Programme name

General guidance for programme handbooks produced by institutions running Middlesex validated collaborative programmesThis template has been adapted from the one used to produce ‘in house’ programme handbooks at Middlesex University and has been developed in line with expectations set out in the QAA UK Quality Code (specifically Part C Public Information). It demonstrates to partners the information the University expects an institution to make available to its students in a suggested order and format and can be seen as setting out minimum expectations.

While many partners are happy to use this template without significant changes it is recognised that it may not be suitable for all. For example, some of the more general information in this template about facilities or student support may already be available to students in an institution guide or on a student-facing website, alternatively the institution may also have its own template for student handbooks which is different from this.

To avoid unnecessary duplication and confusion it is acceptable for validated-collaborative programmes to have a student handbook which differs from this template on the condition that the applicable content is still made available to students in a clear, timely, current and transparent way. Furthermore an institution may use their in house style for the presentation of the handbook.

For a validation event it is expected that where a handbook is different from the template in form or content then this will be explicitly mentioned and justified. If content has been removed due to the existence of another handbook(s) then this other handbook should also be presented to the validation panel.

Glossary of terminology which may not be in use at partner institutions: Module narratives – these outline the basic information regarding a module and often form

the basis of the module handbook. Module handbook – Detailed information for students on the contents of a module. In

particular gives detail about the week by week learning and teaching methods and curriculum, reading lists and assessment arrangements (including submission, receipt, second marking and assessment weightings for individual items)

Reassessment – also known as resits Personal Development Planning (PDP) Assessment Board – Also known as Examination Boards, Award Boards, Progression

Boards – the formal process by which marks are ratified and agreed and student progression and award decisions are made (taught programmes only, does not apply to Research degrees)

Extenuating Circumstances – consist of the recording of one or more personal difficulties such as ill health submitted by a student and supported by acceptable evidence and will be considered and may be taken into account by School Assessment Boards and Programme Progression Committees in determining the classification of degrees and the progression of students.

Academic Misconduct – a broad term encompassing plagiarism and exam offences

Boards of Study – a committee made up of staff and students the primary purpose of which is to encourage student engagement with their programme and receive feedback from the student body.

Programme name Programme Handbook 2014/15

Programme name

[Insert name/logo of partner institution]

[Insert name of VALIDATED programme]

Programme Handbook2014-15

Validated by Middlesex University, London, UK

Programme Leader: Name

Student Name:

Institutional Link Tutor: Name

Middlesex Link Tutor: Name

All violet italic text is for author guidance only and must be removed before distribution to students.

Page 2 Programme Handbook 2014/15

Programme name

Information in alternative formats

This handbook can be found online at: [insert link]

If you have a disability which makes reading this handbook or navigating our website difficult and you would like to receive information in an alternative format, please contact [name and contact details].

We can supply sections from this publication as [amend as appropriate]:

a Word document with enlarged type — sent by email or supplied on a CD or memory stick

printed copy on non-white paper printed copy with enlarged type

Other formats may be possible. We will do our best to respond promptly. To help us, please be as specific as you can and include details of your disability.

Purpose and status of your student handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with information about your Programme of study and to direct you to other general information about studying at [institution name] and information about Middlesex University who validate this programme of study.

The material in this handbook is as accurate as possible at the date of production however you will be informed of any major changes to the information in this handbook in a timely manner.

Your comments on any improvements to this handbook are welcome - please put them in writing (an email will suffice) with the name of the handbook to [name of appropriate person].

The University Regulations

Amend as appropriate – if not using Middlesex regulations then delete the reference and insert link to institution regulations: This handbook must be read in conjunction with the Middlesex University available online at www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations

Programme name Programme Handbook 2014/15

Programme name

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION TO [INSTITUTION NAME].....................................................................................................5INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY..............................................................................................6

The Middlesex University Regulations..............................................................................................6

Welcome to [SCHOOL NAME].........................................................................................................................8Welcome from the Link Tutors..........................................................................................................8Programme Leader’s welcome.........................................................................................................8

CONTACTS AND COMMUNICATION...............................................................................................................9Programme staff list and contact details...........................................................................................9Student website................................................................................................................................9E-mail................................................................................................................................................9Your contact and personal details....................................................................................................9

YOUR PROGRAMME...................................................................................................................................... 10Programme structure diagram/list...................................................................................................10Your first year modules...................................................................................................................10Your timetable.................................................................................................................................10Your first year assessment.............................................................................................................10Your learning Resources................................................................................................................10Attendance requirements................................................................................................................11Professional, statutory and/or regulatory body requirements.........................................................12Fitness for practice/ Professional capabilities.................................................................................12Health and Safety requirements.....................................................................................................12How to help enhance your programme...........................................................................................12Employability...................................................................................................................................14Transferring to study at Middlesex University.................................................................................15

