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School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

Approved Learning Partners Student Handbook

2016-2017

School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society Approved Learning Partners Student Handbook 2016-2017

SUMMARY OF KEY INFORMATION

1 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

2 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY AND THE SCHOOL

3 APPROVED LEARNING PARTNERS (ALPS)

4 POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

5 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

6 EXAMINATIONS, TRANSFERRING TO ON-CAMPUS AND WITHDRAWING

FROM THE PROGRAMME

6.1 Examination Process 6.2 Medical Certificates 6.3 Procedure 6.4 Failure in Examinations 6.5 Appeals 6.6 Regulations and Policies 6.7 Student Complaints Procedure 6.8 Transferring to On-Campus Courses 6.9 Argument and discussion 6.10 Structure 6.11 Grading 6.12 The Cost of Studying in Scotland 6.13 Travelling to Scotland 6.14 Accommodation On-Campus 6.15 Medical and Dental Services Facilities 6.16 Applying for a Transfer 6.17 Withdrawing From a Programme 6.18 Change of Degree 6.19 Award of Degree 6.20 Dissertations 6.21 School Resource Centre 6.22 Computing facilities 6.23 E-mail communication 6.24 Course and course feedback questionnaires. 6.25 Health and Safety Policy Statement

7 REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES

8 STUDENT GUIDE TO PLAGIARISM

9 ADDITIONAL CHARGES

10 USEFUL FORMS

11 KEY STAFF

PART B - UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

B1 ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS

B2 QUICKFINDER GUIDE TO ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

B3 QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO STUDENT ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Summary of Key Information

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN ACADEMIC YEAR

The School of the Built Environment operates on a three annual examination diet system. The key dates are as follows;

ACADEMIC YEAR EXAM DIET DATES

2016-2017 DECEMBER 5 December 2016 – 16 December 2016

APRIL/ MAY 24 April 2017– 22 May 2017

AUTUMN 3 August 2017 – 11 August 2017

The final exam timetable is available via the university website two weeks before the start of each exam diet. : http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examination-timetables.php

DISSERTATION SUBMISSION DATES

2016-2017 2 December 2016 31 March 2017 11 August 2017

1 December 2017

GRADUATION MONTH DATES

2016-2017 JUNE 20 – 23 June 2017

NOVEMBER 16 – 17 November 2017

IMPORTANT LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION/SERVICES

Heriot-Watt University Please see the www.hw.ac.uk website which contains information about Heriot-Watt University.

School of the Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society Please see the website https://www.hw.ac.uk/schools/energy-geoscience-infrastructure-society/ which contains information about the School of Energy, Geoscience Infrastructure and Society.

Vision The University’s Virtual Learning Environment. Once fully registered on your course you will be issued with a username and password. https://vision.hw.ac.uk/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_61_1 User manuals can be found at http://www.hw.ac.uk/is/is-guides.htm

Turnitin and Academic Integrity (Plagiarism) resources available at http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/discipline/plagiarism.htm

On-Line Enrolment It is a requirement for all students to enrol on-line at the start of the academic year. Failure to do so, means that you cannot access Student Self Service for your results, and also could lead to your student record being closed. Details on enrolment are at http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/enrolment.htm

Student Self Service Student can access their results on-line by logging onto; https://myhwu.hw.ac.uk/HWSAS8/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin

1 Welcome and Introduction

The term ‘Flexible, Distributed and Independent Learning’ is used to refer to

educational provision leading to an award where delivered, support or assessment do not require the student to attend on-campus. This includes distributed learning delivered through an Approved Learning Partner, individual distance learning in which there may be little direct contact with staff and students on campus, and e-learning supported and, where relevant, assessed via the internet. Students may study using a mixture of on-and off-campus mechanisms.

Students in receipt of this handbook are studying through an Approved Learning Partner. Approved Learning Partners, ALPs, are organisation/institution with which Heriot-Watt University has entered into an agreement and that is charged with the delivery of and learner support for a Heriot-Watt University programme of study to students. The ALP should always be contacted in the first instance with all questions and queries.

1.1 Welcome from the Principal

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Heriot-Watt University community!

We are delighted you have chosen to study at Heriot-Watt. We are an exciting and distinctive University, unique in terms of our global reach. As one of the most progressive and international institutions based in Scotland, we are confident you will have the opportunity to thrive, both personally and academically, during your time with us. Our learning environment offers the very best in terms of study programmes which apply knowledge to real world challenges, together with the latest learning technologies, and outstanding support and facilities. We hope you will thoroughly enjoy the experience of being a Heriot-Watt student and we look forward to you commencing your studies with us. Professor Richard A Williams OBE University Principal and Vice-Chancellor

1.2 Welcome from Head of School

I would like to take this opportunity to greet you as a new or returning student, and extend a special welcome to those of you who are here for the first time. I hope that your time at Heriot-Watt will be both enjoyable and successful. You have chosen to study at an establishment with a reputation for the quality of its research and educational programmes. Our aim is to ensure that our commitment to excellence in research influences our teaching to create a high-quality, research-led learning experience. Furthermore, all our programmes are accredited by the appropriate professional institutions. This means that as one of our students you can obtain the maximum educational and long-term career benefits from your period of study with us.

University life can be exciting and demanding. Being at university means that the commitment to and responsibility for study is very much your own. Linking this to our student-centred approach to teaching means that ultimately your academic performance will be directly related to the amount of effort you put into your work.

We have produced this handbook to answer many of the questions that students raise during their studies, including administrative procedures relating to the running of their degree programmes and the support available to them. I hope you find it useful and informative. If you are ever unsure about any aspect of your studies, or if you are having problems that you feel may be affecting your progress, please feel free to contact me, your mentor or any other member of staff.

Professor Gareth Pender Head of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society

2 General Information about Heriot-Watt University and the School/Institute

2.1 Heriot-Watt University has five campuses, a parent campus in Edinburgh, the capital

city of Scotland, two campuses in the north and south of Scotland, a campus in Dubai, and a campus in Malaysia as well as a number of overseas centres running University programmes. Heriot-Watt University’s mission is to provide students with the opportunity to study programmes which will enable them to contribute immediately to the economy and wellbeing of the region in which they choose to work. This ethos of “doing things that matter” stretches right back to the origins of Heriot-Watt in 1821, when programmes were run to suit the needs of developing industries in Scotland.

General aims of the School

All of the School's programmes have the following aims.

1. To provide an academically sound and vocationally relevant education for those seeking a professional career in the built environment or property management within the national or international context. 2. To enable students to attain the best intellectual development and gain the maximum degree performance compatible with their abilities. 3. To ensure that our courses are professionally relevant and provide the educational base to meet the current and future needs of industry, and continue to receive full exemption from the written examinations of the relevant professional institutions. 4. To provide the opportunity for intellectual, personal and inter-personal skills development. 5. In overall semesters to enable students to maximise their academic and professional potential by developing transferable as well as core skills. 6. To provide the opportunity for students to engage in higher level learning, acquire deep, specialist knowledge, and apply critical thinking and analysis to complex, advanced problems.

. Approved Learning Partners (ALPs)

Your Approved Learning Partner (ALP) provides tutor assistance for Heriot-Watt University programmes. ALPs are educational institutions established in various countries around the world. They are subject to strict quality control and monitoring procedures by Heriot-Watt University. Heriot-Watt staff set and mark the examinations. The examinations are subject to the same independent quality checks required of the whole University. Both the content and the standard of the various subjects (known as courses) are equivalent with those available on-campus. There is no compulsory period of study in EDINBURGH although it is possible to transfer to a full-time on-campus mode of study after a student has completed a particular stage of the course. More details about transferring to full-time studies in Edinburgh may be found in Section 6.8

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society adopts a flexible, learner-centred, resource-based approach to teaching and learning. The Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) who deliver our courses are required to adopt a similar approach to their teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning at an early stage. The ALPs are expected to adopt a variety of teaching and learning resources including lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Integration of the university’s Virtual Learning Environment, Vision, being a critical part of both the learning and teaching experience for students. Vision provides student with all the necessary materials and information to support their studies. It is an essential tool to

successful study. Students also have access to the ALPs library and computer-based facilities. The approaches to teaching and learning are subject to annual review and quality assurance visits undertaken at the Approved Learning Partner. ALPs are also assessed in light of feedback received from students, staff, examination results, and external examiner’s reports.

Use of the VISION Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) All of the teaching and learning materials for each course of the programme are made available through the VISION Virtual Learning Environment accessible via the web. As well as providing access to the core syllabus, VISION is the portal for all information relating to assessment and for receiving announcements and updates relating to courses throughout the semester. Some courses also make use of discussion boards and other tools to provide for a richer learning experience. Students are required to use VISION for the submission of coursework. It is ESSENTIAL that students engage with VISION for each course of study and regularly check for updates and announcements throughout the semester.

Assessment Policies The assessment policy for the programmes is by examination or coursework. You will be advised at the start of your course what the assessment method will be. The majority of courses are assessed 100% by examination, there are however some that are assessment 100% by coursework or even a combination of the two.

Special Needs

During each exam diet the School needs to be informed of those students who have special needs. If a student requires the use of a reader/scribe and/or separate accommodation, this must be organised well in advance of each exam diet, however, the onus is on each student to ensure the necessary arrangements have been made.

Further details for students with special needs can be found on the Student Welfare Services website: http://www.hw.ac.uk/welfare/

The University has recently received a new site licence for software to help dyslexic students in the preparation of documents. If any student feels this would be of benefit to them, they should contact their ALP who can liaise with the school on your behalf

Progression and assessment

The University operates a Heriot-Watt Assessment and Progression System (HAPS) which specifies minimum progression requirements. Schools have the option to apply progression requirements above the minimum University requirement, which are approved by the Studies Committees. Students should refer to the programme specific information on progression requirements. A summary of HAPS is provided in your Registration Pack and full details are given on the University website at http://www1.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf

Below is information describing how HAPS will apply to you as a student registered on a School degree programme. It does not provide a comprehensive description of the entire system. Under HAPS you will be awarded a Grade rather than a mark in each course. Grades will map onto marks according to the following general guidelines:

HAPS Grade Approximate Marks Range A 70% - 100% B 60% - 69% C 50% - 59% D 40% - 49%

E 35% - 40% and above the minimum standard for the award of credit points. For Postgraduate level this is insufficient to continue study in the subject; reassessment required

F < 34% and below fail reassessment required

Some courses on your programme may be marked using a combination of examination

and continuous assessment. Information regarding the proportioning of marks can be found later within this document. For example, the split between exams and assignments may be 60-40 or 70-30. Specific information for each course is given in its respective course descriptor.

Minimum Standards for Pass, Progression and Credit: Undergraduate/ Post Graduate

1. To pass a course the minimum of Grade E is required for Undergraduates and Postgraduate Diploma students. A minimum of a Grade D is required for Master’s students.

2. For Postgraduates to progress to Masters level an average of at least 50%, must be achieved across all qualifying courses with no course lower than a grade D. The student’s dissertation must also be awarded a minimum of grade C.

3. Criteria for pass, progression and credit points shall be as specified in the structures for each course.

Examinations

Where a course is assessed by examination, students must apply to take that examination. Dates of diets are noted on page 2. Students must apply through their ALP to sit for examinations. If a student has registered to a course then they are expected to submit the coursework and/or to sit the examination in the semester they registered for. Students CANNOT defer exams. Failure to present at exams will lead to students being marked as ABSENT. This will also count as an opportunity. However, students who have mitigating circumstances should inform their ALP immediately and provide DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE such as a doctor’s medical certificate (See Part A section 6:2 for clarification). Any employer’s letters will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Re-assessment

A student who has been awarded a Grade F (E or F at MSc level) will be re-assessed.

