Department of Law, Governance & International Relations

Transcription

1 North CAMPUS Department of Law, Governance & International Relations Master of Public Administration (MPA) Course Handbook For admission in

2 The Postgraduate Academic Year AUTUMN SEMESTER Start - End Welcome Programme 24 September October 2009 Teaching 5 October December 2009 Christmas Break 21 December January 2010 Teaching/revision 11 January January 2010 Examinations 18 January February 2010 Dissertation Deadline 22 January 2010 SPRING SEMESTER Welcome Programme (new February entrants only) 2 February February 2010 Teaching 8 February March 2010 Easter Break 29 March April 2010 Teaching 12 April May 2010 Teaching/revision 10 May May 2010 Examinations 17 May June 2010 Dissertation Deadline 21 May 2010 SUMMER STUDY PERIOD Summer 7 June September 2010 Resit Examinations 19 July July 2010 Reassessment Coursework 30 July 2010 Dissertation Deadline 3 September 2010 In addition to these dates you need to be aware of other important events and deadlines throughout the year; such as coursework submission dates, publication of the exam timetable, publication of results, mitigating circumstances deadlines, programme planning deadlines. You can access these at:

3 KEY CONTACTS Postgraduate Office: UG/PG Office, Room G-20, Ladbroke House, Highbury Grove, London N5 2AD Phone: Course Administrator: Karl Chambers Departmental Office: City Campus London Metropolitan University, 16 Goulston Street, London, E1 7TP. Tel: /4920/4944 (Law) Tel: (GIR) Fax: North Campus London Metropolitan University, Ladbroke House, Highbury Grove, London, N5 2AD. Tel: Fax: Course Leader: Pat Gray Course Leader s Office: Ladbroke House 3-11 Course Leader Office Hours: Wednesdays 1-2 and Mondays 5-6 Main Campus teaching location: Ladbroke House Highbury Grove London N5 2AD Google Map -

4 CONTENTS 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE Using This Handbook WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES Introduction to the Course Key Features of Postgraduate Courses Introduction to the Department Location and Department Facilities supporting the course Learning and Teaching on the Course Research in the department BEING A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT Welcome Programme Checklist Your first semester Attendance, academic engagement and employment Studying Enrolment and Re-enrolment Credit for previous learning Module Registration and Programme Approval Your Timetable Publication of Results and Transcripts MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE Your University IT Account Communication Your Contact Details Evision WebLearn Online module resources THE STUDENT VOICE StARs Course Committees Students views on modules and courses SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE Postgraduate Office The Graduate School Postgraduate Course Leader Module Lecturers Student Success through Learning Development Student Services Disabilities and Dyslexia Service (DDS) Placements/study abroad DISSERTATION OR PROJECT Registration Supervision Arrangements Topic approval Planning and Timing Submission MARKING AND ASSESSMENT Academic Regulations... 14

5 8.2 Marking and grades Your responsibilities concerning Assessment Assessment Feedback Submission of coursework Examination Timetable Past Examination Papers Mitigating circumstances Assessment Board Appeals Action in the event of failure to pass a module University Criteria for Awards WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER Withdrawal from a module Intermission of Studies Mode of Study Course Transfers STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES Libraries and Special Collections Subject Librarians and Subject Guides Student feedback Media Resources ICT Services FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Open Language Programme COURSE SPECIFICATION USEFUL INFORMATION DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION Relevant University Procedures: Useful online information:... 31

