Regulations Governing the Maximum Completion Period for Taught Programmes 2026-27

For Regulations relating to Southampton Online programmes see the Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Southampton Online Postgraduate Master’s Programmes 

For Doctoral Degrees with a Substantial Taught element see the Regulations for Research Degrees.

1. A maximum completion period is set so that students complete their programme within a duration consistent with ensuring their learning remains current at the point of award.Students must complete their programme within this period.

2. The maximum completion period is calculated from the date when the student is first enrolled on the programme. 

3. The maximum completion period for taught programmes of study is calculated by using the standard length of the programme as set out in the programme specification multiplied by two, plus two years. Programmes with a University of Southampton integrated foundation year will add two years to the maximum completion period.

  • A student who transfers credit from one programme to another of the same length retains the original completion date.
  • A student who transfers credit to a longer programme has their completion date extended as if they had started their study on that longer programme.
  • A student who transfers to a new programme without a credit transfer has their maximum completion period calculated from the start of the new programme. 
  • A student admitted with Recognition of Prior Learning/Advanced Standing, or an undergraduate student exceptionally permitted to transfer from full-time to part-time study will have the length of their maximum completion period calculated pro rata. 

4. The maximum completion period is inclusive of 

  • any periods in which a student is Repeating part of the programme. 
  • approved pauses in study where the pause has been sought by the student, 
  • disciplinary (non-academic) suspensions or periods of exclusion due to non-payment of fees.

5. The maximum completion period is exclusive of periods of parental leave (see the Policy on Student Maternity, Paternity and Adoption.

6. The maximum completion period takes precedence over any other regulations regarding Referrals, Repeats or additional attempts This includes the Regulations Governing Academic Appeals. 

7. Where a student cannot complete the intended award within the timeframe specified in these regulations they will be permitted to continue until the maximum completion limit for their programme is reached, with the aim of achieving an approved exit award or institutional credit if eligible.  A student who reaches the maximum completion period will be withdrawn from the University. The Board of Examiners will recommend an exit award where applicable.

8. The University considers that the maximum completion period provides adequate opportunity for adjustment and support for students to enable them to complete their studies, and therefore expects that all students will complete their programme within this absolute maximum to ensure their learning remains current at the point of award. Only if there are significant exceptional circumstances that are causing, or have caused, the delay in completing their studies, may an exception to the maximum completion period be considered. In this case, the student must provide an explanation and supporting information relating to their circumstances. 

9. A Panel convened by the Academic Registrar and administered by the Casework Team will consider the student’s academic history, any Special Consideration requests and/or Appeals, and any reasonable adjustments or other mitigations that have been put in place to support the student’s academic progress. The Panel will determine whether in the light of the circumstances it is possible for the student to complete their programme within a period that sufficiently ensures the currency of their knowledge, their competency (including any Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body expectations) and the quality of their award, and therefore whether an exception to the maximum completion period should be granted. If an exception is not granted the student will be withdrawn from the programme and an exit award will be recommended where applicable. A Completion of Procedures letter will be issued. 

10. A Completion of Procedures letter signifies to the student that the University's academic appeals procedure has been completed and will provide information about bringing a complaint to the OIA. The letter should normally be sent to the student within 28 days of the University's final decision.

        10.1 Information about the OIA's procedures may be found at http://www.oiahe.org.uk/ . Students wishing to submit a complaint to the OIA must do so within the timeframe set down in the OIA Scheme Rules which is normally 12 months from the date of the Completion of Procedures letter. A complaint must be made in writing using the MyOIA secure online portal or the OIA Complaint Form.

        10.2 Where a student requests a Completion of Procedures letter more than one calendar month following the date of the outcome letter, the deadline for bringing a complaint to the OIA will normally be 12 months from the date of the University’s final decision, rather than the date of the Completion of Procedures letter.

11. Contact details for the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education are:

Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education  
OIA
PO Box 3362
Reading
RG1 9UF

Telephone: 0118 959 9813

Email: enquiries@oiahe.org.uk 

Professional Body or education partnership requirements 

12. For accredited degree programmes and/or programmes leading to professional registration Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body expectations may necessitate variations to these regulations. Programmes delivered in partnership with another institution may have specific requirements governed by the relevant authorities in that partner. Where this applies this will be specified in programme regulations.

Visas and financial support 

13. The maximum completion periods specified above do not imply that a student will be able to secure financial support or obtain a visa for this time. Students on a visa must seek advice from the Visa and Immigration Student Advice Service (VISAS Team) should they need to Repeat/resit any part of their programme of study.

 

First approved: ESEC April 2026