PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN
ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL
SCIENCE
(FEMCSPS)
COHORT 1
SEPTEMBER 2015
Disclaimer
This handbook is intended to be an outline guide to the course and the content may change
after printing. Students should refer to Programme Specifications, Module Descriptors and
the University TQA Manual for full, up-to-date details.
Welcome to INTO University of Exeter
Dear Student
We would like to welcome you to the city of Exeter, the University and INTO University of Exeter. We
hope very much that you will find your stay with us enjoyable and useful and that you will see great
improvements in your ability to read, write, speak and listen to the English language.
Our Foundation Programme has been designed with great care to meet your needs and based on
many years’ experience of teaching English and academic subjects to those who need it in order to
progress to further studies at the University of Exeter. In addition, we are familiar with the differing
needs of the many Foundation students who come to us for pre-university tuition. At the same time
we value your comments and suggestions as it is important that you keep us informed of your own
particular needs.
You will find that the INTO University of Exeter is a busy place. The University has a growing number
of international students, and as well as our own full-time students, students come to us for tuition
in English and academic subjects and support from other departments and Colleges in the University.
Of course, there are several thousand British students on the campus too. So you will meet people
from many cultures and contexts and we hope that you will benefit from the opportunity to practise
your English in many different situations and with many different sorts of English speakers.
Devon is a very pleasant part of Britain in which to study. INTO University of Exeter organises a
number of trips to interesting places during the year. In addition, the International Society on
campus also arranges many events and trips for international students and you are strongly
recommended to take advantage of these. The university has a large number of clubs and societies
which cover a huge range of activities – I am sure you will be able to pursue any interests you might
have.
We understand that at first you may find life difficult, since living in a new country can be both
exciting and strange. You will have to get used to the food, the people and, of course, the weather.
But you will learn best if you are happy and comfortable. So do not stay silent if you are worried
about something or if you have a problem. In this handbook you will find that there are many people
who can help you. I and all the staff here at INTO are always available to answer any questions you
might have.
We wish you a very happy stay in Exeter and look forward to working with you.
Andy Robertson
Programme Manager
Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physical Science
1
CONTENTS
Welcome to INTO University of Exeter ................................................................................................... 1
YEAR PROGRAMME ................................................................................................................................. 3
PROGRAMME STAFF................................................................................................................................ 4
STUDENT / STAFF EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................................................ 5
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY ........................................................................................................... 6
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE – PROGRAMME
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................... 8
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 9
SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK AND MARKING PROCEDURES ............................................................ 11
PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION ............................................................................................................... 12
FAILURE OF A MODULE ......................................................................................................................... 14
CONDONEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 14
REFERRAL............................................................................................................................................... 15
REPEATING THE COURSE ....................................................................................................................... 15
EXTERNAL EXAMINERS .......................................................................................................................... 15
STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS .............................................................................................................. 15
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING ......................................................................... 16
PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND REVIEW ............................................................................................ 19
PROGRESSION TO YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE ........................................................................... 20
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA .......................................................................................................................... 20
2
YEAR PROGRAMME
Foundation Engineering, Mathematics Computer Science and Physical Science (FEMCSPS)
2015/16
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
w/c
14-Sep
21-Sep
28-Sep
05-Oct
12-Oct
19-Oct
26-Oct
02-Nov
09-Nov
16-Nov
23-Nov
30-Nov
07-Dec
14-Dec
21-Dec
28-Dec
04-Jan
11-Jan
18-Jan
25-Jan
01-Feb
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
29-Feb
07-Mar
14-Mar
21-Mar
28-Mar
04-Apr
11-Apr
18-Apr
25-Apr
02-May
09-May
16-May
23-May
30-May
06-Jun
FEMCSPS (C1) September
Welcome Week
Uni. Terms
UT - Welcome Wk
UT1 - 1
UT1 - 2
UT1 - 3
UT1 - 4
UT1 - 5
UT1 - 6
UT1 - 7
UT1 - 8
UT1 - 9
UT1 - 10
UT1 - 11
UT1 - 12
Notes
Welcome Week
Assessment
UT2 - 1
UT2 - 2
UT2 - 3
UT2 - 4
UT2 - 5
UT2 - 6
UT2 - 7
UT2 - 8
UT2 - 9
