Preston’s CollegeHigher Education

STUDENT HANDBOOK

In Partnership with

Pearson Education

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Academic year 2015 -2016

Contents

Introduction 3

Section 1: Introduction to the Course 4

1.1 Introduction to the Course 4

1.2 Introduction to the Course Team 4

1.3 External Examiner 4

1.4 Aims of the Course 4

1.5 Course and module Structure 5

1.5 Course Learning Outcomes 6

1.6 Module Descriptions 6

1.7 Workbased Learning and Work Experience 7

Section 2: Study Support 8

2.1 – The InZone 8

2.2 Learning Zone Assistants 9

2.3 - VALNOW 9

2.4 E- Learning Facilities 9

Section 3 : Support For Students 9

3.1 – SEND 9

3.2 - Student Services 10

3.3 - The Learner Voice – Have Your Say 10

3.4 - Student feedback 11

3.5 - The Student Council 12

3.6 - The Students Union. (SU) 12

3.7 – Complaints and Compliments 12

3.8 - The Student Charter 12

3.9 – Conduct 12

3.10 - Attendance 13

Section 4: Progression 13

Section 5: Assessment 14

5.1 – Assessment 14

5.4 – Extenuating Circumstances 15

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5.5 - Assessment Boards 16

5.6 - Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation 16

Section 6: Health and Safety 17

Section 7: Data Protection 18

Introduction

We are delighted to welcome you to Higher Education at Preston’s College. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to Higher Education at the College in conjunction with our partners.It offers a range of practical information that explains what you need to do in order to succeed, together with information about the range of support at your disposal. It also outlines what the college's expectations are of you.

The College has an inclusive, diverse and friendly environment, and we encourage independence and responsibility in all our students, while giving you the support you need, when you need it. College can be your stepping stone to a great new life and we will do everything we can to ensure that you get the training and qualifications you need. Whatever course you study, you will get first class teaching and support from staff who really care and want to help you do well. Your commitment is equally important and we expect you to attend regularly and punctually and to make the most of the many opportunities that Preston’s College will provide.

This Handbook should be read in conjunction with the Academic Regulations and, where appropriate, with programme documentation, student handbooks.

If there is any information you can’t find in the handbook – just ask. We’re here to help.

Lis SmithPrincipal and Chief Executive

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Section 1: Introduction to the Course

1.1 Introduction to the CourseIt is our pleasure to welcome you to the HND Public Services run by Preston's College. Some of you may have already been a student here, and some of you may not – but to you all we extend a very sincere “welcome” to our college and of course, the Public Services department. We hope that you will enjoy your time with us during your HE course and would be delighted to hear from you at any time with any comments, suggestions or issues that may arise whilst you are here. Our main aim is to ensure that you, the student, have a great experience with us and will do whatever we can to make sure this happens.

1.2 Introduction to the Course TeamAll staff for the HND Public Services can be contacted on 01772 225490 and are based in the Sciences, Sports and Wellbeing staffroom: LW204

Jane McCormick - Head of Division Sports, Health and Public Services

Natalie Aspinall - Programme Team Leader Public Services and Sportsnwalker@preston.ac.uk

Tanya Kleinhans - Lecturer and Personal Tutortkleinhans@preston.ac.uk

Nico Kleinhans - Lecturernkleinhans@preston.ac.uk

Nick Hepburn - Lecturernhepburn@preston.ac.uk

1.3 External ExaminerThe External Examiner is appointed by Person who helps to ensure that the standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other higher education institutions in the UK. You will be notified in due course the name of the External Examiner.

1.4 Aims of the CourseThe HND in Public Services is designed to be a stepping stone into life as a member of the Public Services. The course will cover all of the key uniformed Public Services and serves as an extension to the Level 3 course that most of you will have completed previously. The course itself does not guarantee entry into the services but it does give you an excellent base on which to apply once you have gained the necessary education and experiences that each of the services requires for application. The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to launch a successful application, and with experienced and skilled ex-public services staff delivering the qualification your progression to your aspirational career is closer than ever. The course will ultimately equip you with a Level 5 (HND) in Public Services. This can then, if you wish, be topped up at a variety of Universities to a full degree or will give you enough points to progress onto year 2 of many different degree courses. Support, advice and assistance will be provided to all of our students for the UCAS application process.

