International Masters
2015/16 Postgraduate Students
Award title
International Masters
Programme code(s)
INTMF
Faculty
Carnegie Faculty
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.
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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
Maintain mutually respectful codes of behaviour.
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.
2015/16 Handbook 3 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.
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 4
Our Student Entitlements
As a full-time or part-time campus-based student you are entitled to:
1. Access online learning materials and resources for every module through a virtual learning environment and have access to the resources and information of an up to date library.
2. Opportunities for on-going feedback on your work and progress towards your assessments in every year of your course.
3. Participate in a course induction, which will be provided at the beginning of each year of your course.
4. A meeting with your personal tutor once per semester. [All new students will be invited to a meeting with their personal tutor within four weeks of the start of their studies].
5. A course that has been informed in its development by external stakeholders, (e.g. employers, professional bodies).
6. Participate in Personal Development Planning within the context of your course. 7. Have the opportunity to engage in embedded activities within your course which
develop and enhance your employability and lifelong learning.
8. Receive clear dates at the beginning of each module about your assessment, submission dates, when and how you receive formative feedback on assessment during every module, and how you will receive feedback on marked assessments within the 4 week feedback period.
9. Receive clear and easy to understand information about your course and the services available to you.
10. Be engaged, via your course student representative, in your course review, evaluation and development processes.
11. Have your questions to our University’s services responded to within the advertised timescales in our corporate service standards.
12. Normally be given your course timetable no later than four weeks before the beginning of each semester.
2015/16 Handbook 5
Contents
1 Welcome to the Course ... 6
2 Studying on this Course ... 13
3 Assessment and Feedback ... 16
4 Where to get help ... 23
5 What to do if you… ... 27
6 Relevant Policies ... 29
6
1 Welcome to the Course
1.1 Message from the Dean
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Carnegie Faculty. I hope you are as proud as I am to be here.
I speak for all the staff when I say that we trust you find our faculty and, indeed, our whole university a place of great opportunity, potential and growth for you as a student. We will see you grow academically, through your lectures, tutorials and assignments, but also see you develop as a person through all the other amazing activities that take place at Leeds Beckett University. We will give you the opportunity to ‘make a difference’, however that connects with you, both now and in your future employment.
We will encourage you to be involved as soon as possible in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities; from joining Students’ Union societies, work placement experiences, volunteering opportunities both in the UK and abroad, studying another language, representing our university in a sports team, or taking work opportunities through the Job Shop. All will help build your CV and enhance your employability.
So remember to use your time at university wisely, as the time you are here will seem to go very fast. Make great new friends, learn a lot, grow as a person, be proud of your
accomplishments and rise to all the opportunities and challenges that life as a Carnegie student will offer you.
Dr John Minten
Dean, Carnegie Faculty
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.
7 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.
Suzanne Corazzi
Course Leader, International Masters
1.3 Message from your Head of School
The School of Events, Tourism & Hospitality has five main areas of academic provision: events management, hospitality management and retailing, tourism management, modern languages and English language teaching. A key feature of our School is its strong links with industry which support the broad range of courses in all areas of study. Our University was the first in the UK to be awarded the status of ‘Centre of Excellence for Tourism’ by the Institute of Travel and Tourism and is the only University in the world to be recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for its work in responsible tourism. We were the first university to have corporate membership of the British Institute of Innkeeping, the leading professional body for the licensed retail sector. Through the work of our UK Centre for Events Management, the School is the leading provider of events education in Europe. The School is recognised by the British Council as a centre of excellence for English language teaching. Research and enterprise activities are developed through our International Centre for Research in Events, Tourism & Hospitality and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise of 2014 our research was recognised as being of an international standard. The School has a strong global outlook and a number of courses are aimed at the international market either through online and distance learning or through international collaborations.
My colleagues and I look forward to supporting you in your studies at Leeds Beckett University and celebrating your success.
8 David Hind
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 Semester 1 reassessments 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 18.07.16 Semester 2 reassessments 28.07.16 25.07.16 01.08.16 08.08.16 15.08.16
10 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
You will have an induction programme in the first weeks of the course so that you are ready to start the programme. You will get to know your Course Leader, Personal Tutor and some of the course tutors.