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT................................................................................................16Learning and teaching methods.....................................................................................................16Assessment methods.....................................................................................................................16Submission, receipt, marking and return of assessment................................................................17Assessment Feedback...................................................................................................................18Progressing on your programme....................................................................................................18

SUPPORT........................................................................................................................................................ 21Academic Support..........................................................................................................................21Support services at [institution name].............................................................................................21Student office..................................................................................................................................21Student Union membership............................................................................................................21Academic Calendar........................................................................................................................22

Programme specification and curriculum map for [title of programme]..................................................24Module narratives........................................................................................................................................... 28

Remember to update this contents table when you have completed the handbook (right click on the table, click ‘Update Field’ then ‘Update entire table’)

Page 4 Programme Handbook 2014/15

INTRODUCTION TO [INSTITUTION NAME]This will be individual to each institution, but suggested points to include are the following:

Information about the institution – for example: history, culture/ethos recent developments future plans mission statement

The institution’s regulations and procedures – the importance of these and where to find them

Importance of students feeding back on the institution and their programme and the institution’s commitment to responding to such feedback.

General statement on who to go to for advice or help.

Programme name

INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITYAlthough you will enrol at and attend [institution name] the [programme name] is validated by Middlesex University and therefore you are a student of both. Within Middlesex University [programme name] is part of the [school name].

Being a Middlesex student means, in brief, the following:

If you successfully complete the programme you will receive the Middlesex qualification of [qualification title]You may attend the appropriate Middlesex graduation ceremony. [programme name] abides by Middlesex University Regulations which are available online at; http://www.mdx.ac.uk/regulationsYou do not receive a Middlesex ID card [This can be amended to indicate that students get an ID card which mentions Middlesex if applicable] You are not a member of the Middlesex University Students’ Union

This list is not exhaustive and therefore please contact [appropriate contact] if you have any questions about your entitlements as a Middlesex student.

The Middlesex University Regulations

If the programme operates entirely under the institution’s regulations then this section is not necessary, HOWEVER the majority of programmes do abide by Middlesex regulations, especially the regulations regarding academic misconduct and appeals. It is very important that students are clear which regulations apply to their programme of study and where they can find them.

Although it is not necessary to read the Regulations in their entirety you should know where you can find them and also be aware of the following key details:

Appeals Please refer to the table below and copy and paste whichever is the relevant text.

Academic Misconduct Please refer to the table below and copy and paste whichever is the relevant text.

Please remember to delete the table below before publication.

Text to use if using MU regulations. Text to use if permission given to use own regulations instead of MU regulations.

Appeals You should be familiar in particular with the Appeal Regulations and Procedures (Section G) as [institution name] and you have to act in accordance with these procedures if you submit an appeal: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/aboutus/Strategy/regulations/sectiong.aspx

Appeals Please note that [the institution] uses its own regulations for handling student appeals and therefore this section of the Middlesex University Regulations (section G) does not apply to you. More information about the appeal process is available from [insert relevant information, including a link if information is on line]

Academic Misconduct You should be familiar with the Infringement of Assessment Regulations/Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct Please note that [the institution] uses its own regulations for handling academic misconduct

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regulations (section F) as [institution] and you have to act in accordance with these procedures in the case of any alleged academic misconduct: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/aboutus/Strategy/regulations/sectionf.aspx

Combine this paragraph with the one above on appeals if appropriate.

and therefore this section of the Middlesex University Regulations (section F) does not apply to you. More information about the appeal process is available from [insert relevant information, including a link if information is on line]

Combine this paragraph with the one above on appeals if appropriate.

The following are also important documents which relate to the academic relationship between [institution name] and Middlesex University:

The Memorandum of Co-operation.

This is the formal agreement between Middlesex University and [institution name] on the delivery of the Programme. The Memorandum, among other things, sets out the responsibilities of both [institution name] and Middlesex University. In brief these include: Insert an outline of the responsibilities of each partner as per the MoC. This does not need to be a full list, just points of relevance to students (e.g. access to facilities at Middlesex, link tutor attendance at Boards of study, arrangements for appeals and complaints etc).

If you wish to view this document then please contact [name and contact details] Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) UK Quality Code.

The QAA is an independent agency appointed by the UK Government to be responsible for upholding the academic quality and standards of all universities and colleges in the UK. The QAA produce the UK Quality Code which outlines the key expectations placed on all UK Higher Education providers. In particular there is a specific chapter on how institutions should manage partnership arrangements, such as the programme you are now enrolled on. This section is chapter B10 ‘Managing higher education provision with others’.

