QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST
SCHOOL OF HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ANCIENT HISTORY
UNDERGRADUATE
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Academic Year 2011/12
2
CONTENTS
Page
3
Introduction
4
General information and contacts
5
Academic staff
6
Course structure and content (overview)
7 YOUR WORK IN ANCIENT HISTORY
7
(1) word-processing and computer skills
7
(2) assessment
8
(3) lectures
8
(4) tutorials
10
(5) access to materials
12
(6) coursework: principles, procedures, penalties
14
(7) essay-writing
17
(8) dissertations
18
Marks and examinations
21
Making your voice heard
22-37 GENERIC QUB INFORMATION
3
INTRODUCTION
Welcome -- or, if you are a returning student, welcome back -- to Ancient
History, part of the School of History & Anthropology at Queen’s.
This Handbook is issued annually to every student enrolled on a degree
programme (a.k.a. pathway) involving Ancient History; also, in the case of year
1, any student who has chosen either or both of the Ancient History modules.
Its main purpose is to introduce the subject and how it works here.
See also the noticeboards in 15 University Square, ground floor, and especially
the School website (www.qub.ac.uk/schools/History)
All reasonable efforts have been made to see that the information in this Handbook
is accurate and up-to-date at the time of compilation. But we reserve the right, where
necessary, to make changes during the course of the year. Any changes with major
repercussions for students will be advertised as fully and widely as possible.
4
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
Ancient History is located in 15-17 University Square. [See location ‘G’ on the
Campus map – on the QUB homepage, under ‘Location and Maps’.]
In 15 University Square (ground floor, right) there is the School Office
(History). It is normally open Monday-Friday between the hours of 0900-1300
and again 1400-1630. But see p.12 below for the 12 noon deadline for the
submission of coursework.
Telephone: (028) 9097 3346 or 3423 or 5101
Fax: (028) 9097 3440
E-mail: history@qub.ac.uk
In 16 and 17 University Square are the rooms of the three permanent
academic staff, listed on the next page.
(To see a member of staff outside teaching contact hours, please telephone or,
preferably, email in advance for an appointment)
Communication between us and you
E-MAIL. Besides any personal e-mail addresses you may have, and may
choose to use in Queen’s, the university itself opens an e-mail account
for all students. YOU MUST CHECK THIS REGULARLY: it is the normal
channel by which we communicate with you.
Beyond that, you are responsible for keeping your personal details such
as address(es) and telephone number(s) up to date.
5
ACADEMIC STAFF
NB: to see a member of staff outside teaching contact hours, please telephone or,
preferably, email in advance
Prof Brian Campbell BA (QUB) DPhil (Oxford)
Professor of Roman History
Phone: (028) 9097 3153
email: brian.campbell@qub.ac.uk
Dr John Curran BA (QUB) DPhil (Oxford)
Senior Lecturer in Ancient History
Phone: (028) 9097 3150
email: john.curran@qub.ac.uk
Prof David Whitehead MA PhD (Cambridge) DLit (QUB)
MRIA FRHistS
Professor of Ancient History
Phone: (028) 9097 5270
email: d.whitehead@qub.ac.uk
Year 1 Tutors
Dr Peter Crawford [p.t.crawford@hotmail.co.uk]
Dr Raoul McLaughlin [rjmclaughlin40@hotmail.com]
Dr Geraldine O Neill [g.oneill@open.ac.uk]
External examiner
Dr Colin Adams BA (QUB), DPhil (Oxford)
Senior Lecturer in Ancient History, University of Liverpool
6
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT (OVERVIEW)
STAGE 1
There are Ancient History pathways/programmes in three Honours modes: Minor
(33%), Joint (50%) and Major (66%).
Two compulsory Ancient History modules are offered each year: AHY1001 (Ancient
History 1: normally Greek History) and AHY1002 (Ancient History 2: normally Roman
History).
Minor Hons students take both of these modules.
Joint Hons. students take AHY1001, AHY1002, and one module from a list of
approved modules in cognate subject-areas (Archaeology and Paleoecology).
Major Hons students take AHY1001, AHY1002, and two modules from the approved
list.
STAGE 2 (summarised)
A mix of modules and, to maximise variety, half-modules.
Minor Hons. take the equivalent of two modules.
Joint Hons. take the equivalent of three modules.
Major Hons. take the equivalent of four modules [which *must* include AHY2013
‘Greece & Macedon’ and AHY2014 ‘Running the Roman Empire’].
STAGE 3 (summarised)
Two Special Subjects, in pairs of linked modules, and an optional dissertation
module (for which see further at p.16 below); i.e. a ‘menu’ of 5 modules in all.
Minor Hons. take two modules.
Joint Hons. take three modules.
Major Hons. take four modules.
For this year’s actual modules see the noticeboard and/or the website. (Next year’s
will be advertised in the spring.)
7
YOUR WORK IN ANCIENT HISTORY
(1) Word-processing and computer skills
Written work (subsections 6-7 below) must be word-processed; so anyone
coming to QUB without basic keyboard competence must acquire it
immediately. In any case familiarity with Information Technology – wordprocessing, e-mailing [see p.4 above], accessing the Internet, etc. -- is a key
"transferable skill" for all students.
Clusters of computer workstations are located throughout the campus, the
largest of them in the McClay University Library, College Park; also (e.g.) in the
Students’ Union and the Student Guidance Centre, both on University Road,
and at Queen’s Elms. There is also Internet access in the foyer of the Peter
Froggatt Centre.
To use these facilities you must register, so you will need your student card.
After registration, your user ID allows you to log-on to the system, and provides
you with an allocation of disk space and an initial printer allocation.
(2) Assessment
Except in cases -- not available until year 3 -- where a module consists wholly
of a dissertation (subsection 8 below), Ancient History modules have a mixed
assessment regime. In all such modules, in all three years, the same 10/30/60
formula applies, as follows:
A possible 10% of the overall mark comes from tutorial/seminar
contribution (see further, subsection 4 below)
A possible 30% of the overall mark comes from assessed coursework
(see further, subsections 6-7 below)
A possible 60% of the overall mark comes from a formal written
examination (in January for 1st-semester modules, May/June for 2ndsemester modules; resits, if need be, are in August). All AHY exams last two
hours (except for the half-modules in year 2, which have 1½-hour papers).
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(3) Lectures
Except in certain modules at Levels 2-3 where the distinction is blurred or
ignored, Ancient History students attend lectures (in large groups) and
tutorials (in much smaller ones).
Lectures are at fixed (and unalterable) times, once or twice a week. Everyone
taking a particular module goes to the Peter Froggatt Centre (or wherever it
may be) for a formal presentation lasting 50 minutes. This is the central
backbone of the module.
