MSc in Economics MSc in Development Economics MSc in International Economics Handbook of Practice and Procedures 2013/14

Transcription

1 School of Business, Management and Economics Department of Economics MSc in Economics MSc in Development Economics MSc in International Economics Handbook of Practice and Procedures 2013/14

2 Contents 1. Introduction 2 Page 2 Outline of the MSc Economics courses 3 Course Structure 3 3. Assessment and academic progress 4 Guidance on Assessment 4 Final examination and results 4 4. Teaching and Learning Support The Library Computing Services General Information Communication Quality Assurance Intermission and Withdrawal Academic Misconduct and Referencing

3 1. Introduction This handbook summarises the most important aspects of practice and procedure in the management of Economics teaching courses, and is designed to serve four main purposes: to provide students with a clear outline of what they should expect in the management of their degree course; to provide students with a clear indication of what is expected of them during their time in BMEc; to provide BMEc staff with guidelines about what they should provide by way of minimum standards of good practice; to provide both students and staff with a convenient source of information about the mechanics of some of the more common administrative procedures used during a student s progress from admission to examination. The staff in the Postgraduate BMEc School Office in the Jubilee Building, (Room G08) located on the ground floor) will help with all general enquiries that students may have. General enquiries may be addressed to: pgbmec@sussex.ac.uk. The full list of all Economics staff can be found here: The Course Convenor, and your Academic Advisor is: Professor L. Alan Winters Jubilee Building Room l.a.winters@sussex.ac.uk Tel: His feedback (office) hours may be found on Sussex Direct 2

4 2. Outline of the MSc Courses in Economics Structure of the MSc Course in Economics Autumn Term (60 credits) Spring Term (60 credits) Summer Term (60 credits) Econometric Methods 1 (824L1) 15 Econometric Methods 2 (825L1) 15 Economic Analysis 1 (806L1) 15 Economic Analysis 2 (807L1) 15 Analytical Methods (839L1) 15 Research Methods (840L1) 15 Dissertation (830L1) 60 Option 15 Option 15 Structure of the MSc Course in Development Economics Autumn Term (60 credits) Spring Term (60 credits) Summer Term (60 credits) Econometric Methods 1 (824L1) 15 Econometric Methods 2 (825L1) 15 Economic Analysis 1 (806L1) 15 Economic Analysis 2 (807L1) 15 Analytical Methods (839L1) 15 Research Methods (840L1) 15 Dissertation (811L1) 60 Development Economics 1 (801L1) 15 Development Economics 2 (802L1) 15 Structure of the MSc Course in International Economics Autumn Term (60 credits) Spring Term (60 credits) Summer Term (60 credits) Econometric Methods 1 (824L1) 15 Econometric Methods 2 (825L1) 15 Economic Analysis 1 (806L1) 15 Economic Analysis 2 (807L1) 15 Analytical Methods (839L1) 15 Research Methods (840L1) 15 Dissertation (812L1) 60 International Economics I (809L1)15 International Economics II (810L1) 15 3

5 3. Assessment and academic progress General Guidance on Assessment Guidance about the process of assessment is provided in the handbook Examination and Assessment Handbook for Postgraduate Taught Students which is available online at: Dissertation Students must be based locally throughout the duration of the work on their dissertation. If students intend to be away from Sussex for a period of more than two weeks (between the start of Teaching Block 3 and the end of August) then they will need to obtain permission from the dissertation supervisor and Course Convenor. The University regulations concerning the award of the MSc Economics degrees stipulate that candidates should submit a satisfactory dissertation. Dissertation subjects and names/signatures of proposed supervisors must be submitted to the BMEc School Office during Teaching Block 3. Dissertations are to be typed and presented in two unbound copies (use treasury tags to secure) and in electronic form (preferably in Microsoft Word format) on a USB stick or disc to the BMEc PG Office by the published submission deadline on Sussex Direct. Academic Development Workshops for International Students The Sussex Centre for Language Studies run free workshops throughout the Teaching Block 3 and you can find details at At these workshops you can get advice on all aspects of putting together a dissertation including (and this is important) what you must do about referencing any quotations that you include in your work. On this point please also see the plagiarism section 7 in the Examination and Assessment Handbook for Postgraduate Taught Students which is available online at: and the Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct webpage at Anonymity of marking Each student will be allocated an individual candidate number, which is to be used on the front cover of all term papers/assessments in place of their name. To ensure anonymity, the candidate number should not be made known to members of faculty. Students should note that all marks and grades are provisional, since they are subject to consideration by the External Examiner and become definitive only when ratified by the Examination Board meeting, usually in November. Final examination and results The Economics Postgraduate Subject Examination Board The Examination Board meets once a year, usually in November, to determine and ratify degrees and, where relevant, award a distinction grade. It is chaired by the Head of Department and attended by the members of the Postgraduate Examination Board and External Examiners of the Masters courses. 4

