PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN
HUMANITIES, LAW AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
(FHLS)
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.
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. 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.
We wish you a very happy stay in Exeter and look forward to working with you.
Helen Turner
Foundation Programme Manager
Humanities, Law and Social Science
Robin Dixon
Assistant Programme Manager
Humanities, Law and Social Science
2
CONTENTS
Welcome to INTO University of Exeter ............................................................................................................. 2
YEAR PROGRAMME ........................................................................................................................................... 4
PROGRAMME STAFF (Foundation Humanities, Law and Social Science) .......................................................... 5
STUDENT / STAFF EXPECTATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 6
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY ..................................................................................................................... 7
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN HUMANITIES, LAW AND SOCIAL SCIENCE ........................................................ 9
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 9
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION........................................................................................................................... 11
SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK AND MARKING PROCEDURES ...................................................................... 13
PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 14
MITIGATION..................................................................................................................................................... 15
FAILURE OF A MODULE ................................................................................................................................... 17
CONDONEMENT .............................................................................................................................................. 17
REFERRAL ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
REPEATING THE COURSE ................................................................................................................................. 17
EXTERNAL EXAMINERS .................................................................................................................................... 17
STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS ........................................................................................................................ 18
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING ................................................................................... 19
PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND REVIEW ...................................................................................................... 22
PROGRESSION TO YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA .................................................................................................................................... 22
Insessional English Language Support For Students Progressing To The University Of Exeter....................... 23
3
YEAR PROGRAMME
Foundation Humanities, Law and Social Science (FHLS)
September 2015
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
9-May
16-May
23-May
30-May
6-June
Welcome Week
Classes Start
F1S1 – 1
F1S1 – 2
F1S1 – 3
F1S1 – 4
F1S1 – 5
F1S1 – 6
F1S1 – 7
F1S1 – 8
F1S1 – 9
F1S1 – 10
F1S1 – 11
F1S1 - 12
Assessment
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
F1S2 – 1
F1S2 – 2
F1S2 – 3
F1S2 – 4
F1S2 – 5
F1S2 – 6
F1S2 – 7
F1S2 – 8
F1S2 – 9
F1S2 – 10
F1S2 – 11
BREAK
BREAK
F1 – 12
Assessment
F1 – 13 Study Skills classes
F1 – 14 Study Skills classes
English Assessment
Employability
Resit Exams
Employability
Exam Board
Results Week – Term Ends
4
PROGRAMME STAFF (Foundation Humanities, Law and Social Science)
Name
Role
Email
RECEPTION
INTO Reception
INTO@exeter.ac.uk
Amy HENRY-MORGAN
International Liaison Coordinator
exeterilo@exeter.ac.uk
Anna DAVIES
Programme Administrator
a.k.m.davies@exeter.ac.uk
Angie BUCKINGHAM
Lecturer (English for Academic Study)
a.buckingham@exeter.ac.uk
Andy HOLBROOK
Programme Manager (Resources & Pre-sessional)
a.holbrook@exeter.ac.uk
Ben JACOB
Module Leader + Lecturer (Film and Literary Studies) + Lecturer
(English for Academic Study)
b.jacob@exeter.ac.uk
Beverley CLAFFEY
Coordinator (Reading and Study Skills) + Lecturer (English for
Academic Study)
B.D.Claffey@exeter.ac.uk
Biddy ANDREWS
Lecturer (Psychology)
B.O.Andrews@exeter.ac.uk
Boglarka KISS
Lecturer (Film and Literary Studies)
B.Kiss2@exeter.ac.uk
Carolyn WALKER
Academic Director (until November 2015)
c.r.walker@exeter.ac.uk
Chloe SHARPE
Assistant Director (International Office)
exeterilo@exeter.ac.uk
Doreen Garrett
Lecturer (English for Academic Study)
d.a.garrett@exeter.ac.uk
Dawn BIRD
Programme Manager (Undergraduate Maths)
Eleanor WHEATON
Marketing Coordinators
d.e.bird@exeter.ac.uk
e.c.wheaton@exeter.ac.uk
Helen TURNER
Programme Manager (Humanities, Law and Social Sciences)
h.m.turner@exeter.ac.uk
James MERRETT
Programme Manager (Undergraduate English)
j.m.merrett@exeter.ac.uk
Jill BARTHOLOMEW
Head of Student Services
Joaquin NAVARRO
Lecturer (Maths)
j.bartholomew@exeter.ac.uk
j.navarettenavarro@exeter.ac.uk
Kari NEWBERRY
Lecturer (English for Academic Study)
k.a.newbery@exeter.ac.uk
Lucie BURNETT
Marketing Coordinator
l.burnett@exeter.ac.uk
Magdalena KATOMERI
Attendance and Welfare Officer
M.Katomeri@exeter.ac.uk
Marion FULCHER
Academic Support Manager
m.e.fulcher@exeter.ac.uk
Michael TWITCHEN
Accommodation Officer
m.twitchen@exeter.ac.uk
Paul ROGERS
Module Leader (Psychology)
p.c.rogers@exeter.ac.uk
Phil END
Coordinator (English, Writing)
p.j.end@exeter.ac.uk
Pippa WHITTON
Assistant Programme Manager (English) and Coordinator (English,
Listening & Speaking)
p.m.whitton@exeter.ac.uk
Rinee SINHARAY
Lecturer (Law) + Lecturer (English)
N.Sinhary@exeter.ac.uk
Robin DIXON
Assistant Programme Manager (Humanities, Law and Social
Science, Science & Undergraduate Mathematics)
r.p.dixon@exeter.ac.uk
Richard WILLIAMS
Module Leader Lecturer (History, Politics and IR)
r.williams@exeter.ac.uk
Sarah SHIRLEY
Academic Director (from November 2015)
s.shirley@exeter.ac.uk
Ugochukwu OBIBUAKU
Module Leader and Lecturer (Law)
l.obibuaku@exeter.ac.uk
Zara SALMAN
International Placement Officer
exeterilo@exeter.ac.uk
5
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 learning needs and keep your teachers informed about them.
6.
Be aware and considerate of the 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.
Advice and encouragement on how to study your subjects and practise your English outside
class.
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.
6
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/course/view.php?id=3887
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/wellbeing/staffinfo/fitness-to-study/
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 Programme Information page on ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887
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
7
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. If your cumulative
attendance is below 80% you will be placed 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/wellbeing/staffinfo/fitness-to-study/)
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.
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.