The format of the re-assessment shall be as specified by the School or the appropriate examiner or as detailed in the course descriptor. A student shall be permitted only one re-assessment opportunity which should be taken at the next opportunity. In exceptional circumstances, if a student is prevented by illness or other sufficient cause from undertaking or completing an assessment or re-assessment, a further assessment or re-assessment opportunity may be granted by the Exam Board. Results letters and transcripts shall indicate any grades obtained by reassessment by recording the number of assessment opportunities taken for satisfactory completion of the course.

Coursework

On-line marking of coursework

The School has a soft-copy only coursework submission policy for all ALP students. Students should follow the instructions on VISION for coursework submission procedures. If you are required to submit a coursework assignment then the submission box would normally be available in the course contents via Vision. All coursework must be submitted in soft copy only through Vision. Please ensure this is submitted to the correct Turnitin link. Hardcopy coursework and emailed coursework will not be accepted. Training on submitting your coursework online has been provided to your ALP centres and you tutor/ ALP centre should instruct you in this process. The training information is also displayed on Vision as a reminder to you of the process.

Late submissions Students are required to submit any coursework assessment by the deadline given on Vision. Failure to do so will result in a penalty of minus 10% being imposed on the submission. Submissions received in excess of 7 days late will receive a mark of zero and a Fail grade. All coursework must be your own work. Please see the sections on references, bibliographies and plagiarism. You must plan your work so that you complete each assignment by the submission date. Please also keep a copy of your work as submissions will not be returned. All work you submit becomes the property of the University and may be retained for assessment and any later auditing.

Marking of Coursework and Examination Scripts

Please note that due to exam scripts returning to EDINBURGH results will be issued following the first available examboard. This can be sometime after the completion of exams due to transit time for marking to return to EDINBURGH, the volume of marking received and collation and presentation of results to the examboard.

Feedback

Individual feedback will be provided for all coursework submission directly to students. This will be provided in softcopy on Vision. You will receive feedback on your coursework submission through Vision and the Turnitin link that you have used once the coursework marks have been released to you online. General group feedback will be provided on all examinations. This information will be sent to your ALP centre for distribution. Students will not receive their coursework or exam script back. All work submitted to the university becomes the property of the university.

Personal Details/ Change of Address

It is essential that your ALP and the University are kept informed of any changes to your personal details, particularly change of address. It is your responsibility to notify the school using the form available from your ALP.

4 POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Programme structures This section explains the structure of the postgraduate programmes and highlights some key information relating to programme duration, timescales and arrangements for the Research Project/Dissertation for MSc students. PgDiploma and MSc students are eligible to progress to Research Project/Dissertation phase of the programme if their performance in the 8 taught courses satisfies the progression requirements. These are explained in the University Common Assessment and Progression System (HAPS). Please consult the following: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/CAPSdiagrampgt.pdf

PgDiploma/MSc Programmes

• Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying

• Facilities Management

• Construction Project Management

• Real Estate Management and Development

• Real Estate Investment & Finance

All the postgraduate programmes follow a common structure for delivery and comprise eight prescribed University courses. Students study two courses in each of the two semesters per year, with an option to prepare their dissertation over semester 3. The diagram below shows the sequence of courses that are taken in each semester of the academic year for September intake and January intake students. The particular courses for each of the programmes are identified in the key to programme courses tables overleaf.

Semester 1

Course A

Course B

Semester 2

Course E

Course F

Sep JanDecNovOct

Exa

m D

ie

t &

Cw

k

Su

bm

issio

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Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

September intake

January intake

Sep Oct Nov Dec

Sep

intake

Jan

intake

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Exa

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ie

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Cw

k

Su

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issio

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Year 2Year 1

Semester 3

Reassessment only

Re

asse

ssm

en

t

Semester 2

Course E

Course F

Semester 3

Reassessment Only

Semester 1

Course C

Course D

Sep Oct Nov Dec

Year 3

Exa

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t &

Cw

k

Su

bm

issio

n

Exa

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t &

Cw

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Semester 1

Course C

Course D

Semester 2

Course G

Course H

Exa

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t &

Cw

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Su

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issio

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Exa

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Semester 3

Reassessment only

Semester 2

Course G

Course H

Semester 3

Reassessment Only

Exa

m D

ie

t &

Cw

k

Su

bm

issio

n Semester 1

Course A

Course B

Exa

m D

ie

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Cw

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Su

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Re

asse

ssm

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Semester 1

Research Dissertation

Semester2


In

te

rim

Su

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Re

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ea

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ssm

en

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Semester2

Research Disseration

In

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Semester 3


Fin

al S

ub

mis

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Fin

al S

ub

mis

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

KEY POINTS • This shows the minimum possible time for completion assuming no resits.

• The recommended programme duration is for students to take the full 24 week period

for the dissertation/ Research Project/dissertation following successful completion of

all 8 courses at MSc level.

• January intake students who wish to start their dissertation/ Research

Project/dissertation before Course A and B do so at their own risk. It will not enter the

assessment process until successful completion of all 8 courses is confirmed.

• Students can take a maximum of 2 courses per semester as shown or can take 1 per

semester if preferred or opt out of a semester, although this will extend the completion

period.

• Once a student is registered for a course they have until the end of week 3 to

deregister themselves from the course, otherwise they are required to complete it in

that semester.

• All students are required to enrol with the University every year in September to remain

on the programme

• There is no semester 3 for taught courses.

• MSc students have a maximum of 7 years to complete the programme, PG Dip

students have a maximum of 4 years to complete the programme.

• Resits are in August of each year.

Students who are required to resit a course MUST do so at the next available opportunity. If the resit opportunity is not taken the student will be deemed to have failed through absence and will face being withdrawn from their programme by the board of examiners.

Key to postgraduate programme courses These tables show the arrangement of courses for each of the programmes. Please read the relevant table in conjunction with the programme structure diagram on the previous page to identify the course of study at each stage of your programme.

PgDip/MSc Construction Project Management

Course A D31PT PM Theory & Practice

Course B D31VR Value & Risk Management

Course C D31PZ Contracts and Procurement

Course D D31TA Construction Technology

Course E D31MI Construction Practice & IT

Course F D31PO People & Organisation of B.E

Course G D31CG Con. Fin Management

Course H D31PS PM Strategic Issues D31RZ- Research Dissertation

PgDip/MSc Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying

Course A D31TA Construction Technology

Course B D31PZ Contracts and Procurement

Course C D31VR Value & Risk Management

Course D D41RE Real Estate Economics

Course E D31MI Construction Practice & IT



Course H D31CF Quantity Surveying Financial Management

D31RZ- Research Dissertation

PgDip/MSc Facilities Management

Course A D31SQ Service Procurement & Provision

Course B D31PZ Contracts and Procurement

Course C D31VR Value & Risk Management

Course D D31SF Sustainable Practices for Facilities Managers

Course E D31SM Space Planning & Management



Course H D31AM Asset Maintenance Management


PgDip/MSc Real Estate Management & Development

Course A D41RE Real Estate Economics

Course B D41SP Spatial Planning

Course C D41VC Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation 1

Course D D31TA Construction Technology

Course E D41IA Real Estate Investment Analysis

Course F D41IAN Real Estate Management & Sustainability

Course G D41VD Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation 2

Course H D41RD Real Estate Development


PgDip/MSc Real Estate Investment & Finance

Course A D41RE Real Estate Economics

Course B D41SP Spatial Planning

Course C D41VC Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation 1

Course D D41ME Macro Economics Finance and the Built Environment

Course E D41IA Real Estate Investment Analysis

Course F D41IP International Property Markets and Investment

Course G D41VD Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation 2

Course H D41RD Real Estate Development

D41RZ Research Dissertation

Note for existing students on the following programmes:

• PgDip/MSc Architectural Engineering

• PgDip/MSc Building Surveying

• PgDip/MSc Civil Engineering Construction Management

• PgDip/MSc Safety Risk Management

• PgDip/MSc Safety Risk & Reliability Engineering The University is no longer recruiting to these programmes through its Approved Learning Partners and they are in “teach out” mode for the remaining students who have not yet completed their programme. The Approved Learning Partner and Heriot-Watt University are committed to supporting students on these programmes who are still within the allowable period of registration. Students on these programmes should consult the ALP for a timely plan for completion that will be agreed with the University for the remaining courses. The current programme structures for ‘teach out’ programmes are listed here: PgDip/MSc Architectural Engineering

Course A D11 VE Ventilation and Air conditioning

Course B D11LC Low Carbon Buildings

Course C D11BD Building Electrical and Lighting Services

Course D D31PZ Contracts and Procurement

Course E D11TH Thermo Fluids

Course F D11 HF Human Factors

Course G D11 AF Architectural Acoustics

Course H D31PO People and Organisational Management for the Built Environment

D41RQ and D41RR Research Dissertation

PgDip/MSc Building Surveying

Course A D31BR Applied Building Pathology

Course B D31VR Value and Risk Management

Course C D31TA Construction Technology

Course D D31PZ Contracts and Procurement

Course E D31BX Building and Contextual Investigation

Course F D31BB Building Refurbishment Practice

Course G D31AM Asset Maintenance Management

Course H D31PO People and Organisational Management for the Built Environment

D31RQ and D31RR- Research Projects 1 and 2

PgDip/MSc Civil Engineering Construction Management

Course A D31PT Project Management Theory and Practice

Course B D31VR Value and Management

Course C D20DS Indeterminate Structures

Course D D21ST Sustainability in Civil Engineering

Course E D31PS Project Management Strategic Issues

Course F D31PZ Construction Financial Management

Course G D21FE Foundation Engineering

Course H D21UD Urban Drainage and Water Supply

D21RZ Research Dissertation

PgDip/MSc Safety and Risk Management

Course A D21RA Risk Assessment and Safety Management

Course B D21HM Human Factors Methods

Course C D31PT Project Management Theory and Practice

Course D D31VR Value and Risk Management

Course E B51GH Environmental Impact Assessment

Course F D21CR Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms

Course G D21FR Fire Safety, Explosions and Process Safety

Course H D21LD learning from Disasters


PgDip/MSc Safety Risk & Reliability Engineering

Course A D21RA Risk Assessment and Safety Management

Course B D21HM Human Factors Methods

Course C D21DA Data Analysis and simulation

Course D D21SY Systems Reliability

Course E B51GH Environmental Impact Assessment

Course F D21SR Safety, Risk and Reliability

Course G D21FR Fire Safety, Explosions and Process Safety

Course H D21LD Learning from Disasters


Research Dissertation Students studying on RICS accredited MSc programmes CPM and, REIF September 2014 will have a Heriot- Watt supervisor allocated when they have successfully completed their taught courses and elect to formally commence their Research Dissertation. The new structure does not allow for students to work on their Research Dissertation in semester 3 in years 1 and 2 of their programme. Students will only be allowed to elect to formally commence their Research Dissertation following completion of the eight taught courses and a formal progress to Research Dissertation decision from a formal Progression Board. Once a student is ready to commence work on their Research Dissertation they must complete the ‘Declaration of Intent to Start Research Dissertation’ form and return it to their respective ALP Centre. Students must select on the form which of the Research Dissertation deadlines they will meet based on the allowable 24 week period for preparing this. There are three submission dates per academic year-One around March, August and November/December. Please see forms section.

5 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Programme structures This section explains the structure of the BSc programmes and highlights some key information relating to programme duration and timescales. These programmes are for existing/continuing students only.

BSc Programme structures

• Quantity Surveying

• Facilities Management

• Construction Project Management All the above BSc programmes follow a common structure for delivery and comprise eight prescribed University courses.

KEY POINTS

• The BSc programmes consist of 7 examined courses and 1 coursework courses

• Once a student is registered for a course they have until the end of week 3 to deregister

themselves from the course, otherwise they are required to complete it in that semester

• All students are required to enrol with the University every September to remain on the

programme

• Resits will run in the same semester as the course runs on-campus, therefore if a student

fails a course then it may delay the opportunity to graduate at the earliest opportunity

Students who are required to resit a course MUST do so at the next available opportunity. If the resit opportunity is not taken the student will be deemed to have failed through absence and will face being withdrawn from their programme by the board of examiners.