UT2 - 10
UT2 - 11
UT2 - 12
Break
Break
Break
Good Friday
Break
Break
Assessment
Uni Ass. Starts
Revision
Employability
Resit
Employability
Employability
Exam Board
Results Week - Term Ends
UT3 - 1
Uni Ass. Starts
UT3 - 3
UT3 - 4
UT3 - 5
UT3 - 6
UT3 - 7
3
PROGRAMME STAFF
Name
Role
Email
Andy ROBERTSON
Programme Manager Engineering Pathways (IYOE and
FEMCSPS)
a.m.robertson@ex.ac.uk
Andy HOLBROOK
Programme Manager (Resources & Pre-sessional)
a.holbrook@ex.ac.uk
Anna DAVIES
Programme Administrator
a.k.m.davies@ex.ac.uk
Sarah HOOD
Accommodation Officer
S.L.Hood@exeter.ac.uk
Sarah SHIRLEY
Academic Director
s.shirley@exeter.ac.uk
Chloe SHARPE
Amy HENRY-MORGAN
International Liaison Officer
exeterILO@exeter.ac.uk
Dawn BIRD
Programme Manager (Maths and Business C2)
d.e.bird@ex.ac.uk
RECEPTION
INTO Reception
INTO@exeter.ac.uk
Helen TURNER
Programme Manager (Humanities & Science)
h.m.turner@ex.ac.uk
Robin DIXON
Module Leader Computer Science
r.p.dixon@exeter.ac.uk
James MERRETT
Programme Manager (English)
j.m.merrett@ex.ac.uk
John HOSKIN
Programme Manager (Business C1)
j.hoskin@ex.ac.uk
Julia de Ste CROIX
Module leader (Science)
j.de-ste-croix@exeter.ac.uk
Kirsty McCALL
Coordinator (Dip Bus Study Skills)
K.L.McCall@ex.ac.uk
Marion FULCHER
Academic Support Manager
m.e.fulcher@ex.ac.uk
Magdalena KATOMERI
Attendance and Welfare
m.katomeri@ex.ac.uk
Michael TWITCHEN
Accommodation Officer
m.twitchen@exeret.ac.uk
Phil END
Coordinator (English, Writing)
p.j.end@ex.ac.uk
Pippa WHITTON
Assistant Programme Manager (English)
p.m.whitton@ex.ac.uk
Eleanor WHEATON
Lucie BURNETT
Marketing Coordinators
Robyn LEVINE
Module Leader (Physics)
R.Levine@ex.ac.uk
Jill BARTHOLOMEW
Head of Student Services
j.bartholomew@exeter.ac.uk
Joaquin NAVARETTENAVARRO
Lecturer (Mathematics)
j.navarettenavarro@exeter.ac.uk
Zara SALMAN
INTO Placements Officer
z.salman@exeter.ac.uk
e.c.wheaton@exeter.ac.uk
l.burnett@exeter.ac.uk
4
STUDENT / STAFF EXPECTATIONS
As a student at INTO University of Exeter you are expected to: 1.
Attend punctually all the classes on your course.
2.
Inform the Centre of reasons for any absence from classes.
3.
Take an active part in classes.
4.
Complete and submit homework assignments at the time they are required by your
teachers.
5.
Think about your own language learning needs and keep your teachers informed about them.
6.
Be aware and considerate of the language learning needs of other students in your classes.
7
Be sensitive to cultures other than your own.
8.
Organise your time outside the classroom effectively and use opportunities to practise your
spoken and written English.
9.
Discuss any problems connected with your classes directly with your teachers and/or course
co-ordinator and / or Programme Manager.
10.
Complete and submit evaluation questionnaires when asked to do so by your teachers.
11.
Abide by University regulations when using IT facilities, both in the Learning Resource
Centre and elsewhere.
And you can expect staff at INTO to provide you with: 1.
Information on the aims of the course.
2.
Information on the content of your course.
3.
Information on the aims of each lesson you attend.
4.
Information on how your performance on your course will be assessed and reported.
5.
Help with becoming used to the University and its facilities.
6.
Advice on how to use the University’s student support services.
7.
class.
Advice and encouragement on how to study your subjects and practise your English outside
8.
Comment and feedback on your progress throughout your course.
9.
Help with your future study plans including applications for other courses.
10.
Opportunities to discuss study and other problems in tutorials and at other times.
5
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
We take your studies very seriously and we expect you to attend 100% of your classes. Experience
shows that good attendance is associated with success in study.
During your time at INTO University of Exeter we are required to record your attendance for every
class in your timetable. We check your attendance level every week.
LATENESS
You are expected to attend all classes on time. Please note that if you arrive late for a class, this will
be recorded. Frequent lateness will result in Stage 1 of the Attendance Management procedure (see
below).
SICKNESS
If you are unable to attend class because you are ill, as early on the day as possible you need to
inform INTO University of Exeter Reception, who will inform your Programme Manager. You can
contact Reception by email or phone:
E-mail: into@ex.ac.uk
Tel: 01392 724282
When you return to class, you must complete a SICKNESS FORM for our records. This form can be
found on the Programme Information page on ELE:
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/folder/view.php?id=277719
If you are ill for longer than 5 teaching days, you will also be expected to supply a Doctor’s Note
(available from the University Health Centre) as well as your Sickness Form.
Sickness Forms and Doctor’s Notes must be given to Reception immediately you return.
It is important to note that frequent sickness absence will have a detrimental impact on your ability
to progress academically and will result in the Fitness to Study Procedure being implemented. For the
University’s Fitness to Study policy, see
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/administration/complaintsandappeals/fitnesstostudyexeter/
AUTHORISED ABSENCE
If you know in advance that you have to be absent for a planned period of time, you must complete a
REQUEST FOR ABSENCE FORM to be authorized by your Programme Manager. This form can be
found on the C1 Programme Information page on ELE:
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/folder/view.php?id=277719
Accepted reasons for absence requests and evidence which you must provide are:
Reason
Visa/Police appointments
Embassy visits
Interview with host/prospective University
Religious Observance
Compassionate Leave
Evidence required
Copy of appointment letter
Copy of appointment letter
Copy of all correspondence between the centre,
yourself and the university
This is only for specific cases as agreed by
sponsors and Regional Managers
This will be assessed on a case by case basis by
the welfare team and your programme manager
6
ATTENDANCE AND EXAMS
It is a University requirement for all programmes that you attend examinations, so make sure you
know when, and where, your examinations are to be held.
