School of Social Sciences
Undergraduate Student Handbook
Sociology and Communications
2013/14
BSc (Hons) Communication and Media Studies
BSc (Hons) Sociology and Media Studies
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss
BSc (Hons) Sociology
Table of Contents
1. Welcome from Head of Subject......................................................... 3
2. School Staff Directory ....................................................................... 4
2.3 Communication and Facilities ...................................................................... 7
2.4 The MJ Centre .............................................................................................. 8
2.5 Overview of the School’s Research Activity................................................... 9
3. Undergraduate Programmes - Schemes of Study ............................. 10
BSc Communication and Media Studies (3 Year - Full Time) .............................. 10
BSc Communication and Media Studies (4 Year - Placement) ............................ 11
BSc Sociology (3 Year - Full Time) ..................................................................... 12
BSc Sociology (4 Year - Placement) ................................................................... 13
BSc Sociology and Media Studies (3 Year - Full Time) ........................................ 14
BSc Sociology and Media Studies (4 Year - Placement) ...................................... 15
4. Assessment, Progression and Award Regulations ............................ 16
4.1 Modules, Assessment Blocks and Study Blocks ........................................... 16
4.2 Assessment: Grading and Marking .............................................................. 17
4.3 Coursework Submission Procedures ........................................................... 22
4.4 Sociology and Communications Marking Guidelines ................................... 28
5. Work Placements............................................................................ 31
6. Dissertations .................................................................................. 33
7. Glossary of Terms ........................................................................... 35
8. Online Resources .............................................................................37
Communications and Media Studies
Sociology and Media Studies
Sociology Single Honours
2
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
1. Welcome from Head of Subject
Dear Sociology and Communications students,
Brunel Sociology and Communications is one of the leading UK departments working at the interface
between these two disciplines. Our staff and students explore questions of social order, cultural
practices and the social shaping of contemporary societies. Particular strengths of the Department
include: critical media analysis; comedy and popular culture; social identity, work and
representations; sociology of health, science and ethics; social and cultural theory; new media and
social media; urban spaces; and research methodology.
A particularly important element in undergraduate education is the Dissertation in the final year,
where students select and examine a topic in depth in an individual research project. Our staff are
experienced, friendly and recognized in their fields for their pioneering research, and stimulating
teaching.
Your education in Sociology and Communication will be based in partnership and mutual respect,
and you will be allocated a personal tutor who will be your dedicated point of contact for all study
issues.
We expect your time in Brunel will be productive, illuminating and fun!
Professor Steven Wainwright
Head of Department of Sociology and Communications
3
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
2. School Staff Directory
Brunel Switchboard:
Direct Lines:
+ 44 (0) 1895 274000
+44 (0) 1895 2+ extension given below
Senior Management
Head of School
Deputy Head of School (Research)
Director of Operations
Deputy Head of School (Undergraduate)
Deputy Head of School (Postgraduate Taught)
Director of Research Programmes
Head of Economics and Finance
Head of Anthropology
Head of Sociology and Communications
Head of Politics and History
Head of Psychology
Prof. Justin Fisher
Prof. Clare Williams
Don Kerr
Dr Bryan Mase
Prof. Philip Davies
Dr John MacMillan
Prof. Ray Barrell
Dr Eric Hirsch
Prof. Steven Wainwright
Prof. Matthew Hughes
Prof. Taeko Wydell
justin.fisher@brunel.ac.uk
clare.williams@brunel.ac.uk
don.kerr@brunel.ac.uk
bryan.mase@brunel.ac.uk
philip.davies@brunel.ac.uk
john.macmillan@brunel.ac.uk
ray.barrell@brunel.ac.uk
eric.hirsch@brunel.ac.uk
steven.wainwright@brunel.ac.uk
matthew.hughes@brunel.ac.uk
taeko.wydell@brunel.ac.uk
01895 266309
01895 267720
01895 266561
01895 266647
01895 266827
01895 266101
01895 265430
01895 265953
01895 265325
01895 266872
01895 265473
Administrative Support Services
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Programmes Manager
Programme Administrators:
Kiranjit Pardesi
Joan Morris
Denise Allen
Patsy Robinson
John Gratrick
Sue Donovan
Parjinder Parbhakar
UG Administrative Services Group Email
kiranjit.pardesi@brunel.ac.uk
joan.morris@brunel.ac.uk
denise.allen@brunel.ac.uk
patsy.robinson@brunel.ac.uk
john.gratrick@brunel.ac.uk
sue.donovan@brunel.ac.uk
parjinder.parbhakar@brunel.ac.uk
01895 265280
01895 265962
01895 265963
01895 267825
01895 266488
01895 266903
01895 266246
sss-ugadmin@brunel.ac.uk
Postgraduate
Postgraduate Programmes Manager
Programme Administrators:
Adrienne O'Brien
Linda Birch
June Costard
Veronica Johnson
adrienne.obrien@brunel.ac.uk
linda.birch@brunel.ac.uk
june.costard@brunel.ac.uk
veronica.johnson@brunel.ac.uk
sss-pgadmin@brunel.ac.uk
01895 265537
01895 265285
01895 265286
01895 265951
Ushma Gudka
Amreen Malik
ushma.gudka@brunel.ac.uk
amreen.malik@brunel.ac.uk
sss-resadmin@brunel.ac.uk
01895 266310
01895 267347
PG Administrative Services Group Email
Research
Research Manager
Research Administrator
Research Office Group Email
4
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Systems Support
PA to Head of School
Operations Support Administrator
Resources Administrator
Programmes & Systems Administrator
Ann Courtney
Jane Alexander
Nikki Elliott
Paul Buck
ann.courtney@brunel.ac.uk
jane.alexander@brunel.ac.uk
nikki.elliott@brunel.ac.uk
paul.buck@brunel.ac.uk
01895 265949
01895 265442
01895 266504
01895 265282
Natalia Himowicz
Helen Stevenson
natalia.himowicz@brunel.ac.uk
helen.stevenson@brunel.ac.uk
01895 265631
01895 265952
Lisa Alderton
lisa.alderton@brunel.ac.uk
01895 266708
Marketing and Communications Support
Marketing & Communications Manager
Marketing Administrator
Quality
Quality Manager
Technology Support Services
Academic Resources Manager
Chief Technician
I T Support Manager
Assistant Computing Officer
Technician
Technician
Technology Support Services Group Email
5
Paul Douglas
David Hull
Stephen Middlehurst
Hussain Ahmed
Malcolm Overton
Damola Buckley
paul.douglas@brunel.ac.uk
david.hull@brunel.ac.uk
stephen.middlehurst@brunel.ac.uk
hussain.ahmed@brunel.ac.uk
malcolm.overton@brunel.ac.uk
damola.buckley@brunel.ac.uk
sss-tecs@brunel.ac.uk
01895 265478
01895 265477
01895 267834
01895 265344
01895 265480
01895 267944
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Sociology & Communications Staff Locations and Contact Details
Full- Time Members of Staff
Dr Monica Degen
monica.degen@brunel.ac.uk
MJ149
65940
Dr Lesley Henderson
lesley.henderson@brunel.ac.uk
MJ144
65459
Dr Sharon Lockyer
sharon.lockyer@brunel.ac.uk
MJ146
67373
Dr Sarita Malik
sarita.malik@brunel.ac.uk
MJ152
66874
Dr Hauke Riesch
hauke.riesch@brunel.ac.uk
MJ142
66854
Dr John Roberts
john.roberts@brunel.ac.uk
MJ155
66377
Prof Clive Seale
clive.seale@brunel.ac.uk
MJ148
67139
Dr Sanjay Sharma
sanjay.sharma@brunel.ac.uk
MJ156
65835
Prof Steve Wainwright
steven.wainwright@brunel.ac.uk
MJ150
65325
Dr Simon Weaver
simon.weaver@brunel.ac.uk
MJ145
65029
Dr Peter Wilkin
