Regulations for master’s programmes

Prescribed by the Board of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design on 1 August 2010 pursuant to The Law of Universities and Colleges §3-3 No. 15 of 1 April 2005. 

Section 1 Scope and purpose of the Regulations

These Regulations pertain to the Master’s program at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO). The Regulations do not apply to the doctoral programme at AHO.

The Regulations contain rules for the organization of programmes of study, implementation of evaluations, requirements for the awarding of degrees and provisions concerning the rights and obligations of the School and students at AHO. These Regulations are intended to ensure the quality of programmes of study taught at AHO.
For full-time programmes, the Regulations require that students follow the standard progress. Unless stated otherwise, the application of the rules shall take into account students who have applied for and been granted a variance from the standard progress.

When it is stated that a deadline is on a certain date and this date is not a business day, the deadline is postponed to the business day immediately following.

Section 2 Definitions 

Examination

Written, oral, project submission or other assessments of student knowledge and skills that provide the basis for determining the grade on the diploma or that is included in the calculation of a grade as indicated on the diploma. An examination may include several parts, in which case, the course description shall provide information about the mutual weighting of these parts.

Experience-based master’s programme 

A  90 or 120 ECTS credit Master’s programme of study, including independent work.

Evaluation

Assess, grade a student’s academic performance

Specialization course

6 ECTS credit intensive courses offered at the Master’s level

Degree

Awarded for completion of a given programme a study. AHO awards master’s degrees and PhDs

Foundation course

Course offered as part of foundation level studies

Foundation level studies

Compulsory instruction that spans the first three years of the master's programmes in industrial design and architecture.

Visiting student

Used for a student who has not been admitted to a programme of study, but to one or more courses based on individual agreement.

Re-sit examination

Examination held for students who have not passed the ordinary examination or who wish to improve grades for previous exams

Course

A semester is made up of courses with varying numbers of credits and of varying duration. The courses at AHO have the following designations: Foundation courses, specialization courses and studio courses.

Learning outcomes

Description of the minimum competence students should attain when the course is completed and passed

Master’s degree

A programme  of study totalling 300 or 330 ECTS credits that satisfies the requirements for a master’s degree.

Master’s level studies

An umbrella term for courses taught at the Master’s level after foundation level studies.

New examination

Examination to be arranged for students who have a legitimate absence from the ordinary examination

PhD

Doctoral degree on the basis of organized research training and approved thesis defence.

Independent work

Work of a scope and type to be specified that is in the programme and is intended to show understanding, reflection and maturity. This work may be of a theoretical, practical or artistic nature, and be performed individually or in groups.

Semester

An academic year consists of two semesters. Each semester has a total of 30 ECTS credits. Normally the autumn semester is 19 weeks and the spring semester 21 weeks, total 1600-1800 working hours.

Semester plan

A detailed description of each course to be handed out at the beginning of the semester.

Semester evaluation

Evaluation of course teaching in relation to the learning objectives of the course. The evaluation may also include the learning environment and administrative services. Semester evaluations are performed out by students, examiners and teachers in accordance with established guidelines.

Examiner committee

Committee appointed to grade an examination or  test, evaluate assignments or undertake other assessment, the results of which are included on the diploma or calculated as part of the grade for the programme of study in question.

Student

A student who is admitted to one of the School’s programmes of study on the basis of the general admission requirements and other requirements in the course catalogue and who has paid the semester fee to the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) and has registered for the semester in accordance with current regulations.

Studio course

Design course with the scale from 18 to 24 ECTS credits.

Studio instruction

A form of instruction based on project work in the studio that integrates academic teaching with the teaching of skills as part of project work. Studio instruction is teaching-intensive and involves the presence and high degree of knowledge exchange between teacher and student.

Course catalogue

A plan that describes the learning outcomes, academic components, structure and implementation of programmes of study that do not have centrally determined national curriculum plans.
ECTS credits

One academic year shall be equivalent to 60 ECTS credits, and one ECTS is 26.7 working hours.

Programme of study

A set of courses that forms an academic whole, that students are accepted and admitted to courses in and that leads to a degree.

Programme option

An academic specialization within a programme of study, outlined in the programme of study’s course catalogue.

Admission to a programme of study

Rights associated with a programme of study, such as the right to organized supervision, instruction in small groups and solving problems. Admission to a programme of study is granted in accordance with the institution’s offer of admission and the student’s acceptance of this offer.

Individual education plan.  

A plan for the student and AHO concerning obligations and responsibilities both parties have for the student's course of study and the responsibilities the student has towards his/her fellow students.

Assessment

The feedback that is given a student on the basis of his/her performance in a course that is evaluated. Assessment criteria shall be given in the study- and semester plan.