Although University procedures do not make lectures compulsory, regular
attendance at them is very strongly recommended. We find a very high
correlation between your lecture attendance and your overall success in (and
satisfaction from) the module as a whole.
Effective note-taking at lectures is a skill you must develop. If you want to
follow, or experiment with, a well-established method of note-taking in lectures,
try the Cornell Note-taking System; Google will take you to many websites
which explain it, such as www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/cornell.html.
(4) Tutorials
Most modules involve tutorials — a.k.a. classes or seminars, but in any case
opportunities for discussion, of pre-arranged topics, in small or medium-sized
groups.
Once you have chosen (or been assigned to) a particular tutorial group, you
have made a commitment, in two senses:
(a) ATTENDANCE. Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. If you cannot be
present, you must let either the Office and/or your tutor know in advance. If
this is impossible, you must make contact as soon as possible afterwards (or
have a relative or friend do so), stating why you were absent and supplying any
necessary documentation. Remember that personal or academic problems are
always best dealt with early on. If your tutors cannot help you themselves, they
will at least be in a position to refer you to those who can.
(b) PREPARATION. Preparing in advance is vital, so that you arrive able and
willing to contribute. This will usually involve reading certain materials before
the tutorial takes place. You will receive general guidance on this when the
module begins; and see further below, Access to materials.
9
Because we take tutorials seriously, and require you to do the same, 10% of
the assessment in all AHY undergraduate modules (except dissertations) is
allocated to ‘tutorial contribution’. This is how it works. Anyone absent from a
tutorial without valid reason receives an assessment of 0 for it. (For anyone
absent with such a reason, the particular tutorial is discounted.) Once in the
tutorial, however, your contribution is measured against the following scale of
performance (also used in Modern History):
1* (80-90) Was outstandingly well prepared, made focused and constructive
contributions to discussion, and listened to and responded to the contributions
of fellow members of the group.
1 (75) Was thoroughly well prepared, made a constructive contribution to
discussion, worked well with other members of the group and valued their
contributions.
2.1 (62-68) Was fully prepared, took an active part in discussion, and
responded positively to the views of others.
2.2 (52-58) Own contribution could have been better prepared, some effort to
participate and listen to others, but relied on others to do most of the work.
3 (42-48) Preparation was inadequate, participation was limited, left others to
do most of the work.
Fail (15-35) Was poorly prepared, made little effort to participate, and was
uninterested in what others had to say.
Fail (0) Had made no preparation and/or was generally negative in attitude.
It is always disappointing to us when students stay away from tutorials -- or
else do attend them but with an air of doing so under sufferance. If you are not
enjoying a module, the explanation may well be that you are treating it
passively. Tutorials are about participation. The better you prepare and the
more you have to say, the more stimulating a tutorial is likely to be -- for all
concerned, including the tutor. If tutorials turn into miniature lectures, they are
failing (and you are failing to acquire skills of presentation and associated selfconfidence). Remember too that while 10% may not sound much, it can
become important in cases where your final mark for the module is on a
borderline. So from all points of view it makes sense to get the most out of
tutorials.
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(5) Access to materials (for tutorial preparation and/or essay-writing)
Once upon a time there was a Golden Age when university libraries could
afford to buy all the books and periodicals they liked, and students (not to
mention their teachers) could easily lay hands on anything they wanted. That
Age, if it ever truly existed, has passed; and as a result, you may struggle to
find everything you need. Here are some suggestions (not in ranking order),
under two heads — (1) hard copy, (2) electronic:
(1a) Buy the item yourself. Even in the Golden Age it was never appropriate to
tell students how to spend their money, and it certainly isn’t now. Even so, if
you can afford to buy books yourself, especially paperbacks, that is obviously
the best way of always having them available. If you enjoy using actual
bookshops, in the old-fashioned way, Waterstones in the city centre (Fountain
Street) caters for academic work; otherwise amazon.co.uk is nearly as good
as it’s cracked up to be. For second-hand items, try abebooks.com; also, the
Students’ Union has a second-hand bookshop; and students themselves —
your predecessors — will often advertise books for sale, cheaply, when they
have finished with them.
(1b) Borrow it from your tutors. They may (though are certainly not obliged to)
lend out personal books etc. on an informal basis. It will do no harm to ask.
(1c1) Borrow it from the McClay Library. Books and periodical journals needed
for student use are kept in the McClay University Library, College Park. Books
may be borrowed, usually on a short-loan basis; consult the library staff (or the
library website) for the terms and conditions.
(1c2) Read it in the McClay Library. Journals (as opposed to books) cannot be
taken out of the Library, but it is anyway worth cultivating the habit of reading
in, as well as borrowing from, this and/or other libraries. Doing so will often be
the best use of your time, and will free up the item most quickly for the next
user — who might, next time around, be you. (If you have a laptop you can of
course load it up with what you need; and photocopying facilities are available.)
(1d) Read it in (or borrow it from) other libraries to which you have access.
Unlike other sorts of history, ancient history is not (usually) well-provided-for in
general libraries; still, they can surprise, so give them a try, in Belfast and
elsewhere. Also, if your weekends and/or vacations take you to places which
have other university libraries (e.g. Trinity College Dublin, still — bizarrely — a
"Copyright" [Depositary] Library under the English Crown), you can probably
gain temporary admission if you show your QUB student identity card.
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(2a) Download it from Queen’s-on-Line. Like most other subjects, Ancient
History uses (to varying extents) QOL, an intranet with downloadable
resources etc. Tutors will explain further, in the modules concerned.
(2b) Get it off the internet/www. Just as the net itself is expanding at a
stupendous rate, so, within it, are the number of sites which cater for ancient
history and "classics". For the time being we recommend the following two, big
ones: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook07.html (The Internet
Ancient History Sourcebook); http://www.perseus.tufts.edu (The Perseus
Project).
Finally, a warning. AHY modules (and their subsets: essay topics, tutorial
assignments, whatever) generally come complete with recommended reading.
This does not imply that everything not recommended is useless, but it does
direct you to what we think is most worth reading. So if you find yourself using
other material, treat it with care. Just because a book or article has been
published doesn’t make it a good one. Even university libraries contain items
that can Seriously Damage Your (Intellectual) Health.
And this caveat applies even more to the internet, the uncontrolled nature of
which allows any old rubbish to appear and proliferate. Do not confuse the
medium with the message. A fancy website and slick graphics are no
guarantee of high-grade content. As with any other source of enlightenment, a
human brain is (somewhere) behind what you see and read; so your brain
must intervene between gathering the information and using it, to best effect, in
your work.
