MA (Social Sciences) Guide for New Students 2014-15 MA (Social Sciences) Student Support Contacts: Chief Adviser of Studies (MA Social Sciences) Mr Fred Cartmel MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team: Ms Liz Turner Ms Fran Grimshaw Ms Lauren Hoare Mr Andrew Napier College Undergraduate Administrative Officer Mrs Fiona Webster Email: socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk Tel: 0141 330 4098/3359 MA (Social Sciences) Student Web pages: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/socialsciences/ Welcome to the MA (Social Sciences) degree programme in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow. We hope that your studies with us will be both productive and enjoyable. We are proud of our recognised teaching and research record across all the Social Sciences subjects and want you to benefit from this excellence. The range of degrees open to you, including Single Honours, Joint Honours and the MA (Social Sciences) Ordinary degree, offer opportunities to study a number of topics, giving you both a breadth of study and the chance to specialise in areas of interest. This booklet is in two parts. PART ONE - Registration, Enrolment and Advising. This covers actions you must take before coming to the University. Please work through PART ONE and fully complete your on-line academic and financial registration on MyCampus before coming for your first advising meeting in September. PART TWO is designed to guide you to the help and services available while you are at the University and to ensure you can make the best use of your time while you are here. The additional services and more detailed literature are available on-line to support you. You should also read the relevant sections of the 2014-15 University Calendar under College of Social Sciences (both the Generic Undergraduate Regulations and Master of Arts (Social Sciences) supplementary regulations) available at: http://senate.gla.ac.uk/calendar/ 1 INDEX PART ONE: Preparation for your arrival at the University 1. MyCampus Registration 2. Enrolment in Courses/Classes and Your Responsibilities before Meeting Your Adviser 3. Advising 4. Guide to the Degree Regulations 5. Structuring Your Degree 6. The MA (Social Sciences) Course Planner PART TWO: After you have registered 7. The Advising Service : Continuing Support 8. Your Responsibilities after Registration 9. More about the Degree Regulations 10. Progress Regulations 11. Appeals Procedure 12. Code of Student Conduct 13. IT/Computer Resources 14. Graduate Skills Programme (GSP)/Personal Development Planning (PDP) 15. University Support Services 16. Frequently Asked Questions 2 PART ONE Preparation for your arrival at the University 1. MyCampus Registration All new students are required to register online before starting at the University using MyCampus, the University's student information system. MyCampus can be accessed from any computer, at any time, from any location. The Registration process allows you to register and confirm your personal, academic and financial information, and confirm that you agree to observe the University Oath, regulations and requirements. Once academic and financial registration is complete you will become a fully registered student at the University of Glasgow. Registration support information is available at http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/registry/support/registration/ MyCampus is used throughout the year by students to manage their personal, academic and financial information. MyCampus is accessed through the student portal – MyGlasgow. MyGlasgow provides direct access to University Web services including MyCampus, Webmail, Moodle, Library Account, IT Helpdesk and Sport Online. It also provides relevant student news, help, support and guidance, and links to university and student web pages. Getting Started: A. Registration for new students will open on MyCampus on Thursday 20 August 2014. All students are sent an ‘Access to your Student Account’ email notifying you when you are able to begin registration and enrolment via MyCampus. This email includes your Glasgow Unique Identifier (GUID), temporary password and details of how to access your student account, as well as links to support and guidance materials and contacts. If you have not yet received this email by the start of Freshers’ week on Monday 15 September 2014 please contact mycampushelp@glasgow.ac.uk. Access MyCampus at:www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/myglasgow You can also access MyCampus from the MyGlasgow link at the bottom of most University Web pages. B. There are two stages to registration and you must complete both stages of registration: Stage 1 Academic Registration: You will need to check your degree programme details are correct, update personal information, ensuring email and postal addresses are current, and upload a digital, passport-style photograph for use on your Student ID card. Stage 2 Financial Registration: You will need to provide details about how you will pay your tuition fees. Financial Registration requires you to: Pay your fees in full, or Complete a Direct Debit agreement to pay your fees in instalments, or 3 Provide details of an external sponsor or scholarship (including SAAS or SLC) that will pay fees on your behalf. You may be required to scan/upload a digital copy of your sponsor’s award letter into MyCampus. C. Checklist of what you will need to complete MyCampus online registration at www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/myglasgow: Your Registration Email with your GUID number, temporary password and links to guidance materials A digital, passport-style photograph If you are sponsored (including