peter.wilkin@brunel.ac.uk
MJ154
67241
Prof Clare Williams
clare.williams@brunel.ac.uk
MJ151
67720
MJ = Marie Jahoda Building
Staff Responsibilities
ROLE
EXT
EMAIL
Prof Steve
WAINWRIGHT
65235
steve.wainwright@brunel.ac.uk
Dr Bryan MASE
66647
bryan.mase@brunel.ac.uk
Dr Philip DAVIES
66827
philip.davies@brunel.ac.uk
Dr Monica DEGEN
Dr Peter WILKIN
Dr Peter WILKIN
65940
67241
67373
monica.degen@brunel.ac.uk
peter.wilkin@brunel.ac.uk
peter.wilkin@brunel.ac.uk
UG Dissertations Co-ordinator
Dr Simon WEAVER
65029
simon.weaver@brunel.ac.uk
Placements Co-ordinator
Dr Hauke RIESCH
Academic Exchanges Convenor
Dr Sarita MALIK
66377
66874
hauke.riesch@brunel.ac.uk
saritamalik@brunel.ac.uk
Head of Sociology & Communications
Deputy Head of School
(Undergraduates)
Deputy Head of School
(Postgraduates)
Senior Tutor
UG Exams Co-ordinator
Touch Point Team Leader
6
MEMBER OF STAFF
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
2.2 Important Dates 2013/14
TERM DATES
Induction Week:
16th September 2013 to 20th September 2013
AUTUMN TERM
23rd September 2013 to 13th December 2013
Teaching Timetable begins:
23rd September 2013
Reading Week:
4th November 2013 to 8th November 2013
Teaching Timetable ends:
13th December 2013
Christmas Break:
16 December 2013 to 3 January 2014
University closed:
25th December 2013 to 1st January 2014
SPRING TERM
6th January 2014 to 28th March 2014
Teaching Timetable begins:
6th January 2014
Reading Week:
10th February 2014 to 14th February 2014
Teaching Timetable ends:
28th March 2014
Easter Break:
2nd April 2014 to 22nd April 2014
University closed:
16th April 2014 to 22nd April 2014
Revision Week(s):
31st March 2014 to 1st April 2014
23rd April 2014 to 25th April 2014
Examination Period:
28th April 2014 to 16th May 2014
Graduation Week:
14th July 2014 to 18th July 2014
th
rd
2.3 Communication and Facilities
7
Channels of communication:
The Schools main methods of communication are:
 Your Brunel email account
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
 Blackboard Learn
 The MJ Centre
Your Brunel email account is our main method of
communication with you and therefore you MUST
check regularly for emails sent to your Brunel email
address. Your login and password will be provided
at Registration. For administrative enquiries you
should email
sss-ugadmin@brunel.ac.uk
Blackboard Learn (BBL) is the University’s virtual
learning environment. The BBL pages will be
constantly updated and information added so you
must check the pages frequently to ensure that you
don’t miss any vital information/updates.
Study materials & module information on BBL All of
your module information will be found on the
module pages of Blackboard Learn. You must
check regularly.
Administration information on BBL
The BBL Administration page will contain all
important information relating to your studies,
including timetables, notices, past exam papers etc.
You must check regularly.
2.4 The MJ Centre
The MJ Centre provides dedicated and
consolidated support services for all undergraduate
and postgraduate students registered with the
School of Social Sciences. The Centre operates on a
‘one-stop shop’ basis – irrespective of need or type
of enquiry. All students should come to the MJ
Centre in the first instance. In the majority of cases,
enquiries will be dealt with immediately.
Services provided at the MJ Centre include:
 answering any course, module or
programme related enquiries
 setting-up meetings with UG/PG taught
programmes managers (where necessary)
8




collection and submission of standardised
forms
coursework submission and collection
drop off or collection point for documents
needed by/or returned from personal
tutors or lecturers
reception space for visitors, alumni and
prospective students
Information will be provided to students at the MJ
Centre via Brunel University networked plasma
screens. In addition, there are free-standing,
networked electronic kiosks for student use, with
access to BBLearn, ePortal, eVision, webmail, the
Brunel University intranet and subject-specific
facebook pages.
At particularly busy times of the year (i.e. fresher’s
week, examinations) the above opening times may
vary. Changes to opening times are communicated
to students as far in advance as possible.
The MJ Centre is located in the Marie Jahoda
Building.
Opening times: 09:15–16:45 Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday. 13:00-16:45 Wednesday.
Contact details: Phone – 01895 265884
Module Changes
Students may seek to change the optional modules
for which they are registered no later than the end
of the second week of the term in which the
module is taught. You can only request a module
change by visiting the MJ Centre and completing a
Module Change Request Form.
The change
request will be processed according to spaces
available on modules.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
2.5 Overview of the School’s Research
Activity
School of Social Sciences Research and Impact
Each of our five departments features world-class
and internationally recognised researchers and
research. Our disciplines regularly score well in
research assessment exercises and all provide
excellent examples of social and economic impact –
producing research that advances scholarly
endeavour, with clear and tangible benefits for
wider society. Our research is also responsible for
much of our collaborative work with business,
industry and the public sector, offering
opportunities
for
work
experience,
and
demonstrates our commitment to producing
professionally-minded graduates that employers
want to recruit.
We are particularly proud of our PhD student
community, which includes a strong international
student contingent drawn from many countries.
The School currently has around 165 active
research students and they are a part of a growing
research student community that is attracted by
the excellence of our research staff. There is a
strong culture of participation in each of our five
Department’s research activities and seminar
programmes. All students are encouraged to be
actively involved in the University’s research
centres and they have the opportunity to make a
real contribution to the Brunel community and to
wider society.
Overview of the Sociology Department Research
Activity
We are a dynamic and internationally respected
community of researchers. Members of our two
research centres are at the forefront of study into
subjects as diverse as: globalisation, health,
multiculturalism, new media, popular culture, and
science and technology.
9
Our Department has two major research centres
that examine the ‘cultural sociology’ of media and
communication; and health, science and
technology:

Centre for Biomedicine and Society (CBAS)

Centre for Culture, Media and Regulation
(CCMR)
Our research tackles core theoretical questions and
engages with both the international research
community and relevant groups across industry,
government and the public. In Sociology and
Communications we bring together theoretical and
practical concerns, and develop fresh approaches
to new and classic interdisciplinary themes and
problems.
Research centre membership is non-exclusive and
overlapping, with many staff and PhD students
actively participating in both groups. Students
joining us are welcomed into a thriving research
culture that debates and makes real contributions
to key issues confronting people in modern
societies.
School of Social Sciences Ethical Approval Process
All researchers (both staff and students) who are
undertaking research in the School must consider
whether their research raises any ethical or risk
concerns as set out in the University Code of
Conduct or the relevant disciplinary ethical code of
conduct.
All researchers must gain ethical approval for their
research BEFORE they start to undertake this
research. Failure to follow the correct ethical
procedures or undertaking research without ethical
approval where it is required may lead to
disciplinary action.