6 An External Examiner reviews a sample of the dissertations and exam scripts. Reports on dissertations by the External Examiner, the supervisor and a second examiner are presented to a meeting of the Examination Board, usually in November. The external examiner for MSc Economics, International Economics, and Development Economics for is Professor Jaime de Melo of the University of Genève. Students will be able to view their final marks on Sussex Direct. A telephone number is also made available for the five working days following publication for students who wish to obtain information about their results. The Chair of the Examination Board will, within seven days, write to any failed candidate informing them of the outcome. In due course the University will send successful candidates information about the Winter Graduation Ceremony. Should a student require an official transcript, this can be obtained from the Student Systems Office in Sussex House ( transcripts@sussex.ac.uk). Interim transcripts are available from the SPA Office (spaenquiries@sussex.ac.uk). 5

7 4. Teaching and Learning Support The Library The University Library is the key resource for the information that you will need during your studies. Library staff are ready to help and advise you from the day you arrive to the day you come to write your dissertation and prepare for your future career. In addition to the books, documents, official publications and audiovisual items held in the Library building, you can access Library information and collections, including ebooks and online resources via Sussex Direct or Study Direct anywhere and at any time. Our web-based tutorial, InfoSuss will help you use our resources and services more effectively. It will show you how to use the Library catalogue, understand your reading lists and find good quality information online. The following are just some of the services and facilities provided by the Library Extensive opening hours during term time A variety of study spaces, including group study rooms, social study areas and individual silent study spaces Computer clusters with printers and scanners plus lap top facilities and wireless coverage throughout the building Inductions and teaching sessions to help you find and use the resources we provide Automated self issue and return AV viewing facilities and a microform reading room with readers and scanners Copy centre photocopiers, binding services and stationery supplies Assistive technology and support for students with additional needs Special Collections a unique collection of manuscripts, archives and rare books Additional support for your research through an enquiries service and advice on accessing resources held in other libraries You need your library/id card to enter the Library so always carry it with you. For detailed information about opening times and services, including subject-based information, please always refer to the library website Other than books and articles, you may need to consult the Official Publications, publications of the UK and foreign governments and of international organisations like the IMF and World Bank. Some of these are stored in the Documents Section. Try and get into the habit of reading the Financial Times and The Economist regularly. Both these publications offer reduced rate subscriptions for students. There are a number of electronic aids that are useful to Economics students that are worth exploring including ECONLIT and BIDS, and many academics find Google Scholar, which is available freely on the internet, a valuable resource. The Computing Service and Computing Facilities You can use virtually any of the PCs in the public clusters around campus; there are no dedicated Economics facilities. This makes the most efficient use of the technology we have available and maximises your chances of finding a free screen somewhere. You are most likely to find a free PC early in the morning! Note that the university does not accept computer problems as a valid excuse for late submission of coursework. 6