SAAS, etc) you will require your sponsor letter with your personal reference number If you are personally liable to pay all or part of your tuition fees you will need to either make payment in full (using a debit or credit card) or know your bank details to set up a Direct Debit instruction to pay your fees in instalments International students with Tier 4 visas only will be required to attend a Tier 4 'check-in' event organised by Registry before the start of studies to complete registration. Failure to attend this event will mean that you are not fully registered and your access to University facilities will be restricted – see the following link for further information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/registry/support/tier4/#tabs=2 D. Registration support and advice is available from the following: MyGlasgow student portal www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/myglasgow Student Services Enquiry Team www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/sset Advisers of Studies http://www.gla.ac.uk/students/sset/studysupport/#tabs=1 Helpdesk: email: mycampushelp@glasgow.ac.uk or click the Helpdesk link in MyGlasgow www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/myglasgow MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team: Email: socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk IMPORTANT: Students are expected to complete full registration (both academic and financial) prior to starting study and no later than 30 September 2014 After registration your student ID card will be available for collection during orientation week and the timetable for collection is at Student ID collection timetable. The Student ID card grants you access to University facilities such as the library and sports facilities, and will entitle you to student discount in a wide variety of shops, bars, cinemas and online. Once you have completed Registration you will be required to enrol in classes (see below). 2. Enrolment in Courses/Classes and Your Responsibilities before Meeting a Senior Adviser during Freshers’ week Before you arrive at the University, you must come prepared for your group advising meeting with a Senior Adviser of Studies and have registered on-line using MyCampus, the University of Glasgow student records system (see above). Enrolment in courses and classes will only be available to you following successful completion of academic and financial registration. Further enrolment support information for new MA (Social Sciences) students is available at http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/socialsciences/guidenewstudents/ 4 Self-Service Enrolment You are responsible for choosing suitable courses and ensuring you enrol in the correct number of credits for the year (120 credits per year), making sure you choose courses for the whole year, not just for the first semester. You must enrol on courses and classes through MyCampus. You will be permitted to enrol on courses and classes once registration and enrolment opens for new students on 20 August 2014. You must make sure you have completed enrolment no later than 3 October 2014. Places in classes will be available on a first-come-first-served basis so early enrolment is recommended. Further information and guidance on the MA (Social Sciences) degree programme regulations, the structure of the degree and details of how many courses and credits you must choose are included at Sections 4 and 5 of this handbook below to assist you in making your course choices for first year. MyCampus also provides guidance to help you select suitable courses according to your programme of study. To ensure that you enrol on appropriate courses select ‘My Requirements’ and click on Search. The ‘My Requirements’ tab gives you a detailed list of the overall course, grade and credit requirements required to successfully complete the year on your chosen Plan. Note: If you want to change your Academic Plan for any reason you must email the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support team socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk asking to change it before you enrol on courses/classes, as your course requirements may be different Once you have selected your courses, you must then select the classes you wish to attend (e.g. lectures, tutorials, seminars, etc). As you begin to select your options you will be able to see how these classes fit into your timetable in ‘My Choices’. This will help you to identify potential timetable clashes before completing your enrolment. You can also use the “check suitability” button in ‘My Choices’ which checks your class selections against your timetable, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments before completing enrolment. Step by Step How to Enrol: Step 1 Login into MyGlasgow and select MyCampus > Student Centre > Enrolments Step 2 Check and confirm your Academic Program and Plan Step 3 Step 4 If you wish to change your Academic Plan you must email the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support team socscima@glasgow.ac.uk before you go any further Select your courses – first year students must choose three level 1 subjects and enrol in these for both Semesters 1 and 2 If you have completed Registration you will have already done this and this step will not be shown. The email for the Advising Support Team (‘Chief Adviser’s Office’) is in your MyCampus Student Centre along with contact details for your Adviser ‘My Requirements’ shows you a detailed list of the courses you can choose from to successfully complete the year of study 5 Step 5 Enrol on classes (e.g. tutorials, lab sessions). As you select classes these will be added to ‘My Choices’ from where you will then confirm your selections and enrol. Step 6 View your timetable The timetable is created as you enrol and you will be able to see this as you select classes. You can find your timetable in the Enrol tab or directly from your Student Centre. Add/Drop Courses After you have enrolled on courses you are still able to drop courses/classes and select other course/class options up until 3 October 2014. Remember, you must be enrolled for the correct number of credits for the year (120 credits) so if you drop a course you must then enrol on an alternative course and ensure that your credits for the year still total 120. To make this change go to MyGlasgow > MyCampus > My Enrolments and select Drop Courses. My Timetable Your timetable will be automatically created in MyCampus as you enrol on classes. If you change any of your courses or the times/dates of your classes change your timetable will be updated. Your timetable will show the class, the type of class and the location of the class. To view your timetables go to: MyGlasgow > MyCampus > Student Center > MyEnrolments. Support Support will be provided throughout the registration and enrolment period. Guidance and FAQs are available online to help you to navigate the enrolment process in MyCampus. This support and guidance material can be found at your MyGlasgow portal at: www.glasgow.ac.uk/students/myglasgow MyCampus also provides guidance to help you select a suitable curriculum for your Academic Level and Academic Plan. The ‘My Requirements’ tab describes overall course, grade and credit requirements. For further assistance or specific queries you can use the ‘log a support call’ link under Help and Support on the MyGlasgow homepage. The support team will then be able to respond. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that you will have a meeting with a Senior Adviser of Studies during Fresher’s Week i.e. in the week beginning Monday 15 September 2014. You will receive an email letter that provides the exact date and time for your group advising appointment. In advance of that meeting, once you have entered your course and class choices on MyCampus, please either print out TWO copies of your MyCampus timetable, or complete TWO copies of the Course Planner in section 6 of this handbook, and bring these with you to your Advising meeting in September. 6 You may be unsure about which subjects/courses you want to study in Year 1. If that is the case then you can consult with the Senior Adviser at this meeting and complete your course/class enrolment after that. Further information on Advising is available in Section 3 below. 3. Advising All undergraduates are allocated an Adviser of Studies at the start of their academic career and, if possible, you will have the same Adviser throughout your degree. Advisers have two main functions: to help and guide you towards a suitable graduating curriculum and to support you with any problems you may experience while you are at University. Your first meeting will be with a Senior Adviser in a group advising session where you will be able to meet other first year students. At your first group advising meeting, the Senior Adviser: Explains the structure of the MA (Social Sciences) degree Summarises the Regulations of the MA (Social Sciences) degree Explains how these Regulations affect your opportunities Discusses the subjects you have chosen Shows how your choices fit into the structure of the degree Points out how your choices this session can create opportunities in future sessions Makes sure that your choices have avoided timetable clashes, both in the current session and in the future Checks your curriculum on MyCampus. This can only be done after you have fully completed registration using MyCampus, including entering your course selection. 4. Guide to the Degree Regulations The MA (Social Sciences) Degree The MA (Social Sciences) degree has a flexible structure for the first two years. The decision on which degree route you decide to follow; Single Honours, Joint Honours or the MA (Social Sciences) General Degree; is taken at the end of the second year. Year 1 40 credits at Level 1 40 credits at Level 1 40 credits at Level 1 Year 2 40 credits at Level 2 40 credits at Level 2 40 credits at Level 1 Years 3 / 4 Choices Single Honours Joint Honours General Degree In your first year, all MA (Social Sciences) degree students must select three subject areas, at least two from the core Social Sciences (Group A). All subjects selected in year 1 should have a clear route to Honours. The Social Sciences Group A core subjects with progression to Honours are: Business & Management Central & East European Studies Economic & Social History Economics Geography Politics Psychology Public Policy Sociology 7 Please make sure you are aware of the Degree Regulations that apply to the MA (Social Sciences) degree programme by reading the relevant sections of the 2014-15 University Calendar under College of Social Sciences (both the Generic Undergraduate Regulations and Master of Arts (Social Sciences) supplementary regulations) available at: http://senate.gla.ac.uk/calendar/ The key point is that each year of fulltime study must contain courses adding up to 120 credits. 