Key to programme courses These tables show the arrangement of courses for each of the programmes. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

BSc Construction Project Management Semester Assessment Method

D39TA Construction Technology 3 1 100% exam

D39MS Safety Management & Site Establishment

1 100% exam

D39IP Project Planning & Implementation 2 100% exam

D39IQ Decision Making in Construction 2 100% exam

D39BU Business Management in the Built Environment

2 100% exam

D39CC Design Cost Planning & Control 1 100% exam

D39DC Design for Construction 3 100% coursework

D39PZ Contracts and Procurement 3 100% exam

BSc Quantity Surveying Semester Assessment Method

D39TA Construction Technology 3 1 100% exam


1 100% exam

D39MC Measurement & Cost Evaluation 2 100% exam



2 100% exam

D39CC Design Cost Planning & Control 1 100% exam

D39DC Design for Construction 3 100% coursework

D39PZ Contracts and Procurement 3 100% exam

BSc Facilities Management Semester Assessment Method

D39FM Facilities Management Principles 1 100% exam


1 100% exam

D39BR Building Refurbishment & Maintenance

2 100% exam



2 100% exam

D39BI Building Pathology and Inspection 1 100% exam

D39AM Asset Maintenance Management 3 100% coursework D39PZ Contracts and Procurement 3 100% exam

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES NOT RECRUITING NEW STUDENTS AND IN ‘TEACH OUT’ BSc Building Surveying BSc Real Estate Management BEng/BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering The University is no longer recruiting to these programmes through its Approved Learning Partners and they are in “teach out” mode for the remaining students who have not yet completed their programme. The Approved Learning Partner and Heriot-Watt University are committed to supporting students on these programmes who are still within the allowable period of registration. Students on these programmes should consult the ALP for a plan for completion that will be agreed with the University for the remaining courses. The following programmes are delivered in a ‘3’ +’3’+ ‘2’ delivery pattern, each course is completed in a single semester:

BSc Building Surveying

D39TA Construction Technology 3 Sem 1

D39MS Safety Management & Site Establishment Sem 1

D39BR Building Refurbishment & Maintenance Sem 2

D39IQ Decision Making in Construction Sem 2

D39BU Business Management in the Built Environment Sem 2

D39BI Building Pathology and Inspection Sem 1

D39DC Design for Construction Sem 3

D39PZ Contracts and Procurement Sem 3

BEng Architectural Engineering Year 3

D19CX Critical Architectural Studies Sem 1

D19EL Electrical and Lighting Services for Buildings Sem 1

D19SO Design Software Applications Sem 1

D19EB Energy and Buildings Sem 2

D19TP Thermal Performance Studies Sem 2

D19DI Design Issues Sem 2

D39FM Facilities Management Principles Sem 3

D39PZ Contracts and Procurement Sem 3

Heriot-Watt University reserves the right to update course structures and learning materials from time to time and will ensure that advance notification concerning changes is provided to students on the relevant section of the University website. It is the responsibility of students to check the website, particularly if they are returning to studies after a period during which their studies have been in abeyance.

6. Examinations, transferring to on-campus and Withdrawing from the Programme

6.1 Examination Process

A team of Heriot-Watt University approved lecturers (Course Subject Examiners) prepare each course examination paper. The draft paper is then passed to a Course Academic Reviewer who is responsible for checking the balance of the paper. Following this procedure, the paper is then proof read (by an Approved Proof-Reader). The final stage is for the paper to be sent to an External Examiner (i.e. a senior academic in another university) for comments on the content and level of the questions. Subject to the comments received from the External Examiner’s, the examination papers are then printed in their final booklets. When all the examinations have been completed, student’s examination scripts are returned to Heriot-Watt University. The examination scripts are then marked by Approved Markers and are internally moderated by Approved Examiners (who are specialists in that discipline). A Board of Examiners is then convened and the results reviewed and approved. Following the Board of Examiners’ meeting, students are informed of the grade that they have obtained in a particular course. No further details about individual examination performance are given to students and any requests shall be turned down. Subject to subsequent appeals, the Board’s decision is final and there is no automatic right to a further remark of any script.

6.2 Mitigating Circumstances The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastucture and Society has set out the following procedures that must be adhered to by all students submitting Mitigating Circumstances prior to and at examination diets. The university Mitigating Circumstance Policy is available at

http://www1.hw.ac.uk/committees/ltb/resources/mc-policy.pdf

Acceptable Circumstances

1.1 Circumstances that would normally be recognised as grounds for consideration of mitigating circumstances might include:

• Illness or accident affecting the student • Bereavement – death of a close relative or significant other • Significant adverse personal or family circumstances • Other significant exceptional factors that are outside the student’s control (e.g. Jury

Service, although student assessments would normally be a reason for a student to be permitted to stand down), or for which there is evidence of stress caused

• Circumstances affecting the University’s ability to schedule, set or deliver courses and/or assessments, including marking of assessments, e.g. staff participation in industrial action, or problems affecting infrastructure or IT systems

• Severe adverse weather, political unrest or natural disaster

Unacceptable Circumstances 1.2 Events or circumstances that would not normally be considered grounds for

consideration of mitigating circumstances include:

• Holidays or other events that were planned or could reasonably have been expected

• Assessments that are scheduled close together or on the same day, or that clash due to incorrect registration by the student

• Misreading the timetable for examinations or otherwise misunderstanding the requirements for assessment

• Inadequate planning or time management • Last-minute or careless travel arrangements • Consequences of paid employment • Exam stress or panic attacks not supported by medical evidence

1.3 Approved absences 1.3.1 Although not usually approved as a matter of course, there are also situations in which students can apply for an approved absence such as religious and cultural observance (for further guidance refer to the University’s Religious and Cultural Observance Statement: http://www.hw.ac.uk/policy/students/religious-and-cultural-observance.pdf , representing the University at a national event, or participating in some other significant/prestigious event.

1.3.2 In all cases students must, in advance of the event, contact their mentor and seek approval from the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Studies Committee. By approving an absence the School agrees to consider other mechanisms for making an assessment within a reasonable timescale. All students must submit their Mitigating Circumstance form and supporting documentation within twenty-one days of the end of the examination diet. Medical Certificates Photocopied or faxed versions of Medical Certificates are not permitted and will not be accepted by the Board of Examiners. The Registered Medical Practitioner (Doctor/Medical Specialist/Nurse) must sign and date all Medical Certificates. It must also be stamped with the medical practitioners’ seal. The authorisation signature must be legible. A completed Mitigating Circumstance Form, must accompany all original Medical Certificates. A Medical Certificate that is not accompanied by this form will not be accepted. Students must indicate the exact date and the time period for which the Medical Certificate is to apply and to sign the attached form that the information contained is accurate. Students must indicate for which course examination(s) their Medical Certificate is to apply. The Registered Medical Practitioner is required to indicate whether the student is incapable, or otherwise, of undertaking an examination and verify the dates and time which the student was incapable of undertaking the examinations. If this is not indicated, the Medical Certificate will not be accepted. Only in exceptional or extraordinary circumstances will more than two medical certificates be accepted.

6.3 Procedure If students have failed a course they should obtain a Resit Application for Examinations form from their Approved Learning Partner office or from the website. A separate fee is charged.

6.4 Failure in Examinations A failure in an examination demonstrates a lack of knowledge in the subject content for that course. Undergraduates can, with the permission of the exam board, be reassessed in a course up to 4 times as outlined below. Postgraduates are permitted one reassessment per course in a maximum of 3 courses

6.4.1 MSc and Postgraduate Diploma students can only receive 3 resits in total across all 8 courses. There can be no more than one reassessment in any given course. So if a student fails a course after two opportunities, it will be the decision of the Progression Exam Board as to whether a student will be allowed to continue or NOT to the Postgraduate Certificate or be exited from the programme

6.4.2 First Failure Undergraduate

If undergraduate students fail an examination at their first opportunity they are permitted a resit examination at the next available examination diet. There is a fee for each examination attempt following the first attempt of each course.

6.4.3 Second Failure Undergraduate

Students are allowed two attempts to pass any particular course. If students receive an F grade at their second opportunity they will not be allowed to re-sit. They must wait for the Progression Exam Board to make a decision as to whether the student will be permitted to repeat and re-attend the course or be withdrawn. If this is agreed that the student should repeat and re-attend, then the student will have a further two attempts to pass this course. There will be a full course cost charge for this re-attendance.

6.4.4 Third Failure Undergraduate

Where a student has re-attend classes, a further opportunity to resit is granted

6.4.5 Fourth Failure Undergraduate

If a student has failed a particular course on four occasions the examboard will require them to be withdrawn from the course.

6.5 Appeals

6.5.1 The Appeals Process An Academic appeal may be made where there is evidence to show one or more of the following: - Performance was affected by special circumstances that a student could not

report at the time for valid reasons, and that special circumstances have not been taken into account in making the relevant academic decision or before the deliberations of the relevant Board of Examiners;

- Staff or bodies have not followed approved regulations and procedures; - There has been a material lack of clarity on the part of the university which has

affected the performance of the student; - Staff or bodies have not acted fairly towards a student by showing bias in the way

they have made the relevant academic decision. 6.5.2 Invalid Grounds for Appeal

The University will not consider an academic appeal where it can be shown that; - The academic decision against which the appeal is directed has yet to be made

or, if made, has yet to be confirmed or published; - The student did not understand or was not aware of the published assessment

regulations and procedures for a course or programme, as relevant to the case; - The student was not aware of the published procedures for presenting special

circumstances to the Board of Examiners which the university provides for all students;

- The appeal has been made on the grounds of special circumstances without there being any relevant written medical or other evidence to show why it should be considered (e.g. medical or death certificates, counsellor’s letter, crime report); Evidence from parents or friends is not considered to be independent, and may not be deemed sufficient to verify the circumstances claimed;

- The academic appeal is based on evidence that relates to alleged ill-health or other special circumstances that could have been reported at the time they occurred, but were not, and the student is unable to provide a valid reason for not having provided the evidence at the time; Circumstances they would not normally be considered grounds for appeal include;

• Holidays or other events that were planned or could have reasonably been expected to coincide with the assessment;

• Assessments that were scheduled close together or on the same day, or that a clash due to incorrect enrolment by the student;

• Misreading the timetable for examinations or otherwise misunderstanding the requirements for the assessment

• Inadequate planning or time management

• Last-minute careless travel arrangement;

• Consequence of paid employment

• Examination stress or panic attacks not supported by medical evidence;

• Grounds of an unspecific or generic nature or uncorroborated nature such as no medical evidence being presented;

- Students are instructed to bring evidence of special circumstances to the

attention of the relevant body prior to assessment in relation to the evidence course or programme. In order to establish special circumstances as grounds for an appeal there must be a compelling and substantiated reason why the student has been unable to comply with this procedure;

• The student, when claiming he or she suffered disturbance or illness during an examination, did not report the circumstances to the invigilator before leaving the examination hall, nor did he or she report the circumstances in writing before the meeting of the board of examiners;

• The appeal is in disagreement with the academic judgement of a board of examiners in assessing the merits of academic work, or in reaching a progression decision or on a final classification for an award, which has been reached in accordance with the published regulations and procedures;

• The appeal is on the grounds that the provision of teaching or guidance affected academic performance. In such circumstances a student must submit a complaint in accordance with the Student Complaint Policy and Procedures;

• Grounds considered at a subsequent stage in the process differ from those submitted at the first stage or he same case is raised again at the first stage with different grounds ( unless the grounds relate to procedural irregularities in the conduct of the appeal at a previous stage);

• Evidence is put forward to support the appeal can be shown to have been dishonestly acquired or is itself dishonest;

• The substance of the appeal can be shown to relate to a matter that is in progress or has already been the subject of an academic appeal by the student;

• The appeal is received after the deadline without good cause. An appeal which is rejected on the grounds that it was received after the deadline may not then be escalated to the next stage of appeal. Failure on the part of a student to keep the university informed of address details, thereby causing a delay or failure in the delivery of examination results, does not constitute grounds for an appeal;

• The appeal was not submitted on the relevant Appeal form;

• The appeal is considered to be vexatious or frivolous. In such cases the University will provide reasons in writing to the student as to why the appeal is considered an abuse of the process but will not enter into a lengthy correspondence about such cases. Any appeal considered to be vexatious or frivolous may lead to disciplinary action being taken by the University.