Section 3 Admission and application deadlines

Section 3-1 Admission to the first year 

The annual admissions framework is determined by the Board. For admission to Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), a Higher Education Entrance Qualification and passed entrance tests are required. Applicants are ranked by a combination of ordinary rank, pursuant to Sections 7-1 to 7-13 of the Regulations concerning admission to higher education, and the passed entrance test according to rules laid down by AHO.
There is a common entrance test for the master's programmes in architecture and industrial design, which is a two-part exam: Home assignment and school assignment. The Admission Committee is responsible for the content and form of the entrance test. The committee assesses and ranks by the entrance tests.
The formal part of admissions goes through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS), according to their deadlines and regulation of admission to higher education.

Section 3-4 Admission to Master’s level

AHO admits students later in the programme on the basis of completion of a minimum three years’ education at a comparable institution. Admission at Master’s level happens once a year. Application deadline is announced on AHOs webpage. For quality assurance of language competence, AHO may conduct online interviews.

Diplomas with Academic Records, Curriculum Vitae and any documentation of language skills, as well as a portfolio must accompany the application. For admissions to Master of Landscape Architecture motivation letter is also required. 

The admission level is determined by the Board of AHO. The Admission Committee is the admissions body and decides on specific recognition for the programme.

Section 3-5 Exchanges 

AHO admits exchange students through the Nordplus and Erasmus programmes and independent bilateral agreements programmes.
Rector approves AHO’s exchange agreements.
The number of places for exchange students is determined with regard to AHO’s capacity and concluded agreements. Exchange students are admitted only on the master’s level. Exchange students must take ordinary courses and are not permitted to do independent study or sit a degree examination.
The application deadline and procedure for exchanges will be announced on the AHO website. Admission of exchange students are administered by Academic Services.

Section 3-6 Visiting students 

Every semester AHO may admit up to five visiting students. These student places are reserved for students from institutions not covered by AHO’s exchange agreements. To be admitted as a visiting student an applicant must be affiliated and have completed a minimum of three years of equivalent education at an educational institution at the same level as AHO.
Visiting students are admitted on the basis of formal criteria and qualifications. The application must consist of diplomas with Academic Records, Curriculum Vitae and any documentation of language skills, as well as their portfolios. Visiting students may study for up to two semesters at AHO. Admission must be applied each semester. Visiting students must take AHO’s scheduled courses and are not permitted to do independent study or sit a degree examination.
The application deadlines and procedures will be announced on the AHO website. The admission is handled by the Admission Committee.

Section 3-7 Quota Scheme 

AHO admits students from countries in Africa, Asia and countries in Central and Eastern Europe according to quotas allocated by the Norwegian Centre for Cooperation in International Higher Education (SIU). Admission is subject to concluded institutional agreements.

Section 3-8 Language requirements

Applicants for the first year with education from countries outside the Nordic region must document satisfactory knowledge of Norwegian as followed:

• Passed exam in Norwegian/Norwegian as second language on VG3-level (393 hours)
• Test in Norwegian – higher level, written with minimum the grade Passed or 450 points
• Passed exam on level 3 in Norwegian for foreign students at the universities
• Passed exam from 1-year college studies in Norwegian language and civics for foreign students

For applicants admitted to master level studies, included exchange students and visiting students, the requirement for knowledge of Norwegian deviates. Knowledge of English must be documented by one of the following tests:

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language, with at least 550 points on the paper based test, 213 points on the computer-based test (TOEFL CBT) or 80 points on the Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT)
• IELTS – International English Language Testing Service, British Council, with at least 6.0 poins (overall score)
• Certificate in Advanced English or Certificate of Proficiency in English from the University of Cambridge

Applicants with the following documentation are exempt from the English requirement:

• Nationals of Nordic countries
• Nationals of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States
• Applicants who have one year of university studies in one of the above-mentioned countries, where the language of instruction has been English
• Completed university education where the subject of English constitutes the main part of the programme.
• Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and where the language of instruction was English for their entire schooling.
• African applicants who have an A-level in English with a minimum of C or better.

Section 3-9 Appeals of admission decisions 

Appeals against admission decisions may only be for reasons of procedural errors or errors in application processing. The Appeals Board of AHO is the appeals body.

Section 3-10 Deferred start of studies 

Admission may be deferred for up to one year owing to military or civilian national service, pregnancy or on other justifiable grounds. Deferral of admission is on the basis of a documented application to Academic Services.

Section 4 Admission to a programme of study and individual education plans

Section 4-1 Admission to a programme of study 

A person who has accepted an offer of admission and paid the semester fee to the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) is admitted to a programme of study at AHO. Admission to a programme of study entitles the admittee to instruction, access to necessary study aids, libraries, workshops, computer labs and organised academic supervision. Students admitted to a programme of study at AHO are obliged to register for the semester, cf. Section 4-4

Admission to a programme of study applies to the programme or course the student is admitted to. AHO may limit the number of places in elective courses, provided students are ensured enrolment in alternative courses so that they can complete the programme in the standard amount of time.

Students may be granted the right to take courses and sit examinations in subjects that are not part of their programme of study they belong to, and after the recommendation from Head of Department.

