MSc Leadership & Change

Transcription

1 MSc Leadership & Change 2015/16 Postgraduate Students Award title MSc Leadership & Change Programme code(s) MLCHL Faculty Faculty of Business and Law School Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour

2 Leeds Beckett University Student Charter Working together for success Leeds Beckett University and our Students Union are committed to working in partnership with our students to ensure that our University is an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for its students and work life for its staff. Our Student Charter sets out how we aim to achieve this by working together to understand and fulfil our commitments to one another. Our Student Charter has been produced jointly with the Students Union and we will review it, together, every year. Our University s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of all our activities and this Student Charter is a contribution towards that goal. The Leeds Beckett Student Charter is not a contractual document, but provides a guide to what members of the Leeds Beckett Community can expect of each other in terms of engagement and behaviour. We work to shape and sustain a supportive, safe, inclusive community for active learning and the building of skills for life. We will Work together within a progressive, independent, and active environment which promotes lifelong learning. Support a culture of personal and academic resilience. Collaborate to build partnerships for learning. Work together to sustain our bold, industrious spirit. We forge an environment which builds trust, accountability and transparency. We will 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 Course Handbook 2

3 We foster inclusive academic, cultural, social, emotional and creative development for all. We will Share an exciting and challenging curriculum which is contemporary and relevant. Promote a culture of critical enquiry and rigorous scholarship. Support participation in extracurricular opportunities which enhance career and personal development Enable one another to plan, develop, and drive forward our individual educational and career goals. Acknowledge and celebrate our joint and separate successes. We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours. We will Act with academic integrity. Listen to, and respect, differing perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds. Work together within a positive collaborative learning and working environment, wherever, and however, we engage. Take care with our personal and professional digital identity and recognise the impact it may have on us and others. We seek active engagement, feedback and participation in the issues that affect us. We will Work together to enhance our experience of our University. Collaborate to promote learning and support enhancement, through mutual reflection and feedback. Build partnerships to enable our University communities to engage with our external stakeholders. 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 Course Handbook 3

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 and first year 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 graduate 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 Course Handbook 4

5 Contents 1 Welcome to the Course Studying on this Course Assessment and Feedback Where to Get Help What to do if you Relevant Policies Appendix A Programme Specification /16 Course Handbook 5

6 1 Welcome to the Course 1.1 Message from the Dean Hello, and welcome to new and returning students to Leeds Beckett University s Faculty of Business and Law. On behalf of all the Faculty staff I d like to say how proud we are to have you studying with us, and how excited we are to engage with you throughout every stage of your learning. We re an internationally focussed faculty with a strong business and professional remit that has an impressive history of producing exceptional graduates. Many of our previous students have found great success in their field, from journalism and law, to business, finance and PR. They represent just how our values of commitment, professionalism, enterprise and let s not pretend hard work really does pay off. During your time with us, you ll have plenty of opportunity to extend your learning beyond that of your course. We host a programme of external lectures and events, offer placements to boost both your professional and personal development, and have wellestablished links with various industry organisations and accrediting bodies to help you expand your network. Enjoy your time with us and all the best with your studies. I look forward to meeting you and hearing about your successes. Professor Chris Prince Dean, Faculty of Business and Law 2015/16 Course Handbook 6

7 1.2 Message from your Programme Leader Welcome to Leeds Beckett University and the Faculty of Business and Law. In particular, welcome to the MSc in Leadership and Change. This handbook provides you with information that you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a module handbook for each module you study on your course. The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies. Dr Helen Rodgers, Ph.D, MCIPD, Senior Fellow HEA Programme Leader MSc Leadership and Change 2015/16 Course Handbook 7

8 1.3 Academic Calendar and Timetable Our standard student academic calendar is summarised below: Week Commencing Monday Student Calendar Bank Holiday Student Welcome and Induction Week Semester 1 Teaching Starts UG Christmas Break Formal Examinations Period Student Welcome and Induction Week Semester 2 Teaching Starts UG Easter Break S1 Resit Period Bank Holiday Bank Holiday Formal Examinations Period Spring Bank Holiday

