School of Health and Wellbeing
Postgraduate Diploma
in
Physician Assistant Studies
Course Guide
Academic Year 2010
1
A GUIDE TO YOUR COURSE TEMPLATE
Section 1: Course Specific Information
About this guide
Welcome
About the Course
Course Structure
Module Descriptions
Course Management
Staff Involved with the Programme
Learning, Teaching and Assessment
Health and Safety Issues
Employability & Your Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)
Career Opportunities and Future Study
Academic Regulations
Additional Information specific to your course
Section 2: School Specific Information
School Charter for Students
Where to get help with your course
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Learning, Teaching & Assessment
2
Section 1: Course Specific Information
About this guide
This Guide to Your Course will help you plan your Postgraduate Diploma in Physician
Assistant Studies. It tells you which modules you must study and pass. The Guide also offers
you brief descriptions of each module, including general information about assessment tasks,
and an overview of how the Course can be used for future career choices.
You should read this Guide to Your Course and you are encouraged to read this Guide
through now. It will be a considerable advantage to you to be familiar from the outset with
the various aspects of your studies that are described. It may be that the relevance of some
of the sections will not be immediately obvious. Keep it somewhere accessible, so that you
can refer to it as needed. The answers to many of the questions that you will want to ask are
contained in it.
Obviously even in a document like this we have not covered every query and problem that
you might have about the course. If you find that there is something you need to know,
please do not hesitate to approach a member of the Physician Assistant Studies team. You
can also consult the University’s Student Support and Guidance Services as appropriate. We
are pleased to hear your views and welcome suggestions for ways of improving the operation
of the Course.
Please enter the contact details
for your Personal Tutor for your
future reference:
Your local
Office is:
Academic
Your Student Office is:
School
Mary Seacole Building
ML Building, Registry
Please note that in order to develop and improve the Course, it may be necessary on
occasions to amend or revise the details given in this Guide to Your Course.
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Welcome
On behalf of the Award Management Team I should like to extend to you a very warm
welcome and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in your studies
at the University of Wolverhampton, and trust that your time at the University of
Wolverhampton will prove to be enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies is one of many run by the School
of Health and Wellbeing which has itself established an excellent reputation for the quality of
its courses, for an innovative approach to teaching and learning, and for the friendliness of its
staff.
We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the
effective operation and development of your chosen course. We are, therefore, keen to hear
your views and would welcome any suggestions that you may have about ways of improving
any aspect of your course and/or the student experience here at the University. In practice,
you will have the opportunity to do this through our student voice processes.
Remember that the outcome of your studies could affect the whole of your future career and
therefore study should certainly be your first priority. In resolving to work hard however, do
not forget to have time for recreation and social activities. Do take full advantage of the
University facilities at your disposal.
Theresa A. Johnson MSHSA, PA-C
Award Leader
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About the Course
The Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies may be studied as a specialist
subject and this Guide outlines the modules which are available, teaching and learning styles
and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss further, please contact
Theresa Johnson, Award Leader
The programme aims to:
Produce professionals who have the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to
function as Physician Assistants. This involves the personal and intellectual attributes
necessary for lifelong learning and professional development. Successful students will
demonstrate mastery and excellence in practice from the synthesis and critical evaluation of
theory within practice.
Such graduates will:









