Policies and governance.

AD-01

Registration Policy

Last reviewed 12 January 2026

Governs the assessment of applications to all programs of the Institute. Registration is by open competition against published criteria.

1. AD-01.1Applications are assessed only against the published entry requirements for the relevant program; no preference attaches to nationality, employer, or prior relationship with the Institute.
2. AD-01.2Every complete submission receives at least two independent readings by members of the registration committee.
3. AD-01.3Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel of no fewer than two assessors; interview records are retained for one full registration cycle.
4. AD-01.4Decisions are issued in writing. Feedback is available on request to interviewed candidates.
5. AD-01.5Misrepresentation in a submission is grounds for withdrawal of an offer, or for cancellation of a completion record if discovered later.

AC-02

Assessment & Grading Policy

Last reviewed 9 February 2026

Defines the grading scale, the standards for progression and completion, and the moderation procedures applied to all assessed work.

1. AC-02.1All assessed work is graded against published criteria issued with the assessment brief.
2. AC-02.2Examination scripts are marked anonymously. A sample of every assessment is second-marked; capstone work is double-marked in full.
3. AC-02.3A cumulative performance score of 3.0 is required for good standing and for program completion.
4. AC-02.4Completion records with a cumulative score of 3.80 or above are marked with Distinction.
5. AC-02.5External reviewers examine grade distributions and a sample of assessed work each year; their reports are considered by the Program Board.

AC-03

Program Integrity Policy

Last reviewed 9 February 2026

Sets the standards of honesty required in all program work and the procedures for investigating suspected breaches.

1. AC-03.1All submitted work must be the candidate's own. Sources, collaborators and the use of analytical or generative tools must be declared.
2. AC-03.2Plagiarism, fabrication of data, unauthorised collaboration and contract cheating are breaches of this policy.
3. AC-03.3Suspected breaches are investigated by an Integrity Panel that has had no part in teaching the module concerned.
4. AC-03.4Sanctions are proportionate and range from resubmission at a capped grade to exclusion from the Institute.
5. AC-03.5A finding of breach after completion may result in cancellation of the completion record.

AC-04

Attendance & Progression Policy

Last reviewed 3 November 2025

States the attendance expected of candidates and the conditions under which a candidate progresses between terms.

1. AC-04.1Attendance of at least 85% of scheduled sessions is required in every module; residencies and intensives require full attendance.
2. AC-04.2Progression to each subsequent term requires good standing (cumulative performance score of 3.0 or above) and no unresolved integrity proceedings.
3. AC-04.3A candidate who falls below good standing is placed on program review for one term with a written improvement plan.
4. AC-04.4Interruption of study may be granted for documented medical, family or professional cause, normally for no more than one year.

ST-05

Complaints & Appeals Procedure

Last reviewed 3 November 2025

Provides the route by which candidates may raise complaints or appeal program decisions, with defined stages and time limits.

1. ST-05.1Complaints are raised first informally with the member of staff concerned, and where unresolved, in writing to the Registrar within 20 working days of the matter arising.
2. ST-05.2Formal complaints receive a written response within 15 working days of receipt.
3. ST-05.3Program appeals may be brought on grounds of procedural irregularity or evidence that could not reasonably have been presented earlier; disagreement with program judgment is not a ground of appeal.
4. ST-05.4Appeals are heard by a panel with no prior involvement in the matter. The panel's decision concludes the Institute's internal procedure.

FN-06

Program Fee Refund Policy

Last reviewed 12 January 2026

Defines the refund of program fees on withdrawal, by reference to the date of withdrawal within the term. The full schedule is published on the Program Fees page.

1. FN-06.1Notice of withdrawal must be given in writing to the Registrar; the effective date is the date of receipt.
2. FN-06.2Refunds are calculated on the schedule published for the year of entry and are processed within 30 days of the effective date.
3. FN-06.3The registration deposit and the processing fee are non-refundable in all circumstances.
4. FN-06.4Where the Institute cancels a program before commencement, all sums paid, including the deposit, are refunded in full.

RG-07

Completion Verification

Last reviewed 22 June 2026

Enables employers and organizations to verify a completion record issued by the Institute, free of charge, through the Office of the Registrar.

1. RG-07.1Verification requests are made in writing to the Registrar and must include the participant's written consent.
2. RG-07.2The Institute confirms the program completed, the year of completion and, with consent, the final classification.
3. RG-07.3Verifications are answered within five working days of receipt of a complete request.
4. RG-07.4No verification is provided by telephone.

RG-08

Participant Records & Privacy

Last reviewed 22 June 2026

Governs the retention of program records and the protection of personal data held about applicants, candidates and participants.

1. RG-08.1The completion record is retained indefinitely.
2. RG-08.2Submission materials of unsuccessful candidates are retained for one registration cycle and then destroyed.
3. RG-08.3Personal data is processed only for the purposes stated at collection and is never sold or shared for marketing.
4. RG-08.4Candidates and participants may request a copy of the personal data held about them at any time through the Registrar.