London Metropolitan Business School

Transcription

1 City Campus London Metropolitan Business School MA Project Management Postgraduate Course Handbook For admission in PROJMA-C

2 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 Dissertation Deadline 20 January 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 Dissertation Deadline 18 May 2012 SUMMER STUDIES PERIOD Summer Studies Period 1 June August 2012 Resit Examinations 16 July July 2012 Reassessment Coursework 27 July 2012 Dissertation Deadline 31 August 2012 Note Masters courses are based on a teaching year designed to amount to 48 weeks in total In addition to these dates you need to be aware of other important events and deadlines throughout the year; such as coursework submission dates, publication of the exam timetable, publication of results, mitigating circumstances deadlines, programme planning deadlines. You can access these at:

3 1 KEY CONTACTS Postgraduate Office: Moorgate Undergraduate and Postgraduate Office, Room MG1-02 Administration Manager of the Postgraduate Office: Sara Carruthers Faculty Administrative Office: Postgraduate Office: Room MG Moorgate London EC2M 6SQ Tel: Course Leader: Allison Wylde Course Leader s Office: Moorgate MG1:07 Main Campus teaching location: Moorgate

4 2 CONTENTS 1.0 WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY 1.1 Using Your Handbook 1.2 Introduction to the Course 1.3 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses 1.4 Introduction to your Faculty 1.5 Location and Faculty Facilities supporting the course 1.6 Learning and Teaching on the Course 1.7 Research in your Faculty 2.0 BEING A STUDENT 2.1 Welcome Programme Checklist 2.2 Your first semester 2.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment 2.4 Studying 2.5 Building Careers 2.6 Enrolment and Re-enrolment 2.7 Credit for previous learning 2.8 Module registration, course planning and approval 2.9 Your Timetable 2.10 Publication of Results and Transcripts 3.0 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 3.1 Your University IT Account 3.2 Communication 3.3 Your Contact Details 3.4 Evision 3.5 WebLearn Online module resources 3.6 StARS 3.7 Course Committees 3.8 Students views on modules and courses 3.9 Postgraduate representation through the Students Union 4.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE 4.1 Postgraduate Office 4.2 Postgraduate Course Leader 4.3 Module Lecturers 4.5 Student Success through Learning Development 4.6 Student Services 4.7 Disabilities and Inclusion 4.8 Placements/study abroad 5.0 DISSERTATION OR PROJECT 5.1 Registration 5.2 Supervision Arrangements 5.3 Topic approval 5.4 Planning and Timing 5.5 Submission 6.0 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT 6.1 Academic Regulations 6.2 Marking and grades 6.3 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment 6.4 Academic Misconduct 6.5 Assessment Feedback 6.6 Submission of coursework 6.7 Examination Timetable

5 6.8 Past Examination Papers 6.9 Mitigating Circumstances 6.10 Assessment Board Appeals 6.11 Action in the event of failure to pass a module 6.12 University Criteria for Awards 6.13 Withdrawal from a module 6.14 Intermission of Studies 6.15 Mode of Study 6.16 Course Transfers 7.0 STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES 7.1 Libraries and Special Collections 7.2 Academic Liaison Librarians and Subject Guides 7.3 Student feedback 7.4 ICT Services and Media Resources 7.5 Open Language Programme 8.0 COURSE SPECIFICATION 9.0 USEFUL INFORMATION 10.0 DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE 11.0 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION 11.1 Relevant University Procedures 11.2 Useful online information 3

6 1 1.0 WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY This is the Course Handbook for the MA Project Management. The staff of the London Metropolitan Business School warmly welcome you to London Metropolitan University City Campus and to the study of project management. 1.1 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 has specific regulations governed by the Association for Project Management APM Professional Body. For details please refer to Section 8, paragraph 29 of the Course Specification in 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 Section 3.6). We welcome your comments about the course or any suggestions for improvements. We wish you every success in your studies.

7 2 1.2 Introduction to the Course Welcome to the LondonMet MSc in Project Management; one of only ten university courses in the UK accredited through the Association for Project Management (APM). The association has over 19,000 individual and 500 corporate members making APM the largest independent professional body of its kind in Europe: APM are currently in process of obtaining a Royal Charter. Teaching is provided by an experienced staff team including visiting professors and professionals from industry; participation in London s events and networks is actively encouraged. The LondonMet MSc in Project Management combines externally validated project management skills and knowledge (benchmarked across industry) and together with practical academic and research competence - which demonstrates an individual s success in professional development and learning. The course covers the Project Management Body of Knowledge and provides eligibility for APM professional qualifications (PRINCE2 training is also provided). The dissertation is an opportunity for advanced independent research and study: students are encouraged to specialise in an area of professional or personal interest - often supported by undertaking a project with employers. MSc Masters Degree six modules and a dissertation are required (equivalent to 180 credits) Project Management Fundamentals Project Management (Systems and Practice) Project Management Risk and Finance Project Management Organisation and Behaviour Research Skills An Elective Module Dissertation Project Management is recognised as a modern core mainstream management discipline used by businesses, organisations, governments and social enterprises. PRINCE2 training and a work-placement module are available for students on this course. The MSc uses a practical project management approach and covers the principles and techniques of project management, and the systematic and strategic skills needed to achieve a competitive advantage essential for modern career development. The MSc will be delivered at Moorgate Campus, where LondonMet (based in City of London) traces its historic roots back to 1848 when the Bishop of London and the Reverend Charles Mackenzie established The Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men. In 1851 Prince Albert created an annual celebration of students work. Royal patronage continues today, the patron of London Met is HRH Prince Philip. London Met Business School is housed in Electra House at Moorgate; the former head-quarters of Cable and Wireless a global telecommunications company which means we have a real connection to the global world of project management. 1.3 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses The Course Specification (see Section 8) details your course curriculum and structure and you should study this carefully. Many features are defined by the Postgraduate Regulatory Framework, part of the University s Academic Regulations (see Section 11.1 of this handbook for details), which sets out general features common to almost all Masters courses.

8 3 (i) Full-time students starting Masters programmes in the Autumn semester are taught over a 48- week year (an autumn and a spring semester and a summer studies period), requiring approximately 40 hours of study per week. For full-time students starting courses in February the workload is similar but is distributed over a longer study period and normally completed at the end of the following Spring semester. Part-time students undertake the equivalent overall workload over a longer period of study, normally at least two years. (ii) The standard Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught elements and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as specified Masters courses in Human Resource Management, which require 180 credits, and the MBA at 220 credits. (iii) Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits. Typically, a full-time student studies modules equivalent to 60 credits per semester (normally 3 modules), with 15 weeks of teaching, revision and assessment activities for each module. (iv) The taught elements of postgraduate courses are mainly compulsory core modules and normally include one concerned with research methodology and project development and practice, in preparation for the dissertation or project. Some courses may include designate modules, which can be chosen from a specified list for the course, or elective modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. (v) All taught modules and the dissertation or project module, are marked on a percentage scale, with a pass/fail threshold of 50%. (vi) Based on the final aggregate of average percentage results, Masters awards are graded as: Masters (50-59%), Masters with Merit (60 69%), or Masters with Distinction (70% plus) (vii) While most students will aim to achieve the full Masters qualification, all Masters courses offer the subsidiary awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma (both available with Merit or with Distinction) for students unable to complete their full programme of study. The full list of awards and their requirements is as follows: Award Credits at level M Modules Required Masters 180 credits (Level 7) 6 modules + dissertation (60 credits) Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits (Level 7) 6 modules Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits (Level 7) 3 modules 1.4 Introduction to your Faculty Following its launch in August 2007, London Metropolitan Business School (LMBS) is now one of the largest Business Schools in Europe with ambitions and capabilities to match this international profile. With approximately 220 full-time academic staff, over 10,000 students, and over 100 courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the formation of LMBS will enable us to build on our already well established reputation as one of the largest and most successful providers of business and management education in the country. The School is located across both University campuses. Our vision is to be the leading international business school in our chosen markets, through innovation and the development of global networks. Our mission is to enable individuals and organisations to realise their potential through the provision of excellent and business and management education.