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(6) Coursework: principles, procedures, penalties
Dissertations aside (subsection 8 below), all Ancient History modules involve
coursework – usually essays -- in advance of a written exam. In some modules
there may be unassessed (and therefore optional) coursework. Any such work
is ‘unassessed’ in the sense that the mark(s) given do not count towards the
overall result in the module; instead the purpose is feedback, to enable you to
improve your performance. Assessed coursework which does provide a % of
marks towards the overall result (see section 2 above) is either formative or
summative. Formative coursework is normally submitted before the end of the
teaching term, and can be returned to you with feedback. Summative
coursework is normally submitted at (or after) the end of the teaching term and
is not returned to you; instead it is treated as part of the examination. [But for
both categories of work you should submit two copies: see further below.]
Individual tutors will make it clear to you whether the coursework in their
modules is formative, or summative, or (in some instances) both.
Whether formative or summative, assessed coursework is a formal part of the
examination process and is therefore surrounded by formal procedures of
various kinds. It must:
• be submitted on (or before) the specified date(s). Deadlines, once
announced, cannot be changed.
• be submitted to the History Office (not directly to your tutor), and before 12
noon on the day in question. Submissions after 12 noon are LATE.
• be submitted in person, and in hard copy. (Submission by e-mail, by email
attachment, or by fax will not be accepted; and NB: unlike Modern History,
and/or any other subjects you may be taking, Ancient History coursework
is NOT uploaded via qol.)
• be accompanied by an ‘assessed work coversheet’, completed before you
visit the Office.
• be submitted in TWO COPIES. For formative coursework, you get one copy
back, with comments and a provisional mark. (Such marks are necessarily
‘provisional’ until confirmed by the Board of Examiners.)
NB: first-year students should put their name and student number on their
work. But for second- and third-year modules (and MA modules) coursework is
marked anonymously. Such students, therefore, should not put their name or
number on any part(s) of their work, except for the coversheets.
13
Downloading Coversheets for Coursework (including dissertations)
Every item of assessed work must be accompanied by completed ‘Assessed
Work Coversheets’. These are available for downloading on the School
website.
You may if you wish complete coversheets (all sections, including a word
count) online.
Print off THREE copies. Staple one copy of the coversheet to the first page
(top left-hand corner) of each of the two copies of your work. The third copy is
your own receipt -- which must be stamped (with the official History stamp),
signed and dated in the Office.
You will also be required to sign a submission list.
The submission-dates will have been specified at the start of each module; and
you must plan for them. It is your responsibility to allow a sensible margin of
error for contingencies such as computer failure or transport problems.
The University requires us to take a hard line with late submission -- and, in
extreme cases, non-submission -- of coursework. If such work comes in late, a
PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSION is imposed. This is a reduction of 5%
(from what the mark would otherwise have been) per working day, up to a
maximum of 5 working days — then zero, a calamity.
Late work can be accepted without penalty only where there is clear evidence
of extenuating circumstances. For the University guidelines on what does and
what does not qualify as ‘extenuating circumstances’ see under the Current
Students section of the History website.
If such circumstances seem to apply to you, do not approach the module
convenor, lecturer or tutor concerned (because s/he is not empowered to act –
except in the case of students, registered with Disability Services, for whom
flexibility with deadlines has been specifically requested). Instead:
(a) If the work can still be submitted within 5 working days of the deadline,
complete an application form (available on the website) for exemption from
penalties. Submit it to the Office within 3 working days of the deadline, and
accompany (or follow) it with medical certificates and/or other written evidence.
14
All such applications will be reviewed by the Examinations Officer, and a
decision taken in advance of the examination board.
(b) If the work cannot be submitted within 5 working days of the deadline, write
to the Examinations Officer, setting out the extenuating circumstances and
enclosing the medical and/or other evidence. The Student Progress
Committee, meeting after the examination board, will then decide whether the
work can be submitted (without penalty) in time for the next examination board.
!!! PLAGIARISM !!!
Plagiarism is defined as follows: to present as new and
original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
This existing source may be the work of others submitted
without appropriate acknowledgement, or the writer’s own
previously submitted work. This includes auto-plagiarism
(to use excerpts from your own previous work without
appropriate acknowledgement) and self-plagiarism (to
submit a piece of work more than once, eg one which has
been previously submitted for a different assignment).
It is an academic offence for students to plagiarise.
Resources about referencing and essay writing, as well as
workshops and one-to-one support are available from the
Learning Development Service.
Definitions and procedures for dealing with academic
offences can be found in the University’s General
Regulations: University Calendar.
15
(7) Essay-writing
(A) LENGTH [You must give a precise word-count on the coversheet; see
p.12 above.]
In year 1, essays should be c.2000 words; in year 2, c.2500 words; in year 3,
c.3000 words. Try not to exceed or fall short of these norms by more than 10%;
and in any case, note that excess length may be penalised by a loss of marks
(typically five marks per 500 words).
(B) PRESENTATION
(a) At the beginning of the essay, give the module number, and the title of the
essay as set — not some different version of it that you happen to prefer.
(b) At the end give a bibliography, i.e. a list of all the sources you have used,
with primary sources differentiated from secondary sources. (‘Primary’ =
ancient writers etc.; see further below, C.iii. ‘Secondary’ = modern reading.1
Don’t bother to say ‘lecture-notes’ or the like. Source-books, such as Crawford
& Whitehead, come under primary sources, even if what you are quoting or
citing is what CW themselves say, in their introductions or notes.) ALWAYS
DO THIS! Even if your list is exactly the same as a tutor’s recommendations,
s/he needs to know what you actually read. See further, next point.
(c) Your word-processing software should make it easy to put in footnotes, so
have them if you like, but short source-references go just as well in the main
text (in brackets). Either way, you must use – in both the body of the essay
itself and the bibliography – a consistent referencing system, e.g. Harvard
(with exact page-numbers where appropriate, not just ‘Bloggs 2001’).
(d) Formal English style is a vital aspect of your work. Sloppy grammar,
syntax, punctuation and spelling spoils an otherwise good effort. (On spelling,
the good news is that your computer will have Spellcheck or something similar.
The bad news is that it won’t recognise unfamiliar words you meet in Ancient
History; and even with familiar ones it can’t know whether you have chosen the
right word in the first place.) Your work will of course be judged and marked in
a way which gives greater weight to content — see the next section — than to
form. Even so, poor English is no preparation for success in the outside world.
1
By convention (which we will ask for in year 1, and insist on in years 2-3), book-titles go in italics, with no
quotation marks round them; article-titles have quotation marks riound them but are not in italics. Website URLs
can be in a standard typface; add the date you used any site.
