award of a Degree will be dependent upon the demonstration of disciplinary knowledge appropriate to the pathway. At the level of the subject, a student will be able to gather, categorise and analyse and critically evaluate information and material relevant to the subject, and in a style appropriate to the subject.

(b) Core academic skills

At the level of the subject of study, a student will gain an awareness of the variety of contexts and frameworks which may be applied in this discipline, apply major theories within it, and evaluate the significance of data. In modules taken at final-year level a student will be able to devise novel solutions to problems in the academic subject, and critically review the reliability, validity and significance of data. They will understand and appreciate the character of at least two different subjects, be able to give an account of the similarities and differences between the approaches of those subjects to the acquisition and the use of knowledge, and be familiar with the interaction of those subjects within the context of their programme of study.

(c) Personal and key skills

Students will demonstrate awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as academic learners in more than one subject area. They will show the ability to communicate clearly through essays, oral presentations and any other medium appropriate to one of their subjects and operate effectively within a learning group. They will be qualified to undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences. They will demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.

(d) Confirmation of conformity with the relevant subject benchmark statement, or rationale for non-conformity

The inclusion of core modules in stage one contributes towards conformity of relevant subject benchmarks and provides appropriate pre-requisites for further study. For subsequent stages, academic guidance is given by the FCH subject co-ordinators and the FCH Director to ensure that appropriate modules are taken for the subject pathways being followed.

Pathways in Law or in Psychology are not accredited by the Law Society or by the British Psychological Society respectively, and so are not subject to related conformity in the range of modules taken.

13

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Relating to (a), (b) and (c) in 12 above.

Detailed descriptions of the manner by which learning is related to assessment through assessment criteria will be found in module descriptors of the modules that combine to form subject pathways and individual programmes of study.

Assessment of subject-specific knowledge and of subject, core and personal skills will be according to the module descriptors of the relevant modules.

14

Support for Students and Students' Learning

All FCH students have a personal tutor. Sometimes a personal tutor is provided in both of the main subject areas being taken. The tutor is usually a FCH subject co-ordinator, though Colleges may appoint other staff according to workloads etc. It is intended that the same tutor stays with the student throughout the course of their degree. The tutor's role is to provide pastoral support and academic guidance, particularly in their own subject area. The tutor also provides support and guidance in the student's Personal Development Planning (PDP). The FCH Director is also available to provide pastoral and PDP support, as well as academic support.

Students spending a period studying or working abroad are supported through the support mechanisms put in place by the College or Department of the particular study or work abroad module being taken. This includes students having opportunities for email and telephone contact with the department's study abroad co-ordinator and their personal tutor. The co-ordinator may also occasionally visit students while they are abroad. Students on Erasmus exchanges have a local co-ordinator at the host university who liaises with the co-ordinator in Exeter as required. The FCH Director and the FCH Study Abroad Co-ordinator provide support through email and telephone contact. Students taking the FCH study or work abroad modules also have an on-line discussion board to maintain contact with other FCH students abroad.

Students spending a period of work experience in the UK are supported through the support mechanisms put in place by the College or Department of the particular work experience module being taken. This includes students having opportunities for email and telephone contact with the department's work experience co-ordinator and their personal tutor. The co-ordinator may also occasionally visit students at their place of work. The FCH Director and the FCH Work Experience Co-ordinator provide support through email and telephone contact. Students taking the FCH work experience modules also have an on-line discussion board to maintain contact with other FCH students on work experience.

At Exeter, the University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Schools. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions. Academic Services provides a wide range of Information Technology (IT) facilities throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Additionally, some Colleges have their own dedicated facilities. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University’s campus network.

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors for their students. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University’s TQA Manual.

Additionally, the following units at Exeter between them provide a wide range of student support services:

The University Careers and Employment Service provides expert advice to all students to enable them to plan their futures, through guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

All Colleges are required to possess Student/Staff Liaison Committees (SSLC), which allow students to contribute directly to the enhancement of educational and other provision at discipline level.

The FCH SSLC meets at least once a term, chaired by one the students - see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/fch/SSLC/index.php. FCH students are invited to be nominated as representatives on the committee at the beginning of each year.

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Admission Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. The university's Admissions policy is explained at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University. These are published in full at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/ and in the University of Exeter Undergraduate Prospectus. Candidates offering GCE AS and A2, the International Baccalaureate and equivalent non-UK qualifications will be considered, as well as mature candidates with evidence of appropriate alternative qualifications.

Offers and entrance requirements for individual applicants will vary depending upon the subject areas chosen. For the current entrance requirements refer to the latest Entry Data tables at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate. These can be found under Entry Requirements within the relevant subject entries at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/index.php, and specifically for FCH degrees see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/flexible/entrydata.php..

Applicants to whom an offer has been made are invited to attend an Post Offer Open Day, which will include the opportunity to talk with members of the academic and support staff and existing students.

Existing Exeter students are permitted to transfer to the FCH Degree Programme on successful completion of stage one or sometimes at the end of stages two or three, providing that

• they have discussed their transfer with the FCH Director, and have given appropriate reasons for wanting to transfer
• they have completed and submitted the FCH application form and had it signed by the relevant subject co-ordinators, the releasing College/Degree programme and the FCH Director

16

Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the external examiners appointed for each programme. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code for external examiners and include access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. Attendance at the Board of Examiners and the provision of an annual report are both required. Clear procedures are also in place for the monitoring of these annual reports at both College and University level. See the University's TQA Manual for details of these processes (http://www.ex.ac.uk/admin/academic/tls/tqa/).

17

Indicators of Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data in their regular review of the quality of provision. The annual produced Performance Indicator Dataset details admission, progression, completion and first career destination data, including comparisons over a five-year timespan.

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Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University has procedures in place for the regular review of its educational provision, including the annual review of both modules and programmes which draw on feedback from such sources as external examiners' reports, student evaluation, student achievement and progression data. In addition, subject areas are reviewed every three years through a subject and programme quality review scheme that includes external input. These procedures are recorded in codes of practice contained in the TQA Manual. Certain programmes are also subject to review and/or accreditation by professional and statutory bodies, while nearly all subject areas are reviewed from time to time by the national Quality Assurance Agency for HE; see the QAA web site for review reports on subjects at Exeter.