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Being 'Complete' in a Module
At UCL there is an important difference between failing a module - even if a module has been irredeemably failed after both the first and the second attempts - and being 'incomplete' in the assessment for a module: it is possible to fail a module permanently, while nevertheless 'completing' it. The difference can be very significant.
In order to be 'complete' in a module, students must have been academically assessed in all of the examined elements relating to the module on at least the first or the second attempt. In other words, the student must have seriously attempted all relevant assessment at least once, instead of being absent and/or failing to submit work. Merely attending an examination without making a credible attempt that can be academically assessed or submitting empty pages or negligible work that cannot be academically assessed does not complete the assessment.
Completing all modules, even if some modules may have been failed, is very important: In order to progress from year 2 to year 3 a student must be complete in all year 1 modules; in order to progress from year 3 to year 4 a student must be complete in all year 2 modules. If students become permanently 'incomplete' in a module, they may therefore no longer be able to progress and will have to leave UCL. Final-year students who become 'incomplete' in a module by failing to attempt a re-sit after already having failed to complete all elements of assessment on the first attempt will no longer qualify for a classified honours degree and may only qualify for an unclassified ordinary degree.
It is therefore particularly important not to miss assessment by failing to submit work or being absent from examination; and it is imperative not to do so on a second attempt if the assessment for the module has remained incomplete after the first attempt. Further details and the formal regulations can be found in Chapter 4 of the Academic Manual.