The binding academic framework of Watney College, governing standards, assessment, misconduct, appeals and governance. Approved by the Academic Board.
These Academic Regulations constitute the binding academic framework of Watney College. Authority for academic standards is delegated by the Board of Directors to the Academic Board under the College's Functional Structure.
No body other than the Academic Board may amend academic standards. Where awarding organisation regulations conflict with College regulations, the awarding organisation's requirements shall prevail.
Admissions criteria must align with awarding body requirements, published entry standards, and the Equality Act 2010. The College may withdraw an offer or terminate registration where fraud, misrepresentation or omitted material information is identified.
The College operates under awarding body specifications and does not hold degree awarding powers. Where the awarding body specifies Pass/Fail, no other classification may be applied. The College shall not introduce any independent classification framework.
All assessments must align with learning outcomes, use published criteria, undergo internal verification, and be externally quality assured where required. Reassessment is permitted only under awarding body rules. Only the Assessment & Progression Board may ratify awards.
Chair or nominee · Minimum two academic members · Quality assurance representative.
Plagiarism · Contract cheating · Fabrication · Collusion · Unauthorised AI misuse · Impersonation. Penalties are proportionate and consistent. Severe cases may result in termination of registration.
Proceedings may be initiated where a student's health significantly impairs academic engagement, behaviour poses risk to others, or support measures have been exhausted. Outcomes: support plan, temporary suspension, or withdrawal.
Appeals must be submitted within 10 working days of the decision. The Appeal Panel comprises an Independent Chair, an academic member not previously involved, and a quality assurance representative. Academic judgment is not subject to appeal.
| Risk Level | Responsible Body |
|---|---|
| Programme-level risk | Quality Assurance Committee |
| Institutional academic risk | Academic Board |
| Material regulatory risk | College Oversight Board |
| Financial / compliance risk | Audit, Remuneration & Risk Committee |
| Ultimate accountability | Board of Directors |
Last reviewed: November 2025 · Version: 1.2 · Next review: November 2026
Download the full Academic Regulations (PDF)