The QAA also review higher education providers (including Middlesex) to ensure that it is operating in line with the Quality Code and providing the best academic experience for its students.

You can also learn more about Quality Assurance from watching two short videos designed specifically for students in Higher Education, which are available on line at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/what-is-quality

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Programme name

WELCOME TO [SCHOOL NAME] MIDDLESEX SCHOOL TO INSERT. This section should include general information about the School.

Welcome from the Link Tutors

Amend title if applicableBoth the Institution and Middlesex link tutors can add a brief welcome if desired, however either both link tutors provide a welcome or neither.

Programme Leader’s welcome

Welcome text including information about department(s) if appropriate. Suggest that where applicable reference is made to:

Any programme or subject specific facilities, Any health & safety considerations (e.g. working with machinery), Any PSRB accreditation including a brief mention of whether there are any

requirements or opportunities for students to achieve any status as a result.

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CONTACTS AND COMMUNICATION The paragraphs in this section should be read and adapted to suit the individual institution running the validated programme. The institution should outline the main methods of communication used and what these are for e.g. email, message-boards, student websites/ portals.

Programme staff list and contact details

The following members of staff are those who have a major input into your programme. Please include key staff who have a major input to the programme under the headings given below, including key part-time tutors, technicians and relevant professional services staff. Please give the name, role, email and telephone contact details. Please include office hours and the appropriate means of communication between staff and students (including technicians and administrative staff. If office hours aren’t known at the time of publication then a link to where this can be found.

Some handbooks include photos of staff members – you may want to consider adding these too.

Staff listed here need to be relevant contacts for students – ie only those students are likely to need to contact.

Teaching staff If including research interests of staff please keep these brief if there are a lot of staff listed and give a link to further information.

NEW! Please include a statement about when students can expect to hear back from teaching staff via email, for example ‘if you email a member of staff you should expect to hear back from them within 3 working days’.

Technicians

Administration staff

Student website

Institution to insert details of any website specifically for current students. For example Middlesex has UniHub which contains general information about the University and its academic and support services.

E-mail

Institution to insert relevant information here which should also include how regularly students are expected to check their email.

Your contact and personal details

You should ensure that we are kept up to date of your contact details to ensure that all important communication reaches you. [Institution to insert information on how students can update their contact details].

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Programme name

YOUR PROGRAMMEProgramme structure diagram/list

Insert a programme diagram or list detailing which modules will be taken during each stage of the programme. Please include:

Key points from the programme specification - for example the aims of the programme and how it develops and builds over the different levels or stages. An overview of the balance between scheduled teaching and learning activities, independent study and any placement activity for each year/stage of the programme.OPTIONAL MODULES: If there are options to be selected during the programme then please ensure options for specialisation or options to fulfil the requirements of a PSRB are clearly indicated.

WORD TIP: If you need to inset a landscape page then use a section break rather than a page break.

Your first year modules

List here the modules that will be studied (including options) or refer to the programme structure if the programme is only one year in duration. Please give details of where students can find further information about the modules – the module narratives must be one such source.

If this programme is a one year top up then please ensure the narrative reflects this appropriately.

Your timetable

You are allocated to timetabled lectures, labs, seminars, and workshops based upon your module registrations. Insert details of how students get hold of their timetable.

If your timetable is incomplete or if you have any queries about your timetable then please contact [name and contact details].

Any changes to your timetable will be notified to you by [please complete].

Your first year assessment

Please include the assessment schedule (or a link if it is likely to change or too impractical to include here) showing the deadlines for both formative and summative assessment, when feedback is due and the form it will take. If you are inserting a link then please use a sentence like the one below to ensure students are aware that deadlines can change:

IMPORTANT: Assessment deadlines do occasionally change and while every effort has been made to ensure dates are correct at the time of publishing you should check your email and ‘My Learning’ on myUniHub so you are aware of any changes.

For more information about assessment, including how to submit please refer to page [page number for the Assessment Methods section]

Your learning Resources

Page 10 Programme Handbook 2014/15

Library Please include details of how students on this particular programme should be utilising their library and learning resources. This could be about using group study areas as well as specific referencing to key journals, programmes and resources. Any information regarding access to Middlesex University learning resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation.

IT facilities NEW – Please include here any programme relevant information regarding IT facilities for students, for example specialist labs and software. This should be a brief introduction, especially if there is more detail in the module handbooks. Any information regarding access to Middlesex University resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation.