5. Structuring Your Degree The MA (Social Sciences) degree requires that students study three subject areas in year 1, and two of these subject areas are carried through to year 2. The modular structure of the degree requires you to select courses that add up to 40 credits for each subject. In some subjects this will involve selecting one 40 credit course whereas in other subjects, for example, Business & Management, it will be necessary to select two courses of 20 credits each e.g. Business & Management 1A and Business & Management 1B. There is no standard curriculum. These curriculum examples are designed as examples only. They are designed to show the route through the degree and not any preference for subjects. You can use the “What If” function in MyCampus to see what combinations of courses might be available to you. You should note that if a combination of courses is not available on MyCampus, it is generally because there is a timetable clash in years 1 or 2. Example 1 Year 1 Sociology 1A 20 credits Sociology 1B 20 credits Public Policy 1 40 credits Politics 1A 20 credits Politics 1B 20 credits Year 2 Sociology 2A 20 credits Sociology 2B 20 credits Public Policy 2 40 credits Geography 1 40 credits Years 3 / 4 Sociology Joint Honours Public Policy Joint Honours Note: There are three Honours options possible from this course selection. These are: Sociology Single Honours Public Policy Single Honours Public Policy and Sociology Joint Honours Example 2 Year 1 Business & Management 1A 20 credits Business & Management 1B 20 credits Economics 1A 20 credits Economics 1B Year 2 Business & Management 2A 20 credits Business & Management 2B 20 credits Economics 2A 20 credits Economics 2B 8 Years 3 / 4 Business & Management Single Honours 20 credits Geography 1 40 credits 20 credits Central & East European Studies 1 40 credits Note: There are three Honours options possible from this course selection. These are: Business & Management Single Honours Economics Single Honours Business & Management and Economics Joint Honours Excluded Combinations The available degree combinations for Joint Honours are given in the University Calendar. Most degree combinations are available but, where combinations are not available, it is generally because a timetable clash exists. Below are some courses which are not offered together for this reason. Geography and Psychology (Year 2) Geography and Italian (Year 2) Any combination of Central & East European Studies, Business & Management and Spanish Public Policy and Philosophy (Year 2) Public Policy and History (Year 1) 9 6. The MA (Social Sciences) Course Planner You can print your timetable from MyCampus or copy your curriculum choices into the course planner below. Please bring two copies of your timetable to your first Advising meeting. Year 1 (120 Level 1 credits) Level 1 Subjects Total credits Semester Time Year 2 (120 Credits - at least 80 credits at Level 2) Credit Level 2 Subjects 120 10 Semester Time Credit Level 2 credits 80 Level 1 credits 40 Total Credits 120 PART TWO: After you have registered and enrolled 7. The Advising Service: Continuing Support The MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team (‘Chief Adviser’s Office’) If you have any queries or issues at any time during your studies please email the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support team in the first instance - email: socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk The MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support team can offer advice and guidance on University’s procedures and systems relating to your studies eg the requirements of the Degree and Progress Regulations, where to find further information or direct you to other University support services The Team will send out regular emails to students with guidance and information The Team will make any necessary changes to your MyCampus student record Your Adviser of Studies will provide you with advice on your course choices and will offer pastoral support throughout your University career. Some examples of the assistance that Advisers can provide are as follows: Academic advice and information if you get into difficulties affecting your academic performance, eg if you fail examinations, or feel that you have made the wrong course choices or do not satisfy the Progress Regulations Personal advice, eg if you find it difficult to adjust to University life, you become ill or your personal circumstances change Financial advice, eg if you find it impossible to make ends meet, your Adviser can support any requests for financial or other assistance Guidance on making the most of your time at University Information about other sources of assistance or relevant specialist support services in the University such as the Student Counselling and Advisory Service Although the University can sometimes seem an impersonal and large place, staff are keen to ensure that you have a rewarding and enjoyable time as an undergraduate student, both academically and personally. The University puts a lot of effort into providing support when things don’t go as expected so please do not be reluctant to use these services. When should you see your Adviser of Studies? 1) 2) 3) 4) Your first meeting with a Senior Adviser is in September, in a group meeting, and you are sent an appointment for this meeting by email. Before the beginning of each session after Year 1 when you confirm your course choices on MyCampus your Adviser will check these are suitable. During the first two weeks of Semester 1 (this year - until 3 October 2014) if you feel you have made the wrong choices of subjects you can change courses freely, but from the third week onwards (from 6 October 2014) you must see your Adviser to approve any change you decide to make to your curriculum. At any time if a serious problem of any kind develops. Your Adviser will inform you of his/her availability and office hours. To see your Adviser just email him/her. Your Adviser’s name and contact details appear in your Student Centre on MyCampus. 