9 4 LMBS offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and executive courses within nine subject groups. These are: Accounting and Business Law Business Analysis, Information Systems, Transport and Logistics Civil Aviation Economics Finance and Financial Services Human Resource Management Management, Strategy and Leadership Marketing and Communications Tourism, Sport and Creative Industries We currently offer over 50 postgraduate courses in the above subject areas. In addition to general business and management courses such as the MBA and MA Management there are more specialist courses in disciplines such as financial derivatives and corporate governance and courses serving specific industry sectors such as events management and transport. We also award Professional Doctorates and PhDs. We regularly review our course portfolio and new courses include Music Industry Management, Corporate Treasury Management, International Hotel and Restaurant Management, International Events Management and International Sports Management. A number of our courses are run jointly with Business Schools in Europe and North America so that students have the opportunity to study in two countries and obtain dual awards. Currently postgraduate students account for 20% of our student body but our aim over the next five years is to grow this to 30% in line with our aspiration to raise the centre of gravity of the Business School and meet the growing need for continuing education. 1.5 Location and Faculty Facilities supporting the course LMBS is based on both campuses. At the City campus, the School is located in the Moorgate building and the Centre for Civil Aviation is located in the Tower Hill building. At the North campus, the School is located in Stapleton House. Teaching mainly takes place in these buildings but large classes may be timetabled in other University buildings on the respective campuses. A key feature of the LMBS student experience is the provision of resources to enhance learning. As well as well-stocked libraries and modern ICT labs using cutting-edge technology, our facilities include a Bloomberg Research Trading Room where you can get hands-on experience of a dealing room, and a flight simulator on which aviation students can get experience of landing an aircraft. All courses are supported by a virtual learning environment and we continue to invest in learning materials and platforms. Currently we are working with our counterparts at the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham to develop electronic learning resources. Accommodation and facilities for students at each site include lecture theatres, classrooms, learning resources, administrative and student support facilities and refreshment and social facilities. At Moorgate and Stapleton House you can also find our Business Relations Offices, which have links with a large number of companies and organisations and can assist students to obtain work placements and internships. Business School students also benefit from the modern facilities in the wider University. These include the Graduate School teaching centre on the Holloway Road, designed by the world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind and new sports and fitness facilities located in a state of the art Science Centre. 1.6 Learning and Teaching on the Course LMBS endeavours to provide students with an excellent learning experience that is current, academically challenging and vocationally relevant. An emphasis is also placed upon developing students personal transferable skills and attributes in order that they can progress to rewarding careers. We work in partnership with students to develop their knowledge and skill set, provide valuable experience, and enhance their future employment opportunities. Students are required to prepare, in conjunction with their tutors, and where appropriate their employer, a personal development plan as part of their studies.

10 5 The most recent subject review of our teaching, student support and course provision by the UK Government s Quality Assurance Agency awarded business and management education top marks and so placed it in the top 5% of UK Business Schools. Recently the School s commitment to teaching has been recognized nationally and is reflected by awards of a National Teaching Fellowship and national Law Lecturer of the Year. The Business School has strong links with employers and professional bodies. We encourage students to take advantage of opportunities for gaining work experience whilst on their course. To this end our Business Relations Office has extensive links with industry and can assist students in obtaining placements and internships. Recent employers we have worked with include Air France, Arsenal Football Club, Barclays Bank, BBC Worldwide, Chester Boyd, HSBC, Limelight Projects, Orient Express and the Hilton Hotel Group. We can also help students secure work experience abroad. Recent overseas based employers of our students include: Disney Florida and Paris, Rail Europe, DICR Europe Ltd, Eurocity Consultants (Brussels), Dunas Hotel (Grand Canaria), Siemens (Germany), Orient Express Hotels and Trains and Cruises Worldwide. Professional bodies we work with include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Chartered Insurance of Personnel and Development, British Academy of Management and Royal Aeronautical Society. Many of our courses lead to membership of these and other professional bodies. Our graduates can be found working in many countries and in all sectors of the economy. Some of the organisations where our students have found employment include: BP, Coutts Bank, Daiwa, Deloitte and Touche, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Forte UK, Marks and Spencer, Rank Xerox, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Virgin. Course leaders and other faculty members can often provide information leading to important contacts with prospective employers. 1.7 Research in your Faculty Research in the Business School is wide ranging in terms of the issues we address. We are developing a distinctive profile and reputation around a number of research themes which characterise our mission, values and subject strengths, including financial services, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, cultural and creative industries, world markets, governance, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, employment and equal opportunities, business analysis, professional and managerial practice and pedagogy. Through multi and inter-disciplinary research we can address real-world problems which are rarely amenable to single disciplinary solutions. Our partnerships with corporate, public sector and other educational organisations also provide us with a strong base for carrying out policy and practice-based and transnational research. Research in the Business School is mainly organised around a number of Research Centres. Currently these are: Centre for International Capital Markets Management Research Centre Comparative Organisation and Equality Research Centre Centre for International Business and Sustainability Knowledge Industries Research Centre Centre for Corporate Responsibility Centre for International Transport Management Centre for Research in Marketing Business Education Research Group These Centres undertake pure and applied research and consultancy in their fields. They also organise workshops, seminars and conferences, often with a strong international dimension, produce working papers and reports and publish articles in academic and practitioner journals. Senior staff are also represented on the editorial boards of these publications.

11 6 Our research activity is funded partly by the University itself, and partly externally by bodies such as the European Commission, UK Research Councils, Trusts and Foundations. We also carry out applied research and consultancy for a range of clients in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Some examples of our many recent and current projects and research areas are: Monetary rules for the open economy Central Bank independence and economic performance in industrial and developing countries Corporate rules, distributive justice and efficiency Corporate Social Responsibility in UK local authorities Foreign direct investment and political stability Economics of film production and distribution Leadership styles and their impact on corporate social responsibility Communication of new product development in firms Factors influencing the internationalisation of retailing firms Visitor management strategies in tourism Sustainable tourism indicators for the Caribbean

12 7 2.0 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. 2.1 Welcome Programme Checklist Following the Welcome Programme and Course Introductory Meeting, you should check that you have received the following: an ID card (including library number and computer network username) an address a course timetable the location of your Postgraduate Office the location of your 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. 2.2 Your first semester After your welcome, you will find yourself in the first week of formal teaching, where you will meet the module lecturers, who will often be giving the main lecture for the module, and other teaching staff, who may be taking seminars or workshop groups. In this period you will also undertake an induction process/programme which will normally last between 1-3 weeks depending upon your course, which will help guide you through your semester and prepare you for your Masters Level course more generally. This induction period will be specifically designed with your disciplinary area in mind and will be different from course to course. However, at course level you should expect to receive information on the following as a minimum: a) Welcome and Induction by Course Leader to the course b) Introduction to course materials and handbooks c) Guidance on student/staff roles, rights, responsibilities and expectations d) Further support with understanding any timetabling information e) Course specific requirements regarding Library etc f) Role of the Postgraduate Offices g) Any Health & Safety requirements e.g. Lab protocols h) Specific Study Skills as necessary i) Mitigating Circumstances j) Policy on Plagiarism k) Personal Tutorial arrangements l) Election of Student Representatives (STARS) In addition, your Course Leader will be able to point you in the direction of other introductory materials or sessions run by other University departments, for example, Library Services, Student Services or the Students Union.