9 Full details of this and future standard student academic calendars are available at: 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 Key Contacts Programmme and Cohort Leader - Dr. Helen Rodgers, address: H.Rodgers@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Personal Tutor Dr Helen Rodgers Student Liaison Officer Lauren Nind L.Nind@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Student Liaison Officers (SLOs) are all recent graduates of our University, 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. Each faculty has at least one SLO to offer confidential advice and help with: Personal problems & academic issues Advice on mitigation, appeals & complaints procedure Links to services that can assist with a variety of issues (Financial Advice, Disability Support, Course Administration, Accommodation, Counselling, Careers Advice, Students' Union, Skills for Learning, Volunteering and much more) Recruitment and co-ordination of faculty and course Student Academic Representatives (STARS) who they can put you in contact with Finding out what's going on at our University and how you can get involved If you're not sure who can help you, asking your SLO is a great place to start! You can contact them on: SLOBUSLAW@leedsbeckett.ac.uk 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 9

10 a Course Representative are available at and on the Students Union website Student Administrator Jill Buckle Academic Librarian Each course has a specific Academic Librarian who has detailed knowledge about your chosen subject. He or she will buy all the resources for your subject in the library and will teach you how to make the most of the information available to you during your course. You will meet your Academic Librarian at your induction. Further help is available at the Help and Information Point in each Library. They can be contacted on: Keeping in Touch Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward s from your student address to a preferred personal address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that s sent from external addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student address is the only address that you use to contact University staff. You can find how to forward your student address to a preferred personal address or mobile device from: 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. This will be via the student portal (Blackboard), an to your student address or if it urgent, via a text to the mobile phone number on our contact records. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you. 10

11 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. 11

12 2 Studying on this Course The Course intends to facilitate the development of rounded individuals who possess a broad spectrum of cognitive and intellectual skills at Masters level coupled with skilled techniques and ethical behaviours required of modern leaders across a range of leadership and change situations (Western, 2012). The challenges faced by leaders include; increased globalisation of markets, increased fiscal and economic ambiguity, the pace of technological change and intense scrutiny of leadership interventions and legacies, these challenges are particularly poignant for senior managers, executives, and those in public office, for their development and progression and also for the continual progressive development of their organisations and the contribution to wider society. The MSc in Leadership and Change aims to build value in the drive for leadership education and development by focusing on 3 key areas of leadership that are considered critical to organisations in the 21 st Century through 3 broad platforms of understanding (Rickards, 2012) Individual leadership: An awareness of the self Leadership in Action Leadership in teams and organisations and Global leadership context Programme Specification The MSc Leadership and Change looks to develop skilled and ethically responsible leaders who will play a crucial role in facilitating the process of ethical and focused organisational change with the following attributes: A critical understanding of leadership interventions and impact in differing economic, social and cultural contexts, an appreciation and embedded know how of ethics and ethical practice in business and organisation process, consideration and practice of governance structures, an appreciation of connecting strategy and change models to sustainable business and a critical understanding of concepts of risk and the use of advanced project management techniques in dealing with issues of complex change. A high level of selfawareness and impact on others when leading across a range of different situations. 12

13 Intended for leaders and aspiring leaders in business, government, public sector, not for profit and related organizations. Learners on the course will acquire knowledge and skills to lead and develop implementable, ethical, strategic and sustainable change. The Course is vocationally orientated and underpinned by theoretical platforms of understanding (Rickards, 2012) aimed at the development of critical, capable and reflective individuals who can competently address complex and diverse issues at both macro and micro organisational level by applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Course. In the UK, and the rest of Europe, as in many other parts of the world including emerging and frontier economies, change and enterprise are seen an essential transformative drivers for economic development, this will require leaders and change agents to act with reason, stewardship and responsibility. Global institutions such as the World Economic Forum (2012) recognise the leadership imperative. Issues of leadership and governance are seen as essential elements for sustainable business in the broadest sense. The MSc invites learners to examine, explore and evaluate concepts of Leadership and Change across organisations with an emphasis on critical, synoptic and connective understanding of academic and practical developments in the field of leadership, governance and change The MSc develops the knowledge, skills, awareness and attributes needed to lead responsible and ethical change, across contexts, by providing platforms of understanding for the learner in the following ways: Personal assessment and development of leadership qualities necessary for the development of high performance organisations; Building professional skills and knowledge in the area of leadership, strategy and world-class performance through a taught programme that links theory to professional practice Action centred organisational development through a research driven dissertation Development of a framework that enables senior managers and leaders to develop and implement the governance role in context to broad social responsibilities. 13