6 1.0 WELCOME TO THE COURSE 1 This is the Course Handbook for the Master of Public Administration (MPA). The staff of the Department of Law, Governance & International Relations wish you a warm welcome to London Metropolitan University North campus and to the study of Public Services Management. 1.1 Using This Handbook This handbook contains a lot of information. Some of it will be of more relevance later in the course than at the start of your studies. You can access the course handbook either by logging into your Evision account or via the University s website at: We recommend that you read this Course Handbook thoroughly and carefully, as it covers many of the questions you will have about your course. Sections 4 and 6 in particular, will help you locate the advice you will need and Section 15 contains an Index of key sources of information that you may need to access during your course. For detailed information you will sometimes need to consult other sources, including: University Student Handbook - for details of important University regulations and procedures. It also provides information on university life and all the support services available. The University Student Handbook can be accessed at: PostGrad-Line a comprehensive on-line source of postgraduate course and module information available at: Postgraduate students webpage a comprehensive on-line resource for postgraduate students. Provides information about your Postgraduate Office, timetables, details of timeslots and room numbers for most taught modules. Once you have completed enrolment and registration, you can view and print your personal timetable Please see: The Course Specification (Section 12 of this handbook) defines the key features of your course, its aims, structure and learning outcomes, and includes all the modules you must study for the award. All postgraduate courses are governed by the University s Academic Regulations ( It is your responsibility to be fully aware of the regulations which govern your studies as a postgraduate student of the University. Your course may in addition have some course specific regulations or may be governed by a Professional Body. Where relevant these are included in paragraph 32 of the Course Specification, contained within Section 12 of this handbook. You should note that occasionally, the details in this handbook may be amended or revised in order to improve the Course. We hope that some of you will feel sufficiently committed to your course to participate as a Student Representative (see Section 5). Equally, we would at any time, welcome

7 2 your comments about the course or any suggestions for improvements. We wish you every success with your studies.

8 1 2.0 WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES 2.1 Introduction to the Course This innovative course in applied policy and public management is intended for graduates who are working professionally or intending to pursue careers in public administration. The course is particularly attractive to graduates working in overseas countries where knowledge of public service reform, institutional development and economic transition may be particularly important. The overall aim of the course is to equip present and future public service practitioners with the skills and understanding to develop as high-quality administrators and managers able to play a critical role as innovators and 'change agents' in their home environments. Placements are a particular feature of the course. Every student is provided with the opportunity to gain direct experience of the work of a London-based public service organisation. A limited number of placements in the USA are available. The course is taught by an experienced and dynamic team of academic staff, who are themselves engaged in international research and consultancy. Expert practitioners from a range of public and voluntary sector organisations also contribute to the course. An MPA is awarded on completion of five taught units, a work-experience placement in a UK public service organisation (40 days full or part time) and a triple-unit dissertation, which may be completed in your home country. Core units cover: Public Service Policy and Strategy Comparative Public Policy Researching Public Services A public service placement or other option module You are required to complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. Students who return to their home countries will complete work for their dissertation under joint supervision by a local institution of higher education and the university. 2.2 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses The Course Specification (see Section 12) details your course curriculum and structure and you should study this closely. Many features are defined by the Postgraduate Regulatory Framework, part of the University s Academic Regulations (see Section 15 of this handbook for details), which sets out general features common to almost all Masters courses. (i) Full-time students starting Masters programmes in the Autumn semester are taught over a 48-week year, requiring approximately 40 hours of study per week. For fulltime students starting courses in February the workload is similar but is distributed over a longer study period and normally completed at the end of the following Spring semester. Part-time students undertake the equivalent overall workload over a longer period of study, normally at least two years. (ii) The standard Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught elements and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project. There are some

9 2 exceptions to the rule, such as specified Masters courses in Human Resource Management, which require 200 credits, and the MBA at 220 credits. (iii) Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits. Typically, a full-time student studies modules equivalent to 60 credits per semester (normally 3 modules), with 15 weeks of teaching, revision and assessment activities for each module. (iv) The taught elements of postgraduate courses are mainly compulsory core modules and normally include one concerned with research methodology and project development and practice, in preparation for the dissertation or project. Some courses may include designate modules, which can be chosen from a specified list for the course, or elective modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. (v) All taught modules and the dissertation or project module, are marked on a percentage scale, with a pass/fail threshold of 50%. (vi) Based on the final aggregate of average percentage results, Masters awards are graded as: Masters (50-59%), Masters with Merit (60 69%), or Masters with Distinction (70% plus) (vii) While most students will aim to achieve the full Masters qualification, all Masters courses offer the subsidiary awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma (both available with Merit or with Distinction) for students unable to complete their full programme of study. The full list of awards and their requirements is as follows: Award Credits at level M Modules Required Masters 180 credits 6 modules + dissertation Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits 6 modules Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits 3 modules 2.3 Introduction to the Department 2.4 Location and Department Facilities supporting the course 2.5 Learning and Teaching on the Course 2.6 Research in the department