Full details of the ethical approval process, the
relevant form(s) that you will need and guidance
on how to submit your ethical approval form can
be found at the School of Social Sciences Research
Ethics Organisation on BBLearn.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
3. Undergraduate Programmes - Schemes of Study
BSc Communication and Media Studies (3 Year - Full Time)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
CO1001_CB Introduction to Media Studies
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
CO1700_SB Film Production: Introduction to Documentary
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
40 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2700_SB Film Production: Advanced Documentary
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
Term 2 (January - April)
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
CO2030_CN Global Communication
choose 20 credits from the following
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
SO2601_CN
Sociology of Health and Illness
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 3 – Year 3
CO3100_CB Communication and Media Studies Dissertation
Choose 80 credits from the following, 40 credits per term
Both Terms
CO3700_SB Film Production: Fiction Film (20 credits per term)
Term 1 (September to December)
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
10
40 credits
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
BSc Communication and Media Studies (4 Year - Placement)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
CO1001_CB Introduction to Media Studies
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
CO1700_SB Film Production: Introduction to Documentary
SO1554_SB Pre-Placement Study Block
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
40 credits
0 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
SO2556_CB Work Placement Module I
Term 2 (January - April)
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
CO2030_CN Global Communication
choose 20 credits from the following
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
SO2601_CN Sociology of Health and Illness
60 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 3
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2700_SB Film Production: Advanced Documentary
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
Term 2 (January - April)
SO2557_CB Work Placement Module 2
40 credits
20 credits
60 credits
LEVEL 3 - Year 4
CO3100_CB Communication and Media Studies Dissertation
Choose 80 credits from the following, 40 credits per term
Both Terms
CO3700_SB Film Production: Fiction Film (20 credits per term)
Term 1 (September to December)
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
11
40 credits
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
BSc Sociology (3 Year - Full Time)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
SO1005_CB Introduction to Sociology
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
SO1006_CN Globalisation
SO1601_CN Popular Culture
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
SO2015_CN Social Divisions
Term 2 (January - April)
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
choose 20 credits from the following
Term 1 (September to December)
SA2601_CN Ethnicity, Culture and Identity
SA2602_CN Ethnography of a Selected Region: South Asia
SO2600_CN Science, Technology & Society
and choose 40 credits from the following
Term 2 (January - April)
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
SA2604_CN Classical Anthropological Theory
SO2601_CN Sociology of Health and Illness
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 3 – Year 3
SO3100_CB Sociology Dissertation (Single Honours)
Term 1 (September to December)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
12
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
BSc Sociology (4 Year - Placement)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
SO1005_CB Introduction to Sociology
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
SO1006_CN Globalisation
SO1601_CN Popular Culture
SO1554_SB Pre-Placement Study Block
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
0 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
SO2556_CB Work Placement Module I
Term 2 (January - April)
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
choose 40 credits from the following
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
SA2604_CN Classical Anthropological Theory
SO2601_CN Sociology of Health and Illness
60 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 3
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
SO2015_CN Social Divisions
choose 20 credits from the following
SA2601_CN Ethnicity, Culture and Identity
SA2602_CN Ethnography of a Selected Region: South Asia
SO2600_CN Science, Technology & Society
Term 2 (January - April)
SO2557_CB Work Placement Module 2
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
60 credits
LEVEL 3 - Year 4
SO3100_CB Sociology Dissertation (Single Honours)
Term 1 (September to December)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
13
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
BSc Sociology and Media Studies (3 Year - Full Time)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
CO1001_CN Introduction to Media Studies
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
SO1005_CB Introduction to Sociology
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
SO1601_CN Popular Culture
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
CO2029_CN Media, Culture and Representation
Term 2 (January - April)
CO2030_CN Global Communication
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
choose 40 credits from the following, 20 credits per term
Term 1 (September to December)
SO2015_CN Social Divisions: Difference and Resistance
SO2600_CN Science, Technology & Society
Term 2 (January to April)
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
SO2601_CN Sociology of Health and Illness
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 3 – Year 3
PS3500_CB Dissertation in Sociology and Media Studies
Term 1 (September to December)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
14
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
BSc Sociology and Media Studies (4 Year - Placement)
LEVEL 1 - Year 1
SO1004_CN Introduction to Social Enquiry
Term 1 (September to December)
CO1001_CN Introduction to Media Studies
SO1003_CN Introduction to Social and Cultural Research
SO1005_CB Introduction to Sociology
Term 2 (January to April)
CO1002_CN Media, Culture and Society
SO1601_CN Popular Culture
SO1554_SB Pre-Placement Study Block
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
0 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 2
Term 1 (September to December)
SO2556_CB Work Placement Module I
60 credits
Term 2 (January - April)
CO2030_CN Global Communication
SO2022_CN Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture
choose 20 credits from the following
CO2002_CN Media Genres and Society
SO2601_CN Sociology of Health and Illness
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
LEVEL 2 – Year 3
Term 1 (September to December)
CO2028_CN Research in Practice
CO2029_CN Media, Culture and Representation
choose 20 credits from the following
SO2015_CN Social Divisions: Difference and Resistance
SO2600_CN Science, Technology & Society
Term 2 (January - April)
SO2557_CB Work Placement Module 2
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
60 credits
LEVEL 3 - Year 4
PS3500_CB Dissertation in Sociology and Media Studies
Term 1 (September to December)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3004_CN City Lives and Urban Cultures
CO3012_CN Comedy, Culture and Media
CO3600_CN Body, Media and Society
Term 2 (January - April)
choose 40 credits from the following
CO3465_CN Understanding Audiences
SO3040_CN The Age of New Media
SO3602_CN Forensic Science & Society
15
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
4. Assessment, Progression and Award
Regulations
4.1 Modules, Assessment Blocks and Study
Blocks
This section of your handbook explains what you
have to do to progress between the Levels of your
degree, how your degree result will be calculated
and the rules for reassessment. It is a summary of
the most important parts of the full degree
regulations (Senate Regulations 2 and 4) which are
available on the University's intranet site:
The regulations describe the assessments in your
programme as being divided into 'assessment
blocks'.
Assessment block refers to an
assessment, or discreet group of assessments, to
which a credit-rating and Level have been assigned.
Assessment blocks (combined with the associated
block of study and teaching – a study block in the
Regulations) are, currently, commonly referred to
as 'modules'. We will use the term module in the
following as that is the term you will usually hear.
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration/rul
es/senateregs
WARNING! the University's regulations for
undergraduate degree programmes and awards
changed for students entering Level 1 of
programmes in or after September 2009.
The guidance that follows describes these new
regulations.
Older handbooks may contain
information on the regulations which is not correct
for your studies.
If you have any doubts about the regulations which
apply to you, or need any further information,
please contact the School Office for advice.
Each Level of an honours degree is comprised of
modules totaling 120 credits. (Where a variant of a
degree is offered with an additional placement
year, (commonly known as a 'sandwich
programme') the placement year is comprised of
an additional 120 credits, arranged in one or more
modules. See below, 'Placement Years'.) Each
Level has a weighting when determining the
outcome of a degree. The modules, their credit
values and Levels, and the weighting of Levels for
your degree will be set out in the programme
specification for your degree which is available
from
https://moss.brunel.ac.uk/SITEDIRECTORY/DOCU
MENTARCHIVE/Pages/default.aspx.
16
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
4.2 Assessment: Grading and Marking
Generic Undergraduate Grade Descriptors
Each assessment will be either graded or marked,
as appropriate to the type of assessment in
question.
The following table indicates the
relationship between marks, grades and the
equivalent degree class.
