APD Contract Management PPP/PFI
2015/16 Postgraduate Students
Award title
Advanced Professional Diploma Contract Management PPP/PFI
Programme code(s)
APDCM
Faculty
Arts Environment & Technology
School
2015/16 Handbook 2
Leeds Beckett University Student Charter
Working together for success
Leeds Beckett University and our Students’ Union are committed to working in partnership with our students to ensure that our University is an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for its students and work life for its staff.
Our Student Charter sets out how we aim to achieve this by working together to understand and fulfil our commitments to one another. Our Student Charter has been produced jointly with the Students’ Union and we will review it, together, every year. Our University’s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of all our activities and this Student Charter is a contribution towards that goal. The Leeds Beckett Student Charter is not a contractual document, but provides a guide to what members of the Leeds Beckett Community can expect of each other in terms of engagement and behaviour.
_________________________________
We work to shape and sustain a supportive, safe, inclusive community for active learning and the building of skills for life.
We will
Work together within a progressive, independent, and active environment which promotes lifelong learning.
Support a culture of personal and academic resilience.
Collaborate to build partnerships for learning.
Work together to sustain our bold, industrious spirit.
We forge an environment which builds trust, accountability and transparency. We will
2015/16 Handbook 3 Promote the availability of information and support for all.
Ask each other for help when we need it.
Be honest, clear and assertive with each other.
Use the means available to give a compliment, raise a concern or make a complaint.
Take advantage of opportunities for formal and informal learning.
We foster inclusive academic, cultural, social, emotional and creative development for all. We will
Share an exciting and challenging curriculum which is contemporary and relevant.
Promote a culture of critical enquiry and rigorous scholarship.
Support participation in extracurricular opportunities which enhance career and personal development
Enable one another to plan, develop, and drive forward our individual educational and career goals.
Acknowledge and celebrate our joint and separate successes.
We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours.
We will
Act with academic integrity.
Listen to, and respect, differing perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds.
Work together within a positive collaborative learning and working environment, wherever, and however, we engage.
Take care with our personal and professional digital identity and recognise the impact it may have on us and others.
We seek active engagement, feedback and participation in the issues that affect us. We will
Work together to enhance our experience of our University.
Collaborate to promote learning and support enhancement, through mutual reflection and feedback.
Build partnerships to enable our University communities to engage with our external stakeholders.
2015/16 Handbook 4 Support the development of courses which prepare our graduates to be ready for
work, ready for life and ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Use our knowledge of local and world issues to strengthen our global outlook and build a sustainable environment for a thriving future for all.
2015/16 Handbook 5
Contents
1 Welcome to the Course ... 6
2 Studying on this Course ... 13
3 Assessment and Feedback ... 15
4 Where to get help ... 19
5 What to do if you… ... 23
6 Relevant Policies ... 24
2015/16 Handbook 6
1 Welcome to the Course
1.1 Message from the Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor
Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, we hope you will enjoy your experience with us and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans.
The Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology, is one of the largest faculties within Leeds Beckett University and covers a wide range of subjects areas. The faculty is divided into the following five academic schools:
• Art, Architecture, and Design • Built Environment and Engineering
• Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering • Cultural Studies and Humanities
• Film, Music and Performing Arts
Our aim is to provide students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant
curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our courses are highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you feedback on your assessments. We will be organising dedicated, School based feedback weeks for you to ensure that you receive feedback that would help with your future learning.
As a faculty we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic
representatives, through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings, forums with staff, and student representative meetings with me. The courses in the Faculty of Arts Environment and Technology are based at both City Campus and Headingley Campus. Our City Campus courses are situated in the heart of the
2015/16 Handbook 7 city, where our accommodation includes the award-winning Broadcasting Place
development, our Built Environment laboratories, film and performing arts studios and extensive IT facilities. Our University’s Headingley Campus is a leafy parkland setting housing our industry standard music performance studios, visual media, IT labs and dedicated
Computing facilities.
In joining MSc Strategic Project Management, you become part of the Faculty’s community. I would like to wish you well in your chosen studies and hope you have an enjoyable and successful year.