10 3.0 BEING A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT 3 Undertaking study at postgraduate level is likely to involve new and different methods of working compared to your previous experience. You will study more specialised subject matter at a more advanced level, relatively quickly and over a shorter period. You will be expected to pursue your studies with a greater degree of independence than at undergraduate level and to set your own learning objectives within the framework of the course. The remainder of this section highlights the general features and expectations associated with postgraduate study. 3.1 Welcome Programme Checklist Following the Welcome Programme and Course Introductory Meeting, you should check that you have received the following: an ID card (including library number and computer network username) an address a course timetable the location of your Postgraduate Office the location of your Department Office the location of you main learning centre and IT facilities the name of your Course Leader If you arrived late you will still need to obtain the items above and there will be a late Welcome session for you. Contact your designated Postgraduate Office to ensure you know what to do and where to go to get started. Classes commence from the Monday immediately following the Welcome Programme. 3.2 Your first semester After your welcome, you will find yourself in the first week of formal teaching, where you will meet the module lecturers, who will often be giving the main lecture for the module, and other teaching staff, who may be taking seminars or workshop groups. Your first semester usually involves mainly compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject contents and skills elements in your area of study. During this first semester you will meet with your Course Leader who will discuss your study programme and advise you on how to plan your studies for the second semester if you did not do this at the start of the course. 3.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment Your success depends upon full and regular attendance at all classes, seminars, lectures, workshops, tutorials and the completion of all of your module assessment(s), including your dissertation. Our records show that students who do not attend all their classes are at very high risk of failure. The University s Academic Regulations make it clear that attendance and full academic engagement are requirements of your registration on your course. The content of modules is progressive, so if you miss a session you will need to catch up. However, we do recognise that for some postgraduate students there may be occasions where your absence is unavoidable; in

11 4 such circumstances, we strongly recommend that you contact your Course Leader or Module Tutor/Lecturer. If you are having ongoing difficulties with attendance or committing fully to your postgraduate studies please contact your Postgraduate Office for advice on what to do. Please note - for international students, the University is required by the UK government to confirm that you are in regular attendance. The University looks carefully at the evidence of your attendance and academic engagement and full-time students who fall below these requirements can find themselves being moved to a part-time programme. This can have serious implications for you and your course. In the case of part-time students, if you fail to meet attendance and academic engagement requirements the University may withdraw you from some of your modules. In some circumstances this can also lead to you being required to leave your course. We recognise that you may need to undertake part-time work, but strongly advise you not to take employment of more than 15 hours a week if you are a full time student (should you need to take employment of more than 15 hours per week we recommend you register as a part-time student). The University s Employment Service, in Student Services, can help you find a suitable part-time job that can enhance your employability and complement your studies. ( 3.4 Studying As a postgraduate student, you will be seeking to develop your learning at more advanced level and your course will provide many opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. To make the most of these you will need to develop a strategy for your studies, planning ahead, managing your time effectively and reflecting on your learning. Assessment is an important feature of study at postgraduate level. Each module booklet sets out detailed assessment requirements and learning outcomes, providing a focus for your studies. There are various forms of assessment and modules often involve a combination of examination and coursework or presentation. It is important that you understand clearly the expectations and deadlines for each item of assessment. You should be aware that all the various coursework assessments and examinations have to be completed for the achievement of your final award. In addition to attending the timetabled sessions, you will need to study in your own time. You should expect to spend hours per week on each module, making a 40 hour per week commitment for a full-time student. Part-time students need to plan a similar time commitment for each module, but will generally be taking fewer modules at any one time. Independent study is particularly important when planning work for your dissertation or project. This is a substantial piece of work, to be developed and completed over a relatively lengthy period, with much of the writing concentrated in the final stages. Working closely with your assigned supervisor, you will need to plan your work carefully, with initial discussion to define the topic, preparatory

