Student Handbook
MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
Academic Year 2015/2016
Course Leader – Dr. Francine Baker
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experience "an integrated community based on mutual respect and tolerance
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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
STUDENT HANDBOOK
FOR
MSc CONSTRUCTION LAW AND DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
CONTENTS
1. Introduction to the course
a. Induction Event
4
2. Structure of the course
10
3. Approaches to teaching and learning
15
4. Student support, guidance and conduct
20
5. Assessment
26
6. Course regulations
32
7. Student voice
35
8. Appendices
Appendix 1: Approved Programme Specification
36
9. Tuition Fee Information
45
1.
Introduction to the Course
Welcome to the MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution! The course
follows the UCLAN academic year starting in September of each year.
Balancing career, domestic and other needs is not easy - this is why we have
developed this programme, which makes the best use of face to face contact (at
workshops and also online via tutorials on each module) combined with the
efficiency and flexibility of electronic distance learning. The programme makes
extensive use of the teaching and learning technology known as 'Blackboard'
which is the product utilized by the University for its virtual learning environment
(otherwise known as “VLE‟ or “elearn‟).
This student course handbook is therefore intended to provide information for
continuing students, new students and those who are returning for more! It
should, however, be read in conjunction with School of Engineering’s Student
Handbook & also the University Regulations (accessible on-line via
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/aqasu/academic_regulations.php ) and from the School
Office link (accessible via the „My Institution‟ and „Home‟ pages on Blackboard –
in the section marked “My Organisations‟ ).
It is important that you make yourself familiar with the course and university
regulations, particularly in relation to the overall time limits for completing the
course and the procedures for dealing with problems that you may encounter in
completion (e.g. the availability of an application for extenuating circumstances
and for intercalation)
although if there is any conflict in any aspect of the regulations referred to in this
Handbook or any other source, then the University regulations, as published on
the University website, take precedence. Please do not let time pass if you are
experiencing difficulties with progressing your studies, as until an
application for extenuating circumstances or intercalation has been
accepted by the University, time is still running towards your overall
maximum registration period for this course.
In order to ensure that the handbook is always readily available for reference
purposes, it is located amongst the materials available online for every module. It
is very important that you find an opportunity to read this handbook as
soon as possible.
Should you require to talk to any member of the course team, please don't hesitate
to contact us by telephone, email or through the elearn or university
(@uclan.ac.uk) mailing system. For any general queries regarding Blackboard,
queries regarding inability to access online materials or other technical queries
regarding access to the course (including passwords etc.), please contact LIS
Customer Support – telephone 01772 895355 or email:
liscustomersupport@uclan.ac.uk or MCoulthard@uclan.ac.uk
Don’t forget that further support is available through the University eLearn
Support Site (once on this page click on „Blackboard Help Guides‟.
The full URL for our eLearn Support Site is:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/elearn/index.php
Finally, may we wish you a successful programme of study on the MSc in
Construction Law and Dispute Resolution. The final award of a Masters degree is
a considerable achievement and one that you should feel rightly proud of.
Dr Francine Baker BA. LLB (Hons) MA (1st cl.) PhD Solicitor England and Wales
Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
01772 894228 FBaker1@uclan.ac.uk
-
on behalf of the course team.
a.
Induction to the Course
Where?
The course commences with an induction event, namely the Induction Workshop
held at the Preston city campus.
When?
1pm on a Friday afternoon and finish at 7pm on the same day in September, or the
final two weeks of January, of each year.
Objectives?
1.To introduce students to the staff and to each other and to the resources used on
the course.
2. Practical guidance in using the technology (Blackboard) prior to the formal start
of the course The Induction event is also simultaneously accessible online, through
Adobe Connect, for those students who are unable to attend in person. We
aim to ensure that those attending online will be able to join in with the activities
during the Induction and as far as is possible.
The key sections of the Induction are recorded and made available for future
viewing within the online module pages for BN4502 Legal Skills for Non-Lawyers
(and BN4501 Construction Skills for Lawyers).
1.2. Rationale, aims and learning outcomes of the course
Rationale
The continued national and indeed global demand for construction and legal
professionals, skilled in the medium of construction law and dispute resolution
remains undiminished. This fact, together with an ever increasing demand for
blended e-learning provision in this subject area, given the difficulties busy
professionals (sometimes based in positions overseas) have in attending
traditional courses, justifies the delivery of this Postgraduate MSc. This
programme is designed for construction and legal professionals who wish to
exploit the benefits of electronic learning in enhancing their knowledge and
application of construction law in the context of their business and career needs.