Admission to a programme of study entails:

• the right to an individual education plan education provided in accordance with Section 4-3
• the right to attend classes in accordance with the course catalogue for each programme and in accordance with the individual education plan
• the right to supervision and to use other resources in accordance with the course catalogue, the individual education plan and any other rules issued by the School, including reading rooms, computers, library, workshop, etc.
• the right to be considered for examination in accordance with the course description and rules in these Regulations
• obligation to comply with current laws and regulations

AHO may also adopt rules for mandatory attendance at the start of studies, including registration, legitimate absence, etc.

Section 4.2 Termination of admission

Admission terminates if the student:

1. satisfies the requirements for the award of a diploma and degree for a completed programme of study
2. in the course of one year has no documented activity in the form of semester registration or approved leave of absence application
3. confirms in writing that he/she is withdrawing from the programme of study before it is completed
4. fails to pay the semester fee by the stipulated deadline
5. has exhausted their examination attempts under these Regulations
6. has been excluded pursuant to Section 4-8 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges

Whoever has lost admission to a programme of study may apply to Academic Services for readmission.

Section 4-3 Individual education plan 

Students who are admitted to programmes of study of 60 ECTS credits or more must have an individual education plan (Section 4-2 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges)

An education plan is a view of provisions of AHO’s responsibilities and student’s obligation towards the institution and co-students.

Education plan is also a tool where the student can

• make plans for 1 year’s study ahead
• have the overview of the courses which are completed for the study program until the degree is obtained
• have access to registered data

The education plan is available on StudentWeb

Section 4-4 Course and semester registration

The deadline for registration is announced in the teaching plan and on the web. Students must register for the following semester and give priority to courses required for the entire academic year. Students who have not registered for the semester by the deadline lose the right to be prioritized for the wanted course that particular semester. (cf. Section 5-1). 

If too many persons have signed up for a course, the students will be accepted according to criteria given in the course catalogue, or by seniority and drawing of lots for students in their master level, if necessary. Students in the transition between foundation level studies and masters level studies will in addition to the seniority criteria be placed on the background of grades from the foundation level studies. Places in specialization courses are allocated by general seniority, with the exception of specialization courses particularly aimed at the specific courses in studio classes or that are compulsory for participation at studio courses.

Rector will decide whether a course has sufficient enrolment for being taught.

A student who does not attend the start of the course without notifying the instructor within the first day of the course, lose the allocated place in the course.
Students must register and update their data on Studweb. Semester registration and payment of the semester fee to the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) give the student full student rights that are relayed to the State Educational Loan Fund and generate loans.

Section 5 Programmes of study

Section 5.1 Programme requirements 

The master’s programme in architecture has an average duration of 11 semesters, 330 ECTS; the Master program of Industrial Design has a duration of 10 semesters, 300 ECTS. The first three years of the programme are compulsory foundation level studies. At the Master’s level the student may freely choose from among the course offerings in the course catalogue, if the prerequisites are satisfied and the courses do not have any special conditions attached. In this phase of the programme, the student may also do an independent study in accordance with Section 5 - 3.

The master program of Landscape Architecture is a program at Master’s level,120 ECTS, where the first three years are completed at a corresponding institution. All courses are compulsory during the first two semesters. Students may choose courses freely from the provided courses from the third semester if the prerequisites are fulfilled and the courses do not have any particular reservations. Students may also choose independent study (self programming) this semester in accordance with § 5-3.

The final semester in the education is the diploma project, 30 ECTS.

In order to advance to master’s level studies, students need to pass all parts of foundation level studies. In addition to evaluation of ordinary courses, the portfolio evaluation of the whole foundation level studies is placed as an additional evaluators in the 6. semester.

In order to go on to the diploma, a student is required to have passed foundation level studies, have ECTS credits equivalent to ten passed semesters in the architecture programme, nine semesters for industrial design, three semesters for landscape architecture.

Section 5-2 The academic year 

The academic year is ten months, divided into two semesters. Normally the autumn semester will be 19 weeks and the spring semester 21 weeks. The start of the semester is determined each year by the Rector.

Each semester has a total of 30 ECTS credits. No for-credit courses have fewer than 6 ECTS credits. After completing the basic education includes a full semester, a studio courses at 24 ECTS credits and a specialization course for 6 ECTS credits.

Section 5-3 Independent study 

After passing foundation level courses (two semesters for students admitted to landscape architecture), students are given the right to apply to take a studio course as an independent study. The opportunity of having independent study course is once during the whole study.
The application is to be submitted to the institute head (cf. routine independent study). Independent study is dependent on the student’s qualification and the institute's capacity for follow-up during the semester concerned. Only in special cases will student be allowed to take a specialization course as an independent study.