12 5 research and reading, planning the structure of the research and final report, writing and re-writing particular sections and drafts. Please be respectful of the learning environment and remember to switch off your mobile phone before entering all classes and study areas. In summary: plan your learning strategy; allocate enough time; attend all of your module lectures, tutorials and other sessions; start assignments well in advance; seek advice and help; use the learning resources offered; and, enjoy the learning experience! 3.5 Enrolment and Re-enrolment Enrolment is an annual process. The first time you enrol you will need to provide evidence of your identity and the qualifications which formed the basis of your offer from the University. You will also need to pay your tuition fees or demonstrate how these will be paid. The University ID card you received at enrolment contains your library number and computer network username and allows entry to the University s buildings. Provided you fully completed your enrolment your card should work throughout the year. If it stops working then please seek advice from your Postgraduate Office. By signing the enrolment form you confirm that you accept and will follow the University s regulations If you are studying on a part-time basis over more than one academic year or need to return to complete your studies, you will need to re-enrol online usually from around mid-august. Re-enrolment is necessary for your ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. There will be a deadline for this so it is important that you complete this before the start of the next academic year. 3.6 Credit for previous learning If you already hold a qualification (for example from another college) that may exempt you from part of your course, you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). Similarly, if you have undertaken work, paid or voluntary, that has resulted in learning skills or knowledge equivalent to a module you will be studying you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Collectively these are known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). It is important to be aware that any application for APL credit in respect of postgraduate studies must be based on prior learning or experience at a suitably advanced level. This means that it is not normally possible to accredit prior learning at undergraduate level, even if the content may appear similar. The University operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 European credit (ECTS) is equivalent to 2 UK credits (CATS). Thus, each taught module of 20 credits is normally equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, and a full Masters of 180 UK credits is equivalent to 90 ECTS. If you wish to claim for APL please contact your Postgraduate Office or refer to the Index (Section 15) of this handbook for further information.

13 6 3.7 Module Registration and Programme Approval Your Course Leader should provide the information you will require in order to choose your modules. Core Modules are compulsory for your course, but your course may also offer Designate Modules, which can be chosen from a specified list. Additionally, you may be allowed to take Elective Modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. Further information about modules and their timeslots can be found on PostGrad-Line: When you carry out module registration you may be able to choose some time slots, subject to capacity of the class, if the module(s) run more than once. You are more likely to get your first choices if you register on time. Programme Planning Deadlines: 2009/10 Module Registration 24 September 2 October October November January February Feb 2010 March/April May September 2010 Autumn Semester 2009/10 Starters Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme 1 Spring Semester 2009/10 Starters Deadline for confirmation of Autumn Semester programmes 2. Confirmation of Spring Semester Modules 3 Autumn Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2010/11 Spring Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Summer Dissertation Deadline Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme Deadline for confirmation of Spring Semester programmes Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2010/11 Summer Dissertation Deadline 1 Students should ideally plan for the whole 2009/10 programme. 2 Students confirm their programme for the semester and may not vary it after this point 3 Students plan for Spring Semester if they did not do this when enrolling in October. 4 It is unlikely that students will be in a position to take their dissertation at this stage, but it is just possible that they may have sufficient credit at entry to do so. 3.8 Your Timetable The University timetable operates from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

14 7 You will be given a course timetable at the Course Introductory Session. This gives timeslots and rooms for all modules on your course. Once you have registered your modules you can get a print out of your individual timetable for the current semester at: Your timetable will change each semester, and will be available on the web shortly before the start of each semester. If you do not have a course timetable please contact your Postgraduate Office. 3.9 Publication of Results and Transcripts At the end of each semester Assessment Boards confirm marks and awards. The Postgraduate Offices are responsible for providing these results to you via Evision. (refer 4.4 below) An official transcript will be posted to you at your home address on the completion of your course. There is no charge for this end of course transcript but a fee will be payable for any subsequent transcripts. For reason of employment or to provide proof of study at the University during your course, you may need a formal transcript, stamped by the Postgraduate Office. There is a fee for these transcripts, payable at the time of request. Requests should be made to the Postgraduate Office, who aim to produce transcripts within 5 working days of request. 4.0 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 4.1 Your University IT Account You use the same account to access all University IT systems. Your account name is printed at the top of on the ID card that you receive at enrolment and is 7 characters in length (e.g. ABC1234). Your password will be set initially to be your date of birth (DD/MM/YY) so you should change to something secure when you first log in. 4.2 Communication We do our best to keep you informed of what you need to know at all times. We use the Web to provide much of the information you need so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the University website. At other times we will use to contact you so it is essential that you check your University on a regular basis. 4.3 Your Contact Details The University will contact you by letter, phone, or , perhaps to arrange a meeting, to provide you with information, or to respond to a query. It is therefore essential that you keep your contact details up to date on your student Evision account. Increasingly, we use to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a University address, which is your 7 character account name