11 Your Adviser will routinely be informed by Course Co-ordinators about students in difficulties and may therefore get in touch with you but it is better for you to take the initiative and make an appointment with your Adviser if you are having problems with your studies. Please Note: Your Adviser of Studies is an academic member of staff from a particular School and Subject, which may not be from the subject areas in which you choose to study. However, your Adviser is still able to give you the kind of information you need to make an informed choice at this stage. Once courses are underway, any detailed questions you may have about course content and procedures will be answered by Tutors and Course Co-ordinators. Please do not hesitate to ask your Adviser for further information if you feel you need it; if necessary your Adviser can put you in touch with a relevant member of staff/Subject area. The MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team co-ordinates the work of the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Service, and any student can make an appointment to see a Senior Adviser or the Chief Adviser by emailing socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk or calling 0141 330 4098/1990. If you need advice on studies, your courses, or personal matters you should first contact your own Adviser. If your Adviser is not available or you then need further advice please contact the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support team email socscima@glasgow.ac.uk. Please remember all Advisers of Studies are academic members of staff and have other commitments, but they will always try to make time to see you. 8. Your Responsibilities after Registration/Enrolment It is YOUR responsibility to keep your records up to date on MyCampus. You must use MyCampus to update your address and/or phone number if they change. You must update your course or class selection on MyCampus if you change course. Please note that your exams and course results are published directly to you on MyCampus. Your Adviser of Studies will offer you the best advice s/he can and will support you throughout your studies. However that advice and support will always be dependant on the information you provide. Please make sure you keep your Adviser and any other relevant staff such as the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team, Registry and/or Course Co-ordinators informed of any changes to your circumstances or any problems or concerns you may have. 9. More about the Degree Regulations This list is taken from the University and Degree Regulations, the on-line version at the following web address mentioned above. 1. In order to graduate with an Honours degree you must take 240 credits at Honours and have 240 credits at levels 1 and 2. 2. Criteria for entry to Joint or Single Honours for 2014-15 is: 240 credits at levels 1 and 2 with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 9; at least 140 of these credits must be derived from the list of recognised courses for the degree; a grade D or better in 200 credits, 80 credits of which must be at level 2. Each Social Sciences subject requires 40 credits at level 2 with a GPA of 12 (equivalent to a C3 grade) for Subject Honours programme entry but check for details in your level 2 course handbook. (Note that Psychology and Geography come under other Colleges, and both of these will specify their criteria in the information you receive at the start of your second year.) 3. A graduating curriculum for a General Degree must contain a minimum of 360 credits and an overall grade point average of 9. Within the 360 credits at least 120 must be at level 2 12 4. 5. 6. 7. or above and at least 280 must be at grade D or better, including at least 60 at level 3 or higher and with not more than 120 credits derived from non-core Social Sciences group A courses. Honours students may, after commencement, elect to take to convert their degree and graduate with a General MA (Social Sciences) degree – a form is available for this on the College Web pages. Students who have A-Level results at A or B grade may, with the Subject’s agreement, gain exemption (not credits) from a Level 1 class, to allow them to proceed to Level 2 in the Subject concerned. In the case of examination re-sits, the results are capped in terms of grade points as opposed to grade. Candidates are therefore advised of the alphanumeric grade achieved (A2, B3, C1, D2, etc.) but the grade point awarded is capped at 9 (the grade point awarded for a grade D3). Student transcripts will indicate where grade points have been capped. When candidates are sitting re-sits to achieve a graduating curriculum, individual grade points will not be capped, but instead the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) will be capped at 9 to allow graduation where the level of performance in reassessments brings the GPA to at least 9. Students selecting the General Degree will be offered selected Level 3 non-Honours courses and must achieve at least a D3 grade at Level 2 before entry to the Level 3 classes. 