Code of Practice on Assessment

The Code of Practice on Assessment (CoPA) sets out the regulations governing the structure, academic standards, assessment, and classification of modular, taught undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and awards.

Code of Practice on Assessment and Appendices 2025-26 Summary of Changes - this document provides a summary of the key changes in the CoPA and the appendices from 2024-25, and indicates appendices where minor or no changes have been made.

Archive – this contains recently archived versions of CoPA appendices, for older versions, please contact AQSD.

Guidance and Templates – this contains guidance documents and templates relevant to some of the appendices listed below.

If you are in any doubt about which appendix to use, or would like further advice on the Code of Practice on Assessment, please contact the Academic Quality and Standards Division.

 

Code of Practice on Assessment (PDF)

 

Code of Practice on Assessment Appendices:-

• CoPA Appendix A (PDF): University Marks Scale, Marking Descriptors and Qualifications Descriptors
• CoPA Appendix B (PDF): Model for Non-Clinical First Degree Programmes
• CoPA Appendix C (PDF): University Framework for Postgraduate Modular Provision 
• CoPA Appendix D (PDF): Regulations for the Conduct of Examinations
• CoPA Appendix D annexe 1 (PDF): Regulations for the Conduct of Class Tests
• CoPA Appendix D annexe 2 (PDF): Procedures for Protecting the Interests of Students in the Event of Major Disruption
• CoPA Appendix D annexe 3 (PDF): Regulations for Online Assessments
• CoPA Appendix D annexe 4 (PDF): Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedures
• CoPA Appendix E (PDF): Guide on the Progress of Students on Taught Programmes of Study
• CoPA Appendix F (PDF): Assessment Appeals Procedure for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes
• CoPA Appendix G (PDF): Policy on Assessment of Groupwork for Taught Provision
• CoPA Appendix H (PDF): External Examiner System for Taught Provision
• CoPA Appendix I (PDF): System for the Classification of Three-Year Non-Clinical Undergraduate Degrees
• CoPA Appendix J (PDF): Classification of Four-Year and Five-Year Non-Clinical Undergraduate Degrees
• CoPA Appendix K (PDF): Policy on Adjustments to Examination and Assessment Arrangements for Disabled Students
• CoPA Appendix L (PDF): Academic Integrity Policy
• CoPA Appendix M - Additional Considerations Policy for Taught Students (PDF): Additional Considerations Policy for Taught Students
• CoPA Appendix M (PDF): Policy on Extenuating Circumstances in Relation to Performance in Assessments and Examinations (applicable up to January 2026 for online programmes delivered in partnership with Kaplan Open Learning)
• CoPA Appendix N (PDF): Policy on Feedback on Assessment
• CoPA Appendix O (PDF): Student Athlete Academic Support Policy
• CoPA Appendix P (PDF): University Framework for the Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies
• CoPA Appendix Q (PDF): Coursework Submission Policy
• CoPA Appendix R (PDF): Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• CoPA Appendix S (PDF): Flexible Assessment Policy