If you are ill or absent during the exam period, you must submit a MITIGATION FORM together with
medical or other evidence to the Programme Office. Your case will then be considered at a
Mitigation Committee, which will decide whether you should be allowed a further opportunity to
take the exam.
If you do not give a good reason for absence from an exam, a zero will be recorded as your result. In
addition, it may be considered that you have withdrawn from INTO University of Exeter.
ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE
It is important to note that we will look at your total attendance record from the start of your course.
Accordingly, at certain points in the course, we will examine your total attendance so far and make a
decision on whether we need to place you on the Attendance Management Procedure. However, at
any point, if your attendance drops suddenly and seriously during a week, we may contact you and
ask you to come in to discuss your absence.
The Attendance Management Procedure consists of the following stages. At each stage of the
procedure you will meet with an appropriate member of academic staff to discuss why you have not
been attending.
Initial email:
The first time that your attendance falls to 89% or less over one week, you will receive a letter asking
why you have missed classes and if you are experiencing any difficulty.
Stage 1:
If your attendance does not improve you will be invited to meet your Programme Manager and the
Welfare Officer to explain why you have not been attending. A plan for your return to 100%
attendance will be discussed with you.
If your absence is associated with sickness, it is possible that the University’s Health, Wellbeing and
Fitness to Study procedure may need to be put in place. (See
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part1/otherregs/health/)
If your absence is not associated with sickness or other personal difficulty, you will receive a Stage 1
written warning, a copy of which may be forwarded to your parents/agent/sponsor. In addition, you
may be placed on report. A written warning at this stage will constitute the initial warning detailed in
the University’s Code of Good Practice on Unsatisfactory Progress (See:
http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%208/8Dacadprog.pdf)
Stage 2:
If your attendance still does not improve, you will be required to meet with the Head of Student
Services. At this meeting, if it turns out that your absence is associated with sickness or other
personal difficulty, the University’s Health, Wellbeing and Fitness to Study procedure will be put in
place. (See http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part1/otherregs/health/)
If your absence is not associated with sickness or other personal difficulty, you will be issued with a
final warning (as given in the University’s Code of Good Practice on Unsatisfactory Progress). A copy
of this warning letter will be forwarded to your parents/agent/sponsor.
7
Substantial improvements must be made from now on to avoid your exclusion from INTO University
of Exeter. If you are excluded from INTO University of Exeter, you will receive no refund.
Stage 3:
Any further unauthorised absences will result in you being required to attend a meeting with the
Academic Director. At this meeting, a recommendation will be made that you withdraw from INTO
University of Exeter.
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, COMPUTER
SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE – PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Foundation Programme for International Students has a duration of one academic year and all
studies will be carried out at the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter. This programme,
which is accredited by the British Accreditation Council, consists of 90 credits at National
Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 and 30 credits at NQF Level 2:
NQF Level 3
Subject module 1 – 20 credits
Subject module 2 – 20 credits
Subject module 3 – 20 credits
Subject module 4 – 20 credits
INT0028 Study Skills – 10 credits
NQF Level 2
INT0029 English for Academic Study – 30 credits
The modules are delivered over two semesters:
Semester 1*
INT0007 Foundation Mathematics
Semester 2**
INT0020 Mathematics 1
INT0021 Mathematics 2
INT0028 Study Skills (compulsory)
INT0012 Introduction to Physical Science or
INT0010 Introduction to Computer Science (see
* below)
INT0029 English for Academic Study***
* In semester 1 you will study INT0007 and either INT0012 or INT0010 (but note that INT0010 may
not run if there are insufficient numbers)
** In semester 2 you will study INT0028 and the two subject modules listed above
*** INT0029 (English for Academic Study) will be studied in both semester 1 and semester 2
Programme Specification on ELE: C1Programme Information:
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/512070/mod_resource/content/1/FEMCSPS%20Programme%2
0Specification%202014-15_1.pdf
Module descriptions on ELE: C1 Programme Information:
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/512072/mod_resource/content/1/0012%20Physics%20Module
%20Descriptor%202014-2015.pdf
The award of the Foundation Certificate in Engineering and Mathematics requires that you achieve
120 credits with marks of at least 40% in all modules. A mark of 70% or more overall in academic
modules (NQF Level 3) together with a minimum of 70% in INT0029 English for Academic Study
(NQF Level 2) will result in the award of a Distinction.
8
All Colleges at the University of Exeter have set a requirement that you must reach for guaranteed
progression to undergraduate study.
In general, the requirements for progression to the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical
Sciences (CEMPS) are:
Overall academic mark (NQF Level 3): 65% (excluding English for Academic Study)
English for Academic Study (NQF Level 2): 65%
(For more detail, see INTO University of Exeter prospectus 2015-16)
The award of the Foundation Certificate in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physical
Science will enable you to progress to undergraduate study at another University, dependent on the
entry requirements of that institution.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
The programme will be delivered using a range of learning opportunities and activities, including:
Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars and seminar discussions
Regular formative class work activities with feedback
Individual and group presentations
Online (e.g. ELE activities)
Library based resources for individual research
Directed private study
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Each module will be assessed by a combination of examination, coursework and course assessment
tests (CA Test) with each grade being awarded as a percentage. You will be given information at the
start of the module about these tasks and tests, which are also listed in the module descriptors. All
examinations and course assessment tests will be closed book. All work will be considered passed if a
mark of 40% is achieved. To pass a module it is necessary to obtain an overall mark of 40%, not 40%
in every element.
