London Metropolitan Business School

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1 City Campus London Metropolitan Business School Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Postgraduate Course Handbook For admission in DOCDBA-C 1

2 CONTENTS Page WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY... 3 Using Your Handbook... 3 A VERY WARM WELCOME... 4 THE BIG PICTURE... 6 MSC APPLIED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH... 7 UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC YEAR TEACHING BLOCKS...14 KEY CONTACTS...16 BEING A STUDENT...17 Welcome Programme Checklist...17 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE...17 Your University IT Account...17 Communication...17 Your Contact Details...17 Evision...18 WebLearn Online module resources...18 StARS...18 Course Committees...18 Students views on modules and courses...18 Postgraduate representation through the Students Union...19 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE...19 Postgraduate Office...19 Postgraduate Course Leader...19 Module Lecturers...20 Student Services...20 Disabilities and Inclusion...20 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT...21 Academic Regulations...21 Marking and grades...21 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment...21 Academic Misconduct...22 Assessment Feedback...22 Submission of coursework...23 Mitigating Circumstances...23 Assessment Board Appeals...24 Action in the event of failure to pass a module...24 Reassessment...24 Retaking a module...25 WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER...25 Intermission of Studies...25 STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES...25 Libraries and Special Collections...25 Academic Liaison Librarians and Subject Guides...26 Student feedback...27 ICT Services and Media Resources...27 COURSE SPECIFICATION...28 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION...35 Relevant University Procedures:...35 Useful online information:

3 WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY This is the Course Handbook for the Doctor of Business Administration Doctor of Business Administration. The staff of the London Metropolitan Business School warmly welcome you to London Metropolitan University City Campus and to the study of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Using Your Handbook Your Course Handbook contains a wealth of information. Some of it will be of more relevance to you later in the course than at the start of your studies. You can access your 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 3 and 4 in particular will help you locate the advice you will need. Section 11.1 contains an Index of key sources of information that you may need to access during your course. For more 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 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 course, 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 8 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 of this handbook. You should also note that occasionally, the details in this Handbook, including the Course Specification, may be amended or revised, in order to improve the Course. The University is reviewing postgraduate education as part of its commitment to enhancing learning. This will not affect full-time students completing in September However, it is possible that this may affect a small number of part-time students. In the event of this occurring, any students affected will be advised during We would encourage you to participate as a Student Representative (see further below). We welcome your comments about the course or any suggestions for improvements. We wish you every success in your studies. 3

4 A very Warm Welcome Dear Doctoral Candidate The London Metropolitan Business School (LMBS) Doctorate is the highest-level business qualification you can attain. This unique, research-based, issue-driven programme provides an accelerated route to an executive doctorate. An LMBS doctorate will enable you to differentiate yourself through the undertaking of research that will help you develop leading edge thinking. Our programme is both rigorous and relevant making it the ideal choice for practitioners in organisations wanting not only to develop knowledge and analytical skills, but simultaneously developing solutions to a pressing organisational issue. Studied full-time over three years, or part-time over four/five years, your executive doctorate research is driven by a topical and challenging management issue rather than subjects of mainly theoretical interest. This applied approach to research means that our DBA requires candidates to undertake their enquiry in a specific organisation (a case study approach to research) and to investigate an area or an issue in that particular organisation, usually, identified in conjunction with the management of that organisation. The programme has been developed in a manner that links research and learning and seeks to integrate theory and practice in a structured business and management context. This approach supports today s and tomorrow s managers providing individuals with the skills that will equip them to become tomorrow s leaders in a challenging business world. The doctorate is cohort based - meaning you join a diverse, carefully selected group of students from around the world for the taught modules, and stay networked with them and your dedicated research facilitator throughout the programme. At LMBS, we support you in every way to maximise your chances of successfully completing the doctorate programme. We do this by supporting you to complete one project before progressing to the next, so that you have a series of smaller achievable and measurable goals. As the research is likely to be thematic- rather than discipline- based, you are supported by a panel of LMBS staff rather than by a single supervisor. This ensures you will receive outstanding support in your studies. As part of the process for joining the Doctor of Business Administration programme at London Metropolitan University Business School, you will need to include a short outline of your proposed area of enquiry and the organisation in which it will be located together with your application. However, we do understand that because you are just starting your doctoral studies you may not have clear ideas about research projects or how to go about in developing a refined research proposal. Don t worry about it. At the present time, you only need to submit an outline proposal rather than a detailed document. During the first year of your studies you will receive structured support that will enable you develop a detailed and actionable research proposal. The outline of your proposed area of enquiry and description of the organisation will enable the LMBS team to evaluate whether your proposed area of research is suitable for our DBA and will also allow us to identify appropriate supervisory support for your research so that you complete your doctorate studies successfully. 4

