Department of Geography
Postgraduate Student Handbook
2011/2012
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 1
This handbook is available on request in alternative formats from
the Department
Please contact the Student Disabilities Officer in the Department
if you require a different format (Dr Jane Reed).
Access to this Handbook
This handbook and all of the Department’s guidelines and
regulations for undergraduate students, as well as other teaching
support and module information, are available online through the
Department’s eBridge web pages
(http://ebridge.hull.ac.uk/portal).
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 2
CONTENTS
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 7
General Information about the Department of Geography ............................................... 8
Who's Who in the Department of Geography .................................................................... 9
Academic Staff ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Office and Technical Staff in the Cohen Building ..................................................................................................... 11
Management of the Department and Key Committees ............................................................................................ 11
Staff-Student Committee ................................................................................................... 12
Nominations ............................................................................................................................................................ 133
Elections ................................................................................................................................................................. 133
Library Services at the University of Hull ........................................................................ 13
Wireless Hotspots ............................................................................................................. 13
Communication Within the Department ........................................................................... 13
Keeping your contact details and personal information up to date........................................................................... 13
Rules governing absence from the University .......................................................................................................... 14
Feedback from students about teaching and learning in the Department ................................................................ 14
Fieldwork Costs, Equipment and Safety ................................................................................................................... 14
Arrangements for Supervision .................................................................................................................................. 15
Gifts to Staff Members .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Personal Development Planning (PDP) and Progress Files ........................................... 15
Study facilities .......................................................................................................................16
Health and Safety .............................................................................................................. 17
University Policy on Smoking ................................................................................................................................... 17
Health and Safety in the Department of Geography ................................................................................................ 17
Fire Evacuation Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Programme of Study Information ..................................................................................... 18
The Academic Year .................................................................................................................................................. 18
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ................................................................................................ 18
University and Programme of Study Regulations ........................................................... 18
Individual Programme Regulations in the Department of Geography ...................................................................... 18
Teaching and Learning Methods ...................................................................................... 19
Assessment Procedures in the Department of Geography ............................................ 21
Reassessment in the Department of Geography ..................................................................................................... 21
Submitting Coursework in the Department of Geography ........................................................................................ 21
Feedback to students on assessed work ................................................................................................................. 22
Penalties for late and overlength coursework........................................................................................................... 22
Credit Transfer ................................................................................................................... 23
Examinations and Assessment ........................................................................................ 24
Dates of Examinations .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Instructions for Candidates for Written Examinations .............................................................................................. 24
Alternative Examinations Arrangements .................................................................................................................. 24
Getting your Results ................................................................................................................................................. 24
References................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Transcripts ................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Unfair Means – Plagiarism and Cheating ......................................................................... 25
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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The plagiarism declaration........................................................................................................................................ 26
The plagiarism caution .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Plagiarism and how to avoid it .................................................................................................................................. 26
Possible Problems and Solutions .................................................................................... 26
Changing Modules .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Changing your Programme of Study ........................................................................................................................ 27
Withdrawing from the University ............................................................................................................................... 27
Suspending Your Studies - ‘Intercalation’................................................................................................................. 27
Repeating a Semester or a Whole Year ................................................................................................................... 28
Mitigating Circumstances.......................................................................................................................................... 28
Absence from Examinations and Coursework Extensions for ‘Good Cause’ ........................................................... 28
Academic Discipline .......................................................................................................... 30
Proof Reading Services ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Resit Not Permitted ................................................................................................................................................... 30
‘First’ Warnings ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
University Warnings, Exclusion from Assessment and Termination ........................................................................ 30
Academic Appeals .................................................................................................................................................... 30
Student Progress Committee and The Senior Tutor ....................................................... 31
General University Regulations ........................................................................................ 31
Complaints by Students ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Audio and/or Visual Recordings....................................................................................... 32
Registration and the Payment of Tuition Fees ................................................................ 32
Financial Support for Students......................................................................................... 32
Student Employment (full-time students) .................................................................................................................. 33
Support Services ............................................................................................................... 33
ANNEXE 1: University of Hull Guidelines for Personal Supervision.............................. 34
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 34
Being allocated a supervisor..................................................................................................................................... 34
Changing your supervisor ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Obtaining advice from your supervisor ..................................................................................................................... 35
Advice and Guidance available ................................................................................................................................ 36
The Role of Disability Tutors..................................................................................................................................... 36
Record-keeping and confidentiality .......................................................................................................................... 37
Personal Development Planning .............................................................................................................................. 37
References................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Access to the Senior Tutor ....................................................................................................................................... 38
Feedback .................................................................................................................................................................. 39
ANNEXE 2: Referencing Guidelines for the Department of Geography ........................ 40
Introduction: the golden rules of referencing .................................................................. 40
What referencing is ................................................................................................................................................... 40
Why you must reference your sources of information .............................................................................................. 40
What plagiarism is .................................................................................................................................................... 40
When you must use a reference in your work ................................................................. 41
How to use quotations in the text of your work .............................................................. 41
Referencing in the text of your work ................................................................................ 42
Quotations in the text of your work ........................................................................................................................... 42
Paraphrasing in the text of your work ....................................................................................................................... 42
Using indirect (secondhand) quotations in the text of your work .............................................................................. 42
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Referencing at the end of your work in a Reference List ................................................ 42
Books ........................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Articles in journals/periodicals .................................................................................................................................. 43
Chapters in edited books .......................................................................................................................................... 43
Material from the internet .......................................................................................................................................... 43
Figures, graphs, maps, diagrams, photographs and other illustrations ................................................................... 44
Other material ........................................................................................................................................................... 44
Examples .................................................................................................................................................................. 44
What to include in your Reference List ..................................................................................................................... 45
Putting it all together ......................................................................................................... 45
Some Do’s and Don’t’s when referencing: ............................................................................................................... 46
Frequently asked questions ............................................................................................. 46
1. What if there is more than one author? ................................................................................................................ 46
2. What if there is more than reference written by the same author(s) in the same year?....................................... 46
3. What about sources of information with no acknowledged author? ..................................................................... 46
4. How do I reference a quotation by an author, which I found as a quotation in a book written by someone else?
.................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
5. What do I do if the source of information has no date? ........................................................................................ 47
For more help..................................................................................................................... 47
ANNEXE 3: The Mitigating Circumstances Form ............................................................ 48
ANNEXE 4: University of Hull Academic Year 2011-12 ................................................... 54
ANNEXE 5: Guidelines on Writing and Presenting Assignments in the Department of Geography
............................................................................................................................................ 55
Guidelines for presenting assignments .................................................................................................................... 55
Elements of a good essay ........................................................................................................................................ 56
Tips for good essays ................................................................................................................................................. 56
Problems to avoid in essays ..................................................................................................................................... 57
ANNEXE 6: Department of Geography Penalties for Late and Overlength Work and Guidelines on
Word Counts ...................................................................................................................... 58
Guidelines on what is included in and excluded from the word count ...................................................................... 58
ANNEXE 7: Plagiarism, the Penalties and How to Avoid It ............................................. 59
What is plagiarism? .................................................................................................................................................. 59
Unacceptable Practices ............................................................................................................................................ 59
Acceptable Practices ................................................................................................................................................ 59
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY POLICY ON PLAGIARISM ............................................................................... 60
Definitions ................................................................................................................................................................. 60
Where Plagiarism is Suspected ................................................................................................................................ 60
Code of Practice on the Use of Unfair Means .......................................................................................................... 60
The Plagiarism Caution ............................................................................................................................................ 62
ANNEXE 8: Department of Geography Safety Policy and Procedures for Postgraduates 63
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY ............................................................................................................................ 63
Laboratory Work ....................................................................................................................................................... 63
FIELDWORK............................................................................................................................................................. 64
GROUP FIELDWORK .............................................................................................................................................. 64
INDEPENDENT FIELDWORK.................................................................................................................................. 65
In case of accident .................................................................................................................................................... 66
Accident Reporting ................................................................................................................................................... 67
Action in the event of Fire ......................................................................................................................................... 67
ANNEXE 9: Faculty of Science Professional Principles ................................................. 69
What is expected of students in the Faculty of Science? ......................................................................................... 69
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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ANNEXE 10: Department of Geography Marking Criteria ............................................... 70
Marking Criteria Categories ...................................................................................................................................... 70
Mark Scale ................................................................................................................................................................ 70
ANNEXE 11: Department of Geography Guidelines for the Relationship of Taught Masters students
with their dissertation supervisor ........................................................................................72
INDEX ............................................................................................................................... 713
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Introduction
Welcome to the Department of Geography. This handbook gives you all the basic information about
studying in the Department of Geography, including how the Department is organised, who works here, our
programmes of study and our health and safety policy and procedures. It also give details of University
policy and procedures
This handbook forms part of a two tier structure of handbook information available to you as a student of the
University. While this handbook, produced by the department, seeks to give you information of immediate
concern relating to the department and your programme of study, it also provides you with sections
identifying University policies and procedures which are directly relevant to you, and with which you must
familiarise yourself. In addition the University produces a second handbook which is available on-line. This
provides additional information covering University regulations, policies and procedures – including links to
the full text version of each regulation, policy or procedure – and information about University facilities and
services. It also contains more detailed information about your rights and responsibilities as a student, and
information about the structure of the University. The on-line handbook can be accessed at:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx.
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the contents of this handbook, and make sure that you use
it as the first source of information and guidance on matters relating to your programme and status as a
student. You will not be permitted to rely on ignorance of regulations, policies or procedures contained in
this handbook as a ground for mitigation, special treatment or appeal.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this handbook is accurate and up-to-date at the time of
publishing. However, matters detailed in this handbook are subject to review and change during the year.
The online student handbook contains the most up-to-date information.
We hope you find this handbook helpful and continue to consult it throughout the year. If you have
suggestions about how to improve this handbook for future years, please contact Dr Pauline Deutz,
Postgraduate of Teaching, Learning and Assessment Officer for the Department of Geography, at
p.deutz@hull.ac.uk.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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General Information about the Department of Geography
The Department of Geography is part of the Faculty of Science in the University of Hull and welcomes over
120 new undergraduates and approximately 20 postgraduates each year to study on our degree
programmes.
The Department is housed in the Cohen Building, where all staff have their offices and most of our teaching
activities take place. The Departmental Office is also located there, on the ground floor by the main entrance
to the building. Maps of the various rooms in the Building are posted near the main entrances, to help you
find your way around.
The overall aims of the Department of Geography in the area of learning and teaching are to:

enthuse students with the subject of geography and to provide a stimulating environment conducive to
learning;

develop an understanding of the variety of physical and human processes that shape environmental
change at scales from the local to the global;

provide distinctive programmes that emphasise the interdependence of the natural and cultural worlds,
as well as the linkages of geography to many other disciplines;

offer programmes which provide a clear intellectual progression through different levels of
undergraduate and postgraduate training;

develop specific geographical skills of data-handling, analysis and interpretation;

maintain and develop a strong interdependence between the research and teaching programmes of the
Department, to enrich teaching and learning by embedding it in an atmosphere of scholarship and
academic inquiry;

develop skills of analysis and communication which are transferable to a wide range of careers;

encourage independent, inquiry-based, problem-solving approach to learning.
By the end of your studies, you should therefore have acquired an appreciation of the breadth and depth of
Geography as an academic discipline, specific skills of geographical analysis and a set of transferable skills.
You should also have developed an understanding of the research process, especially through individual
projects and the writing of a dissertation, and have developed as an independent learner, able to construct
and communicate coherent arguments.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Who's Who in the Department of Geography
Academic Staff
Dr David Atkinson is a cultural and historical geographer with particular interests
in Italy and in the geographies of empire.
Dr Tim Bellerby has interests in hydrology, meteorology, remote sensing and
water resources management.
Dr Bellerby is on study leave during Semester 2
Dr Jane Bunting is a palaeoecologist and biogeographer with particular interests
in environmental change, prehistoric human impacts on the landscape and
woodland history.
Professor Tom Coulthard is a fluvial geomorphologist with interests in numerical
and physical modelling of river systems and environmental change.
Dr Pauline Deutz has research interests in environmental policy, especially
relating to waste management and industrial ecology.
Dr Sally Eden has research interests in public perceptions of nature,
environmental management and restoration and geographies of science.
Dr Graham Ferrier has interests in remote-sensing and environmental
modelling.
Dr Sharron FitzGerald is a critical feminist geographer and has research
interests in understanding the relationships between spatiality, subjectivity and
normativity.
Dr Elizabeth Gagen is a cultural and historical geographer with interests in the
geographies of childhood, race and gender.
Dr Gagen is on study leave during Semester 1
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Professor David Gibbs is an economic geographer with interests in industry,
technological change and sustainable development.
Professor Gibbs is the Head of Department
Professor Jack Hardisty is a geomorphologist with interests in coastal
processes, sediment transport and oceanography.
Dr Lewis Holloway is a social and cultural geographer with research interests in
food, farming and the countryside.
Professor Andrew Jonas is an urban political geographer who works in the fields
of economic restructuring and local politics, with particular interests in the USA.
Professor Jonas is on study leave during Semester 2
Dr Malcolm Lillie has specialist interests in archaeology and the changing
landscapes, conservation and management of wetlands.
Dr Stuart McLelland has interests in fluvial geomorphology, sedimentology and
sediment transport.
Brendan Murphy has interests in field and laboratory measurement techniques
in the physical environment.
Dr Martyn Pedley is a sedimentologist specialising in carbonate environments.
Dr Jane Reed has interests in lake ecology and environmental change.
Dr Mike Rogerson specialises in reconstructing environmental variability, with a
particular interest in the way the Mediterranean Sea responds to and affects
global climate.
Dr Mitch Rose specialises in cultural and political geography, with particular
interests in heritage and landscapes of the Middle East.
Dr Rose is on study leave during Semester 1
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Dr Barbara Rumsby is a fluvial geomorphologist with a particular interest in river
response to environmental change.
Office and Technical Staff in the Cohen Building
In the Geography Department Office, Caroline Beasley is the Head of Department’s Secretary, Stef
Fairfield is the Teaching & Learning, Research & Reachout Secretary and Katy Sykes is the Admissions
and Postgraduate Secretary.
Paul McSherry is the Departmental Superintendent and oversees the work of the technical staff. He is also
the Departmental Safety Officer. Mark Anderson is a laboratory technician with responsibility for physical
analysis and for field equipment. Mike Dennett and Tim Bettley provide general computer support, and
Mike also runs the Department’s electronics workshop. John Cleary is responsible for the Department’s
financial accounts. Bernadette Barron is the Department’s Teaching and Learning Information Officer and
is based in the Map Room, located on the first floor of the Cohen Building.
Management of the Department and Key Committees
The management of the Department is overseen by an Executive Group, which is chaired by the Head of
Department, and decisions are also made through regular meetings of the Departmental Board, which a
student representative (usually the President of GeogSoc) attends.
Matters to do with teaching and learning are the responsibility of the Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Committee (TLAC), which reports to the Executive Group. The following staff are on TLAC:

Dr Stuart McLelland, Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Dr Jane Reed, Student Progress Officer and Disabilities Officer

Dr Barbara Rumsby (Semester 1) & Dr Sally Eden (Semester 2), Examinations Officer

Dr Jane Bunting, Quality Officer

Dr Lewis Holloway, Admissions Officer

Dr Pauline Deutz, Postgraduate Teaching and Learning Officer
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Staff-Student Committee
The Staff-Student Committee is the main place where staff and students in the Department meet to discuss
and get feedback about:

student concerns about teaching, learning and assessment in the Department; and

proposed developments in our programmes.
The issues discussed by staff-student committee may include issues such as:
Module evaluation
Quality of teaching
National Student
Survey
Feedback on
assessed work
Assessment methods
Learning and teaching
methods
Student evaluation
Project work
Work placement
arrangements
University and departmental
policies
Library and IT
resources
Student support
Content of programmes and
modules
Personal supervisor
system
Student handbooks
External examiner reports
The Department encourages all students to consider standing for the committee. Remember, you
can add this to your CV and it will help you to demonstrate to potential employers in the future that you have
a keen interest and engagement with your studies at University. The Committee usually meets four times
per year (at least twice in each Semester), but may be called at any time to consider particular issues.
Minutes of the meetings are posted on the GeogSoc notice board for everyone to read.
The Director of Teaching and Learning (Dr Stuart McLelland, email: S.J.McLelland@hull.ac.uk) is the
member of Academic Staff who coordinates the Staff-Student Committee and Stef Fairfield in the
Department Office (email: S.Fairfield@hull.ac.uk) provides administrative support. Some members of the
Department’s Teaching, Learning & Assessment Committee (TLAC) also attend this Committee, including
the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Library Officer, the Student Progress Officer, the Quality Officer
and the Examination officer.
The committee is normally chaired by the President of GeogSoc and includes representatives from all year
groups and degree programmes in the Geography Department.
If you are interested in participating in the staff-student committee, please complete the Course
Representative form which is designed by the Student Union.
Postgraduate Committee
Prof Tom Coulthard, the Director of Postgraduate Research, chairs the Department’s Postgraduate
Committee. This committee primarily deals with issues relating to research students, but is also relevant to
taught postgraduates. Members include Dr. Pauline Deutz, Postgraduate Teaching and Learning Officer,
as well Dr. Mike Rogerson and student representatives.
Taught postgraduates can elect one
representative for this committee, though previously overseas and part time student representatives have
also been chosen from amongst the masters students.
Safety, Health and Environment Committee
This committee is chaired by the Head of Department and oversees all matters relating to Health and
Safety, both within the building and as regards fieldtrips and fieldwork (see Annexe 7).
Student
representation on this committee can include one taught postgraduate student.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Nominations
Nominations for Staff-Student and Postgraduate Committee must be made using the approved Course
Representative form by the end of Week 2 in Semester 1 (Friday 7th October 2011). This form is available
from the Department Office and you can hand it in there anytime before the closing date.
Elections
If elections are required, they will be held during Week 3 of Semester 1. Nomination forms for candidates
will be displayed in the Department. Voting forms will be made available online and from the Department
Office. All votes must be cast by the end of Week 3 on Friday 14th October 2011. Results will be made
available at the beginning of Week 4.
Library Services at the University of Hull
The Brynmor Jones Library situated on the Hull campus is the largest library in the University. There is also
a library at the Scarborough campus - the Keith Donaldson Library, which was extensively refurbished in
summer 2010. The student card that you receive on registering with the University is also your library card
and you will need it to borrow material and to enter the Libraries. The University’s Libraries have over 1,800
study spaces, a number of bookable group study rooms and social learning spaces. The Libraries hold more
than a million items including books, journals, multimedia and maps. All of this material is listed in a
web-based catalogue which you can access from anywhere in the world. You can download searches from
the catalogue, check which items are on loan to you, and renew and reserve items. You may also renew
items by telephone provided that they are not reserved by another reader.
The Library is not just a local storehouse of books. It is also your gateway to a huge range of quality assured
information resources that you won’t find via Google; electronic databases covering all subject areas,
thousands of full-text electronic journals and newspapers, plus thousands of online reference works and
electronic books. In order to help you to get the best from a search for information using these resources,
the Library offers training, via a range of methods including online tutorials. Also one-to-one help in finding
information is available.
In the Brynmor Jones Library, most services including reception, the service desk (which deals with Library
and IT enquiries), the circulation enquiry point and the self-service machines (where you can borrow and
return books) are located in the ground floor with self-service photocopying available on all floors.
Further details of the services available from the University’s Libraries are available on the Library website,
www.hull.ac.uk/lib.
The University also has significant archives and special collections, particularly in the areas of politics and
pressure groups, modern literature and drama, maritime studies and local history. These are held at the
new, award-winning Hull History Centre and more information can be found on the Centre’s website at,
www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk
Wireless Hotspots
The University offers a number of ‘wireless hotspots’ to enhance the student experience. Many areas of
both Scarborough and Hull campus are covered. The full list may be viewed at:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/acs/help/wireless-network/wireless-coverage-on-campus.aspx
Communication Within the Department
Keeping your contact details and personal information up to date
It is your responsibility to ensure that at all times the University has complete and accurate contact details
for you. Students can manage their contact details and review personal information that the University holds
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 13
through the student portal at port.hull.ac.uk. You can access the portal using your user name and password.
If you are unable to make changes in relation to your personal information the portal will inform you of what
documentation may be needed and what areas of the university you need to see. Alternatively, changes to
your details can be notified to your department using the approved University form, available from your
department, Student Administrative Services or downloaded from the portal.
Rules governing absence from the University
You are required to be in attendance on week days during each semester. All students are required to
inform their department within two days if they are absent from the University as a result of illness or for any
other reason. A GP’s medical certificate will be required for absences of more than seven days. If you
become ill and are unable to inform the departmental office, you should arrange for someone to
communicate on your behalf. For further information see the online handbook at:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice/studenthandbook.aspx. If your absence is
related to a disability, please contact Disability Services for advice.
If your absence is related to a disability, please contact Disability Services for advice or see the
Department’s Disabilities Officer, Dr Jane Reed.
In the Department of Geography, you are expected to attend at all seminars, classes, practicals and
lelctures and, where relevant, fieldtrips.
If you become ill, or other good reason, miss more than a couple of sessions, please
inform the Department Office in person, or by phone (01482 465385 or 465320),
email (geo@hull.ac.uk) or letter (Department of Geography, The University of Hull,
Hull, HU6 7RX). Office staff will inform your supervisor and the relevant module
leader.
This handbook contains further information about withdrawing, intercalating and the support available to
students having difficulties – see page 26.
Feedback from students about teaching and learning in the Department
Opportunities for obtaining feedback are actively promoted to students at appropriate points during the
academic session. Students are reminded of the relevance of feedback in the context of their learning
experience and are actively encouraged to seek out feedback in all its forms at those times when it is
available.
We continually seek feedback and two-way communication with our students about teaching and learning in
the Department of Geography. As well as gathering feedback through the Staff-Student Committee (see
page 11), we will ask you each semester what you thought of your modules through the Department of
Geography’s internal Student Feedback Survey. We use your feedback to monitor and continually improve
the quality of our teaching, so it is very valuable.
We run the survey using an online questionnaire on eBridge for each module. The Department’s Quality
Officer reads the responses for each module and asks module leaders to respond to any problems and
consider future improvements. The results and any actions taken in response are reported to the
Department’s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee (TLAC, see page 10) and to the
Staff-Student Committee (SSC, see page 11) for discussion and posted on notice boards for all our students
to read. This is part of ‘closing the feedback loop’ and ensuring students are aware of how we have
responded to their feedback.
Fieldwork Costs, Equipment and Safety
The Department of Geography makes a substantial contribution every year towards the cost of field courses
for our students. Students are required to pay the remaining cost, which is always kept as low as possible
by the field trip leaders. The amount is announced as far in advance as possible, to help students plan their
finances. Invoices will be organised by John Cleary.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 14
For participation in any fieldwork, you need to have waterproof clothing and strong footwear and you must
be familiar with the Department’s safety policy and procedures (see Annexe 8). Appropriate materials for
making field notes, sketches and maps are essential. A camera is also a useful item of field equipment.
Arrangements for Supervision
Personal Supervisors: Guidelines for Staff and Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Students: The
University guidelines which govern the system of personal supervision set out both what you can expect
from your department and supervisor and what is expected of you, to ensure that the supervisor can provide
effective support. You should familiarise yourself with the guidelines, which are set out as Annexe 1 to this
handbook. There are two kinds of supervisor: (1) dissertation supervisors, to help you to devise, carry out
and write up the research for your dissertation; (2) personal supervisors, to support you throughout your
time with the University and afterwards, for example, in providing references.
In the Department of Geography, all masters students are allocated a supervisor according to their
programme of study. In the second semester, you will select a Dissertation Supervisor, who helps you to
develop your research skills specifically as part of your dissertation work and providing topic-specific advice
and support. Dissertation Supervisors are selected on the basis of your desired topic and staff availability.
Your Personal Supervisor is responsible for your academic and pastoral welfare throughout your time in the
Department and will support you with Personal Development Planning (PDP, see next page). You should
meet your Personal Supervisor to discuss your academic progress and any other issues on a regular basis,
say twice a semester. This is important because it means that any problems you have can be quickly
identified and addressed, so you must respond to your supervisor’s requests for meetings.
In general, if you have a problem, academic or personal, which is affecting your work, please let us know as
soon as possible. Don’t ignore it and hope that it will go away, because usually it won’t. The staff are here
to help you and have a lot of experience in dealing with students’ difficulties. You can go to your supervisor
or you can arrange to see the Department’s Student Progress Officer (Dr Jane Reed) or, in his absence, the
Deputy Student Progress Officer (Dr Malcolm Lillie), to get advice about anything from submission
deadlines to taking time out from your studies.
Gifts to Staff Members
The relationship between staff and students is a friendly but professional one. While we respect the
practices in different cultures and the wish of students to express friendliness and appreciation, gifts to
individual members of staff are not considered appropriate. The Head of Department or Director of Studies
will be able to explain these matters to you in more detail if required.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) and Progress Files
All students are entitled to a regular review of their progress on a programme. PDP is defined as 'a
structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning,
performance and / or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development'
(Quality Assurance Agency).
It is intended to help students:

become more effective, independent and confident self-directed learners

understand how they are learning and relate their learning to a wider context

improve their general skills for study and career management

articulate their personal goals and evaluate progress towards their achievement

and encourage a positive attitude to learning throughout life.
In 2009 the University introduced a PDP badge which was designed by a University of
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 15
Hull student. The PDP badge is used to help students identify PDP opportunities within their Departments
and across the University.
Further information about Personal Development Planning and Progress Files can be found on the student
portal
at
https://port.hull.ac.uk,
and
on
the
Quality
Assurance
Agency’s
website:
www.qaa.ac.uk/students/guides/UnderstandProgFiles.asp.
In the Department of Geography, PDP is part of the supervision process (see previous page). You will
receive a set of forms from your Personal Supervisor which should be used as the basis for your PDP and
progress file. You should also include in your file feedback that you receive on your assessed work and
printouts of your examination results. Further information about PDP and the preparation of your progress
file will be provided by your Personal Supervisor. It is important to remember that PDP is a confidential,
self-assessment process for the benefit of the student, rather than staff, and it is therefore your
responsibility as a student to make the most of the PDP process.
An important aspect of PDP is the effective management of your time. One of our 20 credit modules is
meant to involve 200 hours of study time, but only a small proportion of that will be in timetabled classes of
various sorts – maybe 20 hours for a masters module. This means the rest should be your own
self-managed study – maybe 180 hours. Many students find this hard to grasp, but University education is
essentially about guided self-teaching.
To do this well, you need to develop your self-discipline and manage your time effectively. Your Personal
Supervisor will discuss these issues with you during the first few weeks of the semester, and your PDP and
progress file should also help you with this. But if you find that you are not studying effectively and making
productive use of your time, you should see your Personal Supervisor immediately and seek their support.
You can also make use of the Study Advice Centre on the mezzanine floor of the Brynmor Jones Library,
which provides lots of advice and tutorial help with general study skills.
Study facilities
Masters students share an office on the first floor of the Cohen Building (north corridor, room 106). This
room is particularly intended for group work. You will have access to this room during building open hours
(officially 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday). Each student will have a key: the door MUST BE LOCKED when
the room is left unoccupied, however briefly. Desks are not assigned to individuals. Although you may wish
to leave belongings in this room during the day, you should do so in a way that will not interfere with anyone
else. You will need to leave a deposit in exchange for your key, which will be refunded when you return the
key at the end of your course.
There are numerous other facilities on campus in which have access to computers. In the Cohen Building
there are the Resource Room located on the ground floor for undergraduate and taught postgraduate use.
You may also use the computers in the Cohen Lab on the first floor when there are no classes scheduled.
All postgraduate students are entitled to use the facilities within the Graduate School; there are other
facilities
on
campus,
some
of
which
are
open
24
hours
per
day
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/acs/ict/pc_rooms.aspx.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 16
Health and Safety
University Policy on Smoking
This effectively prohibits smoking by any person in University buildings. The full text of the Policy can be
accessed at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/regulations/smokinganddrugtaking.aspx.
Health and Safety in the Department of Geography
During the course of your studies, you will participate in field and/or laboratory work. In this connection it is
vital that you carefully read and retain the safety information provided in this handbook at Annexe
8.
Students will receive risk assessment information for fieldwork from the Module Leaders and must read and
understand this form to ensure they are aware of any risks. Please ask your fieldwork leader if you have any
questions about fieldwork costs, equipment or safety.
Before undertaking any independent fieldwork, such as for a Dissertation, students must complete an
appropriate risk assessment. Compulsory classes are held in the second year to help all students to do this,
led by the Departmental Safety Officer, Paul McSherry.
Fire Evacuation Procedures
If you notice a fire you should immediately raise the alarm by breaking the glass of the nearest manual fire
alarm call point. This can be done using your elbow or shoe. The alarm is a siren. On hearing this, you
should immediately leave the building by the quickest route, closing doors as you leave. The quadrangle
can be used as part of the exit route, but do not congregate there. On leaving the building, you should
assemble at one of two points. If you leave from the main entrance you should congregate at assembly point
1, on the footpath by the Venn Building. If you leave from the rear exit at Salmon Grove, you should
congregate at assembly point 23, on the footpath opposite the rear entrance. The Fire Wardens will check
that personnel are vacating the building and congregating in the correct areas. Do not attempt to re-enter
the building until instructed to do so.
Close but do NOT lock doors as you leave, and do NOT attempt to use the lift. Anyone with a mobility
problem should take refuge in one of the designated areas and wait for assistance. Fire Wardens will check
refuges in their area.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 17
Programme of Study Information
The Academic Year
The following are the semester dates. A more detailed plan of the academic year can be found in Annexe 4.
Semester One
Examination Weeks
Vacation
Semester Two
Examination Weeks
Vacation
26 September 2011 to 16 December 2011
16 January 2012 to 27 January 2012
19 December 2011 to 13 January 2012
30 January 2012 to 11 May 2012
14 May 2012 to 8 June 2012
23 March 2012 to 15 April 2012
Note that the academic year for taught postgraduate programmes, starting on 26 September 2011, is
deemed to run until 15 September 2012 (representing 45 weeks of study time plus vacations).
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
University awards are designed to comply with the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications and other external reference points (Information is available at
http://www.qaa.ac.uk). In particular all departments have produced programme specifications for all of their
taught programmes, which set out what you can expect to be able to do if you successfully complete the
programme. These are referred to as intended learning outcomes.
Students can find module and programme specifications for the Department of Geography online at
https://www.courses.hull.ac.uk.
University and Programme of Study Regulations
The Programme of Study for which you have registered, and therefore the qualification you are seeking, is
governed by regulations which operate at two levels. First, at the University level, applying consistently to
every programme of study. Second, at the level of the individual programme, setting out which modules you
must take, which modules you can opt for, and (where applicable) the way in which those modules are
weighted to determine the final classification of the degree.
Therefore, to qualify for the award you are seeking you must abide by both levels of regulations. Any action
outside regulations can only be taken if the approval of the University Student Progress Committee
(explained later) has been obtained by your department.
The following summarises the key points of the University regulations which you should be aware of, but the
full version can be viewed at:
www2.hull.ac.uk/administration/policyregister/qualityhandbook/sectionb.aspx

each programme is divided into stages representing each set of 60 credits. For example the taught
masters degree is made up as follows:
o
Certificate stage (first 60 credits – equivalent to the first semester full-time)
o
Diploma stage (second 60 credits – equivalent to the second semester full-time)
o
Masters stage (third 60 credits – commonly the dissertation undertaken during the Summer
period)
o
Your module catalogue states your core and permitted optional modules
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 18











to qualify for the award of the degree you must successfully complete all 60 credits for each stage
the pass mark for modules is 40. Although marked to the same standard throughout the University,
the mark assigned at pass level for postgraduate programmes in the Business School is 50. This is
an interim measure and it is important to note it is only the mark assigned for reaching that level of
attainment that is different in the Business School.
you can be reassessed once in any failed module unless the Module Board has denied
reassessment as a result of you not complying with the attendance and/or submission requirements
of the module
the mark for any module passed following reassessment is capped at 40 (50 in Business School,
indicative of the same standard named as 40 elsewhere in the University)
in very limited circumstances, involving no more than 20 credits, a narrow fail can be treated as a
pass (called ‘compensation’), although no change is made to the mark awarded for the module
a candidate may have up to 20 credits disregarded (called ‘condonement’) in deciding the
candidate's eligibility for the degree provided certain conditions are met
a candidate at the Diploma stage who fails more than 60 credits, is automatically deemed to have
failed the programme, without being permitted to be reassessed in the failed modules. However,
such a candidate may be permitted to repeat the stage at the discretion of the Programme Board of
Examiners. Student Progress Committee has determined that the following factors should be
considered in exercising this discretion: (i) the profile of marks, ii) the candidate’s
attendance/submission record, (iii) the candidate’s potential to succeed in the repeated stage and
whole degree, (iv) any mitigating circumstances properly notified
a candidate who is not allowed to progress to the Masters stage but is allowed to undertake
reassessment in failed modules, may not begin the research for the Masters stage dissertation until
the reassessments have been successfully completed unless no more than 40 credits have been
failed and the candidate is permitted to continue by the Programme Board of Examiners
where a candidate has to be reassessed and is not permitted to continue as explained above, the
three month period for undertaking the final stage will be deemed to commence once you are
notified that you have passed the reassessments and are allowed to commence the final stage
if you do not successfully complete a stage you can be awarded a lesser qualification, at which point
your programme of study will be at an end
a candidate may not repeat a stage except with the approval of the University Student Progress
Committee. Such approval will only be given where medical circumstances or exceptional personal
circumstances are established of a kind which clearly affected the candidate's performance
throughout the year. Repeat years are not given lightly. Equally you may not reapply for the same
degree without the approval of the Student Progress Committee. The same criteria as for a repeat
stage will apply.
Masters degrees are awarded as a pass, but will be awarded with ‘distinction’, where the
candidate has achieved an average of 70+ over all 180 credits, and with a mark of no less
than 67 in the masters (dissertation) stage.
Individual Programme Regulations in the Department of Geography
See your progamme’s module catalogue for details. Note that some modules are outside the Geography
Department. In those cases the module’s procedures will follow those for the home Department. Please
ask module leaders if you are uncertain of requirements.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The Department of Geography uses a combination of teaching and learning methods to meet the intended
learning outcomes (LOs) for each programme of study. All learning outcomes for our modules and
programme structures are listed online at https://www.courses.hull.ac.uk.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 19
Teaching methods include lectures, small group classes, practicals and field classes. In practical classes,
groups of students carry out hands-on work under the supervision of members of staff and demonstrators,
to learn basic skills in geography. Fieldwork may be included in individual modules. Level 7 teaching tends
to have fewer timetabled hours than undergraduate classes, more self-guided learning and will include a
Dissertation - a substantial piece of independent study based largely on the student’s own research.
Information about assessment is provided on the notice boards on the ground floor in the Cohen Building,
as well as through lectures and other classes and through Ebridge for each module. It is the student’s
responsibility to find out about timetabled classes, exam times and coursework deadlines.
Please note that staff will
not read drafts of assessed work before submission.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 20
Assessment Procedures in the Department of Geography
Our modules are usually assessed by a mix of coursework and exams. Details for each module are given in
the specifications online at https://www.courses.hull.ac.uk and explained in detailed in the Module
Handbook given out by staff at the start of each module. The Module handbook is available on the eBridge
website for each module.
As noted above, staff will not read drafts of assessed work prior to submission, so do not ask them to. The
only exception is for Dissertations and more information about this will be given out by the Dissertation
Coordinators during the year.
All work is marked by our teaching staff and then second marked within the Department to ensure
consistency and relevance to marking criteria. We also have two external examiners who visit us from
Geography departments in other universities to check that we are meeting national standards in our
assessment procedures. Our external examiners this year are from the University of Plymouth and
University of Nottingham. They may read exam scripts and coursework and also review mark profiles, in
order to ensure the fairness of the overall system and the just treatment of individual candidates.
To pass a module, candidates must obtain an overall mark of at least 40%. A mark of 35-39% is a narrow
fail and can be used for ‘compensation’ under certain conditions (see pages 18-19), but a mark below 35%
is a fail and no credits are awarded.
Failure to submit a piece of assessed work will result in a mark of zero for that
component of the module assessment. Failure to complete all the assessments for a
module may result in you not being allowed to take the resit for that module (in this
situation the Board of Examiners will consider your attendance record and any
mitigating circumstances when making a decision).
Reassessment in the Department of Geography
The method of reassessment for any module will normally be the same as the method of first assessment,
but there are circumstances where, for practical reasons, an alternative method is necessary. Full details
are given in the Module Handbook which is available for each module on eBridge.
Submitting Coursework in the Department of Geography
TWO copies of all coursework MUST be submitted, unless otherwise notified. One copy will be returned to
you with feedback after marking, but the second copy is kept for archiving.
It is your responsibility to submit all coursework through the appropriate post box on the ground floor
corridor on the south side of the Cohen Building (opposite room CO-047). Late submissions and all
assessments for which an extension has been granted must be posted into the ‘LATE SUBMISSIONS’ post
box.
The top copy of your coursework must have an appropriate cover sheet attached. Cover sheets are
available above the post boxes. Module Leaders may give you alternative cover sheets, where appropriate.
We use barcodes to identify student work. You must attach your student number barcode to every cover
sheet you use. Barcodes are given all students at registration. Look after your barcodes carefully - there is
a £1 charge for replacements.
When you submit work, fill in all the boxes on the cover sheet about your module and assignment. Sign the
fold-down corner to confirm that your work is not plagiarised (see Annexe 7) and that you have given the
correct word count. Be aware that we check word counts regularly and penalise overlength work (see below
and Annexe 6 for details).
For group work, you must attach a group work coversheet. Each student must add their name, sign the front
sheet and attach their student number barcode. If one student in a group does not sign the coversheet,
non-submission will be recorded for that student and the student will receive zero for that piece of work.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 21
Students that have registered with the Disabilities Service to receive special allowances should attach the
appropriate lilac cover sheet to their submissions, to request special allowances for layout, spelling,
grammar and sentence construction. You will not be penalised for these factors unless this is clearly
justified in the learning outcomes of the module.
Deadlines for submission will be given in Module Handbooks.
Feedback to students on assessed work
The Department of Geography follows the Faculty of Science’s general policy to normally provide feedback
on assessed work to students within four working weeks of submission. This will usually be done through
personal supervisors, or specific sessions within each Module.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend all Feedback sessions
An explanation of the marking criteria is given in Annexe 10 and full details of marking criteria for different
Levels and study and types of assessment are available on the Department website (see
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/geography/current_students/exams.aspx).
Penalties for late and overlength coursework
Assessed coursework which is submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised according to
Faculty of Science rules, which are:

Work that is submitted only 1 working day late will receive a 10% penalty, based on the maximum
available marks for that piece of work. For example, an essay originally marked at 62% will be penalised
to 52% and an essay originally marked at 44% (which is a pass) will be penalised to 34% (which is a fail).

Work that is submitted from 2 to 10 working days late will receive a 10% penalty, based on the maximum
available marks for that piece of work, and will also have the mark capped at a maximum of 40%. For
example, an essay originally marked at 62% will be penalised to 40%, but an essay originally marked at
44% (which is a pass) will be penalised to 34% (which is a fail).

Work that is submitted more than 10 working days late will receive a mark of zero. However, you should
still endeavour to submit the work since non-submission may additionally affect you rights to
re-assessment (see above).
Note that ‘working days’ exclude Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Remember also that failing to
submit assessed work at all may lead to exclusion from University examinations or reassessment not being
permitted.

Work which is more than 10% over the word limit stated for the assignment will receive a 10% penalty,
based on the maximum available marks for that piece of work, and the remainder of the work above the
10% limit will not be formally assessed.
Note that in both cases, if work is marked on a 100% scale, then a 10% penalty would mean a deduction of
10 marks, e.g. from 56% to 46% for an essay. If other scales are being used, the marks would be pro rata,
so if a scale of 50 were used, 5 marks would be deducted.
Work under the word limit or less than 10% above the word limit will be marked in the normal way and will
not receive a penalty.
You must write an accurate word count and the word limit for the assessed work on the cover sheet and
sign it to confirm that your word count complies with the Department Guidelines. If a marker thinks that your
word count is incorrect, the words in your work will be counted by staff using Departmental Guidelines and,
if it proves to be overlength, the appropriate penalty will be applied. Quotations must be included in the
word count. For more details, see Annexe 6. Note that if you fail to include a word count when required or
provide a clearly inaccurate word count, you may be in breach of Unfair Means regulations.
There are also heavy penalties for plagiarism, because it is cheating. Students must read and bear in
mind the University’s rules regarding plagiarism at all times (see Annexe 7 and
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 22
http://www.student-admin.hull.ac.uk/downloads/code.doc). Accidental plagiarism,
(‘unaware’) plagiarism will incur a variable penalty. Ignorance is no defence.
even
unintended
Credit Transfer
You may have undertaken studies prior to starting your programme at the University. In certain cases such
prior learning' might be transferable to your current programme and therefore give you exemption from
some of the requirements of your current programme. This is called Accredited Prior Learning and may be
'certificated' or 'experiential' (e.g. work experience). If you have experience which you think might be
transferable to your degree programme you should discuss this with your department, who will advise on
whether it is transferable and the evidence you will have to provide. In addition to the judgement the
department will have to ensure the following regulations are adhered to:



Candidates must complete the final stage - all 60 credits - of the (Hull) qualification sought - e.g. the
final (usually dissertation) stage of a Masters degree. Credit transfer is therefore not possible
towards a postgraduate certificate.
distinctions are determined using only credits awarded by the University of Hull; to be eligible for
consideration for a distinction, the candidate must have achieved no fewer than 120 credits from the
University of Hull, including the Masters (dissertation) stage of the programme.
Credits cannot be transferred where they have already been used towards a qualification (whether
from this University or another institution) unless the first qualification is a step towards the current
qualification.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 23
Examinations and Assessment
Dates of Examinations
There are three examination periods in each academic year, which in 2011/12 will be:

16 January 2012 to 27 January 2012

14 May 2012 to 8 June 2012

20 August 2012 to 31 August 2012
It is part of the requirement of your degree that you are available during each of the three examination
periods. It will not be regarded as ‘good cause’ if you are unavailable during the August/September period,
with the reason that you did not expect to have to sit an examination and have made another commitment.
Note that only in the most exceptional circumstances will you be given permission to sit an examination
other than at the University. Student Progress Committee will decide whether circumstances meet this
criteria, but has made it clear that it intends approval to be rare.
The examination timetable for each period is produced by Student Administrative Services. This information
will be available through the portal or from your department. It is your responsibility to check the dates
of your examinations, and if you have any clashes, to report those to the department as a matter of
urgency.
Details of assessment and reassessment in the Department of Geography are given on page 20 and in
Module Handbooks.
Instructions for Candidates for Written Examinations
These are detailed in the on-line handbook – http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx, and
also posted outside each examination hall. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with them.
It is important to note that students must bring their University Student ID card or
other photographic identification (such as a driving licence or passport) with them to
all examinations.
Alternative Examinations Arrangements
If you have a disability and require alternative arrangements for examination you should contact Disability
Services. If you have any other special circumstances which may require alternative arrangements you
should contact the Department’s Disabilities Officer, Dr Jane Reed.
Getting your Results
Where appropriate, marks for individual pieces of assessed work are given to you during the module, to
enable you to utilise feed-back in completing the module. However, such results are provisional, that is they
can be changed by the Module Board - for example on the advice of the external examiner - and they are not
therefore final until that Board has met. The fact that a Module Board reduces a mark previously notified to
you as provisional does not constitute a ground for appeal.
At the end of the first semester your provisional results will be available on the portal (https://port.hull.ac.uk).
At the end of the academic year your results will be notified to you by post by Student Administrative
Services. It is your responsibility to make sure that your home address is correct or that an alternative
correspondence address has been added to your contact information on the portal. To change your home
address or add a correspondence address, go to https://port.hull.ac.uk - personal information. Any changes
to addresses must be completed before the end of the examination period. Your results will also be
available on the portal from the day after the official release date. You will not be able to get your
results before those deadlines, and under no circumstances will your results be given to you over the
telephone, nor will they be given to another person on your behalf.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 24
Finalists will receive an Official Transcript and a European Diploma Supplement detailing their performance
across the whole of the degree programme.
References
You are likely to require a reference during, or at the end of, your period of study. Normally it will be your
personal supervisor whom you approach for a reference. Your rights and responsibilities are set out in the
University’s Guidelines for Supervisors (see Annexe 1). Supervisors (and other staff) are not automatically
obliged to provide a reference, although refusal should be exceptional. In providing a reference your
supervisor is required to provide a fair and accurate assessment, which may include negative factors, but
s/he should normally discuss such factors with you first.
When seeking a reference you are obliged to seek the supervisor’s agreement (do not cite him/her as a
reference without asking first), provide sufficient information about why the reference is needed, and an up
to date CV, provide reasonable notice to the supervisor. Help, for example on writing CVs, is available from
the University Careers Service.
Transcripts
In addition to receiving an official transcript at the end of your programme of study, you may need copies
during your period of study to assist in applying for employment or further study. You should approach
Student
Administrative
Services
further
details:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice/transcripts.aspx.
You should note that you will be refused a transcript if you are in debt to the University (as well as any
degree or other certificate).
Unfair Means – Plagiarism and Cheating
The
University
Regulations
on
the
Use
of
Unfair
Means
–
available
at
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx govern all forms of illegitimate academic conduct
which may be described as cheating, and also including plagiarism. The term ‘unfair means’ is used in the
regulations to indicate that a very wide range of behaviour is punishable. The regulations give examples,
including

‘cheating’ in an examination by possessing materials prohibited in the examination room

‘cheating’ in an examination by using materials prohibited in the examination room

falsifying the results of laboratory, field-work or other forms of data collection and analysis

impersonating another during an examination or other assessment or related event

conspiring with another or others to have work completed by another candidate, including offering work,
whether for sale or not, for use by another without acknowledgement

collusion (where the work submitted is the result of the work of more than just the student making the
submission but which the student making the submission claims to be his/her own work without
acknowledging the contribution of other students)

using false statements, or presenting false evidence, in support of a request to withdraw from an
examination, obtain an assessment extension, or explain any form of absence or default

falsifying a transcript or other official document

submitting work for assessment which is substantially the same work as submitted for a previous
assessment (sometimes referred to as ‘self-plagiarism’)
Conduct is punishable when undertaken by any University of Hull student on any programme, whether
acting alone or with others, and conduct which amounts to an attempt to use such means is also a breach of
the regulations. The regulations defines the procedures which must be followed when an allegation is made,
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 25
stating the rights of the student, including the establishment of an Adjudicating Panel which is required to
determine whether the breach of the code has been proven.
It is essential, therefore, that you recognise that the University takes very seriously any form of illegitimate
conduct, especially plagiarism, and that if you are judged to have breached these Regulations this could
result in you not being awarded your degree.
The plagiarism declaration
When you submit any piece of work for assessment you are required to attach a cover sheet that contains a
declaration which you must sign. Your work will not be accepted unless the declaration has been signed. It
is your responsibility to ensure that you have understood the guidance you have been given about
referencing - and therefore how not to commit plagiarism. If you have any doubts you must seek advice from
your supervisor or tutor.
The plagiarism caution
The caution procedure defines limited circumstances in which a student who has committed plagiarism may
be issued with a ‘caution’ instead of Adjudication Panel proceedings being instituted at Preliminary
Certificate or Certificate stage only.
We will write to you informing you of any decision regarding a plagiarism caution by writing to your term or
home address.
Plagiarism and how to avoid it
See Annexe 7 for detailed guidance on what plagiarism is. See Annexe 2 for detailed guidance on how to
reference your work in accordance with the Department of Geography’s recommended system. If you still
have doubts, you must consult your Tutor or Personal Supervisor, because it is important to get it right and
avoid the heavy penalties for plagiarism.
Possible Problems and Solutions
You are reminded of the importance of discussing any problems you might be experiencing with appropriate
staff, whether your personal supervisor, academic tutor or somebody independent of the department such
as the Students’ Union Advice Centre, Student Support Services or Study Advice Service.
For further details go to the on-line handbook:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice/studenthandbook.aspx.
A number of the ‘solutions’ identified below may involve changing your status part way through an academic
year. You should be aware that as you will be taking two modules which span two semesters, this will create
difficulties if you wish (for example) to recommence your studies part way through the following year, e.g. at
the start of the second semester. You should discuss this with your personal supervisor. (Departments have
been issued with guidance on possible options).
Changing Modules
You may wish to change a module during your programme. Core modules must be taken, and options must
be chosen from within the permitted range for the programme you are taking, so if you do wish to change
module you must first find out whether the new module is permitted within your programme. You will need
the approval of the department responsible for offering the module, as well as the approval of your home
department.
If you do wish to change module you must consult with your Personal Supervisor and the member of staff
responsible for the module, and then complete the University change of module form (available from your
department or on the student portal – under help and advice), following the procedure set out on the form.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 26
Changing your Programme of Study
There are several reasons by you might want to change your programme of study. You should discuss this
with your Personal Supervisor and, if the programme is from another department, consult with staff
responsible for that programme.
In all cases where you are considering a change of programme, you must obtain the consent of the
department offering the new programme, as well as the department which you are leaving (where the two
are different). You must complete the change of programme of study form (SAS-P, available from your
department or the student portal). You will also be required to take or send the form to Student Financial
Services, to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for payment of tuition fees. You will then take
the form (stamped by Student Financial Services) to Student Administrative Services and the changes will
be made to your record. If you are SLC funded Student Administrative Services will inform the appropriate
body. If the start of the course you wish to transfer to does not coincide with the current date you may need
to temporarily withdraw before starting the new programme, and you must complete the relevant form
(SAS-P, available from your department or the student portal).
Withdrawing from the University
Again there may be a number of reasons why you might contemplate leaving the University without
completing your programme. If you are in that position there are a range of staff and services within the
University who will try to help you a) decide whether this is the right course of action b) help you to achieve
it if you have decided it is the right thing to do. Your personal supervisor should be your first port of call, but
Student Welfare produces a leaflet indicating the range of support services whom you can contact, including
the
Students'
Union
Advice
Centre
and
the
Careers
Service.
www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/support.aspx.
If you do decide to withdraw you must confirm this in writing using the approved University form available
from the department or student portal giving the last date on which you attended your programme, and
return the form to Student Administrative Services. If you are SLC funded Student Administrative Services
will inform the appropriate body. This form also includes a questionnaire which invites you to indicate the
reasons which resulted in you deciding to leave. This is designed to help the University to monitor trends
and respond to them. No personal information about you will be reproduced when the questionnaires are
analysed.
One of the benefits of a credit accumulation system is that it is often possible to take any credits gained
where you have not completed your programme and use them in the future, for example to resume your
studies at this or another University. At Hull credits are considered to have a ‘shelf life’ of 9 years, although
re-admission would be up to the department responsible for the programme. To assist you, you may wish to
obtain an ‘official transcript’ confirming the credits you have achieved – see the section on transcripts.
Suspending Your Studies - ‘Intercalation’
An alternative to withdrawing from the University might be to suspend your studies for a period of time referred to as ‘intercalation’. This might enable you to resolve the difficulties which are affecting your
studies, whether medical, personal or financial. Occasionally intercalation is also used to enable you to
undertake some form of work experience not forming part of the programme of study.
Again you should discuss this option with your personal supervisor, but if you do decide intercalation is
appropriate you must put your request in writing to the Head of Department (Note: You must use form
SAS-I, available on the Student Portal under the Students and Teaching tab), indicating the length of
time requested, the reasons, and the last date you wish to attend the programme. You will be required to
provide suitable supporting evidence - e.g. medical evidence. Provided the request is for no more than one
year the Head of Department will be able to approve the request. Requests of more than a year, or
extensions of existing intercalations, require the approval of the Student Progress Committee. You should
also be aware that each stage of the programme must be completed within 3 years, including any period of
intercalation.
The University also has the power to require a student to intercalate where a student is considered unfit to
study by reason of posing a risk to him/herself or another, but only provided that a defined procedure has
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 27
been
followed.
For
more
information
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice/studenthandbook.aspx.
see:
Repeating a Semester or a Whole Year
In very special circumstances it may be appropriate to repeat a complete semester (including the teaching
and assessment periods) or a complete year. The effect of this is that any (and all) credits gained during the
period being repeated cannot be counted towards the programme of study in question (and they will not
appear on your official transcript). Again you should seek the advice of your supervisor and ensure that you
obtain any documentation appropriate to support the request, including medical certificates if appropriate.
Requests should then be made in writing to the Head of Department. The formal approval of the Student
Progress Committee will be required and you will be written to once a decision has been made. Normally the
Senior Tutor will wish to interview you.
You must note that a repeat period will only be approved where you can clearly establish either medical
circumstances or exceptional personal circumstances or, in some cases, disability related concerns which
have been so serious that they have had a significant effect on your ability to undertake your studies, and
that they have lasted for a large part of the year. Requests to repeat will not be accepted in cases where a
student has simply performed poorly and wants ‘a second chance’. In all cases, you must submit a
medical certificate or information from a reliable and verifiable source other than yourself. Again
you should also be aware that each stage of the programme must be completed within 3 years, including
any period of intercalation.
The above rules also apply to any request to reapply for the same programme of study.
Mitigating Circumstances
When you undertake an examination or other form of assessment, this may be done while experiencing the
effect of circumstances which might affect your performance. Boards of Examiners are empowered to take
such circumstances into account if they consider that the circumstances have had a significant effect when
determining your module marks or your overall degree classification. However, it is your responsibility to
make the department aware of such circumstances before the relevant Board of Examiners meets. Appeals
are very rarely allowed where evidence is raised after such a meeting when it was available before.
The University refers to this as "mitigating" (sometimes known as "extenuating") circumstances, and has
established a procedure to enable you to inform departments of such circumstances. You must use the
same form as for absence with good cause (available from your department and via the student portal). In
all cases you must submit evidence to support your application, such as a medical certificate or information
from a source other than yourself which will enable the University to confirm the circumstances you are
claiming. Applications must be submitted within 7 days of the examination or assessment deadline.
Applications after that date will be referred to the Student Progress Committee to determine whether they
may be considered in the light of the lateness of the application.
In the Department of Geography, the form must be submitted to the Department’s
Student Progress Officer (Dr Jane Reed) and you should make an appointment to
discuss your case with her as soon as possible after a difficulty has arisen.
Mitigating circumstances are considered in confidence by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee in the
Department of Geography, at the end of each semester, according to the evidence submitted. If the
committee deems that your performance in an assessment or examination was adversely affected by your
circumstances, it may offer you a fresh attempt at that element or in exceptional circumstances raise your
module mark to a pass mark.
Absence from Examinations and Coursework Extensions for ‘Good Cause’
If you are likely to be unable to sit an examination or submit a piece of work by the stated deadline it is
possible to obtain permission to withdraw from the examination or be granted an extension - this is called
‘absence’ or ‘extension’ with ‘good cause’.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 28
You may apply for absence with good cause from an examination, or for an extension for a piece of
coursework (of any kind), provided this is done no later than 7 days after the examination or deadline for the
coursework. Permission will only be given where you can establish that you have ‘good cause’ according to
the criteria approved by the University Student Progress Committee. Good Cause is defined by University
regulations as only:

medical circumstances occurring at the time of the examination (provided they are supported by a
medical certificate issued by a qualified medical practitioner or a qualified counsellor or by the
Departmental Self Certification Scheme)

bereavement of family or close friend (including attendance at funeral) (a letter from an appropriate
person confirming the details should be provided – a copy of the death certificate is not required)

being unable to get to the examination because of the failure of properly made travel arrangements
beyond your control (corroborating evidence will be required). (Your car breaking down on the way to
the examination will be accepted; not arranging a flight which will arrive in good time will not).
Note that computer failure does not constitute ‘Good Cause’ and the Department of Geography does not
accept e-mail submissions of assessed work). However, assessments can exceptionally be posted directly
to the Departmental Office and, provided that recorded delivery is used, the Department will accept the date
of postage as the date of submission.
The following do not constitute good cause:

Getting the time/date of the examination wrong

Being unable to get to the examination at the right time where this was not beyond your control
(remember that you will not be admitted to an examination later than 30 minutes after the scheduled
start)

Commitments caused by family/friends (e.g. a family wedding or holiday)
Work commitments (paid or otherwise) – you are reminded that it is your responsibility to be available during
all of the teaching and assessment periods, including the autumn reassessment period.
These criteria are printed on the application form guidance. You need to attach your supporting evidence to
the form and submit it to the Departmental Office no later than 7 days after the examination or coursework
deadline. The application is considered by the Department’s Student Progress Officer (Dr Jane Reed) in
consultation with the Department’s Exams Officer (Dr Barbara Rumsby) on behalf of the Board of
Examiners.
Where an application is refused you will be awarded zero for the ‘event’ in question (i.e. examination or
piece of coursework). The Module Board will then determine the overall mark for the module, taking into
account any other assessment events.
If you submit your application after the 7 day deadline, the Department will refer your case to the University
Student Progress Committee. The University recognises that there will be exceptional cases where it is
entirely impossible to submit within the deadline, but such cases should be very rare, and you should not
regard the deadline as meaningless. If you submit after the deadline you run the risk that your application
will be rejected for that reason.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 29
Academic Discipline
Proof Reading Services
Proof reading services are available to students in a variety of forms, from informal proof reading by friends
or family, to professional services commanding the payment of a fee by the student.
The University does not allow the promotion of proof reading services on its campuses where the services
offered is such that the person providing the service expects to, as a direct result of the amendments made
and with no additional input from the student, improve the academic quality of the work and by extension,
the mark awarded to the student. Such a service would be considered to amount to the use of unfair means
by the student concerned. Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means would apply in all such cases. This
approach has the support of the Hull University Union.
The University and Hull University Union are supportive of advisory services, part of whose role is to require
the engagement of the student in the process of learning how to proof-read their own work, with a view to
the improvement of their academic practice. Such services make no amendment in respect of academic
content, and require the students to finalise the text that will be submitted for assessment. The University
provides such services to its students through the Study Advice Service, which is located in the Brynmor
Jones Library (Hull campus) and in the College House (Scarborough campus) and which provides
resources online at www.hull.ac.uk/studyadvice, including a study guide for students on how to do their own
proof-reading:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studyadvice/studyskillsresources/studyguides.aspx.
Resit Not Permitted
If you do not comply with the attendance or submission requirements for a module the Module Board of
Examiners is entitled to refuse you permission to be reassessed if you fail the module at the first attempt.
This means that you do not get the credits for the module and as a result may not be able to progress further
with your programme of study, or may be transferred to the Ordinary Degree.
‘First’ Warnings
This is the generic title given to warnings which may be issued at Departmental - or sometimes Faculty level and will be issued if you fail to comply with the attendance and submission requirements of your
programme without good reason.
In the Department of Geography, if you miss two elements in a given semester (across all modules), you will
be called for interview by your Supervisor to account for your absences. If you miss more than two
elements, you will be summoned by the Student Progress Officer (Dr Jane Reed) to account for your
absences. You will also be issued with a Departmental (or ‘first’) Warning, which goes into your personal file
as a permanent record and can be referred to by the Board of Examiners by denying you a resit in future.
University Warnings, Exclusion from Assessment and Termination
Failing to improve your academic conduct after receiving a ‘first’ warning may result in the Department
requesting a University Warning from the relevant Senior Tutor. This is part of a scale of penalties which
may lead to you being excluded from assessment or having your programme terminated. Further details are
provided
in
the
online
handbook
at
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice/studenthandbook.aspx.
Academic Appeals
The University has a detailed set of regulations governing your right of appeal against academic decisions these
can
be
accessed
at
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/academicappeals.aspx along with a copy of the
appeal form.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 30
It is important to be aware that you cannot appeal simply because you disagree with a decision of your
department - for example to award 55 for a piece of work. You must be able to show that there has been
some defect in the process by which that decision was made, such as not following procedures, bias or
prejudice on the part of the examiner, or failure to consider relevant factors (such as mitigating
circumstances). Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of you receiving notification of the decision against
which you wish to appeal.
Finalists are reminded that you cannot lodge an appeal after graduating, as graduating (or receiving the
degree in absentia) constitutes acceptance of the award and any decisions relating to it.
Student Progress Committee and The Senior Tutor
Student Progress Committee is the University Committee which acts on behalf of Senate in awarding
qualifications to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. It is also responsible for overseeing all
matters of student progress, including academic appeals and develops and reviews policies and
procedures to enhance the support available to students and to ensure consistency and fairness across all
programmes. As indicated in the section on ‘possible problems and solutions’ it deals with a range of
matters such as repeat periods, University Warnings and terminations of programme, and is the final arbiter
on the application and interpretation of University programmes regulations.
The Committee is constituted of a Chair (who is an experienced academic), a Deputy Chair, and eight
Senior Tutors (two based at the Scarborough campus). Senior Tutors are allocated a number of
departments, not including the one in which they work, and therefore have responsibility for students in
those departments when matters of academic progress or academic discipline, of the kind described
elsewhere, arise. In particular if you are in dispute with your department over a matter of your academic
progress which cannot be resolved with the department you are entitled to approach the Senior Tutor for
advice and assistance. The Senior Tutor is independent of your department. Your department will tell you
who the Senior Tutor is (and in which department s/he is based but for further details go to
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/studentprogresscommittee/seniortutors.aspx.
The Senior Tutor for the Department of Geography is:
Dr. C. Greensmith (Modern Languages).
Tel : 5162
C.Greensmith@hull.ac.uk
General University Regulations
Please be aware that as a student you have both rights and obligations in respect of your fellow students,
members of staff, and others who come into contact with the University. The University has a set of general
regulations governing the conduct of students, as well as specific policies and procedures. These are
supported by a Code of Discipline, under which you could be penalised for conduct of a non academic
nature (such as possession of drugs or damage to property). You also have rights to freedom of speech,
freedom from harassment, and to have your personal information handled in accordance with the Data
Protection Act, but you also have obligations to respect other peoples’ right to free speech, freedom from
harassment, and protection of their personal information. It is also expected that students will behave in a
way which respects the right of their peers to learn and the rights of staff to teach.
Further details of the relevant regulations, policies and procedures which affect you as a student are
available in the on-line handbook
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 31
Complaints by Students
The University has in place detailed regulations governing your right to make a complaint if you have cause
for concern about any aspect of the University’s provision to you as a student. These regulations require
that your complaint is first made to the Faculty overseeing the department or service which is the subject of
your complaint. If it cannot be resolved at that level - formally or informally - you have the right to take the
matter to the University Complaints Investigation Officer (CIO). The CIO is an experienced member of staff
who will be independent of the department or service about which you are complaining.
Full details of the Complaints Regulations can be accessed at:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/regulations/complaints.aspx.
Audio and/or Visual Recordings
Students are not normally permitted to record lectures, seminars and the like because making your own
notes is an important part of the learning process.
If a student has a disability and considers that such recording would be a reasonable adjustment, that
student should liaise with Disability Services (Tel: 01482 462020, www.hull.ac.uk/disability). Unless
recording is a reasonable adjustment, if a student wishes to make a recording, permission to do so must be
sought from the person(s) delivering the material to be recorded, which may, in the case of a seminar for
example, include fellow students, and if permission is not granted, a recording should not be made.
Students should note that the copyright in the content of a recording belongs to the speaker and may not be
reproduced without their consent. A student making a recording may use it for personal study only and may
not reproduce or distribute it to others without the express consent of those recorded.
Unauthorised recording or reproduction may lead to disciplinary action.
Registration and the Payment of Tuition Fees
You are required to register annually and pay, or make appropriate arrangements for the payment of, your
tuition fees with Student Financial Services. You will be advised by your department of when to register.
Registration information will be on your registration document, but you must note that you will not be allowed
to register if you are in debt to the University. Information about tuition fees is available from Student
Financial Services. If you encounter any difficulties in paying your fees you must consult Student Financial
Services without delay. Failure to register means that you cannot receive tuition, access University facilities,
or receive any award, transcript or other official document. (Overseas students may also be in breach of
their
student
visa).
Further
information
about
registration
can
be
accessed
at
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/registration.aspx. The majority of fees due to be
paid directly by students will be collected by direct debit. Information about this will be sent to you before the
start of the academic year starts and at registration.
Advice on the payment of tuition fees can also be obtained from the Students’ Union Advice Centre (01482
466263, email: huu-advice-centre@hull.ac.uk, http://www.hullstudent.com/advice ) or Student Support
Services Information Point (01482 462020, studenthelp@hull.ac.uk).
Financial Support for Students
Limited help is available for students who experience financial difficulty. International students are required
to possess sufficient funds both to pay their tuition fees and for day to day living and study before they enter
the UK.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 32
Home students may be eligible to apply to the HEFCE Access to Learning Fund if they can demonstrate that
taking their income and allowable expenditure over the academic year as a whole they have a deficit.
Further information is available at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx plus a copy of the
guidelines and application form. Additional support is available for particular categories of students, such as
those with child care commitments.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties you are encouraged to seek guidance and support from the
Students’ Union Advice Centre.
Student Employment (full-time students)
The University recognises that students come from a diversity of backgrounds with a variety of external and
personal/family commitments. It further recognises that studying for an academic qualification will have
differing financial pressures depending on individuals’ circumstances and lifestyle expectations. As a
responsible education provider, the University would wish to remind students that external work
commitments may affect their academic performance. In order to inform the choice about working patterns,
students should be mindful that the guidance is that for a 20 credit module the expected overall work load
will equate to approximately 200 hours. For a full-time student this would equate to approximately 40 hours
per week, including formal contact and private study.
Support Services
Within the University there are a range of support services which have been developed to assist you in
overcoming academic or personal difficulties. These include the Students’ Union Advice Centre, Study
Advice Service, Careers and Appointments Service, and the Counselling Service. For further details go the
on-line handbook http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/support.aspx.
Disability Services offer a wide range of support to meet individual students’ needs and disabled students
are strongly encouraged to contact Disability Services (01482 462020) to discuss support available or
reasonable adjustments that could be made to meet their needs. For more information see:
http://www.hull.ac.uk/disability.
International students with immigration queries may find it useful to contact the University’s International
Office Immigration Team for assistance:
Email: io-immigration@hull.ac.uk, Telephone: 01482 462020, Location: 3rd Floor, University House”
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 33
ANNEXE 1: University of Hull Guidelines for Personal Supervision
Introduction
These guidelines explain the commitment of the University of Hull to provide undergraduate and
postgraduate taught students1 with the support of a personal supervisor or access to equivalent academic
and pastoral support. They define a relationship which is based on a partnership between staff and students
and therefore set out the minimum obligations of both through which an effective supervisor system can
operate. They set out minimum obligations because each academic department is free, and encouraged, to
enhance the support provided, which may be achieved, for example, by providing group supervision in
addition to personal supervision.
The guidelines should be seen as one part of a comprehensive network of support provided by the
University which includes a number of specialist support and advice services, covering such matters as
careers, disabilities, counselling, study advice and money matters. Some services are provided by the
University, others by the Students’ Union. The supervisor provides the vital link to each student’s academic
department and programme of study, for example if difficulties begin to affect academic performance and
therefore need to be acted upon by the department. All services, however, adhere to appropriate
confidentiality safeguards.
The guidelines have been approved by the University Student Progress Committee and will be subject to
regular review. All academic staff who act as supervisors are expected to be familiar with them. The
guidelines – and therefore the commitment to provide a personal supervisor – apply to all undergraduate
and taught postgraduate students with one exception whether they are undertaking a certificate, diploma or
degree on a full or part-time basis on the University campuses or elsewhere, or exchange students or single
module students. In certain circumstances it can be expected that modifications may be made for example
in terms of accessibility where a student is based other than on the campuses.
Being allocated a supervisor
The basis of the scheme is that the department responsible for a student’s programme of study is obliged to
ensure that a named member of staff is identified as the student’s personal supervisor. In doing this they will
make arrangements to ensure that the risk of a conflict of interest is minimised, for example by requiring that
a member of staff does not act in a disciplinary role in respect of his/her supervisees.
Masters students: your personal supervisor is your programme director: Pauline Deutz for MSc
Environmental Technology and Tom Coulthard for MSc GIS and Environmental Modelling.
Students returning from intercalation2 or undertaking a repeat period of study: Departments should
be aware of the importance of ensuring that students returning from intercalation or repeating a period may
need additional support, for example to help them to re-adjust, especially where there has been a significant
gap since their previous study. This may take the form of more regular supervision than for other students.
Exchange students: students who are studying at the University on an exchange or similar programme
from an overseas University are also covered by these guidelines. Each student will be allocated a ‘home’
department, irrespective of the modules they are undertaking, and that department will be responsible for
allocating a personal supervisor.
Modules taken from outside the Department: Increasingly students will take optional or free elective
modules from other departments. Where this is the case these departments are not required to provide a
personal supervisor.
1
Students undertaking taught postgraduate programmes should not confuse the role of personal supervisor with the
supervision provided by a member of academic staff for the dissertation. Separate procedures apply to that
relationship.
2
i.e. where the student has suspended his or her studies for a period of time.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 34
As a student you can expect your department
 to allocate you a named supervisor, normally during the first week of your programme of study
 to ensure that if your supervisor is away for more than one week during a semester or four weeks during
a vacation another member of staff is clearly identified and available to you
 to appoint a replacement supervisor if your original supervisor is away for a semester or more (for
example because of study leave) or leaves the University
 to make clear the methods by which information will be made known to you about the supervisor system
and how you can expect supervisors to communicate with you
 to define any specific departmental requirements as to how often you should see your supervisor.
As a student you are expected
 to read any information provided to you about whom your supervisor is and the methods by which the
department will communicate with you
 to comply with any departmental requirements as to how often you should see your supervisor.
Changing your supervisor
The University recognises that there will be occasions where students feel that the relationship with the
supervisor is not ‘working’. In such circumstances it is important that there is an opportunity for a student to
request a change of supervisor. However, this should not be done lightly, and should normally occur only
after any problems have been aired with the supervisor or another appropriate member of staff.
As a student you can expect your department
 to provide an opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are experiencing in the supervisor relationship
either with your supervisor or another member of staff
 to make known the procedure through which you can request a change of supervisor
 to take seriously any request for a change and either provide a new supervisor or give clear reasons why
a change is not being agreed to.
As a student you are expected to
 Use any opportunity provided to discuss any difficulties either with your supervisor or another member of
staff
 Use the published procedure for requesting a change of supervisor but only in good faith and after the
above discussions have taken place.
Remember that the University is committed to preventing harassment of any member of the University
whether staff or student. This is published in a University Policy available to you through the on-line
handbook at www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx. No member of staff will act to a student’s
detriment as a result of a request for a change of supervisor.
Obtaining advice from your supervisor
The effectiveness of the supervisorial system depends on the commitment of both parties, and the
recognition that a supervisor has responsibility for a range of matters and students.
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 to inform you as to when and how you can contact your supervisor, whether through making an
appointment, ‘open access hours’, e-mail, telephone etc.
 to respond to any request for an appointment/advice and be available as promised
 to advise of specific times when s/he requires you to attend a meeting whether on a one-to-one basis or
as part of a group.
As a student you are expected to
 Use the published methods for contacting your supervisor (e.g. making an appointment where required
or only using published ‘open access hours’)
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 35
 Attend any meeting of which you are (reasonably) required to attend by your supervisor, or notify your
supervisor of your inability to attend and the reason for that, and arrange a new time to meet.
Advice and Guidance available
The following section explains the kind of advice/guidance which students can expect to receive from their
supervisors. However, the University – centrally and through each department – aims to provide
comprehensive and user-friendly information about University regulations, academic progress and support
services so that it should not be necessary to contact your supervisor to answer ‘basic’ questions.
Supervisors will be able to devote much more time to more difficult issues if they are not constantly
answering questions which could be answered through other information readily available within the
University.
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 To provide you with guidance on your academic progress on your programme of study, including
explaining the implications of marks awarded and on possible courses of action in the light of those
marks
 To provide a ‘first line’ point of support and guidance on pastoral matters. This may include advising on
your rights and obligations or referring you to the most appropriate specialist support services (e.g.
Counselling, Careers, Study Advice Services, Disability Tutor or Disability Services, Students’ Union
Advice Centre, Student Loans and Hardship Office, Mature Students Advisor).
As a student you are expected
 To be aware of other sources of information and to utilise these to answer ‘straightforward’ questions
before approaching your personal supervisor – especially through the departmental/programme
handbook and University on-line student handbook – www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx
and www.hull.ac.uk/student-support
 To inform your supervisor of any difficulties you may be experiencing which might affect your studies,
(including any periods of absence from the University) even if you do not require specific help from your
supervisor, for example because you have approached a support service directly for help
 To comply with the procedures within the department for notifying absences from compulsory classes,
absences from the University and use the University’s procedures for notifying mitigating circumstances,
applying for absence from examinations, or for coursework extensions.
The Role of Disability Tutors
Each academic department is required to appoint a member of staff as a Disability Tutor to carry out the
following role:




Providing a point of liaison between Disability Services staff and academic staff
Making academic staff aware of individual student’s academic support requirements
Monitoring the implementation of those requirements
Providing advice to individual students relating to curriculum accessibility (e.g. field trips, placements),
assisting in the arrangement of adaptations, and referring students to specialist support services where
appropriate
 Monitoring the implementation of Disability policy within the department, including raising awareness
and advising colleagues.
As a student you can expect your department
 To appoint a Disability Tutor, and provide him/her with the support and facilities to undertake the
specified role
 To advertise the name of the Disability Tutor and how to contact him/her
 Ensure that all staff in the department are aware of the identity of the Disability Tutor, and the nature of
his/her role.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 36
As a student you are expected
 To consider whether you would benefit from consultation with the Disability Tutor and to comply with any
advertised means for contacting him/her, e.g. using published office hours
 To make known to your supervisor if you have any difficulties in contacting the Disability Tutor.
Record-keeping and confidentiality
Supervisors are not required to keep detailed records as a matter of course but it is important that a basic
record is maintained and that this is handed on to any other colleague who takes over supervision for an
individual student. (Disability Tutors are required to keep more detailed records).
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 To maintain a basic record of meetings held with you including the date and a note of the nature of the
meeting and any advice given
 To respect the confidentiality of matters discussed with you, subject to any overriding duty of disclosure.
As a student you are expected
 To recognise that there may be circumstances in which information must be disclosed and to discuss
with your supervisor any issues or concerns relating to confidentiality.
Personal Development Planning
The University has a system of Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all students. Each academic
department will have its own scheme, within overall University structures.
As part of the PDP scheme, each student will have access to a member of staff within the department
responsible for PDP. The person responsible for PDP may be the student’s personal supervisor.
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 To give you basic guidance on PDP in general, and how it is implemented in the department.
 To either act as your contact for PDP, or to supply you with details of who in the department that contact
person is.
As a student you are expected
 To make yourself aware of the PDP scheme running in your department, and to avail yourself of the
opportunities that it presents if you feel that it would be of benefit to you.
References
The personal supervisor is likely to be someone whom a student approaches for a reference either part way
through a programme, towards the end, or even after programme has ended. There is no automatic
obligation for a supervisor to provide a reference, but refusal should be exceptional. A supervisor might
legitimately refuse to provide a reference for example where a supervisee has failed to comply with
departmental requirements to attend meetings with the supervisor.
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 To provide a fair and honest assessment of you/your work according to the criteria specified for the
reference (if specified). This does not mean that the supervisor is not permitted to include anything
which may be negative about you, but the supervisor should normally discuss any such matters before
writing the reference. This does not mean that the content of the reference will be ‘negotiated’ with you.
It is for the supervisor to decide – in his/her judgement – what should be included
 To discuss with you if s/he feels unable to provide the reference for any reason and in such a case to
suggest another person who might provide the reference
 To obtain information, where practicable, from colleagues who have known/taught you to get a broader
picture of you
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 37
 To advise you whether the reference will be provided on a confidential or open basis (such as providing
you with a copy).
As a student you are expected
 To contact your supervisor to request the reference – never put somebody down as a referee without
seeking their permission first
 To provide your supervisor with sufficient information about the purpose for which the reference is
required to enable him/her to judge what is appropriate; this should include details of the post/course for
which you are applying if possible
 To provide your supervisor with a full and current CV (approach the University Careers Service if you
need help with this) and discuss, or highlight, any particular skills, attributes or achievements which you
believe are particularly relevant and of which the supervisor should be aware
 To ensure that you give the supervisor reasonable notice of the need for the reference so that s/he has
time to complete it. Make clear any deadlines which apply.
Access to the Senior Tutor
The University Student Progress Committee is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to the
academic progress of undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, as well as approving the award of
qualifications and administering the system of academic appeals. The Committee is comprised of Senior
Tutors - experienced members of academic staff who each have responsibility for students in a number of
departments other than the one in which they teach. Students have ultimate right of access to the Senior
Tutor responsible for the department in which the student is studying, for example where the student is in
dispute with that department. However, Senior Tutors also provide a support role both for students and
supervisors by providing advice on regulations and procedures in unusual or complex cases. They do not
act as a kind of second personal supervisor and therefore do not provide the kind of advice listed under the
section ‘advice and guidance available’.
Specifically Senior Tutors will be involved in the following types of case and may wish to interview you to
obtain appropriate information and ensure that you understand the issues raised in the situation in question:

Extensions of intercalations

Repeat years

University Warnings (Senior Tutors are responsible for deciding whether to issue a student with a
University Warning, in cases where departmental warnings have not been complied with)

Extensions for ‘final stage’ dissertations beyond 12 months (postgraduate taught masters students only)

Exclusions from assessment/termination of programme of study

‘Special cases’ (defined as those falling outside programme or University regulations).
Such matters are formally decided by the Student Progress Committee on the recommendation of the
Senior Tutor and once a decision is made you will be informed in writing. All of these matters are explained
in the University on-line student handbook – www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook.aspx.
As a student you can expect your supervisor
 To advise you of matters which require the approval of the University Student Progress Committee and
where the Senior Tutor will need to be involved
 To advise you of whom the relevant Senior Tutor is and how to contact him/her
 To advise you of the relevant procedure which needs to be followed in a given case.
As a student you are expected
 To use the information provided in departmental and University handbooks
 To raise issues of dispute or potential dispute with your supervisor before seeking to involve the Senior
Tutor to see if they can be resolved satisfactorily
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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 To contact any sponsor or funding body (whether LEA or other) where you are proposing a course of
action which may affect your funding status (such as a request to repeat the year or transfer to another
course)
 To not expect your supervisor to give decisions or assurances on matters which can only be decided by
the University Student Progress Committee.
Feedback
These Guidelines have been revised by the Student Progress Committee after extensive consultation with
academic departments, support services and the Students’ Union. Constructive feedback is welcome at any
time either through your supervisor, Staff/Student Committee or the Committee via its Secretary (write to
Student Administrative Services or e-mail: student-admin@hull.ac.uk).
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 39
ANNEXE 2:
Geography
Referencing Guidelines for
the
Department of
Introduction: the golden rules of referencing





Be consistent – use only the guidelines provided by your department and stick to them for all your
work, unless a lecturer tells you otherwise. For Joint, With and Combined students, and students
undertaking a Free Elective, you will normally be expected to follow the referencing guidance from
the department that is running the module. If you are unsure about this, you should ask the module
leader.
Follow the detail in these guidelines absolutely, for example punctuation, capitals, italics and
underlining. If you do not do this, you may lose marks for your work. Referencing is all about
attention to detail!
If the source of information you are referencing does not fit any of the examples in your referencing
guidelines (see below), choose the nearest example and include enough information for your reader
to find and check that source, in a format as close to the example as possible. For further guidance
on these types of references, see “Frequently Asked Questions” section (below).
Gather all the details you need for your references whilst you have the sources of information in your
possession. If you forget to do this and cannot find the sources of information again (they may have
been borrowed from the Library, for example, by another reader), you cannot legitimately use them
in your essay. If you do so without referencing them, you could be accused of plagiarism.
Keep the referencing details you have gathered in a safe place. You can use small index cards for
this or an electronic database such as the EndNote RefWorks program, so that you can sort your
references into the order laid down in your guidelines – usually alphabetical by author’s surname.
What referencing is
Referencing is acknowledging the sources of information (originated by another person) that you have used
to help you write your essay, report or other piece of work. In your academic work, you should use the
existing knowledge of others to back up and provide evidence for your arguments. The sources of
information you use may include books, journal articles (paper or electronic), newspapers, government
publications, videos, websites, computer programmes, interviews and many more.
Why you must reference your sources of information
There are several reasons why you must reference your work, including:

As courtesy to the originator of the material, whose ideas you are using.

To provide evidence of the depth and breadth of your reading.

To enable your reader to find and read in more detail the source of your information.

To allow your lecturer/marker to check that what you claim is true, or to understand why you have made
a particular mistake, and teach you how to avoid it in future.

To enable you to find the source of information if you need to use it again.

To demonstrate proper professional practice, as required by our marking criteria.

To avoid accusations of plagiarism (such as copying without referencing) and its heavy penalties (see
Annexe 7).
What plagiarism is
In
its
Regulations
Governing
the
Use
of
Unfair
Means
(http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/unfairmeans.aspx), the University of Hull
defines plagiarism as follows:
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 40
What is plagiarism? It is work which purports to be a candidate’s own but which is taken without
acknowledgement from the published or unpublished work of others. Such unattributed taking is plagiarism
whether from articles, books, computer programs, data, essays, papers, reports, or any other material
originated by another person, whether obtained from written, printed or electronic sources, including via the
Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW) or any other computer-based or networked system. It is plagiarism
whether the medium is literary (essays and reports), graphical (designs, diagrams, graphics), electronic
(computer programs) or mathematical (proofs). Intention to commit the offence is not relevant to the finding
of guilt, but may be relevant to the penalty imposed. (University of Hull, 2008)
The same Regulations lay down severe penalties for committing plagiarism, which is regarded as a serious
offence.
When you must use a reference in your work
You must use a reference whenever you:

Use a direct quotation from a source of information.

Paraphrase (put into your own words) someone else’s ideas that you have read or heard. This is an
alternative to using a direct quotation.

Use statistics or other pieces of specific information, which are drawn from a recognisable source.
In the text of your work, you must reference your sources of information in an abbreviated (short) format,
which signposts your reader to the full details of the sources in your Reference List (see below). But you
should not use full references in the middle of your work because they are bulky, because they break up the
flow of your writing and because they are included in your word count. Instead, we use short references or
‘citations’ and put the full details only in the Reference List at the end (see below).
How to use quotations in the text of your work
Quoting the exact words used by other writers is a good way to show opinions and conflicting interpretations
of a critical point in an academic argument, but only if you use good sources, such as a textbook, an
academic journal or a government report. Sometimes, we use quotations because they are very elegant
(and concise) ways to say something. However, you mainly get credit for your own words in essays, so
make sure that you can analyse and discuss theories in your own words as well.
This means that you should not overuse quotations, because essays that rely too much on quotation often
make markers wonder if the student really understands what the quotations mean. So you need to make
sure that you demonstrate your understanding, using quotations sparingly, for example as primary source
material or as evidence to support your own arguments. They should also be fairly brief, so that there is
room in your work for plenty of your own arguments, not just those of others.
Some points to note are:

Copy the words and punctuation of the original, exactly, except when you wish to omit some words from
the quotation. In this case, use three dots … to indicate where the missing words were in the original.

If the original has an error, quote it as written but add [sic] in square brackets to tell your reader that you
know it is an error but that this is what the original says.

Make minor amendments to grammar if necessary, so that your writing and the quotation flow naturally.
Put your amendments in square brackets, for example: “In his autobiography, Churchill says that [he]
was born at an early age…” The original says “I was born at an early age…”

If the quotation is a line long or less, incorporate it into your own paragraph and put quotation marks
around it.

Very long quotations (i.e. 3 lines or more) should be put in a separate paragraph and indented.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
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Referencing in the text of your work
In the text of your work you are expected to reference your sources of information in an abbreviated (short)
format, which signposts your reader to the full details of the sources in your list of references/bibliography at
the end of your work (see below). You do not use full references in the middle of your work because they are
bulky; they break up the flow of your writing; and they are included in your word count.
In the Department of Geography, we use the Harvard system of referencing, which is easy to use with a
little practice. You simply include a short reference (a citation) in the relevant paragraph of your essay that
gives the source in this format: (Author surname, Year of publication). If you are using a direct quotation,
you must add the page number, in this format: (Author surname, Year of publication, page number).
Quotations in the text of your work
All direct quotations must also be clearly identified using quotation marks. So a correct reference (citation)
in a paragraph of your essay would look like this:
Harvey (1989: page 9) has argued that “the only agreed point of departure for the study of the
post-modern is in its purported relation to the modern.”
Paraphrasing in the text of your work
It is often better not to use a direct quotation (especially if it is long-winded), but to paraphrase an idea from
what you have read. This must still be referenced in the same format, but you do not need to give a page
number. For example, you might paraphrase the same quotation from Harvey in your essay to capture the
idea more briefly, but still reference it correctly like this:
It is clear that we can only begin to analyse post-modernity by relating it to modernity (Harvey
1989).
The same applies to empirical examples, statistics, key facts and so on: summarise the idea or result in your
own words and then reference it in the text to show where you got it from.
Using indirect (secondhand) quotations in the text of your work
Most of the time, you are quoting the writer that you have read - this is a primary or firsthand source.
However, sometimes you read a book that quotes another book that you have not read, but you would like to
use the same quotation - this is a secondhand use of quotation. You should ideally try to read the original
book, but sometimes that may not be available to you. In such cases, if you still want to use the quotation,
you should reference both the original author but also the source that quoted it. Here is an example:
Arthur Young, observing the Cambridgeshire landscape in the late 18th century, commented on “a
coincidence between the state of cultivation within sight of the venerable spires of Cambridge and the
utter neglect of agriculture in the establishment of that University” (Young 1791, quoted in Williams
1973: page 7).
This shows that you have read Williams but you have not read Young’s original book. In this case, you
would put the full details of Williams in your Reference List.
Referencing at the end of your work in a Reference List
The references at the end of your work must give the full details of all sources of information that you
mentioned (cited) in the text of your work. All your written work (except exams) should have a single
Reference List (sometimes called a Bibliography) at the end, as well as citations in the text itself. These
show the reader (especially the marker) where your ideas have come from, how widely you have read and
that you understand professional practices of referencing in academic work and enable the reader to find
and check your sources of information, if they wish to.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 42
Put your Reference List in alphabetical order by author surname. Do not split it up by type of reference.
Below are details of how to reference properly. Students often get into bad habits of referencing, but it is
really pretty easy once you have learnt the basics, and it should become automatic after a while, providing
that you learn how to do it properly to start with.
Books
These are the easiest to get right, using this form:
Author surname(s), Author first name(s) or initial(s). Year of Publication. Book Title. Publisher of book,
Place of publication.
Put in bold/italics/underlining the Book Title only.
Articles in journals/periodicals
These are a bit trickier, but the principles are just the same:
Author surname(s), Author first name(s) or initial(s). Year of Publication. Article title. Journal Title.
Volume number (and issue number if there is one), first page number - last page number.
Put in bold/italics/underlining the Journal Title, but not the Article title.
If the author is not a person but an organisation, such as Defra, the World Bank or Tesco, then use this
instead of the Author surname. The rest of the reference is just the same.
Chapters in edited books
These often confuse students. There is a difference between the editor(s) of the book as a whole and the
author(s) who wrote the chapter that you read and the words/ideas that you are using in your essay.
You must reference the person who wrote the chapter that you have used, not the editor of the whole the
book, to give credit to the right person (unless you really do want to refer to the whole book, but this is rare).
The entry in the Reference List should be in this form:
Author surname(s), Author first name(s) or initial(s). Year of publication. Chapter title. In Book title.
Edited by Editor name(s). Publisher. Place of publication. Chapter first page number - Chapter last
page number.
As with books, you should put in bold/italics/underlining the Book Title, not the Chapter title.
Material from the internet
Internet sites must be used with great care. Anyone can set up a website and post material without the
formal checking and refereeing that takes place for academic journals and books, so the facts and opinions
on websites may be misleading, incomplete or completely wrong. Always check the source of the material
and where the web site originates. Is it an official site for a government agency? Probably trustworthy. Is it
a generic name with no information about who owns it, what kind of organisation they are and who funds
them? Probably best avoided.
There are two sorts of material on the internet:
(1) material that is available also offline, such as articles in journals/periodicals and government reports.
If a document that you read online is also available offline, then you should reference it as though it were
on paper, using the same basic format as for journals and books. If you are unsure whether a document has
been published, look for an ISBN or ISSN number on it, because this tells you that it has been officially
published and stored in the British Library.
(2) material that is only available online, such as webpages posted by organisations or individuals and
regularly updated.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 43
This can be trickier to reference because with some webpages it is not clear who the author is or when the
material was published. If you can find a publication date on an online document, use this in both your
essay text and your Reference List. If not, then use the date that you accessed it, because a webpage may
change later.
Just as when referencing offline books and articles, if the author is not a person but an organisation, such as
Defra, the World Bank or Tesco, use this instead of the Author surname. The rest of the reference for any
internet material is the same as for paper publications:
Author surname(s), Author first name(s) or initial(s). Year of publication or access. Title of webpage
or online document. http://www.... (web address in full). Date accessed by you.
Figures, graphs, maps, diagrams, photographs and other illustrations
In your work, you can use figures that you have produced yourself, or modified from an original, or directly
copied from an original. They may be hand drawn, photocopied, or scanned. When you use figures which
you have copied or modified from someone else’s work, you must reference the original material just as you
would a quotation, but this time put the reference in the figure caption, rather than the text of your work.
Take particular care to fully acknowledge sources of illustrations that have been downloaded from the web.
If the map or diagram is based upon your original work, the source should be stated as ‘Personal Fieldwork’,
‘Field Class on 10 March 2007’, or similar. If you have taken the photographs yourself, you should normally
labelled them ‘photographs taken by the author’.
Diagrams and illustrations should be given a figure number and caption.
Numbers should run
consecutively in the order in which figures are cited in the text. When using scanned images, always check
the print quality is good and the size is appropriate to the amount of detail being shown - they often look fine
on your computer screen, but are unreadable when printed.
Other material
Sometimes, you will have to reference unusual sources, such as reports or TV programmes. But the
principles are just the same: try to find out the Author’s name, the date the material was produced (or
broadcast) and give the full title and any publication details (usually available on the cases of DVDs or CDs,
for example).
If you are referencing interviews or conversations you have had with other people, as part of a research
project with local council officials, for example, you can usually explain this in the text of your work and then
mark any quotations or paraphrasing in this way at the end of the sentence:
(from interview/personal communication with Name, Date).
Examples
Type
of Format of reference
reference
Book
Author surname(s),
name(s) or initial(s).
How it looks in a Reference List
Author
Year of Publication.
first Latour, Bruno, 1999. Pandora’s Hope.
Harvard University Press, Cambridge
MA.
Book Title.
Publisher, Place of publication.
Article
in Author surname(s),
journal/peri name(s) or initial(s).
odical
Year of Publication.
Author
first Holloway, L. and Kneafsey, M., 2000.
Reading the space of the farmers’
market: a preliminary investigation from
the UK.
Sociologia Ruralis 40, 3,
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 44
Article title.
285-299.
Journal Title.
Volume number (and issue number if
there is one), first page number - last
page number.
Chapter in Author surname(s),
edited book name(s) or initial(s).
Author
Year of publication.
Chapter title.
In Book title.
first Morris, C. and Young, C., 2004. New
geographies of agro-food chains: an
analysis of UK quality assurance
schemes.
In: Geographies of
Commodity Chains. Edited by Alex
Hughes
and
Suzanne
Reimer.
Routledge, London, pages 83-101.
Edited by Editor name(s).
Publisher, Place of publication.
Chapter first page number - Chapter
last page number.
Report
Author surname(s),
name(s) or initial(s).
Author
first Defra, 2006. Compendium of Organic
Standards. Defra, London.
Year of publication.
Report title.
Publisher, Place of publication.
Webpage
Author surname(s),
name(s) or initial(s).
Author
first Food
Standards
Agency,
2006.
Assured Food Standards – Red Tractor.
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/foodlabels/la
Year of publication or access.
bellingterms/redtractor/
(accessed 4
Title of webpage or online document. January 2006).
http://www.... (web address in full).
Date accessed by you.
What to include in your Reference List
Your Reference List should not include books that you have not read and should not include books that you
have not cited in the text. If what you have read is useful, then it should be cited in the text anyway. If it was
not useful, then it should not be listed in the Reference List at all. Note that you should use a single list of
all cited references for all your work – do not compile two or more separate lists, this is not what the
Department of Geography asks for.
Putting it all together
To show you how it looks when you put it all together, here is a worked example including various types of
references and the appropriate Reference List:
Essay extract:
Research has examined ways to promote shorter supply chains and food assurance schemes to
reconnect producers to consumers through information (e.g. Morris and Young, 2004; Holloway and
Kneafsey, 2000). Both seek to build consumer trust and confidence in food and thus to change
consumer behaviour in favour of smaller scale, less damaging production systems, and also to
foster a wider ‘ethics of care’ (Barnett et al., 2005). Campaigning groups and government bodies
also share this academic agenda (Food Standards Agency, 2006; Policy Commission on the Future
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 45
of Farming and Food, 2002).
Reference list for this extract:
Barnett, C., Cloke, P., Clarke, N. and Malpass, A. 2005. Consuming ethics: articulating the subjects
and spaces of ethical consumption. Antipode 37, 1, 23-45.
Food Standards Agency, 2006.
Assured Food Standards – Red Tractor.
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/foodlabels/labellingterms/redtractor/ (accessed 4 January 2006).
Holloway, L. and Kneafsey, M., 2000. Reading the space of the farmers’ market: a preliminary
investigation from the UK. Sociologia Ruralis 40, 3, 285-299.
Morris, C. and Young, C., 2004. New geographies of agro-food chains: an analysis of UK quality
assurance schemes. In Geographies of Commodity Chains. Edited by Alex Hughes and
Suzanne Reimer. Routledge, London, pages 83-101.
Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, 2002. Farming and food: a sustainable
future. www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/farming (accessed 1 June 2006).
If you are still not sure, look at the papers in any recent issue of a top-ranking international journal, such as
the Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, or the
Environment and Planning series. They all have online ‘Instructions to Authors’ of some kind which explain
how to reference. The books and journal articles that you read for your course will also be correctly
referenced, so you can learn from them also. And you can of course ask your supervisor for help.
Some Do’s and Don’t’s when referencing:








Don’t forget to include the year in the reference in the text of your work.
Don’t forget to give the page number for a quotation in the text of your work.
Don’t put first names and/or initials in the reference in the text of your work
Do check that you have put all the relevant information in your Reference List, especially publisher and
place of publication.
Do put the Reference List in alphabetical order, by author surname – not in any other type of order.
Don’t separate the Reference List by type of source (it should always be in alphabetical order, by
author surname).
Don’t use bullet points (or other fancy formatting) in the Reference List.
Do check that the author surnames in the text of your work (the citations) match those in your
Reference List.
Frequently asked questions
1. What if there is more than one author?
Often there is more than one author for a reference. Generally, if there are two authors, use both in the text
of your work, like (Holloway and Kneafsey 2000) in the example above. If there are three or more authors,
use et al. as a short way of listing them in your text, like (Barnett et al., 2005) in the example above.
In the Reference List, however, you must list all the authors. Again, the example above is correct in doing
this.
2. What if there is more than reference written by the same author(s) in the same year?

Sometimes, you may want to reference several papers written by the same author(s) in the same year.
To make sure you do not mix them up, mark the different papers as (Smith 2005a) or (Smith 2005b) in
the essay text and use 2005a or 2005b again as part of the Reference List. This shows the reader
exactly which paper you are referring to at each point in your essay.
3. What about sources of information with no acknowledged author?

Look hard to find an author, especially on the inside cover of printed material, as the author is often
given with the copyright information. For webpages, look at the very bottom of the front page or click
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 46
‘About Us’ or ‘Contact’ to look for the author. For newspaper articles, if the name of the journalist who
wrote the article is listed, use that, but if there is no name, just use the name of the newspaper, e.g. The
Times, as the Author name.
4. How do I reference a quotation by an author, which I found as a quotation in a book
written by someone else?
See ‘Using indirect (secondhand) quotations in the text of your work’ above (page 42).
5. What do I do if the source of information has no date?
Again, look hard to find a date of publication, especially on the inside cover of printed material, as the year of
publication is often given with the copyright information. For printed material, if there is no date anywhere
that you can see, then list it as ‘No Date’ or ‘Undated’. For webpages, look at the very bottom of the front
page to see when the material was last updated and use that date.
For more help
For individual help with referencing, you can contact the Study Advice Service by email
(studyadvice@hull.ac.uk) or Make an appointment online, in Hull or Scarborough, by using the MyAdmin
portal: https://myadmin.hull.ac.uk
The Study Advice Services website has a comprehensive leaflet section on referencing, available at
www.hull.ac.uk/studyadvice.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 47
ANNEXE 3: The Mitigating Circumstances Form
See Following pages for an example of the Mitigating Circumstances form. This is available from the
Geography Department office.
PLEASE CONTACT THE STUDENT PROGRESS OFFICER, Dr JANE REED, IF THE EXTENSION IS
WITH RESPECT TO YOUR DISSERTATION, AND YOU THINK YOU MAY REQUIRE MORE THAN A
ONE WEEK EXTENSION.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 48
SAS - M
This form must be returned to your academic department
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES FORM
This form must be used by students who wish to inform the University of mitigating circumstances
which they feel may have affected their performance in assessments or led to them being absent
from an examination, or to request an extension to an assessment deadline.
Before completing the form, please ensure that you read in full the notes at the back.
This form is available to students, and should be completed by the student, or on their behalf with
their knowledge and agreement.
Section 1 – Student Details – to be completed in all cases
Your Full Name
________________________________________________
Registration Number
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Full Title of Programme of Study ________________________________________________
(e.g. LLB Law with German)
Faculty
_____________________ Department ______________________
Location of Study
Hull
Current Year of Study
Scarborough
__ of __ Full time
Other
Part time
Section 2 – Details of assessments affected (see notes for explanation of codes)
Module title
Module code
Date of exam or
Coursework Deadline
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
____________________ __ __ __ __ __
___/___/______
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
Type of Request
(Tick box)
MC AGC EXT
page 49
Section 3 – Information regarding circumstances
Provide details of the circumstances that you claim have affected your assessments. Explain
clearly what the problems have been, and how they have affected you. Continue on a separate
sheet if necessary, and attach securely to this form. You must also securely attach as much
supporting evidence as possible. For claims based on medical circumstances, you must provide
evidence of the medical problem, issued by a relevant medical practitioner (GP, nurse, counsellor,
etc).
Section 4 – Declaration
I declare that I have read and understood the notes attached to this form before completing, and
that the information provided on, and with this form is accurate and complete to the best of my
knowledge. I understand that to seek to gain an advantage or benefit (such as a new exam
attempt, or coursework extension) through providing false or misleading information is liable to
action being taken against me under the Code of Practice on the Use of Unfair Means.
Student signature
______________________
Date ____________
Section 5 – Academic Department Use Only
Date received in Department
________________
____________________
by
Action taken by Department
Forward to the Secretary of SPC only if received more than 7 days after the assessment in question or in cases that
prove difficult to resolve and advice is sought. Please attach to form SAS-S, as a “Special Request”.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 50
NOTES
General Notes for Students
This form must be used to notify the University when you have suffered problems which have
affected your ability to perform to your normal standard in assessments. These problems may be
medical or exceptional personal circumstances.
Section 1 – student information
This must be completed in full, in all cases
Section 2 – details of assessments affected
You must clearly state each assessment that you believe has been affected by the mitigating
circumstances.
Each assessment may be the subject of one of the following claims:
MC – Mitigating Circumstances
Use MC where an assessment was taken, but you do not feel that you performed to your true
ability, because your performance was impaired by mitigating circumstances. Examples are: you
took an exam whilst ill, or completed coursework whilst experiencing exceptional personal
problems.
AGC – Absence with Good Cause
Use AGC where you failed to take an examination at all, due to the mitigating circumstances.
EXT – Extension of Coursework
Use EXT where your ability to complete coursework has been hampered by your mitigating
circumstances, and you require an extension to the deadline for completion.
Section 3 – information regarding circumstances
Use this space, and any further sheets, to describe fully the circumstances that have affected you,
and the effect on your ability to perform in your assessments. You should put as much detail as
possible, to ensure that a decision is reached on full information.
You must also securely attach to the form as much supporting documentation as possible, to back
up your claim. If you do not supply evidence of the problems, it is likely that your
application will be refused.
If there is a delay in obtaining evidence please list what you expect to provide and the dates these
will be available. It is your responsibility to ensure this evidence is submitted at the earliest
opportunity.
If this form is being submitted more than 7 days after the exam / deadline please provide reasons
for the delay.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 51
Section 4 – declaration
You must sign and date the form, confirming your knowledge of the procedures
General Information for Students
After completion, you are advised to make a copy for your own records, and then you must submit
the form to your home department (the one responsible for your programme of study).
Notification of mitigating circumstances must be submitted no later than 7 days after the exam or
assessment deadline in question. Forms submitted within 7 days of the exam or assessment
deadline will be considered by your department.
In cases where the form is submitted after more than 7 days, or where the department wishes to
obtain external advice, the form will be forwarded to the University Student Progress Committee. A
Senior Tutor will then examine the case, and together with the Chair or Deputy Chair of the
Committee, a decision will be taken as to whether or not the department can consider the
circumstances.
Where you are claiming Absence from an exam with Good Cause, there are only 3 acceptable
reasons for the absence:
1.
2.
3.
medical circumstances occurring at the time of the examination (provided they are
supported by a medical certificate issued by a qualified medical practitioner or a qualified
counsellor)
bereavement of family or close friend (including attendance at funeral) (a letter from an
appropriate person confirming the details should be provided – a copy of the death
certificate is not required)
being unable to get to the examination because of the failure of properly made travel
arrangements beyond your control (corroborating evidence will be required). (Your car
breaking down on the way to the examination will be accepted; not arranging a flight which
will arrive in good time will not).
If your circumstances are not accepted:
The original mark for the assessment will stand, (or you will receive a mark of 0 for non
attendance).
If your circumstances are accepted:
For MC – the circumstances will be passed to the Module Board of Examiners who will decide to
either:
1.
2.
3.
4.
award you a new attempt at the examination or assessment, if you so wish
pass the matter to the Programme Board of Examiners for consideration later
award a bare pass in the module (this is only done in very exceptional circumstances)
decide that the circumstances do not merit any action
If you are awarded a new attempt, and you accept the offer, your original attempt is wiped from the
record and your original mark is lost, and cannot be used, even if you later fail the new attempt.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 52
For AGC – you will be awarded a new attempt at the examination, to be held at the next available
occasion.
For EXT – you will be given a new deadline for the submission of the work.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 53
ANNEXE 4: University of Hull Academic Year 2011-12
26 September 2011
03 October 2011
10 October 2011
17 October 2011
24 October 2011
31 October 2011
07 November 2011
14 November 2011
21 November 2011
28 November 2011
05 December 2011
12 December 2011
19 December 2011
26 December 2011
02 January 2012
09 January 2012
16 January 2012
23 January 2012
30 January 2012
06 February 2012
13 February 2012
20 February 2012
27 February 2012
05 March 2012
12 March 2012
19 March 2012
26 March 2012
wk 1 (Induction)
wk 2
wk 3
wk 4
wk 5
wk 6
wk 7
wk 8
wk 9
wk 10
wk 11
wk 12
Christmas wk 1
Christmas wk 2
Christmas wk 3
Christmas wk 4
Exam wk 1
Exam wk 2
wk 13
wk 14
wk 15 / Board of
Examiners
wk 16 / Results
wk 17
wk 18
wk 19
wk 20
Easter wk 1
02 April 2012
09 April 2012
16 April 2012
23 April 2012
30 April 2012
07 May 2012
14 May 2012
21 May 2012
28 May 2012
04 June 2012
11 June 2012
18 June 2012
25 June 2012
02 July 2012
09 July 2012
16 July 2012
23 July 2012
30 July 2012
06 August 2012
13 August 2012
20 August 2012
27 August 2012
03 September 2012
10 September 2012
17 September 2012
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
Easter wk 2
Easter wk 3
wk 21
wk 22
wk 23
wk 24
Exam wk 1
Exam wk 2
Exam wk 3
Exam wk 4
Vacation
Vacation / Board of
Examiners
Vacation / Results
Vacation
Vacation / Degree
Ceremonies (tbc)
Vacation
Vacation
Vacation
Vacation
Vacation
Re-sits
Re-sits
Vacation
Vacation / Results
Vacation
page 54
ANNEXE 5: Guidelines on Writing and
Assignments in the Department of Geography
Presenting
In the Department of Geography, we use a range of assignments to assess student
performance on our modules. Exams are a traditional form of assessment, but we also
typically use essays, practical write-ups, field notebooks and presentations. To help you
produce the best work possible, this Annexe provides some guidelines and general advice
about writing your assignments, particularly about presenting them in an appropriate format. It
concentrates on essays, the most common form of written assignment that we used, but the
general principles apply to many of the others. You should read the Department’s Marking
Criteria (see Annexe 9) for more detailed information about what we expect at each learning
level and for each type of assessment.
You can also make use of the Study Advice Centre in the Brynmor Jones Library, which runs
drop-in sessions and tutorials to help students in any subject improve their study skills. They
particularly cover essay planning and writing, which are essential skills for any Geography
degree, and they can therefore give you a little extra help in general terms.
Guidelines for presenting assignments
Paper and ink
Use good quality paper (not glossy) and set the print colour to black.
Font size
Should be easy to read but not too large or too small - usually 12 point
depending on the font style (this is Arial 11 point).
Font style
Should be simple and clear, e.g. Times New Roman or Arial (this is Arial).
Margins
Leave a reasonably wide margin (minimum of 2.54 cm) around the text. The
default settings in Microsoft Word are usually fine.
Line spacing
In most cases, use single line spacing, unless module leaders tell you to use
1.5 or double spacing.
Paragraphs
Leave a blank line between paragraphs and do not indent the first line of a
paragraph.
Punctuation
Leave a space after a punctuation mark (; , . : ! ?), but no space before a
punctuation mark.
Headings
Use bold or italic, not underline. Headings should not be ‘widowed’ or
‘orphaned’ (these are the terms used in Microsoft Word for lines that appear
alone at the top or bottom of a page, separated from the rest of their
paragraph).
Figures and
Tables
Figures (diagrams, photographs and other illustrations) should be given a
figure number and a brief title. Numbers should run consecutively in the
order in which figures are cited in the text. The same applies to tables.
Tables should also be simple, in black and white.
Do not insert figures and tables by the side of a column of text by using text
boxes: this ‘newspaper-style’ is not very neat and tends to compress figures
and make them too small. Instead, put figures and tables at the end of the
text or on a page of their own.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 55
Never stretch maps or other figures in only one direction – this distorts the
information.
Title page
For long reports, add a title page to make a good impression.
Elements of a good essay
There is no exact formula for producing a good essay, but there are a number of essential
points: the essay should follow a logical structure, be well planned and presented and follow
the appropriate University and Departmental regulations and guidelines. You should read the
Department’s Marking Criteria (see Annexe 9) for more information about what we expect.
However, most essays have some (or all) of these key elements:

Introduction. Defines the scope of the topic and any key or problematic terms. Sets the
question topic in the context of its wider background. Shows that you understand the
question and have a clear strategy to answer it.