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1.5 Course and module StructureThe course runs for two days per week. The days of study for year are a Tuesday and Wednesday.

The times of study are 9am-430pm on each day. Lessons are split into 1 hour 30 minutes slot with 30 minutes for lunch. Breaks are at the discretion of your tutor.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND in Public Services is a qualification with a minimum of 240 credits of which 120 are mandatory core.

Unit No Module Title

Year 1 - Higher National Certificate Semester

1 Small Scale research projects 1 and 2

2 Organisations and Behaviour 1 and 2

3 Fair treatment in Public Services 2

5 Government, Decision Making and Public Services

1

15 Crime reduction and Community Safety 1 and 2

17 Emergency Planning and Public Services 1

19 Personal Outdoor Skills 1 and 2

24 Custodial Care in England and Wales 2

Unit No. Module Title

Year 2 - Higher National Diploma Semester

4 Managing Public sector Finance 1 and 2

6 Research project 1 and 2

7 Personal and Professional development 1 and 2

15 Crime reduction and Community Safety 1 and 2

17 Emergency Planning and Public Services 1

19 Personal Outdoor Skills 1 and 2

24 Custodial Care in England and Wales 2

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1.5 Course Learning OutcomesEdexcel BTEC Level 4 HNCs provide a nationally recognised qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and opportunities to progress into higher education.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND in Public Services offers a progression route for learners who are studying on an HNC with a greater breadth and specialisation. This allows progression into or within employment in the public services sector, either directly on achievement of the award or following further study to degree level.

1.6 Module DescriptionsUnit 1This unit is designed to help learners develop the skills required for information gathering and research in the field of public services within an ethical context. Using a range of research methods, the unit has a practical focus which gives learners the opportunity to develop the skills they need before undertaking small scale projects. In their research, learners will use both qualitative and quantitative methods including statistical analysis.

Unit 2 This unit focuses on the behaviour of individuals and groups within public service organisations. It explores the links between the structure and culture of public service organisations and how they interact and influence the behaviour of the workforce.

Unit 3This unit enables learners to understand legislative provision for the protection of individuals against discrimination and the different procedures open to victims of unfair treatment. Learners will be able to critically evaluate organisational policies and practices to support fair treatment within a public service context, giving a rationale for the specific policy.

Unit 4This unit introduces learners to the funding of public service organisations and the financial constraints placed on those organisations. It is a broad-based unit providing a general overview of funding sources and the issues which influence funding.

Unit 5Learners will analyse the four major levels of government that have an impact on UK public services. Learners will examine the roles and responsibilities and decision-making powers at each level of government.

Unit 6This unit is designed to enable learners to become confident using research techniques and methods. It addresses the elements that make up formal research, including the proposal, a variety of research methodologies, action planning, carrying out the research itself and presenting the findings.

Unit 7

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This unit is designed to enable learners to assess and develop a range of professional and personal skills for their future personal and career development. It also aims to develop learners’ ability to organise, manage and practise a range of approaches to improve their performance as self-directed learners in preparation for work or career development.

Unit 15This unit will give learners the opportunity to explore concepts of crime reduction and the ‘multiagency’ approach to safer communities. Learners will consider the methods used to report and record crime as well as interpret the resulting information. Learners will also be required to research and analyse the current policies and strategies being used to combat crime and improve community safety.

Unit 17This unit will introduce learners to the emergency planning that is undertaken by the public services as well as how disasters are managed by the public services. Learners will investigate the planning, review and updating of strategies and procedures that are used by the public services. Learners will examine the contingency-planning exercises that public services undertake in advance of a major incident taking place.