8
FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN HUMANITIES, LAW AND SOCIAL 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. The modules are divided between the subject-specific studies
(4 modules worth 80 credits) and study of English for Academic purposes (30 credits) and Study Skills (10
credits). The Foundation Certificate in Humanities, Law and Social Science consists of FOUR 20 credit
modules, TWO of which are compulsory:
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, compulsory modules in bold:
Semester 1
Semester 21
INT0002 Introduction to British History 1
INT0003 Introduction to British History and
INT0018 Introduction to English Law and the
Institutions 2
English Legal System 1
INT0019 Introduction to English Law and the
INT0007 Foundation Mathematics [optional]*
English Legal System 2
INT0013 Introduction to Psychology
*Foundation Mathematics is compulsory for students
INT0026 Introduction to World Politics and
wishing to study a Psychology degree and replaces INT0018
International Relations
in this case
INT0027 Introduction to Film and Literary
Studies
INT0020 Mathematics 1 **
INT0028 Study Skills
** Mathematics 1 is only for (and mandatory for) students
wishing to study a Psychology degree
INT0029 English for Academic Study
1
In semester 2 you will study two of the subject modules listed above:
Module descriptions for the above modules can be found on ELE: Foundation Programme and Pathway
Information http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887
Programme Specification on ELE: C1 Programme Information (F):
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887
Module descriptions on ELE: C1 Programme Information (F):
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887
The award of the Foundation Certificate in Humanities, Law and Social Science requires that you achieve
120 credits with marks of at least 40% in all modules (but see condonement below). A mark of 70% or more
overall in academic modules (NQF Level 3), and a minimum of 70% in the English module (NQF Level 2) will
result in the award of a Distinction.
9
All Colleges at the University of Exeter have set a requirement that you must reach for guaranteed
progression to undergraduate study.
(For more detail, see INTO University of Exeter prospectus 2015-16)
The award of the Foundation Certificate in Humanities, Law and Social 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
10
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 descriptions. Most 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 December 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 December 2014, the week commencing 18 April 2015 and the week commencing 09 May 2015. 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.
Subject modules – summative assessment
Module
Coursework
Exam
INT0002 Introduction to British History 1
50% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0018 Introduction to English Law and
the English Legal System 1
20% of module mark. Oral exercise
30% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0007 Foundation Maths
20% of module mark: 5 assignments
80% of module mark
Two exam papers
INT0003 Introduction to British History 2
50% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0019 Introduction to English Law and
the English Legal System 2
50% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0013 Introduction to Psychology
50% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0020 Mathematics 1
20% of module mark: 5 assignments
80% of module mark
Two exam papers
INT0026 Introduction to World Politics
and International Relations
25% of module mark: Case Study
25% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
INT0027 Film and Literary Studies
50% of module mark: Essay
50% of module mark
Information regarding specific module assignments will be provided by module teachers.
INT0028 Study Skills – summative assessment
Skills
Assessment
Semester
Weighting in
overall grade
Study skills
1000-1500 word written assignment
2
100%
11
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 the Foundation Mathematics and Mathematics 1 exams (for those wishing to
study a Psychology degree). All calculators must be approved before you will be allowed to use them in
your exams; you will be informed about the approval process.
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 15). 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.
12
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).
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
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.
13
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 final 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.
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
14
MITIGATION
For mitigation for exams or completed assignments:
You should complete an Application for Mitigation form (available from the Programme Office, Reception
or ELE) no later than one day after your examination or assignment submission deadline. i.e. within 24
hours.
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, 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 precluded 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
marks being deducted from your work.
You can appeal against the decision of the Mitigation Committee on certain grounds only (see STUDENT
ACADEMIC APPEALS).
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
15
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 school 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. 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. (See: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/policies/calendar/part1/otherregs/appeals/)
Please see your Programme Manager for more information.
16
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 failing to achieve the pass
mark 40% in one or more modules, 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.
You will be offered the opportunity to take a referred examination in any failed modules (provided all
coursework has been submitted), and if you still fail to achieve 40% in those modules, the modules will be
condoned up to a maximum of 30 credits with no further reassessment possible.
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 or may not be included in the re-assessment. See module
descriptors for further details: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887
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.'
17
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
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.
18
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 or at any other printer in the university.
The university also has a ‘remote Printing’ facility which allows you to email your file and then pick it up at
any printer when you swipe your university ID card. For black and white printing
email: remoteprintmono@exeter.ac.uk. For colour printing email: remoteprintcolour@exeter.ac.uk.
Additional information about this service can be found at:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/campusservices/printservices/studentprint/printingfromyourowndevice/.
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) on floor 0 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 expect you to do some learning on your own. 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 your English teachers might ask you to come to the LRC for help. Help and support is
available from a teacher in the LRC. S/he 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, Accounting, Psychology, Film and Literature, Finance, Law,
Mathematics, History, Politics and Engineering.
The Reference Section has reference books, text books and work cards for:

most subject areas

grammar

vocabulary

reading comprehension

writing

study skills

examination practice
19
The Computers
There a number of computers in the INTO LRC and in many other places in the university (see
http://as.exeter.ac.uk/it/openaccess/clusters-streatham/ for computer rooms around the university). All
computers have MS Office and SPSS (except for INTO LRC).
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE)
The University and the INTO Centre use an online learning platform called ELE (http://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.
ELE Resources include:










Timetables
Course programmes / schedules
Programme handbook
Coursework tasks, schedules and marking criteria
Past exam papers
Link to the library catalogues
Academic resources to support 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/it/regulations/








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.
20
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%20CoP%20
FINAL.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..
Careers advice
The University Careers Advisory service provides expert advice to all students to enable them to plan their
futures, through guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice
job interviews and CV preparation. Towards the end of the programme you will be able to attend sessions
designed to increase your employment skills. In addition, you can get information about jobs and careers
from the Careerzone in the Forum.
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 crosssection 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.
21
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.
PROGRESSION TO YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Throughout your programme you will be supported by the International Liaison Office (ILO): Chloe Sharpe
(Assistant Director), Amy Henry-Morgan (International Liaison Coordinator) and Zara Salman (International
Placement Officer) who will take you step-by-step through your progression journey. They can be
contacted on a 'drop-in' basis between 10.00 and 12:30 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 the
ILO. Watch for an invitation to your Progression Welcome meeting, which will take place within a few
weeks of your arrival.
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 found on ELE
22
Insessional English Language Support For Students Progressing To The University
Of Exeter
Students progressing to the University of Exeter will be able to continue to take classes in academic English
through the Insessional English language Programme, provided by INTO for the University. You may be able
to take a credit rated module (intended mainly for undergraduate students) or support classes. The aim of
the Insessional Programme is to help you achieve your full potential at the University of Exeter, both in
your studies and as a member of the University community. Support classes cover a variety of areas
including academic writing, advanced grammar and language development, subject specific language,
presentation skills, focussed listening and pronunciation, speaking in academic and social contexts, and
intercultural competence. There are opportunities for one-to-one writing tutorials to help you with your
assignments and guided independent learning. For full details of the insessional programme visit:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/programmes/insessional/
All insessional classes are FREE.
23
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.
25
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.