- The university appeals policy and relevant documentation can be found at

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/appeals.htm

6.6 Student Complaints Procedure

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society encourages a positive environment, where contact with, and feedback from students is both welcomed and encouraged. We also realise that from time to time mistakes can occur and arrangements can be improved upon. We welcome student feedback on where we can improve to make your learning and your learning environment better. Though we hope that students will have no need to raise a concern or complaint, students should also be aware that there is a formal Complaints Procedure that applies equally to those who study through Approved Learning Partners. Full information can be found at; http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/complaints.htm To help digest this document, we provide the following summary: A complaint is defined “as any concern a student might have relating to the University including concerns about the provision or a programme of study, academic related matter, service or facility provided by the University.” There are a number of stages involved in a Complaints Procedure, please read the procedure details at http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/complaints.htm

Informal Direct Complaint at Source Most concerns can be resolved by dealing directly with the person involved. Therefore, we would encourage students to raise their concerns directly with their tutor at their Approved Learning Partner. If, however, students either (a) feel unable to approach their tutor or programme director, or, (b) are not satisfied with the response received, we would encourage students to contact the Director of Studies-ALP at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society in the first instance. The Director of Studies-ALP will then aim to resolve the matter without the having to make it a matter for the Head of School, unless deemed necessary.

6.7 Transferring to On-Campus Courses 6.8.1 Introduction Students may decide part way through their studies that they would like to complete them by transferring to a full-time on-campus course. This is possible provided that they have passed a complete stage of their studies. Students could, for example, transfer to Year 4 of the equivalent Construction Management and Surveying on-campus degree course when they have completed Stage 3 of the Programme and have complied with the progression requirements.

6.8.2 Difficulties

Students should not consider transferring to an on-campus course without very careful consideration. There are considerable difficulties in adjusting to a new mode of study in a new country that has a different culture. It can be very expensive to study in the United Kingdom. In very broad semesters, it will cost them at least £16,000 per year to stay on-campus and pay for their course. Thus students have to be absolutely certain that they want to do so and that it will be in their own best interests.

6.8.3 The Honours Year There is no automatic right of progression onto an Honours year. The student’s eligibility to be admitted to the Honours year is subject to fulfilment of the requirements of eligibility for an award of degree in one of the above degree pathways and satisfying the entry requirements into the Honours pathway chosen, and at the discretion of the admissions office and Head of the School of the Built Environment.

6.8.4 Class contact The honours year still involves attending lectures, tutorial and workshops but the actual class contact time at this level is fairly small, so students spend a lot of time working on their own. In the case of the CMS and Urban studies course 50% of the Honours year is taken up with dissertation and project work.

6.9 Argument and discussion When students do join their colleagues they will be expected to argue and discuss with them the issues that they have come across in their studies. Students will be expected to have their own views and to defend them vigorously. This type of learning can be difficult for some students. This is especially true if they are from a culture where it is not usual to challenge the views and opinions of older people. Nonetheless, such a learning experience is highly valuable in developing their critical facilities. The ability to examine a problem in some depth and to advance a balanced argument is greatly valued by employers.

6.10 Structure

Heriot-Watt’s academic year is broken down into three 14 week semesters. The first semester runs from September to December, the second semester from January to May and a third semester from May to August.

6.11 Grading

The British honours degree system is a way of grading students’ degree results. Some degrees are classified into ‘ordinary’ and ‘honours’. The distinction is a fine one but ordinary degrees generally include less material and they may demand a less analytical approach than do Honour year degrees. Honours degree is also usually divided into ‘classes’.

The UK honours classification system is summarised below. The highest award is a first class honours degree. First class honours degree is normally only awarded to students who obtain an average of 70% or more in their final year examinations. Only a small proportion of students gain a first class honours degree and few employers demand it as a condition of employment.

Class of degree Average mark

normally required

Comment

%

1 (or first) 70+ Few awarded; highly prestigious. A career as a university lecturer is assured. Very rarely required for other jobs.

2.1 (or upper second)

60-69

Considered to be a very good honours degree. Normally required for university lecturers and some jobs in government. Many other employers now demand an award at this level. The number of ‘2.1s’ being awarded has increased in recent years.

2.2 (or lower second)

50-59

Regarded as a good honours degree. Students should feel comfortable if they receive such an award.

3 (or third)

40-49 An award at this level is not highly regarded, although it does not rule out a successful career. Nonetheless, if students are likely to get a third it might be best for them to graduate with an ordinary degree.

Many UK universities still record the performance of students on a percentage basis using the scheme outlined above. Heriot-Watt now uses an alphabetical grading system but this does not necessarily equate to the percentages shown above. Grade A is the equivalent of first class honours, Grade B an upper second, Grade C a lower second, and Grade D a third. An overall Grade E would mean that students were awarded ‘a degree with honours’, and Grade F would be a fail.

6.12 The Cost of Studying in Scotland

It is not cheap to study in the UK. Students from non-European Union countries are charged a full tuition fee. The fee for the academic year 2013-2014 for a non-engineering undergraduate course £9000. Other costs to be taken into account include travel to and from Scotland, accommodation, food, books and stationery, clothes, bus fares and personal expenditure. It is difficult to give a precise figure for such costs because it depends on the type of accommodation students choose and how much they spend. As a general guide, it is suggested that students should allow for at least £6,500 for the academic year September to May for this type of expenditure. Thus the total cost for a year on-campus in Scotland could easily amount to about £16,000 to £17,000 (excluding travel costs to Edinburgh). This is a very large sum of money and students should balance the costs against the benefits. Students will also incur travelling costs in getting to and from Edinburgh. Such costs will obviously vary depending from which country they come.

6.13 Travelling to Scotland The Heriot-Watt academic year normally begins in the middle of September. Students are normally advised to arrive in Scotland a week earlier in order to give themselves time to settle in and to take part in the Registration process. Edinburgh is an hour’s flight time away from London Heathrow and slightly longer from London Gatwick. If students come via London then they can either fly or take the train or the bus (the bus is the cheapest). The airport, railway station and the bus station in Edinburgh are all within less than 12 km from the Riccarton campus. When they first arrive in Edinburgh they are advised to take a taxi to the campus; this should cost no more than about £15.

6.14 Accommodation On-Campus

Accommodation is reserved for overseas students on-campus provided that a reservation has been made by mid- September. Catered and non-catered accommodation is available and there are single and double rooms (including some that have en-suite facilities). You should go the Heriot-Watt University website for further information.

6.15 Medical and Dental Services Facilities

All students are automatically registered with the University Health Service on the Riccarton campus. Undergraduate and post graduate students undertaking a course of more than six months are entitled to free medical treatment available under the British Health Service, although there are some items that have to be paid for e.g. prescriptions for medicines.

6.16 Applying for a Transfer If students are interested in transferring to an on-campus degree course they should make a provisional application by 1 May (students can only transfer in October). Once students know that that they have successfully completed the BSc, they should confirm their interest by writing to the ALP Programme Director as soon as possible, since the accommodation arrangements have to be confirmed by 1 September at the latest. A transfer application form (“Course Transfer Form”) is available on the website.

6.17 Withdrawing From a Programme

Students may find that their Programme is not suitable for them and they may decide to withdraw from it. Students should think very carefully before they do withdraw. If they do so, it may well be that sometime later they decide that they would like to continue with their studies. Students would then have to re-matriculate on to the Programme. Before making a final decision about withdrawing, therefore, students should discuss their situation with their ALP representative. If students do decide to withdraw from their programme they are required to complete a Programme Withdrawal form. This form should be returned to your centre. Students must also enclose their matriculation card.

6.18 Change of Degree

All students must immediately inform EGIS through their ALP using a Programme Transfer form if they wish to change their programme of study.

Students must inform us of any change prior to their registration for their next diet of examinations.

Any student who does not inform EGIS of their degree change prior to their next examinations will automatically be assumed to be studying for the degree on which they are registered.

6.19 Award of Degree

In order to be awarded a BSc students are normally required to have passed eight courses at stage 3. Postgraduates must pass eight courses and have an overall average C grade in-order to progress to Masters.

6.20 Research Dissertations/ Research Projects and Dissertations Students should refer to the dissertation course material on Vision. In the first instance, students should contact their local supervisor for guidance on this process for their particular programme. Students are required to submit via Turnitin on Vision. Dissertation submission dates can be found on page 2.

6.21 School Resource Centre

The School Resource Centre is on the top floor of the Edwin Chadwick building, Rooms 2.04, 2.05 and 2.06. Students visiting the School may make use of these facilities.

6.22 Computing facilities

The University has a Virtual Learning Environment which provides on-line tailored access to learning materials, collaborative areas, forums, electronic submission of assignments and much more. VISION (Virtual Student Information Organisation Network) can be accessed here: https://vision.hw.ac.uk/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_61_1 (or by going to the university website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/students/index.htm then clicking on the link to VISION) using the username and password noted on the Mail Server Password Form.

6.23 E-mail communication

Students will be sent a username and password they can use to access their Heriot-Watt e-mail account. Students should periodically check this e-mail account as Course Leaders may use this to contact them directly. Students should only use this email address if they are contacting the university for any reason.

6.24 Course and programme feedback questionnaires.

At the end of delivery of each course, students are asked to fill a questionnaire to give feedback on the material used in the courses and the quality of the delivery process. At the end of the academic year, students are asked to give feedback on the relevant year of study including contents, delivery, assessment, etc. This feedback is used by course leaders and Programme Directors to determine issues that need to be addressed. Feedback is also discussed at Student-Staff Committees.

6.25 Health and Safety Policy Statement

This information relates to students while visiting the School: The principal aim of our policy is to encourage the development and the maintenance of a health and safety culture of the highest level amongst all employees and students within the School. This will be achieved through the provision and maintenance of a healthy and safe work environment for everyone and will apply to all locations for which the School has a responsibility as well as to the equipment/facilities provided and the associated safe working systems and procedures that must be adopted.

The School will also provide such information, training and supervision as is deemed necessary in support of the above. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities. We cannot be held responsible for unreasonable behaviour that puts people at risk. It is assumed that each person within the School is sufficiently responsible to act with a degree of competence in-keeping with their prior experience and qualifications. The allocation of duties for health and safety matters and the particular arrangements that we will make to implement the policy are set out in the School Health and Safety Policy document which you can access on the School website www.sbe.hw.ac.uk Please note that all employees and students will be asked to confirm in writing that they have read, fully understood and will comply with the policy as detailed in this document. The experiences gained through the operation of the policy will be reviewed annually and where appropriate the School Health and Safety policy document will be amended.

7. References and Bibliography

It is a sign of strength rather than weakness to acknowledge the source of the information and ideas in a piece of writing. This should be done in two ways:

• by referring to source material in the text of the essay or report itself; by including a reference list at the end.

The reasons for requiring references are:

• to know how widely you have read

• so that those reading or listening to your work can, if they wish, check that facts have been reported accurately, follow up opinions or arguments referred to, or find out more about the topic from another source;

• so that a judgement can be made about the skill with which other writings or information are being used to construct arguments in the essay.