5 Therefore, for now please submit, together with your application, a brief outline of making reference to the following areas: Proposed area of enquiry and ideas the literature that will be relevant to your enquiry Why the topic is of particular interest to you A brief description of the organisation within which you will be undertaking the enquiry and acknowledgment that access to that organisation has been agreed for the purposes of your research; How you think your enquiry will contribute to knowledge in the area How your enquiry will enhance knowledge of practice Anticipated outcomes and benefits for you, the organisation and the discipline of management Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I personally look forward to welcoming you onto this innovative and exciting programme. Dr George Panagiotou Course Director, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 84 Moorgate Office: MGM43 London EC2M 6SQ Direct Telephone: g.panagiotou@londonmet.ac.uk 5

6 Doctor of Business Administration The Big Picture The London Metropolitan University Doctor of Business Administration is a professional doctorate. The aim of professional doctorates is to find novel approaches to integrating professional and academic knowledge. According to the ESRC professional doctorates... make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge." 6

7 MSc Applied Management Research The first part of the LMBS DBA requires the completion of a MSc in Applied Management Research. The main aim of the MSc is to prepare you for the successful completion of Projects 1 to 4 which make up the Doctoral Portfolio. The six modules are listed below and the specified formal learning outcomes listed. Module Learning Outcomes Questions it poses What might I be reading about? Assessed Outputs The Practice of Research 1.Engaged with the process of critical reflection 2. Identified an organisation to undertake their research and gained permission 3.Identified a line of enquiry 4.Produced a proposal for Project 1, a systematic review of the literature underpinning their enquiry 5. Developed and employed effective strategies for effective collaborative work 6. Critically evaluated the work of their peers What is a DBA? What is reflective writing? What is critical reflection? What is action research? Why is action research appropriate for the DBA? How do I work with others? Why have I chosen the particular area of my enquiry? What action can I undertake? How might I record my reflections? Reflective practice Action research journals Action research projects and dissertations Texts about reflective writing Texts about group dynamics An evaluation of a research project A statement of my intentions with regard to P1 and a reflective account as to why I have focused on the particular enquiry I have chosen. Current Trends in Leadership Scholarship 1. Be familiar with recent major studies that offer insights into leadership behaviour from around the world 2. Have constructed an enquiry which seeks to identify and answer questions about current trends in global thinking about leadership 3. Identify difference and tensions between leadership scholar and track such debates 4. Articulate different positions with regard to academic and practitioner research 5. Have developed networks to support the enquiry 6. Be able to critically review a wide range of literature to identify global trend in thinking and scholarship 7. Use reference management software Who is currently saying what about leadership? What areas of study does leadership theory draw on? What resources are useful for finding out about leadership? What do I think about leadership in organisations? How is leadership enacted in my organisation? Recently published articles on leadership from world wide business schools Recent practitioner publications A broad enquiry into theoretical approaches underpinning the study of leadership A personal enquiry into my own perceptions, experience and understanding of leadership How might my own 7