Specialist facilities NEW – rename if desired/delete if not applicable)Please include here any information about any specific resources available to students either physical or virtual for example workshops, machinery, labs etc. Any information regarding access to Middlesex University resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation.

Learner Development Amend title if required. If applicable please also add details of how any learner development activity is embedded into the programme for example assistance with academic writing (essay writing, presentations, referencing etc) on a one to one or group basis, numeracy skills, dyslexia support. Any information regarding access to Middlesex University resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation.

Attendance requirements

NEW – Please use this section to describe the attendance expectations for students. Remember to include any Professional, Statutory or Regulatory body requirements. Guidance should be sought if attendance is in anyway linked to achievement or mark.

If there are no specific requirements then this section can be used to write more generally about attendance and its relationship with learning, achievement, professionalism and employability etc.

Policy on late arrivalDELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. Please insert your late arrivals policy here if you have one including any reference to requirements set out by a regulatory/professional body.

Programme planning

NEW – DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. This is mainly for programmes with optional modules to use to tell students when and how they will select these. HOWEVER if your programme does not have options it is likely that at some point you will reiterate to students what they will be studying in their following years and how this links to their current modules. You may already cover this in the preceding section on progress review, in which case this can be deleted however you may find it useful to include this information here.During [relevant period, e.g. semester 2] in your first and second year you undergo programme planning and select and register for the optional modules you wish to take the following year.

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Programme name

Professional, statutory and/or regulatory body requirements

DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. For programmes with professional, statutory and/or regulatory body links include guidance on their criteria, award structure and what a student must do to achieve the award/membership of accreditation. Include a link to the PSRB website for more information.

Please reference any learning resources which the PSRB might provide – for example online journals or access to a library. Include a link to the PSRB website for more information on available resources.

Fitness for practice/ Professional capabilities

NEW – DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. Please put a statement here referring to the importance of FTP/professional capabilities and what this means in terms of their degree (for example academic misconduct will be seen as a FTP issue). Please also inform where students can find a copy of the relevant policy.

Health and Safety requirements

DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. Insert here any important health and safety requirements that students need to be aware of and details of who to contact if they have any particular questions, especially if they have any specific medical conditions including pregnancy.

How to help enhance your programme

How you can feed back to us NEW As well as talking to your module leaders or programme leaders about any issues, there are also other ways you can feed back and help enhance the quality your programme.

Board of Study Amend title as appropriate. This is a forum where student representatives and staff meet to discuss the [programme name] programme. This includes any issues but also talking about future developments and things that are going well. The Board also looks at student survey results and the reports from External Examiners. Minutes are made of the discussions and decisions and you can read these online at [complete with the location of minutes]:

The membership of a Board of Study includes: [with the exception of the link tutors institution amend role titles if applicable]

Student representatives (for more information about being a student rep see below) Head of Department Middlesex University Link Tutor [institution name] Link Tutor Programme co-ordinator and other academic staff involved in the delivery of the programme

and/or modules Support services representatives

The student representatives are elected by the end of week 2 to ensure that the interests of students on the programme are represented. They are also responsible for feeding back the outcomes of any meetings or events they attend. Insert here a short sentence how students can find out who their representatives are and where they can get further information about

Page 12 Programme Handbook 2014/15

becoming a rep. IMPORTANT: if the institution does not currently offer student representative training then please contact the Academic Representation Co-ordinator at Middlesex University Student Union (MDXSU) who will be able to provide advice and training materials. http://www.mdxsu.com/studentvoice

Meeting datesInsert dates of Boards of Study or a link to where they can be found, or if included in the academic calendar at the start of the handbook then please state this. It is recognised that it is not always possible to know the exact details of when and where Board meetings will take place therefore if necessary only the week needs to be included at this stage as long as there is information about where and how the dates will be confirmed to students.

Student surveys Programmes validated by Middlesex must have a process by which students are able to feed back about their programme of study in a formal manner. Your survey may ask the same questions or be in the same format at Middlesex but it should be conducted at least once a year and the results analysed and considered in the annual monitoring report and considered at Boards of Study as well as any relevant institution committees.

The following is an EXAMPLE to amend as appropriate:During your time at [insert institution name] you will be asked at to give your feedback on your module, programme or [insert institution name] by completing a survey. These are important as they help your programme team and [insert institution name] to determine what could be improved (as well as what is going well) and therefore please take the time to complete these. You can find out more about these surveys online at: [insert details]

Complaints NEW - Students on validated programmes will have access to complaints and grievance procedures established by their home institution which MUST be detailed in brief here and a signpost given to where the full policy can be found. The guiding principles are that complaints should be:

treated seriously and with fairness dealt with without undue delay, and in as straightforward a manner as possible treated consistently across the University or institution dealt with and resolved, wherever possible in an informal way progressed through stages leading, if necessary, to a formal stage.

