MSc Public Relations. Student Handbook 2012/13

Transcription

1 MSc Public Relations Student Handbook 2012/13 1

2 CONTENTS FOREWORD THE MSC PUBLIC RELATIONS Introduction to the Masters Programme Studying for an MSc in Public Relations Course content Study pattern Other Awards MSc programme outcomes Learning and assessment Student support Student involvement Management of the Masters Programme Communication Study facilities Student responsibilities Submitting assignments Extensions Receiving grades Plagiarism Learning in Seminars REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES 2

3 FOREWORD Welcome to the taught Masters programme in Public Relations at Queen Margaret University (QMU). We hope that the course is a success for you and that studying with QMU proves to be a valuable and enjoyable experience. This purpose of this handbook is to give you some information about the course. Its aims, content, and structure are explained in detail. Information about the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, The Subject area of Media, Communications and Performing Arts, the running of the course and student support is also provided. Some regulations and procedures are outlined too. It is intended that this handbook will act as a useful reference source for you throughout the academic year. You should also make time to read through the Queen Margaret University Student Diary and Handbook which is available at and the Regulations which are linked on this webpage as well as being available at See in particular the Taught Postgraduate Regulations. In addition to this Handbook you should also receive guides for each of the modules you study. There is also an MSc Public Relations Academic Essays handbook (available on the MSc Public Relations Hub) which contains important information to help you with the successful preparation of assignments. Sally Chalmers MSc Public Relations Programme Leader September

4 THE MSC PUBLIC RELATIONS Introduction to the Masters Programme QMU s MSc in Public Relations aims to enable you to become a communication professional capable of contributing to the strategic management of a commercial, public or voluntary sector organization. It builds on your honours degree and/or professional experience and adds a range of knowledge and skills essential to the practice of modern public relations and a career in professional communication. On the course, you will have the opportunity to develop academic, practical and professional abilities. You will also learn how to evaluate, select and use a range of research methods and will undertake academic research. The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). QMU is the only Scottish institution with undergraduate and postgraduate programmes accredited by the CIPR and to offer the CIPR Diploma, CIPR Internal Communications Diploma and the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma. As a CIPR accredited programme, the MSc is benchmarked against CIPR career progression requirements. This means there is a clear articulation between the course and developing your career in public relations. The programme has been developed in line with QMU s Taught Postgraduate Framework. This Framework seeks to: a) regulate the provision of all taught masters level programmes; b) ensure that all taught masters level programmes are governed by a common quality framework; c) ensure an equity in standards across all modules and programmes; d) provide a reference for all elements relating to module/programme management; e) facilitate the growth and development of flexible, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and professional programmes. To access the Taught Postgraduate Framework visit and click on the Taught Postgraduate Regulations link. As an MSc Public Relations student you will study a series of modules. These can be completed over one year of full-time study or two to seven years on a part-time basis. If you already hold the CIPR Diploma, CIPR Internal Communications Diploma or the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma you will receive credits towards the MSc Public Relations All modules are taught in blocks with Hub support. Feedback has indicated that concentrating face-to-face teaching into a few blocks is a good option for those students who wish to study parttime while working full-time. This teaching pattern also opens up the possibility of studying with QMU to more students who live throughout Scotland, the UK and abroad. The following sections explain about the Programme in more detail. 4