Professor Mohammad Dastbaz
Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology 1.2 Message from your Course Leader
This handbook provides you with information that you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
John Heathcote [email protected] Course Leader
2015/16 Handbook 8 1.3 Message from your Head of School
Dear student, you are an important member of the community that makes up the School of the Built Environment & Engineering, and our success is entwined with your success. This community extends to several franchise institutions across the globe and is underpinned by impressive list of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as, inspiring research and enterprising activities. This hand book is designed to help you by providing the essential information about your course. The handbook is not the only source of information and you should make use of other documents and online provisions as well as communications and feedbacks from the course team, including student admin support. If there are issues that require further clarification then please do not hesitate to discuss them with your personal / year tutor, course leader or indeed myself
9 1.4 Academic Calendar and Timetable
Our standard student calendar is summarised below:
Week Commencing Monday Student Calendar
24.08.15
31.08.15 Bank Holiday 31.08.15 07.09.15
14.09.15
21.09.15 Student Welcome and Induction Week
28.09.15 Semester 1 Teaching Starts 05.10.15 12.10.15 19.10.15 26.10.15 02.11.15 09.11.15 16.11.15 23.11.15 30.11.15 07.12.15 14.12.15 21.12.15 - 08.01.16 UG Christmas Break 11.01.16 - 22.01.16 Formal Examinations Period
25.01.16 Student Welcome and Induction Week
01.02.16 Semester 2 Teaching Starts 08.02.16 15.02.16 22.02.16 29.02.16 07.03.16 14.03.16 21.03.16 UG Easter Break 28.03.16 Bank Holiday 04.04.16 11.04.16 18.04.16 25.04.16 02.05.16 Bank Holiday 02.05.16 09.05.16 - 20.05.16 Formal Examinations Period 23.05.16
30.05.16 Spring Bank Holiday 30.05.16 06.06.16 13.06.16 20.06.16 27.06.16 04.07.16 11.07.16 28.07.16 25.07.16 01.08.16 08.08.16
10 15.08.16
11 Full details of this and future standard student academic calendars are available at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/about-our-university/term-dates.
Once you have enrolled, you will have a student login. You can then find confirmation of your personal timetable by selecting the appropriate link after logging on the Student Hub from www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
1.5 Key Contacts
Course Leader: John Heathcote is course leader for the MSc, please feel free to contact him, by email [email protected] or phone. (0113 2832600) You can arrange to meet with him or other Course Team members at any point for advice and coaching.
Personal Tutor: Students on the course can approach any academic staff member at any time for personal support and advice on any topic. On course we encourage you to approach the tutor you feel happiestwith.
Annmarie Sanderson: [email protected] John Heathcote: [email protected]
Part time students can arrange to meet with staff out of working hours, such as early evening, or after a Sunday workshop.
Student Liaison Officer Course Representative
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course-level, at Faculty Forums and in meetings with academic and administrative staff. Details about being a Course Representative are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives.htm and on the Students’ Union website www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk.
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Course Administration Officer: Our course administration is handled by Andrew WInterburn, who can be reached by phone (0113 2832600) or on email [email protected]
Academic Librarian: Our course enjoys our own academic librarian Jennifer Wilson who can assist with locating materials and papers, and using the on line library databases. This is critical to making your academic work better informed, and Jennifer will be conducting some on line and in-person introductions to getting the most out of using the library. [email protected]
1.6 Keeping in Touch
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. You can find how to forward your student email address to a preferred personal email address or mobile device from: https://support.google.com/mail.
We will inform you of any changes/cancelled classes / activities / course notices as soon as possible. (We’ve never cancelled anyting! But you never know!)
We will do this by email, to your student account, or if you are a part time student both student email and the one you give us. University emails outside of course messages will be the only ones used.
We will also set up a Google + community for your cohort/course.
For each module, the module handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you. This is likely to be the Virtual Learning Environment ‘MyBeckett’ and the course’s 2015/16 Google Drive. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
13 Please make sure that you inform your Student Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
2 Studying on this Course
2.1 Programme Specification
The programme specification is a concise description of your course's aims and objectives and how you will be taught and assessed to achieve the required learning outcomes. It includes information on course structure and the maintenance of academic standards. The full programme specification for this course can be found in appendix A of this handbook.
Course Structure
The course structure outlines the modules that will be delivered on this course. Full details of the structure for this course can be found in the programme specification.
Course Learning Outcomes
All courses are benchmarked against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ-DAB). The FHEQ-DAB can be viewed on the Quality Assurance Agency website: www.qaa.ac.uk. For more details on the Course Learning Outcomes specific to this course please view the programme specification.
2.2 Course Resources
The programme specification specifies the physical and online resources available to students on this course.
14 2.3 Skills you will Gain during the Course
Skills Developed
Include and are not exclusive to: team-working, research, critical thinking and evaluation, presentation, independent learning, project management software use and application, negotiation techniques and leadership and management.
Additional Activities/Recognition
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
2.4 Employability
This course enjoys involvement from practitioner support and input and students are exposed to real life scenarios to boost their CVs. In addition to this networking opportunities are available throughout the course and this also supports graduate employability.
2.5 Opportunities for Graduates
The programme specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates.
2.6 External Examiner
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the United Kingdom. The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
• Mr Adrian Milward MBA MAPM • Programme Manager
15 Your Student Administrator can provide details of the External Examiner’s report on request. Further details on all External Examiners’ reports can be located here: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/external-examiners-reports.htm.
3 Assessment and Feedback
3.1 Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Information on the various methods of assessment can be found in the programme specification (appendix A).
University Assessment Regulations
Our University’s assessment regulations are contained within the Academic Principles and Regulations (sections C3 and C4 in particular). The regulations are available at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations.
Assessment Schedule
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar (see Section 1) and make sure that you are available during those periods.
Examination
This will be available to you on your student portal and confirmed by email form your Tutor.
Coursework
CW assessments will be given out in class and copies are available on Google Drive and My Beckett.