13 8 This induction schedule will culminate in one of two social events hosted by the University and the Students Union. These will take place three weeks into your first semester and you are welcome to attend one of these sessions which will be held at both campuses. Your first semester usually involves mainly compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject contents and skills elements in your area of study. During this first semester you will meet with your Course Leader who will discuss your study programme and advise you on how to plan your studies for the second semester if you did not do this at the start of the course. 2.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment Your success depends upon full and regular attendance at all classes, seminars, lectures, workshops, tutorials and the completion of all of your module assessment(s), including your dissertation. Our records show that students who do not attend all their classes are at very high risk of failure. The University s Academic Regulations make it clear that attendance and full academic engagement are requirements of your registration on your course. The content of modules is progressive, so if you miss a session you will need to catch up. However, we do recognise that for some postgraduate students there may be occasions where your absence is unavoidable; in such circumstances, we strongly recommend that you contact your Course Leader or Module Tutor/Lecturer. If you are having ongoing difficulties with attendance or committing fully to your postgraduate studies please contact your Postgraduate Office for advice on what to do. Please note - for international students, the University is required by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to confirm that you are in regular attendance. The University looks carefully at the evidence of your attendance and academic engagement and full-time students who fall below these requirements can find themselves being moved to a part-time programme. This can have serious implications for you and your course. In the case of part-time students, if you fail to meet attendance and academic engagement requirements the University may withdraw you from some of your modules. In some circumstances this can also lead to you being required to leave your course. We recognise that you may need to undertake part-time work, but strongly advise you not to take employment of more than 15 hours a week if you are a full time student (should you need to take employment of more than 15 hours per week we recommend you register as a part-time student). The University s Employment Service, in Student Services, can help you find a suitable part-time job that can enhance your employability and complement your studies. ( 2.4 Studying As a postgraduate student, you will be seeking to develop your learning at more advanced level and your course will provide many opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. To make the most of these you will need to develop a strategy for your studies, planning ahead, managing your time effectively and reflecting on your learning. Assessment is an important feature of study at postgraduate level. Each module booklet sets out detailed assessment requirements and learning outcomes, providing a focus for your studies. There are various forms of assessment and modules often involve a combination of examination and coursework or presentation. It is important that you understand clearly the expectations and deadlines for each item of assessment. You should be aware that all the various coursework assessments and examinations have to be completed for the achievement of your final award. In addition to attending the timetabled sessions, you will need to study in your own time. You should expect to spend hours per week on each module, making a 40 hour per week commitment for a full-time student. Part-time students need to plan a similar time commitment for each module, but will generally be taking fewer modules at any one time.

14 9 Independent study is particularly important when planning work for your dissertation or project. This is a substantial piece of work, to be developed and completed over a relatively lengthy period, with much of the writing concentrated in the final stages. Working closely with your assigned supervisor, you will need to plan your work carefully, with initial discussion to define the topic, preparatory research and reading, planning the structure of the research and final report, writing and re-writing particular sections and drafts. Please be respectful of the learning environment and remember to switch off your mobile phone before entering all classes and study areas. In summary: plan your learning strategy; allocate enough time; attend all of your module lectures, tutorials and other sessions; start assignments well in advance; seek advice and help when you need to; use the learning resources offered; and, enjoy the learning experience! 2.5 Building Careers At London Metropolitan University we pride ourselves in taking seriously your future employment potential. Whether you are studying for a postgraduate qualification in order to seek employment, developing an existing career or to engage with new career opportunities we will prepare and support you in this transition by developing the attributes and skills that employers need and by training your mind to deal with complex questions. Your course has been designed with the involvement of employers at a variety of levels and for many of you, your award will be accredited by a professional body recognised directly or indirectly by the industry to which it serves. All Masters level qualifications will enable you to specialise or to become more highly specialised in an area of employment or practice related to a particular profession. All of our Masters graduates will normally be equipped to continue academic study at a higher level, for example for a PhD or a professional doctorate. Graduates of a Masters level qualification will typically develop a range of key skills including: being able to use initiative and take responsibility, solve problems in creative and innovative ways, make decisions in challenging situations, continue to learn independently and to develop professionally, including the ability to pursue further research where appropriate, and communicate effectively, with colleagues and a wider audience, in a variety of media. These skills have been identified by the government as being critical in curtailing the continued shortage of higher level skills within the wider UK economy and we believe that you will be best placed following graduation in developing your career aspirations. You need to be effective and adaptable in challenging times, so we offer a range of services to support you including a career planning service. To see more details on how we prepare you for employability visit: Enrolment and Re-enrolment Enrolment is an annual process. The first time you enrol you will need to provide evidence of your identity and the qualifications which formed the basis of your offer from the University. You will also need to pay your tuition fees or demonstrate how these will be paid. The University ID card you receive at enrolment contains your library number and computer network username and allows entry to the University s buildings. Provided you fully completed the enrolment requirements your card should work throughout the year. If it stops working then please seek advice from your Postgraduate Office. By signing the enrolment form you confirm that you accept and will follow the University s regulations If you are studying on a part-time basis over more than one academic year or need to return to complete your studies, you will need to re-enrol online usually from around mid-august. Re-enrolment is necessary for your ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. There will be a deadline for this so it is important that you complete this before the start of the next academic year.

15 Credit for previous learning If you already hold a qualification (for example from another college) that may exempt you from part of your course, you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). Similarly, if you have undertaken work, paid or voluntary, that has resulted in learning skills or knowledge equivalent to a module you will be studying you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Collectively these are known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). It is important to be aware that any application for APL credit in respect of postgraduate studies must be based on prior learning or experience at a suitably advanced level. This means that it is not normally possible to accredit prior learning at undergraduate level, even if the content may appear similar. The University operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 European credit (ECTS) is equivalent to 2 UK credits (CATS). Thus, each taught module of 20 credits is normally equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, and a full Masters of 180 UK credits is equivalent to 90 ECTS. If you wish to claim for APL please contact your Postgraduate Office or refer to the Index (Section 11) of this handbook for further information. 2.8 Module registration, course planning and approval Your Course Leader should provide the information you will require in order to choose your modules. Core Modules are compulsory for your course, but your course may also offer Designate Modules, which can be chosen from a specified list. Additionally, you may be allowed to take Elective Modules, which can be chosen from any available at postgraduate level. Further information about modules and their timeslots can be found on PostGrad-Line: When you carry out module registration you may be able to choose some time slots, subject to capacity of the class, if the module(s) run more than once. You are more likely to get your first choices if you register on time. Programme Planning Deadlines: 2011/12 Module Registration Dates Autumn Semester 2011/12 Starters Spring Semester 2011/12 Starters 22 September 30 September October November January January 3 February February 2012 March/April May 2012 Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme 1 Deadline for confirmation of Autumn Semester programmes 2. Confirmation of Spring Semester Modules 3 Autumn Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2012/13 Spring Semester Dissertation Deadline 4 Module Choice Events during Welcome Programme Deadline for confirmation of Spring Semester programmes Module choice exercise for students continuing their studies in 2012/13 31 August 2012 Summer Dissertation Deadline Summer Dissertation Deadline

