University Code of Practice
Production of Student Handbooks by Partner Institutions
Template B: Taught Postgraduate Provision
Identifier:
Version:
QH: K10 – Template B
Version 7 00
Date: Jul 15
Summary/ Description:
This document sets out the requirements for handbooks to be produced by partner
institutions at the level of the appropriate organisational unit (department or equivalent) or
programme. It provides text which must be included in all such handbooks [denoted by
text in Arial 11 pt Black with a border, and guidance on other information which should be
inserted by the partner institution [denoted by Arial 9 pt blue] provides advice on what to
include.
In operationalising the requirements of the code partner institutions should consider what
information needs to be provided for each handbook by the institution (i.e. as being
information which is the same across all programmes) and which information needs to be
provided by individual programme leaders (as being programme dependent).
Partner Institutions must establish clear lines of responsibility for the accuracy of
handbooks, ensuring that all staff are aware of who is responsible for writing and
approving/auditing handbooks. Responsibilities for providing handbooks in alternative
formats for students with disabilities must be defined.
Changes for 2015-16
 General updating
 Personal Supervisor changed to Academic Support Tutor to match the University’s
new terminology. It is expected that partners may use different terms for the role.
 Addition of a sentence stating that there must be an identifier of the name, position
and institution of the external examiner.
 Addition of requirement to submit a coversheet with word count
 Update of library information.
Changes for 2014-15
 General updating
 Changes now highlighted in grey if the text must be added in this year’s
handbook
 Text to be removed has a double strikethrough
 Replacement text on Library Services
 Addition of Feedback to Students on their submitted work
 Update to include Overlength and Late Submission Policies
 Update to Health & Safety text
 Updates to the Caution procedure within Unfair Means considerations
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Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice
Version 7 00 – Jul 15 (valid 15 - 16)
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Update to the text on Intercalation
Adjustment to the RNP (Re-sit Not Permitted) rule removing attendance as a
consideration
Text indicating students may graduate but pursue an academic appeal in
accordance with procedure
Update to text on complaints
Addition of Tuition Fees and Financial Support for Students section
Changes for 2013-14
 General updating
Changes for 2012-13
 General updating
Changes for 2011-12
 General updating
 Clarification of library use
 Removal of text relating to indirectly-funded PG students
 Change of font type for showing which text is to be inserted in partner institution
handbooks. This is now shown in Arial 11 pt Black and highlighted in blue
.
This template is available in alternative formats
from LEAP
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Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice
Version 7 00 – Jul 15 (valid 15 - 16)
QH: K10
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TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROVISION
1. Front cover
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The front cover or inside front cover of each handbook must include the following:
Title of the Partner Institution/Logo
Logo of the University of Hull. The visual identity must be used. Further information can be found at
www.hull.ac.uk/change
Title of the Programme and the award to which it leads (e.g. MA English)
Academic year to which the handbook applies
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The front cover must also bear the legend – in Arial 18 pt:
This handbook is available on request in alternative
formats from the [insert details]
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Partner Institutions must ensure that they have procedures in place to respond to such requests –
including being clear about on whom the responsibility falls. This is part of the University’s legal
responsibility to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the new disability legislation (Special Educational
Needs and Disability Act).
Staff are encouraged to ensure there are opportunities for students to declare if they have a disability.
2. Contents Page
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All student handbooks should contain a contents page for ease of reference for students.
3. Welcome/Introduction
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The Introductory section should explain the purpose of the Handbook, how it has been produced, and
invite feedback on its helpfulness (indicating to whom that feedback should be provided)
It must also state the following:
Your programme of study [course] leads to an award of The University of Hull, and has
been validated by the University to assure the quality of your learning experience and the
standards of the award. This handbook has been produced utilising guidance provided by
the University. The handbook sets out your rights and obligations as a student taking a
programme delivered by [name of partner institution] leading to an award of the University.
It points you in the direction of further information, such as full copies of regulations and
procedures which will apply to you.
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.
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Please state if the handbook is available online and insert the url
The following must be included in all handbooks:
Matters detailed in this handbook are subject to review and change during the year. Every
effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of
publishing. [name of Partner Institution] will inform you of any changes occurring during
the year.
4. General Information about the ‘Department’
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This is the department’s [or equivalent unit] opportunity to introduce and welcome students to the
department. Departments should include the following:
Where it fits within the Partner Institution structure
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Key members of staff and their roles – e.g. HoD, Division Director, Student Support Officer (or equivalent
role)
Numbers of staff and students
Aims and objectives/mission statement of the department
Layout of the department, location of teaching rooms, staff rooms, departmental office, and other facilities
– include a map if appropriate.
5. Library Services
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Inform students about the facilities and services available and/or point them to additional information
provided by the service areas themselves (whether paper or electronic)
Summarise the Partner Institution’s Library and Computing Regulations and indicate from where the full
version can be obtained
Inform students of their right to access the Brynmor Jones library on the Hull campus and Keith Donaldson
library on the Scarborough campus
Provide students with details of how to obtain a University of Hull student card
Include the following text for directly funded (validated) programmes:
Access to the University Library
As a student on a programme validated by the University of Hull you have full access to
the Brynmor Jones Library (BJL) situated on the Hull Campus and the Keith Donaldson
Library (KDL) situated on the Scarborough Campus. The BJL, the largest library, is
currently undergoing a £27 million major redevelopment to create a state-of-the-art place
of learning for generations to come. The libraries have over 1,800 study spaces and
some small group study rooms. The University’s libraries hold more than a million items
including books, periodicals, multimedia and maps. All of this material is listed in a webbased 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 once by telephone provided that they are not
reserved by another reader. You have the same borrowing rights as the University’s
own postgraduates, except in so far as off campus access to electronic resources which
cannot be allowed for licensing reasons. If you visit the libraries in person then you can
use the full range of electronic resources. You have the same borrowing rights as the
University's own postgraduates. If you visit the libraries in person you can use the full
range of electronic resources. Access to electronic resources off campus is not
permitted for licensing reasons, though.
If you wish to use either library you will need to obtain a student card. 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. You can obtain a card by visiting
Student Administrative Services on either site when you have had confirmation that you
have been registered as a student of the University. For new students this is when you
have had a registration sheet to sign; continuing students will receive an email to their
university account to confirm this. If you try to obtain a card before you are registered you
will not be able to do so. You should also be aware that it will take 24 hours for the
registration confirmation to be processed by the library so please allow sufficient time
before trying to access the libraries. The libraries provide one-to-one help at the enquiry
desk in finding information.
Further details of the services available from the University’s Libraries and details of the
Brynmor Jones Library redevelopment are available on the Library website,
www.hull.ac.uk/lib.
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Following an extensive upgrade, the eduroam wireless network is now available
throughout the Hull and Scarborough campuses. Information on how to connect can be
found here: http://www2.hull.ac.uk/ICT/get%20connected/wifi.aspx
As a student on a programme validated by the University of Hull you have full access
to the Brynmor Jones Library (BJL) situated on the Hull Campus and the Keith
Donaldson Library (KDL) situated on the Scarborough Campus. The BJL, the largest
library has recently undergone a £28 million redevelopment. As well as its superb
collections of printed and digital resources, and its excellent IT facilities, it offers great
places to study and socialise, fantastic views of the campus and the city from the
Observatory on the 7th floor, a wonderful art collection, and a chance to relax in the
café on the ground floor.
The University’s libraries hold more than a million items including books, periodicals,
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. You have the same borrowing rights as the University’s own undergraduates,
except in so far as off campus access to electronic resources which cannot be allowed
for licensing reasons. If you visit the libraries in person then you can use the full range
of electronic resources. You have the same borrowing rights as the University's own
undergraduates. If you visit the libraries in person you can use the full range of
electronic resources.
If you wish to use either library you will need to obtain a student card. 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. You can obtain a card by visiting
Student Administrative Services on either site when you have had confirmation that
you have been registered as a student of the University. For new students this is when
you have had a registration sheet to sign; continuing students will receive an email to
their university account to confirm this. If you try to obtain a card before you are
registered you will not be able to do so.
Further details of the services available from the University’s Libraries and details of
the Brynmor Jones Library redevelopment are available on the Library website,
www.hull.ac.uk/lib.
6. Communication within the Department
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Explain the mechanisms through which the department communicates with students (VLE, noticeboards,
emails etc)
6.1 Responsibility for keeping contact details up to date
Registration with the University
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Include the following text:
When you start your programme of study you will enrol with the [name of Partner
Institution] and also register with the University of Hull. Through this process the University
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will be provided with your personal details which the University will hold on its student
record system.
Keeping your contact details up to date
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Explain the process for notifying changes of details within the Partner Institution and the importance of
ensuring that you are provided with correct details at all times.
6.2 Rules governing absence
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Explain the rules governing absence from the College and cross reference to sections on withdrawal and
intercalation
Explain the process where absence is related to a disability
6.3 Feedback from students about their experience
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Explain the procedures relating to student questionnaires, the staff-student committee, course feedback
meetings, module evaluation questionnaires etc.
6.4 Feedback for students on their submitted work
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Explain that opportunities for obtaining feedback are actively promoted to students at appropriate points
during the academic session. Students are reminded of the relevance if 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.
Outline the timeframe within which students are entitled to receive their feedback
7. Arrangements for Supervision
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Explain the arrangements for providing academic/pastoral supervision of students
Distinguish between academic supervision, year tutors [or equivalent] and pastoral supervision, and
explain how the department implements the relevant system.
Provide details of your system for Personal Development Planning and Progress Files and access to the
full policy.
8. Health and Safety
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Provide a summary of any Partner Institution and departmental/programme specific regulations and a
reference to how to obtain the full version of such regulations.
Consider including details of the college’s policy regarding energy management and water conservation
Include appropriate information detailing the fire evacuation procedures for the building(s) in which the
department is based.
Please include the college’s policy on smoking.