15 8 (see 4.1 above) e.g. Even if you already have an account that you will continue to use you should regularly check your London Met account or set up an auto forward, as important messages will be sent to you by . You can change the details of the address that the University holds for you though your Evision account (see below) and the University s IT Helpdesks can help you to make the best use of the University s extensive IT facilities. 4.4 Evision Evision is the University s online facility that allows you to access your personal student record, to register your modules online for the next session and where you print your coursework coversheets and other forms that you may need. You also re-enrol via Evision and view information showing your attendance at classes. You can view your: Personal and contact details (can be updated online) Registered modules Enrolment and progression Tuition fee details Record of coursework deadlines and submissions Mitigating Circumstances decisions Module results (available from notified date of publication) Details of final award For more information please check: WebLearn Online module resources WebLearn provides online support for many of your modules, enabling you to communicate with your tutor and other students. Course materials, information, assessments and administration are available on WebLearn as well as study programmes, such as Writing and Communicating at University. WebLearn requires your user name and password and can be accessed at: THE STUDENT VOICE 5.1 StARs Feedback from students is vital to the University to find out how well the teaching, guidance and other services are working. This is obtained in different ways, including via Student Academic Representatives (StARs) who, supported by the Students Union, provide direct feedback from students on the course and raise any issues on their behalf. You will have the opportunity to stand for election as a StAR or to elect a fellow student.

16 9 5.2 Course Committees A Course Committee is normally convened each semester to review a set of modules and courses and provide quality assurance. Key staff, including module and course lecturers, attend these meetings and student input is received via the Student Academic Representatives (StARs). 5.3 Students views on modules and courses Students views are obtained by a variety of means such as focus groups and webbased questionnaires. While staff welcome informal feedback from students, Module Lecturers will produce formal monitoring reports which cover areas such as teaching, student feedback and assessment. Reports and action points agreed are available from both module and course reviews. 6.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE 6.1 Postgraduate Office The Postgraduate Office is the key administrative service to support you in your studies throughout your time at the University. You will be assigned to the Postgraduate Office linked to your course, normally in the building where the subject teaching staff are located. It will be here that you go with timetable queries, to plan your modules, to hand in your coursework, to collect letters you may need, and to ask any questions about your studies. You should also contact your Postgraduate Office in relation to the following issues: Queries about your enrolment status, the fees that you have been charged or if you have not received your student loan; Queries about your timetable or the modules that are registered for you; If your ID card is not working; Submit a module query, a claim for mitigating circumstances, an appeal, or get advice about examination arrangements; Advice on claiming credit for previous study or experience; Help you contact your course leader; Obtain standard letters and council tax exemption certificates; Visa extension letters for international students; Advice on the consequences of withdrawing. Your Postgraduate Office is responsible for processing your results and ensuring that they are published on time. Each group of courses has a Course Administrator and you will become familiar with them throughout your time at the University. Your Postgraduate Office will also contact you if you are missing classes or not submitting work on time. The offices are normally open throughout the academic year but can also be contacted by phone or see