It is also important to reference other work accurately to avoid any suspicion of plagiarism (see section 8)

References to sources should take this form: "Burnett (1978) reports that demographers believe the cause of the population

explosion to be..." or

"State intervention in housing before 1914 had limited achievements such as the construction of sewerage systems and regulations for house construction and design. Nineteenth century legislation certainly helped to eradicate the worst manifestations of the existing slums and made the construction of new slums more and more difficult' (Merrett,1979). But there was a scarcity of decent housing at a price working class people could afford".

You must include a list of references at the end of an essay or report. This should

list in alphabetical order by author the reading material which has been referred to in the essay or report. Anything which may have provided useful background information without being specifically referred to may be included in a separate list of “other material read”. References must provide details of title, author, date, publisher, and place of publication. For articles in periodicals, provide the title of the article, title of the periodical, volume, number and page numbers or article. The School requires references to take this form:

For books:

Burnett, J. (1978), A Social History of Housing, 1815-1970, (London: Methuen.) Merrett, S. (1979), State Housing in Britain, (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.)

For chapters in books:

Christie, I and Jarvis, L (2001) ‘How green are our values?’ pp 131-158 in A Park et al (ed) British Social Attitudes: Public Policy, Social Ties (London: Sage)

For articles:

Le Grand, J (1997) ‘Knights, knaves or pawns? Human behaviour and social policy’ Journal of Social Policy 26, 149-169

For Government publications:

Scottish Office Development Department (SODD) (1998), National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 8 revised, Town Centres and Retailing, Edinburgh, Scottish Office.

For web-based material: The full web address should be given as well as title, author and date searched eg: The Scottish Executive (2003) Housing procurement forum http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/?pageID=231 (accessed 5.09.03) Referencing is made easier by keeping a record of works consulted in the required format. Be careful to reference all the material mentioned in the text. This means that every author or report referred to in the text, even if not actually read, should be in the list of references. Note that, in principle, you should not cite references which you have not read.

8. STUDENT GUIDE TO PLAGIARISM

Introduction 1.1. This guide is intended to provide students at Heriot-Watt University with a clear

definition of plagiarism and examples of how to avoid it. 1.2. The guide may also be of use to members of staff who seek to advise students on

the various issues outlined below.

Definition 1.3. Plagiarism involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or inventions of another

person and using these as if they were one’s own, whether intentionally or not. Plagiarism occurs where there is no acknowledgement that the writings or ideas belong to or have come from another source.

1.4. Most academic writing involves building on the work of others and this is acceptable

as long as their contribution is identified and fully acknowledged. It is not wrong in itself to use the ideas, writings or inventions of others, provided that whoever does so is honest about acknowledging the source of that information. Many aspects of plagiarism can be simply avoided through proper referencing. However, plagiarism extends beyond minor errors in referencing the work of others and also includes the reproduction of an entire paper or passage of work or of the ideas and views contained in such pieces of work.

Good Practice 1.5. Academic work is almost always drawn from other published information

supplemented by the writer’s own ideas, results or findings. Thus drawing from other work is entirely acceptable, but it is unacceptable not to acknowledge such work. Conventions or methods for making acknowledgements can vary slightly from subject to subject, and students should seek the advice of staff in their own School/Institute about ways of doing this. Generally, referencing systems fall into the Harvard (where the text citation is by author and date) and numeric (where the text citation is by using a number). Both systems refer readers to a list at the end of the piece of work where sufficient information is provided to enable the reader to locate the source for themselves.

1.6. When a student undertakes a piece of work that involves drawing on the writings or

ideas of others, they must ensure that they acknowledge each contribution in the following manner:

• Citations: when a direct quotation, a figure, a general idea or other piece of information is taken from another source, the work and its source must be acknowledged and identified where it occurs in the text;

• Quotations: inverted commas must always be used to identify direct quotations, and the source of the quotation must be cited;

• References: the full details of all references and other sources must be listed in a section at the end of any piece of work, such as an essay, together with the full publication details. This is normally referred to as a “List of References” and it must include details of any and all sources of information that the student has referred to in producing their work. (This is slightly different to a Bibliography, which may also contain references and sources which, although not directly referred to in your work, you consulted in producing your work).

1.7. Students may wish to refer to the following examples which illustrate the basic

principles of plagiarism and how students might avoid it in their work by using some very simple techniques:

1.7.1. Example 1: A Clear Case of Plagiarism

Examine the following example in which a student has simply inserted a passage of text (in italics) into their work directly from a book they have read:

University and college managers should consider implementing strategic frameworks if they wish to embrace good management standards. One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action. Managers are employed to resolve these issues effectively.

This is an example of bad practice as the student makes no attempt to distinguish the passage they have inserted from their own work. Thus, this constitutes a clear case of plagiarism. Simply changing a few key words in such a passage of text (e.g. replace ‘problems’ with ‘difficulties’) does not make it the student’s work and it is still considered to be an act of plagiarism.

1.7.2. Common Mistakes Students may also find the following examples1 of common plagiarism mistakes made by other students useful when reflecting on their own work:

• “I thought it would be okay as long as I included the source in my bibliography” [without indicating a quotation had been used in the text]

• “I made lots of notes for my essay and couldn't remember where I found the information”

• “I thought it would be okay to use material that I had purchased online”

• “I thought it would be okay to copy the text if I changed some of the words into my own”

• “I thought that plagiarism only applied to essays, I didn't know that it also applies to oral presentations/group projects etc”

• “I thought it would be okay just to use my tutor's notes”

• “I didn't think that you needed to reference material found on the web”

• “I left it too late and just didn't have time to reference my sources”

None of the above are acceptable reasons for failing to acknowledge the use of others’ work and thereby constitute plagiarism.

1.8. What follows are examples of the measures that students should employ in order to

correctly cite the words, thought or ideas of others that have influenced their work:

1.8.1. Example 2: Quoting the work of others

If a student wishes to cite a passage of text in order to support their own work, the correct way of doing so is to use quotation marks (e.g. “ “) to show that the passage is someone else’s work, as follows:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action”.

1.8.2. Example 3: Referencing the work of others

In addition to using quotation marks as above, students must also use a text citation. If the work being cited is a book, page numbers would also normally be required. Thus, using the Harvard system for a book:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Jones, 2001, p121).

The same reference could also be made to a book using the numeric system:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Ref.1, p121).

More often, a piece of work will have multiple references and this serves to show an examiner that the student is drawing from a number of sources. For

1 Extract from ‘Plagiarism at the University of Essex’ advice copyrighted and published by the Learning, Teaching and Quality Unit at the University of Essex (http://www.essex.ac.uk/plagiarism/common_excuses.htm), reproduced with kind permission.

example, articles by Brown and by Smith may be cited as follows in the Harvard system “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Brown, 1991], whereas more modern writers [Smith, 2002] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”. or as follows using the numeric system: “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Ref 1], whereas more modern writers [Ref 2] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”.

1.8.3. Example 4: Use of reference lists Whichever system is used, a list must be included at the end, which allows the reader to locate the works cited for themselves. The Internet is also an increasingly popular source of information for students and details must again be provided. You should adhere to the following guidelines in all cases where you reference the work of others: If the source is a book, the required information is as follows:

• Author’s name(s)

• Year of Publication

• Title of Book

• Place of Publication

• Publishers Name

• All Page Numbers cited

• Edition (if more than one, e.g. 3rd edition, 2001)

If the source is an article in a journal or periodical, the required information is as follows:



• Title of Journal

• Volume and part number

• Page numbers for the article

If the source is from the Internet, the required information is as follows:

• Author’s or Institution’s name (“Anon”, if not known)

• Title of Document

• Date last accessed by student

• Full URL (e.g. http://www.lib.utk.edu /instruction/plagiarism/)

• Affiliation of author, if given (e.g. University of Tennessee)

The way in which the information is organised can vary, and there are some types of work (for example edited volumes and conference proceedings) where the required information is slightly different. Essentially, though, it is your responsibility to make it clear where you are citing references within your work and what the source is within your reference list. Failure to do so is an act of plagiarism.

1.9. Students are encouraged to use a style of acknowledgement that is appropriate to

their own academic discipline and should seek advice from their mentor, course leader or other appropriate member of academic staff. There are also many reference sources available in the University Library which will provide useful guidance on referencing styles.

Managing Plagiarism 1.10. Students, supervisors and institutions have a joint role in ensuring that plagiarism is

avoided in all areas of academic activity. Each role is outlined below as follows:

How you can ensure that you avoid plagiarism in your work:

• Take responsibility for applying the above principles of best practice and integrity within all of your work

• Be aware that your written work will be checked for plagiarism and that all incidents of plagiarism, if found, are likely to result in severe disciplinary action by the University. The standard penalty is to annul all assessments taken in the same diet of examinations (for details please refer to Regulation 50 at http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf and to the Guidelines for Staff and Students on Discipline at http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/Discipline.php).

How your School/Institute will help you to avoid plagiarism:

• Highlight written guidance on how you can avoid plagiarism and provide you with supplementary, verbal guidance wherever appropriate

• Regularly check student work to ensure that plagiarism has not taken place. This may involve both manual and electronic methods of checking. A number of plagiarism detection packages are in use at Heriot-Watt University, one example being the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) “TurnitIn” plagiarism detection software. See https://submit.ac.uk/static_jisc/ac_uk_index.html for more information on how this software package works.

• Alert you to the procedures that will apply should you be found to have committed or be suspected of having committed an act of plagiarism and explain how further action will be taken in accordance with University policy and procedures.

How the University will endeavour to reduce student plagiarism:

• Provide clear written guidance on what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it directly to your School/Institute and to you

• Alert you and staff in your School/Institute to the penalties employed when dealing with plagiarism cases

• Take steps to ensure that a consistent approach is applied when dealing with cases of suspected plagiarism across the institution

Further details can be found at TurnItin and Academic Integrity (Plagiarism) resources available at; http://www.hw.ac.uk/edu/vle/academic-integrity.html

We take the issue of academic dishonesty very seriously and routinely

investigate cases where students have plagiarised and apply appropriate penalties in all proven cases.

9 Additional Charges Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Exam Fee £35 Reassessment fee £35 Academic Transcript (other than end of session) £10 Replacement Student ID card £10 Intermediate Award Fee £45 Graduation Fee (in Edinburgh) £45 Replacement Degree Certificate £45 Note: Non-payment of fees may lead to suspension of studies or exclusion All fees are subject to revision

10. Useful Forms

Heriot-Watt University PART A: Application for Consideration of Mitigating Circumstances (MC)

Request for medical and/or mitigating personal circumstances to be presented to the Mitigating Circumstances Committee.

Instructions PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY USING BLACK INK AND SIGN, OR EDIT USING MICROSOFT WORD, PRINT AND SIGN. This application for consideration of mitigating circumstances should be submitted in hard copy, accompanied by the appropriate evidence (unless submitted previously), to the School Office in the student’s home School as soon as possible and ideally within five working days of the events under consideration for on-campus students, or as agreed by your home School. All material must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked ‘Mitigating Circumstances Private and confidential’. You are advised to keep a copy of the completed form for your own records.

Your details

Name

Student Number

Email

Postal Address

Your programme

Degree programme

Place of study

Mentor

Year of study

Period covered by mitigating circumstances

From:

To:

Courses and Assessments Affected

Course Code

Course Title / Assessment Title Dates

Details of mitigating circumstances Please provide a description of the mitigating circumstances that may have affected your performance in the above courses or assessments. Please state what aspect/s of the courses or assessments you feel have been affected. Please use an additional sheet if necessary.