Submitting Assignments
Submission deadlines for assignments will be in the module guides and listed on the course calendar update. Submission will be to the module (subject ) tutor’s email account, ask for a receipt. In some instances your submission might include photos or something that makes
16 the file too big to email, in which case we can either receive a paper print to the School Office, or through sharing files via ‘drop box’ or similar. (Just arrange this with the module leader in advance so they know to expect it).
It is important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of section 3.6 of this handbook. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. These range from 5% to 100% of the possible total mark, depending on the number of days late. Full details (section C1.5) of the penalties for late submission of course work are available at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations/.
3.2 Giving your Feedback about this Course
We are keen to work with you to enhance your course. Opportunities for you to feedback to us formally include: course meetings, end of module evaluation, mid module review, internal student experience surveys, Course Rep forums (through MyVoice in MyBeckett), the National Student Survey and other student surveys. Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your personal or module tutor or via your Couse Representative. 3.3 What Happens with your Feedback about this Course?
Your feedback helps us to continually enhance this course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the
17 Students’ Union, your tutors or through the Library. Your Faculty also provides updates on action taken through the “Better Beckett” posters prominently displayed around our University.
3.4 Getting Feedback on your Assessed Work
Our University has committed to a four week turnaround for feedback. Each module handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on the turnaround for feedback. The programme specification explains how feedback will be provided on both formative and summative assessments (see appendix A).
You should see feedback as part of your learning experience and seek to discuss your plans for assignments and make checks with tutors along the the development of those pieces of work.
3.5 How do I Get my Results?
Results from module assessments are available on the Results Online system from: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online.htm.
Results will only appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Board of Examiners’ meeting (the meeting where your end of year outcome will be decided) or the Examination Committee meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided). If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Student Administrator.
3.6 Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation
If you are experiencing problems which are adversely affecting your ability to study (called 'extenuating circumstances'), then you can apply for mitigation. The University operates a fit to sit/fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so.
Examples of extenuating circumstances include personal or family illness, bereavement, family problems or being a victim of crime. You will need to provide evidence to prove your
18 situation; the Students’ Union Advice Service can offer guidance on what evidence you will need to present.
Further information can be found at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation. Please contact Andrew Winterburn [email protected] the Course administrator, for the correct mitigation form.
3.7 Re-assessment
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g. whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is).
You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Leader, Student Administrator or personal tutor for any necessary clarification.
3.8 Student Appeals
If you feel that you have in some way been disadvantaged during your studies and this is reflected in your results, then you may have grounds for an academic appeal.
After your results are available on Results Online you have 15 working days to submit a request for an appeal hearing. You will find the information you need, including grounds for appeal, when and how to appeal and frequently asked questions at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/appeals.htm.
You are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Student Union Advice Service on whether you have grounds for an appeal and the completion of the paperwork – see Section 4 for Student Union Advice Service contact details.
3.9 Academic Integrity
Our University wants to give you credit for your learning and for work which you have done yourself. Unfair practice occurs when you have not done the work yourself.
19 Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, whether intentional or unintentional, is a matter of academic judgement and may be considered to be unfair practice. Examples of unfair practice include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, ghostwriting and falsification of data. Definitions of these offences and the serious consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section C9: Academic Integrity: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
There are a range of resources available to help you understand what is and what is not permitted and how to use other people’s ideas in your assessed work. These include the Skills for Learning website which can be found at http://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk. If you are unsure on how to reference your work correctly please seek advice from your tutors or access the Skills for Learning resources online (see section 4).
4 Where to get help
4.1 Personal tutors
Your personal tutor (see Key contacts in Section 1) will usually be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Leader will make sure that you are given the name and contact details of your personal tutor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Normally, your tutor will aim to follow you right through the duration of your course.
Your personal tutor has an important role to play in supporting you in academic and personal matters while you are studying on this course. The meetings will include discussion about career aspirations, your course, your progress, and your academic results. You may want to set objectives for academic and life goals which you can store on your e-portfolio. Personal tutors are not trained counsellors and will signpost you to other University services if they can’t help you. These services may, for example, be the Students’ Union, the counselling service or the Student Hub.
20 In the first year your tutor will probably initiate communication to request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, but later in your course it should be your responsibility to set up the meeting. If you ask information to be kept confidential it will be and a note will be kept securely in your University notes with an indication of who can access the information. You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. But your personal tutor may ask you to come to see them more frequently and you should feel free to contact them if you need to see them urgently.
Please see Section 6 for details of our personal tutor policy. 4.2 Student Hub
If you have any questions about or problems with life at our University, the first place to call, email or pop into is the Student Hub. The team can help with a broad range of enquiries including: funding and money advice, being an international student, disability, counselling and wellbeing support, student cards, accommodation, fee payments, support from the Students’ Union, how to access on-line services, getting help with your CV, preparing for an interview, careers guidance and getting a part-time job. Details of these and other services are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub.