Semester 1 Exams: Week commencing 14 Dec 2015
Semester 2 Exams: Week commencing 18 April 2016
Examinations for English Language Skills for Academic Study: will take place during the week
commencing 14 Dec 2015, the week commencing 18 Apr 2016 and the week commencing
9 May 2016. You are advised to refer to the module teachers and module descriptions for further
information.
Assessment is summative or formative. Summative assessment marks count towards your final mark
in the module. Formative assessment does not count towards your final mark but is important as it
gives an indication of your progress and provides an opportunity for lecturers to give you feedback
and advice on how to improve your work.
9
Subject modules – summative assessment
Module
Coursework
Exam
INT0007
Foundation Maths
20% of module mark
5 assignments:
80% of module mark
Two Exam Papers
INT0012
Introduction to Physical Science
40% of module mark
Lab reports 20%
Technical writing 10%
Presentation 10%
60% of module mark
INT0010
Introduction to Computer
Science
40% of module mark
60% of module mark
INT0020
Mathematics 1
20% of module mark
5 assignments:
80% of module mark
Two Exam Papers
INT0021
20% of module mark
80% of module mark
Mathematics 2
5 assignments:
Two Exam Papers
Information regarding Maths and Physics assignments will be provided by your Maths and Physics
teachers.
INT0028 Study Skills – summative assessment
Skills
Assessment
Semester Weighting in
overall grade
Study skills
1000-1500-word written assignment
2
100%
INT0029 English for Academic Study – summative Assessment
Skills
Assessment
Semester Weighting in
overall grade
Reading
Two prepared reading exams
1+2
20%
Writing
Two tasks 400-600 words
60 minute exam
1+2
2
15%
15%
Listening
Two listening/notetaking exams
1+2
20%
Speaking
20-30 minute group seminar
10-20 minute group presentation
2
15%
15%
The criteria for assessing each task will differ depending on the skill that is being assessed. As such,
for each piece of assessed work, the marking criteria will be explained when the task is set.
Use of Calculators
Calculators can be used in some exams (your teacher will advise you). All calculators must be
approved before you will be allowed to use them in your exams; you will be informed about the
approval process.
10
Absence from Examinations
a) If you are absent from examination(s) with properly documented medical, or other extreme
personal circumstances known to the Programme Manager, the examination(s) will normally
be deferred on application for Mitigation (See page 13). These deferred examination result(s)
will not be capped.
b) If you provide a reasonable explanation of your absence but you were not affected by
medical, or other extreme personal circumstances, the examination may be referred at the
discretion of the Mitigation Committee. The referred examination result(s) will be capped at
40%.
c) If you fail to provide a reasonable explanation for absence, the result for that examination
will be 0%. You may also be considered as having voluntarily withdrawn from the course.
Scaling of marks
INTO University of Exeter reserves the right to scale marks in any subject.
Scaling is the adjustment of a set of marks for an assessment, on a consistent basis and for a whole
cohort, in order to ensure that they properly reflect the achievement of the candidates as defined by
the assessment criteria. Scaling will usually be applied only to the marks for a particular component
of the assessment when the marks of a group are affected in an unplanned way.
Some examples of situations which may indicate the need to apply scaling mechanisms are:
•
•
external forces unrelated to student performance have adversely affected a whole
cohort;
a single assessment task or examination question proves to be unreliable.
It may be appropriate to scale marks either up or down.
SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK AND MARKING PROCEDURES
Work that is to be submitted for formative assessment should be submitted under your name and
group number. This work will not count towards the final mark of your module. It will be used to test
your understanding of the content of the course and provide you with feedback in respect to your
answers to the set questions. The feedback will be provided in the form of written or spoken
comments regarding the structure, content or technical use of language. If queries still exist with
respect to these comments they can be discussed with Programme Managers.
Work that is submitted for summative assessment will count towards your final module mark. Where
a single piece of work individually counts more than 5% of your module mark, it must be submitted
under your student number for anonymous marking. Any other work can be submitted under your
name. Submitted work will be divided into either work with an objective or subjective mark scheme.
All work that has an objective mark scheme will have the breakdown of marks for each section
shown on the assignment sheet. Work that is to be marked subjectively will be marked according to a
set of marking criteria that will be available on ELE or that your teacher will provide when the
assessment is initially set. Where work within a subject-specific module is marked by more than one
member of the teaching staff, all work will be assessed against the same standard set of criteria
(which can be found at the end of this handbook).
11
You are expected to submit all coursework by the set deadline. All deadlines will be published at the
start of the module and also on the respective assignment briefs/cover sheets. Work submitted by
the deadline will be marked and returned, with appropriate feedback, within three University weeks
of the submission date.
Work submitted after the deadline and up to two weeks late will be marked to a maximum of 40%.
