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Satisfactory progress in your studies (academic progress)

This webpage gives an overview of the academic progress policy - for full details see the academic progress policy document.

The University requires all undergraduate students in award programs to maintain satisfactory progress in their studies. In general, this means that students must pass 50% or more of the unit value of the courses in which they are enrolled in a given semester.

In the first semester in which your progress falls below this level, you will receive a warning and you should seek help and advice. There are many people across campus that can help you, including the sub-dean of your Faculty, the Dean of Students, the Academic Skills and Learning Centre and the Counselling Centre.

If your progress in the same program is unsatisfactory for a second time (not necessarily in consecutive semesters) you will be asked to show cause as to why you should not be excluded from the program. You will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to exclude you from the University by submitting a cover sheet, letter and supporting documents laying out your case as to why you should be permitted to remain in the Program (This is called 'showing cause'.) Download the response to show cause cover sheet.

If you do not appeal the decision by submitting a show cause or if your appeal against the decision is not successful, then you will be excluded from the University.

In addition to the University rules on academic progress, the Schools of Art and Music (Faculty of Arts) and the Faculty of Medicine have more specific academic progress rules. Students in these academic areas should contact the respective Faculty offices for further information.

Repeated failure in a course

The Academic Progress Policy also states that if you fail a course twice you will not be permitted to re-enrol in the course, except with the approval of the relevant Course/Prescribed Authority. Should the Course/Prescribed Authority not approve your request for re-enrolment in the course, you can make a further appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) or his nominee.