8 understanding of leadership impact the enactment of my research? Current Trends in Strategic Thinking 1.Appreciate the main concepts of the combined field of strategic management and business strategy and have the ability to interpret them and apply them in a context. 2.Identify a range of analytical techniques and critically evaluate appropriateness and effectiveness when choosing between alternatives. 3.Analyse developments in an organisation s environment, explain the different factors that shape organisational strategies and evaluate the effectiveness of the organisation s competitive standing in the environment. 4.Identify and discuss possible barriers to effective strategy development and implementation, and suggest a range of options to overcome them. 5.Gain the ability to apply key problem-solving skills to achieve a set of objectives subject to a number of constraints. Who is currently saying what in the field of strategy? What strategic tools might I use to analyse my own organisation? How might my understanding of strategy enactment impact my research? How is strategy formulated and communicated in my organisation? How does my role in the organisation align with the strategic objectives? Recently published articles on strategy from world wide business schools Recent practitioner publications in field of strategy Government publications relevant to your industry or sector. Strategic analysis of the organisation in which the research will take place Presentation of recommendations following the above analysis Qualitative Research Methods 1. Demonstrate understanding of the methodological principles and issues concerned with Action Research 2. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical, social and political contexts in which Action Research is conducted, and their implication for research design. 3. Incorporate qualitative data collection methods in an overall research design 4.Comprehend the principles involved in the analysis and interpretation of qualitative data 5. Use specific qualitative research methods in a professional manner. What is action research? What is good research? What is good action research? How might I argue action research as an appropriate methodology for my research? What action might I undertake? How will my colleagues respond to my undertaking Research methods texts and seminal articles A statement of my intentions with regard to P2 8

9 of action research? Who will support my action? Who might impede my action? What use may I make of existing data analysis techniques?how might I analyse my data? Research Philosophy & Design Computer Aided Research 1.Critically discuss the epistemological and philosophical perspectives that inform research in the wider area of business and management, locate own research within an epistemological perspective, and critically debate the principles of evidence-based research practice. 2.Understand the key research paradigms and their underlying assumptions about the nature of knowing and knowledge and develop a research consciousness. 3.Reflect on methodologies and methods employed in research and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the diverse approaches. 4.Develop and justify an appropriate actionbased research methodology in the context of own research, place particular reference on issues of validity, reliability and objectivity in the process of research, and communicate and present research in a critical way. 1.be aware of sources of official statistics and other respected sources of secondary data, 2.be familiar with techniques which facilitate the gathering of quantitative data 3.be knowledgeable about differing sampling What is my view of knowledge? What arguments might support the choice of an action research methodology? What constitutes good research? What are the philosophical underpinnings of action research? How are research findings disseminated? How will I disseminate my own findings? What data might I collect? How might I store the data? Research methods texts and seminal articles Reports of Action Research projects Action Research dissertations? Data analysis texts NVivo and SPSS manuals A critique of an academic article A statement of my intentions with regard to P2 A report detailing the techniques I may employ to collect store and analyse data 9

10 techniques and be able to establish which are more appropriate under varying research circumstances 4.be familiar with a range of summary statistical techniques and develop appropriate strategies for the analysis of a variety of data 5.be aware of different analytical techniques and will be able to identify which techniques are valid in different situations and to be able to interpret the outcomes of various statistical processes 6.be familiar with appropriate data analysis software packages, notably SPSS & NVivo 7.have experience of additional software packages including Bibus (open-source Endnote) and Dragon Speaking. 8.display the practical and intellectual skills of data management and analysis of research data.. How might I analyse the data? What technological assistance might I use? How will I argue my data is the right data? How will I present my data? Project One Project One enables students to study an area of literature relevant to their investigations and to critically reflect upon it. This will help the students to develop greater knowledge and understanding of a their subject area and associated methodologies. The outcome will be a critical review of the literature which informs their research and methodology and helps to establish their intended contribution to knowledge. Project one is a 15,000 word literature review but the literature will be from three main areas. 1. The literature in your own current area of enquiry, the field of knowledge that you intend to explore and further, the literature with which some existing familiarity attracted you to doctoral study 2. Literature about action research 3. Literature about reflective practice The balance will be determined by the type and nature of your enquiry, how constrained you are by organisational demands, and how your thinking has changed from the start of the programme to the submission of Project One. 10