There is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one also in Campus Central at Headingley. Their telephone number is 0113 812 3000 and their e-mail address is [email protected]. They work closely with Faculties, the Students’ Union, all University Services and external organisations to make sure that if they don’t know the answer to your question they will know who will.
You can also use 'my Hub' https://myhub.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f which is an online resource available 24/7 where you can access information and guidance about a range of services, register and make appointments with Services, register for workshops and employability tutorials, search for job vacancies and use a range of careers resources.
21 4.3 Disability Support
Disability Support is available from our Disability Advice Team. The Disability Advisers will work with students to ensure support is provided to meet their individual needs: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/disability-services.htm.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer, more information is available at http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/using_the_library/disabled_and_dyslexic_users.
4.4 Library Help
The Library
There are two Libraries at Leeds Beckett, Sheila Silver at City Campus and Headingley Library, both open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can use either Library, although the book stock reflects the courses taught at each campus. The website (library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk) also provides access to thousands of resources and information about Library services.
Academic Librarian
Your academic librarian (see contacts in Section 1) liaises with your lecturers to ensure physical and electronic information resources for your subject are available in the Library and they work with you throughout your time here to help you develop information and digital literacy skills.
Help and Information Points
If you have any questions about using the library or need IT support you can get help: • from the Help and Information Point on the ground floor of each library • online: library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact-us
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (including 24/7 IT support).
Distance Learners
If you are registered on a distance-learning course, you may be eligible for the Library’s Offsite service. This offers help with accessing electronic resources, access to other libraries,
22 postal book loans and journal article supply. See the Library website for details of eligibility and more information.
Skills for Learning
Skills for Learning provides a wide range of web resources and publications on topics including plagiarism, group skills, research, maths, Harvard referencing, essay writing and time management. Information about workshops and one-to-one tutorials can be found at http://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/.
MyBeckett
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment, is the gateway to all the information you will need to support your studies during your time at University. It provides access to your modules and timetables; your email account; your personal storage area on our University IT servers and a wide range of other information.
4.5 Students’ Union Advice Service
The Students’ Union advice service offers free, independent and confidential advice and representation to students. Professional advisers are employed directly by the Students’ Union to represent your interests – even if you are in dispute with our University. Advice is available on a large number of issues, for example:
Academic Problems including: mitigation, complaints, appeals, disciplinary procedures & academic misconduct.
Housing Problems including: disrepair, problems with your landlord, checking your tenancy agreement before you sign.
Money Issues including: problems with your student loan & Debt
Health and Wellbeing.
Tel: (0113) 812 8400
E-mail: [email protected]
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5 What to do if you…
5.1 …are absent for more than one day
You must notify your Student Administrator if you are absent for more than one day (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence (see section 3).
International students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all Tier 4 students. Failure to meet UKVI attendance requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked. Tier 4 students need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk for full information.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please contact the International Student Advice Centre at [email protected].
5.2 …are ill
If you are absent because of illness for more than seven consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note. You can hand in or send a Fit Note to your Course Leader or Student Administrator. Further information is available in the General Regulations (section 6) at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations. If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details and any available evidence as soon as possible. Contact your Student Administrator to get a copy of the appropriate extenuating circumstances form. For more details on mitigation please visit www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation.htm.
24 5.3 …have a comment, compliment or complaint
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your course representative or directly with your personal tutor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available online at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/complaints.htm.
5.4 …are considering suspending studies or withdrawing from the course If you are considering withdrawal from your course you should speak to your personal tutor, a member of staff at our Student Hub or the Students’ Union to discuss your reasons. If there is a problem, University or Students’ Union staff may be able to help. It may be possible to arrange suspension of studies from your course.
If you are considering withdrawing, permanently or temporarily, you must complete a withdrawal form. This form must be submitted as soon as possible to your faculty office as withdrawals cannot normally be backdated. For further details see General Student Regulations at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/.
6 Relevant Policies
6.1 Student Charter
Our University and Students’ Union recently agreed upon the Student Charter which outlines what is expected of students of Leeds Beckett University and what students can
25 expect from our University. The most recent version of our Student Charter is at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/student-charter.htm.
6.2 Student Entitlements
Our student entitlements, listed at the front of this handbook, will help to ensure the student charter is embedded as part of our approach to providing a good quality, consistent learning experience for our students.
6.3 Personal Tutors
You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. See Key contacts in Section 1 for details of how to contact your personal tutor. See Section 4 for an overview of the support you can expect from your personal tutor. You can find full details of our personal tutor policy from the Student Hub webpages: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/.
6.4 Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Policy Statement
Our University is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable working environment that values wellbeing and diversity. This commitment exists alongside our wider legal and moral obligations to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, students and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. There are further details at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/partners/safety-health-and-wellbeing-a-z.htm (see H - Health and Safety Policy – Policy Statement).
Smoking
No smoking is permitted in any of our University buildings, this includes the use of vapour cigarettes (or other similar devices); if you do smoke outside our buildings please make sure that you stand at least five metres way from building entrances and boundaries.