14 Course Structure The course will start in September 2015 and runs over a period of 12 months. Students will complete a compulsory introductory Induction and Personal Development over 3 days, seven taught modules delivered in block with blended learning required prior to class based delivery and a final research driven, Dissertation. The taught modules will comprise of one 3 day induction and personal orientation, 5 cores each of 20 credits, plus 1 option module (20 credits) with the research driven, Dissertation being valued at sixty (60) credits. In the first Semester of the MSc in Leadership and Change, students will study the following modules: Induction including contracting and Personal Development Planning (credit points linked to LSCF) Critical Perspectives in Leadership and Governance (Core 20 credit points Corporate Strategy (Core - 20 credit points) Advanced Project & Risk Management (Core 20 credit points) Dissertation Proposal development stage (60 credit points in total) In the second Semester of the taught course students will study the following modules: Leadership the Self and Creating the Future (Core 20 credit points) Leading Organisational Change (Core 20 credits) Dissertation Literature review and methodological development stage (60 credit points in total) Option (20 credit points) Students will choose from the following options: Employee Engagement, Comparative Employment Relations, Corporate Finance, Management People and Organisations, Entrepreneurship, Managing Employment Relations. Options will run if there are viable numbers signed up 14

15 The final 4 months of study will be taken up with the completion of an applied Dissertation (60 credit) with the provision of dissertation clinics and monthly face to face local supervision and distance VLE support where appropriate The MSc students will now have completed 180 credit points. Delivery pattern: MSc in Leadership and Change (Full-time UK) Semester 1 Core Semester 2 Core Induction and Personal Y Contracting (zero credit module) Critical Perspectives in Y Leadership the Self and Y Leadership and Governance Creating the Future (20 (20 Credits) Credits) Corporate Strategy (20 Credits) Y Leading Organisational Change (20 Credits) Y Advanced Project & Risk Management Y Option (see list of options below) (20 Credits) (20 Credits) Dissertation - This is a combined research methods and dissertation module which includes 2 in country dissertation clinics, local supervision and online dissertation support. Y Students should pick from the following 20 credit option modules: Employee Engagement, Comparative Employment Relations, Managing Employment Relations, Corporate Finance, Management People and Organisations, Entrepreneurship 15

16 Course Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes 1 Develop critical and connective understanding of the strategic role of an ethical business leader. In particular to develop critical and connective understanding of the full range of leadership perspectives and their application to responsible change. 2 Critically analyse and evaluate change issues and apply synoptic and holistic reasoning to leadership decision making, strategy and planning. 3 Identify and critically appreciate the roles of stakeholders in implementing and working with change. 4 Develop critical and connective understanding of current research perspectives and advanced scholarship in the field of leadership and change with due regard to ethical considerations and sustainable business practice. 5 Develop critical reflexivity in relation to the self as leader to identify the opportunities for personal development and growth as leaders with integrity and authenticity. 6 Demonstrate applied research and learning through the production of a significant piece of masters level independent work, Dissertation. 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: For more details on the Course Learning Outcomes specific to this course please view the programme specification. 16

17 2.1 Course Resources The programme specification in Appendix A specifies the physical and online resources available to students on this course. Planned dates and times of meetings Monitoring and Review Meeting:: November 2014 Student Focus Groups: November/December 2015 and April 2016 Precise details regarding dates, times and venues will be circulated to students in advance via noticeboards and the student portal. Student Reps will also be notified via s to their Leeds Beckett Student accounts. Skills you will Gain during the Course Skills Developed Characteristics of graduates of the MSc in Leadership and Change have: subject-specific attributes including: an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the disciplines of Leadership and Change informed by current scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues and developments in Leadership, Change, ethics, governance and sustainable business practice. The ability to adopt critical and connective thinking across all of the topics delivered on the Course in order to apply synoptic and holistic reasoning to leadership based problems. the ability to complete a research driven Dissertation in a leadership and change context that includes a critical review of existing literature or other scholarly outputs and recommendations for implementing change generic attributes (including skills relevant to employment in a leadership-setting) A range of generic abilities and skills that include the ability to: use initiative and be responsible with leadership solve problems in creative, synoptic and innovative ways 17