11 Project Two Project Two represents the next stage of progression from Project One, and it is concerned with the issues involved in the methodology and the research setting of the individual candidates enquiry Hence it provides an opportunity for the learner, under suitably qualified supervision, to design their complete research methodology for their pre-determined investigation. The result will be the production of a complete fieldwork design that will, in time, be part of a complete doctoral portfolio for the qualification of the Doctor of Business Administration. The aim Project Two is to enable learners to focus and design their particular research methodology, contextualise it in the proposed research study and establish its appropriateness. Therefore, Project Two is concerned with the individual candidate s methodology that underpins the pre-determined investigation. These aspects will be considered both specifically and philosophically, and the research process relating to the study will be evaluated in order to ensure effectiveness in terms of data collection strategies, appropriate analytical techniques and research ethics Operationally Project Two falls under the University's arrangements for progressing Postgraduate Research Students and hence the faculty's Research Students Progress Group will be responsible for the appropriate administrative and procedural arrangements. Project Two it details the action you intend to undertake and why action research is an appropriate methodology for your action. You must be able to argue that your research is worthwhile. One would expect that you have some research questions, even if somewhat vague, which are topical and/or have theoretical or practical importance. The intention of the action is that is should result in an evidenced improvement and the subsequent enactment of, and reflection on, the action will add to theoretical and practical understanding. The context for your research is an organisation and as well as implementing some specified improvement you will be critically reflecting on the action, gathering and analysing data. Action research as a methodology allows you to implement and consider the effects of the change in an academically robust manner. You will report your findings demonstrating that you have added to the knowledge of yourself, the organisation and the sector On successful completion of Project Two learners will be able to: 1. Define the purpose of research, establish its focus, develop related research questions and display the appropriateness of the fieldwork in the context of the research study; 11

12 2. Employ suitable research strategies, select relevant data collection processes, identify suitable analytical techniques and maintain the rigour and validity of the overall research design; 3. Demonstrate appropriate and effective research ethics in the entire process of data collection and analysis. Project Three Project Three represents the next stage of progression from Project Two and it involves the production of a substantive piece of work evidencing the completion of the candidate's doctoral research. Operationally Project Three falls under the University's arrangements for progressing Postgraduate Research Students and hence the faculty's Research Students Progress Group will be responsible for the appropriate administrative and procedural arrangements. The aim of Project Three is to facilitate learners to write up the final section of their work and effectively link this part within their overall research study. Therefore, Project Three is concerned with ensuring that the candidate s doctoral research is complete and that it demonstrates a contribution to the body of knowledge in the research domain and to the management practice in the field. On successful completion of Project Three learners will be able to: 1. Present clear and concise doctoral level research with correctly documented and disseminated research findings and with sustained and coherent discussions in relation to the research study s stated aims and objectives; 2. Demonstrate appropriate capabilities of description, critical analysis, judgement, reflection, evaluation, engagement in the context of the research study, breadth and depth of contents and overall articulation; 3. Make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the area and the management practice in the field and achieve a quality of work that is of doctoral standard. Project 3 is an account of what happens when you action the plans detailed in Project Two. You are aiming for comprehensibility, sincerity, authenticity, and appropriateness as set out in Habermas (1976). Project Four Project Four explains the progression in your thinking from P1 to P3, it details how your thinking has changed, the contribution your action has made to your organisation s effectiveness, how the undertaking and commenting on the action has added to knowledge and how your own practice as a manager has developed. You must also include an article of publishable quality. 12

13 University Postgraduate Academic Year AUTUMN SEMESTER Start - End Welcome Programme 22 September September 2011 Teaching 3 October December 2011 Christmas Break 19 December January 2012 Teaching/revision 9 January January 2012 Examinations 16 January February 2012 SPRING SEMESTER Welcome Programme (new February entrants only) 30 January February 2012 Teaching 6 February March 2012 Easter Break 2 April April 2012 Teaching 16 April May 2012 Teaching/revision 8 May May 2012 Examinations 14 May June 2012 SUMMER STUDIES PERIOD Summer Studies Period 1 June August 2012 Resit Examinations 16 July July 2012 Reassessment Coursework 27July 2012 NOTE: The timetable displayed above is the generic University timetable for the academic year. The specific DBA timetable is displayed below. During the Induction a complete version will be released. The programme has a twelve calendar month and classes and supervisor contact will be maintained throughout the year. Classes are based on block delivery, are held once a month and are taking place every Thursday evening and all day on Friday and Saturday. Please make sure that you are available on the dates shown. Of course, in addition to the time required to attend the classes you will also need to allocate sufficient time for studying and completion of assessments according to the brief and in line with the level of the qualification. 13