Unit 19This unit covers the key issues that are essential to personal safety when participating in outdoor activities in land and water environments. Learners will consider these safety issues and their impact on planning schedules and the decision-making process. Learners will develop the technical competencies required for the safe management of groups in the outdoors. They will also learn how to manage emergency procedures in the outdoors.

Unit 24This unit gives learners the opportunity to explore a wide range of security and control measures used by HM Prison Service to protect the welfare of the inmates, staff, visitors and the local community. The emphasis of the unit is on the need to address how effective strategies are used by custodial care services as a means of treating and rehabilitating inmates in a custodial environment.

1.7 Workbased Learning and Work ExperienceNo student should commence a work placement as part of this course that does not have a current, valid health and safety appraisal – this appraisal may be undertaken by the College or evidenced by the employer. The nominated member of the Course Team will agree a placement in respect of health and safety and will consult with the College Health and Safety Manager where necessary. Additionally each student will be required to undertake a H&S check on their placement within the first week of any such work based learning. This check must be returned to the nominated Tutor with responsibility for WBL on the course.

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Section 2: Study Support

2.1 – The InZone

Our state of the art Learning Zone is on two floors within the In Zone, with space to work, quality resources and support for learning outside the classroom. Books and other resources are in subject areas throughout the upper floor. Our self-issue kiosks enable you to borrow and return your books and you can access our online resources 24/7!

We have space for class, group and individual work, relaxed low seating and silent spaces to suit your way of learning. Most areas are drop-in but to ensure a space, book ahead (online or in the Learning Zone).  There is also an area for the exclusive use of higher education students.

The main computer area is on the lower floor, but PCs are available through the entire Learning Zone (over 100 altogether), with a suite of MACs on the upper floor. They are available for drop-in but if you prefer to plan ahead, you can book a computer for a time to suit you. Feel free to bring in your own laptop, tablet or smart phone. You can also borrow our laptops or tablets to use in the Learning Zone. There are a range of printing services and you can top up your printing account.

Our Learning Zone team is always on hand to help with using our resources and services -  researching, using e-books and other information, whilst helping you to develop your own independent study skills.

Term-time opening hours

Monday 08.00-18.00

Tuesday 08.00-20.00

Wednesday 08.00-20.00

Thursday 08.00-20.00

Friday 08.00-17.00

Holiday opening hours

Monday– Friday 09.00-16.30

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2.2 Learning Zone Assistants Learning Zone Assistants are based in the Library Learning Centres and provide help with all aspects of assignment work, research skills, MyCourse, referencing and study skills. In addition there are Independence Coaches who provide support for students accessing DSA See Section 2.

2.3 - VALNOWThe VALNOW system is a resource for HE students, which allows access to the University’s Learning Centre book and on-line learning resources in addition to those available in the College. The VALNOW service is accessible from any computer in the College which has internet access and you will be shown how to use the system during induction. The Learning Centre staff are also available to assist students with the VALNOW system.

2.4 E- Learning FacilitiesMYCOURSE (Virtual Learning Environment) is an online area where all students can access course materials, resources and information. Live @ Edu gives access to students’ owncollege email account, 25GB of storage space, access to online applications such Word and PowerPoint and a variety of communication and collaboration tools. The Extranet allowsaccess to work saved at college from anywhere in the world, without the need for disks or pen drives. The student homepage is a portal for thousands of online resources. The E-Info Centre can be accessed from the student homepage and learners can see messages from tutors and advertised events.

Section 3 : Support For Students

3.1 – SEND Support for HE students is accessed through an application to the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). The application requires current up-to-date evidence of your Specific Learning Difficulty and/ or Disability as defined under the disability section of the Equality Act 2010. The DSA decide upon your eligibility for support which is funded by Student Finance England (SFE). If you are eligible for support, your needs are assessed by a Needs Assessment Centre who will write a report detailing your support and recommendations.