18 make holistic decisions in challenging situations continue to learn independently, interdependently and to develop professionally communicate effectively, with integrity and authenticity, with colleagues and wider audiences, across a variety of media. 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. 2.2 Graduate Attributes All graduates from our University will be enterprising, digitally literate and have a global outlook. These three graduate attributes are developed with specific, appropriate emphasis in each course and you will be assessed about each of them at every academic level. They will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your employability and wider life as you move on from your studies here. A summary of how graduate attributes are developed and assessed on this course is provided in the programme specification. 2.3 Work-Related Activities and Employability The MSc Leadership and Change Management is intended to provide for those in business, government, not for profit and related organizations, the concepts, knowledge and skills to lead and develop implementable, ethical, strategic business programmes in a local and/or international context. This qualification enables students to pursue a career in a senior role in organisations, where leadership skills and concern for ethics are an integral part of the role. 2.4 Opportunities for Graduates The revised MSc Leadership and Change course has been developed with reference to the ILM, CMI and CIPD personnel and development awards, as such it is highly vocational, enables you to build on your previous knowledge and experiences and therefore equips you to function autonomously across a range of leadership and change intervention contexts. As a specialist leadership and change award, the focus is on the contributions that may be 18

19 made in the leadership and governance of sustainable capability and change within yours or your clients organisation. Therefore a strong grasp of general leadership, the working environment and external influences on organisations is essential. This broader learning means that students are well equipped to secure employment across a broad range of business, management and entrepreneurial context, including creating their own consultancies. Candidates graduating with the MSc in Leadership and Change have subsequently moved into senior roles with current employers or broadened their career opportunities as a result of the networks made on the course, others are going on to further post graduate or doctoral study. 2.5 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: Bronwyn Betts Anglia Ruskin University Bronwyn.betts@anglia.ac.uk 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: 19

20 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: Course-Specific Assessment Regulations and Professional Body Requirements The programme adopts the University Academic Principles and Regulations on assessment and conforms to the FBL Postgraduate Scheme. 20

21 Assessment Schedule Please note the exam / assessment periods in the academic calendar (see Section 1) and make sure that you are available during that period. Modules (Semester 1) Hand in date (week commencing) Feedback Date (week commencing) Corporate Strategy, Advanced Project and Risk Management, Critical Perceptive in Leadership and Governance 11th January th of February 2016 Dissertation (including Research Methods) Re-sits Modules (Semester 2) Please refer to module handbook for dates for submission of the proposal 21 st March 2016 ( for specific dates per module please refer to module guides) Hand in date (week commencing) TBC TBC Feedback Date (week commencing) Leadership, Self and Creating the Future, Implementation of Strategic Change, Elective 9 th of May th of June 2016 Final Dissertation September 2015 TBC Re-sits July 2016 (for specific dates per module please refer to module guides) TBC 21

22 Examination The examination schedule will be published on the student portal. Please keep checking for updates. Coursework Where a module is wholly or partly assessed by coursework, the submission date will be clearly stated on the assessment brief when it is circulated to students. Submitting Assignments An important part of your assessment whilst studying will be in the form of assignments which need to be handed in for grading. Your tutor will confirm the method of submission which could be on-line via the X-Stream System, or a physical hand-in of a disk or hard copy assignment. A room will be designated as a hand-in area for students to submit their work in a timely way. This service is promoted nearer the time of submission. Outside office hours a post box system is utilised in the Rose Bowl and in Portland Building. You should obtain a front sheet for your assignment (either from reception or adjacent to the post boxes), complete it and attach it to the assignment before submitting. Details of where to submit assignments will be provided through the student portal/notice boards nearer the date. When you submit an assignment it is important that you ensure the following information is on the assignment front sheet: Your name Course Year and semester of the course you are studying Name of the tutor for whom the assignment has been done Name of the module for which the work has been done 22

23 IMPORTANT If you are granted an extension for your assignment, you must attach a copy of the signed Mitigating Circumstances Form to it when submitting. IMPORTANT Students should obtain a receipt for the hand-in of coursework assignments and keep these receipts in case of any query. If you have to post an assignment to the University it must be: Sent to the appropriate site office i.e. Rose Bowl or Portland Building addressed to the relevant Administration Team sent recorded delivery and the receipt kept. Your responsibilities: Keep a record of your work Ensure your work is handed in within the published deadlines Each piece of assessed work will receive a mark and some feedback. The method and form of feedback for each module will depend on the assessment method. Once the module leaders complete marking and moderation, most assignments (depending on format) will be returned to the Administration Team. 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 23

24 late. Full details (section C1.5) of the penalties for late submission of course work are available at: 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 summative assessments (see appendix A). Formative Formative feedback will be offered during the modules to help you achieve the learning outcomes. This can take a variety of forms and may differ between modules for pedagogic reasons. Module tutors will explain the way this will operate at the start of the module. Summative Our University has committed to a four week turnaround for summative feedback. You will normally receive written comments, verbal feedback or group feedback on your work within 4 weeks of submission of your work. Your module leader will advise as to the format 24