5 Studying for an MSc Public Relations Completion of the MSc involves the equivalent of a year of full-time study during which you must attain 180 credits. You must successfully complete a series of eight modules, including a dissertation. Students who complete fewer modules may attain a number of other awards (see below). The Programme may be studied in full-time and part-time modes of attendance. The full-time Programme is normally completed in one academic year, starting in September and submitting Dissertation the following September. If you are studying part-time maybe in order to combine study with working you can complete the course in 2-7 years, studying one or more modules a semester. Part-time students may start their studies in September or January. Face-to-face teaching is done in a few concentrated blocks during the year with Hub support between these. This Hub support ranges from providing you with access to important materials through to setting tasks for you to complete and submit on the Hub, which will count towards your overall mark. It is important that you access and familiarize yourself with your Hub area as early as possible in your studies (ie in the first few days following matriculation). Although face-to-face teaching is delivered in blocks, you will need to work steadily throughout the year, including between the teaching blocks, to be successful in your studies. Masters level students are expected to be self-directed in their learning so you should not rely solely on materials provided, work set nor focus on just reading the main texts. You will need to read widely and gather knowledge consistently to be successful and get the most out of your studies. See chapter on Learning and Assessment for more on self directed study. Course content Module descriptors for all the modules offered can be found by clicking on the programme Hub. Please note that a module may have pre-requisites, which must be fulfilled prior to registration on the module. Where these exist they are noted on the module descriptor. You must take and pass all of the modules CIPR Diploma, CIPR Internal Communications Diploma and CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduate exemptions are highlighted below. There are no optional modules. Modules, with credits carried and the total number of student hours of effort expected to be successful, are indicated below. Module Credit Number of student hours of effort Critical Reflections on Public Relations* Communications Theory and Public Relations Practice Social Research Methods Internal Communications** Strategic PR Planning* Public Affairs*** Professional Development Through Work Place Learning* ** *** Dissertation * CIPR Diploma graduates are exempt from studying these modules and take a 15 credit version of the Professional Development Through Work Based Learning module. 5

6 ** CIPR Internal Communications Diploma graduates are exempt from this module and take a 15 credit version of the Professional Development Through Work Based Learning module. *** CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduates are exempt from this module and take a 15 credit version of the Professional Development Through Work Based Learning module. MSc in Public Relations teaching blocks 12/13 FT pattern Semester 1 - Induction Date Content/Module w/c Mon 10/9/12 6 Induction Semester 1 Teaching Block 1 Date Content/Module Wed 26/9/12 Thurs 27/9/12 Fri 28/9/12 Sat 29/9/12 Communications Theory and PR Practice (15 credits) Communications Theory and PR Practice (15 credits) Critical Reflections on PR (15 credits) Critical Reflections on PR (15 credits) Semester 1 Teaching Block 2 Date Content/Module Mon 8/10/12 Tues 9/10/12 Tues 9/10/12 Wed 10/10/12 Thur 11/10/12 Public Affairs (15 credits) Public Affairs (15 credits) Social Research Methods (15 credits) Social Research Methods (15 credits) Professional Development Through Work Based Learning workshop (15 and 30 credits) Semester 1 Teaching Block 3 Date Content/Module Tues 13/11/12 Wed 14/11/12 Thurs 15/11/12 Fri 16/11/12 Sat 17/11/12 Communications Theory and PR Practice (15 credits) Communications Theory and PR Practice (15 credits) Professional Development Through Work Based Learning workshop (15 and 30 credits) Critical Reflections on PR (15 credits) Critical Reflections on PR (15 credits) Semester 1 Teaching Block 4 Date Content/Module Mon 26/11/12 Tues 27/11/12 Tues 27/11/12 Public Affairs (15 credits) Public Affairs (15 credits) Social Research Methods (15 credits)