16
So we make no apologies for including it in the range of skills that the study of
Ancient History can impart (and improve).
(C) CONTENT
There is no simple formula for writing a good ancient history essay, but:
(i) Do your preparatory reading with the title in mind, to enable you to collect
material that is relevant, and to set aside what isn’t. (But if in doubt on
anything, note it anyway, or at least note how to get quickly back to it.)
(ii) Make a plan before the first draft — but don’t be afraid to revise it as you go
along. Of the three classic parts of any essay (Beginning, Middle, End) you can
do largely what you like with the Middle if the Beginning and End are sound.
(iii) Give prominence to the PRIMARY SOURCES. This is done in any (or all)
of three ways. (a) General introductory and/or methodological remarks about
the primary sources on your topic are often appropriate. (b) You may want to
quote some individual passages directly. (NB: don’t do this mechically, or to
excess) (c) You will in any case want, and need, to cite individual passages,
i.e. give their references2 and summarise their contents in your own words.
(iv) Treat secondary sources similarly, i.e. quote X or Y (again, sparingly) if
what they have said is unimprovable; otherwise cite or summarise them in your
own words. And if a judgement or suggestion that you are following — or
challenging — is attributable to named individuals, living or dead, name them!
(Failure to do this in a systematic way, and so presenting the views of others
as if they were your own, is PLAGIARISM, a University crime: see already p.14
above.)
(v) As a summary of the above, write in a rigorous and scholarly way,
thinking always of how best to convey what you want to say and especially the
justification for it. Is it based on a primary source? Is it modern deduction? Is it
your own opinion or response? Tutors will constantly be assessing whether
you are differentiating between these various "levels" of statement — and that
is exactly what you must do for yourself.
2
The right (and wrong!) way to give ancient source-references is as follows. You will have found the passages
you want either (A) in a translation of the whole ancient work in which they occur (e.g. Thucydides, Tacitus), or
(B) as extracts in a sourcebook, or (C) in another sort of book, article or website. If A: give the reference *not* as
the page number of the translation, which is merely relative (because it will vary from one translation to another),
but in its own system, which is an unchanging absolute. [Examples: Thucydides 2.65; Tacitus, Annals 1.14.] If B
or C: again the vital point is to give the ancient reference itself. If you want to add the modern one too, to show
transparency on where you actually found the item, do so as an optional extra.
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(8) Dissertations (Stage 3)
At Stage 3, students on all AHY pathways may substitute, for one semester-2
taught module, the free-standing dissertation module AHY3040.
Anyone contemplating this option is very strongly advised to discuss it with a
member of the academic staff WELL BEFORE REGISTRATION.
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MARKS AND EXAMINATIONS
(1) MARK SCALE
Marking, of both individual items of coursework and individual exam elements, is
done in accordance with the following set of University-wide ‘conceptual equivalents’.
(The marks in bold are the ones you will actually be given).
NB: the mark for a whole module may of course result, arithmetically, in any integer.
Fail/unsatisfactory
0 (0-14) Nothing of merit
15 (15-24) Poor fail
25 (25-34) Weak fail
35 (35-39) Marginal fail
Adequate
42 (40-43) Low 3rd
45 (44-46) Definite 3rd
48 (47-49) High 3rd
Good
52 (50-53) Low/clear 2.2
55 (54-56) Definite/solid 2.2
58 (57-59) High 2.2
Very Good
62 (60-63) Low/clear 2.1
65 (64-66) Definite/solid 2.1
68 (67-69) High 2.1
Excellent
75 (70-77) Low 1st
80 (78-84) Definite/solid 1st
90 (85-94) High 1st
[100 (95-100) Exceptional 1st ]
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(2) RESIT EXAMINATIONS
Level 1
(A pass in Level 1 modules is normally needed in order to progress to Level 2.)
Students who, in June, fail modules (recorded as ‘F’) or are absent without providing
written evidence of medical or other extenuating circumstances (recorded as ‘Abs’)
may resit the examination in those modules in August. The mark is calculated on the
basis of 100% examination, and for degree classification purposes (see section 3
below) is capped at 40.
Students returned as ‘AbsM’ (absent due to documented medical or other
extenuating circumstances) may also take the August resit. Their overall mark will
then normally be calculated so as to include, where available, the mark(s) for tutorial
participation and for assessed coursework.
Levels 2 and 3
Here too, resit examinations normally take place place in August; and here again the
mark is normally capped, for degree classification purposes, at 40 (except in
documented medical or other extenuating circumstances: see below).
If the assessed coursework element was originally passed, its mark will be carried
forward and included in the resit mark (in the proportions 40% coursework, 60%
examination – i.e. the tutorial contribution mark, if any, is excluded from the
calculation). If such coursework was failed, or nor submitted, the assessment will be
100% examination.
In order for a Level 2 or Level 3 resit mark to avoid capping, the student concerned
must either have been ‘AbsM’ [see above, under Level 1] first time around or else, in
exceptional circumstances, permitted by the School’s Student Progress Committee
to resit without restriction. In either of these situations, alongside the resit exam itself
the marks for tutorial participation and assessed coursework are carried forward.
(Only if any such coursework was failed, or not submitted, due to clear and
documented extenuating circumstances may it be “re-submitted”, no later than the
penultimate Monday in August.)
NB: all students, at any Level, who are eligible for a resit examination must
either ensure that they are registered for it (by the deadline of, normally 1 st
July) or inform the School in good time if they do not intend to take it.
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(3) FINAL DEGREE CLASSIFICATION. From the 2009/10 cohort of students
onwards, final degree classification stems from all 18 (or equivalent) marks obtained
in your 18 (or equivalent) modules, with year-1 modules weighted at 10%, year-2
modules weighted at 30%, and year-3 modules weighted at 60%. [Previous cohorts
come under the old system, which assigns nothing to year 1: i.e. year 2 at 40%, year
3 at 60%.]
Five broad bands are used for the classification of degrees. In terms of percentage
score, they can be summarised as follows: 0-39, fail; 40-49, third-class honours; 5059, lower second-class honours [2.2]; 60-69, upper second-class honours [2.1]; 70+,
first-class honours.
21
MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD
If you have something to say about your Ancient History experience, good or
bad, we should hear it. There are several channels for this, both formal and
informal.
Feedback via questionnaires
At the end of each module, a questionnaire gives you the opportunity to record
your impressions of the module and evaluate what you consider its strengths
and weaknesses. These questionnaires are collated and studied in ‘module
review’ each year and are often the basis for change and improvement.