10. Progress Regulations All undergraduates are subject to the Progress Regulations for the MA (Social Sciences) degree, which can be found in the University Calendar (see web address above) under "College of Social Sciences". Full-time students must obtain: At least 80 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at grade D or better, and a grade point average of at least 8 by the end of first year to allow progress to second year At least 160 credits, of which at least 120 must be at grade D or better, and a grade point average of at least 8 by the end of second year for progress to third year After three years of study the candidate must be in a position to complete the requirements for the award of an ordinary degree in one further session of full-time study Notwithstanding the above, any student entitled to progress but whose achievement falls short of the requirements set out below will have their curriculum approved by the MA (Social Sciences) Progress Committee: a) b) c) 80 credits at grade D or better after one session; 160 credits, 40 of which must be at Level 2, at grade D or better after two sessions; In the case of candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences), a minimum of 260 credits at a grade point average of at least 9 after three sessions. Part-time students must obtain 40 credits at grade D or above in each academic session to progress. If you have failed to meet the progress requirements, then you will be referred to the MA (Social Sciences) Progress Committee. Since there is only a short time between the August resit diet and the meeting of the Progress Committee in mid-September each year, you may not have very much notice that you have been referred to the Committee. You will be informed by email letter that you are subject to the progress regulations and consideration by the Progress Committee once the August resit diet results are published in early September. Students should be aware that the progress procedures take place out with the usual term time dates. If referred to the Progress Committee, you have the opportunity to submit a 13 statement outlining any mitigating circumstances or illness that may have affected your academic performance. First year students are also provided with the opportunity of an interview with the Progress Committee. 11. Appeals Procedures There is a College Student Appeals procedure for any student who might wish to appeal against an academic decision, e.g. appeal against a grade awarded for an assessment/examination or refusal of entry to Honours. Details and deadlines for the Code of Procedure for Appeals by Students against Academic Decisions and the Code of Procedure for Appeals to a College Appeals Committee can be found in the University Calendar under "University Fees and General Information" at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/senateoffice/calendar/ If you think you have grounds for an appeal you should read the relevant chapters. You must notify your intention to appeal to Mrs Fiona Webster, College Undergraduate Administrative Officer, College Student Support Office, within 10 working days of receipt of the result or decision that you wish to appeal against. The College Appeals Committee can consider an appeal against a decision of an academic body only on the following grounds: i) unfair or defective procedure; ii) iii) a failure to take account of medical or other adverse personal circumstances. there are relevant medical or other adverse personal circumstances which for good reason have not previously been presented. Mrs Fiona Webster (College Undergraduate Administrative Officer), the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Advice Centre, and your Adviser of Studies can offer you further advice on the appeals procedures. 12. Code of Student Conduct The University has a Code of Student Conduct, which includes powers to deal with general matters of inappropriate behaviour by students, which includes plagiarism. Details are in the University Calendar and at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/senateoffice/workingwithstudents/studentconduct/studentcodeo fconduct/ 13. IT/Computer Resources All undergraduates are expected to have a certain level of computer literacy; there is a Certificate of Basic IT Competence which can be taken by students in the first year of study if they so wish. For your information, there are four computer labs on the third and fourth floors of the Adam Smith Building containing computer facilities giving access to word-processing, spreadsheets, email, the Internet and other training packages specific to academic subjects. On registration you will receive the necessary instructions to access the University computers. Email is normally used by the University to contact students with both routine and urgent information. You are strongly advised to read your University email regularly and at least once a week. 14 The University uses Web-based Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to assist learning on many courses and the most widely used University VLE is MOODLE. For courses where MOODLE is used you will be able to login from either the College Web site or the central University MOODLE Web page using your GUID and password. The system can be accessed from anywhere on or off campus. More information about MOODLE and how to use it can be found at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/moodle/. Further details about some of the IT facilities available in the University are available at http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/it/training/. 