Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)

RESOLUTION

The Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) is governed by Resolutions of the University Court which came into effect on 1 September 2008 and their subsequent revisions. The provisions of Resolution No. 582 supporting the Generic Undergraduate Regulations are set out with those regulations. The provisions of Resolution No. 597 are as follows:

1.    The Degree of Master of Arts (MA) (Social Sciences) may be awarded by the Senate of the University of Glasgow in the College of Social Sciences (the College) in such designations as may be prescribed by Regulations.

2.    The award of the Degree shall be governed by Resolution No. 582 - “Generic Regulations for the award of Degrees gained by the successful completion of Undergraduate Programmes”, which came into effect on and from 1 September 2008 together with such Supplementary Regulations as are contained in this Resolution No. 597 - “Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)”. The Supplementary Regulations are set out in the Schedule of Regulations attached to this Resolution.

3.    The early exit awards of Diploma of Higher Education and Certificate of Higher Education shall be governed by the Generic Undergraduate Regulations.

REGULATIONS

1.     Recognition of Prior Learning

1.1   Assessed prior experiential learning cannot be counted for credit on this Degree. 

1.2   Non-university exams cannot permit entry with advanced standing.           

2.     Maximum Period of Study

For full-time study, the maximum time normally permitted is six academic sessions. For part-time study the maximum time normally permitted is 10 academic sessions. All candidates must comply with progress regulations.

3.     Approval of Curriculum

All candidates in their first year of study must choose three subjects that lead to an Honours pathway.

4.     Progress

4.1   Generic Undergraduate Regulations §10 and §11 apply with the following additional requirements:

a)   The minimum requirements for a full-time candidate to progress to a succeeding year of study are as follows:

After one session:	the candidate must have obtained at least 80 credits, of which at least 60 must be at grade D or better, and achieved a grade point average[1] of at least 8.
After two sessions:	the candidate must have obtained at least 160 credits, of which at least 120 must be at grade D or better and 40 of these must be at level 2, and achieved a grade point average of at least 8.
After three sessions:	the candidate must be in a position to complete the requirements for the award of an ordinary degree in one further session of full-time study.

b)   Part-time candidates

Subject to any additional requirements imposed under Generic Undergraduate Regulation §10.3 the minimum attainment required of a part-time candidate to progress to the next year of study shall normally be 40 credits at grade D or better in an academic session.

c) Notwithstanding Generic Undergraduate Regulation §8 any candidate entitled to progress but whose achievement falls short of the requirements set out below must have their curriculum approved by the College Progress Committee:

i)    80 credits at grade D or better by after one session;

ii)   a minimum of 260 credits at a grade point average of at least 8 after three sessions.

4.2    Entry to Honours

The requirements referred to in Generic Undergraduate Regulation §15.1(d) are as follows:

4.2.1  Completion of at least 80 credits from qualifying courses at level 2, normally at grade D or better, representing at least two subjects.

4.2.2 In addition to the requirements in Generic Undergraduate Regulation §15.1(c), normally achieve a minimum of 40 credits at level 2 at grade D or better in the subject of the Honours programme at the first attempt. 

4.2.3  In the case of a candidate refused admission to Honours, the Head of School (or his or her nominee) will inform the candidate’s Adviser of Studies. A candidate may appeal to the College Appeals Committee against such refusal of admission.

4.3    Progress within Honours

4.3.1  a)   Except as provided at §4.3.1(c) and (d), the qualifying courses shall be selected from those listed in §5.1 and shall normally include courses totalling 160 credits at level 1 and courses totalling 80 credits at level 2; either 120 credits at level 1 and 40 credits at level 2, or 80 credits at level 1 and 80 credits at level 2, shall be from courses listed in Group A.

b)   A candidate for the degree with Honours must obtain a minimum of 80 credits from qualifying courses at level 2 at grade D or better before entry to the Senior Honours year of study.

c)   In the case of a candidate who transfers from another College to enter the curriculum of the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences), qualifying courses will normally include at least 80 credits from courses selected from Group A of which at least 40 credits should be at level 2. 

d)  In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Chief Adviser, an existing candidate on the Degree of Master  of Arts (Social Sciences) will be permitted a curriculum of qualifying courses that will  normally include at least 80 credits from courses selected from Group A of which at least 40 credits should be at level 2.

4.3.2 A candidate for the Degree with Honours may elect or be required by a Head of School to be assessed at level 3 non-Honours standard after completion of the Junior Honours year. The assessment shall be by final examinations in respect of each of the courses of the Junior Honours year of the Honours programme, the corresponding credits being at level 3. Credits accumulated and grade points awarded at the level 3 non-Honours standard shall count towards the minimum graduating curriculum for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences).

5.     Courses Available to Candidates

5.1    Recognised Qualifying Courses

Group A

The following courses constitute Group A:

a)   Levels 1, 2 and 3 courses in the following subject areas:

Business & Management

Central & East European Studies

Economic & Social History

Economics

Geography

Politics

Psychology

Social & Public Policy

Sociology

b)   Business Reporting & Financial Management 1

Management Accounting & Finance 1

Business Law 1

Finance, Investments & Institutions

Forensic Medicine 1

Entrepreneurship 1A and 1B

Mathematics levels 1 and 2

Philosophy levels 1 and 2

5.2    Subjects of Study for Honours

These are as listed in Appendix 1.

6.     Programme Requirements for the Award of the Degree

6.1    Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)

In addition to the requirements set out in Generic Undergraduate Regulation §14 a candidate must obtain 60 credits from level 3 courses in Social Sciences subjects or level 3 courses in Arts or Science subjects.

A minimum graduating curriculum may not include more than 120 credits derived from courses outwith Group A.

Where the candidate obtains a minimum graduating curriculum, a minimum grade point average13 of at least 9 over 360 credits, and a grade B or better over 60 credits of Group A level 3 recognised qualifying courses in the Social Sciences subject areas listed in §5.1 but excluding Geography, Philosophy and Psychology then the candidate may be admitted to Junior, but not Senior, Honours study. Attendance at level 3 courses shall not count towards Honours attendance.

6.2    Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) with Honours

Generic Undergraduate Regulation §16 applies with the following additional provisions:

6.2.1  The recognised programmes and subjects of study for the Degree with Honours are as follows:

a)   Honours in a Single Subject

A programme of courses at the Honours standard comprising 240 credits in a subject listed in Appendix 1. Up to 60 credits may be replaced by courses at the Honours standard in another subject other than a foreign language, subject to the approval of the Heads of School (or their nominee). A single dissertation or project or equivalent piece of independent work in the subject must be completed in the final year curriculum.