Therefore if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty and/ or Disability that may affect your studies, please inform us prior to enrolment. Please follow the hyperlink for more information on the DSA:

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

You can also contact us for guidance via:

Telephone: 01772 225335 or 225217

Email: ndixon@preston.ac.uk

rgreenwood@preston.ac.uk

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If you do not have the evidence to support your application but would like to be assessed for a Specific Learning Difficulty please contact us via the details above. In order to ensure that students at Preston’s College are treated equally and to ensure the system for charging is transparent and consistent with our HE partners; a contribution of £100 per student for a full diagnostic assessment has been introduced.

In cases where you are not eligible to apply for DSA your tutor will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs.

3.2 - Student ServicesStudent Services is based on the ground floor of the Earnshaw Building, at the Fulwood Campus. If you wish to make an appointment for an interview with a Welfare Adviser, then these can be made at the Help Desk, in person or by telephoning (01772) 225656. We also offer a Welfare 'Drop-in' facility most lunch times. Alternatively please contact us via email or through the college website:

studentservices@preston.ac.uk or www.Preston’s.ac.uk/studentservices  

The Counselling Service provides a confidential place for students in “crisis” or where specified as part of a student’s Needs Assessment. The College counsellors will be able to signpost students to external services, if ongoing support is needed.

Information about the College’s services, support, policies and procedures are available on our online Student eHandbook which is accessible via the Student Portal. Information is updated regularly.

A weekly Bulletin is made available on ProPortal and via email providing useful, current information about College life.

ProPortal, a performance monitoring system, allows you to access information about your own academic progress, up to date attendance and enables you to communicate with College staff.

 3.3 - The Learner Voice – Have Your SayYou can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of the course through the feedback that you give. A system exists to ensure all students have the opportunity to have their views and concerns heard at all levels of the College.

Early in semester one you will elect a Course Representative (normally one per group) who you can trust to be able to put forward your problems and concerns. Please note that these are concerns which affect the academic development of the group as a whole. Individual and / or personal problems should be brought up with your Nominated Tutor as and when the need arises.

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Your elected Course Representative will:

Gather group opinions Consider the external examiners report for the Course Attend Staff, Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings Communicate items from the meetings Lead discussions between the group and Course Leader/Team Work with the Course Leader / Team to improve the Course for all Take part in the 3 student Conferences held each term

All students have the opportunity to affiliate to the National Union of Students and take advantage of the many discounts that then become available.

3.4 - Student feedback

In addition to the Student Rep’s meetings, Staff and Student Liaison Meetings (SSLC) will be held when the Student Rep’ will have a meeting with the rest of the group to discuss issues about College in general and about the way in which the course is managed and delivered. This will then be fed back to the Course Team to help them when considering any improvements or changes to the programme.

The purpose of a SSLC meeting is to provide the opportunity for Course Representatives to feedback to staff about the course, the overall student experience and to inform developments which will improve future courses. These meetings are normally scheduled once per semester. Your Course Leader will facilitate the meetings using guidelines and provide a record of the meeting with any decisions and / or responses made and / or actions taken as a result of the discussions held.

Notes from these meetings will be shared with Pearson and the External Examiners.

The meetings include discussion of items forwarded by Course Representatives, normally related to the following agenda items (dependent on time of year). Your Student Liaison Officer will be invited to attend and support the resolution of any issues. The Course Team encourage student feedback in all areas and recognise that additional items for discussion may also be raised at the meeting.

Update on actions completed since the last meeting Feedback about the previous year – discussion of external examiner’s report; outcomes

of National student surveys. Review of enrolment / induction experience; Course organisation and management (from each individual year group, and the course

overall); Experience of modules - teaching, assessment, feedback; Experience of academic support which may include e.g. Personal Development

Planning, Personal Tutoring arrangements. Other aspects of HE life relevant to student experience e.g. resources, IT, library; Any other issues raised by students or staff.

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You will also be asked to complete a Module Evaluation Questionnaire at the end of every module. Responses to these will help the module team to see what they are doing right and what changes should be made.

In addition final year students will be asked to complete the National Student Survey in semester 2.