14 Doctor of Business Administration Cohort 3 Academic Year Teaching Blocks Block Dates 29/9-1/10 03/11-5/11 01/12-3/12 12/01-14/01 09/02-11/02 08/03-10/03 19/04-21/04 10/05-12/05 14/06-16/06 CMIS Week Thursday MNP101C MNP101C MNP101C MNP101C MNP101C MNP101C No session TPOR TPOR TPOR TPOR TPOR MNP101C TPOR Social TPOR Research Conference MNP101 C TPOR HM HM HM Room MG505 MG505 MG505 Event No Friday MNP100C MNP100C CTST CTST MNP101C Interviews with Cohort 1 MNP098 C CTLS GP GP KH Room MG502 MG502 MG504 Event No Friday MNP100C CTST Events Rooms Saturday GP MNP099C QM RC PRG Meetings Introduction HM,JNS,RC MNP099C QM RC PRG Meetings MNP099C HM,JNS,RC QM RC PRG Meetings MNP101C HM,JNS,R C MNP097 C CAR TBA HM MNP098C CTLS KH PRG Meetings Cohort 1 P2 Presentations CAR TBA HM MNP098C CTLS KH PRG Meetings Evaluation of Presentations MNP096C RPD JNS HM MNP098C CTLS KH PRG Meetings MNP098C HM,JNS,RC RPD JNS HM MNPPA1 Project One RC PRG Meetings P1 HM,JNS,RC RPD JNS RPD Assessment PRG Meetings P1 HM,JNS,RC MNPPA1 Project One RC 14

15 Saturday Event no MNP099C QM RC QM RC QM RC CAR TBA CAR TBA RPD JNS RPD JNS RPD JNS Project One RC Room Project One Days Key TPOR The Practice of Research CTLS Current Trends in Leadership Scholarship QM Qualitative Research Methods CTST Current Trends in Strategic Thinking CAR Computer Aided Research RP Research Philosophy & Design KC Kate Cooper GP George Panagiotou KH Katie Heming JNS Jane Neal Smith HM Hazel Messenger RC Rob Carty Academic Year Teaching Blocks Block Dates 27/09-29/09 01/11-03/11 06/12-09/12 10/01-12/01 14/02-16/02 14/03-16/03 18/04-20/04 16/05-18/05 20/06-22/06 Project Two MNPPA2 Project Three MNPPA3 Friday to Participatory Research Group Support Meetings Rob Warwick Presentations from Action Researchers Academic Year Teaching Blocks Block Dates Friday to Project Three Participatory Research Group Support Meetings Project Four 15

16 KEY CONTACTS Main Campus teaching location: Moorgate Postgraduate Office: Moorgate Undergraduate and Postgraduate Office, Room MG1-02 Administration Manager of the Postgraduate Office: Sara Carruthers Faculty Administrative Office: Jill Jarvis on: Course Leader: Dr George Panagiotou Course Director, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 84 Moorgate Office: MGM43 London EC2M 6SQ Direct Telephone:

17 BEING A STUDENT 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. 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 Faculty Administrative Office the location of your 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 Monday 3 October 2011, immediately following the Welcome Programme. MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 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 (DDMMYYYY) so you should change to something secure when you first log in. You can change your password and set details for resetting your password at: 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. 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. 17

18 Increasingly, we use to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a University address, which is your 7 character account (see 3.1 above) e.g. ABC1234@my.londonmet.ac.uk. 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 your University address. Evision Evision is the University s online facility that allows you to access your personal student record, and is 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 your modules, enabling you to communicate with your tutor and other students. Course materials, information and assessments are available on WebLearn as well as study programmes materials and such as Writing and Communicating at University. WebLearn requires your user name and password and can be accessed at: THE STUDENT VOICE 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. 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 your StARs. Students views on modules and courses Students views are obtained by a variety of means such as focus groups and web-based questionnaires. While staff welcome informal feedback from students, module lecturers will produce formal monitoring reports which cover areas such as teaching, student feedback 18

19 and assessment. course reviews. Reports and action points agreed are available from both module and Postgraduate representation through the Students Union The University is proud to work with the Students Union which now has a Postgraduate Officer whom you may wish to contact about any student, pastoral or social issue. To contact the Students Union please access: SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE 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 or the fees that you have been charged; 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. 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 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. 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: 19