7 Wed 28/11/12 Thurs 29/11/12 Social Research Methods (15 credits) Professional Development Through Work Based Learning workshops (15 and 30 credits) Semester 2 Teaching Block 5* Date Content/Module Mon 28/1/13 Tues 29/1/13 Wed 30/1/13 Thurs 31/1/13 Fri 1/2/13 Sat 2/2/13 Induction for new students Dissertation workshop (60 credits) Internal communications (15 credits) Internal communications (15 credits) Strategic PR Planning (15 credits) Strategic PR Planning (15 credits) Semester 2 Teaching Block 6* Date Content/Module Tues Dissertation workshop (60 credits) 12/3/13 Wed Internal communications (15 credits) 13/3/13 Thurs Internal communications (15 credits) 14/3/13 Fri 15/3/13 Strategic PR Planning (15 credits) Sat 16/3/13 Strategic PR Planning (15 credits) *Work Based Learning takes place during semester 2 MSc in Public Relations teaching blocks 12/13 suggested PT pattern Year 1 Week Semester 1 Module Induction Programme Induction School Induction Semester 1 Teaching Block 1 Block 1 Communications Theory and Public Relations Practice Critical Reflections on Public Relations Semester 1 Teaching Block 2 Block 3 Semester 2 Communications Theory and Public Relations Practice Critical Reflections on Public Relations Induction Induction workshop for new students Semester 2 Teaching Block 3 7

8 Block 5 Strategic PR Planning Internal Communications Semester 2 Teaching Block 4 Block 6 Year 2 Week Semester 1 Strategic PR Planning Internal Communications Module Semester 1 Teaching Block 1 Block 2 Social Research Methods Public Affairs Professional Development Through Work Based Learning (Workshops) Semester 1 Teaching Block 2 Block 4 Semester 2 Social Research Methods Public Affairs Professional Development Through Work Based Learning (Workshops) Semester 2 Teaching Block 3 * Block 5 Strategic PR Planning Dissertation Workshop Semester 2 Teaching Block 4* Block 6 Strategic PR Planning Dissertation Workshop *Work based Learning takes place during semester 2. - You should refer to the University s Academic Calendar for further important dates for your diary. Please visit 8

9 Other Awards The MSc in Public Relations course has three alternative exit points. Awards are offered at the levels of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations and Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations. These are awarded on the successful completion of modules as outlined below. You may also study individual modules as an Associate Student without registering for an award. Satisfactory completion may be credited towards a postgraduate award for which you subsequently register. For the Award of Postgraduate Certificate students will study four of the following modules: Modules Credit Rating Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Internal Communications 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Public Affairs 15 Total credits required for this award 60 For the Award of Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations students must study the following: Modules Credit Rating Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Two of the following 15 credit modules: Communications Theory and 30 Public Relations Practice Internal Communications Public Affairs Total 60 For the Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations students must study the following: Modules Credit Rating Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Internal Communications 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Public Affairs 15 Professional Development through Work 30 Based Learning Total credits required for this Award 120 CIPR Diploma graduates can attain the Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Internal Communications 15 9

10 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning Public Affairs 15 CIPR Diploma graduates can attain the Award of MSc Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Internal Communications 15 Public Affairs 15 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning Dissertation 60 CIPR Internal Communications Diploma graduates can attain the Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning Public Affairs 15 CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduates can attain the Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning Internal Communications 15 CIPR Internal Communication Diploma graduates can attain the Award of MSc Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Public Affairs 15 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning (15 credit version) Dissertation 60 CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduates can attain the Award of MSc Public Relations having successfully studied the following: Modules Credit Rating 10

11 Communications Theory and Public 15 Relations Practice Social Research Methods 15 Critical Reflections on Public Relations 15 Strategic PR Planning 15 Internal Communications 15 Professional Development Through Work 15 Based Learning Dissertation 60 MSc Programme Outcomes The MSc programme provides the opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas: Knowledge and understanding of Theoretical issues and concepts relating to the communications issues pertaining to corporate and public affairs Methodologies used for the analysis of professional communication, media research, and organisational communication research Theoretical and empirical knowledge required for planning, research and design of professional communication activity Media relations and media management techniques in contemporary Britain Issues surrounding internal communication and culture The critical evaluation of the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods in academic and professionally related research Intellectual (thinking) skills in order to Reflect critically on the relationship between theory and practice Review evidence Exercise individual judgement and develop strategic thinking within a framework of academic and vocational accountability Gather and analyse their own data and knowledge through the application of relevant enquiry methods Demonstrate research competence Professional and practical skills to enable students to. Examine and evaluate the present and future role of the communication professional within organizations Critically examine relevant legislative and standards frameworks Identify the leadership qualities required of communication professionals Work with communication and other professionals Work as public relations practitioners Transferable skills that enable the student to Retrieve and analyse information and ideas from a range of print and electronic resources Present information and communicate ideas in appropriate forms for diverse audiences Undertake problem solving activities Work and learn independently, exercising initiative and taking personal responsibility Work and learn effectively in groups Manage time and resources Use quantitative and qualitative research methods in academic and professional settings. 11