The following is a suggested paragraph which can be used if desired:If you have a suggestion or a complaint about any aspect please raise it with the person concerned in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the outcome you can progress the matter through informal and formal procedures step by step up the management structure of [name of institution].

The following statement MUST be included:The complaints and grievance procedures of [institution name] must be followed and have been fully exhausted before you can follow the Middlesex University “Complaints in relation to collaborative partner institutions” which can be found in the Middlesex University regulations: www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations

How we consider your feedbackNEW – The feedback you give through your student reps, through surveys and at Boards of Study meetings plays an important part in reviewing the [programme name] programme during and at the end of the academic year. Some of the changes we have made to the programme have been a result of student feedback. For example [please complete with at least one recent example of a

13

Programme name

change to the programme which has been as a result of (in part or full) or endorsed by student feedback]

Employability

Employability and your programmeThe development of employability skills – for example, team work, self-management, business and customer awareness, communication, literacy and numeracy – are all integral parts of [programme name]. Please continue this paragraph by explaining in a more detail and giving examples how students gain core employability skills from the programme. One way of doing this could be to identify skills by module. This does not have to be exhaustive.

The University can support the development of your employability skills in a variety of ways both within your curriculum, outside of your curriculum and outside of the University, by helping you to make sense of your experiences and understand how to articulate your learning and development.

Personal Development Planning (PDP)IMPORTANT – if this is a one year programme PDP should still be included but the text below amended to reflect the year of entry and the exact arrangements for the programme. PDP will provide you with an opportunity to assess the value of the skills and knowledge you are developing and identify your future learning and development needs. It offers a structured way to reflect on what you are good at and what you need to develop further. You will learn to review your own skill levels and what you have learned from different situations and environments, including your studies, part time work, voluntary work and other activities. You will record your reflections and use them to help you think about and plan your future development.

This is an important part of your personal development and reflects the working environment where employers encourage new graduates to assess their own continuous professional development (CPD) using a portfolio. You can also use your record of PDP as a valuable aid for marketing your skills to employers in recruitment and selection processes.

Please add a description of the specific structures, advice and support which students will engage in to undertake and record PDP in this Programme.

Internships and placementsDELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE – i.e. if there is no integrated placement as part of the programme or where an optional placement is not possible.

IMPORTANT: Remember to draw a distinction between compulsory and optional placements. If the programme has compulsory placements (e.g. nursing) then do not include information about any optional placements.

For programmes WHICH HAVE AN INTEGRATED PLACEMENT then a brief introduction should be given including details of the following:

When and how long placement(s) will last Whether the placement is just a module or year long Whether the placement is assessed When students will receive more detailed information Where they can go for more information now (webpage and individual if applicable)

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Career adviceRename to an equivalent title if applicable and to insert details as appropriate. Any information regarding access to Middlesex University resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation. An example paragraph is given below:

Transferring to study at Middlesex University

SCHOOL to insert relevant information on transferring and progressing to a different programme at Middlesex and where to get further information about this. Delete if not appropriate.

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Programme name

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENTThe learning, teaching and assessment approaches used throughout your programme will encourage you to be actively involved in your learning and to co-operate with other students. We aim to give you prompt feedback on your learning as well as opportunities to reflect upon and learn from that feedback.

Learning and teaching methods

NEW! Please use this section to describe the learning and teaching methods specific to your programme detailing the different types of learning activities the students will encounter which will help them understand what is expected of them. As all programmes should have an element of e-learning please ensure that this is included as well. The following paragraphs are starting points which should be modified and extended as desired. If this is a DISTANCE EDUCATION programme then special attention should be paid to this section in explaining about the delivery methods involved in the programme.

The following paragraphs are designed to be a starting point for your text which should be extended and modified as desired: You will be actively involved in a range of learning, teaching and assessment approaches as part of [insert programme title]. Such active approaches aim to put you at the centre of your learning so you are involved and engaged in all aspects of your assessment and learning. Your programme will require your active participation in learning activities and engagement with your fellow students both individually and collaboratively, working and learning with other students as part of a small group. Learning activities may also occur both within and outside the classroom.

Your learning will also be supported by technology. Increasingly your tutors will be using existing and emerging learning technologies to engage you in e-learning activities. Your programme will be facilitated using a variety of media and online tools which will allow you flexible access to a diverse range of online resources, quizzes and learning materials as well as collaborative tools with which you can engage and learn with your peers. Not confined by the time and space associated with traditional teaching methods you may take part in online discussions and learning activities from wherever you are studying. Your tutors and UniHelp advisors will provide any support you may need whilst learning online.