These generic grade descriptors are intended to be
used as a tool throughout the assessment process
(in
assessment
design,
marking/grading,
moderation, feedback, and appraisal) for any
assessment set at each Undergraduate Level in the
University. They are designed to show no
disciplinary bias and are not intended to act as
surrogate Level, award or award classification
descriptors. The grade descriptors should be read
in conjunction with the learning outcomes
associated with the assessment and their
interpretation should take into account the Level of
study of which the assessment is a part (termed
here “the current Level”).
Indicative
Mark Band
90 and above
80-89
73-79
70-72
68-69
63-67
60-62
58-59
53-57
50-52
48-49
43-47
40-42
38-39
33-37
30-32
29 and below
Degree
class
equivalent
1
1
1
1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.2
3
3
3
Fail
Fail
Fail
Fail
Grade
Grade
Point
A++
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE+
E
EF
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Panels and Boards of Examiners are responsible for
all aspects of the assessment of your programme.
The University has generic grade descriptors for its
undergraduate awards.
These describe at a
general level the standards against which your
work is assessed. These are detailed below:
17
Grade A*
Clearly demonstrates a highly sophisticated, critical
and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides
clear evidence of originality and independence of
thought and clearly demonstrates exceptional
ability to develop a highly systematic and logical or
insightful argument, solution or evaluation at the
current Level. Demonstrates exceptional ability in
the appropriate use of the relevant literature,
theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to
analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Shows
an exceptionally high level of clarity, focus and
cogency in communication at the current Level.
Grade Band A (A+, A, A-)
Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and
thorough understanding of the topic. Provides
evidence of independence of thought and clearly
demonstrates the ability to develop a highly
systematic and logical or insightful argument,
solution or evaluation at the current Level.
Demonstrates excellence in the appropriate use of
the relevant literature, theory, methodologies,
practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at
the current Level. Shows a high level of clarity,
focus and cogency in communication at the current
Level.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Grade Band B (B+, B, B-)
Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and
comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Provides some evidence of independence of
thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to
develop a systematic and logical or insightful
argument, solution or evaluation at the current
Level. Demonstrates a high degree of competence
in the appropriate use of the relevant literature,
theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to
analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Shows
clarity, focus and cogency in communication at the
current Level.
Grade F
Work that is unacceptable.
You should also ensure that you are familiar with
the relevant subject-specific marking criteria for
your programme, which follow on from this
section.
Grade Band C (C+, C, C-)
Demonstrates a systematic and substantial
understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the
ability to develop a systematic argument or
solution at the current Level. Demonstrates a
significant degree of competence in the
appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory,
methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse
and synthesise at the current Level. Provides
evidence of clarity and focus in communication at
the current Level.
Grade Band D (D+, D, D-)
Provides evidence of a systematic understanding of
the key aspects of the topic. Demonstrates the
ability to present a sufficiently structured argument
or solution at the current Level. Demonstrates an
acceptable degree of competence in the
appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory,
methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse
and synthesise at the current Level. Provides
evidence of effective communication at the current
Level.
Grade Band E (E+, E, E-)
Provides evidence of some understanding of key
aspects of the topic and some ability to present an
appropriate argument or solution at the current
Level. Demonstrates some competence in the
appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory,
methodologies, practices, tools, etc at the current
Level. Provides some evidence of effective
communication at the current Level. However,
there is also evidence of deficiencies which mean
that the threshold standard (D-) has not been met.
18
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Core Assessments
Placement Years ('sandwich' programmes)
Individual assessments, or whole modules, may be
defined as core. A core assessment or core
module is one which, if taken, must be passed at
grade D- or better in order to be eligible for the
award in question. An assessment or module may
be core for one award and non-core for another
award.
Where your degree programme includes a
placement year (i.e., is a 'sandwich' programme),
there will be one or more modules associated with
the placement learning. The grade/s you achieve in
the module/s will contribute towards your final
degree classification. The amount they contribute
is explained in the programme specification for
your degree.
You should consult the programme specification
for your programme to make sure that you know
which modules or individual assessments are core
for your intended award.
Please note that core does not mean the same as
compulsory. A compulsory module is one which
must be taken i.e., not optional) in order to satisfy
the requirements for an award.
If you do not complete satisfactorily the
requirements for your placement year, after any
reassessment which you are permitted by the
Board of Examiners, you are entitled to transfer to
the variant of the same degree without a
placement year.
Progression between Levels
Normally you will be required to successfully
complete each Level of your degree, before you
will be allowed to progress – i.e., to commence
the next Level.
In order to satisfactorily complete each Level you
must have:
 No credit at Grade F;
 No core modules or individual core
assessments with a Grade below D-;
 No more than 40 non-core credits in Grade
Band E (E+, E, E-).
If you fail to reach this minimum standard in your
first attempt at all assessments, the Board of
Examiners will advise you if you are entitled to one
further attempt (a reassessment) - see below.
19
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Award requirements
The University applies two tests when awarding degrees: Test One determines the highest classification which
can be awarded in Test Two, based on your profile of grades.
Test One: minimum profile for an honour degree
To be eligible to be recommended for an honours degree at a particular class, your profile must not exceed the
maximum volumes of credit permitted at Grades below D-, as set out below:
Class
1st
2.1
2.2
3rd
Maximum credit Maximum (non-weighted) credit
volume of core volume of non-core Grade Band E
modules
and (E+,E,E-)
modules
containing
core
assessments
below DLevel 2
Level 3
Level 2 +
3
0
0
0
0
0
20
0
20
0
40
20
40
0
40
40
60
Maximum
credit
volume of Grade F
Level 2
Level 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
No credit at Grade F is permitted in the profile for an honours degree.
20
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Test Two: degree classification for an honours degree
A profile of your grades and a grade-point average (GPA) is created using the grades you have received. The
University sets out the requirements for all honours bachelors degrees in terms of combinations of profiles of
grades and grade-point averages.
To create your profile and GPA, your grades are weighted by the credit volume and Level of each module. The
weightings by Level for your degree (including the weighting applied to any placement year) are set out in the
Senate Regulations and programme specifications. For an honours degree, Level 2 credits (including any
credits associated with placement years) are weighted to contribute 1/3 towards the outcome of your degree,
whilst Level 3 credits contribute 2/3.
Taking into account any restriction to classification determined in Test One, you are eligible for the highest
class of degree for which you fulfil one or more of the following criteria in Test Two:
Volume of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 33% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 41% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 50% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 58% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 66% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
At least 72% of grades
(weighted) in Class or
better
21
1st
2.1
Minimum weighted GPA
Class
2.2
3rd
14.5
11.5
8.5
NA
13.5
10.5
7.5
NA
12.5
9.5
6.5
NA
11.5
8.5
5.5
NA
10.5
7.5
4.5
NA
NA
NA
NA
3.3
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
4.3 Coursework Submission Procedures
The postal address that must be used is:
Any coursework not submitted to the MJ Centre
will be deemed to have not been submitted – this
is a strict University policy.
MJ Centre
School of Social Sciences
Brunel University
Uxbridge
Middx
UB8 3PH
You MUST submit BOTH a paper copy and a
BBLearn copy. Both MUST be submitted by the
deadline. Submission by BBLearn only or by paper
only will NOT be accepted.
Coversheets and anonymity
Submission deadlines are the latest time/dates for
submission without late penalty and earlier
submissions are welcomed and encouraged – it is
good practice, and is psychologically beneficial to
you, to submit coursework before the specified
deadline day.
