PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
International Year One in Engineering
leading to the
Award of Certificate in Higher Education
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.
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO INTO UNIVERSITY OF EXETER ......................................................................................... 2
YEAR PROGRAMME................................................................................................................................ 3
PROGRAMME STAFF .............................................................................................................................. 4
STUDENT / STAFF EXPECTATIONS .......................................................................................................... 5
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY ......................................................................................................... 6
INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING – PROGRAMME STRUCTURE ......................................... 8
ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 9
SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK AND MARKING PROCEDURES .......................................................... 11
PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION ............................................................................................................. 13
MITIGATION ......................................................................................................................................... 13
FAILURE OF A MODULE ........................................................................................................................ 15
REPEATING THE COURSE ..................................................................................................................... 15
EXTERNAL EXAMINERS......................................................................................................................... 15
STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS ............................................................................................................ 16
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING........................................................................ 17
PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND REVIEW........................................................................................... 20
PROGRESSION ...................................................................................................................................... 20
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX 1 – GENERIC UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AT NQF LEVEL 4 ................................... 21
1
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.
Our International Year One in Engineering course has been designed with great care and is identical to the
first year of the degree course run at the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the
University of Exeter. It is aimed at preparing you for further studies, and in the workplace. We are familiar
with many of the differing needs of students who come to us for tuition, but at the same time we value your
comments and suggestions so it is important that you keep us informed of your own particular needs.
You will find that 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 English tuition 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 to help you achieve your
ambitions.
Andy Robertson
Programme Manager
International Year One in Engineering (Certificate in Higher Education) and
Foundation in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physical Science
2
YEAR PROGRAMME
International Year One in Engineering – September 2015
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
IYOE 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
Assessment
Uni Ass. Starts
Revision
Employability
Resit
Employability
Employability
Exam Board
Results Week - Term Ends
3
UT3 - 1
Uni Ass. Starts
UT3 - 3
UT3 - 4
UT3 - 5
UT3 - 6
UT3 - 7
Break
Break
Break
Good Friday
Break
Break
PROGRAMME STAFF
Name
Andy ROBERTSON
RECEPTION
Dawn BIRD
James MERRETT
Role
Programme Manager
Engineering Pathways (IYOE and
FEMCSPS)
Chloe SHARPE
Amy HENRY-MORGAN
Magdalena KATOMREI
Laura CIVILL
Isaure TRIBY
Joaquin NAVARRO
Lecturer (Materials)
Robyn LEVINE
Marion FULCHER
Sarah SHIRLEY
Lecturer (Physics & Mechanics)
Academic Support Manager
Academic Director
Andy HOLBROOK
Programme Manager (Resources
& Pre-sessional) and IYOP
Michael TWITCHEN
Alex BLACKMAN
a.m.robertson@exeter.ac.uk
INTO@exeter.ac.uk
Programme Manager UG Maths
Programme Manager UG English
English & Study Skills
Coordinator
International Liaison Officers
(Progression)
Welfare Officer
INTO Reception
Programme Administrator (IYOE)
Pippa WHITTON
Email
Accommodation Officer
Student Services Coordinator
(Visa/Activities)
D.E.Bird@exeter.ac.uk
j.m.merrett@exeter.ac.uk
exeterilo@exeter.ac.uk
m.katomeri@exeter.ac.uk
INTO@exeter.ac.uk
I.triby@exeter.ac.uk
j.navarettenavarro@exeter.ac.uk
r.levine@exeter.ac.uk
m.e.fulcher@exeter.ac.uk
s.shirley@exeter.ac.uk
a.holbrook@ex.ac.uk
m.twitchen@exeret.ac.uk
a.blackman3@exeter.ac.uk
Anna DAVIES
Programme Administrator
(FEMCSPS)
a.k.m.davies@exeter.ac.uk
Eleanor WHEATON
Lucie BURNETT
Marketing Coordinators
e.c.wheaton@exeter.ac.uk
l.burnett@exeter.ac.uk
Zara SALMAN
Student Placements Officer
z.salman@exeter.ac.uk
Jill BARTHOLOMEW
Head of Student Services
j.bartholomew@exeter.ac.uk
Michael TWITCHEN
Accommodation Officer
m.twitchen@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 coordinators 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.
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 is available at
Reception or can be found on the IYOE 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 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.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE IN ENGINEERING – PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
This programme consists of 120 credits at NQF Level 4, and will be taken over one academic year. All studies
will be carried out at the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter. The programme is divided into
modules, and is divided between the subject-specific studies (5 modules worth 90 credits) and study of
English Language Study Skills for Engineering (30 credits). ALL modules are compulsory.