Section 5-4 Requirements for submission 

Requirements for submitted materials and evaluation criteria are announced in the course catalogue. Supplementary information about the course can be found in the semester schedule.Section 5-5 Course catalogue

The course catalogue contains courses that are offered each semester in a programme of study. The institutes propose and prepare the content and scope for each semester. The Education Committee is responsible for coordination and approval of the course catalogue.

Each course description shall include:

• course coordinator
• the number of ECTS credits for the course
• course prerequisites
• learning outcomes
• content
• syllabus
• teaching methods
• assessment criteria
• organization of any final examination and the form of the examination

Section 5-6 Semester plan 

Before semester starts a semester plan shall be prepared for each course. The semester plan provides a detailed description of the semester. Furthermore, the semester plan shall contain:

• activities that are included in instruction
• activities that are compulsory, e.g. methodology courses, exercises, field trips, workshop projects, group projects, semester projects/term papers, other written assignments
• academic requirements for projects submitted for evaluation
• date for submission of projects/assignments
• any assistive equipment permitted in examinations

Section 5-7 Copyright 

A project assignment, diploma thesis or master's thesis may not be used in competitions or the like that involve judging, or otherwise be made public before it has been graded by AHO, unless this has been specified and approved in the programme for the assignment.

A student holds the copyright to the intellectual property he or she creates in accordance with the Norwegian Copyright Act. Intellectual property comprises literary, scientific or artistic work of any kind and regardless of means or form of expression. AHO reserves the right to make use of student work for exhibitions and educational purposes under the direction of the School. In such cases the student's name is will be stated. AHO may publish student projects in publications or on the Internet provided that the student has given his or her consent.

AHO’s supervisors do not have the position of co-authors of student papers. The student is responsible for obtaining necessary patent rights for their projects. This also applies with regard to partner enterprises.

A partner enterprise may require confidentiality undertakings from students in connection with a student project. However, this duty of confidentiality may not be of a nature that prevents examiners in their work in evaluating the project.

Section 5-8 Changes to the course catalogue 

The AHO Education Committee may issue rules for transitional arrangements in the event of changes to the course catalogue. When the course catalogue has been changed so that a course has been dropped or in the event of other significant changes in the curriculum, time of examination, submission or course duration, a student may:

• sit the examination in accordance with the previous system
• have arrangements made for study opportunities according to the previous system if it can reasonably be assumed that the changes will delay a programme study which has commenced before the changes were made.

Even so, if a student does not pass an examination, AHO is not required to arrange a new examination or study opportunity according to the earlier system.

Section 5-9 Transcripts 

Students may upon request obtain printouts of written evaluations and transcripts from Academic Services throughout their studies. In addition, students who need them may have issued a confirmation of their programmes of study and of what level they are on. Transcripts and confirmations are issued in Norwegian or English as needed.

Section 5-10 Degrees and diplomas 

The master’s degree is awarded on the basis of examinations and a total of 330 ECTS credits for the architecture programme and 300 ECTS credits for the industrial design and landscape architecture programmes. For the experience-based master's programme, the degree is awarded on the basis of examinations and a total of 90 ECTS credits.

In order to obtain a degree at AHO, minimum of 60 ECTS credits, including the master's thesis, shall be sat at AHO.

Upon completion of the programme, the candidate will be awarded a diploma stating the title of the diploma thesis. The diploma shall be accompanied by a transcript and a “Diploma Supplement”. Within five weeks after the examination results are announced, the candidate shall receive in the main a written evaluation of the diploma thesis from the examiners. If a candidate makes a written request for the evaluation of the diploma thesis, this must be sent three weeks after the request is made, cf. routine: Appeals Committee and complaints against grades awarded.

Section 5-11 Exchanges 

Exchanges from AHO take place mainly through the Nordplus and Erasmus programmes with grants from these programmes. In addition, AHO has bilateral agreements that do not include grant schemes. Students may also apply as a visiting student at an institution that does not belong to AHO’s network, but this requires the prior approval of the institution and programme of study in order for the course work taken as a visiting student to be considered part of their programme. For applying as a visiting student, the student must expect to do the preparatory work on their own.

An exchange may not take place until the completion of three years and shall be at the master’s level at the host institution. Students may take up to two semesters of their master’s level studies as exchange students. Students enrolled in the Master of Landscape Architecture Program can only join exchange program in the 3rd semester. 

The application deadline for exchanges will be announced on the AHO website.

Exchanges which are not part of AHO’s exchange agreements shall be approved by the Admission and Approval Committee in advance. Practice pays neither off in the form of credits nor of approval as a part of the education.

Section 5-12 Leave of absence 

Students may take a maximum of one year's leave of absence during the course of their studies. A student must have completed at least 30 ECTS credits before a leave of absence can be granted. For students in foundation level studies, leaves of absence are preferably granted for an entire academic year.

Applications for extended leaves of absence may be granted if there is a documented special need, e.g. illness, birth, extensive care responsibilities or military or civilian national service.

The student has the right to resume his or her studies at the same level as before the leave, but the individual education plan must be adjusted to the current course catalogue.

