(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations which come into operation on 1st November 2004 have effect on and from 1st September 2004 amend the Students Awards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (“the principal Regulations”).

Retrospection is authorised by Article 50(2) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

Regulation 4(a) changes “Swiss Agreement” to “Switzerland Agreement”. This is to ensure consistency throughout the principal Regulations. Regulation 4(b) inserts three new definitions.

Regulation 5 provides that the new payment rates prescribed in the Schedule to these Regulations shall only apply in relation to an academic term which commences on or after the 1st September 2004. Where an academic year starts before 1st September 2004, but ends after 1st September 2004, the old payment rates and the new payment rates shall be applied proportionally.

Regulation 6 specifies changes to the rates of fee awards in relation to courses at the University of Buckingham, the Guildhall School of Music and Heythrop College. Changes in relation to other fees and grants are provided for by regulation 7 and are specified in the Schedule to these Regulations.