Many students appear to be confused about the DP (Duly Performed).

Why there is a DP requirement

The DP was introduced as an accreditation requirement because too many students who were not adequately prepared were writing the examination and failing. Many of them obtained marks confirming that they knew very little about the modules that they were studying.

Test results are always an indication of the final result in the examination. So if a student is unable able to obtain a more than 40% average for each module in a test it is an indication of the result that is likely to be achieved in the examination. This student has no chance of obtaining 50% in all four modules in the final examination. To obtain the CTA a student must obtain at least 50% for each module that is he has to pass all four modules in one sitting.

To be able to pass all four modules with more than 50% a student must work consistently throughout the year. Many students become busy at work and, expect that they will be able to take leave in September and catch up the work. The syllabus is large and the programme so demanding that it is impossible to pass on the basis of only one or two months' work.

Far too many students write the examinations who have no chance of passing because they have not covered enough of the work in enough detail. The test results prove this.

The failure rate in the programme is unacceptably high. Contact and test time has been increased to give students further practice and support. But if after four tests have been written and students are unable to obtain marks of at least 40% on their best three tests they will fail. These students are insufficiently prepared for the examination so they may not write it.

There is anther aspect that needs to be taken into account. A University rule is that no student may attempt an Honours examination more than once. This had not been applied to the Distance Accounting programme in the past by way of a special concession. There now is a proposal in the University that this rule should be applied to the Distance Accounting programme.. If this proposal is carried (and the School of Accounting cannot obtain a special concession) then a student who writes the exam and fails will not get another chance.

It is therefore better to withdraw rather than have your academic record reflect that you have failed or been denied a DP?

The effects of losing a DP

The DP is calculated only after the last test. This gives a student an opportunity to write all four tests and obtain the minimum 40% for each module (taking into account the best three results for each module). This means that final DP notices will become available only after the results of Test 4 have been released. This is about a week before the final examinations.

If you have applied for and been awarded study leave you will need to reconsider your leave situation. It will be affected if you do not write the examination.

Take a realistic look at your current situation

Are you at risk of losing your DP? There are two parts to the DP. First you have to write at least three of the four tests during the year, and secondly you have to obtain an average of at least 40% for each of the modules.

Writing three tests

There are four tests set during the year. This means that if you are ill or cannot write a test you still have the chance of writing the other three. There are no 'make-up' tests . This means that you should write each test because there may be circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from writing the next test.

Obtaining a minimum of 40% average on each module

The DP requirement is that you must have an average of at least 40% on each of the four modules that make up the programme. This means that even if you obtain more than 40% on three of the modules but below 40% on the fourth module you will lose your DP. You must be able to get an average above 40% on all four modules.

To help indicate where students stand regarding the DP we will release preliminary class marks on Student Central. This class mark will be the average from the first three tests. It will show the average percentage achieved for each module. It can then be compared against the 40% mark required for each module.

DP appeals

Rule GR 17 explains how an appeal against the refusal of the DP can be made. If a test has been missed, for example, because of illness and proof has been provided by way of the necessary certificates, this may help with the appeal. But unless you have shown in at least one test that you can pass (that is obtain more than 50% for each module) it is likely that your appeal will be unsuccessful.