Section 6 Examinations

Section 6-1 Examinations 

Examinations mean tests, project evaluations or other assessment when the results are included on the diploma or included in the calculation of a grade for the programme of study in question.

Section 6-2 Registering for examinations 

Students are automatically registered for the course’s tests and examinations when they register for the semester. Students who have not approved the study plan and registered for the semester by the deadline will not be registered for their examinations.

Section 6.3 Conditions for admission to examinations 

Candidates who have not done the compulsory exercises or who have not met the requirements of the course catalogue are not entitled to be assessed by examination. For admission to examinations, the student must have registered for the semester and paid the semester fee applicable at the time in question to the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) by the specified deadline.

Section 6-4 Arrangements for examinations or tests for students with special needs 

In order to give all candidates approximately identical working conditions for an examination or test, students who need special arrangements for their examinations may send a documented application for this to Academic Services.

The application deadline for special arrangements is three weeks before the examination is administered. A student who applies after the deadline for special arrangements for an examination has the right to have his or her case heard if he or she substantiates that the grounds for the application have arisen after the ordinary application deadline has expired. Applications for special arrangements for an examination are decided by Academic Services.

Special arrangements for examinations can apply for individual examinations or for the entire programme of study.

Special arrangements for examinations may take the form of physical measures and/or extended time for examinations. Academic Services determines which assistive equipment is permitted. 

Physical arrangements or extended time for examinations are intended to compensate for a functional disability or a particular temporary situation, but are not meant to provide better examination conditions than other students have.

Students with dyslexia or other reading/writing difficulties may, if desired, have a certificate attached to their examinations from Academic Services confirming this.

Extended time for examinations can usually be provided of up to:

• 30 minutes for examinations that last up to and including three hours
• 45 minutes for examinations that last up to and including six hours
• 60 minutes for examinations that last more than six hours
• 1 day for take-home examinations
• up to 1 week for studio courses

When justifiable grounds make this necessary, an examination may be administered outside the institution provided that it can be done under adequate supervision.

Section 6-5 Excused absence from an examination 

To be excused, an absence from an examination must be reported to Academic Services and documented by a medical certificate or other valid documentation before the examination begins, so that the registration is not regarded as an examination attempt. The deadline for withdrawing from written examinations is two week before the first examination day. AHO may extend the maximum period of study by the time that is required for an examination to be sat.

Candidates who have submitted material for assessment must allow their work to be graded. A test that has been taken cannot be annulled.

Section 6-6 Number of examination attempts 

A student may sit an examination up to three times for foundation level courses that have a written examination based on a compulsory, theoretical syllabus. In master’s level studies, it is not possible to retake or supplement studio courses.

If the course is discontinued, the right to sit the same examination is in force for up to one year after the course was discontinued.

When a student has sat the examination again, the better grade applies.

When a student does not complete the programme within the prescribed period of study, and in the meantime significant changes have been made to the course catalogue, the right to complete the course according to the original catalogue applies for one year after the change went into effect.

Section 6-7 Supplementation and retake of an examination 

If a student receives the grade of Fail on a submitted project assignment in foundation level studies, he/she shall be given the opportunity to supplement the material for review.

Supplementation and a new assessment shall be undertaken before the beginning of the following fall semester. If supplementation does not lead to a passed semester, this part of the semester must be retaken. Failure to submit a project assignment in foundation level studies does note entitle a student to supplementation.

In the event of a failed examination in a theoretical subject in foundation level studies, the student must retake an examination before access to the Master’s level education is given. Pending a new examination, the student is granted dispensation attending the following semester’s courses in foundation level studies. 

The student is responsible to sign up for a retake of an examination on the StudentWeb.

Once foundation level studies are completed, students are not allowed to supplement submitted material.

Section 6-8 Deferred submission 

A student may apply for deferred submission in the event of his/her own illness or circumstances in his/her immediate family that require the student to perform care work. An application for deferring submission must be documented by a medical certificate and sent to Academic Services as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the illness occurred. Illness of up to three days during the semester does not entitle a student to deferred submission. The medical certificate must contain information about what time period and what percentage the absence covers. Deferred submission can not be given for more than two weeks into the following semester.

If a project assignment is carried out as a group project and a person in the group is granted deferred submission, this shall apply to the entire group.

Grading in the event of deferred submission is determined by the institute concerned.

Section 6-9 Unexcused absence from an examination 

Students who do not appear at the examination for which they have registered without a valid excuse or do not submit materials for assessment by the stipulated time will receive the grade of Fail.

Section 6-10 New examination 

A new examination for students with an excused absence from an examination or a grade of Fail on an ordinary examination will be set at regular examination periods: August for examinations sat in the spring semester, possibly June in the following academic year and January for examinations sat in the autumn semester.

The student is responsible to sign up for a retake of an examination on the StudentWeb

Section 6-11 Criteria for assessment 

Criteria for evaluation will be made known to the student through the course catalogue. Attendance may be taken and used for all/part of the grading of lab work and seminars. For courses/lectures covered by a syllabus, attendance is not a criterion for assessment.