We recognise that students would usually wish to complete their studies in the
shortest period of time possible, but that this is very much affected by individual
students‟ commitments in their working and personal lives. We have therefore
developed both a Blended e-learning (Fast Track) and Blended e-learning
(Standard Route) mode of study, each mode being designed to be completed by
students within different periods of time, from different locations and
corresponding to Full Time and Part Time study respectively. The Fast Track
mode of study can be completed in approximately 14 months (but this demands
similar hours to full time
Aims and Learning Outcomes for the Course
The course seeks to develop the skills of post-graduate construction industry and
legal professionals by aiming to:
•
develop a critical awareness of contemporary issues in construction law and
dispute resolution informed by the framework of the construction, engineering and
built environment sector and by leading edge research and practice.
•
extend and develop students‟ knowledge and systematic application of
construction law and dispute resolution in a wider context and to enhance
negotiation, communication and problem solving skills within complex dispute
resolution and interrelated scenarios.
•
apply effective e-learning and IT skills to construction law and dispute
resolution and the research process.
•
develop creative and innovative approaches to investigative research
including the review, evaluation and selection of appropriate sources and
justification of appropriate research methodologies and the communication of
findings in an objective, coherent and professional manner.
•
underpin skills in order to pursue life-long learning and continuous
professional development in the context of professional practice within the
subject specialism.
The themes of sustainability, enterprise, employability and internationalisation
are central to the course.
The following learning outcomes are intended to be met by those students who
successfully complete the course programme:
Knowledge and Understanding
•
Knowledge and understanding of the principles, interpretation and application
of construction contract law in the context of common law, International, European
Community and Environmental Law and sustainability.
•
Accurate, current and critically evaluated knowledge base of subject matter
viewed from relevant industrial/commercial perspectives and at a level consistent
with complex and unpredictable situations.
•
Comprehensive understanding of a range of complex dispute resolution
techniques/methodologies.
•
Conceptual appreciation of current research and advanced scholarship in
the field of construction law and dispute resolution.
•
Accurate, critically evaluated knowledge base of appropriate research
methodologies.
•
Sound understanding of the need to evaluate and adopt a considered
theoretical perspective or conceptual framework within which legal research can
be undertaken.
Subject-specific skills
•
Identification, retrieval, interpretation and evaluation of relevant legal material
•
Comparison of alternative legal systems and authorities.
•
Critical appraisal of the impact of legislation and government policy,
international and EU law, environmental law and policy on the construction
industry in terms of obligations, liability and contractual claims.
•
Evaluation of the impact of multi-delay and disruption events to construction
programmes and assessment of outcome scenarios in terms of obligations,
liability, enforcement and cost.
•
Identification and analysis of legally based issues relevant to the construction
industry and construction dispute resolution at large and selection of appropriate
qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address them.
•
Independent production of a major piece of written work using an
appropriate and justified research methodology, which employs evidenced based
argument, as part of managing an effective research project relating to
professional practice.
Thinking Skills
•
Contribution to debate relating to concepts, principles, interpretation, conflicts
and opinions.
•
Development of creative and innovative approaches to problem identification
and resolution.
•
Reflection and critical review of knowledge base and dispute resolution
methodologies.
•
Evaluation and justified selection of research methodologies appropriate
to the theoretical perspective or conceptual framework employed in the
research.
•
Development and effective employment of techniques of evaluation and
critical analysis in investigating solutions and the presentation of findings in an
unbiased and objective form.
•
Reflection and evaluation of judicial decision and legislative documents
in order to construct logical and lucid legal argument in an original piece of work.
Other Skills relevant to Employability and Personal Development
•
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally and prepare clear, fully
evidenced and referenced reports, essays and case studies.
•
Team work, planning and time management skills necessary for undertaking
a major project which can be applied to a workplace situation.
•
Use of IT and e-learning skills developed throughout the programme to
sustain currency of knowledge and the use of on line learning to develop and
enhance personal career aims and life-long learning.
•
Resolution of conflict through the demonstration of a systematic and original
approach to complex problems in order to make sound and confident judgements.
•
Acquisition and development of research skills applicable to the production of
a dissertation at Master‟s level, to personal continuing professional. development
and to workplace scenarios.
•
Development and application of IT skills to the identification and retrieval
of relevant data, the collection, processing and analysis of qualitative and
quantitative data.