On the course you will be encouraged to take ownership of your own learning and development. To support this process, you will have a Course Leader, a Personal Tutor, Module Tutors and a Student Administrator. Any of these people may refer you to another for appropriate help elsewhere in the University such as the Student Hub, Student Finance Advisors, Student Counsellors, IT Support, Learning Support, the Students’ Union and so on. Course Leader
The Course Leader oversees the management of the course on a day-to-day basis and has overall responsibility for the course. Your Course Leader will be able to give you advice about the course and support you in your studies. Your Course Leader is Suzanne Corazzi and her office is Macaulay 217. Telephone: 0113 812 3647. [email protected]
Personal Tutor
You will be given a personal tutor who is your first point of contact for non-academic / module related pastoral support. Your personal tutor is Suzanne Corazzi and her office is Macaulay 217. Telephone 0113 812 3647. [email protected]
In week 1 the personal tutorial will be a whole-class session where you will be introduced to the idea of a personal tutorial. In weeks 2 to 10 you will have either individual tutorials or drop-in sessions. In week 12 there will be a whole-class tutorial.
11 Student Liaison Officer
Student Liaison Officers (SLOs) are our recent graduates who are here to support you throughout your time here and to make sure you have access to and are aware of the support, opportunities and services our University provides
In Carnegie we have a Student Liaison Officers. She is: Charlotte Webster
Cavendish 120a, Headingley Campus Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0113 812 3397 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.
Student Administrator
The student administrator will give you administrative assistance. Your student administrator is Rachael Makarab . You can contact Rachael through the reception in Macaulay Hall. Telephone 0113 812 3423. [email protected]
Academic Librarian
The library has academic librarians for different subject areas. The academic librarians for languages are Lisa Bastiani and Lindsay Joyce. [email protected]
The library contains many printed and electronic materials, so it is important that you attend the library induction at the start of your course.
The Language Advice Service
The Language Advice Service is located on the first floor of Headingley Campus Library. Our full-time language learning adviser, Mike Forshaw, offers one-to-one support to help you
12 with your English. You will meet Mike during the induction programme.
24-Hour Emergency Contact numbers
In an emergency these are the numbers for university security: 0113 230 7249
0113 812 3165
It is recommended that you put these numbers in your mobile phone. Social programmes for international and EU students
The University’s Student Union organises events. Many sports-related opportunities are also on offer for all our University’s students (e.g. www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/sport/).
International/EU students may be particularly interested in the following three social activity opportunities:
Don’t be a Tourist (www.dontbeatourist.co.uk )
An independently run social programme company, founded by one of our former English Language tutors, Don’t be a Tourist offers full-day excursions and holidays for international/EU students studying at universities in this region. They also regularly organise bespoke excursions for students on our short courses.
International Students’ Club (www.iscleeds.org.uk )
Run by the University Chaplaincy, the International Students’ Club meets on Wednesdays. All international/EU students from both Leeds Beckett and Leeds University are welcome, whatever their faith.
Global Café (www.globalcafeleeds.org.uk )
Global Café is a regular social event for international students of any race, nationality or faith. It is run by Christians from local churches in partnership with Leeds Beckett University Christian Union.
13 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 cancelled classes/activities/course notices as soon as possible. We will inform you of cancelled classes / activities / course notices as soon as possible. Please monitor MyBeckett and your student e-mail address for announcements
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
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
The first year of the course develops English Language academic skills as well as the appropriate subject knowledge required to progress to a Master’s course. You will study Academic English and become familiar with the conventions of study in a UK university during the first semester. In the second semester, you will study modules in the faculty of your chosen Master’s course. This helps you to be fully prepared for the full Master’s course in your second year.
14 Student attendance and punctuality
To get the best out of your course, attendance is important. If you need to miss a class we advise you to contact your class tutor.
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.
2.3 Skills you will Gain during the Course Skills Developed
On the International Masters you will develop a number of skills in English language and Academic English, group work, research, presentation, critical thinking, independent learning, communication and accessing digital resources.
15 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
You will develop practical and interpersonal skills which will be useful for the workplace. Enterprise is embedded within specific modules and assessed in Cultural Studies. In this module you have to prepare a presentation which will develop skills which will enhance your employability. The programme specification outlines what work-related activities are
associated with this course.