Section 6-12 Grading 

Each course is to end with grading. The Education Committee determines the form of the examination. Grades must be submitted within three weeks after the course is completed or examination sat, unless special reasons necessitate the use of more time. If there is a need for additional time for assessment, the student must be informed of this immediately.

Studio courses in master’s level studies shall be followed by a written evaluation. The written evaluation shall be submitted by 1 February for autumn semester course and 1 July for spring semester courses. If a student requests a justification for the grade, the deadline for submitting a written evaluation from the subject teacher in charge to Academic Services is two weeks.

Section 6-13 Examiner committee 

On the recommendation of the institute, the Education Committee shall appoint an examiner committee for examinations, tests, evaluation of assignments or other assessment when results are included on the diploma or calculated into the grade for the programme of study in question, cf. the routine “Assessment Scheme and use of examiners”.

The examiner committee shall consist of at least two people. For the diploma, special rules apply, cf. Section 7-9. For studio courses in master’s level studies, at least one person on the examiner committee shall be external. An external examiner may be used for up to four consecutive years. The course supervisor is the committee chairman.

If a course is a collaboration between more than one institute, all institutes shall be represented in the composition of an examiner committee..

All courses will be subject to grading by an external examiner at least once every three years.

Section 6-14 Grades

Courses for the first three years are assessed using the grading scale A-F according to the description below.

P/F –  Pass/Fail – is used for all courses in master’s level studies, as well as for the diploma.

Examinations are graded Pass/Fail or assessed with letter grades. Passing grades are A, B, C, D, E with E being the lowest. F is a failing grade.

• The grading scale A-F grading system is introduced in courses for the first three years.
• Studio courses in the first year as well as specialization courses in the third year are exempt from the grading scale A-F and graded Pass – Fail
• The grading scale Pass – Fail is used for all courses in master’s level studies
• The grading scale Pass – Fail is used for diploma work
• By use of Pass – Fail grade scale, Pass is equivalent to the grades A-D and Fail equivalent to E-F.
• Written evaluations must be prepared for all studio courses in master’s level studies, according to the criteria given by the Education Committee
• The individual grades are given the following designations and general description:

Grade	Designation	General qualitative description and assessment criteria
A	Excellent	An excellent performance, clearly outstanding. Demonstrates a high degree of independent thinking
B	Very good	A very good performance that is above average. Demonstrates a very good degree of independent thinking
C	Good	A good performance in most areas
D	Satisfactory	A satisfactory performance, but with significant shortcomings.
E	Sufficient	A performance that meets the minimum academic criteria, but no more.
F	Fail	A performance that does not meet the minimum academic criteria.

The grading studio courses with more than 6 ECTS credits must also include an oral review and critique.

For all studio courses of more than 6 ECTS credits where no letter grades are given, a brief written evaluation shall be prepared and be signed by the examiner committee.

Section 6-15 Annulment of examination 

A degree, examination, course or test may be annulled by the AHO Board or Appeals Board if the candidate is guilty of violating provisions of the Section  4-7 (1) a) and b) of the Act relating to universities and university colleges.

Section 6-16 Use of assistive equipment 

Assistive equipment during the examination may include any written or printed aids, calculator and drawing equipment, if necessary. A list of permitted assistive equipment shall be stated for each course in the course catalogue, and should clearly be stated on the examination paper.
Mobile phones and other communication devices must be switched off and kept in a designated place in the examination room. The use of non-permissible assistive equipment is considered cheating. Possession of non-permissible assistive equipment after the examination has commenced is considered attempted cheating.

Section 6-17 Assessment of group work 

In courses taught as group work the entire group shall in principle be assessed equally. If a student shirks his/her share of work and commitments in this regard, this student's work may be assessed separately from the rest of the group. If such a circumstance becomes known after the grade has been given, this student may have his/her examination annulled.

Section 6-18 Cheating on examinations 

If a suspicion of cheating or attempted cheating arises during the examination, the student must immediately be informed that he/she will be reported. The student may then choose whether to discontinue the examination.

Cheating or attempted cheating on a take-home examination may be copying or virtually copying literature, online documents, etc. without referencing the source. In addition, for individual take-home examinations, a lack of independence in the student’s work, e.g. in that the answers are formulated very differently or that the answers were obviously written by someone other than the student will be considered cheating.

All cases where cheating or attempted cheating has been discovered shall be submitted AHO’s Appeals Board for a final decision. The Appeals Board will examine the evidence and annul the examination if this is justified and decides whether the student should be excluded for cheating/attempted cheating on an examination. Decisions of the Board to exclude a student may be appealed against to the Ministry’s special national appeals body, cf. Section Section 4-8 (5) of the Act relating to universities and university colleges.