All coursework deadlines (date and time) will be
published normally within the first two weeks of
the relevant term by the lecturer and will be posted
on BBLearn. Any necessary changes to the
published deadlines will be notified to students as
soon as possible.
Physical Submission in Person
Formal coursework submissions must be made to
the MJ Centre (not to tutors, lecturers, etc) so that
all submissions can be properly logged. You may
submit your work to the MJ Centre either in person
or by post (NOT by email).
Submission by post
If submitting by post, you must complete and
attach the appropriate coursework submission
sheet to your work. Postal submissions MUST be
made by recorded delivery/registered post so that
the date of posting is certified. The certified date
of posting will be treated as the date of submission
on our coursework records. A student may be
asked to produce the proof of posting at the MJ
Centre so this should be kept safely to hand. In the
event that a student fails to produce the proof of
posting if requested, the date of receipt of the
essay by the University will be treated as the
submission date.
22
All coursework is marked anonymously.
Therefore, you should make sure that your name
is not on your work. You MUST indicate your
student number instead. It is advisable to print
this on ALL pages in case any become separated.
The School coversheet MUST be completed and
attached to all coursework submissions prior to
placing in the submission box. This also applies to
submissions by post. Coversheets are available at
various points in the MJ Centre.
You must allow sufficient time to complete sheets
before the 3.00pm deadline. Essays must be in
the box, with the completed coversheet attached,
by 3.00pm. The clock used for the deadline time
is the clock in the submission area.
Coursework must NOT be submitted directly to
module convenors/leaders/teachers.
If you wish to post your essays or cannot submit
essays yourself for any reason, then you are
strongly advised to collect coversheets and fill
them in advance.
Essays will not be accepted by fax or email.
Electronic Submission on BBLearn
You will be given guidance in submitting your
coursework via BBLearn, the Brunel e-learning
system.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Coursework Late Penalties
The following late penalty structure applies to all
full-time and part-time taught-programme
students in the University. The penalty takes the
form of a cap, which is applied after assessment of
the work.
To make an application for an RSD, you are
required to make an appointment to see the
UG/PG
Programmes
Manager
or
their
Representative. Appointments are booked through
the MJ Centre Reception desk.
Please bring the completed form and supporting
evidence with you to your appointment.
UNDERGRADUATE
Programme
(including Final Year Project Reports)
Coursework
Applications for revised submission deadlines
MUST be made BEFORE the coursework deadline.
The following caps will be uniformly applied, in the
absence of accepted relevant mitigating
circumstances:
Any RSD requests made later than 7 days after the
coursework deadline will normally be rejected and
the standard late penalty will be applied.
Up to 1 working day late Capped at Grade A-;
Up to 2 working days late Capped at Grade B-;
Up to 5 working days late Capped at Grade C-;
Up to 10 working days late Capped at Grade D-;
Up to 15 working days late Capped at Grade E-;
More than 15 working days late Capped at Grade
NS.
If you cannot submit an RSD form before the
coursework deadline and are unable to submit
your work on time because of unforeseen
circumstances, you must submit a completed
Mitigating Circumstances Form together with
supporting evidence to the MJ Centre, ideally by
the submission deadline and in any case no later
than 7 days after the deadline – see section ‘16.
Mitigating Circumstances’ for the submission
procedure.
A working day is here defined as Monday to
Friday at any time of year, with the exception of
days when the University is closed (if submission
cannot be made in person to the submission point
or through BBLearn, submission must be made by
post).
If You Cannot Submit Your Work on Time
If you cannot submit your work on time due to
extenuating circumstances you can apply for a
revised submission deadline (RSD). This form
should be completed if you are unable to submit
coursework by the set deadline due to extenuating
circumstances. Supporting documentary evidence
(e.g. medical certificate/letter) MUST be attached.
All information submitted is confidential and will
only be made available to the relevant Board.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY
EVIDENCE MUST BE ORIGINAL.
RSD forms are available from the MJ Centre and
can be downloaded from the School Resources
Page:
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
23
If you do not submit a Mitigating Circumstances
form to the MJ Centre within 7 days of the
submission deadline (unless not practicable), the
standard late penalties will be applied to your
submitted work.
If you do submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form
with supporting evidence, this will be considered
by the Chair of the Mitigating Circumstances Panel
(or their nominee) who will decide one of the
following:



that the MCs are not significant and decide
that the normal late penalty should apply;
that the MCs are accepted and define a
revised submission deadline for you;
that your MCs are serious/long term,
suspend the late penalty requirements for
your submission and require you to be
counselled concerning your learning and
assessment work plan.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
You will be notified of the decision as soon as
possible by email.
Late submission of Final Year Project Reports
Late formal submissions of undergraduate Final
Year Project reports will be treated in exactly the
same way as other assessed undergraduate
coursework as defined above. It is therefore vital
that you schedule your project work, monitor your
progress and ensure that your supervisor is kept
abreast of any (particularly technical) problems
that arise. You should, of course, schedule
sufficient time before the deadline for addressing
formatting and printing problems which may occur.
If, however, you are unable to submit your report
on time you must submit a Mitigating Circumstance
Form, even if the unforeseen circumstance was
known by your supervisor (your supervisor may be
able to supply supporting evidence).
24
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Reassessment
Reassessment allows students who have not met
the minimum requirements at a Level (at the first
attempt) a further opportunity to meet at least the
minimum requirements in certain situations. At
Level 3, this may have the effect of giving you the
opportunity to meet the minimum requirements
for a degree after reassessment; or it may give you
the opportunity to improve the class of your
degree.
A student can normally be reassessed on one
occasion only in any assessment. The maximum
grade you can receive in reassessment is D- for the
relevant module. The School of Social Sciences
normally
applies
a
synoptic
assignment/examination to resits which will cover
100% of the module grade. Where this is not the
case, you will be advised by the School.
Reassessment may take a number of forms, as
determined by the Board of Examiners and the
nature of the assessment task.
If, after reassessment, you still do not meet the
minimum requirement for satisfactory completion
of a Level or for the award of a degree you will be
required to withdraw from the programme. In
these circumstances you may be eligible for a lower
award (see 'Other awards', below).
Please note that the rules for reassessment are
different in several ways from the above if you
have mitigating circumstances, accepted by the
Board of Examiners, for your performance in the
original assessment. 'Mitigating circumstances' are
explained further on the resources section of the
website.
At Level 1 you are entitled to reassessment in the
whole of, or any element of, modules totalling up
to 60 credits if you have not met the minimum
profile for progression to Level 2. If you would
need reassessment in more than 60 credits at first
assessment in Level 1 in order to meet the
requirements for progression, you will not be
entitled to reassessment and will be required to
withdraw from the programme.
At Level 2 or Level 3, you are entitled to
reassessment in the whole of, or any element of,
modules totalling up to 40 credits in order to meet
the minimum profile for progression or for final
award. If you would need reassessment in more
than 40 credits, in either Level 2 or 3, in order to
meet the requirements for progression or final
award, you will not be entitled to reassessment
and will be required to withdraw from the
programme.
When determining the volume of credit which
needs to be reassessed, the credit rating of the
whole module affected counts towards the volume
of credit to be assessed, even if you are not being
reassessed in all the elements, or not all the
elements are core assessments for your degree.
25
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Timing of reassessment
At any Level, if you are being reassessed in no more
than 40 credits of assessment this reassessment
will normally take place within the same academic
year. The arrangements and timing for
reassessment may vary for different assessments
on your programme.