Argument. Presents your ideas in a logical order so the reader can follow your reasoning
or line of thought. Key points are clearly presented and related to the question. Gives the
essay coherence as a single piece of writing with a purpose.

Literature. Relates your argument to academic debates and supports your point of view or
conclusion. Without academic literature, the essay is not sufficiently academic and you
will lose marks. The reading lists from your modules will provide good sources for you to
start with and you can find additional ones of your own through background research. But
not all literature is equally good, so evaluate everything you read as to its origins and
purpose. Beware particularly of anything from an organisation with a particular agenda or
from unknown web sources: they can mislead you.

Evidence. Backs up your argument with evidence from other sources, particularly other
academic studies. Nearly all assignments will expect you to do more than give your
opinion: your argument needs evidence to be convincing. Evidence might be statistics
about river flow or population growth, it might be case studies of policy successes or
failures or it might be academic research in favour of different theories.

Academic style/format. Communicates clearly and critically. References correctly all
material and quotations that are not your own and labels all figures or tables properly.

Structure. Organises points clearly into paragraphs and, in longer essays or reports, into
subsections with relevant headings. Signals to the reader what the structure is and how
the essay fits together. Is logical in order.

Conclusion. Sums up ideas. Highlights key points raised. Does not introduce new
material. Links back to the question.

Reference List. Lists all the publications you mentioned (cited) in your essay, in
alphabetical order by author (see the Referencing Guidelines in Annexe 2).
Tips for good essays

Plan well! Think about what the question wants and what your answer should cover. Think
about how to organise your argument into subsections or stages most effectively using a
clear structure: Which points are most important? Which come first chronologically? What
order is best for comparing different cases or theories? Can you start with a hypothesis or
claim and then set about proving it? Can you itemise and prioritise your key points or
factors clearly for the reader? Where does your evidence fit into your structure?
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 56

If you are not sure exactly what is required, check with the tutor or module leader what the
requirements are and that you understand the question. Your tutor may be willing to
discuss your essay plan with you (not your draft, though), so that you are sure you are
focusing on the relevant issues from the start.

Write a draft in advance and review it thoroughly. Think of essay writing as a process, not
as an end product. Always start working on the essay well in advance of the deadline.

Keep to one main idea/key point per paragraph and make links between the paragraphs as
you go, so that they form a coherent whole.

Check the meaning of complex or unusual words and phrases in a dictionary, to ensure
that you use them appropriately.

Proofread! Leave yourself plenty of time for this; ideally, put the essay to one side for a day
or two, so that when you come back to it the glitches will be more obvious. Typos are really
noticeable, so correct them. Sloppy presentation and poor quality production will make a
bad impression on the person marking your work and probably cost you marks. Use your
spell checker first, but remember that it will not pick up some mistakes (e.g. ‘form’ instead of
‘from’), so you still need to proofread afterwards.

Pay attention to how your illustrations look – are they blurred or unreadable? (see below)
Problems to avoid in essays

Do not rely on internet sources. There is a lot of dodgy material out there and merely
surfing the web does not constitute good background research.

Do not think that downloading images or taking photographs is research or evidence.
Illustrations are nice, but they do not of themselves make an argument: you have to link
them with your text effectively. Also, some images look very poor when downloaded from
the web. You can just as easily photocopy useful material, especially maps and diagrams,
from paper sources and attach these to your essay.

Do not think that arranging a few quotations in order is the same as developing a structure.
Quotations are nice, but they are not the bones of an essay. First, sort out your overall
argument. Only once you have done that can you decide which (if any) quotations you are
going to include within it.

Do not go over word limit specified. The word limit is a maximum, so you do not have to
write up to the limit: it is perfectly acceptable to write a bit less, provided you write enough to
do your argument justice. If you go over the limit, you will incur penalties (see Annexe 5).

Do not be late! Again, you will incur penalties (see Annexe 5), so plan your time carefully.

Incomplete, incorrect or messy referencing is a frequent problem, but generally easy to fix
(see Annexe 2).
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 57
ANNEXE 6: Department of Geography Penalties for Late and
Overlength Work and Guidelines on Word Counts
Penalties are applied in the Department of Geography to all assessed work that is submitted
after the deadline, unless an extension is given. If you need an extension, you must complete a
Mitigating Circumstances Form (available from the Departmental Office or the portal) and
arrange to meet the Student Progress Officer, Dr Jane Reed.
Assessed coursework which is submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised
according to Faculty of Science rules, which are:

Work that is submitted only 1 working day late will receive a 10% penalty, based on the
maximum available marks for that piece of work. For example, an essay originally marked
at 62% will be penalised to 52% and an essay originally marked at 44% (which is a pass)
will be penalised to 34% (which is a fail).

Work that is submitted from 2 to 10 working days late will receive a 10% penalty, based on
the maximum available marks for that piece of work, and will also have the mark capped at
a maximum of 40%. For example, an essay originally marked at 62% will be penalised to
40%, but an essay originally marked at 44% (which is a pass) will be penalised to 34%
(which is a fail).

Work that is submitted more than 10 working days late will receive a mark of zero.
Note that ‘working days’ exclude Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Remember also that
failing to submit assessed work at all may lead to exclusion from University examinations or
reassessment not being permitted.

Work which is more than 10% over the word limit stated for the assignment will receive a 10%
penalty, based on the maximum available marks for that piece of work, and the remainder
of the work above the 10% limit will not be formally assessed.
In both cases, if work is marked on a 100% scale, then a 10% penalty would mean a deduction
of 10 marks, e.g. from 56% to 46% for an essay. If other scales are being used, the marks
would be pro rata, so if a scale of 50 were used, 5 marks would be deducted. Work under the
word limit (or equivalent) or less than 10% above the word limit will be marked in the normal
way and will not attract a penalty.
You must write an accurate word count and the word limit for the assessed work on the cover
sheet and sign it to confirm that your word count complies with the Department Guidelines. If a
marker thinks that your word count is incorrect, the words in your work will be counted by staff
using Departmental Guidelines and, if it proves to be overlength, the appropriate penalty will be
applied. Quotations must be included in the word count. Note that if you fail to include a word
count when required or provide a clearly inaccurate word count, you may be in breach of Unfair
Means regulations.
Guidelines on what is included in and excluded from the word count
The word count includes everything contained within the main body of the text, but excludes
the Reference List or Bibliography at the end, figure and table captions, and text in tables
(unless in extensive footnotes). Quotations from references are included in the word count.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 58
ANNEXE 7: Plagiarism, the Penalties and How to Avoid It
At University you are encouraged to read widely around the subject, and to use your reading in
assessments, to support and develop arguments, as case studies, etc. However, you must
take care to follow University and Departmental guidelines (see Annexe 2) on the referencing
of the work of others as there are strict penalties for misuse.
All work - tutorial essays, assessed essays and reports, and dissertations - must be expressed
in your own words. To copy or closely paraphrase someone else’s words and pass them
off as your own is plagiarism, which is a serious academic offence. Where plagiarism is
detected, penalties may be imposed.
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is a form of fraud. It is work which purports to be a candidate’s own but which is
taken without acknowledgement from the published or unpublished work of others. Such
unattributed taking is plagiarism whether from articles, books, computer programs, data,
essays, papers, reports, or any other material originated by another person, whether obtained
from written, printed or electronic sources, including via the Internet, the World Wide Web
(www) or any other computer-based or networked system. It is plagiarism whether the medium
is literary (essays and reports), graphical (designs, diagrams, graphics), electronic (computer
programs) or mathematical (proofs). It is dishonest to seek credit for work which is not one’s
own. It is also intellectually futile, depriving the student of the opportunity to develop their own
powers of expression and reasoning - the main reason for a university education.
Unacceptable Practices
(i)
Presenting statements from another’s work in your own essays without citation or
any indication that the statement is a quotation (i.e. a verbatim transcription).
Failure to provide a source or to put quotation marks around material that is directly
copied from elsewhere gives the appearance that this constitutes your own work,
when it is manifestly not
(ii) Closely paraphrasing another’s work, such that the original material is still
identifiable, and there is no acknowledgement of the source. Paraphrasing means
to copy the sense of another’s work. If you reproduce material from a reference
with a few words changed, without citing the source, this is classed as
paraphrasing
(iii) Assembling unacknowledged passages copied from different sources, linked by a
few words of your own and/or changing a few words from the original sources.
This form constitutes a ‘trap’ for the unwary, especially if material is downloaded
(cut and pasted) from the web. Be very, very careful to avoid this all too common
mistake
Acceptable Practices
The following sections constitute acceptable practices - in all cases the derivation of the copied
material is comprehensively cited, and the source of ideas or other information is fully
acknowledged. The Department uses the Harvard System of referencing (or citing) sources
(see Annexe 2). The examples given here illustrate the use of the Harvard System.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 59
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY POLICY ON PLAGIARISM
The Department follows the University Code of Practice on the Use of Unfair Means,
including the Caution Procedure. A brief summary of the Code is given below. For
further
details
on
the
Caution
Procedure,
see
http://student.hull.ac.uk/handbook/academic/unfair.html.
Definitions

Levels of plagiarism. There are different levels of seriousness in the nature of plagiarism,
and the significance of an act of plagiarism is greater the further a student is advanced in
his or her career at university.

Levels of seriousness can most easily be illustrated in the case of assignments of a literary
nature, but a similar analysis of a range from complete to partial plagiarism can also be
applied to graphical, electronic and mathematical work. Typical examples from essays are
as follows:


unacknowledged verbatim copying throughout;

unacknowledged verbatim copying with occasional alteration of word order, omission of
words, phrases or sentences, and insertion of linking words or phrases, over a
paragraph or section of a paragraph, or a number of paragraphs;

paraphrasing which includes unacknowledged verbatim phrases from the other text or
texts.
The primary test of plagiarism. This is the presence or absence of quotation marks, and
adequate acknowledgement of sources and authorities in text and/or reference notes in
bibliographies or lists of sources.
Where Plagiarism is Suspected
Where an examiner suspects that a piece of work is plagiarised they shall report the matter to
the Chair of the Board of Examiners. For Students undertaking the Certificate stage of an
undergraduate programme of study (i.e. Level 4 students), a Caution will be issued (see
below). For students on the Diploma or Honours stage of their programme (i.e. Levels 5 and 6)
or any students who have already received a caution, the Code of Practice on the Use of
Unfair Means will be applied.
Code of Practice on the Use of Unfair Means
If an examiner makes an allegation, the Dean of the Faculty must investigate the allegation and
any supporting evidence. They must then decide whether there is prima facie evidence that
you have committed conduct which breaches the Code. Within 6 weeks, you will receive a
letter from the Dean of the Faculty stating that they have made such a decision. This letter will
summarise the allegation and any supporting evidence. When this happens, you have 21 days
from the date of the letter to respond in writing. In making your response you are entitled:

to state whether you admit or deny the allegation;

if you deny it, to state the reasons for this and provide further information to support your
reasons, or indicate how such evidence can be obtained;
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 60

if you admit it, to make statement of explanation or ‘mitigation’ - reasons why you think you
should be treated leniently.
Once the Dean of the Faculty has received your response, his/her actions will be as follows:

If you have admitted the allegation, the Dean of the Faculty will establish an Adjudicating
Panel to decide the penalty to be imposed.

If you have denied the allegation, s/he will establish an Adjudicating Panel to establish
proof and penalty, unless s/he decides that the matter has been ‘satisfactorily explained’ in
which case s/he will inform you in writing of that decision, and that the matter is closed.
You will be informed in writing of the arrangements for the Hearing of the Adjudicating Panel,
including the date, time and venue, giving you at least 7 days’ notice. You have a right to
attend the Hearing and you are entitled to be accompanied by someone of your choosing who
can help you: (i) to put your own case; (ii) ask appropriate questions of witnesses; and (iii) fully
understand the proceedings. In addition you can request that your personal supervisor (or an
equivalent member of staff) attends the Hearing.
The Panel will consist of at least two academic staff, one to be appointed as Chair. The panel
will not include any person who has been involved in the making or investigating of the
allegation. A person who is not a member of the Panel will be appointed to act as Secretary to
the Panel, and will be required to make a written record of the proceedings.
The Hearing will be conducted in a manner which is appropriate given the nature of the matter
being considered, but it is not a formal court. The Chair of the Adjudicating Panel will decide in
what order proceedings should take place, but the Hearing will normally begin with the person
who undertook the investigation summarising his/her findings. The Chair will be responsible
for ensuring that both parties are given fair opportunity to make their case. The Panel will
decide when it thinks that sufficient information has been presented and both parties have had
a fair opportunity to make their case. The Panel will then meet in private to discuss the
evidence it has received and make its decision.
If you responded to the original allegation by admitting it, the Hearing will be concerned only
with giving you an opportunity to explain your conduct. The Panel will then decide what penalty
to impose. If you have denied the allegation the Panel is required to decide, based on the
written and oral evidence received before and at the Hearing, whether the allegation has been
proven. Once the Panel has decided that the allegation has been proved, and in cases where
the allegation was admitted, it is required to determine the appropriate penalty. It must decide
the penalty by referring to the range of penalties set out in section 6 of the Code. In deciding
the penalty the Panel will take into account:

the nature and seriousness of the conduct;

whether this is the first time you have breached the Code;

any explanation or statement of mitigation made by you in writing or at the Hearing.
Once the Panel has made its decision, you will be informed in writing within 7 days of the
Hearing, including details of any penalty imposed and a summary of the reasons for the
decision. The decision will also be reported to any Module or Programme Board of Examiners
concerned with your academic progress.
Where an allegation is proved: You can normally expect the minimum penalty to be a mark
of zero for any module which is affected by the conduct in question. You will therefore have to
undertake reassessment of the module, and any mark will be restricted to the pass mark. For
a student at the Diploma stage or higher the Panel will be entitled to refuse reassessment,
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 61
which could, for example, result in your being transferred to the Ordinary degree or in your not
being allowed to continue the programme because you have insufficient credits.
In the most serious cases, and especially where this is not your first breach of the code, the
Panel will be empowered to terminate your programme of study or even, in very exceptional
cases, prevent you from getting a qualification. Where your programme is terminated this fact,
and the reason for it, will be recorded on the official transcript produced by the University.
Where an allegation is not proved: In cases where an allegation is not proved the matter is
considered to be closed. However, you should be aware that:
1.
in exceptional cases, where an allegation is made against you in the future which bears
very close similarity to the first allegation, an Adjudicating Panel may be permitted to
consider that first allegation as being relevant to proving the second allegation.
2.
where a person - any person - has ‘fresh’ evidence which was not considered by the
Adjudicating Panel this evidence must be presented to the Dean of the Faculty, who will
decide whether the case should be reconsidered.
For further information, see http://www.student-admin.hull.ac.uk/downloads/code.doc.
The Plagiarism Caution
The caution procedure (see http://student.hull.ac.uk/handbook/academic/unfair.html) was
introduced in 2004. This procedure defines limited circumstances in which a student who has
committed plagiarism may be issued with a ‘caution’ instead of Adjudication Panel proceedings
being instituted at pre-Certificate or Certificate stage only.
What the caution is: The caution will take the form of a letter, which will require you to add to
the piece of work which has been plagiarised the missing acknowledgements of the sources
you have used. You must do this within the deadline stated in the letter. Provided you do this
properly and within the deadline then you may receive up to the bare pass mark for the piece of
work (40%). If you do not do it properly you will receive no more than the pass mark minus 10
marks (30%). If you fail to resubmit by the deadline you will receive 0. These penalties are
designed to reflect the fact that the work has been plagiarised, but are less than you would
receive if an Adjudication Panel determined that you had plagiarised.
The purpose of the caution: The caution is designed to be developmental. That is, it is a
means of making clear that a piece of work has been plagiarised, that plagiarism is not
acceptable, and it gives you one last chance to take advice and ensure that you understand
how to properly acknowledge the sources you are using in your work (whether the work is a
computer program, practical piece or written essay, and whether the source is from a book,
another program or the internet). This is why you are required to add the correct references, to
make sure that you understand what is required.
Department of Geography Postgraduate Student Handbook 2011-12
page 62
ANNEXE 8: Department of Geography Safety Policy and
Procedures for Postgraduates
It is a legal requirement of the the Health and Safety at Work Act that University Departments
consider the health and safety of all categories of staff and students. However, this Appendix
is concerned solely with undergraduates in the Department and considers health and safety
issues that affect them when working either (1) in laboratories in formal classes or on individual
or small-group projects or (2) in the field on organised field classes, including formal residential
courses, day and half-day trips, or (3) on individual fieldwork, such as data collection during the
vacations for dissertations.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY
Safety in the Department and on its field classes is a joint responsibility of both staff and
students. In particular, it is the personal responsibility of every student to read these safety
instructions and to follow them.
The responsibility for all aspects of safety in the Department rests with the Head of
Department. The management of most aspects is delegated to the Departmental Safety Officer
(Paul McSherry) who has responsibility for ensuring compliance by all personnel in the
Department with the requirements of all relevant safety legislation, University and
Departmental codes of practice and any other regulations concerning working practices.
The departmental Safety, Health & Environment Committee meets twice annually and advises
the Head of Department (Professor David Gibbs) on all matters relating to health and safety. In
particular, it
1. Considers reports on such matters as accidents and other incidents, safety inspections, and
reports from those with delegated safety duties.
2. Assists in the development of safety rules and safe systems of work.
3. Advises on the safety content of information and training for staff and students.
It is the responsibility of all members of the Department, staff and students alike, to report
immediately to the Head of Department any procedure or activity within the Department or
concerned with its organised fieldwork programme which appears to represent a health or
safety hazard. Students likewise should complete their Student Health Forms, before or as
soon as possible after arrival at the University, and keep these forms updated with
information about any additional health conditions which may arise while at University.
Laboratory Work
Instructions regarding the operation and safety of laboratory equipment will be provided, for
every type of analysis undertaken by a student, by the member of staff in charge. Please follow
these instructions to the letter. While in the laboratories, laboratory coats and safety
spectacles should always be worn and eating and drinking are strictly forbidden. The
use of hazardous materials must be registered on site under the COSHH regulations.
Each laboratory has a lab manual which contains laboratory rules, relevant instructions,
method statements, and risk and COSHH assessments for all work undertaken in that lab.
Normal working hours in laboratories are from 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., with an appropriate lunch
break. All personnel working in laboratories, except for technical staff associated with the
Department of Geography, should sign the appropriate laboratory register, indicating times of
entry and departure.
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FIELDWORK
All students taking part in field classes, or undertaking independent fieldwork, must observe
sensible standards of behaviour, conduct themselves with good manners and consideration for
others, particularly in hotels or other accommodation, and not damage property in any way
(e.g. by climbing over walls, leaving gates open, trampling crops or disturbing plants and
animals). The Country Code should at all times be observed.
GROUP FIELDWORK
In accordance with the University Policy on the Management of Field Courses, field trip leaders
will take appropriate safety precautions and every reasonable care concerning the safety of
members of their parties. Field trip leaders will carry out a risk assessment prior to departure.
However, the potential dangers make it imperative that students co-operate by behaving
responsibly in order to reduce the risk of accidents. Each individual is responsible, by law,
for the observance of safety provisions.
It is the Departmental policy that all overseas field trips and trips to remote parts of the British
Isles should include a member of staff who has a full first aid certificate. Other field trips should
include staff how have completed at least the emergency first aid course.
As a student of the Department of Geography, you are specifically advised to:

Obey all safety instructions given by field trip leaders or supervisors. Anyone not
conforming to the standards required may be dismissed from the field class.