9. Programme of Study Information
9.1 The Academic Year
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Explain the structure of the academic year and the dates of semesters/terms/vacations/examination
periods
If there is a defined re-sit period make this clear, and that students must make themselves available for
this period; non attendance e.g. at an examination due to a holiday or other commitment is not a ground
for mitigating circumstance or appeal
Include a user-friendly definition, for the student audience, of ‘intended learning outcomes’ and ‘credits’
in the context of modules, programmes and their specifications.
9.2 The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
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The following text must be included:
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
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produced programme specifications for all of their 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.
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Determine how best to make programme and module specifications available to students [they must be
made available], whether as part of the handbook, or through another means.
9.3 University Regulations
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The following text must be included:
As indicated in the Introduction, the programme of study for which you have registered
leads to an award of the University of Hull. Because of this your programme is governed
by the University’s Programme Regulations. These ensure consistency irrespective of
whether you are undertaking a programme in Business or Engineering. The following is a
summary of the regulations. A full copy is available from www.hull.ac.uk/quality
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Use the following text
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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 fulltime)
o Masters stage (third 60 credits – commonly the dissertation undertaken
during the Summer period)
o Your programme specification states your core and permitted optional
modules
to qualify for the award of the degree you must successfully complete all 60 credits
for each stage
the pass mark for postgraduate awards is 40 (although the same standard of
achievement will be required to earn a pass as it was when the pass mark was
50). 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 has changed.
a candidate at the Diploma stage, who fails more than 60 credits at first attempt,
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
submission record, (iii) the candidate’s potential to succeed in the repeated stage
and whole degree, (iv) any mitigating circumstances properly notified
subject to the above 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
submission requirements of the module
where the module specification stipulates that to pass the module you must
achieve a pass in one or more of the sub-module elements, and you do not then a
mark of 34 will be awarded for the module in question
the mark for any module passed following reassessment is capped at 40
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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
if you are offered a ‘pass with mitigation’ then you will be awarded a mark of 40 for
the module - but only the mark will appear on the transcript with no reference to
the mitigation
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
where the module specification stipulates that to pass the module you must
achieve a pass in one or more of the sub-module elements, and you do not then a
mark of 34 will be awarded for the module in question
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
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.
Masters degrees are awarded with a Merit (for students registering for the first time
after September 2012) where the candidate has achieved a weighted average of
between 60 and 69 over all marks assigned, with a mark of no less than 57 in the
Masters (last 60 credits) stage.
9.4 The requirements of your programme of study
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Include the following:
In addition to the above University regulations, your programme of study (set out in the
programme specification) details the modules which you must take in each year.
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Provide, or refer to, information about the specific programme – including intended learning outcomes
- methods of assessment, marking criteria, weightings between years and modules, explanation of core
and optional modules. Include a user-friendly definition of jargon such as ‘Learning Outcomes’ and
‘credits’, explaining their relevance to programmes and modules.
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Explain rules governing attendance for programmes/modules, and any system for reporting /acting on
non attendance (and see below under “academic discipline”).
9.5 Teaching and Learning Methods
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Lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and project work (if appropriate). Reference should be
made to students not being entitled to expect tutors to read drafts of assessed work prior to submission.
**Proof reading moved to section 12.7 **
9.6 Assessment Procedures
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Assessment submission deadlines and penalties must be clearly defined and set out in departmental
handbooks. This could be individual module handbooks
Explain how decisions are reached, examination boards, the role of external examiners, convention for
borderline cases and degree classification.
Explain where assessment submission deadlines and penalties are clearly defined
Include the following:
Overlength Work Policy
The University and [partner institution] have in place a standard system of penalties for
summatively assessed work deemed to be overlength (sections 29-30) F1, Quality Handbook:
(i)
(v)
(vi)
Penalties are a percentage of the maximum mark available for the assessment element
which is overlength
Overlength assessment penalties apply only to word counts and exclude charts, graphs,
tables etc
Unless otherwise specified the published word limit excludes references in footnotes,
appendices, references and bibliography lists
Your coursework assessment rubrics will tell you to declare a word count on the
coversheet where a word limit is specified.
An erroneous word count declaration will be dealt with as suspected use of unfair means.
The penalty for overlength work is:
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10-20% over the specified word limit, a penalty of 10%
more than 20% over the published word limit, the work will be awarded a mark of zero
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
If you do not submit a coversheet or do not include a word count on the coversheet, you will be
asked to provide one. If you still do not provide a word count you will be awarded a mark of zero.
Assessment submission deadlines and penalties must be clearly defined (sections 46-49, F1,
Quality Handbook) and set out in departmental handbooks. This may be within individual module
handbooks.
Late Submission Policy
The University and [partner institution] have in place a standard system of penalties for