12 Learning and Assessment The Programme places the student at the centre of the learning process and you are expected to take a high level of responsibility for your own learning, to further develop skills acquired at undergraduate level and to construct knowledge through active engagement with learning resources. The teaching and learning methods adopted (and identified in the module descriptors) promote your participation in the learning process. An essential component at this level of education is self-directed study, which comprises the major element of the postgraduate programme. However if there is anything that you don't fully understand always ask your lecturer about it. The modules you will be taking are taught by staff from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Some sessions, however, draw on the expertise of external lecturers and professionals. There are a variety of assessment approaches. The assessment for each module is outlined in the module descriptor. A written schedule of assessments indicating the nature and timing of assessments will be given to students at the start of each module. Feel free to ask your lecturers about the criteria that will be used when marking your work to make sure that you are clear about the expectations for that module. The postgraduate marking scheme is summarized in the following table. You should read the full Taught Postgraudate Regulations which are available at Key points relevant to assessment are: The pass mark for a module is 50%. Where exam and coursework are distinct, a student must score 40% in each element. The maximum mark awarded at resit is 50%. To be eligible for distinction, the weighted average of a student s marks must be greater than or equal to 70%. Marks from modules assessed before will be scaled up by a factor of 70/65 to ensure students are not disadvantaged. Grade Mark Interpretation Award classification A 80% and excellent performance Distinction above B 70-79% Very good performance Distinction C 60-69% Good performance Pass D 50-59% satisfactory performance Pass E 40-49% Fail Fail F 30-39% Poor fail Fail G 20-29% bad fail Fail H 19% or below Very bad fail or nonsubmission Fail Student Support 12

13 The nature of the postgraduate programme demands that your work is predominantly independent, however it is recognised that there is a need to maintain a strong support structure. Induction Students are provided with induction sessions on administrative procedures and the programme. Support Materials Students are supplied with this Student Handbook, an MSc in Public Relations Academic Essays Handbook, a Dissertation Handbook and module handbooks as well as the University Student Handbook. Library Resources Extensive library resources are available including access to relevant electronic journals (on and off site). IT Resources Masters students have open access to extensive central IT resources. These are available on and off campus. Hub support is available through Programme and modular areas. Module Co-ordinators Each module has a co-ordinator (see module descriptors) to whom you can turn for help or advice about that particular module. The module co-ordinator is responsible for the management of the module, administration, delivery, method of assessment, co-ordination of marking, and academic standard. Personal Academic Tutors (PATs) Each student is allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). This is a member of the departmental staff operating the degree. Their role it is to provide academic guidance and support. They will periodically review your progress through the programme, giving advice and assistance with any difficulties that arise in connection with your studies. For further information on the role of the PAT se Policies and Codes of Conduct at this link Work Based Learning supervisor Each student is allocated a supervisor to support them with production of their Work Based Learning analytical report. Supervisors provide 2 hours supervision to each student. Dissertation Supervisor Each student is allocated a dissertation supervisor. They are responsible for providing guidance on the field of study, data, literature sources and copyright, advising on the dissertation proposal, suggesting specialists the student may contact and facilitating planning and writing, ensuring academic rigour. For more information see the MSc in Public Relations Dissertation Handbook. Student Services Student Services is a professional support department working to ensure students have the information, advice, guidance and opportunities necessary to their successful experience and achievement whilst studying at QMU. Staff work with students to address issues and overcome obstacles that might stand in the way of their progress. Staff in Student Services acknowledge the diversity of students' backgrounds and experiences and have established a range of support 13