By engaging with e- learning you will also be developing skills which are essential for your learning and are also highly valued by employers. These include but are not limited to: working flexibly, communication, understanding of IT, team working and creating shared understandings based on quality resources and access to global expertise.

Assessment methods

NEW! The following paragraphs are suggested text which you are expected to extend but can also amend if it will better suit your assessment for the programme. As a minimum you should explain the difference between formative and summative assessment and explain the assessment strategy for your programme. Assessment is an integral part of learning and you may hear it referred to as formative or summative.

Formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your performance and how it can be improved. As a result you will get detailed feedback on formative assessment but not a grade. Formative assessment is an important part of the learning process and has been shown to help students improve both their grades and their learning style. Please include additional information

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on the formative assessment students are likely to encounter on the programme including any specific terminology especially if it is not referred to as ‘formative assessment’.

Summative assessment is designed to measure the extent to which you have achieved the learning outcomes of a module and therefore the grade you will be awarded. Learning outcomes are the specific skills and knowledge that you are expected to demonstrate as a result of taking a module. Summative assessment should assess achievement of all learning outcomes in a secure, fair and accurate manner and on [programme name] this will mainly comprise of [insert details e.g. exams, portfolio, crits, essays etc].

Assessment may also involve self, peer or group approaches. For example, you may be asked to self-assess your own work, indicating where you feel you have clearly demonstrated your understanding and also identifying areas where can see you have room to improve. Assessment may also be a peer process where students, individually or as groups, offer feedback on one another’s work. Group assessment may also be part of your programme where part of the assessment requires you to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a group and possibly receive a group mark.

Please see the module narratives at the end of this handbook or your module handbooks for more information about the specific learning arrangements for your modules.

Submission, receipt, marking and return of assessment

Submission and receipt of assessment Please include here the relevant details for the submission and receipt of coursework or give the link where this is online.

Exams DELETE if students on this programme NEVER take exams. Please include here details on how students are notified of their exam timetable, where they can find information about examination conduct and any resources they have available to them to help prepare (past papers, revision guides etc).

Marking, second marking and marking moderationPlease state here how second marking and moderation takes place bearing in mind the requirements set out in the Middlesex Regulations and described below:'In line with the university regulations section M Code of Assessment Practice minimum requirements all Programmes shall, at the very least, operate a system of moderation for assessed work. The precise forms of moderation, e.g. sampling, double-marking, vivas, etc. shall be stated in the Programme handbook. This may vary from programme to programme. All modules for that Programme shall adopt and implement the same policy. Policy may vary at different levels within a Programme. A minimum of 10% of all coursework and examinations should be moderated. All coursework and examinations which are failed work will be second marked.For modules in which the assessment grade is derived from a combination of coursework and examination, specific moderation arrangements to consider all borderline and fail candidates shall be determined by the Programme team and included in the Programme handbook’

Return of courseworkPlease include here the relevant details for the return of coursework to students. If students are expected to keep copies then please state this. Where work is returned to a student this should be clearly stated here along with deadlines after which it is disposed of if not collected (normally six months).

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Programme name

External ExaminersNEW External Examiners are one way we assure the academic quality of your programme. They are subject experts who help assure that your Middlesex award is comparable to that at other UK universities by reviewing the programme curriculum, the assessment and the learning resources. Among other things they approve all exam papers before they are taken, attend the assessment board and write a report at the end of the year. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting [insert relevant contact- probably the programme leader]

NEW The External Examiner(s) for the [name] programme are: Insert name and current position of the relevant external examiners, e.g. Dr Ralph Montgomery, Head of History, Poppelton University.

IMPORTANT: It is inappropriate for you or any other student to make direct contact with an External Examiner. The appeal and complaints systems exist to allow you to express any concerns you have, including the marks you have been given for your performance.

You can read more about the role of External Examiners and quality assurance on the QAA website: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/what-is-quality/pages/default.aspx Assessment Feedback

Feedback on your assessment (both formative and summative) provides the opportunity for you to reflect on it and to use this feedback as the basis for learning and to improve your work

Feedback can take many forms and may be informal. For example it may be given and discussed in the classroom or it may be more formal and delivered in written or audio form from peers or academic staff. Understanding your feedback is very important and to achieve this you are encouraged to discuss feedback with your peers and academic staff.