Documentary evidence Please list all the documentation provided in support of your claim. The documentation should be stapled to this form and submitted in a sealed enveloped marked ‘Mitigating Circumstances, Private and confidential’. Medical claims should be supported by a medical certificate; other claims should be supported by appropriate documentation, e.g. police reports, death certificate. For further guidance refer to the University’s Mitigating Circumstances Policy (http://www.hw.ac.uk/committees/ltb/ltb-policies.htm) or to your programme/School Handbook. Any details of a confidential nature may be placed in a sealed enveloped marked ‘Confidential for the Chair of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee’ and securely attached to this form, which should be submitted to the School Office.

Your signature I declare that the information contained in this statement is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I consent to the information being used by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee and understand that the information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Signed:

Date:

35

PART B: Outcome of Application for Consideration of Mitigating Circumstances To the Student: Your School will notify you via email if your application has been unsuccessful. Please note that all email correspondence will be sent to your Heriot-Watt email address and will be provided as soon as possible following the meeting of the Board of Examiners and publication of exam results. Note that decisions 3-6 below, and possibly also 7, indicate an unsuccessful application. For further information regarding the decision, please contact your School Office. To the Chair of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee: As a minimum requirement, the recommendation marked on this form will be shared with the student following the decision of the Board of Examiners in circumstances where the application has been unsuccessful (decisions 3-6, possibly also 7).

Recommendation of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee (please circle one: 1-7)

1 The mitigating circumstances presented are sufficient, on the basis of the evidence provided, to support a change in degree classification or a change in decision regarding progression. Our recommendation is:

2 In the light of the candidate’s overall assessment profile, there are sufficient grounds to conclude that the candidate’s performance in the relevant assessment/s had been adversely affected, but not to such a degree as to materially affect the degree class/award or the progression decision. Our recommendation is:

3 In the light of the candidate’s overall assessment profile, there are insufficient grounds to conclude that the candidate’s performance in the relevant assessment/s would have been significantly different in the absence of the mitigating circumstances presented.

4 The mitigating circumstances presented are of such a minor nature that they are unlikely to have influenced the student’s performance in the relevant assessments.

5 No evidence is presented in support of this application.

6 The circumstances presented are not accepted as justification for special consideration in accordance with the Mitigating Circumstances Policy: http://www1.hw.ac.uk/committees/ltb/ltb-policies.htm#M

7 Other (please specify)

Signed: (Chair of the Mitigating Circumstances Committee)

Date:

Name of School:

36

Amendment to Registration Form Approval by School/Institute

Student Name: Registration No.:

School/Institute: Date of First Registration:

Course Year of Study:

Specify length of study already completed: (in months) Mode of Study: (i.e. full-

time, part-time, writing-up etc)

It is recommended that the above named be permitted to:

ick Box

Time Period:

(dates from – to)

Additional Information

Amend Attendance Level (i.e from full-time to part-time etc)

Amend Study Method (i.e. from on-campus to off-campus etc)

Extend Period of Study For postgraduate students. Not exceeding one additional year from date of first registration.

Suspend Studies Undergraduate students who have satisfied the requirements for progress and wish to suspend studies may during the long vacation be permitted to defer proceedings for one or more academic years. (Regulation 3.20.1)

Postgraduate students should complete the Amendment to Registration Form (Approval by Postgraduate Studies Committee).

Give details of the amendment (eg. dates) and reasons for the request: (continue on a separate sheet if necessary)

Student Declaration: I agree with this application to amend my registration and if it is approved, will abide by its conditions.

Signature of Student: Date:

Signature of Supervisor or Course Director:

Date:

Signature of Director of Research /Learning & Teaching/:

Date:

For advice regarding the implications for visa national students, please contact the International Student Advisors, Academic Registry on Ext 3398/3709.

Please return completed form to appropriate School/Institute Office for processing. For School/Institute use:

Date updated on ISS:

Informed Academic Registy:

(if appropriate)

37

Amendment to Registration Form Approval by Postgraduate Studies Committee





time, part-time, writing-up)

It is recommended

that the above named be permitted to:

Tick Box Time Period: (dates from –

to)


Extend Period of Study – exceeding one additional year

Degree of PhD: Regulation 6.8 Higher Degrees of Master: Regulation 5.10 Postgraduate Diploma: Regulation 4.10 Postgraduate Certificate: Regulation 18.10 Doctor of Engineering: Regulation 37.9

Degree of PhD – candidates should normally present thesis within four years from the date of first registration if a full-time student and eight years from the date of first registration if a part-time student. Students studying all other degrees should refer to appropriate Regulation.

Suspend Studies

Specify length of suspension (in months)

Additional Assessment Opportunities

(i.e. third opportunity) Specify the examination diet for each module resit.


Give details of previous amendments approved by School/Institute or Postgraduate Studies Committee:



In order to ensure our records are up to date, please provide details of your current correspondence address below:


Date:

Signature of Director of Research /Learning & Teaching (or nominee):

Date:

Approved by Postgraduate Studies Committee:

Date:

Student and Director of Research/Learning & Teaching will be informed of outcome following Postgraduate Studies Committee.

For advice regarding the implications for visa national students, please contact the International Student Advisors, Academic Registry on Ext 3398/3709.Please return completed form to Clerk, PGSC, Academic Registry, Lord Balerno Building, Edinburgh Campus.

38

Amendment to Registration Approval by School/Institute





time, part-time, writing-up etc)

It is recommended

that the above named be permitted to:

ick Box

Time Period:

(dates from – to)


Amend Attendance Level (i.e from full-time to part-time etc)

Amend Study Method (i.e. from on-campus to off-campus etc)

Extend Period of Study For postgraduate students. Not exceeding one additional year from date of first registration.

Suspend Studies Undergraduate students who have satisfied the requirements for progress and wish to suspend studies may during the long vacation be permitted to defer proceedings for one or more academic years. (Regulation 3.20.1)

Postgraduate students should complete the Amendment to Registration Form (Approval by Postgraduate Studies Committee).





Date:

Signature of Director of Research /Learning & Teaching/:

Date:

For advice regarding the implications for visa national students, please contact the International Student Advisors, Academic Registry on Ext 3398/3709.

Please return completed form to appropriate School/Institute Office for processing. For School/Institute use:

Date updated on ISS:

Informed Academic Registy:

(if appropriate)

39

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST AND METHOD OF PAYMENT

WE AIM TO COMPLETE ALL REQUESTS TO ACADEMIC REGISTRY WITHIN 10-14 WORKING DAYS The transcript fee is £10.00 Sterling per original and £1.00 per copy if ordered at the same time. If your request is going straight to an Institution/University, no charge will be incurred. Cheques and bankers drafts should be made payable to Heriot-Watt University and crossed. Please note that for the use of a Credit card, a charge of 1.75% will be added to the payment. This is the cost of processing to the University. An additional charge of £10.00 will apply if you wish your transcript to be couriered by DHL (please tick � if yes).

I require _____ original/s at £10.00 each and ______ copy/ies at £1.00 each. Total cost £ _______ Graduation details

Name at time of Graduation Date of birth Award title Date of Graduation Address details Address transcript to be sent to Your email address

Your contact phone number

Please return to: Academic Registry, Lord Balerno Building, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH14 4AS Fax +44 (0) 131 451 3813 Email [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Credit/Debit card details

Credit Card (will incur 1.75% charge) Debit Card Master card Maestro (Switch) Access Switch issue no. Visa VisaDebit/Delta Name of Cardholder________________________________________________________________ Valid From Date_________________ Expiry Date___________________ Card Number______________________________________ Security code _________________

(last 3 digits on signature strip) Cardholders Signature_____________________________ Date___________________

I consent to have my details released in order to receive my Academic Transcript. Signature _________________________________________ Date __________________

40

University Withdrawal

Registration Number:

Full Name:

Correspondence Address:

Course: Year/Stage:

Last Date of Attendance at University:

Reason for Leaving*: (Refer to key below):

03 – Transferred to another Institution

04 – Health Reasons

06 – Financial Reasons

07 – Other Personal Reasons

10 – Gone into Employment

11 – Other

Signature:

Date:

* Reason for Leaving - essential for statistical purposes

Forms should be submitted to appropriate School/Institute Office, Heriot-Watt University,

Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS.

For School/Institute Use Only (Undergraduate Students Only)

I confirm that the student detailed above has satisfied the following conditions and should be awarded a University Certificate or Diploma as appropriate.

Please Tick

University Certificate of Higher Education - the student above has obtained 120 SCQF credits for approved modules taken, as detailed in Regulation 38: Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education

University Diploma of Higher Education - the student above has obtained 240 SCQF credits for approved modules taken or been exempted, on the basis of accredited prior learning, from the first stage of an undergraduate course of study and obtained 120 SCQF credits, as detailed in Regulation 38: Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education

I confirm that all grades/marks for current academic year have been ratified by our Summer or Resit Exam Board

Signature of Director of Learning and Teaching: Date:

Copy of form should be forwarded to Academic Registry, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton,

Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, if student eligible for award.

41

Declaration of Intent to Start Research Dissertation

Student Name _________________________________________________

Registration Number ____________________________________________

ALP Name _____________________________________________________

Programme Title________________________________________________

I ___________________________ wish to proceed with my research dissertation at the next

available opportunity. I have ticked the box below indicating my preferred start date.

I understand that if I have not had an official proceed to research dissertation recommendation

from the Progression Exam Board, I am working at my own risk. I also understand that no

extensions will be authorised by the school.

I will ensure that I meet regularly with my local Tutor and that my submission will be all my

own work.

Start Sept 2016 Start Jan 2017 (Submission 31 March 2017) (Submission 11 August 2017)

Signature______________________________________ Date_____________________

Please note: Vision access with be granted at the beginning of the semester.

42

Declaration of Intent to Start Research Dissertation

Student Name _________________________________________________

Registration Number ____________________________________________

ALP Name _____________________________________________________

Programme Title________________________________________________

I ___________________________ wish to proceed with my research dissertation at the next

available opportunity. I have ticked the box below indicating my preferred start date.

I understand that if I have not had an official proceed to research dissertation recommendation

from the Progression Exam Board, I am working at my own risk. I also understand that no

extensions will be authorised by the school.

I will ensure that I meet regularly with my local Tutor and that my submission will be all my

own work.

Start Sept 2016 Start Jan 2017 (Submission 31 March 2017) (Submission 11 August 2017)

Signature______________________________________ Date_____________________

Please note: Vision access with be granted at the beginning of the semester.

43

ALP Staff Key staff and contact details

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor is the head of the University and is supported by academic and administrative staff.

Name Email

Director of Studies- ALPs Dr Graeme Bowles [email protected]

Director of International Education

Prof. Neil Dunse [email protected]

Teaching Fellow Dr Turker Bayrak [email protected]

Administrator ALP Georgina Baird egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Administrator (Recruitment and Admissions)

Louise Dean egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Senior Assistant Lynne Dewar egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Senior Assistant Jackie Pringle egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Senior Assistant Liz McLean egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Assistant Maria Brichs egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Assistant David Cowie egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Assistant Kimberly Forrest egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Assistant Lisa Kennedy egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

Off-Campus Assistant Karen Biggar egis-alp-support@ hw.ac.uk

44

PART B – UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The Academic Registry is responsible for producing Part B of the handbook to provide information and assistance on University policies and support services.

It is important to read through Part A of the Handbook which provides more specific information on the requirements of your particular programme of study. All flexible, distributed and independent learners should contact Miss Jenny Tough, Quality and External Partnerships Officer or Mrs Michele Stenhouse, Student Experience Manager, Academic Registry, on any query relating to Part B of this handbook and this will be directed to the relevant staff.

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Tel: + 44 (0)131 451 3292 / Tel: +44 (0)131 451 4016 Please note that the following sections are standard sources of information provided to all students. However, certain aspects are programme-specific and students should refer to Part A where directed. Students are advised that the University will make changes to study programmes and progression requirements from time to time in accordance with strategic developments and it is therefore important to ensure that students check the most recent version of their handbook for up-to-date information. B1. UNIVERSITY POLICY AND GUIDANCE The University publishes policies and reference information on its website that may be of use and of interest to students through the programme of their studies at Heriot-Watt University.