For Stage 3 students, an analogous questionnaire (and process) invites your
comments on the Ancient History aspects of your pathway as a whole.
Staff-Student Consultative Committee (SSCC)
The History SSCC consists of academic staff and undergraduate student
representatives. It normally meets twice a year, to discuss any issues affecting
students: modules, pathways, assessment, examinations, library & resource
facilities, premises and safety, and any other concerns. The SSCC is an
important point of contact for students. If you want to be on it yourself, come
forward and say so; otherwise, be aware of who your representatives are (see
the website).
Communication at other times
If an informal word with your teachers and/or tutors will best answer a question
or address an issue, simply put it to them when you see them for teaching or,
between contact hours, email them for an appointment. If something more
formal is appropriate, consult any of the following:
(a) Within the subject-area
AHY Pathway Co-ordinator (Prof Whitehead: d.whitehead@qub.ac.uk)
AHY Exams Officer (Prof Campbell: brian.campbell@qub.ac.uk)
(b) Outside the subject-area (but still within the School)
Director of Education (Prof Mary O’Dowd: m.odowd@qub.ac.uk)
Asst. Director of Education (Dr Graham McFarlane: g.mcfarlane@qub.ac.uk)
School Manager (Ms Frances Mercer: f.mercer@qub.ac.uk)
Head of School (Prof Peter Gray: p.h.gray@qub.ac.uk)
22
Autumn Semester
Weeks 1 - 12
Teaching
Monday 26 September – Friday 16 December 2011
3 weeks
Christmas vacation
Weeks 13 - 15
Assessment
Monday 19 December 2011 – Friday 6 January 2012
Monday 9 January – Tuesday 24 January 2012
Wednesday 25 January – Friday 27 January 2012
Inter-Semester Break
Spring Semester
Weeks 1 - 9
Teaching
3 weeks
Easter Vacation
Weeks 10 - 12
Teaching
Revision Period
Weeks 13 - 15
Assessment
Monday 30 January – Friday 30 March 2012
Monday 2 April – Friday 20 April 2012
Monday 23 April – Friday 11 May 2012
Monday 14 May – Wednesday 16 May 2012
Thursday 17 May – Saturday 2 June 2012
Graduation: week beginning 2 July 2012 (provisional)
RAG Day: 23 March 2012
Holidays and Key dates when University closure applies:
Christmas/New Year: Friday 23 December 2011 - Tuesday 3 January 2012 (inclusive)
St Patrick's Day: Monday 19 March
Easter: Friday 6 April - Friday 13 April (inclusive)
May Day: Monday 7 May
July Holidays: Thursday 12 and Friday 13 July
Christmas/ New Year: Friday 21 December 2012 - Tuesday 1 January 2013 (inclusive)
Student Support and Development
23
Introduction
The University takes the view that all aspects of student life offer opportunities for learning
and development. Schools work closely with student support services and the Students’
Union to support your personal development planning, providing a range of academic and
personal support services and developmental opportunities during your time at Queen’s.
Support and development opportunities for students are offered through your academic
School, as well as centrally in the Student Guidance Centre, International and Postgraduate
Student Centre and the Students’ Union.
If you are not sure where to go when you have a question about any element of University
life, ask one of the Information Assistants in the Student Guidance Centre or International
and Postgraduate Student Centre.
Don’t drop out – drop in!
We want you to do well during your time at Queen’s and all these services are here to help
you. Staff and Sabbatical Officers have a long and successful history of supporting students
in a range of situations, so do not hesitate to ask for help.
Every year we come across students who wish they had asked for help sooner, so take their
advice and come and speak to one of the support services listed here???. And if you are not
sure which service to go to, come to the Student Guidance Centre and speak to one of our
friendly Information Assistants who will be able to point you in the right direction.
Starting University ( first- year students)
Moving to higher education is an exciting time and a new phase in your life. At the same
time, don’t be surprised if you find it overwhelming at times – it’s normal to feel this way. For
those of you who have recently left school, studying for a degree is very different. You have
much more freedom to decide what you want to learn, and you will be asked to consider and
debate about the content of your course. You will be expected to be more self-directed in
how you approach your studies. Unlike school, your lecturers and tutors will guide you, but
will not direct you as much as your teachers may have done in the past.
Information about making a successful transition to higher education can be found at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/welcome, including a series of ‘transitions’ dvds made by students
about their experiences.
Within your academic School, you can discuss any issues that arise and receive guidance
on approaching new situations from Academic Advisers and Personal Tutors.
Personal Tutor
24
Each undergraduate student is assigned a Personal Tutor whose role it is to be a point of
contact and support within your School. We strongly advise you to speak to your Tutor if you
have any concerns relating to your time at Queen’s, particularly if you think it will affect your
progression.
Personal Tutors will support you as you reflect on your Personal Development Plan and,
where appropriate, refer you to a University or Students’ Union service for specialised
assistance. Students are to have six official meetings with their Personal Tutor a year, but if
you need to speak to yours outside of these scheduled meetings, feel free to approach them
for an appointment.
Personal Development Planning and Personal Tutoring
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process of reviewing and planning your own
development. You will be encouraged to take control of your learning needs by reflecting on
your personal performance and the feedback you receive. An electronic portfolio (e-folio) is
provided in Queen’s Online to help you set out plans and personal goals to improve your
academic performance and enhance your employability. Research suggests that students
who engage with PDP are better equipped to study and develop their professional skills and
experiences than those who do not. You should also look at the PDP webpage in the
Student Gateway and talk to your Personal Tutor.
PDP is a very helpful process to assist you in identifying what study- and skills-related
changes you need to make to be even more effective as an undergraduate. Our experience
shows that students who use PDP do better academically than those who choose not to.
Don’t forget it’s not just about helping you study throughout your course, but it will also help
you develop skills for all aspects of your life at Queen’s and beyond.
Student Guidance Centre
The Student Guidance Centre (SGC) is on University Road, above the Ulster Bank, Post
Office and The Bookshop at Queen’s. It brings together a number of support services that
help guide and assist you throughout your time at Queen’s. From managing your student
record, developing your academic and employability skills and offering advice and
assistance for times when you may feel under pressure, all services work together to ensure
you have an enjoyable student experience.
Services located in the SGC include:






Careers, Employability and Skills
Centre for Educational Development
Counselling Service
Disability Services
Income and Student Finance
Learning Development Service
25


Science Shop
Student Services and Systems (Student Records and Examinations, Qsis)
The Centre holds information and resources for a range of services both on- and offcampus.