The Programme Specification document (which can be located online) details
which of the learning outcomes are attributable to each individual module on the
course.
1.3. Course Team
Although many people contribute to the course's success, there is a central core
team of tutors, a course administrator and an elearning support team charged
with providing invaluable technical support to both tutors and students. The
course leadership function is fulfilled by Dr Francine Baker.
Dr Francine Baker BA/LLB (Hons), MA (1st cl.) PhD, Solicitor of England and
Wales (practising), Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
(Course Leader, Academic advisor Year 2 (PGDip), Module Leader BN4502,
BN4503 BN4505, BN 4507, BN4523 01772 894228 fbaker1@uclan.ac.uk
Jo Lambourne LLB (Hons), LLM
(Module Leader, BN4506)
01772 893230 jlambourne@uclan.ac.uk
Dr. Champika Liyanage BSc (Hons), PhD
(Module Leader BN4509)
01772 893221 clliyanage@uclan.ac.uk
Adebayo Oladapo PhD
(Module Leader BN4508)
01772 894227 aaoladapo@uclan.ac.uk
Lynn Smith - Programme Administrator
01772 893206 lsmith2@uclan.ac.uk
ELearn Support
The E-learning contact for this course is Marc Coulthard in the Harris Building room
318B and his telephone extension is 3811 MCoulthard@uclan.ac.uk
(There are many guides available via the following eLearn support link:)
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/elearn/index.php
or, contact:
LIS Customer Support 01772 895355
liscustomersupport@uclan.ac.uk
Course webpage:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/msc_pgdip_pgcert_construction_law_dispute_resolu
t ion.php (subject to updates)
1.4. Academic advisors
Dr Francine Baker LLB (Hons), MA (1st cl.) PhD, Solicitor
(Course Leader, Academic advisor, Module Leader BN4502, BN4503, BN4505,
BN4507 )01772 894228 fbaker1@uclan.ac.uk
1.5. Administration Details
Campus Admin Services provides academic administration support for students and
staff and are located at C and T Building and is open from 8.45am until 5.15pm
Monday to Thursday and until 4.00pm on Fridays. The hub can provide general
assistance and advice regarding specific processes such as extenuating
circumstances, extensions and appeals. Course specific information is also
available via school Blackboard sites.
The hub telephone number for the is EXT. 1994 OR 1995
The hub email contact is CandTHub@uclan.ac.uk
ELearn Support
(There are many guides available via the following eLearn support link:)
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/elearn/index.php
or, contact:
LIS Customer Support 01772 895355 liscustomersupport@uclan.ac.uk
1.6. Communication
The University expects you to use your UCLan email address and check regularly
for messages from staff. If you send us email messages from other addresses they
risk being filtered out as potential spam and discarded unread.
You will be able to contact us by email, telephone and fax and you will have the
opportunity to join in discussion forums not only with the course team, but also with
other students on the programme. We know from experience that students greatly
value the contacts they make with each other, forming 'self-help' groups, offering
and accepting pastoral and academic support for and from each other when, from
time to time, the 'going might get a bit tough'!
Many emailed or telephone queries or help needed can be dealt with immediately,
although some questions you may ask could take us a little while to answer,
sometimes due to peak workloads we experience at particular times of the year.
The requirements for admissions shall be in accordance with the Regulations set
out in the University's Admissions Policy and Code of Practice. See the
University Academic Regulations Section E, available to be downloaded via
UCLAN's regulations
1.7. External Examiner
The University has appointed an External Examiner to your course who helps to
ensure that the standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other
higher education institutions in the UK. The name of this person, their position and
home institution can be found below. If you wish to make contact with your
External Examiner, you should do this through your Course Leader and not directly.
External Examiner reports will be made available to you electronically. The School
will also send a sample of student coursework to the external examiner(s) for
external moderation purposes, once it has been marked and internally moderated
by the course tutors. The sample will include work awarded the highest and lowest
marks and awarded marks in the middle range.
The external examiner for this course, at present is:
Dr. Ian Trushell - Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University until October 2015.
Module and Award Course Boards will be held in August or October each year.
2. Structure of the course
2.1 Overall structure
The M.Sc. Course follows the UCLAN academic year, which is available from the
Academic Calendar. Therefore your work on modules which are set to complete for
for each year starts when the UCLAN academic year starts in September and
assessment for the modules should be completed by the end of May of the next
year, apart from exams, which are held for some modules- BN4501/2, BN4503,
BN4505 and BN4507 in late June/July. The module assessment is marked and
moderated at relevant times throughout the year, depending on submission dates
and marks are usually approved by the August of each academic year (dependent
on staff availability). (Some award board meetings may not occur until October of
the following academic year.)