Wherever practicable, University policy is designed to include all members of the University’s community, both within and out with the main campus environments. Important information for students is contained in the Student Learning Code of Practice. This document is attached in Appendix A. Policies of specific interest and relevance to students can be accessed via: http://www1.hw.ac.uk/committees/ltb/ltb-policies.htm B2. ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS Heriot-Watt University has a detailed set of rules which governs the operation and management of University business. These are referred to as Ordinances and these Ordinances are set by the Court, which is the governing body of the University. The Ordinances provide a regulatory framework for corporate governance, The University Ordinances are supported by University Regulations which provide a regulatory framework for the governance of academic-related matters which Staff and Students must adhere to for all academic matters. There are a number of policies and procedures that underpin the Ordinances and Regulations. The following section on Academic Support Services often refers to Ordinances and Regulations. These links will provide you with information and guidance on all matters relating to your academic life.

A full list of Ordinances and Regulations are available at the following weblink:

45

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm

B3. QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES How to use this guide. The following guide lists academic support services and resources and provides appropriate weblinks. The guide is divided into 10 sections:

1. Academic Support 2. Enrolment Attendance and Periods of Study 3. Guidance of Assessment 4. Examination and Re-assessment Procedures 5. Grading Awards and Qualifications 6. Graduation 7. Conduct, Discipline and Appeals 8. Complaints 9. Suspension, Withdrawal and Exit Award 10. Student Fees and Charges

1. Academic Support On-campus students at Heriot-Watt University are provided with the following services, and where possible we will seek to provide you with the same opportunities. 1.1 Personal Tutoring http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/personal-tutors.htm

Please note that each student will be notified of a named contact within the Approved Learning Partner (ALP) who can be consulted on all aspects of work, study and other areas of student life. Typically, these individuals are known as Personal Tutors.

1.2

Professional Development Planning

For further information and to access e-PDP templates: http://www.hw.ac.uk/careers/pdp/index.php

1.3 Student Feedback Please communicate with your personal tutor in the first instance.

1.4 Learning and

Teaching Matters http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/learning-teaching.htm

2. Enrolment, Attendance and Periods of Study 2.1 Recognition of

Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 46 – Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Policies and Procedures: http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm

2.2 Change of Address

Please login to Student Self Service www.hw.ac.uk/selfservice Please refer to the programme information in Part A of this handbook for further details on notifying a change of address to the relevant School.

2.3 Enrolment http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/enrolment.htm

Please refer to the programme information in Part A of this handbook for further information on Enrolment.

46

2.4 Periods of Study Additional information is available from:

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 3 – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 6 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 10 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 10 Regulation 44 – Mixed-Mode Study – Modular First Degrees (for undergraduates only), paragraph 4 Regulation 48 – Higher Degree of Master (Taught), paragraph 10 Please refer to the programme information in Part A of this handbook for further details on Periods of Study.

2.5 Suspension of

Studies Students are advised to consult with their personal tutor /Year Co-ordinator/Director of Studies in the first instance Further information and details of how to apply can be found here: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/leaving/temporary-suspension-studies.htm

2.6 Student Personal Information (Data Protection)

http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/policies/data-protection.htm

3. Guidance on Assessment 3.1 Heriot-Watt

Assessment and Progression System (HAPS)

HAPS Policy: http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm The University operates a Heriot-Watt Assessment and Progression System (HAPS) which specifies minimum progression requirements. Schools have the option to apply progression requirements above the minimum University requirement, which are approved by the Studies Committees. Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on progression requirements.

3.2 Extension to Assessment Deadlines

Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on extensions to assessment deadlines or refer to the Campus Office in the first instance.

3.3 Non-Submission

of Assessment

Where applicable, students should inform their School if they are unable to submit assessed work for any reason.

3.4 Submission of Assessment

Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on Submission of Assessment deadlines.

4. Examination and Re-assessment Procedures 4.1 Assessment

Results http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/results.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on assessment results.

4.2 Discretionary Credits

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Undergraduate: Regulation 3 – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 22 Postgraduate:

47

Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 20 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 20 Regulation 48 – Higher Degrees of Master (Taught), paragraph 21

4.3 Examinations http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations.htm http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 9 – Assessments and Examinations, paragraph 9, 12, 13 Students should refer to the relevant School or institution for information on fee requirements for the examination of courses for which they are enrolled.

4.4 Examination Diets http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations.htm

Please refer to the programme information in Part A of this handbook for further details on examination diets.

4.5 Examination Conduct

http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/exam-conduct-id-checks.htm

4.6 Ill Health and Mitigating Circumstances – Examinations

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 1 – General Regulation, paragraph 6 Regulation 3 – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 10, 15, 25 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 12, 17, 21 Regulation 9 – Assessment and Examinations, paragraph 9 and 12 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 12, 17, 21 Regulation 44 – Mixed-Mode Study – Modular First Degrees (for undergraduates only), paragraph 8 Regulation 48 – Higher Degree of Master (Taught), paragraph 12, 17, 22 http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/mitigating-circumstances.htm

4.7 Examination in

Different Time Zones

Policy: http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm

4.8 External Examiners Information and Reports

Students can find details of the External Examiners for their programme on the web: http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/qa/external-examiners.htm Students can request the External Examiners Report for their Programme by emailing [email protected] Further guidance on the sharing of External Examiners Reports can be found at: http://www1.hw.ac.uk/quality/external-examiners.htm

4.9 Re-assessment Information on re-assessment can be found: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/reassessment/what-if-i-fail-.htm Students who study on one of the University’s campuses are reminded of the University policy that examinations must be taken at the campus at which the student is studying. Students must note that this includes examinations during the December and Spring

48

diets, and Resit examinations scheduled during the Autumn diet (ie the diet which takes place over the summer vacation). Reassessment Procedures: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/re-assessment.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on re-assessment.

4.10 Use of Calculators in Examinations

Policy on the Use of Calculators http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm For further information please refer to: http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 9 – Assessment and Examinations, paragraph 8

4.11 Use of Dictionaries

Dictionaries are not permitted in any examinations, wherever or whenever the examination is held. http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm

5. Grading, Awards and Qualifications 5.1 Intermediate

Awards http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/awards.htm

5.2 Requirements for Awards

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 3 – Modular First Degree, paragraph 14, 20, 23, 24 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 15, 16, 19, 21 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 15, 19, 21 Regulation 44 – Mixed-Mode Study – Modular First Degree (for undergraduate students only), paragraph 17, 20 Regulation 48 – Higher Degrees of Master (Taught), paragraph 15, 16, 20, 22

5.3

Undergraduate Honours Classification and Awards Grading

In some cases, Honours year may be available at the Approved Learning Partner, and it should be possible for students to transfer to Edinburgh to do the final Honours year. Students should refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook on award criteria.

6. Graduation 6.1 Graduation

Information

http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/graduation.htm

7. Conduct, Discipline and Appeals 7.1 Academic

Conduct (including copying, plagiarism and collusion)

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 9 – Assessment and Examinations, Paragraph 8 Regulation 50 – Student Discipline Further information on Student Discipline is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm

49

Student Discipline Policy and Procedures: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm Examination Conduct: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/exam-conduct-id-checks.htm

7.2 Appeals Further Information is available at: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/complaints/student-appeals.htm Student Academic Appeal Policy and Procedures Regulation 36 - Student Academic Appeals Appeals relating to all disciplinary matters are located within the Student Discipline Policy and Procedures: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm

7.3 Detection of Plagiarism

http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/plagiarism.htm

7.4 Student Discipline Policy and Procedures

The purpose of the Student Discipline Policy and Procedures is to regulate student behaviour in order to secure the proper working of the University in the broadest sense. These procedures cover both academic and non-academic misconduct. Further information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm Misconduct and Law At any time during enrolment a student is cautioned or arrested for, or charges with a criminal offence, including motoring offences (see exceptions) the student is required to report this immediately to the Academic Registrar. The Academic Registrar must also be kept informed of any criminal or court proceedings. For further information on Misconduct and the Law see: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm

7.5 Plagiarism Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/plagiarism.htm Plagiarism Guide: For an English language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm (this document is attached in Appendix B)

For the Chinese language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm For the Arabic language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry/quality/learning-teaching/policy-bank.htm

7.6 Use of Unauthorised Equipment in Exams

http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 9 – Assessment and Examinations, paragraph 8 Regulation 50 – Student Discipline

8. Complaints 8.1 Complaints Policy

and Procedures Further information on the University's Complaints Policy and procedures is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/complaints/complaints.htm

50

9. Suspension, Withdrawal and Exit Award 9.1 Temporary

Suspension of Studies

Students are advised to consult with their personal tutor /Year Co-ordinator/Director of Studies in the first instance Application forms are available on the current student website, http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/amending-your-enrolment.htm Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm Regulation 3 – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 19 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 10 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 10 Regulation 48 – Higher Degree of Master (Taught), paragraph 10

9.2 Withdrawal Application Form to withdraw from the University: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/leaving/withdrawing-from-university.htm Before making any decision to withdraw, students are strongly advised to speak to their Programme Director, personal tutor or other trusted member of staff to discuss the situation fully.

9.3 Exit Awards Information and application form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/awards.htm

10. Student Fees and Charges 10.1 Charges for

Transcripts, Certifications and Student Identity Cards

Follow the link for Additional Notes on Fees at: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/doc/additionalfees-uk-alp-idl.pdf

10.2 Re-assessment Fees and Procedures

http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/re-assessment.htm

10.3 Repeat and Additional Courses

http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/money/tuition-fees.htm

51

B4. QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO STUDENT ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

The following information describes a range of services aimed at helping students to get the most out of their time on Heriot-Watt University programmes and to assist with, and remedy any problems experienced along the way. Students study for Heriot-Watt awards from all over the world and the University is therefore committed to providing a range of online support services which will be available to any student who requires it. In doing so, the University will attempt to ensure that all students receive high quality and relevant services that support their studies. The main student support services are summarised below. For further information on each of the services, please refer to the Academic Registry Online Enrolment page: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/enrolment.htm

Student Administration and Support Service 1 Academic Registry http://www.hw.ac.uk/services/academic-registry.htm

2 Careers Service http://www1.hw.ac.uk/careers/global.php

3 Information Services General IT information and help: http://www.hw.ac.uk/is/

or contact IT Help on +44 (0)130 451 4045

4 Development and Alumni Office

http://www.hw.ac.uk/alumni.htm

5 Heriot Watt University Students’ Union

http://HWUnion.com or contact [email protected]

6 Student Service Centre (Edinburgh Campus)

http://www1.hw.ac.uk/studentcentre

7 Student Support and Accommodation

http://www.hw.ac.uk/student-life/campus-life/student-support.htm or contact: [email protected] Please refer to the Campus Office for further advice.