Submission of work after the two week period will result in a zero mark being awarded. No
coursework will be marked if received after marked coursework has been returned to the other
students.
Unless you are told otherwise, work should be submitted to the Programme Office (I/2.05). Make
sure you obtain a receipt for your work or that your submission is recorded by the Programme Office.
This will be kept as an official record of submission and will be checked against the submitted work
immediately following the submission deadline. You will also have to sign that the work is your own.
The procedure is here http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4315
Non-submission of coursework will be investigated and dealt with according to University
procedures.
By submitting coursework you declare that you understand and consent to the University policies
regarding plagiarism and mitigation (these can be seen online www.exeter.ac.uk/plagiarism and
www.exeter.ac.uk/mitigation respectively), and that you have read INTO's rules for submission of
written coursework.
Use of English
For assessment purposes, in subject-specific modules answers will not be penalised for misuse of
English language, except in cases where the misuse of language results in a poor or unclear argument
or changes the content of the answer through an error in the use of technical language.
Double Marking
Double marking will be carried out on at least 25% of all examination scripts and coursework tasks. In
addition, all failures will be double marked.
PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION
During your time with INTO University of Exeter and when you progress into the academic Colleges,
you will be submitting a good deal of written work, much of which will contribute to your eventual
results.
Plagiarism is defined as representing as your own the words or ideas of other people, whether
published or not. In the university context it may take the form of, for example, copying parts of a
textbook, web page or lecture handout into an essay without acknowledging the source, or copying
another student’s work and passing it off as your own. Always acknowledge direct quotes or the
ideas of other writers by naming the source. Do not permit your work to be copied by others.
Internet plagiarism is dealt with in the same way as plagiarism from printed sources and search
engines make it fairly easy to detect. The use of essay bank material for assessment purposes is not
permitted under any circumstances.
Any case of cheating and/or plagiarism will be dealt with according to University procedures. See
http://www.ex.ac.uk/admin/academic/tls/tqa/plag1.htm.
12
Collusion is the representation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own without appropriate
acknowledgement or referencing, where the owner of the work knows of the situation and both
work towards the deceit of a third party (while in plagiarism the owner of the work does not
knowingly allow the use of his or her work). Collusion is also dealt with under the University
procedures.
The Academic Misconduct Officer for INTO University of Exeter is the Academic Director.
MITIGATION
For mitigation for exams or completed assignments,
You should complete an Application for mitigation form (available from the Programme Office or
Reception) no later than one day after your examination or assignment submission deadline.
Give the form to the Programme Office, together with written supporting evidence, such as a
doctor’s letter or appointment card. The evidence you supply must be verifiable.
A Mitigation Committee will consider your application as soon as possible. The Committee will
decide, first, whether you have grounds for mitigation and, second, and decide what the necessary
course of action should be. You will be notified of the decision as soon as possible.
For an extension for an assignment,
Hand in the mitigation application to the programme office no later than one day BEFORE your
assignment submission deadline together with your supporting evidence, such as a doctor’s letter.
Your Programme Manager will consider your application and you will be notified of the decision as
soon as possible.
The duly signed mitigation form will then be returned to you. This form must then be stapled to the
front of your work as proof of the extension. If an application for extension is made after the
deadline, extensions will only be granted if the nature of the problem prevented earlier application
(e.g. transport problems)
The Mitigation Committee is notified of all Extensions granted.
It is important to note the following:
The mitigation process cannot take place after you have received your assessment results.
If you have to apply for mitigation later than one day after your assessment takes place you
must supply written evidence in support of your late application. Your application will not be
considered without this evidence.
Mitigation cannot be considered where there has been academic misconduct.
You should note that handing in work after the deadline without permission will result in
substantial marks being deducted from your work.
You can appeal against the decision of the Mitigation Committee on certain grounds only (see
STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS below).
13
Mitigation will be granted on the following basis:
Illness: Self-certificated illness within 7 days of the deadline will receive an extension of up to
4 days. A medical certificated illness of one week or more within 3 weeks of the deadline will
have an extension granted as appropriate to the problem.
If you are regularly having health problems around deadlines you will be referred to the
medical centre.
Absence from University: Unplanned absence within 4 days of the deadline for emergency
purposes (e.g. to support a sick relative) will have an extension as appropriate, normally up
to 4 days. Planned absence for social events such as weddings, sports events etc. will have no
extension granted.
Transport Problems: Breakdown / Failure of public transport will have an extension of one
day granted, provided that reasonable steps were taken to arrive at the university on time.
Other: Other circumstances that may arise will be considered on an individual basis by the
committee.
Mitigation will not be granted for:
Computer and Printing Problems: Good IT practice means that back-ups should be kept as
both electronic and hard copies. There are also computers available across the campus
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No extension will be granted.
The Mitigation Committee will consist of the Academic Director and Programme Managers. A
Programme Administrator will take minutes.
In exceptional circumstances, you may appeal in writing against a penalty imposed for late
submission of work. In such cases the appeal must be lodged with the Academic Director within 10
working days of the original submission date. In making an appeal the notes and exclusions above
should be noted. The appeal will not be accepted if you had an adequate opportunity beforehand to
submit an application for an extension.
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part1/otherregs/appeals/
Please see your Programme Manager for more information.