At Level 1, if you are being reassessed in more than
40 and no more than 60 credits of assessment you
will be expected to re-study the relevant parts of
Level 1 on a part-time basis (and be reassessed) in
the next academic year. You will therefore have to
spend 2 academic years in Level 1 and will only be
permitted to progress to Level 2 on meeting the
minimum requirements for satisfactory completion
of Level 1 (as described above).
Other awards
If you do not successfully complete all the
requirements for progression to the next Level of
your programme, or all the requirements to receive
the award for which you are aiming, you may still
be eligible for an award in recognition of what you
have achieved on the programme. You will
normally only receive one award: the highest
award for which you have met the requirements at
the point that you leave the programme:

The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is
normally available where you have
successfully completed Level 1 of an honours
degree programme.

The Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is
normally available where you have
successfully completed Levels 1 and 2 of an
honours degree programme.
The ordinary bachelors degree is a version of the
degree which has a smaller volume of credit and is
not classified. If you have not met the
requirements for progression to the next Level of
the honours degree programme, you may be
allowed to transfer to an ordinary degree
programme. Alternatively, you may be awarded an
ordinary degree if you fail an honours degree, but
do fulfil the requirements for an ordinary degree (if
available). Your programme specification will
provide details.
Accreditation of prior learning and awards
The University has policies on how accredited prior
learning (APL) will be counted when considering
the eligibility of students for awards. These are set
out in Senate Regulation 2.25-2.37. The School will
be able to confirm to you any modules from which
you have been given exemption, whether the
exemption is graded or ungraded and how this will
be taken into account when making decisions
about progression between Levels and about the
award of degrees and other qualifications.
The minimum requirement for the satisfactory
completion of a Level of undergraduate study for
an honours degree is set out above (see
'Progression'). The programme specification for
your degree will explain if these awards are
available, and if there are any requirements
relating to core assessments which must be met
before you can receive a CertHE or DipHE.
26
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Panels and Boards of Examiners
At the end of a level, the Board of Examiners sits to
consider each student’s performance at that level
and any mitigating circumstances supplied by the
student. At the end of Levels 1 and 2, the Board
sits to consider whether you should be permitted
to progress to the next level. At the end of Level 3,
the Final Board decides whether to award you a
degree and, if so, how your degree should be
classified (e.g. First Class, Second Class (Upper
Division) etc). The Board is made up of all the fulltime lecturers on the programmes, together, in the
case of the Final Board, with external examiners
from other universities as well as one or more
representatives from the University’s central
administration.
Level 2 students who are on the Work Placement
programme will not receive results at the same
time of year as all other students. The reason is, as
stated above, that the Board of Examiners can only
discuss a student’s performance (for a level) at the
end of the level. Because Level 2 is taken by work
placement students over 2 years, confirmed
module results will not be issued until the end of
the Level, once both terms have been completed
(February). However, an Examination Panel sits to
consider the performance of students who have
completed their first term of study of Level 2 and
letters are sent out over the summer confirming
the provisional grades achieved. Work Placement
students will not receive an overall module
percentage until Level 2 is fully completed.
27
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
4.4 Sociology and Communications Marking
Guidelines
These guidelines outline the specific Sociology and
Communications marking criteria used for marking
assessments and providing feedback.
They
incorporate the general Brunel University marking
guidelines as detailed above in section 4.2.
Particular criteria apply to the structure of practical
reports. These are separately specified in setting
the assessment, and the extent to which the
particular criteria are met is likely to be more
significant in the marking of the work than is
suggested in the general marking guidelines set out
here.
Different levels of the course
Separate guidelines are provided for dissertations.
1. Content and approach become increasingly
important as students progress from Level 1 to
Level 3.
Currently, in the case of coursework assessments,
feedback is given to students in the form of a
provisional grade (NOT a mark) written on the
student submission/comment sheet. The School
policy for the use of + and - is given in each section
and is, for example (60-62 = B-) (63-67 = B) (68-69 =
B+).
2. The more advanced nature of the work
expected at Level 1 and then at Level 3 is
manifested in the nature of the questions set.
As students progress through the course, the
nature of the reading they are expected to have
undertaken becomes more independently pursued
and more specialised.
Different types of assessment
Assessments vary from coursework essays and
practical reports, through seen examination
questions, to examination questions for which the
topic has been ‘seen’, to unseen examination
questions.
Where students have prior knowledge of the
examination questions or prior information about
the topic, this should be taken into account in
applying the guidelines.
In coursework essays and practical reports, the
expectations for referencing are qualitatively
different from those that apply in examination
assessments.
In the case of coursework assessments, length
requirements are explicitly stated, and failure to
meet these requirements should be reflected in the
marking of the assessment.
28
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Marking guidelines for examination and
coursework essays
Particular regard should be paid to those features
in bold below, as distinguishing a class from the
one below i.e. what has to be achieved to attain
this class.
First (80+): thorough understanding and individual
insight are key
A* (80-89 = A+) (90-100 A++)
Content
- good grasp of the question and clearly focused on
the question
- thorough understanding of all the issues and
perspectives
- evidence of thorough and independent reading
Approach
- effective critical analysis and imaginative
evaluation of the arguments and their significance,
with evidence of individual insight, innovation or
creativity
Structure
- logical and coherent
- a transparent construction of the argument:
providing an overview, linking parts of the answer,
and providing a synthesis
Style and presentation
- fluent, clear and concisely direct style of
communication
- appropriate selection and use of identified
sources
Approach
- critical and thoughtful analysis and discussion of
sources and arguments
Structure
- logical and coherent
Style and presentation
- fluent and clear appropriate selection and use of
identified sources
2.1 (60-69): clear understanding and balanced
evaluation are key
B
(60-62 = B-) (63-67 = B) (68-69 = B+)
Content
- thorough description demonstrating a clear
understanding of the focus of the question
- minor misapprehensions are acceptable
- evidence of pursuing suggested reading
Approach
- evaluation is balanced and
reflecting good use of evidence
well-founded
Structure
- logical and coherent
Style and presentation
- clearly expressed
- appropriate referral to sources
2.2. (50-59): requires adequate content and
presentation
C
(50-52 = C-) (53-57 = C) (58-59 = C+)
First (70-79): thorough understanding and a critical
and thoughtful approach are key
A (70-72 = A-) (73-79 = A)
Content
- acceptable level of knowledge but superficial
description and/or flawed understanding of the
focus of the question
Content
- good grasp of the question and clearly focused on
the question
- thorough understanding of the issues and
perspectives
- evidence of thorough and independent reading
Approach
- little discussion or evaluation, or poorly informed
or handled evaluation
Structure
- fairly clear structure
29
Style and presentation
- adequately expressed
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Third (40-49)
(40-42 = D-) (43-47 = D) (48-49 = D)
D
Content
- satisfying basic requirements but a very
superficial description and/or poor understanding,
OR answer to a different but related question
Approach
- little discussion or evaluation, or poorly informed
or handled evaluation
Style and presentation
- little evidence of knowledge of sources
E
Content
- extremely minimal, inadequate or significantly
inaccurate description
Approach
- no discussion or evaluation, or poorly informed or
handled evaluation
Structure
- incoherent
Structure
- no clear structure
E (35-39)
(30-32 = E-) (33-37 = E)
(Clear) Fail (0-29)
F Fail
Style and presentation
- style may be inappropriately informal/colloquial
- no apparent sources or inappropriate sources
(38-39 = E+)
Content
- minimal, inadequate description which may
contain many inaccuracies
OR a third class answer to a different but related
question
Approach
- little discussion or evaluation, or poorly informed
or handled evaluation
Structure
- incoherent
Style and presentation
- poor knowledge of relevant sources
30
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
5. Work Placements
(for students on Thin Sandwich programmes only)
Introduction
Students on thin sandwich programmes are required to undertake two work placements during their four-year
course. The first placement period starts in June at the end of Year 1. The second placement period begins
after Christmas in Year 3.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Term 1
Level 1
Work Placement 1
Level 2
Level 3
Term 2
Level 1
Level 2
Work Placement 2
Level 3
Apr-May
Exam Period
Exam Period
Work Placement 2
Exam Period
Jun-Sep
Work Placement 1
Vacation
Work Placement 2
Each placement should last for at least 110 days if
paid (22 weeks full time) or 75 days if unpaid (15
weeks full time). Placements are intended to be
relevant professionally and often involve
considerable responsibility. Students who complete
a thin sandwich Honours programme will have the
wording
‘with
professional
development’
incorporated into their degree title to reflect the
fact that they have, through periods of work
placement, developed skills and knowledge
relevant to work and professional practice.