Use of Laptops within our University
If you need to charge your laptop battery, please make sure that the battery charger/lead are undamaged, and only plug it into a designated power socket – if you are unsure of
26 where these are, please ask a member of staff. Please make sure your battery charger cables do not create a trip hazard.
Fire Safety Procedures
Fire information is present on Fire Action Notices displayed in all University buildings. These are normally present in corridors. Please read and follow the instructions.
All fire exit routes are clearly identified. You should familiarise yourself with the location of fire exit routes and fire assembly points for the buildings that you may use in the course of your studies.
If you discover a fire, you should sound the alarm by operating the Fire Alarm Call Point. You should report the circumstances and site of fire using the emergency number 4444 - indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not tackle the fire unless you have been trained to do so. Evacuate the building to the fire assembly point indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not re-enter the building until officially authorised to do so.
On hearing the Fire Alarm, everyone should proceed calmly to the nearest available safe fire exit, as indicated by the green and white fire exit signage. Take appropriate action to assist visitors and mobility-impaired persons or wheelchair users to a safe refuge.
Upon exiting the building, continue on to the fire assembly point so as not to impede the remaining evacuees exiting the building. Evacuation is practised through fire drills. However, you should regard any continuous sounding of the alarm as a fire incident and act accordingly.
Disabled Students
You are expected to declare any disability that would affect your safety in the event of a fire, e.g. hearing impairment or the use of a wheelchair. If you are referred to the Disability Adviser, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be developed for you as appropriate.
27 Disabled students must declare their disability, to the University, for it to be taken into consideration. You can find further information about the support available to disabled students studying at our University and contact details on our website: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/disability-services.htm.
First Aid
First Aid Notices (green and white) are displayed in all University buildings alongside the Fire Action Notices (predominantly blue and white) and alongside, or adjacent to, each First Aid box. First Aid Notices provide all the information you may require to seek and summon assistance.
First Aider contact details can also be obtained from the Student Hub or from Security: City Campus, internal ext. 23154 or Headingley Campus, internal ext. 23165.
Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents and incidents and dangerous occurrences, must be reported to, and recorded by University staff. Accident report forms (HS1) are available at faculty reception offices, Security and Student Hubs.
Infectious Disease
Campus-based students who have been diagnosed with a serious infectious disease such as TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should notify their Course Leader or Student Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For diseases such as TB or meningitis, the West Yorkshire Health Protection Team may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University.
6.5 University Regulations
There are two sets of regulations you need to be aware of, the University Academic Principles and Regulations and the General Regulations: Leeds Beckett University Students.
28 The Academic Principles and Regulations relate specifically to your studies and your course. They cover issues such as assessment, progression and award requirements amongst a range of other issues.
The General Student Regulations deal with a range of issues which apply to all students of our University.
6.6 Academic Principles and Regulations
Our University Academic Principles and Regulations can be found at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
You should familiarise yourself with the Academic Principles and Regulations. The following sections are of particular relevance to your course:
• Assurance of Academic Standards: Assessment (C1) • Achievement of Credit (C2)
• Student Progression (C3) • Conferment of Awards (C4) • Management of Assessment (C5)
• Conduct of Assessment: Coursework and Other Assessed Work (C6) • Administration and Conduct of Examinations (C7)
• Written Examinations: Regulations for Candidates (C8) • Cheating, Plagiarism and Other Forms of Unfair Practice (C9) • Disabled Students (C10)
• Boards of Examiners and Examination Committees (C12) • Disclosure of Assessment Results (C14)
• Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation (C15) • Request for an Appeal Hearing (C16)
The Students’ Union Advice service (www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk) is able to offer advice and guidance on how to understand and use the Academic Principles and Regulations.
Where students are undertaking any form of research project, reference should be made to the Research Ethics Policy and Research Ethics Procedures which can be found at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/research-ethics.htm.
29 6.7 General Regulations
The General Student Regulations are available at the following web link: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/. You should familiarise yourself with the student regulations relevant to you.
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Appendix A –Programme Specification
Course Approval Template (CAT)
Course Approval Template (CAT) 2014-15 Onwards
Part A: Course Definition
1 Academic Contact Leading Proposal
John Heathcote
2 Faculty AET
3 School School of Built Environment and Engineering 4 Programme Code APDCM
5 JACS Code N213
6 UCAS Code N/A
7 Target Award Title & Level
Award Title Level
APD Advanced Professional Diploma in:
Contract Management PPP/PFI 7
8 Contained Awards (specify each one on a separate line and the level)
Award Title Level
None
9 Title of Named Progression Route (if applicable)
Award Title Level
None 10 Previous Award Title
(if replacing an existing course)
Award Title Programme
Code N/A
11 Existing Course Run Out Details
N/A 12 Joint Honours Provision
(Insert name of lead Faculty and others involved in the development)
Lead Faculty N/A Faculty
Faculty Faculty 13 PSRB Name and Web
Link
The course will seek accreditation from appropriate professional bodies
31 19 Mode of Study and Planned Duration (please complete all that apply including
multiple, single mode deliveries (eg 2 different PT deliveries over different durations)
Mode Tick Planned duration Mode Tick Planned duration Full-time x For delivery
within one
Part-time X For delivery within one 14 Nature of PSRB
Involvement
Accredited Y/N Dates of accreditation. From: N/A
To: N/A
Date of next accreditation visit:
15 Awarding Body (if not our university)
N/A 16 Other External Body
Contributing to Course Development
This Contract Management PPP/PFI module content is influenced from practice and long standing public and private sector links and service providers who include:
- Mott MacDonald
- The London Borough of Waltham Forrest - Leeds City Council PPP office
A number of sources influence the course:
EADS Group, Airbus (Spring trip to Toulouse Plant)
AMRC, Sheffield. (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre)
These have assisted in writing the APD and will assist in delivery of the course through providing guests to join seminars, and regular tours of facilities, culminating in the discussion of contemporary issues with regard to contract management.