summatively assessed work subject to late submission:
(i)
Penalties are a percentage of the maximum mark available for the assessment element
which has been submitted late
(ii)
All your coursework assessments must have a published submission time which should
be no later than 4pm
(iii)
Non-standard modules may differ (contact your course representative if you need
clarification)
(iv)
The late submission penalties applied to coursework submitted after the published
deadline are:
•
Up to and including 24 hours after the deadline, a penalty of 10%
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More than 24 hours and up to and including 7 days after the deadline; either a penalty of
10% or the mark awarded is reduced to the pass mark, whichever results in the lower
mark
More than 7 days after the deadline, a mark of zero is awarded.
Explain the use of Turnitin (if applicable)
Explain the procedures relating to feedback to students on assessed work (refer to QH F1 para 26)
There must be an identifier of the name, position and institution of the external examiner for each
programme
Include the following text:
Boards of Examiners
Your progression on your programme of study (i.e. whether you have passed one year
and can move onto the next) and your eligibility for the award and degree classification (if
applicable) will be determined by Boards of Examiners governed by the University’s
regulations. There are two levels of Boards of Examiners:
Module Boards – which decide the mark to be awarded for each module
Programme Boards – which decide whether you can progress to the next year of
the programme and the classification of degree if you have reached the end of the
Honours stage of an Honours degree
Boards of Examiners include membership from the staff who deliver the programme, staff
from the University and the External Examiner(s) appointed by the University to oversee
the academic standards of the award. The External Examiner will be a member of staff of
another University or similar body who is experienced in the subject area of your
programme of study.
9.7 Credit Transfer
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The following text must be included:
You may have undertaken studies prior to starting your programme at [partner institution].
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 make, the following regulations must be 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. (see above under
regulations regarding eligibility for distinctions)
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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.
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Explain the Partner Institution’s mechanisms for considering and approving APL claims.
9.8 Prizes and Scholarships
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Explain what is available for students in the department if applicable.
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10. Examinations and Assessment
10.1 Dates of Examinations
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Provide the dates of examinations periods and the process of providing the examinations timetable
Include the following text:
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 summer reassessment 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 [name of Partner Institution].
10.2 Instructions for Candidates for Written Examinations
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Summarise any instructions governing the conduct of examinations and where to find the full version.
10.3 Alternative Examination Arrangements
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The following text must be included:
If you have a disability and require alternative arrangements for examination you should
contact Disability Services [or equivalent]. If you have any other special circumstances
which may require alternative arrangements you should contact your department [or
equivalent].
10.4 Getting your Results
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The following text must be included:
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.
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Explain how results are communicated at the end of the year and include the following text:
Your results will be formally notified to you in writing. You will not be able to get your results
before the published 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. You can
however notify – to your department - a correspondence address to which they can be
sent during the summer vacation. Otherwise they will be sent to your home address. It is
the student’s responsibility to keep the institution updated with current address
details. If you fail to do so, you may not receive your results, or other
correspondence, promptly.
10.5 References
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Explain how a student can obtain a reference
10.6 Transcripts
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The following text must be included:
You are entitled to an official transcript which sets out the full record of your results for the
whole of your programme of study. This will be produced by the [name of Partner
Institution] in accordance with guidance issued by the University (as the awarding body).
You should note that you will be refused a transcript if you are in debt to the [name of
Partner Institution] for your tuition fees.
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Explain how students obtain transcripts.
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11. Unfair Means – Plagiarism and Cheating
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The following text must be included:
The University and [name of Partner Institution] take very seriously any form of cheating,
plagiarism or other form of ‘unfair means’. Allegations of such conduct are investigated
and (if proven) penalised using the University’s Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means.
The term ‘unfair means’ is used to indicate that a very wide range of behaviour is
punishable. The regulations give examples, including
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'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
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 has been performed or created by other
persons or commissioning third parties to perform or create the work whether for
payment or not
making your work available to others, giving opportunity for them to plagiarise
(group work must acknowledge the contribution of others or collusion may be
deemed to have occurred)
an erroneous word count declaration on written assignments which are over-length
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 student on any programme leading to a
University of Hull award, 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 define
the procedures which must be followed when an allegation is made, stating the rights of
the student, including the establishment of an Adjudicating Panel which is required to
determine whether the breach has been proven.
It is essential, therefore, that you recognise that the University and [name of Partner
Institution] take very seriously any form of illegitimate conduct, especially plagiarism, and
that if you are judged to have breached the regulations this could result in you not being
awarded your degree.