Receiving feedback on your work is an essential and important part of learning and therefore all programmes provide regular opportunities for formative assessment, the purpose of which is to get detailed feedback on your performance so you get a regular update on how you are developing and to prepare you for any summative assessment.

Feedback on summative assessment will be offered in a variety of forms and all your work will be marked and moderated in line with the Code of Assessment Practice which can be found in section M of the University Regulations: mdx.ac.uk/regulations

You will normally be provided with feedback within [give number of days] of the published submission date.

Please indicate here your feedback strategy; the nature of feedback the students can expect. The nature of feedback shall be determined at Programme level but may include: written comments; pro-forma comments; individual and group tutorial feedback; electronic feedback (typed comments on electronic documents such as PDF files) or other forms of effective and efficient feedback. Arrangements for the provision of feedback should include the minimum provision detailed in section M of the University Regulations and be included in the relevant Module Handbook.

Progressing on your programme

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Programme regulations for progression and award NEW! Any programme specific regulations relating to progression and achievement must be given here.

Your resultsAt the end of each academic year, your results will be considered and confirmed by an Assessment Board. Once the Assessment Board has met you will be able to view your results and progression status [institution to insert details of how students access their results]. NOTE: the membership of the Assessment Boards shall conform to that outlined in the Regulations for the relevant year (Section D1C Assessment Boards at Collaborative Institutions), unless specific arrangements are agreed at Validation.

The date for the release of results and progression decisions is on the Academic Calendar which can be found at the start of this handbook or at [insert online location if applicable]

Certificates This information must be included in all validated programme handbooks When you graduate your final qualification certificate will be issued by Middlesex University and will have the details of your qualification. It will include the words “in collaboration with [institution name]” [delete the institution’s name does not appear on the certificate].

Your certificate will be sent to [institution name] by Middlesex University within 4 months of the date the qualification is awarded (usually the Assessment Board date). Once it has arrived it will then be forwarded to you at the address we hold for you. It is therefore very important that you keep [institution name] updated of your address details if they change at any point.

Full details of the information which will appear on your certificate are set out in the Middlesex Regulations, section E13.5: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations

Diploma supplement This information must be included in all validated programme handbooks. All students are issued with a diploma supplement verified by Middlesex University which will state [institution name] as the institution where you studied. Your diploma supplement will include the modules you have taken, grades achieved and state your qualification with the classification and title but additionally it will also contain information on the nature, level, context, content and status of your studies undertaken and successfully completed. Diploma supplements are intended to help external parties such as employers or other higher education providers understand more about your programme in addition to your grades.

Deferral of assessmentPlease include here details of what a deferral is and how students request this. This should include details on the actual process and who they contact if they have any questions.

Extenuating Circumstances Please include here details on what an EC claim is how students submit one (or where they can find this information about this). This should include details on the actual process and who they contact if they have any questions.

Re-assessmentThe following is suitable for programmes following MU regulations (students get one re-assessment opportunity with no financial penalty). Amend as appropriate if using different re-assessment regulations. Although no one anticipates failing a module, it is important that you are aware of what happens if you do. Normally you would be entitled to one re-assessment

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Programme name

opportunity if you don’t pass and there is no financial cost associated with this second attempt. You should contact [name and contact details] if you have any questions about re-assessment.

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SUPPORTAlthough you are expected to be independent and to take responsibility for your own academic and personal life, there is still a lot of help available to support you throughout your programme.

Academic Support

Academic staff Your tutors will direct your studies and ensure that you know what work you need to cover in any given module. Seek advice from academic staff either during their office hours or by email or telephone please see ‘Contacts and Communication’ section for details. This section can be amended/ expanded by the partner institution to include any further academic support, including details of personal tutoring.

Link TutorsAs stated on the front of this handbook the link tutor at [institution name] for this programme is [name and email address] and the link tutor at Middlesex is [name and email address]. Both tutors are jointly responsible for ensuring the programme is delivered according to the arrangements agreed when it was approved. Both link tutors attend the Board of Study meetings [amend if alternative arrangements have been agreed] where they hear the views of students on the programme, however you can contact either if you have a query or suggestion.

Institution to insert other relevant information here including links where the information is available online. Please include, if relevant, details of staff dedicated to help students with academic achievement issues such as time management, planning for assessment, revision tips etc. This is in addition to any Student office staff.

Support services at [institution name]

This section should be completed by the partner institution to include the support they make available to students. Suggested headings are given below which can be complete with relevant details or deleted if not applicable. NOTE: any information regarding access to Middlesex University resources should only be inserted if agreed as part of the Memorandum of Co-operation.