17 Source of Funding HEFCE NHS Teaching Agency
CLOSED Other (please specify)
Self-funded 18 Scope/Age Range for
Initial Teacher Training Courses
32 academic
semester
academic year
Sandwich n/a Block X For delivery
within one academic year Distance full-time Distance part-time
20 Primary Delivery Location
City Campus Leeds X Headingley Campus Not Applicable (Distance)
21 Course Delivery Dates Is this course delivered within the university UG framework?
N/A
Please provide start and end dates for each cohort.
Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Start: 09/2015 09/2016 02/2017 End: 02/2016 01/2017 06/2018 If NO, please contact the Registrar and Secretary’s Office to discuss the delivery.
22 Academic Principles and Regulations
The course will adhere to the University Academic Principles and Regulations and the post graduate framework in full.Academic Principles and Regulations
23 External Examiner Arrangements For PSRB provision only, if
requested, Explain the External Examiner
arrangements for this course and when their tenure expires
An external examiner is being sought for this course and will be in place for the September 2015 start date.
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Part B: Course Management and Development
24 Staff Managing the Course
Name Role(s)
John Heathcote Course Leader
25 Staff Teaching the Course
Name Role(s)
John Heathcote Module Leader
Annmarie Sanderson Module leader
External Reference Points 26 Subject
Benchmark(s) Statements
The course responds to subject threshold. This APD will further the advanced study of students who work or intend to work in contracting environments. On completion of their studies students will have the ability to adapt to the changing internal and external context in which they operate and the modules delivered will support this in particular to contract administration, understanding and financial management. This APD will seek to prepare and/or the development of a career in a contracting and procurement environment, by developing skills at a strategic and practitioner level. The management of complex issues and of solutions for Contract PPP/PFI will be at the fore front of this level 7 programme. At level 7, it is expected that students will be able to use research skills to collect, interpret, and independently surmise and evaluate data gathered by working individually and in groups. These skills will be further developed through the studying of “live” practitioner case studies. Students are expected to provide valid and reliable summations to explain underlying strategic and technological themes and to identify and synthesize problems and information accurately from complex situations. 27 The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
This APD complies with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Advanced Professional Diploma Contract Management PPP/PFI will be awarded to students who have demonstrated a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights
34 in the Contract Management discipline.
• a comprehensive understanding of Contract Management techniques and critical thinking and self-reflection applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship mostly delivered and not exclusively through Managing and Monitoring Performance.
• Originality in the application of contract management and knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a Contract Management environment. Students would seek to develop this through and not exclusively through both modules: Contract Management and Financial Control and Managing and Monitoring Performance.
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a strategic or equivalent level, again Contract Management and Financial Control and Managing and Monitoring Performance modules promote this type of thinking and problem solving and students are encouraged to further this during their study.
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level, whilst also developing the initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. This again will be developed through the knowledge gained form studying the modules and also from interactive sessions with practitioners.
28 QAA Code of Practice
The course approval processes have been benchmarked against the Quality Code and this course complies with the University’s Academic Principles & Regulations which are they regularly benchmarked against the requirements of the code. The Course will be delivered in line with the requirements of the Academics Regulations and associated processes and procedures.
There will be no exceptions to the Academic Regulations or Admissions Procedures.
29 Employers, Sector Practitioners and PSRBs
Employers have an ability to influence curriculum development through industry liaison in Action Research work undertaken by the Course Development Team. Much active research with industry is undertaken and this provides a
35 feedback loop and consultancy work that comes back into the
classroom as both principles and case studies. This Contract Management PPP/PFI module content is influenced from practice and long standing public and private sector links and service providers who include:
- Mott MacDonald
- The London Borough of Waltham Forrest
- Leeds City Council PPP office
A number of sources influence the parent course: Wuerzburg University of Applied Science, Germany EADS Group, Airbus (Spring trip trip to Toulouse Plant) AMRC, Sheffield. (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) These have assisted in writing the APD and will assist in delivery of the course and will prove guests to join seminars, and regular tours of facilities, culminating in the discussion of contemporary issues with regard to contract management.