FAILURE OF A MODULE
Should you fail any subject-specific modules there are two possible outcomes – Condonement or
Referral.
CONDONEMENT
This is the process that allows the Foundation Certificate to be awarded despite the failure to achieve
120 credits, provided that the overall mark of 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of
assessment including the marks for the failed and condoned modules.
A maximum of 30 credits can be condoned. Where more than one condonable module is failed, the
module with the highest mark will be condoned. You will not have the opportunity of reassessment
in the condoned module.
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Failure in INT0029 English for Academic Study will not be condoned. This module will only be subject
to referral.
See http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/ugexams2.htm for more information.
If you have any condoned modules, you will not be able to progress to a degree at Exeter
REFERRAL
This is the process whereby a further attempt at an individual examination, following an initial
failure, is permitted without the requirement to repeat any attendance. Referral in any module will
constitute a second formal examination – coursework may not be included in the re-assessment. See
module descriptors for further detail: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4315
You must complete all summative coursework before you are entitled to referral. The grade for the
referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
REPEATING THE COURSE
This is not normally permitted. You may be allowed to repeat the course in very exceptional
circumstances if you have not completed your programme for health reasons or other personal
circumstances. Repeating the course is at the discretion of the Academic Director on payment of full
fees.
EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
Each course is required to appoint one or more external examiners, usually academics from another
university. These external examiners read and approve assessment materials, and also ensure that
the academic quality of marking and feedback is maintained. Full details of the external examiners
can be found at:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part2/examiners/
'The contacting of external examiners by students regarding any aspect of their programmes of study
is prohibited and will be treated as an offence under the University's Disciplinary Procedures.
Externals are requested to inform the University's Examinations Office should such an occurrence take
place.'
STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS
INTO University of Exeter follows the rules on academic appeals set out in the Teaching Quality
Assurance Manual of the University. The rules can be found here:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/administration/complaintsandappeals/academicappeals/
You can appeal against your formal assessment results on certain grounds, as follows:
a) There were important circumstances affecting your performance of which a Board of Examiners
had not been aware before reaching its decision, but only if you can present reasonable grounds
why such circumstances had not been presented to a Mitigation Committee or the Examination
Board in advance of its meeting; and/or
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b) There were procedural irregularities in the formal conduct of an assessment or in reaching
another academic decision; and/or
c) There is evidence of prejudice or of bias on the part of one or more examiners and/or markers.
Please note: you cannot appeal against a decision of an examination board, or the academic
judgement of an internal or external assessor, unless you believe that this judgment was not made
fairly or according to the correct University process. You cannot appeal because you are not happy
with the academic judgment of the internal and/or external examiners. All marking and testing
procedures follow certain guidelines. For example, a proportion of all work is second marked. This is
usually enough to ensure that marking is fair. Please see your Programme Manager if you would like
more information on marking procedures.
If you wish to appeal against your assessment results, you must do so within 10 working days of
being notified of an academic decision. Appeals lodged outside this period will not normally be
considered unless there are fully justifiable reasons. You should use an Academic Appeals Form for
your appeal, and this should be sent to the INTO University of Exeter Academic Director.
The Academic Director will carry out investigations to determine whether there are grounds for
appeal. The findings of these investigations will be considered in an Appeals Panel, where a
recommendation will be made. You will be notified of the decision once the Appeals Panel has taken
place.
Finally you should be aware that if you make unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations
concerning the reputation or conduct of members of staff, you may be subject to disciplinary
proceedings.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING
Library, IT Services and Printing
At Exeter, the University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the
Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain
Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical
subscriptions. Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the
Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7
days a week (including printing). Additionally, INTO has its own dedicated facilities in the Learning
Resource Centre (Level 0). Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, while
study bedrooms in INTO and University accommodation are linked to the University’s campus
network.
Printing can be carried out in the INTO Learning Resource Centre. Photocopying, booklet binding, etc.
is available in the Print Shop located on the first floor of the Forum (up the stairs by the Helpdesk).
Independent Learning
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provides facilities for INTO students and teachers to work
independently on their learning. It is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.00pm.
Your programme will have a Guided Independent Learning programme for you to follow. The
intention is to help you to find resources related to the class work you are doing and to deal with
individual issues you may have that are not being taught in the main curriculum. For example, you
may have particular pronunciation or grammar issues and one of your English teachers might ask
16
you to come to the LRC for help. It may be that you need some help understanding the new
vocabulary in one of your subject modules.
Help and support is available from a teacher in the LRC. He/she can help with any learning challenge
you may have and suggest a course of action to help you with it. The teacher on duty can also help
you with any issues with regard to ELE (see below).
The Lending section has books you can borrow for pleasure and to improve your reading speed.
There are also some books about Business, Economics, Finance, Law and Engineering.
The Reference Section has reference books, text books and work cards for:
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most subject areas
grammar
vocabulary
reading comprehension
writing
study skills
examination practice
The Computers
Some of the Computers in the LRC can be used to develop your grammar, reading and other
language skills. There is also special software for preparing for the IELTS exam. There is an Internet
bar which you can use to access your email and do other things on the Internet. There are also
dictionaries and encyclopaedias on the Computers and in book form.
.