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 Timothy Chapman
Senior Lecturer in EAP/Programme Co-ordinator for the International Foundation Programme
Centre for English Language and Academic Writing, Goldsmiths, University of London
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:
16
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
Your examination timetable will be made available to you via MyBeckett Coursework
Your coursework schedule can be found in your module handbook, normally along with any reassessment coursework and schedule.
Submitting Assignments
The handing in of completed assessment will be in accordance with agreed Faculty submission procedures. In all but exceptional cases these should be via the faculty receptions and/or Turn-it-in where specified.
Normally assignments should be handed in to the faculty receptions via designated
assignment post boxes. All hand-in dates will be advised in the module handbooks and will be between Monday and Thursday each week.
17 Assignment post boxes will be emptied periodically by the Receptionist/Student
Administrator who will record receipt of work on the appropriate class list. This will take place at least once each day in accordance with hand-in deadlines.
Students have a responsibility to abide by the required presentation and submission
requirements for assessment. This should include the preparation of the formal assignment hand-in form for all coursework submissions. Copies will be available for students at the point of submission and via MyBeckett.
All assignments will be logged within the faculty. Receipts will not be given. You are expected to keep a copy of your work.
Academic staff will not take assessment submissions and will direct students to the formal process. In the event of you submitting an assessment other than through the formal procedure, the date of submission will be recorded as the date the assessment is received at reception. Any exceptional agreement for submissions by post should be by recorded delivery to the faculty offices. The process for assessments requiring electronic submission will be detailed in the module handbook.
Student administrators will arrange for return of work and notification of marks to students. In normal circumstances collection will be via the relevant reception and provisional marks notified via MyBeckett or through your Module tutor.
Written feedback provides information about performance, but more importantly, information about how to improve and learn from the assignment. Summative feedback reflects the criteria and marking scheme combined. It provides commentary under each criterion.
You should plan to ensure your availability to meet deadlines for assessment and possible reassessment. Students are advised not to book holidays or time away from the University during this period. Exceptionally arrangements may change or need clarification, for example, specific details of examinations. This will be communicated via MyBeckett and your student e-mail account.
18 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 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 how and when you will receive this. The programme specification explains how feedback will be provided on both formative and
19 summative assessments (see appendix A) and there is more information in the module handbooks.
You will receive formative assessment on work you do in class or on homework tasks. Tutors might give oral or written formative feedback. You will have the opportunity to discuss the feedback with your tutor.
You will be given summative feedback on your assessments. Depending on the type of assessment, you will usually be given a criteria sheet which will show the marks you have been given and it will also have comments on the assessment. The feedback will be emailed to you and you will also be able to collect a hard copy from Macaulay 217. You will be able to discuss the feedback with your tutor.
Summative feedback will be returned to you within four working weeks of the date the assessment was completed. The module handbooks give you information about dates. 3.5 How do I Get my Results?
Provisional results in most cases will be made available through MyBeckett. These results are not final and are subject to change following scrutinisation by the External Examiner. 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.
20 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 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. You can collect an extenuating circumstances form from your student admin office, your Student Liaison Officer, reception or you can print one via the student hub web pages. Completed forms along with appropriate evidence must be submitted to your student admin office within the timescales given in the guidance. Late submissions will normally be rejected. Outcomes from the mitigation panels, which are held once a month, will be e-mailed to you via your student e-mail account.
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).
Reassessment details can be found in your module handbook along with the date for resubmission. You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. It is your responsibility to make yourself available for reassessment. You are advised to contact your Course Leader, Student Administrator or personal tutor for any necessary clarification. Re-assessments
1. If you have received a mark of under 40% for a module or have a non-submission for one or more components within the module you are advised to always take the
re-assessment opportunity – You are taking a risk of having to repeat part or all of the year of study if you don’t.
2. If you have received a mark of under 30% for a module you have to take the re-assessment opportunity – You cannot progress to the next level if you have an overall module mark under 30%
21 3. Where there is more than one component of assessment, individual grades can be lower than 30% as long as the overall module mark is at least 30% and you have submitted in each component.
4. If you have failed a module that runs over both semesters (sometime referred to as a long-thin) then the re-assessments will always take place in the semester 2 re-assessment period, even if the failed assessment took place in semester 1
5. Re-assessment details (dates, times and assessment type) will normally be published in the module handbook or on My Beckett
6. If you have to do a re-assessment of any type and your mark is lower than in the original assessment the higher mark will be counted
7. If you receive mitigation for the original assessment, you will be expected to complete the re-assessment topic not the original assessment
8. If you are required to complete a reassessment arising out of cheating, plagiarism or unfair practice then your mark will also be capped. The level of the cap will be determined by the Unfair Practice Board. (This would apply for all types of assessment).