14 services designed to meet students' needs and requirements. They have a team of specialists in the areas of careers and student employment, disability advice, counselling, student funding advice, transition and pre-entry guidance and a medical service linked to the Riverside Medical Practice in Musselburgh. To find out more please visit The Student Counselling Services is based in Students and Academic Information, level 1. Appointments to see the Student Counsellor are free and can be made either by telephoning or ing [email protected]. Students with special needs According to the Disability Discrimination Act (2005), the following are considered disabilities : Blind/visual impairment Deaf/hearing impairment Wheelchair users Mobility impairments Mental health difficulties Unseen disabilities e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, specific learning difficulties, M.E., etc Any other health problem which is long-term (will last or has lasted 12 months) and has a substantial effect on day to day life (inc. HIV; Multiple Sclerosis; some types of cancer) [DDA, 2005] These may require you to have adjustments made to your learning environment, for example in relation to: delivery of teaching material and participation in tutorials and workshops; assessments or assessment submission; examinations. If you think this applies to you, please the QMU Disability Advisor Jo Jebb [email protected]. An appointment will be made for you to discuss potential adjustments, where reasonable, and formulate an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Please note that subject to QMU regulations, any adjustments made are contingent on you providing certification within a reasonable timeframe. Any information you give is confidential, and that disclosure of information is optional. If, however, you do not disclose any certified disability to us, we will not be able to make any reasonable adjustments on your behalf. International Students Specific support is also provided institutionally for international students: Students' Union The Students' Union (see is run independently by students for students, providing a focal point for the representative, welfare, sporting, cultural and recreational needs of QMU students. The Students' Union contains bar and catering facilities, as well as The Advice Centre, which offers confidential, impartial advice on all matters affecting students, from housing to health and all points in between. Royal Literary Fund Writer in Residence 14

15 The subject area co-ordinates QMU s Royal Literary Fund Fellow (from September 2012, Regi Claire ( ). The RLF fellow is available to all students for support on all forms of writing, both creative and academic. Please contact [email protected]. Student involvement Student Representation in the Management of the Programme The following section on the Management of the Programme outlines the various ways in which students are represented. In particular there are MSc Public Relations student representatives on the Programme Committee and on the QMU public relations programmes Advisory Panel. Staff Student Consultative Committee meetings are also held. Please contact Sally Chalmers if you would like to represent students on the Programme on either the Programme Committee or the Advisory Panel. Please also visit to see link to the Management of academic programmes document The MSc Public Relations Student Staff Consultative Committee operates for the purpose of ensuring an adequate and effective opportunity for discussion between students and staff, in a context that allows wide student participation. It provides a forum for constructive discussion of the programme or scheme in general terms, of the demands of the programme or scheme on students, and of possible developments. It makes recommendations as felt necessary to the Programme Committee. Membership of the Committee is drawn from staff teaching on the programme and student representatives; there should be more students than staff. It is appropriate for a student to convene the committee and a member of staff to act as secretary. You can volunteer to be a member of this committee or elect a colleague. The Programme Committee is the overall decision-making body for your degree programme, it also meets once per semester and the membership is made up of the teaching team and two students from the programme. QMU s Public Relations Advisory Panel, which includes representatives from undergraduate and postgraduate public relations students, academic staff and external practitioners, provides input on the overall shape of QMU s public relations courses and focuses in particular on the relationship between course content and professional requirements. Remember too that you are welcome to provide us with informal feedback on the course at any time. We want to encourage feedback on all aspects of the programme. Changes to the course can be made as a direct result of student opinion. Communication Several channels of communication are used in the School and Subject Area. You need to be familiar with these and to check them regularly to make sure that you don't miss important information. E Mail On matriculation you are given a student address. You can access your through any networked computer on campus and off campus by either connecting to QMU s website at and clicking the Quicklink to Webmail or via installing remote access software 15