16 11 1 Students should plan for the whole 2011/12 programme. 2 Students confirm their programme of study for the year and may not vary their Autumn Semester programme after this point 3 Students may make amendments to their Spring Semester programme (they cannot reduce the number of modules studied). 4 It is unlikely that students will be in a position to take their dissertation at this stage, but it is just possible that they may have sufficient credit at entry to do so. 2.9 Your Timetable The University timetable operates from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Monday to Friday. You will be given a course timetable at the Course Introductory Session. This gives timeslots and rooms for all modules on your course. Once you have registered your modules you can get a print out of your individual timetable for the current semester at: Your timetable will change each semester, and will be available on the web shortly before the start of each semester. If you do not have a course timetable please contact your Postgraduate Office without delay Publication of Results and Transcripts At the end of each semester Assessment Boards confirm marks and awards. The Postgraduate Offices are responsible for providing these results to you via Evision. (refer 3.4 below) An official transcript will be posted to you at your home address on the completion of your course. There is no charge for this end of course transcript but a fee will be payable for any subsequent transcripts. For reason of employment or to provide proof of study at the University during your course, you may need a formal transcript, stamped by the Postgraduate Office. There is a fee for these transcripts, payable at the time of request. Requests should be made to the Postgraduate Office, who aim to produce transcripts within 5 working days of request.

17 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE 3.1 Your University IT Account You use the same account to access all University IT systems. Your account name is printed at the top of on the ID card that you receive at enrolment and is 7 characters in length (e.g. ABC1234). Your password will be set initially to be your date of birth (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. 3.3 Your Contact Details The University will contact you by letter, phone, or , perhaps to arrange a meeting, to provide you with information, or to respond to a query. It is therefore essential that you keep your contact details up to date on your student Evision account. Increasingly, we use to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a University address, which is your 7 character account (see 3.1 above) e.g. [email protected]. 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. 3.4 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:

18 13 THE STUDENT VOICE 3.6 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. 3.7 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. 3.8 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 and assessment. Reports and action points agreed are available from both module and course reviews. 3.9 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:

19 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE 4.1 Postgraduate Office The Postgraduate Office is the key administrative service to support you in your studies throughout your time at the University. You will be assigned to the Postgraduate Office linked to your course, normally in the building where the subject teaching staff are located. It will be here that you go with timetable queries, to plan your modules, to hand in your coursework, to collect letters you may need, and to ask any questions about your studies. You should also contact your Postgraduate Office in relation to the following issues: Queries about your enrolment status 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. 4.2 Postgraduate Course Leader Course leaders are the main contacts for personal academic advice, including programme planning and approval, and are also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of their course and liaising with academic and administrative staff. They can be a source of valuable advice for other matters also and should be tour first port of call if problems arise. They are able to: provide you with academic advice on all aspects of your studies and progress explain the implications of assessment results and associated feedback on your academic performance advise you on managing and planning your studies; refer you to Student Services for support regarding personal problems, housing, health and finance Your Course Leader can also write you a reference, for a job application for example. 4.3 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.

20 Student Success through Learning Development Some students may need extra help with their studies, sometimes for a particular module or, more generally, across their programme. This might include help with presentations, essay writing and critical analysis. It is always best to seek help in good time and to take advantage of the range of additional classes, courses and resources available. For the full range of study and skills programmes and to find out more about the Learning Development Unit, please visit: Student Services 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 4.7 Disabilities and Inclusion The Student Advisers (Disability and Inclusion) can assist you if you have a disability, long-term 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 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).

21 16 Placement support If you are required, as part of your course, to go on placement, we can provide assistance to ensure that the placement is suitable for you and for any required adjustments to be discussed and organised as appropriate. You may be entitled to government allowances. You are strongly advised to contact us for help with funding applications. For full information on the types of funding available: Placements/study abroad Boost your career with an accredited professional work placement project You will be aware that in addition to qualifications, relevant professional experience can help you progress in your career. Employers are interested in graduates who have extended their learning experience by practically applying academic knowledge in the workplace. BusinessWorks at LMBS offers students the opportunity to take an assessed work placement project within their postgraduate degree programme to enhance their professional knowledge and competencies. 20 credit work placement project optional module (MNPW89N) This elective module requires you to undertake a 30 day or 210 hours work-based project in a working environment related to your subject, either during the summer or part-time during the semester. Often students are able to use their current employment for the module or can work with a Careers Consultant to help them find suitable experience. The assessment leads you to explore the business environment through the application of academic knowledge, to reflect upon your personal development and consider your future career plans. BusinessWorks has offices at both North and City campus. In addition to assisting students with work placements, we provide guidance on how to access a variety of self-development opportunities to help you develop essential professional skills and enjoy your time at University. Moorgate: Rooms MGS Tel: / 1671 / 1461 Stapleton House: Room SHG-36 Tel: / Follow us on [email protected]

22 DISSERTATION OR PROJECT 5.1 Registration You register for your Masters Dissertation or Project in the same way as for your other modules - see section 2.8 Module Registration, Course Planning and Approval. Once you are registered for your dissertation/project, you are expected to submit it in the period for which you are registered. The University s standard assessment arrangements and mitigating circumstances procedures apply (see below for information on withdrawal and mitigating circumstances). Formal requirements for your dissertation are set out in detail in the Dissertation/Project Module Booklet for your course. Please note that some postgraduate courses will require you to have passed research methods before you can begin your Dissertation/Project. The main aspects are summarised below. 5.2 Supervision Arrangements Students will be required to start thinking about possible dissertation topics from the time they are accepted onto the course, as well as by each module leader during the course. These ideas are formalised in the Research Skills module leading to the research proposal. Each student will be allocated a supervisor and can expect up to seven hours of individual supervision. The role of the supervisor is to act as both a learning resource for the student and as a research mentor. It is the student s responsibility to make use of that opportunity, in consultation with the supervisor. The student is therefore expected to accept responsibility for the management of his/her learning. Following allocation of a supervisor, students should arrange an initial meeting, the supervisor will assist in: 1. clarifying the terms of the research; 2. suggesting areas of reading; 3. reviewing the proposed methodology; 4. establishing a timetable for the research which also includes initial dates for further meetings between the student and supervisor; 5. advising the student about appropriate standards and conventions concerning the assessment; 6. providing means of contact in addition to tutorials The supervisor will normally keep a record of the content, outcomes and action plans from each meeting, and the progress expected by the next meeting. The student can also expect the supervisor to comment on draft work submitted during the dissertation process. 5.3 Topic approval The dissertation The dissertation proposal should cover a major Project Management issue and should be problem-focused, although a large number of dissertations may problem-solving, this is not be an invariable requirement - a problem-centred study is also acceptable. The dissertation can therefore range from a practical problem within work-based context, to a more theoretical consideration of selected issues in the field of Project Management. Since the dissertation is intended to enable the student to demonstrate high levels of capability and understanding in the context of a major Project Management issue. The word length for the final dissertation is between 15,000-20,000 words; please note, it is unlikely that a shorter dissertation could successfully competed to meet the required standard.