Candidates who wilfully or through gross negligence aid and abet the cheating of others shall be deemed also to have cheated, regardless of the form of the examination. A student who has cheated or attempted to cheat will have his or her examination annulled, cf. Section Section 4-7 (1) of the Act relating to universities and university colleges and/or be excluded from AHO up to two semesters, cf. Section 4-8 (3) of the same Act.

Section 6-19 Complaints against procedural errors in connection with examinations 

The procedure for complaints against procedural errors in connection with examinations and the grades awarded is laid down in Section 5-2 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges. Complaints against procedural errors shall be submitted in writing and sent via Academic Services to the Education Committee.

Section 6-20 Complaints against grades awarded 

Demands for justification for grades awarded shall be submitted in writing to Academic Services by no later than two weeks after the grade has been given. The student can give a written complain within three weeks from the time the grades awarded is laid down or the justification is given. For complaints against a grade awarded for group work/examinations, everyone who has been assessed together must consent and sign the complaint.

When ongoing assessment is used, a complaint against a grade may be made when the results of the course are announced. Even so, the student has the right to complain in cases where the assessment of a separate test is "fail" and it means that a complete examination cannot be carried out, or a "pass" grade in the course or collection of courses cannot be attained.

Complaints against grades awarded are to be heard by an Appeals Committee appointed by the Education Committee. The hearing of the complaint is described in the routine: Hearing complaints - Appeals Committee.

It is not possible to supplement a submission once an appeal is submitted.

Section 6-21 Appeals Committee

According to § 5-1 in the Act relating to universities and colleges, AHO got a Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee is accepting complaints about single decisions and according to the board, other complaints from the students. Single decisions made by the Academic service, director or rector can appealed to AHOs Appeals Committee. Single decisions are treated after the decisions of The Law concerning Public Administration.

Section 7 Diploma

Section 7-1 Registering 

Registering for a diploma takes place at semester registration. The deadline for semester registration is announced on the web and in the course catalogue.

In order to register for a diploma in the architecture programme, a student needs to have passed 300 ECTS credits and have an approved specialization course for his/her diploma programme. In order to register for a diploma in the landscape architecture programme, a student needs to have passed 90 ECTS credits and have an approved specialization course for his/her diploma programme. In order to register for a diploma in the industrial design programme, a student needs to have passed 270 ECTS credits and have an approved specialization course for his/her diploma programme. The diploma thesis can be carried out individually or in a group.

The requirement for starting the diploma thesis is passed 300 ECTS at the Architecture programme and 270 ECTS at the Industrial design and Landscape architecture programs, including the portfolio evaluation and diploma programming course (6 ECTS)

A student may withdraw from a degree examination four (4) weeks before submission without this being considered an examination attempt. When a student has withdrawn from a degree examination, a new programme must be drawn up before he or she can begin on a new diploma thesis, cf. Section 7-4.

A student can sit a degree examination up to three times.

Section 7-2 Scope 

The diploma project is carried out in the last semester of the programme and is 30 ECTS credits.

Section 7-3 Duration 

The start of the diploma project is determined by the Education Committee and announced through the course presentation and course catalogue.

The duration of the thesis is usually 18 weeks. An extension of up to four weeks may be granted. An application for an extension should be directed to the Rector before the diploma semester starts. The application shall be accompanied by a recommendation from an institute. Academic Services will notify the examiners that the candidate has been granted an extension and the reasons for this. When an extension is granted for the diploma thesis, which results in later submission, the student will be graded together with the subsequent semester's degree candidates.

Section 7-4 Programme

All the academic environment within the institutes must define the prioritised themes/thesis for the diploma thesis. The themes are being presented as a part of AHOs yearly study plan. The diploma thesis is an independent study projects where the student develops the programme for the project, based on the themes from the academic environment or based on your own field of interest. Working with the programme work prior to the diploma is a integrated part of the studio course, but is evaluated as a own part, 6 ECTS.

Deviations from the programme or the requirements must be justified by the candidate in the description of the project when it is submitted.

Section 7-5 Responsibilities and supervision 

The diploma thesis at AHO is carried out as an independent project. For a diploma project, the School’s total teaching staff is to be viewed as a resource the individual student, on his/her own initiative, may obtain guidance and knowledge from.
All degree candidates must have a subject teacher who has approved the programme and who serves as the student’s contact with the School throughout the diploma project. The student may use an external professional or technical advisor. Grants are available for external consultation for of up to 10 hours in accordance with set hourly rates.

Section 7-6 Submission 

The diploma thesis must be submitted by the stipulated deadline. The submitted material is registered by Academic Services and the candidate will be sent a letter with the registration for verification.Section 7-7 Deferred submission

Deferred submission means the thesis will be graded with the following semester’s diploma class.

A thesis may not extend beyond two semesters, even in the event of a documented illness. A thesis that is not submitted by the end of the two semesters will be recorded as a Fail and regarded as one of the three degree examination attempts. Exempt from this rule is maternity leave, cf. Section 4-5 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges.