Student office

Counselling

Disability Support Service

Financial issues

International Student Support

Student Union membership

Adapt title if necessary e.g. Student Associate Membership

Important information for authors: Students on validated programmes are NOT eligible to be members of MdxSU. If a UK based institution has its own Students’ Union which is affiliated to the NUS

then they students can be members of the NUS.

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Programme name

The NUS extra card is available to all UK BASED students (not just as a result of MdxSU membership) and is normally made direct to NUS, however students may make their application on-line via MUSU administration. MdxSU are required to confirm to NUS that the student is enrolled as a student with MU.

Non UK based students can still be members of the NUS if they have their own Students’ Union or similar representative body which is affiliated to the NUS. However they cannot get an NUS Extra card, which only has discounts for the UK anyway.

Students at London based institutions CAN get a TFL discount card if the institution registers with TFL.

Most students at all institutions can apply for an ISIC or International Youth travel card.

Compulsory text to be included by all:As you are not attending a Middlesex University campus you are, unfortunately, not a member of Middlesex University Students’ Union (MdxSU). [UK partnerships only] You are however still entitled to the NUS Extra and ISIC cards.

NUS Extra Card Delete if programme is based overseasThis is a student discount card which can be used at a very large number of retailers, please see the NUS website for further details: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/NUS-Extra. To apply for an NUS Extra Card you will need to contact MdxSU who will confirm that you are a student member of Middlesex University. Please email info@mdx.ac.uk in the first instance.

ISIC cards – full time students onlyUK only text:As a full time student you can apply for an International Student Identification Card which will give you discounts on travel, shopping and experiences world-wide. You can apply for an ISIC card with your NUS Extra Card for an additional £2.99 (price as of March 2013): http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/upgrade-and-save-even-more/International text:As a full time student you can apply for an International Student Identification Card which will give you discounts on travel, shopping and experiences world-wide. http://www.isic.org/

Academic Calendar

This is your calendar for the 2013/14 academic year. [Insert details of how students should get a revised calendar for subsequent years if applicable].

Please insert the relevant calendar for your institution. This should include the following dates:

EnrolmentTerm/Semester datesHolidaysReading week (if applicable)Boards of Study dates (indicate week if exact dates not known)Student surveys (indicate weeks when this will happen if exact dates are not known)Field trips (if applicable)Deadlines (if known, or refer to where they will be available)

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Assessment period(s) Assessment/Exam board dates (if known)Date for release of results (indicate approximate or provisional date if exact date not known)GraduationOther institute specific dates

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Programme name

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION AND CURRICULUM MAP FOR [TITLE OF PROGRAMME]

1. Programme title2. Awarding institution 3. Teaching institution 4. Programme accredited by 5. Final qualification 6. Academic year7. Language of study8. Mode of study

9. Criteria for admission to the programme

10. Aims of the programmeThe programme aims to:

11. Programme outcomesA. Knowledge and understandingOn completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of :

Teaching/learning methodsStudents gain knowledge and understanding through

Assessment MethodStudents’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by

B. Cognitive (thinking) skillsOn completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:

Teaching/learning methodsStudents learn cognitive skills through

Assessment MethodStudents’ cognitive skills are assessed by

C. Practical skillsOn completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:

Teaching/learning methodsStudents learn practical skills through

Assessment MethodStudents’ practical skills are assessed by

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D. Graduate SkillsOn completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:

Teaching/learning methodsStudents acquire graduate skills through

Assessment methodStudents’ graduate skills are assessed by

12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)

12. 1 Overall structure of the programme

See page [page number]

12.2 Levels and modules

Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below.Level 4 (1)COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTSStudents must take all of the following:

Students must also choose at least XX from the following:

Level 5 (2)COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTSStudents must take all of the following:

Students must also choose at least XX from the following:

Level 6 (3)COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTSStudents must take all of the following:

Students must also choose at least XX from the following:

12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)Module level Module code

13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules

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Programme name

See Curriculum Map attached

14. Information about assessment regulations

15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)

16. Future careers (if applicable)

17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)

18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system)19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s)

20. Reference points

21. Other information

Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.

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Curriculum map for [title of Programme]

This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed.

Programme learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding Practical skillsA1 C1A2 C2A3 C3A4 C4A5 C5A6 C6A7 C7Cognitive skills Graduate SkillsB1 D1B2 D2B3 D3B4 D4B5 D5B6 D6B7 D7

Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7Highest level achieved by all graduates

Module Title Module Codeby Level

Programme outcomesA1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7

MODULE NARRATIVES Please insert module narratives. Throughout the handbook, reading lists should be referenced in a consistent style and to the standards required from the student