Work Placement 2) will be weighted to each be
equivalent to a 60 credit taught module at Level 2
and will account for one year of your degree course
(i.e.120 credits in total for placement learning). As
a consequence, grades achieved in placement
modules will contribute 25% of the Level 2 part of
the award profile (i.e. 8.3% of the overall degree
calculation). For further details see the programme
specifications for thin-sandwich programmes.
Students on thin-sandwich programmes will attend
orientation and briefing sessions to prepare them
for periods of work placement and to facilitate
placement learning. Students will be issued with
detailed guidance on placement learning,
assessment, supervision arrangements, health &
safety at work, and other relevant issues during the
placement, but some key information is
summarized below.
During periods of work placement you will be
allocated to a member of staff at Brunel who will
act as your Work Placement Tutor. He/she will
provide guidance and supervision of your
placement learning, and will normally conduct a
visit to your place of work (unless overseas). In
addition, you will have a Workplace Supervisor i.e. someone in the employing organisation to
whom you will be directly responsible.
Assessment
Finding Placements
There will be coursework to be submitted in
association with each work placement module.
Specific information on the nature of the
assignments and submission arrangements will be
provided at the appropriate time.
The university provides plenty of support to help
you find a work placement (although this is
ultimately the responsibility of the student). Within
the Placement & Careers Centre (PCC) are a team
of Placement Officers and Placement Assistants
who work with organisations to obtain work
placement opportunities and provide a service to
students to help them secure a placement that is
For students on thin-sandwich programmes the
two placement modules (Work Placement 1 and
31
Supervision
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
relevant to their course of study. The Placement
and Careers Centre also provide advice on
preparation of a CV, covering letter, and interview
techniques relevant to placements.
Various placement opportunities are advertised by
the Placement & Careers Centre. In addition, it is
possible for students to find their own work
placements provided that they satisfy University
and School requirements. Before approaching an
organisation, however, you must first check that it
is not one with which we already have links.
Students who have found their own placement
must submit employment details and a detailed job
description to the PCC for formal approval before
they can start work.
Students on thin-sandwich programmes will, at the
appropriate time, be issued with detailed guidance
on procedures for securing placements.
The Placement & Careers Centre (PCC) is located in
the Bannerman Centre and the relevant contacts
for
students
in
Psychology,
SociologyCommunications and Anthropology are
Karen Smith, Placement Officer
Charlene Stuart, Placement Assistant
Phone: 01895 265561
Email: socialsciences-placements@brunel.ac.uk
Administration and Management
Within the School of Social Sciences there is a
member of administrative staff with responsibility
for the administration of placements who you can
contact with questions.
Placement Tutor. Issues that they cannot resolve
may be referred to the Work Placement Convenor.
Sociology Work Placement Convenor
Dr Hauke Riesch
Hauke.Riesch@brunel.ac.uk
Transfers
From Full-Time to Thin-Sandwich
Placement preparation begins in Term 2 so
applications to transfer to the thin-sandwich
programme must be made before Friday 24
January, 2014. If you would like to apply to
transfer between programmes please speak to
your Personal Tutor then email the Undergraduate
Administrators in the Undergraduate Office (sssugadmin@brunel.ac.uk) to apply for the
appropriate change form (e-SRAF) to be
completed.
From Thin-Sandwich to Full-Time
Prior to Friday January 24th, 2014 please follow the
procedure above. After this date, procedures will
be different depending on what stage of the thinsandwich programme you are at. You will be issued
with specific guidance on this at the appropriate
time.
Research Ethics Approval
It is a University requirement that all research
involving human participants is subjected to ethics
scrutiny and approval prior to commencement of
the research. Information and guidelines regarding
submissions to the School Research Ethics
Committee may be found on the RESEARCH ETHICS
PAGE of the School's web pages.
Work Placement Administrator
Patsy Robinson patsy.robinson@brunel.ac.uk
Also, within the School there is a member of
academic staff who acts as Work Placement
Convenor for your discipline, with general
responsibility for overseeing the organisation and
operation of the work placement system for
students. You should discuss matters concerning
work placements with your Personal Tutor or Work
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6. Dissertations
Students are required to undertake a research
project which will form the basis of the dissertation
that will be required to be submitted during the
final year; year 3 in the case of students following
the FT route and year 4 in the case of students
following the FSN route. The dissertation should
address issues relevant to the student’s discipline,
should include a review of relevant research
literature and a discussion of relevant theoretical
and methodological issues.
It is essential to pass the Final Dissertation with a
minimum grade of D- in order to graduate with
honours. More information can be found in the
Dissertation Guidelines document which will be
available on the Dissertation Blackboard Learn.
Supervisors
For 3-Year FT students, a dissertation topic and
project should be agreed with your dissertation
supervisor. Supervisors are allocated in the Spring
term of the second year.
For 4- Year FSN students, the dissertation can be
based upon or make use of data or other resources
from the second work placement, but this is not a
requirement. It is appreciated that some students
may wish to pursue a dissertation on a different
topic, or that data/resources for dissertations at
some work placements may be limited or not
appropriate. Either way, dissertation topics and
proposals should be discussed and agreed with the
supervisor. Second Work Placement Supervisors
carry on as dissertation supervisors for 4-year FSN
students. If the dissertation is based upon data or
resources from the work placement, it should be
discussed with your Work Placement Tutor and
Workplace Supervisor, both of whom should be
closely involved in the project's design and
execution.
The Dissertation Supervisor will offer advice and
guidance on the preparation and writing of the
final year dissertation. Students can expect a
minimum of 5 meetings with their supervisor
during the final year. It is the responsibility of the
33
student to contact the supervisor to arrange
meetings, and to undertake the work discussed in
the meetings. All matters relevant to the
dissertation, i.e. development of and writing a
proposal, ethics applications, data collection,
analysis, writing, referencing, word counts etc.
should be discussed and addressed with the
allocated supervisor.
Information
Detailed dissertation guidelines will be made
available on the Blackboard Learn Dissertations
Module to which all supervisors and students have
access to. Students will be given access to the site
in the summer term before the final year. The site
will be updated regularly, and module outlines,
discipline guidelines, ethics information and
application
forms,
links
to
professional
organisations and other relevant information can
be found on this site. Students and staff will also be
notified about approaching deadlines, instructions
for submitting documents, meetings, supervisor
changes, and other important matters by email. It
is therefore important to check this site and your
University email address regularly.
Ethics
There is a link to the School Ethics website on the
Blackboard
Learn
Dissertations
Module.