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE)
The University and the INTO Centre use an online learning platform called ELE (vle.exeter.ac.uk) to
support subject and language learning. You will be shown how to use it and you will be expected to
use it as part of your course. The site is available throughout the University and can be accessed
from your accommodation. There are separate areas for each of the programmes and modules. You
will need your University login and password to enter the sites.
Resources include:
Timetables
Course programmes / schedules
Programme handbook
Coursework tasks, schedules and marking criteria
Past exam papers
Supporting academic resources to assist your studies
Links to useful web sites
Language practice
Access to useful forms
Overview of Regulations for using Computing Facilities
This is just a simplified summary and you should also read the full regulations available at:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/calendar/its/.
17
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
To use systems managed by IT Services, you will need to register. You will receive
instructions for how to do this when you receive your University ID card.
Any user identification or password you are given is for you alone: don't tell anyone
your password and don't try to use anyone else's.
Computing facilities can only be used for authorised purposes and special permission is
needed to use computers for personal, commercial or outside work.
You must make sure you know how to use the equipment. You need permission to
move anything, to borrow anything or to connect any new hardware.
Follow instructions for starting and finishing time on the computers.
While you are using University computers, use only authorised software.
You must not damage, interfere with, or modify any hardware or software; if you do you
may be charged for having it put right.
You must not load any new software onto INTO or University computers.
If you break these rules you may be breaking the criminal or civil law and will certainly be
liable to disciplinary action.
Tutoring
It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors
for their students. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University’s TQA
Manual.
http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%206/6B(2010)Personal%20Tutor%20System%20Co
P%20FINAL.pdf
Student Support Services
Additionally, the following units at Exeter between them provide a wide range of support services to
all students:
 University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and
support.
 Student Health Centre
 Study Skills Service - can provide one-to-one guidance and information on all aspects of
academic study and skills.
 Family Centre (Streatham campus) provides high quality care and education for early-years
children of students and staff.
 Student Advice Centre (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential
advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
 Students’ Guild is the students' union of the University of Exeter.
 Student complaints procedure.
 Chaplaincy supports and encourages students all students.
 The International Student Support Office supports non UK students across all University of
Exeter campuses.
 AccessAbility aims to provide advice, guidance, signposting to other services and, in some
cases, face-to-face assistance for those in need. The University is committed to supporting
disabled students, staff and visitors on all its campuses.
 My Career Zone You can access careers resources, including resources on preparing effective
Applications and CVs. Part-time job listings are also available to you.
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Staff Student Liaison Committees
All Colleges are required to operate Student Staff Liaison Committees (SSLC), which allow students to
contribute directly to the enhancement of educational and other provision at discipline level. At INTO
we offer a Student Staff Liaison Committee for each programme with a student representative from
each subject pathway, and a Subject Chair chosen from the representatives. This ensures that a very
broad cross-section of the student body is represented.
Students are also represented through the Subject Chairs on the INTO Education Committee, INTO
Boards of Studies and INTO Programme Meetings where their input into the development of current
and new programmes is valued.
Welfare and Academic Support
INTO offers enhanced welfare and academic support. Student attendance is tracked very carefully
and on a weekly basis so that if a student does not attend class, follow up is done in a timely fashion
through resident tutors in INTO accommodation or by our student welfare support team. A buddy
scheme is underway to support students before and when they arrive at Exeter.
Students have access to their Programme Managers on a regular basis for academic matters and
have tutorials with their personal tutors each semester to review progress. The tutor responsible for
Independent Learning in the Centre is available for consultation with students and there is a
dedicated PC cluster with language / skills development software and a more traditional study centre
with book-based resources, video and taped materials.
One-to-one tutorial support for writing is a feature of all our English Language modules where tutors
give feedback on specific assignments at draft stage.
There is also a dedicated social programme for INTO students which include visits to places of
interest in the region but also events where students can develop their English.
PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND REVIEW
The University and INTO draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The
College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on
an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
Admissions, progression and completion data
In Year Analysis data
Previous monitoring report
Monitoring of modules
External examiner’s reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external
reports
Consultation with employers and former students
Staff evaluation
Student evaluation
Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes
external contributions.
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PROGRESSION TO YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Throughout your programme you will be supported by the International Liaison Officers, Chloe
Sharpe and Amy Henry-Morgan, together with Zara Salman (Placements Officer), who will help you
through your UCAS application, and give advice and guidance to help ensure that you can continue
your studies next year. They can be contacted on a 'drop-in' basis between 0900 and 1200 in Room
2.32 or via e-mail:
exeterilo@exeter.ac.uk
You should check your university email every day, as this is the main communication method used by
Chloe and Amy. Watch for an invitation to your Progression Welcome meeting, where the application
process will be explained to you.
There will be a Welcome Meeting in October to introduce you to the UCAS system.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
All submitted work will be assessed using the University of Exeter Generic Assessment criteria
modified as required to reflect the nature of the assignment.
The Generic NQF Level 3 Assessment Criteria are detailed on the next page.
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Generic Assessment Criteria for NQF Level 3
Assessment
categories
0-25% (Weak Fail)
26 -39% (Fail)
40-49% (3rd ) PASS
50-59% (2.2) PASS
60-69% (2.1) MERIT
70-79% (1st) DISTINCTION
80% + (1st)
DISTINCTION
Knowledge &
Understanding of
Subject
Largely inaccurate
or irrelevant
material. Little or
no evidence of
factual and
conceptual
understanding of
the subject, or of
reading/research.