Re-sit Exams
1. If you have the opportunity to do a re-sit exam you do not have to pay for it
2. If you have the opportunity to do a re-sit exam you do not have to inform anyone of your attendance – We will assume you are attending (unless you have a legitimate reason for absence and have notified us through the leave of absence/mitigation process). 3. If you have the opportunity to do a re-sit exam your mark will be capped at 40% - Unless you have received Mitigation for the Exam
4. Please note that if a module has two assessment components that you failed in your first attempt, you will need to achieve a pass grade in both of them in order to pass the module –this is due to the fact that grades are capped to 40% before the overall average of the module is calculated
22 Re-submission of Coursework
1. Re-assessment details will be published in the module handbook or on My Beckett; do not assume that the assessment will be the same and that you will be re-doing the original assignment.
2. If you have the opportunity to do a coursework resubmission your mark will be capped at 40% - Unless you have received Mitigation for the piece of coursework
Resubmission of Presentations, Practicals & Class Tests
1. If you have to do a practical; presentation or class test of any type information can be found in the module handbook or on My Beckett but the module leader will arrange and inform you of the assessment date, time and location
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.
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
23 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.
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.
24 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.
The International Students A-Z pages tell you everything you need to know as an international or EU student studying and living in the UK, including:
opening a bank account what to do about council tax
how to register with a doctor and whether it is free personal safety tips
dealing with culture shock immigration information
25 university organised social activities for international students, such as the Global
Café
the international student advice service the counselling service
things to do and see in Leeds transport information
police registration personal insurance and much more
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/international-students-az.htm Other useful information on the online Student Hub includes:
The Muslim prayer rooms - www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/prayer-rooms.htm Personal Safety Tips -
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/documents/CAR_Current_Students_Security_A dvice_2014.pdf
Self-help and Wellbeing - www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/self-help.htm Cycling and walking routes -
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/documents/ds-walking-and-cycling-guide.pdf
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
26 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, 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. There is a separate section dedicated to international students. The Skills for Learning Team also organise workshops for small groups of students in the library, as well as running sessions within class time. 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
27 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]
There are full details of all services available at: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice
All students can take advantage of the Students’ Union benefits and participate in the events they organise. Further details can be found on www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
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).
28 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 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. 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
29 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 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.
30 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 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.
31 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.
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:
32 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. 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.
33 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) • Academic Integrity (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:
34 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.
35
Appendix A –Programme Specification
This two-year course combines Academic English and a Master’s course to offer an accelerated route for international students with an HND, or equivalent, in a subject related to their chosen Master’s degree.
The first year of the course develops English Language academic skills as well as the appropriate subject knowledge required to progress to a Master’s course. Students will study Academic English and become familiar with the conventions of study in a Higher Education environment in the UK during their first semester. In the second semester of level 6, they will study modules in the receiving faculty of their chosen Master’s course enabling them to be fully prepared to progress to the full Master’s course in their second year.
Aim of level 6 and of the International Master’s Framework:
to develop students’ ability in English language and knowledge in appropriate subjects to enable them to progress to a full Master’s course.
Objectives of level 6 International Master’s Framework:
develop academic skills and conventions to prepare students for postgraduate study; give students a high quality learning experience based upon a coherent and integrated
programme of study;
develop English language proficiency in social and academic contexts;
enable students to develop research skills to equip them for postgraduate study;
provide a supportive environment which helps students develop their oral and written communication skills and subject knowledge.
Aims and Objectives of the specific Masters’ awards will be identified in individual course documentation.
Employability and Professional Context
The level 6 Framework prepares students for study at Master’s level.
36 Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1 Communicate clearly in the English language in a range of situations for social, academic and business purposes to an appropriate level for postgraduate study. 2 Operate confidently and effectively within the context of British Higher Education
using a range of appropriate study and key skills. 3 Manage their own learning and work to deadlines.