30 Other External Reference Points N/A 31 Resources Introduction
Libraries and Learning Innovation (LLI) plays a key role in the student and staff experience at Leeds Beckett University, supporting the teaching, learning and research needs of staff and students. The service has a total staff of about 101 (full time equivalent) and total expenditure of approximately £5.1 million (2013-14).
LLI is committed to the development of a quality service for its customers and to a close partnership with Faculties in supporting students’ learning.
Academic Librarians represent these services on course development teams to ensure that there is appropriate support for new courses at the earliest stage, as well as at approval events. They are also represented at course annual reviews and Faculty and University committees by a Senior Academic Librarian.
Key Facts and Figures (for 2013-14)
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Issues / Returns / Renewals 795,006
Books / AV Items in Stock 350,428
Journal / Newspaper Titles Available 92,491
Searches of Electronic Databases 2,513,224
Visitors to University VLE/Portal 3,751,968
Resourcing the Curriculum
The annual financial allocation for library materials and information access is approximately £2.2 million (for 2014-15). A Collection Development Strategy describes how these funds are allocated in discussion and agreement with the Faculties and provides information on how LLI stores, arranges and facilitates access to the wide variety of information and learning resources to support the curriculum.
Academic Librarians are responsible for the identification and selection of materials to support courses and research in their subject area and work closely with faculty colleagues to develop Academic Librarian Annual Reports which highlight strengths, weaknesses and priorities for development in each subject area. Separate funding is available to provide extra copies of key material, pump-priming funding for new and revised courses and also for new areas of the curriculum.
Our Resource List System provides access to module resource lists for students and academic staff. It allows for the collation, presentation and updating of online resource lists, facilitating student access to a single source of up to date information relating to the resources they need to support their studies. Resource lists can be tailored for individual modules by adding tags,
commentaries and other features. Usage data from the system allows us to ensure provision of book and other resources in suitable numbers across courses. All module and course leaders are asked to provide a copy of the full, current resource list for their module(s) to their Academic Librarian for use in populating the system.
The Library purchases a range of quality electronic and print resources to support the curriculum, numbering over 450,000 items for 2014-15, in addition to guiding users to high quality free content, for example journals published on an open access basis. Information and learning resources are acquired in electronic format in preference to print, wherever possible, enabling simultaneous multi-user access 24/7 from both on and off campus.
No library can meet all the needs of its clientele and The Library works with other libraries to enable access for Leeds Beckett students and staff; for example the SCONUL Access provides access to resources in over 140
institutions across the country. An Interlibrary Loan service is available to staff, research students, taught masters students and undergraduates working on dissertations to facilitate access to information resources not held by The
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Library and support is given to students and staff to use the British Library Document Supply Centre at Boston Spa.
Libraries and the Learning Environment
Integrated library, computing and media facilities are provided in libraries based on each of our University’s campuses at City Campus and Headingley. Some facilities are also available in Cloth Hall Court and in the Carnegie Stand and Pavilion.
LLI aims to maximise choice and flexibility in the way in which students and staff learn by providing a range of study environments, off-campus support, online access and dispersed facilities. The Library opens 24/7 every day of the year providing almost 2100 study places of which 70% are IT enabled with either PCs or laptop plug in points. A “PC Availability” service available via the Library’s mobile website or viewed on plasma screens enables students to easily identify unoccupied PCs. Wireless networking is available throughout both libraries and wireless enabled laptop PCs are available for loan from Audio Visual Loans.
A service to off campus users (Offsite) offers a package of services to support students who are seldom required to attend classes on campus. This includes postal loans, journal articles, enquiries, and referral to libraries near to where they live. A “Pay-to-Post” service also enables any student to have an item from stock or photocopied journal article posted to them.
The i-Print system is installed across our University, offering a new generation of multi-functional devices including an environmentally friendly scan to email option and the option to send to print from home computers or personal laptops. Students are able to load credit onto their Campus Cards to pay for their printing and photocopying, either by Kiosk within each Library or online. Our University’s reprographics service, The Print Room, also offers document finishing and poster printing services to students and staff.
Technologies for Learning
As an integral part of Libraries and Learning Innovation, Technologies for Learning supports a number of student facing learning and information services, providing administration, user support and training. These services include:
Our University’s Virtual Learning Environment, supplied by Blackboard and branded as MyBeckett (formerly X-stream), supports our
University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, providing a range of online facilities and tools to support staff and students in the provision of flexible online learning and communication. MyBeckett also provides portal access to integrated announcement, email and group
communication tools to facilitate communication across the university community. All students have an email account and calendar
38
facilities provided by Google in partnership with the University which are also available via mobile devices.
The Library Management System from Sirsi Dynix, providing catalogue
access for users to a wide range of print and electronic materials including books, journals, multimedia, electronic books and journals held in The Library’s physical and electronic collections.
The Resource Discovery Tool, “Discover” supplied by EBSCO, providing
single search access for users to the majority of information sources available through the University Library services and beyond.
The Library Website, providing access to information and resources
available through the Library alongside information about services, help and support and academic liaison.