However, if you do have any problems, please do not wait for a questionnaire to tell us, as we may be able to do something immediately to remedy the problem.

3.5 - The Student CouncilWe seek nominations each year for a Higher Education Student Representative on the College’s Student Council. We welcome your enthusiasm for this and if you wish to seek nomination please inform your Course Tutor.

3.6 - The Students Union. (SU)All students have the opportunity to affiliate to the National Union of Students - NUS.org.uk - and take advantage of the many discounts that then become available.

The Students’ Union is a student-led, democratic organisation and exists to make life better for you.

The Union is all about you taking the opportunities that are offered and making the most of them.

3.7 – Complaints and ComplimentsIf at any time you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the College’s provision or services, you should discuss this in the first instance with your Nominated Tutor or the Programme Team Leader.

You can also lodge a complaint with Student Services. Student Services staff will provide you with guidance on how to make a complaint. If you wish to complement the college or the course team please also place your compliment with student services.

A copy of the full College Complaints Procedure and Complaints Forms are available from Student Services and on the Student e-handbook. If you have exhausted all college procedures you are able to take your complaint to the Office of Independent Adjudicators.

3.8 - The Student CharterPreston’s College has adopted a Student Charter, which spells out those things which the College promises to do its best to provide you with. In addition, the Charter also sets out the College’s expectations of you during your time here. This can be found in the e-handbook.

3.9 – ConductYou will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in the College and expect you to behave in a respectful manner demonstrated by for example, using appropriate language in class, and switching mobile phones / other devices off prior to attending classes.

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If your behaviour is considered to be unacceptable, any member of academic staff is able to issue an informal oral warning and the College will support staff by invoking formal procedures where necessary.

3.10 - AttendanceWe monitor you and your progress to ensure that you are on track to succeed! Your attendance at all lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials is taken very seriously by staff – we expect you to be there.

We expect you to attend 100% of your timetabled classes. If your attendance is poor and you do not respond to the support described below, you will be withdrawn from your course and this will have implications for your tuition fees and student loan.

If you are unable to attend class for any reason you should contact your Nominated Tutor or the Programme Team Leader. Please see your course handbook for further details.We will try to help and support you in any way we can where you are facing particular difficulties. However, if your attendance is not satisfactory then you will be asked to discuss your situation with the Programme Team Leader. If your attendance continues to be unsatisfactory you will be asked to attend an interview with the Head of School to discuss your place on the course.If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence from your course, do not respond to communications from the College and if you are absent for 3 weeks or more, you may be deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then your date of withdrawal will be recorded according to your last date of attendance. This date will be used to determine any financial and other implications that your withdrawal may have.Studying in Higher Education can be a very exciting and hectic time for students, but some do find the difference between college and Higher Education difficult to adjust to. Juggling your time to attend lectures, seminars and working on assignments and private study, plus the other social and family commitments that you may have demands excellent time management skills.

Section 4: Progression Discussions about your progression through the course normally take place in February each year. It is an opportunity for you to make plans for your study over the next academic year. The Course Team will tell you about the various modules / combinations available and you will both agree on the most appropriate course of study for you.

Throughout your time with us we will provide a range of opportunities by which you can plan for your progression. In addition you will have opportunities to consider other options to you and your Nominated Tutor will be instrumental in this and can direct you to other sources of careers information advice and guidance.

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Section 5: Assessment

5.1 – AssessmentSee the Preston’s College Academic Regulations on Assessment on your My Course site.

We believe that assessment is a vital component of your learning – we will give you valuable feedback on all assessments that will allow you to see how you have done and importantly how you can improve. All modules will be assessed and you will be expected to attempt all of the assessments for each module at the times scheduled unless you have authorised permission to defer an assessment submission deadline. (further details on this are given in your course handbook)

Your Module Handbook or Module Information Pack (MIP) will give you further details on assessment for any specific module.