16 onto your computer. We use student QMU addresses and the HUb to communicate with you. You should therefore check these regularly (at least daily). You can also use to contact members of the academic staff and School Office staff directly. The Hub Your Hub area will give you access to the Programme Hub and Hubs for those modules on which you are matriculated. Meetings with members of Staff We enjoy contact with students and very much hope that you find us approachable! You can fix an appointment to see us by or by leaving a note with the School Office staff. Contact details are given below. Questions and Complaints Should you have a question or complaint about as aspect of your academic work, we would encourage you to take it first of all to the individual lecturer concerned. If, after doing this, you feel your concern is not being properly considered, then raise the issue with the Module Co-ordinator, your Personal Academic Tutor, the Programme Leader, and then Head of Subject in that order. Questions about the administrative and regulatory issues should be directed initially to the School Office. Contact Details Address: School of Arts, Social Science, and Management Queen Margaret University Queen Margaret University Drive Musselburgh East Lothian EH21 6UU Telephone: The School Office is located to the left of the Main Entrance to the University Academic block on level 1. Michelle Hart is the member of staff within the School Office with particular responsibility for the MSc Public Relations programme. You can contact her by on [email protected]. You can also contact other School Office staff members on [email protected]. Sally Chalmers (Programme Leader, Internal Communications, Professional Development Through Work Based Learning, and Dissertation co-ordinator) [email protected] Dr Mark Gillham (Acting Head of Subject Area and Social Research Methods co-ordinator) [email protected] Sandra Grieve (Industry Placement sourcing contact) [email protected] Ann Turner (Communications Theory and Public Relations Practice and Strategic PR Planning coordinator) [email protected] 16

17 Dr Magda Pieczka (Critical Reflections on Public Relations and Public Affairs co-ordinator) Emma Wood Study Facilities The Learning Resource Centre at QMU is a one-stop shop for the learning, teaching and research needs of the staff and students of QM. There are 1000 study spaces, plus a range of learning, teaching and research services. Parts of the LRC are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To find out more visit Student Responsibilities Make sure that you have properly registered and matriculated at the start of the academic session. You will be given dates and times for completion of the matriculation process. It is important that you keep to these times. Use the Academic Tutor/Tutee (PAT) system. It is an invaluable way of getting advice and guidance on your progress. You should discuss your portfolio development and Learning Action Plan with your PAT. You should arrange to see your tutor each semester. Attend all scheduled classes. Poor attendance leads to poor results. If you fall behind and start to miss classes, come and talk to us about it. Inform us if you are ill or expect to be absent for any length of time ( Programme Leader Sally Chalmers on [email protected] ). If you anticipate that you will miss examination dates or assignment deadlines because of illness you will need to supply medical evidence prior to your failure to meet the deadlines set. Keep a regular (preferably daily) check on your QMU and Hub areas. Notify the School Office in writing of any change in your home or term-time address and telephone number. It is in your interest for us to have our records up-to-date. It is your responsibility to check submission dates for assignments and the dates and times of examinations. You must hand in all assignments on time and according to the procedure outlined below. Deadlines should be taken seriously as penalties are applied for late work. If you are unable to complete work on time you should see your academic tutor to seek advice. In exceptional circumstances you may be given an extension because of illness or for other valid personal reasons. However you must have a very strong case for an extension before one will be granted (see below). Always retain a copy of any assignment handed in, including a copy of any disc or memory stick based material (see more detailed regulations on handing in assignments below). 17