Be safe practitioners working in a variety of clinical settings within their scope of practice
under agreed supervision.
Be expert communicators who are able to synthesise theoretical communication concepts
in order to practice in an empathic and appropriate manner within a variety of therapeutic
situations.
Demonstrate critical evaluation of health inequalities and the challenge of working in a
multicultural environment with patients from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds.
Demonstrate awareness of the limitations of their competence through reflection in and
on practice in order to work within those limits.
Critically evaluate their ability to be a member of a multi-professional team and analyse
the unique functions and expertise of other members of that team to enhance an
integrated approach to care.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of communication and information technology (C&IT)
skills for healthcare.
Be able to analyse and articulate their own professional development needs in order to
actively engage in developmental activities.
Critically evaluate the need to maintain and promote health, as well as to cure or palliate
disease and be aware of their obligations to the wider community as well as to individuals.
Reflectively and prospectively analyse and evaluate the integration of theoretical
concepts to clinical learning and practice.
(adapted from The Competence and Curriculum Framework:
DH 2006)
These are achieved through the achievement of:
a)
Knowledge and understanding
By demonstrating
 Proficiency, as an effective independent learner, in the use of information
technology in facilitating continuous updating of knowledge.
 Critical evaluation of the principles underpinning effective communication
and the relationship between the Physician Assistant (PA) and their
patients; their supervising doctor and other members of the multiprofessional healthcare team.
 Fundamental, holistic health assessment techniques and appropriate
therapeutic interventions within identified scenarios.
 The ability to critically evaluate the causes and mechanisms of disease
and the principles of disease prevention in individuals and populations.
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 Critical evaluation of the principles underpinning patient management, to
include decision making about referral to other agencies and
investigative/diagnostic procedures.
 The ability to diagnose and/or manage an agreed range of clinical
problems.
 Analysis and interpretation of the ethical and legal issues relating to their
practice.
 The ability to critically evaluate the UK health care system and its
importance in determining service decisions and the quality of care
provided.
b) Practical, professional and research skills
By demonstrating
1. That his or her practice falls within the agreed boundaries of the PA role whilst
recognising its scope and limits.
2. The ability to utilise educational skills and attitudes required both to teach others
and to develop his or her own learning.
3. Proficiency in the use of communication and information technology (C&IT) skills
for healthcare.
4. Effective interpersonal / communication skills required to maximise PA – patient
relationships and inter-professional team working.
5. The ability to take a focused history, which is appropriate for the patient, their
condition and the clinical situation.
6. Advancing skills of physical and mental state examination required to support
diagnostic and treatment roles whilst retaining a level of sensitivity /
professionalism in their application.
7. Critical thinking in interpreting the evidence to reach a diagnosis and in
determining and explaining the options for investigation and management.
8. Competence in an agreed range of technical and practical procedures relevant
to clinical practice.
9. A critical awareness of the current limits of his or her competence within the
Physician Assistant Role and a commitment to working within these limitations.
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Course Structure for the Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies
Specialist Degree
UG Academic Regulations
(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)
Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or professional
body requirements state otherwise)