The Leeds Beckett Repository, supplied by Intrallect, providing access
to research papers produced by staff of the University and to a range of open educational resources for use in learning and teaching. This is allied with a Current Research and Information System supplied by Symplectic providing for organisation and analysis of research content within the University.
The Copyright Clearance Service providing not only advice and
expertise on copyright legislation but also a digitisation service to support staff in making online readings available to students.
Help, Support and Skills Development
Alongside the provision of library, information and IT help services in person (including roving IT Help throughout The Library), LLI works in partnership with colleagues in other universities to provide help by telephone and chat 24 hours a day, 365 days a year alongside a single email address. More complex
enquiries can be referred to specialists, such as Academic Librarians, who have subject specialisms and are responsible for evaluating electronic information sources, as well as providing training and tutorials.
Students registered with Leeds Beckett’s Disability, Dyslexia and Assessment Centre can benefit from the specialist help of a Learning Support Officer based at each campus library. Students can book one-to-one appointments or take advantage of informal drop in sessions. There is a Disability Resource Area in each Library containing adaptive software and hardware which will assist users with disabilities.
All new students are offered an induction session and follow up digital literacy teaching complemented by online guides, web pages and online tutorials to inform students of relevant resources and activities to support their
39
literature searching sessions to students as part of their courses and also offer a programme of drop in information workshops for students. Online learning objects allow students to independently learn and practice their information skills and test their progress.
Skills development is increasingly recognised as making a significant
contribution to the careers of graduates in terms of the achievement of their full educational potential and adding value to their lifelong learning through preparing them for employment and/or career progression. The Library has a strong commitment to teaching digital and information literacy skills and the encouragement and development of truly independent learners and is increasingly embedding information skills teaching within the curriculum.
Skills for Learning
Skills for Learning provides online resources, services and publications to enable students to develop their academic skills. Skills for Learning was established within LLI to support the transition to higher education, raise student achievement, improve retention, and help to attract new students. It actively promotes the graduate attributes of digital literacy, enterprise skills, and a global outlook.
The Skills for Learning website offers a wide range of generic learning and teaching resources on topics which include: academic writing, group skills, research, maths, critical awareness and reflective skills. Students can use the website independently; academic staff also use it in teaching sessions and VLE modules. All the website resources have been produced by Leeds Beckett University.
Skills for Learning also provides drop-in workshops, customised classes, and group and one-to-one tutorial support in academic communication, maths and IT. In addition, Skills for Learning publishes a series of student guides on essential academic skills and regular podcasts on key topics.
Regional, National and International Partnerships
LLI also support courses throughout the UK and internationally. Arrangements with partner colleges in the UK allow students to borrow books through Guest User access to The Library. LLI works with Quality Assurance Services to review library and learning resources provision provided by prospective partners, by means of a checklist of resources and services which is completed as part of the University’s standard venue visit. LLI staff offer support to librarians and
learning support professionals, advising where appropriate on the provision of learning resources and sharing good practice.
The Student Employability and Progression Centre provide a range of resources to support student employability. These can be found principally through:
40 • MyHub [resources section] and the Employability and Progression web
pages - Available under the Employability tab at the Student hub http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/
• MyCareer is a platform of employability resources and mini tutorials which complement those available in myHub. Modules include: Self-development, Job hunting, CVs, Applications, Interviews and Managing Change. [Available under the Employability tab in MyBeckett]
Specialist planning software is available in Library IT labs. All library IT PCs carry MSProject software.
VLE facilities are provided for all modular courses.
The Student Employability and Progression Centre provide a range of resources to support student employability. These can be found principally through:
• The Employability and Progression website which can be accessed via the Student Hub pages on www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk The A-Z covers a range of topics such as Career Planning, CVs and Applications, Interviews and Assessment Centres, Graduate Employment and Volunteering Opportunities • ERoL (Employability Resources On-Line) in My Beckett. These complement the above resources and include sections on self-development, job hunting, CVs, Applications, Interviews and Managing Change. Under ‘My Resources’ there is a Knowledge Hub which includes employer video clips, audio podcasts and written tutorial materials on these topics.
• Additionally an overview of jobs overseas, visa requirements and vacancies are provided via Going Global which can be found on the Employability and Progression website under Graduate Employment/International Jobs
Academic Librarians are responsible for the identification and selection of materials to support courses and research in their subject area. The Library purchases a range of quality electronic and print resources to support the curriculum, numbering over almost 400,000 items for 2014-15. The Library also works with other libraries to enable access for Leeds Beckett students and staff. An Interlibrary Loan service is available to staff, research students, taught masters students and undergraduates working on dissertations to facilitate access to information resources not held by The Library.
The Library opens 24/7 every day of the year providing over 2100 study places of which approximately 800 offer access to computing or multi-media facilities with the latest operating software. Wireless networking is also available throughout The Library and wireless enabled laptop PCs are available for loan. Library Online provides access to information and resources available through The Library, including subject pages and Discover, a single search access point for users to the whole range of information sources available through the University Library services and beyond.
Library Online http://libraryonline.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/pages/home Link to your subject pages