The examinations for the academic modules will take place at the end of the course apart from Engineering
Mathematics where there is an examination at the end of semesters 1 and 2.
English Language Study Skills for Engineering is taken over a period of 27 weeks with formative and
summative assessment throughout the course.
Modules (NQF Level 4)
Module Number
INT1101
INT1102
INT1103
INT1104
INT1105
INT1106
INT1107
Title
English Language and Study Skills for Engineering
Core Engineering (Project)
Core Engineering (Mechanics, Materials and Electronics
Materials and Manufacturing
Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mathematics
Electronic Engineering
Credits
30
15
15
15
15
30
15
Academic modules are defined as INT1102, INT1103, INT1104, INT1105, INT1106 and INT1107.
Students wishing to study for an Electronics degree will have to choose this option at the end of semester 1
and, in semester 2, they will study INT1107 and either INT1104 or INT1105. Students not electing to study
an Electronics degree will study INT1104 and INT1105 in semester 2.
The award of Certificate of Higher Education requires that the student achieves at least 90 credits with
marks of at least 40% in all modules. A mark of 70% or more in the academic modules, together with at least
70% in INT1101 (English Language and Study Skills for Engineering) will result in the award of Distinction.
The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS) at the University of Exeter has set a
level of academic achievement that all students are required to reach for guaranteed progression to the
second year of undergraduate study here at the University of Exeter (see table below).
Alternatively, it is possible to progress to undergraduate study at another University, dependent on the entry
requirements of that institution.
8
The programme broadly conforms to the QAA benchmark statements for Engineering which can be found
here:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statementEngineering-.aspx
Entry to CEMPS, University of Exeter, second-year engineering degree programme
All eligible degree courses
50% overall average (academic modules) and 65% in
INT1101 (English Language and Study Skills for
Engineering)
Module descriptions
The Programme Specification and Module Descriptions can be viewed at:
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/folder/view.php?id=199654
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
'Drop-in' sessions
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
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 December 2015
Semester 2 Exams: Week commencing 18 April 2016
Examinations for English Language Skills for Engineering will take place during the week commencing
14 December 2015, the week commencing 18 April 2015 and the weeks commencing 9 May 2016
and 16 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
Module Assessment – summative
Module
INT1101 30 credits
English Language and
Study Skills for
Engineering
Coursework
30% of module mark
Written assignment
INT1102 15 credits
Core Engineering
(Project)
INT1103 15 credits
Core Engineering
(Mechanics, Electronics
and Materials
INT1104 15 credits
Materials and
Manufacturing
100% of module mark
Assignments of various types
INT1105 15 credits
Engineering Mechanics
INT1106 30 credits
Engineering
Mathematics
INT1107 15 credits
Electronic Engineering
40% of module mark
Tutor-marked assessments
(40%)
30% of module mark
2 Tutor-marked assessments
(7.5% each)
Lab reports (2) (15%)
30% of module mark
3 Tutor-marked assessments
(7.5% each)
Lab report (7.5%)
20% of final mark
2 tutor-marked assessments
(10%)
10 computer-marked
assessments (10%)
40% of final mark
Practical assessment (30%)
1 tutor-marked assessment
(10%)
Exam
60% of module mark
Presentation (practical)
Seminar (practical)
Reading and Writing (2 exams, 5% and
15% weighting)
Listening and Note-taking (practical)
(better of two exams)
60% of module mark
Three exams (one each Mechanics,
Materials and Electronics) end of
semester 1
70% of module mark
Exam end of semester 2
70% of module mark
Exam end of semester 2
80% of final mark
Exam end of semester 1 (30%)
Exam end of semester 2 (50%)
60% of final mark
Exam end of semester 2 (60%)
Study skills module submission and marking criteria:
The Study Skills (INT1101) module will assess your writing, listening, speaking and study skills. The
breakdown of how these will be assessed is shown in the table below:
Skills
Assessment
Semester
Weighting
Presentation Skills
Seminar Discussion
Skills
Notetaking Skills
Assignment Writing
Reading and Writing
Group Presentation (5 minutes per student)
Group Seminar based on assigned readings
2
15%
20%
Two 70 minute Listening/Notetaking tests
Written assignment 1250 words
Two Exams (2 hours each)
1&2
2
1&2
10
2
15%
30%
20%
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 exams. 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 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 deferred at the discretion of the
Mitigation Committee. The deferred examination result(s) will be capped at 40%.
c) If you fail to provide 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
11
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 to prove you handed it in and 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.