Students must study 120 credits in total per level
NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.
Semester Two
Term One
Year One
Semester Three
Term Two
Year One
NH4082
Applied Clinical Pathology
Level 4
NH4081
The Basics of Clinical Practice in the
Physician Assistant Role
NH4060
Developing the Physician Assistant
Role
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
Semester One
Term Three
Year One
Semester Two
Term Four
Year Two
BM3018 (Level 3)
Advanced Pharmacology for Extended
Prescribing
NH4043
Assessment Skills for Advanced
Clinical Practice
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
NH4081
The Basics of Clinical Practice in the
Physician Assistant Role
NH4081
The Basics of Clinical Practice in the
Physician Assistant Role
Semester Three
Term Five
Year Two
Semester One
Term Six
Year Two
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
NH4080 (45 credits)
Clinical Practice in the Physician
Assistant Role
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Module Descriptions
BM3018 Advanced Pharmacology for Extended Prescribing
Credit value
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Prohibited
combinations
Module Leader
Telephone
Email
Staff Room Number
15
Ability to study at level 4
None
None
Steve Anderson
01902 321127
s.anderson@wlv.ac.uk
MG004
Module description
This module aims to develop and integrate the theory and practice that underpins prescribing
in health care
Assessment
Description
1
Completion of a multiple choice/short answer
Weighting or Pass/Fail
100%
paper testing knowledge and application
NH4043 Assessment Skills for Advanced Clinical Practice
Credit value
15
Pre-requisites
Ability to study at level 4
Co-requisites
None
Prohibited
None
combinations
Module Leader
Helen McCarthy Watson
Telephone
01902 518638
Email
HMWatson@wlv.ac.uk
Staff Room Number
MH114
Module description
This module aims to enable practitioners to carry out a competent and comprehensive holistic
assessment of patients in accordance with their roles. It aims to cultivate knowledge and
skills in order to develop dexterity in performing physical examination procedures and to
facilitate the necessary understanding behind inherent clinical judgements and decisions.
Assessment
Description
1
Oral case study examination
Weighting or Pass/Fail
50%
The student must demonstrate the ability to
present a case to the GP/Consultant
2
4,000 word record of 3 holistic assessments
NH4060 Developing the Physician Assistant Role
Credit value
15
Pre-requisites
Ability to study at level 4
Co-requisites
None
Prohibited
None
combinations
Module Leader
Phil Begg
8
50%
Telephone
Email
Staff Room Number
01902 518626
P.Begg@wlv.ac.uk
MH026
Module description
The module is designed to enable students to explore the nature of the Physician Assistant
role within primary care. It will also give the students the opportunity to focus on their clinical
practice and develop the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to
take on the role of Physician Assistant.
Assessment
Description
1
The student is required to undertake a viva
2
Weighting or Pass/Fail
50%
50%
The student is required to undertake an
assignment in assessment and diagnostic skills
NH4082 Applied Clinical Pathology
Credit value
15
Pre-requisites
Ability to study at level 4
Co-requisites
None
Prohibited
None
combinations
Module Leader
Kerry Warmington
Telephone
01902 518635
Email
Kerry.Warmington@wlv.ac.uk
Staff Room Number
MH 125
Module description
The module specifically aims to prepare nurses with an understanding of the biology of
disease and its investigation. It is designed to enable students to focus this appreciation
within their clinical situation and to develop this knowledge with particular relevance to the
Advanced Practitioner role.
Assessment
Description
1
40 Multiple choice question and 3 short answer
Weighting or Pass/Fail
100%
questions
NH4081 The Basics of Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role
Credit value
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Prohibited
combinations
Module Leader
Telephone
Email
Staff Room Number
15
Ability to study at level 4
None
None
Theresa Johnson
01902 518607
Theresa.Johnson@wlv.ac.uk
MH113
Module description
The module aims to facilitate the development of a potential physician assistant through
provision of appropriate experience and education. By the end of the training the student
should have become a safe, competent, reliable and effective practitioner who can both
undertake and organise the care of patients while working under the supervision of a doctor.
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Assessment
Description
1
Completion of the structured report (clinical
Weighting or Pass/Fail
Pass/Fail
document
NH4080 Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role
Credit value
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Prohibited
combinations
Module Leader
Telephone
Email
Staff Room Number
45
Ability to study at level 4
None
None
Theresa Johnson
01902 518607
Theresa.Johnson@wlv.ac.uk
MH113
Module description
This module aims to give students initial preparation to become a Physician Assistant who,
while not a doctor, works within the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge
base to deliver holistic care and treatment within primary and secondary health care teams
under defined levels of supervision.
Assessment
Description
1
The National Examination
2
Completion of the Competence
Framework
in clinical practice document (PAD)
10
Weighting or Pass/Fail
100% Pass/Fail
0% Pass/Fail
Course Management
Award Leader – Theresa Johnson
Staff Involved with the Programme
NAME
SPECIALIST AREA OF TEACHING
ROOM
EXTENSION/ EMAIL
Theresa Johnson
Award Leader/Senior Lecturer/Module Leader
MH113
X8607/Theresa.Johnson@wlv.ac.uk
Phil Begg
Associate Dean / Module Leader
MH026
X8626 / P.Begg@wlv.ac.uk
David Kuhns
Physician Assistant
(University of Birmingham Medical School
Jim Bethel
Senior Lecturer
WP127
x8833 / James.Bethel@wlv.ac.uk
Helen McCarthy
Watson
Senior Lecturer/Module Leader
MH113
X8638 / HMWatson@wlv.ac.uk
Paul Reynolds
Senior Lecturer
MH114
X8653 / P.Reynolds@wlv.uk
Dr. Shantha Perera
Senior Lecturer
(School of Applied Sciences)
MM107n
X1140 / S.A.Perera@wlv.ac.uk
Kerry Warmington
Senior Lecturer/Module Leader
MH
X8636 /
Kerry.Warmington@wlv.ac.uk
Steve Anderson
Senior Lecturer
(School of Applied Sciences)
SAS
X1127 / S.Anderson@wlv.ac.uk
Annette Bradley
Senior Lecturer
MH114
X 8929 / Annette@wlv.ac.uk /
Learning, Teaching and Assessment
The Theoretical Component
During the duration of the Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies you will study
the following modules

NH4043 Assessment Skills for Advancing Clinical Practice

BM3018 Advanced Pharmacology studied in the pharmacology department in the School of
Applied Sciences.