Explain how to obtain a full copy of the regulations.
11.1 The plagiarism declaration

Ensure that a plagiarism declaration sheet system is in place (if not refer to the University Quality Office)
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The following text must be included:
When you submit any piece of work for assessment you are required to attach a cover
sheet which 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 Academic Support Tutor [or insert equivalent title]. You are also cautioned against
self-plagiarism i.e. of re-using work that you have already submitted within another piece
of work.
11.2 Plagiarism and how to avoid it



Provide detailed guidance – relevant to the specific discipline and the types of assessment method used
– to explain the department's requirements for referencing work, and therefore what constitutes good
academic practice. Pay particular attention to methods of assessment which might cause confusion, such
as group work, especially where a combination of group work and individual work is involved
Explain self-plagiarism
Provide examples of the Partner Institution’s preferred referencing system (Harvard or otherwise) and
pay particular attention to referencing of web-based sources.
12. Possible Problems and Solutions

The following text must be included:
The following section explains possible solutions to problems which you may experience
during your programme and study and which may mean that you are unable to complete
your programme as originally planned. In all cases the emphasis is on getting advice from
an appropriate person. You are reminded of the importance of discussing any problems
you might be experiencing with appropriate staff, whether your personal supervisor,
academic tutor Academic Support Tutor [or insert equivalent title] or somebody
independent of the department such as Student Support Services or Study Advice
Services.
12.1 Changing Modules or your Programme of Study