Non-submission of any part of a module's coursework has the consequence that you will be ineligible to
sit a referred examination in that module, if it were necessary.
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.
Absence from practical activities (laboratory sessions, practical examinations etc.)
a) If you are absent from a practical activity with properly documented medical, or other extreme
personal circumstances known to the Programme Manager, a mark will be awarded at Mitigation
(See page 13). These marks 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 mark awarded will be at the discretion of the Mitigation
Committee. Any mark awarded will be capped at 40%.
c) If you fail to provide reasonable explanation for absence, the result for that practical activity will be
0%. You may also be considered as having voluntarily withdrawn from the course.
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.
12
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 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.
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.
13
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.
For absence from practical activities (laboratory sessions etc.)
Hand in the mitigation application to the programme office no later than one day AFTER your missed
practical session together with your supporting evidence, such as a doctor’s letter.
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).
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 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. There are also computers available across the campus available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. No extension will be granted.
14
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 modules there are two possible outcomes – Condonement or Referral.
Condonement
This is the process that allows the Certificate in Higher Education 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.
Failure in INT1101 English for Academic Study and INT1106 Engineering Mathematics will not be condoned.
These modules 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 however, 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 module
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 detail: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/folder/view.php?id=199654
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%.
Referred exams will normally be taken in the next examination period (for semester 1 examinations) or in
the resit period which takes place some 4 weeks after the semester 2 exams
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.
15
EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
In the UK Higher Education system, each course is required to appoint one or more external examiners.
These individuals are 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:
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
There were procedural irregularities in the formal conduct of an assessment or in reaching another academic
decision; and/or
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.
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Finally students should be aware that anyone making unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations
concerning the reputation or conduct of members of staff 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 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
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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/.
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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.
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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%20FI
NAL.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
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Study Skills Service - can provide one-to-one guidance and information on all aspects of academic
study and skills.
Family Centre 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 have full access to My Career Zone.
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.
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
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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:
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•
•
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
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 4 Assessment Criteria are detailed on the next page.
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APPENDIX 1 – GENERIC UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AT NQF LEVEL 4
Marks
Assessment
categories
Knowledge &
Understanding of
Subject
Cognitive/
Intellectual Skills
(e.g. analysis and
synthesis; logic
and argument;
analytical reflection;
organisation and
communication of
ideas and evidence)
Use of
Research-informed
Literature
(including
referencing,
appropriate academic
conventions and
academic honesty)
26-39 (Fail)
40-49 (3rd)
50-59 (2.2)
60-69 (2.1)
70-85 (1st)
86-100 (1st)
Major gaps in knowledge
and understanding.
Significant inaccuracies.
Gaps in knowledge
and superficial
understanding. Some
inaccuracies.
Threshold level.
Broadly accurate
knowledge and
understanding of the
material. Some
elements missing and
flaws evident.
Good, consistent
knowledge and
understanding of the
material, main concepts
and key theories at this
level.
Detailed knowledge and
understanding of the
main concepts/ theories
at this level. Beginning
to show awareness of
the limitations of the
knowledge base.
Highly detailed knowledge
and understanding of material,
concepts and theories at this
level. Awareness of the
ambiguities and limitations of
knowledge.
Brief and irrelevant.
Descriptive.
Only personal views
offered. Unsubstantiated
generalisations. Little or no
attempt to draw
conclusions.
For the most part
descriptive. Views/
findings sometimes
illogical or
contradictory.
Generalisations/
statements made with
scant evidence.
Conclusions lack
relevance and/or
validity.
Threshold level.
Some awareness of
issues. Sense of
argument emerging
though not
completely coherent.
Some evidence to
support views, but
not always
consistent. Some
relevant conclusions
Sound, routine
knowledge and
understanding of the
material, main
concepts and key
theories.
Some flaws may be
evident.
Issues identified
within given areas.
An emerging
awareness of
different stances and
ability to use
evidence to support a
coherent argument.
Broadly valid
conclusions.
Good analytical ability.
Acknowledgement of
views of others.
Arguments generally
logical, coherently
expressed, well
organised and
supported.
Sound conclusions.
Very good analysis
throughout. Perceptive
and persuasive points
made within given area.
Explicit
acknowledgement of
other stances.
Arguments wellarticulated, and
logically developed
with a range of
evidence.
Strong conclusions.
Logical, articulate analysis a
consistent feature. Persuasive
points made throughout the
work within a highly
articulate, balanced argument.
Judiciously selected evidence,
drawn from relevant research.