APPENDIX A

52

STUDENT LEARNING CODE OF PRACTICE - For students at partner institutions

What Heriot-Watt University can expect from students

Most importantly, we expect you to take charge of your own learning. This is your degree; to get the

most of your time at the University you need to be independent, self-motivated and proactive in your

studies. We understand that you may have other demands on your time, but your studies should come

first. In addition, we expect:

• Preparation for classes as specified by your lecturers, including studying lecture notes,

working on tutorial questions and participating in online activities. To do well in your

studies you will need to undertake a significant amount of private study in addition to

attending your timetabled classes

• Full engagement and attendance on time for lectures, laboratories, seminars and tutorials:

during the semester it is your responsibility to be available to attend classes and, in particular,

class tests

• Basic organisational skills, including coming to classes with pen and paper ready to take

notes or with equipment for electronic note-taking, and using a calendar so that you don't

forget deadlines and appointments

• Attention, courtesy and participation during classes; this includes asking and answering

questions in lectures and tutorials

• Respecting deadlines for any assignments

• Taking responsibility for your work, whether completed individually or as part of a group

• Attendance at any scheduled meetings with a member of staff. If you can't make a scheduled

meeting, please notify the member of staff in advance rather than just not attending

• Checking your University email, providing timely responses to emails from members of staff

• Provision of feedback on your courses and programme

• Commitment to your learning and a professional approach to your academic work

• Self-reflection on progress and willingness to learn from feedback on tutorial work, projects,

exams, and trying to improve your work based on that feedback

• Determination and persistence; some topics and problems will be challenging and we expect

you to make a sustained effort to master difficult topics. Lecturers are there to help if you

need it

• To keep yourself informed about new and interesting developments in your discipline

(beyond what is covered in your courses)

• Full referencing of all work *

• Adherence with regulations and requirements, including health and safety

• Politeness and respect for all members of the Heriot-Watt University community

(http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers/culture/our-values.htm ) and for the local partner

institution and for facilities/ services provided. This includes switching off your phones and

other social media during classes

* Full referencing is required in accordance with the conventions of your subject

area/discipline. Guidance on referencing and the use of sources is available from the Heriot-

Watt University Information Services’ Effective Learning Service

APPENDIX A

53

(http://www.hw.ac.uk/is/skills-development/study-support.htm) and from your local institution.

Remember that plagiarism is an academic offence even if it is unintentional; you need to take

care to avoid it.

APPENDIX A

54

What students can expect from Heriot-Watt University and the Partner Institution

Teaching is one of the most important duties for members of staff. Although members of academic staff

at Heriot-Watt University have research and administrative duties which also require attention, we aim

to provide:

• Commitment to helping you learn, with support, encouragement and technical back-up to

help you develop your skills

• Research informed teaching and high quality delivery of learning materials in accordance

with the syllabus

• Advice and support on course content at tutorials, laboratories and through pre-arranged

meetings

• Appropriate supervision of project/dissertation work where this is part of your study

programme

• Clear information and guidance on assessment requirements

• Availability for local face-to-face meetings, either during scheduled office hours or at pre-

arranged times

• Timely oral and written feedback

• Timely provision of marks/grades for coursework and exams

• A prompt response from your local personal tutor (or academic advisor or equivalent)

• A timely response to general email questions

• Guidance on specific regulations and requirements including those related to health and

safety

• Politeness and respect (http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers/culture/our-values.htm)

If you have a problem

If you have a personal or any other type of problem that is having an adverse effect on your studies,

please discuss it with your local personal tutor (or academic advisor or equivalent) in the first instance.

Heriot-Watt University will assist where appropriate and your local institution will liaise with the

University in such circumstances

For problems about your course or study programme, talk to the local academic members of staff first.

If that doesn't help, you can contact the University for guidance (refer to your student handbook for

details of who to contact).

Academic Registrar and Deputy Secretary

September 2013; rev January 2014

APPENDIX A

55

STUDENT GUIDE TO PLAGIARISM 2 Plagiarism is intellectual theft and is a major offence which the University takes seriously in all cases. Students must therefore avoid committing acts of plagiarism by following these guidelines and speaking to academic staff if they are uncertain about what plagiarism means. Those who are found to have plagiarised will be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures, which may result in penalties ranging from the deduction of credits and modules already achieved by students to compulsory termination of studies. Students are advised to refer to Regulation 50 at http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf and to the Guidelines for Staff and Students on Discipline at http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/examinations/plagiarism.htm for further details of how the University deals with all acts of plagiarism.

Introduction 1.11. This guide is intended to provide students at Heriot-Watt University with a clear definition of

plagiarism and examples of how to avoid it. 1.12. The guide may also be of use to members of staff who seek to advise students on the various

issues outlined below.

Definition

1.13. Plagiarism involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or inventions of another person and

using these as if they were one’s own, whether intentionally or not. Plagiarism occurs where there is no acknowledgement that the writings or ideas belong to or have come from another source.

1.14. Most academic writing involves building on the work of others and this is acceptable as long as

their contribution is identified and fully acknowledged. It is not wrong in itself to use the ideas, writings or inventions of others, provided that whoever does so is honest about acknowledging the source of that information. Many aspects of plagiarism can be simply avoided through proper referencing. However, plagiarism extends beyond minor errors in referencing the work of others and also includes the reproduction of an entire paper or passage of work or of the ideas and views contained in such pieces of work.

Good Practice

1.15. Academic work is almost always drawn from other published information supplemented by the

writer’s own ideas, results or findings. Thus drawing from other work is entirely acceptable, but it is unacceptable not to acknowledge such work. Conventions or methods for making acknowledgements can vary slightly from subject to subject, and students should seek the advice of staff in their own School about ways of doing this. Generally, referencing systems fall into the Harvard (where the text citation is by author and date) and numeric (where the text citation is by using a number). Both systems refer readers to a list at the end of the piece of work where sufficient information is provided to enable the reader to locate the source for themselves.

1.16. When a student undertakes a piece of work that involves drawing on the writings or ideas of

others, they must ensure that they acknowledge each contribution in the following manner:

• Citations: when a direct quotation, a figure, a general idea or other piece of information is taken from another source, the work and its source must be acknowledged and identified where it occurs in the text;

• Quotations: inverted commas must always be used to identify direct quotations, and the source of the quotation must be cited;

2 The author acknowledges the following sources of information used in preparing this guide to Plagiarism: “Plagiarism – A Good Practice Guide”, Carroll, J and Appleton, J (2001) and various extracts from Student/Course Handbooks 2004/2005, Schools at Heriot-Watt University

APPENDIX A

56

• References: the full details of all references and other sources must be listed in a section at the end of any piece of work, such as an essay, together with the full publication details. This is normally referred to as a “List of References” and it must include details of any and all sources of information that the student has referred to in producing their work. (This is slightly different to a Bibliography, which may also contain references and sources which, although not directly referred to in your work, you consulted in producing your work).

1.17. Students may wish to refer to the following examples which illustrate the basic principles of

plagiarism and how students might avoid it in their work by using some very simple techniques:

1.17.1. Example 1: A Clear Case of Plagiarism

Examine the following example in which a student has simply inserted a passage of text (in italics) into their work directly from a book they have read:

University and college managers should consider implementing strategic frameworks if they wish to embrace good management standards. One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action. Managers are employed to resolve these issues effectively.

This is an example of bad practice as the student makes no attempt to distinguish the passage they have inserted from their own work. Thus, this constitutes a clear case of plagiarism. Simply changing a few key words in such a passage of text (e.g. replace ‘problems’ with ‘difficulties’) does not make it the student’s work and it is still considered to be an act of plagiarism.

1.17.2. Common Mistakes Students may also find the following examples3 of common plagiarism mistakes made by other students useful when reflecting on their own work:

• “I thought it would be okay as long as I included the source in my bibliography” [without indicating a quotation had been used in the text]

• “I made lots of notes for my essay and couldn't remember where I found the information”

• “I thought it would be okay to use material that I had purchased online”

• “I thought it would be okay to copy the text if I changed some of the words into my own”

• “I thought that plagiarism only applied to essays, I didn't know that it also applies to oral presentations/group projects etc”

• “I thought it would be okay just to use my tutor's notes”

• “I didn't think that you needed to reference material found on the web”

• “I left it too late and just didn't have time to reference my sources”

None of the above are acceptable reasons for failing to acknowledge the use of others’ work and thereby constitute plagiarism.

1.18. What follows are examples of the measures that students should employ in order to correctly

cite the words, thought or ideas of others that have influenced their work:

1.18.1. Example 2: Quoting the work of others

If a student wishes to cite a passage of text in order to support their own work, the correct way of doing so is to use quotation marks (e.g. “ “) to show that the passage is someone else’s work, as follows:

3 Extract from ‘Plagiarism at the University of Essex’ advice copyrighted and published by the Learning, Teaching and Quality Unit at the University of Essex (http://www.essex.ac.uk/plagiarism/reasons.html ), reproduced with kind permission.

APPENDIX A

57

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action”.

1.18.2. Example 3: Referencing the work of others

In addition to using quotation marks as above, students must also use a text citation. If the work being cited is a book, page numbers would also normally be required. Thus, using the Harvard system for a book:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Jones, 2001, p121).

The same reference could also be made to a book using the numeric system:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Ref.1, p121).

More often, a piece of work will have multiple references and this serves to show an examiner that the student is drawing from a number of sources. For example, articles by Brown and by Smith may be cited as follows in the Harvard system “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Brown, 1991], whereas more modern writers [Smith, 2002] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”. or as follows using the numeric system: “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Ref 1], whereas more modern writers [Ref 2] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”.

1.18.3. Example 4: Use of reference lists Whichever system is used, a list must be included at the end, which allows the reader to locate the works cited for themselves. The Internet is also an increasingly popular source of information for students and details must again be provided. You should adhere to the following guidelines in all cases where you reference the work of others: If the source is a book, the required information is as follows:



• Title of Book

• Place of Publication

• Publishers Name

• All Page Numbers cited

• Edition (if more than one, e.g. 3rd edition, 2001)

If the source is an article in a journal or periodical, the required information is as follows:



• Title of Journal

• Volume and part number

• Page numbers for the article

If the source is from the Internet, the required information is as follows:

• Author’s or Institution’s name (“Anon”, if not known)

• Title of Document

• Date last accessed by student

• Full URL (e.g. http://www.lib.utk.edu /instruction/plagiarism/)

• Affiliation of author, if given (e.g. University of Tennessee)

APPENDIX A

58

The way in which the information is organised can vary, and there are some types of work (for example edited volumes and conference proceedings) where the required information is slightly different. Essentially, though, it is your responsibility to make it clear where you are citing references within your work and what the source is within your reference list. Failure to do so is an act of plagiarism.

1.19. Students are encouraged to use a style of acknowledgement that is appropriate to their own

academic discipline and should seek advice from their personal tutor, course leader or other appropriate member of academic staff. There are also many reference sources available in the University Library which will provide useful guidance on referencing styles.

Managing Plagiarism

1.20. Students, supervisors and institutions have a joint role in ensuring that plagiarism is avoided in

all areas of academic activity. Each role is outlined below as follows:

How you can ensure that you avoid plagiarism in your work:

• Take responsibility for applying the above principles of best practice and integrity within all of your work

• Be aware that your written work will be checked for plagiarism and that all incidents of plagiarism, if found, are likely to result in severe disciplinary action by the University. The standard penalty is to annul all assessments taken in the same diet of examinations (for details please refer to Regulation 50 at http://www.hw.ac.uk/staff/policies-governance/procedures/charter-statutes-ordinances-regulations.htm and to the Guidelines for Staff and Students on Discipline at http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/studies/record/discipline.htm).

How your School will help you to avoid plagiarism:

• Highlight written guidance on how you can avoid plagiarism and provide you with supplementary, verbal guidance wherever appropriate

• Regularly check student work to ensure that plagiarism has not taken place. This may involve both manual and electronic methods of checking. A number of plagiarism detection packages are in use at Heriot-Watt University, one example being the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) “TurnitIn” plagiarism detection software.

• Alert you to the procedures that will apply should you be found to have committed or be suspected of having committed an act of plagiarism and explain how further action will be taken in accordance with University policy and procedures.

How the University will endeavour to reduce student plagiarism:

• Provide clear written guidance on what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it directly to your School and to you

• Alert you and staff in your School to the penalties employed when dealing with plagiarism cases

• Take steps to ensure that a consistent approach is applied when dealing with cases of suspected plagiarism across the institution

• Take the issue of academic dishonesty very seriously and routinely investigate cases where students have plagiarised and apply appropriate penalties in all proven cases.

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