There are likely to be two types of assessment on your course;Formative assessment – these assessments do not contribute a mark to the overall grade for the module but are important in allowing you and us to judge your actual and potential performance and for us to give you feedback on how to improve. The first formative assessment you are likely to undertake on your course is an early diagnostic assessment. This will allow us to identify any needs that you (or the group as a whole) may have and to put support in place to meet these needs. Summative Assessment – these assessments do contribute to the overall grade for the module but you will still get valuable feedback to help you improve.

Overall assessment strategy. You will be given detailed guidance on how you will be assessed in each module in the Module Handbook / MIP.

5.2 - Feedback on Assessment

We are committed to giving you clear, legible and informative feedback for all your assessments. You are expected to review and reflect on your feedback and learn from each experience to improve your performance as you progress though the course.Feedback will be provided within 15 working days of the scheduled submission or examination date. Feedback may be oral, written, or by other appropriate means.

5.3 - Submitting assessments

Assessments must be submitted on time according to the guidance / instructions given on your assignment brief.

Preston’s staff make every effort not to mislay assignments and it is an unusual occurrence, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have a copy of your assignment ready for

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resubmission in case this unusual event does occur. All coursework should be submitted in a with an Assessed Work Record which has been completed and signed by you.

Please note by signing this Assessed Work Record you are giving a commitment that the work is entirely yours and has not been subject to any cheating or other means to gain unfair advantage.

Additionally some module tutors may ask you to submit electronic copies of your assessments.

5.4 – Extenuating CircumstancesWhat are Extenuating Circumstances? Sometimes circumstances or events beyond your control may adversely affect your ability to perform in an assessment/examination to your full potential or to complete an assignment by the set deadline. In such cases extenuating circumstances may be applied, i.e. treating marks or results in a way that recognises the adverse impact that may have resulted from those circumstances or events, or waiving penalties that would arise from late submission.

A disability or learning difficulty does not constitute an extenuating circumstance. Students requiring special arrangements in relation to assessment (eg Dyslexia, Physical Disability) should use the specific procedures operated through Student Services.

It is important to remember that, in order to qualify for consideration, the adverse circumstances or events must be unforeseeable or unpreventable as far as you are concerned, and sufficiently disruptive to have a significant adverse effect on your academic performance or your ability to complete assignments by the due date.

Circumstances or events that merit consideration may include: suffering a serious illness or injury; the death or critical/significant illness of a close family member/dependant; a significant family crisis leading to acute stress; unplanned absence arising from such things as jury service or maternity, paternity or

adoption leave.

Circumstances or events that would not merit consideration include: holidays, moving house and events that were planned or could reasonably have been

expected; assessments that are scheduled close together; misreading the examination timetable or misunderstanding the requirements for

assessments; inadequate planning and time management; failure, loss or theft of a computer or printer that prevents submission of work on time.

You should back up work regularly and not leave completion so late that you cannot find another computer or printer;

consequences of paid employment (except in some special cases for part-time students);

examination stress or panic attacks not diagnosed as illness. minor disruption in an examination room during the course of an assessment.

You must provide details of how your extenuating circumstances have directly affected your studies.

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The envelope should be handed in to your Programme Team Leader, observing published deadlines for the submission of extenuating circumstances, together with independent third-party supporting or corroborative documentation. The nature of such documentation will vary according to the nature of the circumstances, but it must be sufficiently independent to verify the case you are making (e.g. a letter or medical certificate signed by a medical practitioner, a document from an outside agency etc.). Corroborative evidence should be collected during the period to which your circumstances apply.

Submitting your Application You must submit the application as soon as possible and always before the closing date for that assessment period. Late submission of extenuating circumstances will not be considered without a credible and compelling explanation as to why the application was not made at the appropriate time. For further guidelines please see the Academic regulations on My Course.

5.5 - Assessment BoardsThese are formal events, Chaired by qualified and trained individuals at which a student’s performance on modules and for the course as a whole is considered by members of the Assessment Board, which will include the Course Leader, Module Tutors and External Examiner.

It is the role of the Assessment Board to consider a students module / course grades and to apply the principles which underpin Pearsons decisions on awards and results.