Convincing conclusions.
No evidence of reading.
Views are unsupported and
non- authoritative.
Academic conventions
largely ignored.
Evidence of little
reading appropriate
for the level of study,
and/or indiscriminate
use of sources.
Academic
conventions used
weakly.
Threshold level.
Some evidence of
reading, with
superficial linking to
given text(s).
Some academic
conventions evident
and largely
consistent, but with
some weaknesses.
Knowledge of
literature beyond core
text(s). Literature
used accurately but
descriptively.
Academic skills
generally sound.
Knowledge of the field
of literature
appropriately used to
support views.
Research-informed
literature integrated into
the work. Good use of
academic conventions.
Critical engagement
with appropriate
reading. Knowledge of
research-informed
literature embedded in
the work.
Consistently accurate
use of academic
conventions.
Exceptionally wide range of
relevant literature used
critically to inform argument,
balance discussion and/or
inform problem-solving.
Consistently accurate and
assured use of academic
conventions.
0-25 (Fail)
LEVEL 4 cont…
Graduate Skills
Little or no evidence of the
required skills in any of the
skills areas.
for Life and
Employment
(e.g. researchrelated skills;
written, graphical
and oral
communication
skills;
group working;
problem-solving;
practical and
professional skills)
Marks for Level 4
0-25 (Fail)
Limited evidence of
skills in the range
identified for the
assessment at this
level.
Significant
weaknesses evident,
which suggest that
the candidate is not
on course to gain
skills necessary for
graduate-level
employment.
26-39 (Fail)
Research skills:
Some evidence of
ability to collect
appropriate data/
information and
undertake
straightforward
research tasks with
external guidance.
Can communicate in
a range of formats,
including orally,
appropriate to the
discipline(s),
but with evident
weaknesses.
Can work effectively
with others as a
member of a group,
and meet most
obligations to others
(e.g. tutors and
peers).
Some evidence of
ability to apply
methods
appropriately to
address a welldefined problem.
Able to recognise
own strengths and
weaknesses in
relation to
professional and
practical skills
identified by others,
but lacking insight in
some areas.
.
40-49 (3rd)
Research skills:
Can collect and
interpret appropriate
data/ information and
undertake
straightforward
research tasks with
external guidance.
Can communicate
effectively in a range
of formats, including
orally, appropriate to
the discipline(s).
Can work effectively
with others as a
member of a group,
and meet obligations
to others (e.g. tutors
and peers).
Can apply methods
accurately to address
a well-defined
problem, and begin
to appreciate the
complexity of the
issues in the
discipline.
Able to evaluate
own strengths and
weaknesses in
relation to
professional and
practical skills
identified by others.
Research skills:
Can collect and
interpret appropriate
data/ information and
successfully undertake
straightforward research
tasks with limited
external guidance.
Can communicate well
and consistently in a
range of formats,
including orally,
appropriate to the
discipline(s).
Can work very
effectively with others
as a member of a group,
and meet all obligations
to others (e.g. tutors and
peers).
Can apply methods
accurately to address a
well-defined problem,
appreciating the
complexity of the issues
in the discipline.
Able to take initiative in
evaluating own
strengths and
weaknesses in relation
to professional and
practical skills
identified by others.
Research skills:
Can collect and
interpret appropriate
data and successfully
undertake research tasks
with a degree of
autonomy.
Can communicate very
effectively in a range of
formats, including
orally, appropriate to
the discipline(s).
Can work very
effectively with others
as a member of a group,
showing leadership
skills where
appropriate, and meet
all obligations to others
(e.g. tutors and peers).
Can apply methods
accurately and very
effectively to address a
well-defined problem,
appreciating the
complexity of the issues
in the discipline.
Able to show insight
and autonomy in
evaluating own
strengths and
weaknesses in relation
to professional and
practical skills.
Research skills:
Can collect and interpret
appropriate data/ information
and undertake research tasks
with autonomy and
exceptional success.
Can communicate highly
effectively in a range of
formats, including orally,
appropriate to the
discipline(s).
Can work exceptionally well
with others as a key member
of a group, showing leadership
skills where appropriate,
negotiating and meeting all
obligations to others (e.g.
tutors and peers).
Can apply methods accurately
and highly effectively to
address a well-defined
problem, appreciating the
complexity of a range of issues
in the discipline.
Able to show insight and
autonomy in evaluating own
strengths and weaknesses in
relation to professional and
practical skills.
50-59 (2.2)
60-69 (2.1)
70-85 (1st)
86-100 (1st)
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