17 10 When contacting your Postgraduate Office, please always quote your student number as it enables staff to access your information quickly and so respond to your query. 6.2 The Graduate School The Graduate School provides a focus for postgraduate education and research activity within the University. It works closely with academic departments and Postgraduate Offices; the latter providing information and advice to all students on taught Masters level courses. The Research Office, which is part of the Graduate School, deals with the administration of postgraduate research degrees (MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate, etc), provides advice and support to research degree students, and plays a central role in facilitating the University's Research Policy. It can also assist Masters students who may be planning to go on to study for a research-based MPhil or PhD on completion of their masters programme. The Graduate School s website provides further information about its activities and arrangements to support postgraduate study and research, and includes advice on research ethics and resources to support the development of research skills. You can view this at: Postgraduate Course Leader Course Leaders are the main contacts for personal academic advice, including programme planning and approval, and are also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of their course and liaising with academic and administrative staff. They can be a source of valuable advice for other matters also and should be tour first port of call if problems arise. They are able to: provide you with academic advice on all aspects of your studies and progress explain the implications of assessment results and associated feedback on your academic performance advise you on managing and planning your studies; refer you to Student Services for support regarding personal problems, housing, health and finance Your Course Leader can also write you a reference, for a job application for example. 6.4 Module Lecturers Module lecturers are members of academic staff who lead the modules contributing to your programme of study and are key to your learning experience. They should be your first port of call for advice on any topics you do not understand following a lecture or seminar. All Module lecturers have office hours these are set times during the week when they are available for consultation. For each module there will be a Module Booklet. 6.5 Student Success through Learning Development Some students may need extra help with their studies, sometimes for a particular module, or, more generally, across their programme. This might include help with presentations, essay writing and critical analysis. It is always best to seek help in good

18 11 time and to take advantage of the range of additional classes, courses and resources available. For the full range of study and skills programmes and to find out more about the Learning Development Unit, please visit: Student Services The Department of Student Services offers advice, information, support and guidance across a range of areas including: finances and funding personal and emotional issues career choices services for disabled and dyslexic students employment and CV advice volunteering and mentoring opportunities visa renewals and immigration regulations faith and spirituality student opportunity activities and projects For more information call into one of the main Student Services receptions or visit their website: Please take some time during the first few weeks of your course to look at the website and familiarise yourself with the services offered. 6.8 Disabilities and Dyslexia Service (DDS) The Disabilities and Dyslexia Services (DDS) offers a confidential service to any student with a disability, long term medical problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia). They can also assist in obtaining a diagnosis for students who feel that they may have a Specific Learning Difficulty. This service can be accessed at any time during your course. Once you have registered with the DDS and provided the evidence required to establish your claim for support, the service can assist you in obtaining adjustments to help you successfully complete your course. Such adjustments are based on individual circumstances and relate to the severity of impact of your disability on your ability to study. Depending on the level of need identified, these may include: Practical Assistance: specialist tutors (specific learning difficulties), note-takers, or communication support Specific Adjustments to Study-Related Services: extended library loans (week loans only) or accessibility related rooming adjustments Teaching-Related Adjustments: internal needs assessment report to identify needs to Academic Staff Assessment Specific Adjustments: exam adjustments, coursework certificates or alternative assessment arrangements. Important Note There are some aspects of course assessment that cannot be changed. These are known as competence criteria. To be identified as competence criteria the assessed items must be essential to the course and all students must be able to fulfil these criteria. Although in such situations it may not be possible to alter the format of the

19 12 assessment, disabled students may still be entitled to adjustments (e.g. extra time or an amanuensis). Placement support If you are required, as part of your course, to go on placement you can receive assistance to ensure that your placement is suitable for you and for any required adjustments to be discussed and organised as appropriate. Most disabled students are entitled to government allowances. You are strongly advised to contact the Disabilities and Dyslexia Services who will help you with funding applications. Please refer to the Student Handbook for full information on the types of funding available or the Disabilities and Dyslexia Services website at: Placements/study abroad Most students on the MPA programme complete a 40 day work placement in a public service organization. Early on in your course you will be invited to discuss your preferences and learning objectives for this placement. The module tutor will then accompany you on a preliminary visit to meet with your employer and to agree objectives and timescales with you. During the course of the placement you will receive one or two follow-up visits. The module co-ordinator for the placement is Mr Brian Tutt b.tutt@londonmet.ac.uk, room 311 Ladbroke House or phone DISSERTATION OR PROJECT 7.1 Registration You register for your Masters Dissertation or Project in the same way as for your other modules - see section 3.8 Module Registration and Programme Approval. Once you are registered for your dissertation/project, you are expected to submit it in the period for which you are registered. The University s standard assessment arrangements and mitigating circumstances procedures apply (see below for information on withdrawal and mitigating circumstances). Formal requirements for your dissertation are set out in detail in the Dissertation/Project Module Booklet for your course, and the main aspects are summarised below: 7.2 Supervision Arrangements All students will be required to complete a dissertation proposal form and will then be allocated to a supervisor. It is the student s responsibility to arrange to meet with the supervisor. Each supervisor has been allocated up to 6 hours time to supervise per dissertation. Normally they will discuss your initial proposal, workplan, and comment on