Stay with the party, except by clear arrangement with the leaders. Assemble where
instructed in order to receive specific instructions regarding likely hazards. Observe
instructions for reporting after completion of work.

Report any personal injury or illness to the field trip leaders.

Wear adequate clothing and footwear for the type of weather and terrain likely to be
encountered.
o
A warm sweater, and good quality waterproof with hood, is normally desirable in
the UK.
o
Head gear (in addition to the hood of a waterproof) may also be required in cold
weather.
o
Waterproof over trousers are required for particularly wet weather conditions.
o
Boots with strong soles are desirable for rough terrain.
o
Wellingtons should be used for work requiring shallow wading.
o
In hot climates, to avoid getting sunburnt, wear a sun hat and high factor sun
block.
o
Safety helmets are required by law when visiting mines, building sites, old or
working quarries, cliffs, scree slopes, etc., or wherever there is a risk from falling
objects.

Avoid the edges of cliffs, quarries and other steep or sheer faces, particularly in gusting
winds.

Ensure that rocks above are safe before venturing below. Quarries with rock faces
loosened by explosives are especially dangerous.

Never work under an overhang.
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
Avoid loosening rocks on steep slopes.

Do not work directly above another person.

Never roll rocks down slopes or over cliffs for amusement.

Do not run down steep slopes.

Beware of landslides occurring on clay cliffs.

Avoid touching any machinery or equipment in quarries, mines, building sites or fields.
Never pick up unexploded explosives, wires or detonators from rock piles; if found, inform
the group leader immediately.

Comply with safety rules, blast warning procedures, and any instructions given by officials.

Keep a sharp look-out for moving vehicles, etc.

Beware of sludge lagoons.

Avoid climbing cliffs, rock faces or crags, unless this has been approved as an essential
part of the work.

Take great care when walking or climbing over slippery rocks below high water mark on
rocky shores.

Beware of traffic when examining road cuttings. Do not leave rock debris on the roadway or
verges.

Examining railway cuttings and motorways is forbidden, unless special permission has
been obtained.

Take care of traffic at all times but especially when leaving or re-joining a coach or mini-bus
or when walking as a group.

Always maintain good standards of hygiene in the field. If wash facilities are not available
use wet wipes to clean hands before eating and drinking.

Avoid entering old mine workings or cave systems unless it has been approved as an
essential part of the work. Only do so by arrangement with the group leader with proper
lighting and headgear, and never alone. Ensure that someone on the surface knows your
location and expected time of return. Be sure to report to the group leader after returning.
If a student does not have appropriate equipment, the field trip leader is instructed by the
Department to refuse to allow them to attend the field class, since we have a responsibility to
see that students observe the provisions regarding personal safety.
INDEPENDENT FIELDWORK
ALL the provisions in the preceding section also apply to independent fieldwork. However,
since independent fieldwork involves an important element of self-reliance and the ability to
cope alone, students in this category are necessarily responsible for their own safety in the
field, and the following further rules must be followed:

Discuss likely safety problems or risks, and check equipment, with the supervisor before
departure or commencement of work. A Risk Assessment Form must be completed before
any work is undertaken and must be approved by the supervisor and the Departmental
Safety Officer (Paul McSherry). Prior to commencing dissertation fieldwork, level 5 (year 2)
students attend a Risk Assessment Workshop, where they are given instruction and
guidance on how to carry out fieldwork in safe manner and how to write a suitable risk
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assessment. Risk Assessment forms are downloadable from the Geography homepage at
http://www.hull.ac.uk/geog/resources/safety.htm

Plan work carefully, bearing in mind your own experience and training, the nature of the
terrain, and the weather. Be careful not to overestimate what can be achieved.

Learn the mountain safety code, and in particular the causes and effects of exposure. On
mountains, wear bright clothing. Rock-climbing, caving and underwater swimming may be
useful in research activities, but are dangerous for the unskilled or ill-equipped.

Never go into the field (including urban areas) without having a reporting in procedure with
a friend, family member or your supervisor. This will include expected time of return and
possibly a map showing expected location. Never carelessly break arrangements to report
your return to local people. Camp near habitation if possible.

Check weather forecasts. Keep a constant look-out for changes. Do not hesitate to turn
back if the weather deteriorates.

Know what to do in emergency (e.g. accident, illness, bad weather, darkness).

Carry at all times a small first-aid kit, some emergency food (chocolate, biscuits, mint cake,
glucose tablets), a survival bag (or large plastic bag), a whistle, map, compass, watch and
torch.

Avoid getting trapped by the tide on intertidal banks or below sea cliffs.

Obtain local information about tides and currents. Pay particular attention to the tidal range.

Always wear footwear when wading in rivers, lagoons or on the shore.

Know the international distress signal: (a) 3 whistle blasts, torch flashes or waves of a
light-coloured cloth; (b) 1 min pause; (c) another 3 blasts (flashes, waves) at 20 second
intervals.

Always obtain permission to enter private property, and follow the recognised procedure for
visits to quarries, etc. Be careful to report after completion of work.

The use of boats is currently under review by the department. The use of any boat must be
discussed with and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Safety Officer (Paul
McSherry).

Learn desert survival techniques in hot dry areas.

Obtain protection against preventable tropical diseases.

Do not venture on to very wet or soft areas of mires without a safety rope.

Take care to avoid cuts from peat borers. When a piston sampler is used avoid
entanglement of the wire round limbs or digits. Tree corers should only be used after
instruction and hand protection must be used. Tree corers should not be used on hard
woods.

Students conducting fieldwork in urban areas or on public roads elsewhere should plan
ahead and gain knowledge of the area to be visited and avoid working after daylight. They
should be especially aware of hazards from lone working, security and human hazards and
transport including traffic hazards.
In case of accident
First Aid Procedures
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In the event of an accident causing injury, the nearest qualified first aider should be contacted.
Supervisors or any member of staff will give assistance in finding the appropriate help:
Mike Dennett
Room 054 (Tel 5386)
Bernadette Barron
Map Room (Tel 5551)
A full list of available first aiders is available in the Departmental Office.
Emergency First Aid outside normal access hours – Telephone 6868
The first aider will decide on appropriate treatment and further action, if necessary.
The names of first aiders are displayed on notices throughout the Department, and a full list is
published in the internal telephone directory.
Accident Reporting
Any accidents should be reported, following treatment, to the Departmental Safety Officer
(Paul McSherry), and to the University Health & Safety Services Office (Telephone 5185).
Details of the accident should also be recorded on a University Accident Report Form.
Less serious accidents, and any other incident that might have caused an injury, should also
be reported to the Departmental Safety Officer. Such minor accidents and ‘near miss’ incidents
often highlight situations that require remedial action.
The purpose of reporting accidents and incidents is NOT to apportion blame, but to discover
and correct health and safety problems.
All accidents and near-misses will be investigated by the Departmental Safety Officer and the
results will be reported to the Head of Department.
Action in the event of Fire
Action required

The fire alarm is a siren. On hearing this, you should immediately evacuate the building by
the nearest exit (including examinations).

If possible close all windows and doors as you leave.

Follow the directions of the Fire wardens, pastoral or commercial services staff.

Go to the designated assembly area.

Report any significant information to the Incident Controller at the Fire Panel.
Do not

Go back to your room or office if you are away from it

Shout or run as it may cause panic

Re enter the building unless verbally told that it is safe to do so by the fire warden.
The above actions are required in any University building. However, whilst based in the
Geography Department (Cohen Building), these additional points should be noted.

The quadrangle can be used as part of the exit route, but do not congregate there.

On leaving the building, you should assemble at one of two points. If you leave from the
main entrance you should congregate at assembly point 1, on the footpath by the Venn
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Building. If you leave from the rear exit of Cohen at Salmon Grove, you should congregate
at assembly point 23, on the footpath opposite the rear entrance.

Fire Wardens will check that personnel are vacating the building and congregating in the
correct areas.
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ANNEXE 9: Faculty of Science Professional Principles
What is expected of students in the Faculty of Science?
As a student in the Faculty of Science, you are expected to develop the following approaches
to your studies:

Be independent and able to ‘stand on your own feet’. This involves being able to work by
yourself, for example reading around your subject, preparing for taught sessions and
assignments, and asking for help when you need it.

Be self-motivated and in charge of your learning processes. This involves working out
when, where and how you learn best. It also means being persistent and tackling subjects
and topics that you find challenging.

Be organised – you should understand the organisation of your programme of study and
modules, attend scheduled learning and teaching activities, know when and how your work
has to be handed in, know the dates for examinations, and check your University e-mail
account and announcements on the virtual learning environment (eg eBridge) on a regular
basis.

Engage with your subject in a constructive and critical manner. This involves actively
participating in learning and teaching activities, reading the relevant study materials,
engaging with eLearning based activities, and taking time to discuss and think about your
subject with student peers and individually outside timetabled classes.

Be willing to work with others, for example during taught sessions and as part of wider
departmental and University activities.

Take responsibility for all of your assessed work, whether you complete it individually or in
a group. Ensure it is submitted in a timely fashion and free of plagiarism and unfair means.

Respect other students and teaching staff. Ensure you don’t disrupt the learning of others
– arrive at classes on time, switch off your mobile phone and remain quiet whilst the
lecturer is talking.

Carry out your studies in a safe manner by ensuring you follow the department’s health and
safety requirements such as refraining from eating and drinking in lecture theatres and
laboratories and wearing protective clothing when required.
To ensure that there is a constructive learning environment for all students, lecturers and tutors
may:

Exclude late arrivals

Ask students to leave lectures or other taught sessions if they continue to disrupt the
learning experience of others despite being warned. Students who are asked to leave a
class as a result of being disruptive, will be required to attend a follow-up meeting to
discuss their unacceptable behaviour. Persistent offenders will be dealt with under the
existing student disciplinary procedures.
If there are good reasons for you not being able to engage with your studies, please contact
your personal supervisor as soon as possible.
Endorsed by staff/student committees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering and
Geography in 2009/10.
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ANNEXE 10: Department of Geography Marking Criteria
All work is marked by our teaching staff and then second marked within the Department to
ensure consistency and relevance to marking criteria.
There are different marking criteria for each Level (year of study), and for different types of
assessment. For Levels 4 to 7 there are standard criteria for the following types of assessed
work: Essay Marking Criteria; Exam Marking Criteria; and Field & Laboratory Report
Marking Criteria. At Levels 6 and 7 there are also Dissertation Marking Criteria.
These Marking Criteria are available from the Geography Department website at:
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/geography/current_students/exams.aspx
An outline example of the Level 4 Exam Marking Criteria is attached. The key elements are
explained below.
Marking Criteria Categories
There are 4 main categories of criteria on which the allocated mark is based:
1. Knowledge and understanding
Has the question been answered? Are there any omissions? How well is the subject
area understood? Does the answer go beyond lecture notes?
2. Cognitive skills
Use of literature/reading – relevance and quality of sources. How much critical analysis
is there? Or is the answer descriptive?
3. Practical/Professional/disciplinary skills
How well structured and organised is the answer? Is it focused? Are the arguments
coherent?
4. Transferable skills
Standard of English expression – how well are points communicated? Are the methods
used appropriate? How well is academic terminology used?
Mark Scale
A 17 point marking scale is used in the Department, with marks spread across 6 mark bands.
The 4 bands in the Pass range correspond to final degree classes: first, upper second, lower
second and third. In each band there are 3 possible marks, for work in the lower, middle and
upper part of the band.
First (1)
Upper second (2:1)
Lower second (2:2)
Third (3)
Fail (compensatable)
Fail
75, 85, 95
62, 65, 68
52, 55, 58
PASS MARKS
42, 45, 48
35
0, 5, 15, 30
FAIL MARKS
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ANNEXE 11: Department of Geography Guidelines for the
Relationship of Taught Masters Students with their
Dissertation Supervisor
Responsibilities of Dissertation Supervisors
Supervisors are expected:
1. to give guidance about the nature of research and the standards expected, about the
planning of the research programme, about literature and sources, and the use of
requisite techniques (including instruction where necessary);
2. to give detailed advice on the necessary completion dates of successive stages of the
work, agreeing objectives for each stage so that the dissertation may be submitted
within the scheduled time;
3. to provide advice on writing up the work (e.g., how to structure the dissertation);
4. to read through one chapter of the dissertation and provide detailed comments; this
chapter should be available at least 6 weeks prior to the deadline for submission of the
full dissertation (supervisors should discuss this timing with part time students);
5. to meet students on a regular and frequent basis to discuss problems and progress;
6. to be accessible to students at other times, should advice on academic or personal
problems be required;
7. to inform students should they plan to be away from the University for more than a few
days to allow students to plan accordingly;
8. to make appropriate contact arrangements/alternative supervision arrangements
should either the supervisor or student be away from the University for more than a
month (for example during study visit/leave, industrial placements or University
vacations)
9. to ensure that students are made aware if either their progress or the standard of their
work is unsatisfactory, and arrange a plan of supportive action
10. to advise students on matters of confidentiality or ethical considerations relating to
particular techniques, sources or results
11. to ensure that the correct safety procedures are followed when using equipment or
laboratory materials (full details on safety procedures are available from Departmental
Safety Officers and from the University Safety Officer)
12. to ensure that, should a major change in research direction occur, appropriate
adjustments are made to the supervisory arrangements.
13. If the candidate wishes, in cases where a dissertation is referred for resubmission, to
advise on the necessary revisions.
Responsibilities of taught Masters Students
Students are expected:
1. to discuss with their supervisor(s) the type of guidance and comment they find most
helpful, and to agree a schedule of meetings and other contact for the prescribed period
of study
2. to seek advice from the supervisor in an active manner, recognizing that it is the
student’s responsibility to have their own topics to raise with the supervisor
3. to maintain the progress of the work in accordance with the stages agreed with the
supervisor and in accordance with departmental monitoring procedures (including, in
particular, the provision of well-presented written work within the agreed timescales for
comment and discussion before proceeding to the next stage)
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4. to take note of the guidance and feedback provided by the supervisor
5. to inform the supervisor of other individuals with whom the work has been or is being
discussed, so that this may be taken into account when the second marker is
recommended
6. to conduct their work at all times in accordance with University and Departmental safety
requirements and to follow ethical guidance provided by the department or supervisor
7. to inform their supervisor, in good time where possible, should they plan to be away
from the University for more than five working days
8. to take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties with the supervisor in the first
instance, however elementary these may seem, including any matters which may
require a suspension of registration or cause a delay in the expected completion date of
the work
9. to provide the supervisor with one chapter of the dissertation at least six weeks before
the deadline for submission of the full dissertation (part time students should discuss
the timing with their dissertation supervisor);
10. to decide when to submit the dissertation taking due account of the supervisor’s opinion,
(which is necessarily only advisory);
11. to be informed of and comply with University requirements for dissertation preparation
via the Online Student Handbook.
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INDEX
‘absence’ or ‘extension’ with ‘good cause’
..........................................................28
Academic Staff ........................................9
aims of the Department of Geography .....8
attendance ............................................30
barcodes ...............................................21
Changing Modules.................................26
Cohen Building ........................................8
compensation ........................................21
cover sheet ............................................21
Dates of Examinations...........................24
Deadlines for submission.......................22
Disabilities Service ................................22
Examinations .........................................24
Examinations Officer .............................29
extension ...............................................21
external examiners ................................21
fail .........................................................21
feedback on assessed work ..................22
Feedback Survey ..................................14
Fieldwork Costs .....................................14
group work ............................................21
Health and Safety ..................................17
intended learning outcomes...................19
Intercalation . See Suspending your studies
Late submissions ...................................21
Library Services .................................... 13
Marking Criteria .................................... 70
Office and Technical Staff ..................... 11
Penalties for late and overlength
coursework ........................................ 22
plagiarism ............................................ 22
PLAGIARISM .................................. 25, 59
quotations ............................................. 41
References ........................................... 25
REFERENCING .................................... 40
Results.................................................. 24
Smoking ................................................ 17
Student Progress Officer ........... 15, 28, 29
Submitting Coursework ......................... 21
supervision............................................ 34
Supervision ........................................... 15
Suspending Your Studies - ‘Intercalation’
.......................................................... 27
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Committee........................................ 11
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Committee ......................................... 14
Transcripts ............................................ 25
Warnings .............................................. 30
Withdrawing from the University ............ 27
Word Length ......................................... 57
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