Section 7-8 Criteria for assessment 

The criteria for assessment are in accordance with the thesis programme and submitted material. The student presents the thesis in an interview with the examiners.

Section 7-9 Examiners 

The diploma thesis must be evaluated by a minimum of three external examiners appointed by the Education Committee. The period for each examiner is up to four years. Both genders shall be represented in the examiner group and at least one examiner should be from abroad. The institutes and degree candidates have the right to propose appointments of new examiners.

AHO as represented by the Rector shall ensure that the examiners are familiar with the School’s structure, course catalogue and teaching methods when they are appointed. Additional expertise shall be included in the examiner team when deemed academically necessary by the Rector.

Section 7-10 Grading 

The diploma thesis shall be graded Pass or Fail, cf. Section 6-14.

Section 8. Experience-based master’s degree

This section applies to experience-based master’s degrees. Matters that are not specifically mentioned under this section, are covered by the other provisions of these Regulations.

Section 8-1 Admission 

Admission to the experience-based degree programs is on the basis of copies of certificates and diplomas.

The formal admission requirement to the experience-based master's programme is one of the following educational backgrounds:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Cand.mag. degree
• Other degree or education of at least three years’ duration
• Education that pursuant to Section 3-5 of the Act relating to universities and university colleges is accepted as equivalent to the above-mentioned degrees or programmes

In addition, at least two years’ relevant work experience is required.

In special cases the third year of formal studies may be replaced by additional relevant experience. Higher education at the master’s level may replace the requirement for professional practice.

An application for admission must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certificates and a portfolio, if any. The Admission Committee is the admissions body for the students into the experience-based degree programmes.

Section 8-2 Programme requirements 

The experience-based master's degrees are modular 90 credit programmes of study, including the final master’s thesis. The programmes are composed of compulsory modules totalling 60 studio credits and conclude with a 30 studio credit master’s thesis. 

Section 8-3 Approval of previous education/specific recognition for the programme of study 

Students who have completed relevant courses at another institution may apply for approval and to have the programme shortened. This is provided that the courses for which approval is sought are not already included in the prerequisites for admission to the programme. Exemption may be given for a maximum of 30 ECTS credits.

The Admission Committee is the evaluation body for approval cases.

For approved courses a reduction in course fees per credit is granted.

Section 8-4 Absence, illness and permission for deferred submission 

Students may apply for deferred submission in the event of their own illness or circumstances in their immediate family resulting in care tasks for the student, or in the event of a heavy workload at their own place of work.

An application for deferred submission shall be sent to Academic Services as soon as possible and by no later than seven days after the illness occurred. If the application pertains to their workload at their own place of work, this must be documented by the employer.

When a student does not complete the programme within the prescribed period of study, and in the meantime significant changes have been made to the course catalogue, the right to complete the course according to the original catalogue applies for one year after the change went into effect.

Section 8.5 Retake of an examination

If a home examination is assessed as fail, the student must retake the examination by submitting a new assignment before the following autumn semester starts.

Section 8.6 Master’s thesis 

The final master's thesis is on a topic of the candidate’s choosing, either a theoretical issue or project assignment.

The programme for the master's thesis must be approved by the programme coordinator and head of institute by the end of the final semester of the module-based studies. The student is entitled to a minimum of 10 hours of internal supervision on the master’s thesis.

The thesis must be submitted for grading by no later than five years after the start of the programme.

Section 8-7 Grading 

The compulsory modules are graded according to the same rules as the ordinary master’s programmes. Complaints against grades awarded follow the same rules as the ordinary master’s programmes.

The master’s thesis is graded Pass/Fail. The master’s thesis shall be graded within three weeks after submission. If the committee requires additional time, the candidate shall be informed of this and be told of the new date the grade will be submitted. The grade shall be accompanied by a written evaluation by the examiner committee, cf. routine “Assessment scheme and use of examiners”.

Section 8-8 Examiner committee 

The final master’s thesis shall be graded by an examiner committee consisting of at least two persons, of whom at least one person on the examiner committee is external and one person is the programme coordinator. External examiners are appointed by the Education Committee on the recommendation of the institute.

Section 9 Expulsion and exclusion

A student who despite a written warning from the Rector repeatedly acts in a way that is grossly disturbing to fellow students’ work or to activities at the institution in other respects may upon a decision of the Board be expelled from specific areas of the institution for up to one year. If after written notice from the Rector the student still does not respect such an expulsion, the Board may even exclude him or her from the programme for up to one year.

Decisions to expel or exclude a student require a two-thirds’ majority vote of the Board. Decisions to impose such a reaction may be appealed against by the student under the provisions of the Public Administration Act. Decisions to exclude a student may be appealed against to the Ministry’s special national appeals body, cf. Section 4-8 (4) of the Act relating to universities and university colleges.

Section 10 Entry into force

Section 10-1

These regulations enter into force on 1.4.2015.