23 18 The Research Skills Module assessment is based on the production of a research proposal relating to their dissertation. The research proposal will set out the research proposed for the dissertation, the objectives/hypothesis of the research, some literature review, the intended methodology and associated research methods, and a rationale for these. There will be an oral presentation of the proposed research. The proposal should be in the region of 3500 words. This will be submitted at the end of the research skills workshops and feedback will be given on this for the purposes of guidance for the dissertation. This process will enable the supervisor to be selected from the teaching staff. Consideration and feedback Informal feedback will be given on an ongoing basis throughout the Research Skills module based on students research topics/ ideas: this will culminate in feedback at the proposal presentation. Summative feedback on the proposal will make it clear whether i) the student can proceed with the research, ii) whether there are key design features to modify before undertaking the research, or iii) whether the proposal needs significant changes and needs to be resubmitted successfully before the research can be started. The supervisor will be able to articulate scenarios i) & ii) and oversee the transition from proposal to research project. Ethical approval: you should also consult the University s Code of Good Research Practice which can be accessed at: to see whether these guidelines raise any issues for your own research, and discuss them with your supervisor. 5.4 Planning and Timing As discussed the Research Skills module will provide the detailed support for the development of the proposal through a combination of teaching sessions/ workshops. This will also provide the detailed feedback on proposal, and the ethical approval. To summarise aims of the Research Skills are: 1. To provide a major piece of summative evidence as to the student's capability in a Project Management context. 2. To provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate how they can synthesise their acquired knowledge and skills into effective Project Management practice. 3. To provide both the student and, where appropriate, their employer with a tangible return on the investment of MSc participation. 4. To provide a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. 5. To inform and further develop understanding of the nature and purposes of research. Supervisors will be allocated once topics have been approved. Each student will be allocated a supervisor and can expect up to seven hours of individual supervision. The role of the supervisor is to act as both a learning resource for the student and as a research mentor. It is the student s responsibility to make use of that opportunity, in consultation with the supervisor. The student is therefore expected to accept responsibility for the management of his/her learning. Following allocation of a supervisor, students should arrange an initial meeting, the supervisor will assist in:

24 Submission You must submit two copies of your dissertation/ project. One copy will be available for you to collect after marking and the other may be kept by the University, for reference. Both copies should be securely bound so that pages cannot easily be removed, lost or replaced. It is helpful if at least one of the copies is bound with front and rear boards rigid enough to hold the dissertation upright on a shelf, and has a navy blue cover with gold lettering. (Your Postgraduate Office can provide a list of thesis binders. You should expect to pay around per volume). There are three standard deadline dates for submission in every academic year. The dates for 2011/12 are: Deadline Autumn Semester 20 January 2012 Spring Semester 18 May 2012 Summer Period 31 August 2012 Dissertations/Projects must be submitted at your Postgraduate Office

25 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT 6.1 Academic Regulations The University s Academic Regulations govern all aspects of assessment and those concerning postgraduate assessment can be found in Section 4.2 ( 6.2 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. 6.3 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment You have a responsibility to ensure that all coursework assessments are completed in accordance with the published deadlines and that all examinations are attended in accordance with the published timetable. While there are opportunities to be 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%. 6.4 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:

26 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. 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. 6.6 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

27 22 the module is taught. Work handed in to tutors prior to, or on the confirmed coursework deadline date, does not constitute a valid submission and will not be processed. It is important that you retain both your submission receipt (this is an electronic receipt sent to your University address and also available to view on your Evision account) and a copy of the coursework until the results are published on Evision. Full details of the coursework submission process, including how to obtain coursework cover sheets, can be accessed at: Examination Timetable Examinations take place during Weeks 13, 14 and 15 of each semester and during the Summer Reassessment period in July. (See inside cover of this handbook for 2010/11 dates). The examination timetable is published three weeks prior to the start of each examination period at: Past Examination Papers These are available online 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. 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

28 23 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 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 University Criteria for Awards The Postgraduate Awards Framework, the list of all of the University s postgraduate awards, can be found at the beginning of Section 4.1 of the Academic Regulations. Section 4.2 of the Academic Regulations details the minimum criteria for all the University s postgraduate awards.

29 24 WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER 6.13 Withdrawal from a module Normally once you have a registered programme for the academic year it cannot be changed. You have until the end of week 2 of the first semester to withdraw from a module without academic or financial penalty. After this point you are expected to complete every module registered against your record and to pay any fee due for your registered programme. For further information and advice please contact your Postgraduate Office. Withdrawal from a module is not permitted after Week 2 of the first semester and students with unforeseen circumstances, which prevent completion of an assessment or a module, should submit a claim of mitigating circumstances. (See section 6.9). Requests to substitute modules for the second semester of study must be submitted by the University s specified deadline for such requests and shall be subject to University approval. Such requests shall only be considered where there is no reduction in the total number of modules registered 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: Mode of Study Your mode of study is determined by the University based on the number of modules that you have registered for a particular semester (Refer to Section 4.1, Regulation 13 of the Academic Regulations). While students are permitted to change their mode of study at the end of a semester, they must be clearly registered as either full-time or part-time for each whole semester. This is because the funds allocated to the University by the Higher Education Funding Council (England) relate to the number of students registered in each mode. You should be aware that a change in mode of study is a formal University process and you should therefore seek advice from your Postgraduate Office or Student Services before making any decision Course Transfers If you intend to change course, you should seek advice from your Postgraduate Office.

30 STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES 7.1 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. London Met students have access to our five libraries located at Calcutta House, Commercial Road, Holloway Road, Ladbroke House and Moorgate and two internationally acclaimed special collections. The Special Collections are The Trades Union Congress Library Collections which is a major research library for the study of all aspects of trade unions, employment and collective bargaining both historical and contemporary coverage. This is located on the ground floor of the Holloway Road library. The Women s Library, located next to Calcutta House building, is the oldest and most extensive collection of women s history in Europe. It is also a cultural centre and students are encouraged to attend the busy public events programme discounts for students are available. The Collections are reference only but they are an excellent source of information for essays especially for dissertations. For more information go to: All University libraries have a large range of up-to-date information and resources. The electronic resources include e-journals, e-books, and databases, which are also accessible outside the University, via the library catalogue at: Holloway Road library, re-designed in early 2011, houses plenty of new computers, comfy informal learning spaces, techno booths, teaching rooms and a café area. All the libraries have open access networked PCs and printers, copying and media facilities to support your studies. In designated areas you can get wireless access to the Internet using your own laptop look out for the MetNet signs. All the libraries offer group and silent learning zones and there are group study rooms which can be booked. To save you time, there are many self-service facilities including borrowing and returning items, renewals and reservations. The web based catalogue is easy to use and can be accessed both on and off campus. Information on our services, library opening hours, borrowing rights, resources and contacts can be found at: Academic Liaison Librarians and Subject Guides Academic liaison librarians are qualified to provide learning support and information skills training and ensure that the appropriate information resources you need are available throughout your course. Your librarian can help you acquire valuable information literacy skills which will enable you to locate, retrieve, evaluate and use the most relevant resources for your research for specific assignments and projects. This is done in a variety of ways from drop-in workshop sessions to bespoke course group sessions planned in conjunction with academic staff and based on your learning objectives. They publish guides and online tutorials to resources specific to your subject area which are a good starting point when you need support. You can talk to your academic liaison librarian in person during one of the regular drop-in sessions at all libraries or, if you prefer, send an with your enquiry. They are always happy to help. For further information:

31 26 To access subject guides and find your academic liaison librarian go to: Student feedback Library Services are always looking at ways to improve what we offer you and welcome your views. Please go to our Comments and Suggestions link on our web pages or your Learning Resources Manager ICT Services and Media Resources Many classrooms are equipped with fixed Audio-Visual installations, including overhead projector, PC, whiteboard and screen. The University has a number of computer studios, offering both specialist and general-purpose software, running mainly on PCs, but some on Apple Macs. Access ICT facilities can only be accessed through using individually assigned IDs and passwords. General-purpose PC and Mac studios are provided and supported by IT support staff. Most are open-access to students except when booked for teaching. Support staff Support is provided throughout the day through dedicated onsite teams, with Student Helpdesks located in Tower Building, Calcutta House, Commercial Road, Eden Grove, Ladbroke House, Moorgate and Spring House. Telephone support is available evenings and weekends every day of the year. Details can be found on the support webpage: Opening Hours For full details of opening hours, refer to: Students can access many of the University s computing facilities from home or another workplace via the Internet. Student Printing Laser printing is available throughout the University. A fee is charged. FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 7.5 Open Language Programme In addition to their main programme of study, the University offers all postgraduate students the opportunity through the Open Language Programme, to learn (or gain fluency in) one of a wide range of languages. For the majority of courses an additional fee payment is charged should you wish to pursue this. Before registering for an OLP module you will need to be assessed so that you can be placed at the appropriate level; these assessments are made by the Open Language Programme at key points in the year. The languages available are usually: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Learning is achieved through a combination of taught sessions and independent study packs, both of which are essential to make real progress. For further information please visit:

32 COURSE SPECIFICATION Section One: ABOUT THE COURSE 1 Name of course and highest award MSc Project Management 2 Level of highest award (according to FHEQ) Level 7 (PG) 3 Possible Interim Awards PG Diploma Project Management (120 credits), PG Cert Project Management (60 credits). 4 Awarding/validating institution London Metropolitan University 5 Teaching institution(s) London Metropolitan University 6 Total credit for course (for highest award) The Faculty responsible Business School 8 Validated mode of attendance and intake September start FT/PT 9 About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards digital learning. Please include details of access to learning facilities, including flexible/open learning spaces within the Faculty. Project Management is recognised as a mainstream management discipline used across a range of organisation, government and social enterprise settings. The MSc covers the principles and techniques of project management as well as the systematic and strategic skills and methods needed to achieve a competitive advantage. This MSc is accredited through the Association for Project Management (APM) and the (IPMA); students are encouraged to join and apply for individual accreditation. PRINCE2 training is also available for students. This MSc aims are to help students develop their academic capacities and skills as high quality project managers capable of taking decisions and playing a role as project managers and change-agents. The course provides an interdisciplinary programme of study which is intellectually rigorous and professionally relevant to students local context, organisation and operational environments. Flexibility of attitudes and thought are encouraged as well as a commitment to lifelong-learning and continuous professional development underpinned by reflective practice. The course will be delivered through modern, rigorous and quality-assured teaching and learning. Delivery includes a combination of scheduled classes (workshops, seminars, lectures and discussions) and self-managed study and research. There is also an elective module which provides the opportunity for a work-placement. Practical activities include individual and team working, problem-solving and case studies - supported by online resources. Assessment is through reports and presentations, an inclass test and exam and a dissertation. University and Departmental arrangements include opportunities to work with Visiting Professors, researchers and industry experts on-site and off-site. Students are encouraged to attend research seminars and the regular series of free lectures hosted by professional associations and trade bodies in the City of London. These opportunities will provide an extracurricular focal point for student-lecturer interactions. Research by the staff team feeds into the course to helps build the research capacity and culture which in turn supports students research and dissertations. Students may wish to progress onto a doctorate or professional doctorate. Teaching and Learning: The development of key subject-specific skills takes place across the course core modules. Across core modules students are guided to work independently and to present work in varied forms such as coursework, presentations, and the dissertation. Numerical and statistical skills are introduced and developed in the research methods module and the application of quantitative methods is further developed in other core modules. Critical thinking is developed and stimulated throughout the whole curriculum. Teaching and learning activities include a mixture of student-centred activities and sessions that are led by the lecturer. Lectures are used to convey focused information, points of controversy, and avenues for further, independent research. Seminars involve student-centred discussions around case

33 28 studies, problem-based exercises, presentations and group work. It is emphasised that students must supplement these scheduled activities with independent reading and research. Module booklets and lectures will indicate key and other helpful resources. Learning material, such as lecture and seminar handouts and slides, are generally made available through our E-learning platform. These aims are in line with the London Metropolitan University E-learning Strategy which encourages students to engage with e-learning as independent, responsible scholars, gaining employability assets and digital fluency. 10 Course aims. Course aims are broad statements of intent and should be written to show how the content of the course meets the aims. Where a course sits within a framework the course aims should incorporate framework aims. The course aims to provide students with: 1. a systematic understanding of the concepts and theories that frame discussions and analyses of project management in academic and professional contexts 2. the ability to think creatively and critically about the overlapping dimensions of the issue of project management 3. the intellectual capacity to critically evaluate current research and current research methodologies, to propose interesting and workable hypotheses, and undertake independent research 4. the theoretical, practical skills necessary for project management and risk management 5. the knowledge, creativity, and confidence to influence business strategy as it relates to project management 6. A cutting-edge understanding of project management practice that will be relevant and to potential employers 11 Course learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to understand or be able to do after completing the process of learning. For example at undergraduate level, collectively, course learning outcomes should contribute to the development of the undergraduate graduate attributes. 11a. Knowledge and understanding Upon successful completion of the MSc Project Management students will be able to: 1. systematically understand the concepts and theories at the forefront of our knowledge of project management as it confronts business and society in the 21 st century; 2. understand the principles that explain project management; 3. demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field of project management; 4. apply a range of specialist theoretical and quantitative skills to the kind of issue with which they as specialists may be confronted after graduation. 11b Cognitive/intellectual skills By the end of the course the student is expected to develop higher order skills that are reflected in the student s ability to: 1. carry out independent and scholarly research and investigation. The intention is to educate our students to apply their knowledge in creative ways to address specific, work-based project management issues; 2. develop and apply intellectual skills and critical faculties with particular emphasis on the development of the higher order skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the central concepts, ideas and theories of project management; and seek to make sound judgements in the absence of complete information; 3. develop general study skills, problem solving, working with others, communication, selfmanagement and self-presentation; 4. apply the skills of seeking, handling and interpreting primary information towards the creation