If the programme includes optional modules explain the process for changing a module, including any
deadlines
Explain the process for changing a programme of study (explain any financial implications).
12.2 Withdrawing from [name of Partner Institution]


Explain the process and what support is available before a student finally decides to withdraw; explain
any financial implications
Include the following text:
One of the benefits of the credit accumulation system operated by the University/[name of
Partner Institution] 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 on the same programme or at another University. The University of Hull considers
that credits have a maximum ‘shelf life’ of 9 years, although re-admission would depend
on the specific programme of study in question, and therefore a shorter shelf life might
apply.
You may also be entitled to an ‘interim award’ if you withdraw before completing the
programme as follows:
Successful completion of 60 credits: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education
(subject studied)
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Successful completion of 120 credits: Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education
(subject studied).
12.3 Suspending Your Studies - ‘Intercalation’

The following text must be included:
An alternative to withdrawing from your programme of study 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.
Permission to intercalate requires the approval of the University on the recommendation
of the [name of Partner Institution] and must be supported by appropriate supporting
documentation and details of the length of time requested, the reasons, and the last date
you wish to attend the programme.


Explain how a student would get advice about and apply for intercalation. Please note there is a Code of
Practice on Intercalation effective from September 2009 QH:K13
Include the following text:
Intercalations will be granted for a maximum of one year, but can be renewed provided
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 been followed.
12.4 Repeating a semester or a whole year

The following text must be included:
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). You must note that a repeat period will only be approved where you can clearly
establish written evidence of 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 affect 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. The above rules also apply to any request to reapply for the
same programme of study. Applications to repeat are decided by the University’s Student
Progress Committee on the recommendation of the [name of Partner Institution].

Explain the process for getting advice and applying for a repeat.
12.5 Mitigating Circumstances

The following text must be included:
When you undertake an examination or other form of assessment, this may be done while
experiencing 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 affect when determining your module marks or your
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overall degree classification. However, it is your responsibility to make the Board 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/ [name of Partner Institution] refer to this as "mitigating" (sometimes known
as "extenuating") circumstances, and has established a procedure to enable you to inform
departments of such circumstances. Applications for mitigating circumstances must be
submitted no later than 7 days after the examination or assessment deadline.

Explain how to get advice and the details of the process.
12.6 Absence from Examinations and Coursework Extensions for ‘Good Cause’

The following text must be included:
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’. 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 criteria approved by the University. 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.

Explain how to get advice and the details of the process.
12.7 Academic Discipline

Use the following text for Proof Reading Services and insert where students would access this facility if
available at the Partner Institution
Proof Reading Services
Proof reading services can be offered 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.
Some proof reading services claim to improve the academic quality of academic work
submitted for proof reading and by extension, the mark awarded for the work, with no
additional input from the author of the work.
The University, with the support of the Student Union, takes the view that the use of
such a service amounts to the use of unfair means by the student concerned.
Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means would apply in all such cases.
The University and Hull University Union are supportive of proof reading services that
require the engagement of the student in the process of proof reading, with a view to
the improvement of their academic practice. Such services are advisory in nature,
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
resources online at www.hull.ac.uk/studyadvice.
12.7.1 Resit not Permitted
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The following text must be included:
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If you do not comply with the submission and completion 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.

Cross refer to the published attendance/submission requirements for the programme/modules.
12.7.2 Warnings

Explain the process for issuing written warnings for non attendance/non submission including any
consequences

The following text must be included:
In cases of very serious/repeated non submission the [name of Partner Institution] may
seek the approval of the University to exclude you from assessment or to have your
programme of study terminated. This will only be approved where you have been provided
with written warnings as to your conduct and been given the opportunity a) to seek
guidance (e.g. to resolve problems which may be causing the non attendance) and b) to
improve your conduct.
12.8 Academic Appeals

The following text must be included:
The University and the [name of Partner Institution] have a set of procedures governing
your right to appeal against a decision about your academic progress.
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.
The University will allow students who have submitted an appeal to graduate and also
allow students who have graduated to submit an appeal (provided they are within the 14
day window). The candidate will graduate with the classification awarded and, if the appeal
is subsequently upheld, any change will result in a new award being made.