20 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 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. Student Services We provide a range of advice, information, guidance and counselling services to support you in achieving your academic aims, We provide advice on issues including. Academic Financial Personal Faith Careers/employment Disability Accommodation Student development Extra curricular activities Visit our web site to find out how we can help you make your time at London Met both enjoyable and successful. Disabilities and Inclusion The Student Advisers (Disability and Inclusion) can assist you if you have a disability, longterm medical or mental health condition or Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. dyslexia). Support can include: Special examination arrangements Help with finding an academic support worker Screening if you think you have a Specific Learning Difficulty Assistance to apply for study-related funding If you are eligible for support, the Advisers can help you obtain a range of adjustments depending on the level of need identified. This may include: Practical Assistance: specialist tutors (specific learning difficulties), note-takers, or communication support 20

21 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. Please 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 assessment, you may still be entitled to adjustments (e.g. extra time or an amanuensis). MARKING AND ASSESSMENT Academic Regulations The University s Academic Regulations govern all aspects of assessment and those concerning postgraduate assessment can be found in Section 4.2 ( 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. 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 re-assessed in assignments and examinations (see 6.11 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%. 21

22 Academic Misconduct 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, which list a range of categories of academic misconduct and associated penalties, covering instances of academic misconduct (plagiarism, collusion, exam cheating). From the outset of your studies you should receive information and guidance on referencing conventions and group work activities and on how to ensure that you do not contravene the University s Procedures. If you are unsure about referencing, paraphrasing or group work activities, you should seek advice as soon as possible from the Module Tutor, your PAA or the Students Union. An interactive guide on preventing plagiarism containing student views on plagiarism, interactive demonstrations on how to reference and quizzes can be accessed at: Further information can be accessed at: 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) The marked work with your tutor s comments will be available for collection two weeks after the formal publication of the result. 22

23 iii) 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. Submission of coursework 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: Mitigating Circumstances Students who are unable to attend an examination must contact their 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 two weeks 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: If you think you are likely to need to make a claim under these procedures you are advised to contact your Postgraduate Office in advance of the due date. 23

24 Claims of mitigating circumstances must be submitted to the 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 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 judgement or in respect of a rejected claim of mitigating circumstances. The University operates a strict 5 working day deadline for submission of appeals, following the publication of the result(s) concerned. Refer to the Index (Section 11.1) for sources of further information. Appeals in respect of impaired academic performance due to mitigating circumstances may be made only in relation to an exam or to an assessed piece of work that was submitted by the published deadline. If successful, the assessment/reassessment concerned will be voided and any mark achieved must be surrendered. A further assessment/reassessment will then be granted, at the next opportunity, in place of the voided attempt. Such appeals WILL NOT be considered in relation to work submitted during the late coursework period (as defined in 6.9 above). 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 Reassessment 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 6.9), 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 24

25 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 nominee. On the basis of this review, you may be required to leave the course or seek admission on to a different course. You should ensure that you familiarise yourself with the University regulations on reassessment (Section 4.2 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at: Retaking a module If, after reassessment, you still have not passed a module, you may need to re-register and to take the whole module again. You are only permitted to re-register any module on one occasion and a fee may be charged for re-registrations. WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER Intermission of Studies There may be circumstances that arise in the year that make it difficult for you to continue on your course or part of your course. If this is the case you should in the first instance, contact your Postgraduate Office, who will advise you of the options available to you. You may need to see your Course Leader and/or Student Services. Intermission of studies is only possible in exceptional cases and you will need to provide evidence of your circumstances that confirms it is not possible for you to continue on your course. Intermission can have as financial implications (where applicable) and on your status in the UK if you are an international student. During an approved intermission of studies you will not be eligible to sit examinations, submit coursework or undertake any other form of assessment. The maximum period of intermission permitted is two years and the maximum period in which to qualify for a Masters degree (including any agreed intermission) is six years. If you intermit without prior approval you will be deemed to have withdrawn from your course and you may not be allowed to recommence at a later date. For further details go to: STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES Libraries and Special Collections We hope you will make full use of the study facilities, specialist library staff and extensive range of print and electronic resources available to support your studies and help you succeed. 25