Regulations 2025-26

Introduction

The Academic Standards and Quality Regulations have been developed to fulfil the regulatory requirements of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and are consistent with the Memorandum and Articles of the university.

The regulations cover all undergraduate and postgraduate students and originally were ratified by Network Academic Council (NAC) in October 1997. Since then, the regulations have been subject to regular amendments and additions.

Regulations and procedures are regularly reviewed and enhanced, and regulatory changes are ratified by Academic Council. This ensures that the university’s regulatory framework remains in line with sector-recognised standards and expectations, including those of QAA Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council, and that it is aligned with the university’s academic structures and curriculum.

Whenever there is a change to assessment regulations, the university applies the principle of ‘no detriment’ to ensure students part-way through their studies are not disadvantaged by the change.

Since February 2011, all taught degrees have been awarded by University of the Highlands and Islands, as distinct from UHI Millennium Institute, which was the institutional name prior to the achievement of university title.

The university achieved research degree awarding powers in June 2017. Academic Council approved relevant regulations in December 2016, applicable from 2017-18 onwards for all students registered for research awards made by the university, and for the management and standards of research programmes and awards.

Students who are registered for a research award with the University of Aberdeen under the accreditation agreement will continue to be subject to the regulatory framework of that agreement.

The electronic version of Academic standards and quality regulations, along with all appendices, additional guidance notes and supporting materials, can be accessed through the website (www.uhi.ac.uk/regulations) and should be taken as the definitive version at all times. 

For any comments or questions regarding these regulations, please contact: tara.black@uhi.ac.uk.

Copies of this publication in Braille, large print, audio CD and CD-ROM formats are also available from Tara Black (tara.black@uhi.ac.uk).

These regulations are for the academic year 2025-26 and supersede all previously issued regulations.

Regulations

Section 1 Academic standards and quality policy

Section 2 Quality assurance

Section 3 Academic committees and academic committee structure

Section 4 Subject area review and student support service review

Section 5 Annual quality monitoring

Section 6 Framework for curriculum development

Section 7 Programme development

Section 8 Programme approval

Section 9 Responsibilities of APs in respect of academic provision

Section 10A Programme modification

Section 10B Discontinuation of and withdrawal from provision

Section 11 Academic leadership - faculty structures

Section 12 Academic leadership - degree programmes and modules

Section 13 Collaborative provision

Section 14A Taught postgraduate

Section 14B Postgraduate research degree

Section 14C Higher Doctorate regulations and guidance

Section 15 Appointment and role of External Examiners

Section 16 Admissions and enrolment

Section 17A Assessment regulations (SQA and other awarding bodies)

Section 17B Assessment and progression regulations (degree programmes)

Section 18 Assessment appeals procedure

Section 18 Assessment appeals procedure (Gaelic)

Section 19 Academic misconduct policy and procedure

Appendices

Appendix A Tertiary quality enhancement framework

Appendix B Examination guidelines

Appendix C Assessment guidance notes (SQA programmes)

Appendix D Equivalence policy

Appendix E Approvals process for SQA awards

Appendix F Internal verification of SQA provision

Appendix G Academic misconduct

Appendix H Mitigating circumstances

Appendix I University referencing system

Appendix J Copyright Policy

Student Information

Academic appeal proforma (see Section 18 Assessment appeals procedure)

• See assessment appeals privacy notice

Proforma ath-thagradh acadaimigeach (faic Earrann 18 Modh-obrach ath-thagradh measaidh)

• Students can choose to submit appeals in Gaelic, and for the process to be conducted in Gaelic, if they wish using this proforma

Complaints handling procedure

Mitigating circumstances

• See mitigating circumstances and repeat year privacy notice

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) resources for staff including RPL and credit transfer guide, and RPL claim form

Withdrawal / transfer request