Not sure who to ask? Information Assistants on the first floor will help you with all your
queries about the University, from getting a new student card, to where to submit a form, or
taking advantage of specialist advice from one of the services. The Centre also offers a
comfy seating area, internet access, coffee, newspapers to read and laptops that you can
borrow for use within the Centre.
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2727
E: sgc@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sgc
International and Postgraduate Student Centre
The International and Postgraduate Student Centre (IPSC), along with the Student Guidance
Centre and the Students’ Union, forms a proactive and comprehensive support and services
infrastructure for the student body. Located close to The McClay Library, the Centre provides
dedicated support to, and is a hub for many aspects of information, advice and guidance for
international and postgraduate students. Students have the opportunity to meet and socialise
with their peers from other Schools and disciplines in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Wireless access to the University network is provided throughout the Centre.
The Postgraduate Student Centre located on the first and second floors serves as a focal point
for the postgraduate community, complementing the facilities and services currently provided
by our academic Schools. The Centre delivers the Postgraduate Skills training programme for
research students, which offers an extensive range of workshops, courses and seminars
alongside numerous supported, student-led initiatives. Additionally, postgraduate research
students can access one-to-one guidance and advice in areas related to careers, employability
and personal effectiveness, and all postgraduate students can access tailored information and
advice on a range of postgraduate issues.
The second floor of the building provides dedicated study and social space for postgraduates.
This includes a computer facility offering 50 networked computers with black and white and
colour printing, scanning and photocopying facilities. The second floor also houses the
Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA), which represents the interests of all postgraduate
students in the University and co-ordinates a number of research-related and social events
throughout the year.
Opening hours for postgraduate students are 9:00am–10:00pm Monday–Friday.
Postgraduate Centre
26
International and Postgraduate Student Centre
T: 028 9097 2585
E: pg.office@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/aboutus/ipsc
International Student Support
International Student Support is based on the ground floor in the International and
Postgraduate Student Centre. The team aims to support, guide and advise international
students, enabling them to maximize their student experience at Queen’s. Core services
include advice on student-related visas and immigration issues; welcome and orientation;
general support and advice; and cultural awareness training.
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3899
E: internationalstudentsupport@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/isso
Information for International Students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss National)
All the services listed in this guide are equally available to international students and staff are
happy to support you during your time at Queen’s. In addition, the International Students
Support Office (ISSO) has staff specifically trained to provide advice, support and guidance
for international students.
The staff in the ISSO are the only staff in the University who are permitted to provide advice
or guidance on immigration/visa matters. The ISSO is located in the International and
Postgraduate Student Centre (IPSC). We offer a wide range of services including
confidential advice on immigration, problems affecting your studies or personal concerns.
We provide information on matters relating to arriving in the UK, opening a bank account,
police registration, healthcare and doctors, safety and security, working in the UK, driving in
the UK, activities in the University, local activities and events, travel, British culture, local
shops and services, facilities for families. More general support is provided to help with
settling in the UK, life in Belfast, academic life and study methods, homesickness and culture
shock and schools and childcare.
It is very important that international students meet the conditions of their visa while they live
in the UK. This means that if you have a job you must not work more hours than you are
permitted.
If you want to work (paid or unpaid) you should make an appointment with the ISSO to
discuss what you are allowed to do in the UK.
The UK has introduced new immigration rules called the Points Based System. This affects
both you and the University. The University has a number of obligations to meet for the UK
Border Agency, which include (but are not restricted to) keeping copies of your immigration
documents, monitoring your arrival/enrolment and you attendance. The International Student
27
Handbook contains a list of the recording and reporting obligations which must be carried out
by the University. If you have any questions about these please contact the ISSO.
You can contact the ISSO at internationalstudentsupport@qub.ac.uk with any questions,
enquiries or to make an appointment. Alternatively you can drop into the IPSC where we will
be delighted to meet you and help with any problems you may be having.
When you attend an appointment at the ISSO, always bring your passport with you.
International Student Support Office
International and Postgraduate Centre
Ground Floor
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3899
E: internationalstudentsupport@qub.ac.uk
Accommodation
University Accommodation
The University has a range of accommodation for students, based mainly at the Elms
Village, which is a 15-minute walk from the main campus. If you would like to apply for a
place in University accommodation or if you are a resident and have any queries please
contact us or visit our website:
Elms Village Reception Office
Elms Village
78 Malone Road
BT9 5BW
T: +44 (0)28 9097 4403
E: accommodation@qub.ac.uk
http://www.stayatqueens.com
Private Sector Accommodation
If you need assistance in searching for private accommodation or you are living in the private
sector and need advice on tenancy issues or any other matter related to your
accommodation please contact:
Brian Slevin
Education and Welfare Adviser
Student Advice Centre
2nd Floor, Students’ Union
University Road
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1135/3106
E: b.slevin@qub.ac.uk
28
Students’ Union Advice Centre – academic, welfare and financial support
University life can throw up all sorts of interesting situations and challenges.
Sometimes you may not know exactly what to do about them and may want some
advice. That’s what the Students’ Union Advice Centre is there for.
The Centre employs three Advisers dedicated to providing all Queens’ students with
free, confidential, independent and accurate advice.
Connie Craig – Financial Adviser
Connie advises on grants, loans, fees, Support/Hardship Funds, the financial
aspects of repeating years and course changes, Social Security Benefits and other
general financial issues.
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1049
E: connie.craig@qub.ac.uk
Brian Slevin – Education and Welfare Adviser
Brian advises on accommodation, including Queen’s accommodation, private
landlords, deposits, repairs, checking leases/contracts. Brian also covers academic
issues, including representation at Progress Committees, complaints and appeals.
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1135
E: b.slevin@qub.ac.uk
Debbie Forsey – Money Management Adviser
Debbie advises on debt; this includes overdrafts, credit cards, loan agreements,
arrears of payments, negotiating with creditors and any other debt issues. Guidance
on budgeting and money management is available and students do not need to be
in a ‘crisis situation’ in order to seek advice.
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1166
E: d.forsey@qub.ac.uk
29
Careers and Employability
Careers, Employability and Skills offers a range of facilities to help students develop their
career potential. These facilities include:





Guidance on a drop in or appointment basis
Accredited employability programmes and workshops
www.qub.ac.uk/careers > Careers Programmes
Events such as careers fairs and business insights
www.qub.ac.uk/careers > Events Calendar
Graduate jobs, placement opportunities and work experience vacancies
www.qub.ac.uk/careers > Vacancies
Part-time work on and off campus through the Student Jobshop
www.qub.ac.uk/careers > Vacancies
It is never too early to start thinking about how you can use your time at Queen’s to enhance
your employability and develop your career. Come in and speak to us.