34 29 of new knowledge by means of hypothesising, testing and/or theorising economic relationships; 5. design and execute a research dissertation which addresses a fundamental project management issue facing business in the 21 st century. 11c. Practical/transferable skills including employability By the end of the course, students will have the following practical/transferable skills that will enhance their employability: 1. Ability to link theoretical and quantitative knowledge and analytical skills to the issue of project management as it affects business and organisation practice. 2. Ability to develop learning strategies and methods which provide independent learning capabilities required for continuing professional development. 3. Ability to work independently, as individuals or in groups, to resolving problems, and to demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility. This will involve working within time and other constrained environments, requiring the need to be selective and precise. 4. Ability to use knowledge to take critical decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. These skills are highly valued by employers, large corporations SMEs and not for profits. 11d. Subject-specific practical skills By the end of the course, students will have the ability to: 1. use IT to access sources of relevant project management information, and transform it into usable information relevant to the analysis of project management; 2. conduct analysis using a variety of statistical and modelling tools using discipline based software programmes and to interpret correctly statistical information and findings; 3. be competent communicators of complex ideas and analysis that relates project management, through written and oral expositions; 4. design, plan, organise and deliver an individual dissertation reflecting professional standards;

35 30 12 Indicative learning hours for the course. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements. Please give an indication of the number of anticipated learning hours for the course as a total, taking in to account core modules and indicative designates. Students should note that these figures may change depending on the exact combination of options taken. Method Description and number of learning hours Contact time comprising lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions Self managed/independent study Directed activities Lectures, seminars and workshops: 90h per module x 6 modules x 30 weeks, plus 10 expert events and lectures 30h = 570h Dissertation 15 weeks (fulltime) = 555h Preparation for modules, case studies, presentations 4.5h per module x 6 modules x 30 weeks = 435h If chosen, replaces the hours of one module 1800 per year; based on 45 weeks Placements TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE COURSE 13 Describe the arrangements for personal development planning on this course Students are encouraged to reflect on their personal development throughout the course. The Dissertation period is particularly important for this as tutors discuss the role of the dissertation content, process - in career planning. The international students are all offered short courses in English, and study skills after their arrival, which form part of the process of encouraging the student to relate learning and personal direction. 14 Description of course and its structure. Around 150 words, written to be accessible to a lay audience to be used for marketing purposes. What is the course s unique selling point? What is the pattern of delivery? The MSc project management has been developed in close collaboration with the business community including the Association for Project Management (APM) and the International Project Management Association (IPMA). This course is a uniquely multi-disciplinary course the central aim of our MSc is to educate students in project management, risk, organisational dynamics, governance, ethics and strategic thinking of the Project Management World. This reflects our belief that we have entered a new era characterised by new global dynamics. On completion, it is expected that our students will be in a position to influence the strategic direction of the businesses and organisations that employ them. In order to do this they must have state of the art knowledge of practice, as well as a wide range of high level analytical tools and conceptual frameworks, enabling them to apply that knowledge and to assess risk. The course consists of six modules plus one dissertation spread over one year (full-time, two years part-time). Delivery is structured so working professionals to attend part-time to obtain additional skills, career development and professional accreditation. 15 Main teaching site for course City 16 PSRB accreditations This course is accredited through the Association for Project Management (APM) and the International Project Management Association (IPMA), PRINCE2 training is also available. 17 Exemptions from Professional Body examinations None 18 Principal QAA Subject Benchmark Statement (where relevant) QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master's degrees in business and management 19 Secondary relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Association for Project Management (APM), PRINCE2 Statement or other external reference point 20 Expected length of course FT duration 1 year PT duration 2 years Other (please specify

36 31 21 Admissions requirements, to be demonstrated through certificated or experiential learning. Around 30 words; for example: Normally an upper second class Honours degree in a relevant subject. Those with relevant professional qualifications, prior certificated learning within the subject areas or extensive professional experience will also be considered). A good honours degree in a relevant subject is the normal entry requirement, together with evidence of competence in English to the University standard required for Master s level study. Applicants who do not have the normal entry requirements, who hold recognised professional qualifications and have the appropriate level work experience in a relevant area, may also be considered. 22 Details of organised work experience, sandwich year or year abroad available during the course (if applicable) Not applicable 23 Other external links providing expertise/experience available during the course Students on the MSc are invited to attend the longstanding Norman Stang research seminars. The seminars are an opportunity to hear eminent external researchers present recent work on project management and related issues. Other external links and experiences available during the course include other University and LMBS public lectures and external speaker seminars. The MSc is accredited through the Association for Project Management (APM); students may wish to join as student members or apply for individual accreditation. The MSc aims to provide graduates from a variety of industry and organisational settings and experience levels with a broad understanding of the current tools and techniques in the Project Management Body of Knowledge as defined by the Association for Project Management (APM). PRINCE2 training is available for students of this course. Students have the opportunity to become PRINCE2 certified whilst on the course and gain the PRINCE2 Foundation qualification. 24 Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance Career guidance and career information is provided to students at both the course and the institutional level. At the course level there are two main types of support: Members of the course team, with the support of academic staff contributing to the course, provide information about career opportunities after graduation; Guest speakers bring students in contact with experts and business managers from both national and international organisations. These meetings give students the opportunity to find out about career paths that may be possible and the best strategies to pursue career aspirations. At the institutional level students are provided with two types of support: The Alumni association keeps an updated record of the destinations of Master s graduates. Contacts between former graduates and present students are favoured in order to provide career guidance and suggest future job opportunities. Current and Alumni students have access to a dedicated Facebook page which further promotes dialogue; The careers development and employment service is a university-wide resource made available to students and that provides information about labour market opportunities and career development. This service is embedded at the course level through formal arranged careers sessions.

37 32 25 Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development. Around 35 words, written in language which is as accessible as possible to a lay audience to be used for marketing purposes. Should include examples of potential career destinations and how the skills and abilities gained through the course contribute to career development. For example: Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in industry or professional practice in the areas of accounting, financial management and financial services. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study. Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities across a range of organisational and operational settings in the general areas of Business Analysis, Market Research, Quantitative Analytics, Risk Management, Business Planning, and Business Strategy. Project management is relevant across a wide range of organisational settings, sectors include, for example, in business, transport, financial commodities, energy, utilities and companies as well as government and non-government organisations and not for profits. Upon successful completion of the MSc students may enrol for the CIBS Doctoral programme. Section Two: COURSE STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT 26 Articulation of the assessment strategy for the course. For example: You are assessed via essays, individual and group research projects and a final dissertation Assessment includes unseen examinations, class and or computer workshop tests, essays and oral presentations. Formative assessment includes, coursework, presentation and group work, and requires students to analyse case studies, collect, manipulate, represent and comment on statistical evidence and to write reports on specific issues. Summative assessment, including unseen examinations address the above outcomes and may require students to deal with practical project management problems, analytical essays or case-studies. Plagiarism: assessments will be submitted online to enable automated plagiarism checks. As formative assessment and regular feedback is central to this course there are opportunities for students to ensure that their work is in line with academic conventions. The assessment for each module complies with the assessment guidelines in the University Assessment Framework, Oct Teaching, learning and assessment strategy Teaching and Learning: students are encouraged to become effective, autonomous, and self-managed learners through student-led learning activities. These include group-based exercises and individual research projects that develop in students the ability to evaluate and synthesise large amounts of theoretical and quantitative information. Interpersonal and communication skills are developed through group work and inclass presentations. The dissertation offers students the opportunity to use and further develop the full range of problem-solving and research skills they have acquired on the course. Assessment: A variety of assessment strategies are used, which are part of the development and evaluation of the above skills. Formative assessment such as essay writing, case study analysis, and individual and group presentations may be accompanied by summative assessment such as unseen examinations. All assessment methods are designed to test the student's level of skill attainment. As students progress through the course of study they will be confronted with more complex assessment methods including applied projects and research dissertations. Assessments methods include formative and diagnostic assessment to gauge student progress Formative assessments: Ongoing assessment provides timely advice to guide students to improve performance. Students are required complete a variety of tasks including: (i) analysis of case studies; (ii)