Has developed a basic
level of factual and
conceptual
understanding of the
subject.
Reading/research is
limited to that gained
through class contact.
Some evidence that
understanding has been
enhanced through
wider reading, but is
still limited to basic
texts.
Has developed a sound
understanding of the
subject appropriate to
this level. There is
evidence of wider reading
which goes beyond that
gained from tutor
contact.
Has developed a broad
factual and conceptual
understanding of the
subject relative to the
level through extensive
reading.
Has developed an
exceptionally broad
factual and conceptual
understanding of the
subject relative to the
level through extensive
reading.
Cognitive/
Intellectual Skills
(e.g. analysis and
synthesis; logic
and argument;
analytical reflection;
organisation and
communication of
ideas and evidence)
No evidence of
analysis.
Unsubstantiated
opinions.
Shows insufficient
level of factual and
conceptual
understanding of the
subject. Little or no
evidence of
reading/research
beyond a partial
reproduction of
information gained
through class
contact.
Work is entirely or
almost entirely
descriptive, showing
little or no evidence
of analysis. Has
accepted information
uncritically.
Unsubstantiated
opinions usually
present.
There is some evidence
of analysis and
evaluation but work is
mainly descriptive with
an uncritical acceptance
of information, and
unsubstantiated
opinions may be
evident. Lack of logical
development of an
argument.
Better understanding of
the subject has enabled
the student to analyse
information using
simple logic. On
balance the work is still
descriptive.
Intelligent attempt at
analysing and evaluating
information. Well argued
with appropriate amount
of evidence,
substantiated opinions
are given.
Has analysed and
evaluated information
using defined techniques
& principles. Can collate
and categorise ideas and
information; can select
what is relevant to
support analysis and
evaluation and develop a
coherent argument,
appropriate to the level.
Has developed an early
critical approach to
information.
Has an exceptional
ability to analyse and
evaluate information.
Able to collate,
categorise ideas and
information with
fluency and insight.
Capable of developing
and sustaining a
coherent argument
that is exceptional for
this level. Has
developed a critical
approach to
information.
Use of
Research-informed
Literature
(including
referencing,
appropriate
academic
conventions and
academic honesty)
No evidence of
ability to relate
theory to
practice.
Little or no evidence
of ability to relate
theory to practice.
Little or no reference
to research-informed
literature.
Shows a limited
understanding of the
application of researchinformed literature or
attempt to apply
knowledge across
situations. Responses
may not be meaningful.
Poor understanding of
academic practice with
regard to citations and
bibliographies
Reasonable attempt to
apply understanding of
the application of
research-informed
literature to other
contexts. Responses
start to be meaningful.
Some weaknesses in
the understanding of
academic practice; with
regard to citations and
bibliographies
Able to apply knowledge
of research-informed
literature to different
contexts and generate a
range of responses to
given situations.
Generally good
understanding of
academic practice,
through competent
mostly accurate in-text
citation and bibliography
Can generate a range of
appropriate responses to
given problems, some of
which may be innovative;
good understanding of
academic practice
through reference to and
application of research –
informed literature, and
accurate in-text citation
and bibliography
Skills for Life and
Employment
(e.g. Researchrelated skills;
written, graphical
and oral
communication skills;
numeracy; group
working; problemsolving; practical and
professional skills)
Unstructured
and/or
incoherent.
Markedly poor
English and/or
very
inappropriate
style. Citations
and bibliography
incorrectly given
or missing. May
be seriously
deficient in
quantity.
No qualities and
transferable skills
required for
employment are
demonstrated.
Structure is very
weak or lacking.
Material is
incoherent. Serious
or extensive mistakes
in grammar or
syntax. Very
immature style.
Demonstrates 1 or 2
qualities and
transferable skills
required for
employment.
Structure is weak
and/or inconsistent and
lacking in sequential
development. Mistakes
in grammar or syntax.
Immature style.
Citations and
bibliography poorly or
inconsistently
presented.
Demonstrates few
qualities and
transferable skills
required for
employment.
Structure lacks
coherence and
mistakes in
presentation are
evident. Demonstrates
some qualities and
transferable skills
required for
employment.
Structure is coherent and
logical showing
progression to the
argument. There are few
mistakes in presentation
or citation.
Demonstrates qualities
and transferable skills
required for employment.
Well-organised
presentation which
develops flow and
progression in a wellstructured argument.
Syntax/grammar indicates
an appropriate level of
maturity.
Demonstrates a broad
range of qualities and
transferable skills
required for employment.
Can generate a range
of effective responses
to given problems,
some of which may
demonstrate
innovation and
considerable insight
that are unusual at this
level; exceptionally
good reference to and
application of research
–informed literature.
Mastery of academic
practice, through
consistently accurate
in-text citation and
bibliography.
Exceptionally wellorganised presentation
which develops flow
and progression in a
well-structured
argument. Syntax and
grammar indicate a
high level of maturity.
Demonstrates an
excellent range of
qualities and
transferable skills
required for
employment.
Generic Assessment Criteria for NQF Level 3
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