Classification of Awards

You should note that no grades for any assessment are final until approved by the Assessment Board

5.6 - Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation Cheating is any deliberate attempt to deceive and covers a range of offences. Plagiarism describes copying from the works of another person without suitably

attributing the published or unpublished works of others. This means that all quotes, ideas, opinions, music and images should be acknowledged and referenced within your assignments.

Collusion is an attempt to deceive the examiners by disguising the true authorship of an assignment by copying, or imitating in close detail another student’s work - this includes with the other student’s consent and also when 2 or more students divide the elements of an assignment amongst themselves and copy one another’s answers. It does not include the normal situation in which you learn from your peers and share ideas, as this generates the knowledge and understanding necessary for each individual to independently undertake an assignment; nor should it be confused with group work on an assignment which is specifically authorised in the assignment brief.

Re-presentation is an attempt to gain credit twice for the same piece of work.

All forms of cheating will be dealt with by the College as a disciplinary offence. Penalties could range from failure of the assessment, through automatic failure of the entire module to exclusion from the College. In any event the Chair of the Assessment Board will be told of the situation. In the first offence, work will be given 0% and you will be required to redo an assignment to cover the same work as a referral. In the second offence, the module will be

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failed without chance of referral, and may be allowed to be resat in the following year. (Please read in conjunction with the Academic Misconduct Policy)

During your time in Higher Education you will be asked and indeed expected to read and examine other people’s work (published and unpublished) to support your own arguments and analysis, in essays, seminar papers and projects.

“Plagiarism is incorporating unattributed direct quotation or paraphrasing from someone else’s work into your own. In effect, stealing another’s work and passing it off as your own”.

So make sure that you understand what constitutes plagiarism. Be aware that sloppy referencing or failure to note in rough when you quote another’s words is no justification, nor is the argument that you have changed some of the words or the order of the sentences. Take care to cite your resources properly, and get into the habit of using a standard format whenever you make a reference to someone else’s work.

There are some assessments where group work is required (the ability to work as a team member is an essential skill for a graduate) and in these cases the module tutor will clearly indicate the nature of the group work and how it will be assessed.

“Collusion is a situation in which two or more students have collaborated to produce a piece of work to be submitted (in whole or in part) for assessment, and this is presented as the work of one student alone”.

Collusion which is intended to deceive markers that the work submitted has been independently produced by one student, is a form of cheating. When you submit an assignment for assessment you will be required to sign a declaration that this is your own work. If you are in any doubt whether a particular piece of work is group work or individual work ask your module tutor for clarification.

Copying, collaboration, plagiarism etc will not be tolerated. Individual assignments are meant to be done individually. Where a lecturer believes that students have worked together or copied, all the students involved will be interviewed. All students who are knowingly involved in either giving or taking information will be penalised.

Correct referencing will help you avoid any accusations of plagiarism and is probably one of the most important academic skills you will learn. You must always make the effort to reference the sources you use and attribute (give credit to) the authors whose ideas inform your work. You will receive a lot of guidance about how to do this but it will take time and effort to grasp.

Section 6: Health and SafetyAs a member of the College you are responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others around you. You must ensure that you understand and follow all health and safety codes and guidance that will be brought to your attention. If in doubt ask for further guidance.

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Please help us to keep the College environment safe and healthy by reporting near misses, incidents and accidents to a member of staff as soon as possible.

Risk assessments have been carried out to cover all elements of your Course and you will be made aware of these during course and module induction periods or when a specific activity is to be undertaken.

Please let us know if you have any specific needs in this respect – if necessary we can implement a personal plan for you.

Section 7: Data ProtectionThe Data protection Act 1998 requires the College to inform you of the uses to which we put the personal information that you provide. Should you need to make enquiries on this matter you should contact the Head of School of your area.

All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your studies at the College will be held securely and will be used by the College both during your course and after you leave the College for a variety of purposes. These are all explained during the enrolment process at the commencement of your studies.

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