38 33 collection, analysis and comments on empirical evidence; (iii) presentation and discussion of journal papers; (iv) discuss (in some cases on a weekly basis) their own work in progress. Summative assessments. Final assessment includes various forms including unseen exams which require students to explain and analyse in a time-constrainted environment. Where modules are intended to convey essential foundation-concepts there is an emphasis on unseen exams. On more exploratory and research based modules (for example, research skills and the dissertation modules), student autonomy is encouraged through group work and coursework essays. Inititative and independance is developed progressively through various modules that require students to take greater responsibility of their work and culminates with the dissertation. Finally, the summative assessment to assess whether students have achieved the course outcomes at what level. 27 Course Structure Diagram Level Seven (Full time) Semester Module Module Title Status Credits Notes Code Autumn BAP035C Project Management Foundations C 20 Autumn HRP062C Project Management Organisation and C 20 Behaviour Autumn ACP051C Project Management Risk and Finance C 20 Spring BAP019C Project Management C 20 Spring BAP004C Research Skills C 20 Spring Elective E 20 Spring/ BAPP40C Project Management Dissertation C 60 Summer Level Seven (Part-Time) Semester Module Module Title Status Credits Notes Code Autumn BAP035C Project Management Foundations C 20 Autumn HRP062C Project Management Organisation and C 20 Behaviour Spring BAP019C Project Management C 20 Spring Elective E 20 Autumn ACP051C Project Management Risk and Finance C 20 Autumn BAP004C Research Skills C 20 Spring BAPP40C Project Management Dissertation C 60 Spring/ Summer BAP035C Project Management Fundamentals C 20

39 34 28 Mapping matrix of modules delivering the course learning outcomes Course learning outcome (list all) Met by module aim/learning outcome (list all relevant module titles) Knowledge and Understanding 1. Systematically understand the concepts and theories at the forefront of our knowledge of project management as it confronts business and society in the 21 st century. PM Fundamentals PM Organisation and Behaviour PM Risk and Finance 2. Understand the economic principles that explain the exploitation of scarce resources and the welfare problems associated with their depletion 3. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field of project management. 4. Apply a range of specialist theoretical and quantitative skills to the kind of issue with which they as specialists may be confronted after graduation. PM Fundamentals Project Management PM Risk and Finance Project Management PM Organisation and Behaviour PM Risk and Finance Project Management PM Organisation and Behaviour Project Management PM Risk and Finance Dissertation Project Management Cognitive/intellectual skills 1. Carry out independent and scholarly research and investigation. 2. Develop and apply intellectual skills and critical faculties with particular emphasis on the development of the higher order skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the central concepts, ideas and theories of project management; and seek to make sound judgements in the absence of complete information. 3. Develop general study skills, problem solving, working with others, communication, self-management and self-presentation. 4. Apply the skills of seeking, handling and interpreting statistical information towards the creation of new knowledge by means of hypothesising, testing and/or theorising economic relationships. Practical/transferable skills including employability 1. Ability to link theoretical and quantitative knowledge and analytical Project Management Research Skills Dissertation PM Fundamentals Project Management PM Organisation and Behaviour PM Risk and Finance PM Organisation and Behaviour Research Skills Dissertation Research Skills Dissertation PM Fundamentals Project Management

40 35 skills to the issue of project management as it affects business and organisation practice. 2. Ability to develop learning strategies and methods which provide independent learning capabilities required for continuing professional development. 3. Ability to work independently, as individuals or in groups, to resolving problems, and to demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility. This will involve working within time and other constrained environments, requiring the need to be selective and precise. 4. Ability to use knowledge to take critical decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. Subject-specific practical skills 1. use MS PM to access sources of relevant financial information, and transform it into usable information relevant to the analysis of project management. 2. conduct analysis using a variety of MS PM software programmes and to interpret correctly statistical information and findings. 3. formulate alternative scenarios from data and apply these to future contexts. 4. model PM risks and apply these to future risk contexts. PM Organisation and Behaviour Dissertation PM Fundamentals Project Management PM Risk and Finance PM Organisation and Behaviour Dissertation Project Management PM Risk and Finance PM Organisation and Behaviour Project Management PM Organisation and Behaviour PM Risk and Finance Project Management PM Risk and Finance PM Organisation and Behaviour Project Management PM Risk and Finance Dissertation PM Fundamentals Project Management PM Risk and Finance PM Fundamentals Project Management PM Risk and Finance Section Three: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 29 Courses shall conform to both University Scheme and University Academic Regulations. Where a course in addition has course specific regulations, which have been formally approved by the University these should be included below. This course is accredited by the Association for Project Management; please refer to the APM website for full information, individual membership and accreditation are also available.

41 36 Section Four: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES responsibility for completion is as indicated 30 (Faculty) Name of nominated Course Leader at time of approval: Asst Prof Allison Wylde 31 (Faculty) Nominated source of funding Tuition fees [click to select source of funding 2] [click to select source of funding 3] Other: please complete as appropriate 32 (QEU) Original date of approval 33 (QEU) Course approved to run from 34 (QEU) Course specification version number 35 (QEU) Revision date (specify cohort) 36 (Academic Registry) London Met course code PMST 37 (Academic Registry) Route code PROJMA-C 38 (Planning Office) JACS code 9.0 USEFUL INFORMATION 10.0 DIRECTORY OF MODULES FOR THE COURSE

42 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION 11.1 Relevant University Procedures: Procedure Academic Misconduct Full procedure in the Academic Regulations (Section 10.5) Full Procedure & notes in the University s Student Handbook Further information/guidance available at: Appeals against decisions of Assessment Boards APL Procedures (Section 10.4) (Section 10.1) (Notes only) Limits to the amount of APL, which can be claimed, are detailed within the Awards Framework and Regulations that regulate your course. Complaints Procedure Fees and enrolments (Section 9) Fees: Enrolment: Intermission (Suspension of Studies) Mitigating Circumstances Postgraduate Assessment Regulations Postgraduate Awards Framework, Scheme Regulations & Course Structure (Section 9.1) (Section 10.3) (Section 4.2) (Section 4.1) (including deadlines)

43 11.2 Useful online information: Faculties and Professional Service Departments Academic Regulations Examination Timetable (and Exam Track) Evision Learning Development Unit Postgraduate Offices Postgraduate Students PostGrad-Line Programme Planning Student Handbook Student Services Timetable information WebLearn