20 13 draft chapters as they are written. They will also be able to provide helpful suggestions for additional sources, and ideas for how to approach your research. 7.3 Topic approval Topics will need to be agreed by the module co-ordinator for the dissertation prior to commencing work. You should also consult the University s Code of Good Research Practice which can be accessed on the Graduate School s website at: to see whether these guidelines raise any issues for your own research, and discuss them with your supervisor. 7.4 Planning and Timing Students must make sure they have an initial meeting with their supervisor, and it is highly advisable to also allow supervisors to comment on the sections of the work as they are being written. The introductory sections of a dissertation are particularly important in establishing a clear scope and focus, and in identifying research methods. It is also extremely important to let your supervisor see your work in as near to final a form as you can and to allow time for this in your planning. Please make a note of your supervisor s holiday and travel plans in the summer period, as his /her availability may not be guaranteed during parts of the the months of July or August. 7.5 Submission You must submit two copies of your dissertation/ project. One copy will be available for you to collect after marking and the other may be kept by the University, for reference. Both copies should be securely bound so that pages cannot easily be removed, lost or replaced. It is helpful if at least one of the copies is bound with front and rear boards rigid enough to hold the dissertation upright on a shelf, and has a navy blue cover with gold lettering. (Your Postgraduate Office can provide a list of thesis binders. You should expect to pay around per volume). There are three standard deadline dates for submission in every academic year. The dates for 2009/10 are: Deadline Autumn Semester 22 January 2010

21 14 Spring Semester 21 May 2010 Summer Period 3 September 2010 Dissertations/Projects must be submitted at your Postgraduate Office 8.0 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT 8.1 Academic Regulations The University s Academic Regulations govern all aspects of assessment and those concerning postgraduate assessment can be found in Section 4.2 ( 8.2 Marking and grades The University provides you with marks and grades for the work that you submit for assessment. The detailed requirements of assessment in each module are specified in module booklets, together with indicative assessment criteria associated with different levels of performance and results. Each component of assessed work is assigned a percentage mark with a pass/fail threshold at 50%. At postgraduate level, degrees are awarded according to the overall average mark obtained for all modules and the dissertation, with classification thresholds for each grade of award as follows: 70% and above Masters degree with Distinction 60% % Masters degree with Merit 50% % Masters degree 0% % Fail At the end of each semester, module results and awards are confirmed by Assessment Boards (Subject Standards Boards and Awards Boards). Assessment Boards uphold the academic standards of your course and ensure that each student is treated fairly and equally through the assessment process. 8.3 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment You have a responsibility to ensure that all coursework assessments are completed in accordance with the published deadlines and that all examinations are attended in accordance with the published timetable. While there are opportunities to be reassessed in assignments and examinations (see 8.10 below) you should be aware that, under the University s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module on reassessment your overall module mark will be capped at the bare pass mark level of 50%. You are also responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is your own and that it is appropriately referenced. The University does not tolerate cheating of any kind. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the Academic Misconduct Procedures (refer to the Index for details of how these can be accessed).

22 Assessment Feedback Assessment feedback is a critical part of your learning experience and supports successful achievement on your course. Feedback can be: diagnostic it provides an indicator of your aptitude and preparedness for study and can identify your strengths and weaknesses. formative it provides you with feedback on progress on your work. The work may or may not contribute to the overall module grade. summative it provides a measure of achievement or failure in respect of your performance in relation to intended learning outcomes for a piece of assessment. During your course you will probably receive feedback in a number of different forms. in teaching sessions to the whole class or to you individually; orally or in writing; written using a feedback sheet on your work; during the module as well as at the end. Your assessment tasks may be set for submission during the semester or towards the end of the semester. You should note carefully the following details For coursework submitted up to the end of teaching week 9 of a semester i) Your marked coursework and accompanying feedback should normally be returned to you during module sessions. Alternative arrangements may be made, for example, where the assessment involves bulky pieces of coursework. For coursework submitted after teaching week 9 of a semester i) Your tutor s feedback (without the coursework) will be available for collection either from your module lecturer or from the Postgraduate Office. ii) iii) The marked work with your tutor s comments will be available for collection two weeks after the formal publication of the result. Any unclaimed work will be kept for a period of 6 months following publication of the result, after which it will be destroyed. All arrangements for coursework and feedback return will normally be stated in module booklets. This should include: due dates for coursework submission; dates when coursework feedback will be distributed in class (for work submitted up to the end of week 9); dates when coursework feedback can be collected from the module lecturer or the Postgraduate Centre (for work submitted after week 9); the format by which assessment feedback will be given; the process by which coursework can be collected two weeks following the publication of the result concerned.