4 Carry out an independent study in English related to their subject area and develop the ability and critical thinking skills to evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
5 Work with confidence in an inter-cultural environment and demonstrate appropriate intercultural awareness.
6 Work effectively in a group situation.
Graduate Attributes Global Outlook
This course develops the students’ global outlook not only through the study of a foreign language (English Language), but also through the comparative study of Britain’s social and cultural learning environments with the students’ own and each other’s countries
Every module that the student studies will be based on content which is largely based outside the experience of the students’ home country and culture. Students will be taught in multicultural groups as far as possible to foster cross-cultural awareness. There will be diversity on the course in terms of students’ backgrounds and this will used as a positive learning resource across all modules.
Digital Literacy
The course will develop digital literacy systematically and coherently. Students need to access a wide variety of digital resources for many of the assessment tasks they have to complete. Tailored sessions with the Tutor Librarian for Languages ensure that students learn to make full use of the Library’s many electronic and digital resources.
37 Enterprise
Enterprise is embedded within specific modules and assessed in some, these are identified in the table below. Where appropriate students will be encouraged to undertake a 2-week work experience or participate in volunteering.
Course Structure Year 1 (Level 6) Semester 1 Research Skills 20 credits Language Studies 20 credits Cultural Studies 20 credits Semester 2 Independent Study 20 credits Subject Module 20 credits Subject Module 20 credits Year 2 (Level 7)
Modules specific to each individual Master’s award (180 credits)
In the first semester of Level 6, students will study three language modules which are designed to help students develop academic and study skills of relevance to UK Higher education and to increase their English Language level from 5.5 to 6.0 or above.
In the second semester of Level 6, students will study two modules in the School of their chosen Master’s. The third module, Independent Study, will be studied in the School of Languages.
38 Assessment Arrangements
Subject modules will be assessed by the other School and will go to their Subject Examination Committees and the marks then received at the Examination Board in the School of Languages where their progression will be considered.
To satisfactorily complete level 6 and progress to their Masters’ awards, students will have: pursued a programme of study of 120 credit points
satisfied the submission and attainment requirements for each module of study achieved the overall learning outcomes by attaining or exceeding
- an average of 40% or more across all modules
- a minimum of 40% or more in modules equivalent to 100 credits - an overall average of 30% or more in each module studied
In line with University regulations failure to achieve an average of 30% from all components of assessment of a module will mean that reassessment is required in that module. Students will be eligible for reassessment in all failed modules (once only for any module during the level). The maximum mark achievable is 40%, and all reassessment will be on a component basis. Students who do not pass the level will be able to repeat once only.
Learning & Teaching Approaches
The Framework has been designed in accordance with the University Learning and Teaching Strategy:
www.leedsmet.ac.uk/Learning_and_Teaching_Strategy_Approved_28072011.pdf
Students are encouraged to reflect on their knowledge, experience and practice, particularly through a process of peer interaction.
Active learning will be used as the foundation of the learning process. Teaching methods used within the course are diverse and provide variety to the student learning experience. Methods may include lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, seminars, practical work, online learning activities and directed study. The course will, where appropriate, embrace a blended learning approach in its delivery to exploit the full potential of the University’s VLE and other media.
The course team is committed to develop students’ cross-cultural capability and global perspective by facilitating students’ awareness, knowledge and understanding of the similarities and dissimilarities of those cultures or societies of the target language in comparison with their own.
39 Practically all language teaching and tuition takes place in seminars and tutorials, rather than through lectures, with normal maximum class sizes of 20 students. The teaching methods are learner-centred and develop students’ language skills, learning strategies and independent learning. The classes concentrate on the use of language for communication using real-life tasks wherever possible. Pair and group work is used extensively to maximise the amount of time the language is used in class. Teaching methods used within the course are also diverse and provide variety to the student learning experience. These include a combination of formal and informal seminars, individual and group tutorials, digitally-supported learning, independent, pair and group tasks, individual research and presentations. All the teaching methods deployed match the aims and learning outcomes of each module. In addition, guided independent learning tasks and regular feedback are given to support work done in class and to prepare for later classes.
Module Titles Co re Pr oj ect Pr o p osa l Pr oj ect Pr ese n tat ion Oral C om menta ry Us e of E n gl ish In d ivid u al Ref lect ive Evalu at ion
Research Skills (level 6) Y 60 40
Language Studies (level 6) Y 40 60
Cultural Studies (level 6) Y 50 50
Independent Study Y 100
Subject specific modules will be outlined in individual course documentation