NH4080 Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role

NH4081 The Basics of Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role

NH4060 Developing The Physician Assistant Role

NH4082 Applied Clinical Pathology
Practice Component
Practice is an integral part of this Course. Students will have practice placements in primary
care and acute hospital settings. From the start of your studies, you will have a clinical
11
practice document. The practice document explains how you can provide evidence of your
competencies/achievements. Your practice medical mentor plays an important part in the
verification of the competencies of physician assistant practice.
Health & Safety issues
The importance of Health and Safety Policies in both University and clinical settings will be
explored throughout the programme. The University has its own personnel policies relating to
Health and Safety. Students, whilst on clinical placements will still maintain their professional
status and have the same health and safety responsibilities as any other employee in the
workplace. They have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and
also to ensure that the health and safety of others is not compromised by their acts or
omissions. Students have a duty to co-operate with their employer to ensure compliance with
the employer’s duties under the health and safety legislation. Students may undertake
placement visits away from their normal workplace. It is important that students ensure that
they undertake placement visits in areas where there is compliance with the Health and
Safety at Work Act (Parliament 1974).
Employability & Your Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)
The practice document will be regarded as your professional portfolio whilst on your course
and will offer evidence towards future employability.
What is ‘Employability’?
‘Employability’ is concerned with the development of skills aimed at enhancing your
employment prospects throughout your time here at the University of Wolverhampton.
Developing specialist subject and academic knowledge is important for employers but they
also want to employ individuals who are able to:

Communicate effectively,

Work in a team and have good interpersonal skills.

Solve problems

Work on their own using their own initiative and are able to adapt to changing
situations

Be self-confident
Social Networking and Fitness to Practice
It is important that you recognise the care needed with respect to social networking
activities and the issues of managing the boundary between your social life and your
healthcare experiences:

Please note that communication about patients and clients and their families outside a
professional capacity is inappropriate.

You must also note that any communication about staff within practice placement
areas, likely to breach confidentiality or bring an individual or organisation into
disrepute will result in investigation.

If the investigation reveals breach of terms and conditions of employment and/or code
of professional conduct or breach of student contract – the consequences could lead
to termination of study and potentially termination of contract of employment.

If you have any doubt about the use of social networking please do not hesitate to
consult with the relevant staff
.
12

Please note, the use of social networking to divulge inappropriate information will be
subject to investigation and may lead to your termination from any professional award.
Additional information:
Remember that anything posted online could end up in the public domain.
Treat people as individuals and respect their dignity
 Never post a comment that could cause offence to an individual or anyone else
Respect people’s right to confidentiality
 If you post a picture taken in a clinical environment and patients/ staff can be
identified in the background, that would breach their privacy
Uphold the reputation of the profession
 If you post explicit pictures of yourself, it could damage the reputation of the
profession. The public may question whether you are the right sort of person to be
providing care.
Protect you online reputation
 Make sure you know how to adjust security and privacy settings on face book
 Treat your online conversations as if you were talking with people in a public space
 Don’t post or ‘tweet’ under the influence of alcohol
 Don’t reveal personal information about yourself that could put you at risk
 Don’t post explicit material of break the law.
How Will You Develop Your Employment Skills?
At the School of Health and Wellbeing we aim to provide you with the opportunity to develop
these through the modules you will be studying. The assessments you do for your modules
are designed to help you develop Subject specific skills through the research you undertake
for the assignments. In addition, they are also designed to help you develop other key skills
such as your written communication skills. Where you have formal presentations, this will
build your self-confidence in addition to helping you develop your skills of verbal
communication. Working as part of a team will develop vital group-work skills. Attending your
classes regularly will further ensure that you have the opportunity to develop other skills.
Throughout your time at the University, you will develop and be able to demonstrate a
number of skills, some of which are listed below:








Working as part of a group
Demonstrating teamwork skills and leadership skills
Effective communication
Written (via reports etc.)
Oral (through formal presentations)
Problem-solving
IT skills (which include use of basic packages for word processing, spreadsheets, use
of email etc.)
Time management
13