18 You must register with the department to notify them when you are submitting a retrieval (reassessment of an assessment you have failed). Failure to do this can affect the presentation of your marks to the Boards of Examiners and subsequently the decision made on your progress through the course. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with and adhere to the formal University Regulations. Ignorance will not be accepted as a reason for non-compliance. The University s Academic Regulations are set out in the Student Diary and in the University s Governance and Regulations Handbook, available for consultation by students from the Library, the Students Union Offices, School Offices or Registry. The handbook can also be accessed via the QMU website at : The Taught Postgraduate Regulations can be accessed at Submitting Assignments Students should refer to the generic Student Handbook. Extensions Students should refer to the generic Student Handbook. Receiving Grades Students should refer to the generic Student Handbook. You will also be interested to know that masters Exam Boards are held in June, August and October. Plagiarism We are required by the University to warn you about plagiarism and to explain to you what this form of academic fraudulence involves. QMU regulations on this issue are given in the Plagiarism Guide at Advice for students is available from QMU s Effective Learning Service (see ). Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's work as though it were your own. It is a serious academic offence and, if proven, may result in disqualification or expulsion. Plagiarism can take many forms and ranges from the failure to acknowledge the real source of an idea contained in your work, to the copying of a short passage from another source without indicating that it is a quotation from someone else. Plagiarism can involve altering the order of words or sentences in a passage so that it does not appear to be a word-to-word copy. Common examples of plagiarism are copying whole passages, word-for-word, with your own linking sentences; and altering the shapes of sentences. Remember that the person marking your work has probably read the material you are using and will normally recognise copied passages - even altered passages. Very often it is easy to spot copied or re-worked material as the language and style does not match your own. It is recognised that throughout the course you are expected to deal with other people's ideas and to justify everything you say by referring to their work. However you will also be expected to acknowledge all sources of information and to use a proper referencing system to do this. It is your responsibility to ensure that there is no danger that your writing could be thought to involve a deliberate attempt to deceive the reader into believing a borrowed or copied idea or passage is your original work. Therefore you must credit all sources. These include not only 18

19 printed material such as books, journals, and newspapers, but also films, television or radio programmes, the Internet, computer software, and even material obtained from other students. Having said this, you must avoid quoting substantial amounts of material even if you do put it within quotation marks and acknowledge the source correctly. You are supposed to be using the information to come to your own conclusions. Remember that plagiarism is a serious offence so take care. Students are urged to seek advice from the Programme Leader or their Personal Academic Tutor if in any doubt about what constitutes plagiarism and academic fraud. QMU has a policy to use the TurnItIn UK plagiarism detection system, or other equivalent systems, to help students avoid plagiarism and improve improve their scholarship skills. This service is available to all matriculated students at QMU. QMU tutors may submit student work to TurnItIn UK, or another equivalent system. Learning in seminars Teaching on the MSc in Public Relations will normally be a mixture of lecture format and seminar format sessions. A seminar is a structured group discussion usually introduced by the presentation of a paper, or initiated by the reading of a key text, and a series of seminars has the following objectives: to develop critical thinking to develop the ability to present an argument to generate thought processes at all levels to broaden self-awareness to develop the ability to contribute to a group exercise to produce extended learning which is deeper, broader or more profound. All students are expected to contribute to the discussion of the topic under consideration: group members who do not contribute or who look bored are very off-putting for others. You will all have undertaken the required reading related to the topic, so will be able to make a contribution in the following ways: asking questions, raising issues for clarification, relating the content to examples from your own practice or personal experience, raising disagreements with the thesis presented, proposing alternative explanations. REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES It is important that you read the University Regulations as given in the Queen Margaret University Student Handbook. You should also refer to full copies of regulations which can be accessed at 19

20 It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these regulations and procedures. These regulations cover such issues as: - Maximum periods of completion - Credit for previous study - Roles of programme leader and head of subject - Grade marking criteria - Procedures in the event of failing a module - Withdrawal from a postgraduate award through failure - Alternative assessment arrangements for disabled students - Penalties for word limits and late submission of assessments Finally we hope that you enjoy your time studying at Queen Margaret University and that you find it an interesting, challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. 20