Careers, Employability and Skills
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
Belfast BT7 1NN
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2770
E: careers@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers
Degree Plus
Degree Plus is a unique and innovative programme which allows Queen’s students to gain
accreditation for skills and experiences developed outside of their academic programme.
Students may register for the programme at any time during their academic career but must
have submitted evidence for the award of Degree Plus by 1 April in the year they hope to
graduate. Successful completion of the programme provides students with the award of
Degree Plus on their transcript. Any extra-curricular activities which enables the development
of academic, personal, career or employability skills may be included, eg volunteering,
involvement in a club or society, completion of an additional course or programme, summer
experience or working part-time. The award may be obtained in two different ways: either by
undertaking a programme which is fully accredited through Queen’s, or by combining two
experiences and presenting evidence on a Degree Plus application form. Visit the website
for further details: http://www.qub.ac.uk/degreeplus
30
Paid Employment and Part-time work
A high percentage of students work part-time whilst completing their degree. There are a
number of good reasons for doing this as part-time work can help you:

Develop valuable employability skills that will impress future employers

Gain experience and a greater understanding of the workplace

Access and develop networking opportunities

Help financially during your studies
Register with the Student Jobshop to access a range of opportunities and fairly paid parttime jobs at http://www.qub.ac.uk/careers > Vacancies.
Please note: the University strongly recommends that students do not exceed 15 hours parttime work per week as there is strong evidence to show that significant levels of part-time
work can affect degree outcomes.
Paid Employment and Part-time Work for International Students
International Students may have prohibitions or restrictions on working in the UK. It is very
important that you confirm you have a legal right to work and if you do have the right to work,
that you don’t exceed the permitted hours. If you want to work, you must bring your visa to
the International Student Support Office where your visa will be checked to confirm whether
or not you can work and if you can, how many hours you are allowed to work.
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3899
E: internationalstudentsupport@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/isso
Student Care
The University is committed to supporting the attainment and success of its students.
Through its Student Care Protocol, staff work with students to identify appropriate actions
and support either within or external to the University, to help students through the array of
difficulties they may encounter during their time as a student.
No issue is too small to raise with the helpful support team. If you are worried about your
studies, or a personal issue affecting your studies, you can contact any of the University’s
support team, including:



Staff in your School (Adviser of Studies, Personal Tutor, module or year co-ordinator)
Chaplains
Staff in the Student Guidance Centre (Counsellors, Information Assistants, Learning
Support Tutors, Careers Advisers, Disability Officers)
31



Community Youth Workers in the halls of residence
Students’ Union Advice Centre or Sabbatical Officers
Your GP or other health professional
For information about the range of support available to students, visit the Student Gateway
website (http://qub.ac.uk/studentinfo ). Any queries may be sent to the Student Guidance
Centre by emailing: sgc@qub.ac.uk
Anti-bullying and Harassment Policy
The University’s Student Charter, its Policy on Equality and Diversity and its Student Antibullying and Harassment Policy make reference to working in a learning environment which
is free from harassment including discrimination, victimisation and bullying, and expects
individuals to treat fellow students, staff and visitors equally and respectfully. In line with its
regulations the University will take disciplinary action against students who cause distress by
comments made about others, whether said or in writing. This includes comments written in
the public domain, for example on social networking sites.
Chaplaincies
Currently 17 faiths and denominations are represented at the University. Our work is varied
and far-reaching, but we always hope to offer a warm welcome, support and advice (spiritual
and otherwise) to all members of the University community. Each of us is committed to
playing a constructive and beneficial role in the building up of the individual person and of
the University community. The Chaplaincies website is the best source of information;
however, the four main chaplaincy centres and points of contact are:
Catholic
Church of Ireland
Methodist
Presbyterian
28 Elmwood Ave
22 Elmwood Ave
24 Elmwood Ave
12 Elmwood Ave
Rev Fr Gary Toman
Rev Barry Forde
Rev John Alderdice
Rev Karen Mbayo
http://www.qub.ac.uk/chaps
Counselling
Whilst we hope your time at Queen’s is trouble free, there may be times when you find
things difficult for a range of reasons. If that is the case then please speak to the Counselling
Service. Staff are friendly, approachable and experienced in dealing with a wide range of
issues that students have to face at University and in their personal lives. Don’t leave things
until the problem escalates; speak to them at the earliest opportunity. Emotional distress and
32
difficulty can seriously impede your ability to study effectively. Counselling can support you in
managing your difficulty so that your studies do not suffer unduly. Counselling is free and
confidential to any student of the University, and can range from a five-minute chat to a
series of 50-minute sessions. Counsellors are professionally trained and accredited and are
bound by the Code of Ethics of their professional body, the BACP.
Counselling Service
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
Belfast BT7 1NN
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2727
E: counsellor@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/counselling
Students with Disabilities
Disability Services provides support to students with a wide range of disabilities including
mental health difficulties and dyslexia. If you have a disability or acquire a disability whilst
studying at Queen’s, we can help arrange academic and personal support to meet your
individual needs.
Disability Services
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
Belfast BT7 1NN
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2727
E: disability.office@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/disability
Finance
The Income and Student Finance Office provides advice on course tuition fees, including the
assessment and collection of fees. If you have any concerns about your fee assessment
speak to staff in the office who have experience in advising student on these matters. They
administer a range of bursaries and student support and hardship funds, to help students in
financial difficulty, which do not need to be repaid. They also provide a finance function for
the University’s Clubs and Societies.
Student Finance and Fees
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
Belfast BT7 1NN
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2767
E: IncomeOffice@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/finance
33
The Students’ Union Advice Centre also has two members of staff who provide advice and
guidance on personal finance, debt management, income maximisation and applying for
bursaries. They can see students between 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday – Thursday and 9am
– 3pm on Friday. If you can only come outside of these hours, they will do their best to
accommodate you.
Connie Craig
Financial Adviser
Student Advice Centre
2nd Floor, Students’ Union
University Road
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1049/3106
E: connie.craig@qub.ac.uk
Debbie Forsey
Money Management Adviser
T: +44 (0)28 9097 1166/3106
E: d.forsey@qub.ac.uk
Health Centre
Students with a Belfast address, even if they only live there during the week, are strongly
encouraged to register with a General Practice (GP) surgery close to the University – although
it must be within a 10 mile radius of your address. If you are ill and need a doctor’s note
relating to your studies, you must see a GP as soon as possible – your School will have a
policy indicating the length of time after your absence that a GP note must be submitted. It is
also very important to be registered with a local GP surgery if you are suddenly and
unexpectedly ill and require GP (non-emergency) attention. Students from within the United
Kingdom can switch back to their ‘home’ GP during summer break.