Handing in your assignments by the deadline date
The experience you gain within a work environment is a very worthwhile one and also helps
you to develop key skills. This is another good way of developing skills which are valued by
employers.
14
Career opportunities and Future Study
Progression to MSc Physician Assistant Studies
You will be able to have the opportunity to progress on to the MSc in Physician Assistant
Studies. The course will run over one calendar year following successful completion of the
PG Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies. Students can study this on a part time basis.
For this award you will be able to study one 60-credit dissertation module NH4006 over
two periods of 12/13 weeks. This will involve a Project Report of 20,000 words.
The dissertation module is a 60-credit module. This is an optional year that follows
completion of the professional award and completes the Masters Course.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Research Supervision
Research Supervision.
600 hours of student self directed learning time
Students will be allocated a supervisor and will arrange individual tutorial times as
appropriate to meet the needs of the project.
Attendance at Coursed sessions with students completing projects may be required for
peer review and support.
All projects are subject to ethical approval.
This module specifies students plan for 600 hours of self directed study time.
Postgraduate Study
As you already have an Honours degree you are moving to a new phase in your
academic development. Postgraduate study is designed to further enhance particular
academic skills. The Harris Report (1996) lists them as: independence of study,
planning, innovation, the ability to use data and integrate new ideas with established
knowledge.
Acquisition of these skills leads to thoughtful professional practice, the ability to apply
knowledge critically and the skills to extend and develop practice. The latter comprise
masterliness in your professional subject.
Reference
HEFC (1996) Review of Postgraduate Education (The Harris Report), HEFC.
15
Academic Regulations
This course adheres to the University’s academic regulations for students undertaking a
Postgraduate degree, commencing after October 2002. A full version of these regulations
can be found on the University web site: www.wlv.ac.uk/polsregs. These regulations
govern your course and will be binding on you. It is, therefore, important that you read and
become familiar with them.
If you are studying the Post Graduate Diploma the Award Assessment Board take all of
your 6 grades into consideration.
Failure to achieve the requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma, Physician
Assistant Studies
If you do not fulfil the practice assessment criteria you will be unable to gain the
Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Studies. You may however transfer the
modules to a non-professional course, for example the Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in
Medical Studies. Additional work may be required in order to satisfy the requirements of
other courses.
Additional Information specific to your course
Attendance
As this is a professional Course it is imperative that you achieve the breadth of study that is
covered in this Course. To achieve this you must attend all planned taught and
supervised sessions in the University. Should you have a genuine reason for nonattendance you must notify the Award leader. Attendance will be monitored.
16
Section 2: School Specific Information
School Charter for Students
17
Where to get help with your course
Student Support
If you encounter any issues (personal or academic) the following diagram directs you to the
appropriate department or staff member.
Academic & Programme
related queries::
Theresa Johnson - Award Leader
Study Issues:
Study Skills Advisor
SOH Elizabeth Saunders
or
Learning Resource Centre
or
www.wlv.ac.uk/skills
Student Gateway:
Careers & Employment
Services x1414
Employability & Placement
Unit
General Queries:
Marie Gildea
Admin Assistant x1151
Module Related Queries:
Module Leaders
WHO TO CONTACT
Personal Issues:
Personal Tutor
or
Extensions/Mitigating
Circumstances/
Course Transfer
Registry ML Building
Award / Module Leaders
Student Gateway
x2572
Special Needs:
Pauline Lim
x8868
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Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Access to this programme may be by the use of the well developed Accreditation of Prior
Learning (APL) system within the School. Advanced Standing may be allowed under the APL
system if students have previously studied the same course content at one of the other
institutions offering this programme. Under the University of Wolverhampton’s APL system it
is necessary to study at least 50% of the programme with this University in order to be
awarded a degree, postgraduate diploma or masters award. All students will be interviewed
for this programme and will undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, occupational
health and immunisation clearance before being allowed to progress on to the programme.
Learning, Teaching & Assessment: What Can You Expect?
Learning and Teaching (L&T) Resources
There is a wide range of resources available for your learning, including on-line materials for
each module (on WOLF), web-based information and, importantly, the online resources
provided by the Learning Centres. Module information will direct you to specific information
sources, but there is an expectation, particularly at Level 2, that you will research your own
sources in order to enhance your achievement of the learning outcomes for the programme.
Registration
You will be required to complete module registration electronically on the University Course
and Module Registration System, eVision, at the beginning of your studies. You will be asked
to enter correctly details of all the modules you will undertake during your first period of study.
You should register on a Course you believe to be valid (one which, if you are successful,
provides you with the necessary credits for your chosen course) and which allows you to
attend lectures/workshops/practical/seminars according to the University timetable.
Your registration will be used to register your Course of study on the University's Students’
Information Technology System (SITS). You should take all opportunities presented to you to
ensure that your registration is correct.
Study Patterns
Your Course will cover six academic semesters. The year recognises the normal breaks
associated with traditional holidays in December/January, March/April and July/August. You
will be studying 6 modules, each of which is worth 15 academic credits with the exception of
NH4080 which is worth 45 academic credits, giving you a total of 120 credits by the end of
the Course.
Assessment
Types of assessment
The module leader, as part of the introduction to the module, will outline the assessment
tasks. A more detailed briefing for each assignment will be available via the WOLF topic that
supports the module. There is a wide range of assessment including:







Written assignments
Vivas
OSCEs
Formative and Summative MCQs
Formative PBLs
Examinations
National Examination
19

Completion of Clinical Practice Document
Marking of Assessments
The marking and grading of your work, be it for example an assignment or an exam is a
comprehensive exercise involving first-marking by tutors, moderation by the tutors in the
module team and the submission of assessments to independent external examiners who
monitor and advise, thereby ensuring quality and standards.
The normal return period for feedback on your marked (summative) work is three weeks after
the date of submission. You will receive a grade achieved and comments on whether and
how you have achieved the learning outcomes.
Assessment grades follow the ‘Grade Point Scale’ format outlined in the Guide. Grades
range from A1 (outstanding) to F0 (fail, no resit permitted). For the majority of modules the
average achievement level will be in the C3 category which is ‘average-good’; grades above
this are ‘above average-very good to outstanding’, and grades below are from ‘satisfactory’
down to ‘uncompensatable fail’
What Should You Avoid? What Should You Seek to Achieve?
 Remember that you are writing for another reader or readers. Do not assume that the
reader will fill the gaps in your work.
 Use the introduction to establish what you are doing in your assignment.
 Use examples to support your analysis.
 Be objective and aim for reasoned argument. Phrases such as ‘in my opinion’ or ‘in
my view’ are of little value because they are subjective. Do not use them. You should
aim to support your points with evidence and reasoned analysis.
 Always acknowledge the use of someone else’s work, using the appropriate system of
referencing. Also, it is a very serious offence to use someone else’s work, especially
word-for-word or paraphrased contents of other’s work. This is called “plagiarism”
and will be covered throughout the programme to ensure that you are aware of how to
avoid it.
 Always keep copies of the sources or keep a note of each source as you use it, so
that you can reference it in your bibliography at the end of your assignment.
 Plan your work in advance so as to meet the hand-in (submission) date. Writing up
your research is often more time-consuming than you expect.
 Get help from tutors and mentors if you are unsure.
 Above all, do not ‘suffer in silence’; the Award Leader, Student Advisor and tutors will
be able to provide guidance so please use them.
Why are ethical considerations important when researching for assignments?
Research is an essential and vital part of teaching and learning. Much is literature-based,
using books, journals, periodicals and web-based material. However, some research may
involve interaction with organisations and people. You should ensure that you do NOT
conduct research that could be intrusive or sensitive or could cause psychological harm or
suffering to others.
For all modules excepting the dissertation, formal approval is not normally required for
research that brings you into contact with organisations and people. However, where such
contact does occur, it is imperative that you are fully aware of and rigorously and
consistently apply the Ethical Guidelines as contained in the School of Health and
Wellbeing ethical Guidelines. Where individuals or organisations have agreed to provide
information to you, you may be required to produce evidence that permission has been
given for access or contact.
What Feedback Can You Expect?
What can you expect from your tutors whilst you are preparing your work?
20


Normally tutors will advise you, as a group, on the assessment at or near the start of
the module.
Thereafter, you may consult your tutors by emailing them.
What should you not expect from your tutors?
 It is not the role of a tutor to read drafts of your work and correct them with a view to
your obtaining a ‘good mark’. An assignment should reflect your effort and input,
and the role of the tutor is to guide and advise. It is then your responsibility to
assess this advice and guidance and use it accordingly. Tutors provide this in good
faith, but its use - or lack of it - by you is not an automatic route to a good or a poor
grade. Other factors, particularly those pertaining to your skills and efforts, will play
a vital role in your achievement.
After completion of the assignment
 The main feedback is through a copy (to you) of the assessment feedback sheet
by email from tutors/administrative support staff.
 In some modules, additional feedback may be available through distribution of an
“outline answer”, highlighting key points for guidance.
How You Can Comment on Learning & Teaching and Assessment
We greatly value your feedback; students’ views are collectively influential in how we
deliver L&T and are gathered through staff-student meetings and via questionnaires,
particularly the Module Evaluation Proformas (MEPs) that you are asked to complete
towards the end of a module. Such feedback is analysed for annual monitoring of
modules, subjects and courses.
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