25 of the feedback. If you submit an assignment via turnitin you must access the assignment again after the 4 week period to view the feedback. 3.5 How do I Get my Results? Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (eg from level 4 to level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system from: Results will only appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Board of Examiners meeting (the meeting where your end of year outcome will be decided) or the Examination Committee meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided). If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Student Administrator. 3.6 Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation If you are experiencing problems which are adversely affecting your ability to study (called 'extenuating circumstances'), then you can apply for mitigation. The University operates a fit to sit / fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so. Examples of acceptable evidence to support a claim for extenuating circumstances: Medical Appointment Letter Doctors Note from tutor Death Certificate Funeral Order of Service Crime report and number (this should also be accompanied by evidence of the work you had been preparing such as notes, work plan, draft assignment) The following will not be accepted as evidence: Note from a friend 25

26 Wedding invitation Corrupt USB stick Bank Statements If you have consulted the University Student Wellbeing Service in relation to your circumstances you may submit a statement of attendance as supporting evidence. It is expected that you would also have some other form of evidence of your circumstances to verify your request. Examples of acceptable extenuating circumstances include: Bereavement Illness Hospitalisation Victim of crime Transport cancellation, where this may be evidenced Court attendance Traumatic incident Serious family illness where the impact on the students ability to undertake assessment may be demonstrated Accident The following are not acceptable extenuating circumstances: Holidays Weddings Family celebrations Printing problems Computer failure, corrupt USB sticks Financial problems Work related problems Pressure or anxiety associated with assessment preparation or exams Accommodation issues 26

27 Mild illness less than 7 days would not normally warrant mitigation. The Faculty Mitigation Co-ordinator will determine whether a mild illness warrants an extension to the assessment deadline should an extension be requested Mis-reading assessment arrangements Further guidance on extenuating circumstances and mitigation can be found at: Late Submission 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: Re-assessment If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g. whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Leader, Student Administrator or personal tutor for any necessary clarification. 3.8 Student Appeals If you feel that you have in some way been disadvantaged during your studies and this is reflected in your results, then you may have grounds for an academic appeal. After your results are available on Results Online you have 15 working days to submit a request for an appeal hearing. You will find the information you need, including grounds for appeal, when and how to appeal and frequently asked questions at: 27

28 You are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Students Union Advice Service on whether you have grounds for an appeal and the completion of the paperwork see Section 4 for Students 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 consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section C9: Academic Integrity: 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 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. duration of your course. Normally, your tutor will aim to follow you right through the 28

29 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. 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, 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 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 and their address is StudentHub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. 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. 29

30 You can also use 'my Hub' 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. 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: 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 Library Help The Library There are two Libraries at Leeds Beckett, Sheila Silver at City Campus and Headingley Library, both open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can use either Library, although the book stock reflects the courses taught at each campus. The website (library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk) also provides access to thousands of resources and information about Library services. Academic Librarian Your academic librarian (see contacts in Section 1) liaises with your lecturers to ensure physical and electronic information resources for your subject are available in the Library and they work with you throughout your time here to help you develop information and digital literacy skills. Help and Information Points If you have any questions about using the library or need IT support you can get help: from the Help and Information Point on the ground floor of each library online: library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact-us 30

31 by phone (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. Information about workshops and one-to-one tutorials can be found at MyBeckett MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment, is the gateway to all the information you will need to support your studies during your time at University. It provides access to your modules and timetables; your 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)

32 There are full details of all services available at: 32

33 5 What to do if you 5.1 are absent for more than one day You must notify your Student Administrator if you are absent for more than one day (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence (see section 3). International Students Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all Tier 4 students. Failure to meet UKVI attendance requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked. Tier 4 students need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see 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 internationalstudentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. 5.2 are ill If you are absent because of illness for more than seven consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note. You can hand in or send a Fit Note to your Course Leader or Student Administrator. 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. Further information is available in the General Regulations (section 6) at: 33

34 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 have a comment, compliment or complaint We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your course representative or directly with your personal tutor. If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available online at: 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: 34

35 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: 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 all our full-time and part-time undergraduate students. 6.3 Personal Tutors You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. See Key Contacts in Section 1 for details of how to contact your personal tutor. See Section 4 for an overview of the support you can expect from your personal tutor. You can find full details of our personal tutor policy from the Student Hub webpages: 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 (see H - Health and Safety Policy Policy Statement). 35