Instructions, application forms and submission
details can be found by going to this link. General
queries about completing and submitting ethics
applications should be addressed to supervisors.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
PDP sessions for dissertations will be scheduled
throughout the Autumn Term. There will be
approximately four sessions. The timetable will be
circulated at the beginning of the autumn term.
Handouts and other information from these
sessions will be added to Blackboard Learn
before/after the sessions. The sessions will include
topics such as writing tips, qualitative and
quantitative analysis, and library/literature
searches. These sessions should be attended as
indicated by the Dissertation Convenor.
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Assessment/Marking
Final dissertations are assessed by two internal
examiners, one of whom will normally be your
Dissertation Supervisor, and are monitored by an
external examiner. After assessment, one copy of
the dissertation is kept in the School for permanent
reference, and the other is returned to you.
Dissertations from previous years often make very
interesting reading and can provide you with a
useful guide to general organisation and standards.
Such dissertations will also be accessible on
Blackboard Learn.
Research Ethics Approval
It is a University requirement that all research
involving human participants is subjected to ethics
scrutiny and approval prior to commencement of
the research. Information and guidelines regarding
submissions to the School Research Ethics
Committee may be found on the RESEARCH ETHICS
PAGE of the School's web pages.
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7. Glossary of Terms
Abeyance/Leave of Absence – Agreed extended
period of absence from the University.
Blackboard Learn (BBLearn) – Brunel University’s
virtual learning environment. BBLearn contains
course materials across all levels (UG and PGT).
You will have BBLearn access for each of your
registered modules and the administrative
BBLearn.
Blind Double Marking – Assessments are
graded/marked separately by two markers who are
not aware of the other’s marks or comments. The
two markers then agree a final mark.
Board of Examiners – The Board of Examiners,
which is made up of academics from your
department, shall consider whether a student
registered for an award under the Senate
Regulations has successfully completed the current
level of study and take actions in accordance with
the Senate Regulations.
Discipline – Subject group/area, i.e. Anthropology,
Economics and Finance, Politics and History,
Psychology and Sociology and Communications.
ePortal – A web-based interface that allows access
to relevant data from a central source, specifically
the timetable.
E-Vision – This is a system used for accessing your
student record, changing personal details, viewing
results and completion of admin tasks such as
module
selection,
enrolment,
graduation
and applications for funding.
External Examiner – A moderator, who is not
associated with the University, but is sent a sample
of work for each Level 2, 3 and 5 modules where
applicable to examine. Normally attends Panel of
Examiners’ and Board of Examiners’ meetings.
before embarking on an Academic Appeal with the
University.
Level – Current year of academic study. This is
normally indicated by the first number of a module
code – e.g. PY2034 is a Level 2 module.
Mitigating Circumstance – A serious or significant
event, and its consequences, which have
significantly impaired the academic performance of
a student in one or more assessed activities
possibly over more than one term. The decision
regarding the mitigating circumstance will be made
by the MC Panel which consists of various
academics.
Moderation – The process where a sample of
assessments from a module are reviewed by a
second marker.
Module Selection – An electronic exercise where
students select/confirm their modules for the next
Level. Students are emailed in advance to update
them via an online task. (The deadline for
applications for changes in module selection is the
end of week 2 for Term 1 modules and the end of
week 17 for Term 2 modules, but this depends on
the availability of space on each module).
Plagiarism – Plagiarism is the knowing or reckless
presentation of another person’s thoughts,
writings, inventions, as one’s own. It includes the
incorporation of another person’s work from
published or unpublished sources, without
indicating that material is derived from those
sources. It includes the use of material obtained
from the internet.
Postgraduate – A person who is studying for a
Master’s degree. These students are also referred
to as Postgraduate Taught students. In the School
of Social Sciences this is normally a Master of Arts
or Science. Some postgraduate students may not
have undertaken an undergraduate degree first.
Internal Resolution – The School’s internal process
for resolving student appeals in relation to Senate
Regulation SR6.5. You must complete this stage
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Recommended word length – Where a word
length is given it is to advise students on the
amount of detail needed in a piece of work.
Students should aim to get as close as possible to
the recommendation in order to meet the
requirements of the assessment.
Reference – A note in an essay or dissertation
referring the reader to another passage or source
(usually the original source).
For further
information see point 18.3 of the online Resources
section.
Revised Submission Deadline (RSD) – An extension
to a coursework deadline due to extenuating
circumstances.
Senate Regulations – Rules and procedures set out
by the University.
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration/uni
versity-rules-and-regulations/senate-regulations
Student ID – This is a number that can be found on
your student ID card, which is provided to you at
registration. This number will normally end in /1.
Student Record Amendment Form (SRAF) – An
electronic form used for the amendment of a
student’s record regarding leave of absence,
permanent withdrawal, course change or mode
change.
Webmail – This is the email account that has been
provided to you by the University at registration.
Your Brunel email account is one of the main forms
of communication used by both academic and
administration staff. Please do not contact staff
using email accounts other than your Brunel email
account. Ensure you check your Brunel email
account on a daily basis.
Word Length – The word length is the maximum
amount of words you can use in an assignment. It
is given so that students can gauge how much
detail a specific assignment requires. Please note
that if you exceed a word length you may be
penalised unless the word length recommended
allows some flexibility.
Acronyms
ARC – Advice and Representation Centre
ASK – Academic Skills Service
DDS – Disability and Dyslexia Service
FSN – Thin sandwich course
FT – Full Time
GPA – Grade Point Average
PCC – Placement and Careers Centre
PT – Part Time
Tier 4 – Tier 4 migrants include international fee
paying applicants and students, and, in some rare
cases, other individuals who are subject to
immigration control in the UK.
Transcript – The official document issued to
students at the end of each academic year. It lists
the outcomes of all assessments for each module
and will provide information on progression and
award.
Undergraduate – A person who is studying for a
first degree; in the School of Social Sciences this is
normally a Bachelor of Arts or Science.
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8. Online Resources
General Information for all Levels
 Ethical Framework
 The Teaching and Learning Contract
 Behaviour in Lectures, Practicals and Seminars
 Equal Opportunities
 Valuing Diversity at Brunel University
 Non-Discriminatory Language – A Guide for
Students and Staff
 Important Dates 2013/14
 Registration
 Programme Specifications and Module Outlines
 MJ Centre
 School Technical Support and Computer Access
 Personal Tutoring
 Student Representation
 Coursework Submission Procedures
 Examinations
 Mitigating Circumstances
 Complaints and Appeals
 Plagiarism
 Disciplinary Procedures
 Brunel University: Policy Statement on
Implementation of Tier 4 of the Points Based
Scheme
 The Academic Skills Service (ASK)










Personal Development Planning (PDP)
Library Services
Union of Brunel Students
Useful Contacts in Brunel University
Week Numbers
Campus Map
Health and Safety Guidance
Glossary of Terms
Proof Reading
Recording of Lectures
Standard Forms
 Revised Submission Deadline
 Mitigating Circumstances
 Self Certification of Illness
 Internal Resolution
Undergraduate Specific Information
 Assessment, Progression and Award Regulations
 Work Placement Schedule
 Continuing to Postgraduate Study
Postgraduate Specific Information
 Assessment, Grading and Award Requirements
 Facilities for Postgraduate Students
The School’s main on-line resource is the
School of Social Sciences Resources page
www.brunel.ac.uk/sss/resources
Here you will find definitive information on regulations, procedures and School processes.
Please save the above link to your favourites. You will be required to use it frequently.
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