23 8.5 Submission of coursework 16 When handing in coursework you must ensure that you have understood and followed all the instructions provided by the module lecturer. Your coursework should be accompanied by a securely attached barcoded coursework coversheet printed from Evision. Unless you are given formal guidance to do otherwise (e.g. for some design work or work to be submitted via WebLearn), written coursework must be submitted only to the Postgraduate Office in the building that the module is taught. Work handed in to tutors prior to, or on, the confirmed coursework deadline date does not constitute a valid submission and will not be processed. It is important that you retain both your submission receipt (this is an electronic receipt sent to your University address and also available to view on your Evision account) and a copy of the coursework until the results are published on Evision. Full details of the coursework submission process, including how to obtain coursework cover sheets, can be accessed at: Examination Timetable Examinations take place during Weeks 13,14 and 15 of each semester and during the Summer Reassessment period in July. (See inside cover of this handbook for 2009/10 dates). The examination timetable is published three weeks prior to the start of each examination period at: Copies are also posted on Postgraduate Office noticeboards. 8.7 Past Examination Papers These are available online at: Mitigating circumstances Students who are unable to attend an examination must contact their Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office on or before the date of the exam. A claim should also be made under the procedures for Mitigating Circumstances which, if accepted, will result in an opportunity to redo the exam without penalty in the summer period. Students who are unable to submit coursework by the due date should also make a claim under the mitigating circumstances process but are also expected, where possible, to submit the assignment within 10 working days of the due date with an explanation of the reasons for lateness. Students who do not submit assessment and do not notify the University of the reasons for this in advance will not be eligible for reassessment and may be required to leave the course. For further information access:

24 17 If you think you are likely to need to make a claim under these procedures you are advised to contact your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office in advance of the due date. Claims of mitigating circumstances must be submitted to the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office on the appropriate form, attaching independent supporting evidence of the particular circumstances that affected your studies. Forms should be printed from: The deadlines for the submission of claims are published at: but also on notice boards outside the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office. Prior to submitting a claim for Mitigating Circumstances you are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the Mitigating Circumstances Criteria (Section 10.3 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at: Assessment Board Appeals There are only three grounds on which students may appeal against the outcome of an assessment board decision. These are very specific and an appeal may not be made in respect of an academic judgment or in respect of a rejected claim of mitigating circumstances. The University operates a strict deadline for submission of appeals, following the publication of the result(s) concerned. Refer to the Index (Section 15.0) for sources of further information. Prior to submitting an Appeal you should familiarise yourself with the Procedures for the submission of Appeals (Section 10.4 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at: Action in the event of failure to pass a module A student who attempts the final component of assessment in a module shall normally be entitled to be reassessed on one occasion in any module for which a failing mark has been awarded. Reassessment takes place during the summer resit period following the academic session in which the module was taken. However, reassessment of a dissertation shall take place at the next available assessment point (i.e. January for September submissions, May for January submissions and September for May submissions). Under the University s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module following reassessment, your overall module mark will be capped at the bare pass. A student who does not attempt the final component of assessment in a module will only be permitted reassessment if they have notified the University (normally in advance of the date of submission/date of examination). Where the reasons given are documented and meet the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances (see Section 8.8), a student will be entitled to be assessed during the summer period as if for the first time and will be entitled to the full range of marks for the module. Where a request for a deferral of assessment is made but the claim does not satisfy the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances, the University may agree a reassessment opportunity but any passing module mark will be capped at a bare pass. If you have received failing marks in three or more modules (60 credits) in a level you will be required to undertake a review of your academic performance with your Course Leader or