The University Health Centre (UHC) at Queen’s offers student-focused NHS services and
University funded non-NHS services for Queen’s students. The UHC has extensive
experience in the health needs of young adults and is made up of a friendly team who
understand university life. International students in the UK for six months or more on a
student visa are entitled to free NHS care and can also register with the practice. Visit our
website or phone the Health Centre for more information on how to register.
University Health Centre
5 Lennoxvale
Belfast BT9 5BY
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5551
E: reception.157@uhcq.gp.n-i.nhs.uk
http://www.universityhealthcentreatqueens.co.uk
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Learning Development Service
The Learning Development Service is available to help you with academic skills. You can
have a one-to-one appointment and/or attend a range of workshops on topics including
essay writing, referencing, time management, presentation skills and preparation for exams.
You can find out more on their website or by calling into the Student Guidance Centre to
make a free appointment.
Learning Development Service
Student Guidance Centre
University Terrace
Belfast BT7 1NN
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2727
E: sgc@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sgc/learning
Study Support
Speaking to your Personal Tutor or Supervisor and using some of the material on the
Student Gateway site can be helpful ways of supporting your studies. You may also benefit
from more specific help. See the section on Learning Development Service for details on the
support they can offer you. The Learning Development website also offers excellent
resources on referencing, essay writing, time management and stress management, as well
as a range of other topics that will help you in your studies.
Library and Information Services
The goal of Information Services at Queen’s is to provide the highest quality information
resources and services to students and staff of the University. This commitment to quality is
well illustrated by the building of The McClay Library, which blends the best features of a
traditional library with the latest learning technologies to create a truly 21st-century
environment for students and staff. There are also further libraries: the Medical and
Healthcare Library (across four sites) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Library (in
the main building on the AFBI Headquarters site in Newforge Lane), as well as extensive
online resources.
Information Services also supports student computing, with student computing areas across
the campus. The student computing web pages provide a range of information to support the
use of computing in your studies; information includes the status of key computing services
and computers currently free on campus, as well as information about accessing the
wireless network, training and the virtual learning environment: http://www.qub.ac.uk/student
35
Queen’s Sport
The facilities at Queen's Sport are second to none. Whatever your interest – performance
sport or just recreation – you are sure to find an activity that suits you!
We have four main sites; our flagship PEC Sports Centre in Botanic Park, Malone Playing
Fields the Boat House at Stranmillis, and our cottage at the base of the Mourne Mountains.
The PEC has a state-of-the-art gym, squash courts, climbing wall, swimming and diving pool
plus much more. Flexible membership packages and rates are available to all students. Our
Activity Programme also has much to offer, with an unrivalled choice of classes and courses,
all of which are delivered by qualified instructors.
Queen’s has over 50 Student Clubs catering for all sporting interests.
The Malone site has grass pitches for both competition and training, sand-dressed and
water-based hockey pitches and a 3G playing area. This site is currently undergoing a
multimillion-pound investment, and is due for completion in Summer 2011. For further
information, please see:
http://www.queenssport.com/sites/QueensSport/Facilities/OutdoorSports/MalonePlayingFacil
ity
For information on our memberships, please visit:
http://www.queenssport.com/sites/QueensSport/Membership
Queen’s University Belfast Physical Education Centre
Botanic Park
Belfast BT9 5EX
T: +44 (0)28 9068 1126
E: sport@qub.ac.uk
http://www.queenssport.com
Students’ Union
The Students’ Union offers a range of membership services including entertainment venues,
food and other retail outlets, non-alcoholic study space in The SPACE, a student enterprise
centre, the Students’ Union Advice Centre, clubs and societies, student volunteering,
campaigns and representative work and much more.
Every student of the University is automatically a member (which means there are about
20,000 members). Open 18 hours a day during term time, the Students’ Union welcomes
over one million visitors every year. It is recognised by the University as the representative
body of students and is run by elected full-time Student Officers (Sabbaticals) and studentcentred staff.
The Sabbatical Officers, management and staff, work with the student body to ensure the
improvement of facilities and support services for students of Queen’s.
Queen’s Students’ Union
University Road
36
Belfast BT7 1NF
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3106
E: studentsunion@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qubsu.org
If you do have financial pressures that mean you have to work more hours than is advisable,
please come and talk to us. Both the Student Income and Finance Department in the
Student Guidance Centre and the Students’ Union can give you advice on funds that are
available to help students in your position. The Learning Development Service can also offer
advice on time management.
Language Learning
The Language Centre provides a wide range of language courses for all students. Classes,
which usually last two hours, are held weekly and usually run for most of the academic year.
Languages currently offered are: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Czech, Dutch, Finnish,
French, German, Greek (Modern), Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian, Sign Language, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Urdu. These are all
taught at various levels ranging from beginners in all languages to advanced level in the more
popular languages. These courses are accredited in line with the Common European
Framework of Reference and a Language Centre Certificate is awarded for over 70 per cent
attendance. Language Centre courses are included in the Degree Plus Award programme. A
small administration fee is levied for each 16-week course.
Apart from the courses for non-specialists, the Language Centre now offers courses leading to
a Certificate in Languages for Special Purposes. Specially designed computer-based courses
are available in: French, German and Spanish for Business, Practical Irish, French, German,
Spanish and Italian for Tourism and Leisure. These fully-accredited courses are available at
beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. (French commences at post-GCSE level).
Courses can be accessed using the Language Centre’s CAN-8 multimedia online system
affording students the opportunity for guided autonomous learning alongside tutor-led
sessions. The nature of these online courses means that students can study in their own time
and at their own pace allowing them to ‘catch up’ or to progress at their chosen pace. Upon
successful completion of the course, students will be awarded a Queen’s University
Certificate in Languages for Special Purposes. An administration fee is levied for each module
leading to the Certificate.
Apart from the formal language learning opportunities, the Centre also provides the
opportunity for self-study language courses for use in its private study area. There is a growing
library of resources in over 30 languages, available at various levels and in various formats ie
books, videos, DVDs, tapes, CD-ROMs and self-study online courses. Carefully designed
self-study packs are available in most languages. Software installed on the PCs includes
dictionaries, grammar packages and interactive CD-ROM courses for all levels and in many
languages.
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The Language Centre is open for private study and class teaching from 9am – 9pm Monday to
Thursday and 9am – 5pm on Friday. Staff are available for guidance and assistance during
opening hours. The self-study facilities are open during normal library hours.
For further information contact:
The Language Centre
The McClay Library
T: +44 (0)28 9097 6178
E: langcent@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/lc