Explain how to get advice, the details of the process and how to obtain copies of the full procedures (PI
and University – Part V of which applies to collaborative provision)
Include the following text:
If your appeal is heard but rejected by the [name of Partner Institution] you will have a final
‘right of challenge’ to the University but only if you can show that the Partner Institution’s
Appeal Committee has not acted in accordance with its powers. Details of this right will be
provided to you in the event that your appeal within the [name of Partner Institution] is
turned down.
13. University of Hull Student Progress Committee

The following text must be included:
Student Progress Committee is the University Committee which acts on behalf of the
University Senate in awarding qualifications to students. It is also responsible for
overseeing all matters of student progress. As indicated in the section on ‘possible
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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.
14. Information on Professional Bodies

Departments must provide information where applicable on any external body relevant to the discipline.
[Any professional accreditation must have been considered as part of the programme approval process].
15. General Regulations

The following text must be included:
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 [name of
Partner Institution]. The [name of Partner Institution] has a set of general regulations
governing the conduct of students, as well as specific policies and procedures governing
such matters as freedom of speech, freedom from harassment and data protection. These
set out both your rights and your duties (to fellow students, staff and others).

Provide summaries of relevant regulations etc and how to find copies of the full versions.
16. Complaints by Students

The following text must be included:
In accordance with the requirements of the University, the [name of Partner Institution]
has in place a complaints procedure, enabling you to make a complaint if you have cause
for concern about any aspect of the [name of Partner Institution]’s provision to you as a
student. Complaints should be resolvable within the [name of Partner Institution].
As a student on a programme leading to an award of the University you have a final right
of challenge to the University but only where you can demonstrate that the partner
institution has not considered your complaint in accordance with its published procedures.
The University will not reconsider the merits of the complaint. The [name of Partner
Institution] is responsible for providing you with information about your rights; however,
you can also obtain information from the University by going to www.hull.ac.uk/quality and
clicking on ‘complaints’.


Provide summaries of relevant regulations etc and how to find copies of the full versions
Link back to feedback to emphasise that equally keen to encourage positive feedback and general
examples for improvement.
17. Support Services




Include a statement of records management i.e. how long records will be kept and what students may
expect (when applying for employment elsewhere) in regard of references.
Explain what help is available and where to find out more (financial, study advice, welfare etc). It is
strongly recommended to include, in bold, a statement encouraging students to declare any disability and
a further statement encouraging all staff to urge students to report and/or have assessed any suspected
(or actual) disability.
It is strongly recommended to include a statement of proactive support of an environment in which there
are Equal Opportunities for students or staff with disabilities. Clearly define which Department and staff
can offer advice and support on these matters.
Include the following text for students on directly funded (validated) programmes only:
Once you have registered with your college and its students union, as a student on a
directly funded programme you are encouraged to join the University of Hull Students
Union (HUU) as an associate member at no cost. You must fill in an associate membership
application in order to receive an associate member card. Associate members of the HUU
are able to use the full facilities of HUU which includes limited access to its advice centre.
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If you choose not to apply for associate membership of HUU then you will only have
access to the commercial services of HUU to which you will not be guaranteed entry after
6pm. Please note that you will need to produce an associate membership card in order to
access the union facilities. Further information about HUU is available at
www.hullstudent.com
If your college Student Union is not affiliated with the NUS then you will be entitled to join
the NUS as a registered student of the University.
Further information about the NUS is available at www.nusonline.co.uk
18. Tuition Fees and Financial Support for Students

Explain the process and who to contact for making the appropriate arrangements for the payment of
tuition fees.

Outline who to contact if a student encounters any difficulties in paying their fees and where additional
information and support can be found.

Explain if there is any help available for students who experience financial difficulties.
ENDS
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