8 5. General Information Communications Sussex Direct (SxD): For information on your modules, tutors, timetables, module reports, etc. log on to Study Direct (SyD): For more detailed information on all Economics modules (e.g. lecture notes) log in to Study Direct from the University Homepage. There will be links to both SxD and SyD from your university home page when you log on. Tutors communicate frequently about timetables and other organisational matters on the modules they are teaching by sending messages to students Sussex addresses, so it is essential to check your frequently. You can pick up your from off campus - see which tells you how to do this. Most information you need (e.g. your timetable) will appear on your SxD page and will be updated automatically. However, urgent information (e.g. a postponed class) might be ed to you as it is quicker. Hence, you must look at your . You can opt in to receiving information by text message on Sussex Direct (go to the Personal Tab then Contact Information). This will only be for urgent messages such as a cancelled lecture; this is not a substitute for regularly checking your . mscecon is the group address for all Economics Postgraduate Taught students. This group will be set up in the first few weeks of term. If you suspect you are not on this list please contact pgbmec@sussex.ac.uk. Do not use to send abusive or offensive messages. Students found to misuse this facility will, at the very least, have their access terminated. Feel free to use it for legitimate purposes however; it is not just for faculty to use. Note that some faculty will be members of the list, so be careful what you send. Our web site address is A lot of useful information is available here such as useful links, information about the department, staff, news and activities. The general university website contains nearly all the information you may need - from timetables, to welfare support, to past exam papers and the library catalogue etc. Pigeonholes It is important to check your pigeonhole regularly. Important messages will be sent there, not to your residential address. The postgraduate pigeon holes are located room G32 which is located opposite the BMEc main reception in the Jubilee Building. Attending seminars It is very important that you attend all the seminars for your modules and that you stay in your assigned group. If you cannot make the seminar you must see either of the coordinators to change groups within the first two weeks of term. If you do not go through the Course Coordinators with any changes, you will be marked absent which may affect your marks. Quality Assurance Each Masters course is externally assessed by an External Examiner. On their appointment, External Examiners are sent full details of each course, including detailed reading lists and module outlines. At the end of an academic year, External Examiners produce a report. The feedback on the course may be used for the development of the course and to ensure that its standards are comparable with similar courses in other UK universities. At the end of each module, you will be directed to the Module Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ) online through Sussex Direct. You will see a message on your Sussex Direct homepage and on your Module Resources page. These forms contain a range of questions (e.g., the extent of your participation in 7

9 the module, how satisfactory it has been, how able or helpful you have found the tutor(s), any particular problems that you have had), and also allow you to express an opinion in some detail. All responses are anonymous and give you an opportunity to provide frank and constructive comments on the modules taken. The Department Head reviews the responses in the first instance, and then forwards them to the relevant tutors for comment. The Department then decides if and where action is required to improve the students learning experience. We take this feedback process very seriously, so it is important that you complete the MEQ at end of each module. Anyone with access to Sussex Direct can view the MEQ summary and convenor comments for any module. FAQs on MEQs can be found at the following web address: Intermission and Withdrawal There may be a number of reasons why a student cannot continue on a course of study and temporary withdrawal from the University (known as intermission) is available. If this applies to you, see your academic or student life advisor at the earliest opportunity. Academic Misconduct and referencing Contacts and resources S3 website on Academic Misconduct Advice on what academic misconduct is, and how to avoid it. Students Union Education Officer education@ussu.sussex.ac.uk, office located on 1st Floor of Falmer House Advice and representation for students accused of academic misconduct. Postgraduate Handbook Includes full text of University policy with regards to academic misconduct. Referencing S3 website on referencing Advice on how to reference properly. infosuss website on referencing Advice on how to reference using the Harvard, Vancouver, Numeric and MLA referencing styles. For students who know how to reference and want to check the formatting styles. Sussex Language Institute Tel: Runs free English Language and Study Skills Support sessions for International students, including in-depth guidance on referencing. 8

10 Student Services Support Unit Tel: Runs workshops every term on study skills. Turnitin Study Direct Turnitin page or navigate: Student homepage > Study Direct > Turnitin Essay Checking Tool 4-step guide and FAQ on using Turnitin. The University of Sussex is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The aim is to promote diversity and equality for students and staff and value the contributions made by individuals and groups of people from diverse cultural, ethnic, socio-economic and distinctive backgrounds and promote an environment free of harassment and bullying on any grounds. If you experience any harassment on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, age, disability or part time status contact your student adviser within your school or the welfare officer USSU on extn For more advice and information go to the harassment and bullying page at For information on disability support contact the Student Support Unit on extn 7466 and visit the disability page at For the equality and diversity policy and other equalities information go to or contact the Equality and Diversity Officer on extn Note: And, finally, the small print! This booklet is published by the University of Sussex Economics Department. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information given here is correct at the time of writing (September 2013), but neither the University nor its employees can accept responsibility for any errors which may appear. Higher education is going through a period of rapid change, and the Economics Department is committed to innovation and seeks constant improvement in its modules and its teaching, so there can be no guarantee that the modules, members of staff, facilities or other items outlined in the booklet will remain as described here. The Economics Department reserves the right to change the information given at anytime. 9