14. Graduate Skills Programme (GSP)/Employability Skills The Graduate Skills Programme (GSP) is the College of Social Sciences' employability award. It has been designed to help undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students in the College make the most of their time at university and enhance their transferable and employability skills. In an increasingly competitive job market leaving university with a good degree may not be enough on its own to land you that first graduate job. The GSP will help you to develop the skills you need to succeed in your academic studies and your future career, and will help you to market yourself effectively to potential employers. It will allow you to reflect on all of your university experiences and consider how they contribute to your personal and professional development. The GSP gives students recognition for activities and experience not traditionally covered by their particular degree programme. The GSP is free to join and open to undergraduate students of any level in the College of Social Sciences. Further information can be found at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/employability/gsp/ 15. University Support Services The University and the College both offer support throughout your academic career. Most services have their own information packs and Web sites. A summary of the main support services is available at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/studentlife/support/ The Student Learning Service The University’s Student Learning Service (SLS) offers study skills advice, guidance and support to all students. If you would like to make your learning techniques more effective, you can attend workshops which take place regularly in the McMillan Reading Room, or contact Barbara Weightman, the Effective Learning Adviser (ELA) for MA (Social Sciences) students. Popular topics for discussion include improving essay writing, revision techniques, exam techniques and note taking. The College view is that all students would benefit from using this service. Further information about www.gla.ac.uk./services/sls the Student Learning Service is available at Student Welfare and Support Unfortunately, some students do encounter serious problems for a variety of reasons over which they may have no control. The University operates a Student Counselling and 15 Advisory Service, to which your Adviser can direct you for assistance. Early appointments, if appropriate, are more likely if your Adviser can secure a cancellation time for you. Other welfare services include: The Student Disability Service The Chaplaincy Centre Further details are available on the web at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/studentlife/support/ Financial Support Information on the following can be found in the University's “Guide to Registry Services”, which is issued at the commencement of a student's course, and also in the Registry's web pages at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/registry/support/finance/funds/ The main sources of additional and emergency financial support are: HEI Hardship Fund University Hardship Fund Scholarships The University offers a selection of scholarships under the designation of the “Club 21 Business Partnership Programme”. Some of these scholarships are for £1000 per year, include work experience, and are generally available in your second year at the University. They are offered by local and national companies. Application details are available from the Careers Service at 3 University Gardens. Other University scholarships are detailed on the Registry website. Students’ Representative Council (SRC) The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) provides a variety of services for students including: A Student Advice Centre, representation on student issues, nightline (a free and confidential service from 7pm to 7am every night - 0141 353 1050), jobshop, clubs and societies, photocopying facilities, campus-to-halls minibus service. The SRC is located in the John McIntyre Building. Telephone enquiries: 0141 339 8541 Email: enquiries@src.gla.ac.uk Web site: http://www.src.gla.ac.uk/ 16. Frequently Asked Questions Some of the questions most often asked of Advisers or the College Office are listed below. Please check this list before you start to worry. Where is the MA (Social Sciences) Advising Support Team? Who is my Adviser of Studies? How do I make an The team is in Room 206, Lilybank House (behind the Adam Smith Building) The name and contact details of your Adviser are available on your MyCampus Student Centre. By emailing your Adviser in the first instance. Most 16 appointment to see my Adviser of Studies? Where can I find more information on courses? Where is the Student Services Enquiry Team? How do I register? Where can I have my Council Tax Exemption form signed? I am short of money; is there any help available? What should I do if I have personal problems? I am not getting good marks for my assignments or class tests. What should I do? Advisers have a set weekly advising period - you should make yourself aware of this. If your problem is urgent you should contact your Adviser immediately by telephone or email or email the Advising Support Team socsci-ma@glasgow.ac.uk to make an appointment to see the Chief Adviser or a Senior Adviser. Information is available from the University, College, School or Subject Web pages, please use the search facility. Level 2 in the Fraser Building, 65 Hillhead Street, for more information please see http://www.gla.ac.uk/students/sset/ Please see section 1 above in this handbook Please see http://www.gla.ac.uk/students/sset/documents/#tabs=1 You should take your completed Council Tax form to the Registry Enquiry Office in the Fraser Building once you have your student card. Yes, there is a University Hardship Fund. Consult the Registry's web pages on financial matters and discuss your eligibility for assistance with your Adviser of Studies. Please see http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/registry/support/finance/fu nds/#tabs=3 The University offers a range of support services – the Student Counselling and Advisory service and the Chaplaincy, among others. If you need further help, please see your Adviser of Studies. There is a Student Learning Service available to students who may be having trouble with their studies. Please see http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/sls/. Advice is also available from your class tutor or course coordinator for the relevant course/subject. 17