The University's Legislation addresses matters of institutional governance and organisation. The Charter and Statutes are at the top of this hierarchy whilst the Ordinances contain more detailed provisions related to employment of staff, discipline, and programmes of study.
Details of changes to the academic legislation for the 2012-2013 Academic Session can be found in the Legislation Changes 2012 memo (PDF - 74KB).
Charter
Lays down the core tenets of the governance of the University: its establishment and legal status, its objects and powers, its governing body and key institutional officers. Amendments to the Charter have to be approved by the Privy Council. Download a full version of the University Charter (PDF - 36KB).
Statutes
Sets out the legal framework for the exercise of the University’s powers. They prescribe the composition, business and powers of the Council, Senate and Court as well as other provisions in connection with the governance of the University and the promotion of the objects of the Charter. Amendments to the Statutes also have to be approved by the Privy Council. Download a full version of the Statutes.
Ordinances
Provides more detail on the exercise of powers than in the Statutes. They distribute the authority of Council to committees and to executive officers, and control use of that authority. They contain provisions regarding the Senate, the University Executive Board and the Court, and establish key organisational structures such as Colleges and Research Institutes. Ordinances may be amended or augmented by the University Council. Download a full version of the University Ordinances (PDF - 290KB).