Overall, attainment of the MSc via Standard Route distance learning should take
two years. In total 180 credits must be achieved. There is, however, an overall
maximum limit of three years to complete the MSc for Standard Route
blended e-learning students (a third year to allow completion of the dissertation).
Table 1. Structure of the MSc
All three modules first year modules must be successfully completed (that includes
assessed and marks approved) in the first academic year. Usually BN4508 is also
undertaken in first year, so that the dissertation may be started in year 2 during
which the other three modules must also be completed. See the table below.
Exit Awards
An exit award may be achieved if you do not wish to continue with the M.Sc. but
fulfil the requirements for year 1. You can then receive the PG Certificate .
If you also complete year 2 but do not attempt, or do not satisfactorily complete the
BN4509 Dissertation, you may achieve an exit award and receive a PG Diploma.
Level
Year 1
Module
Code
Level 4
(7)
BN4501
BN4502
Module Title
(C ) Compulsory
Construction Skills
for Lawyers
Or
Legal Skills for
Non- Lawyers (C)
Credit
Points
Exit Award
20
20
BN4503
Contractual Issues (C)
20
BN4504
European Construction
Law (C)
20
Postgraduate
Certificate in
Construction Law
pass/merit/distinction
In total, 60 credits
must be achieved.
.
Year 2
BN4505
20
Exit Award
BN4506
Tortious and Statutory
Issues (C)
Environmental Law
20
(option)
BN4507
Dispute Resolution (C)
20
Postgraduate Diploma in
Construction Law and
Dispute Resolution with
pass/merit/distinction
20
BN4508
(six level 4 (level 7) modules which
includes the three compulsory
PGDip modules shown opposite,
together with the PG.Cert
modules.) In total, 120 credits
Research Methods (C)
(This module must be
completed before starting
the Dissertation module
BN4509- but it may be
completed in 1st year or
by the end of of sem 1.
of 2nd. year.)
Level 4
(7)
BN4508
BN4509
must be achieved.
20
Dissertation (Double
Module) (C)
40
Master of Science in
Construction Law and
Dispute Resolution degree
with pass/merit/distinction
2.2 Modules
The details of the method of assessment, weighting of each form of assessment
and criteria for marking are contained in the Module Descriptors within the
Module Information Document for each Module (available via the Blackboard
space for the module concerned).
Level 1 (now Level 4) modules relate to the first year of an undergraduate degree
programme whilst all Level 4 (now Level 7) modules are associated with study on a
master's degree.
Each module has a number of credits allocated to it. A full module has a credit
rating of 20. In the Construction Law and Dispute Resolution programme all of the
modules are 'full' 20 credit modules apart from BN4509 Dissertation which is a
double (40) credit module.
2.2.1 Progression
As you would expect, each qualification referred to in Table 1 equates to a specific
number of credits as follows:
•
•
•
Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law - 60
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution - 120
MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution – 180
Having successfully completed first year modules BN4501/2 BN4503, and BN4504
in your first academic year, you will have accumulated 60 credits. If you do not wish
to proceed with the programme, you may qualify for the Exit Award of
Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law.
Having successfully completed these modules, you will have accumulated 120
credits and therefore can proceed to the MSc stage. Alternatively, if you do not
wish to proceed with the programme you may qualify for the Exit Award of
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution.
Having then successfully completed modules BN4508 and BN4509 (and
remember, you should have completed BN4508 Research Methods in your first
year or semester 1 of your second year, prior to commencing your dissertation),
you will have accumulated 180 credits and will qualify for the final award of MSc
Construction Law and Dispute Resolution.
2.3 Study Time
2.3.1. Information regarding access to Blackboard
Information regarding access to Blackboard is available via the elearn support site
available at https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/elearn/index.php and via the
many helpful guides on https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/faq/index.php If, having
read the advice on these pages you are still having difficulties accessing elearn
then contact LIS Customer Support (contact details are in the „Contact Us‟ section
of the pages at https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/faq/index.php )
2.3.2 Expected hours of study
The normal amount of work involved in achieving a successful outcome to your
studies is to study for 10 hours per each credit you need to achieve. Therefore,
each 20 credit module involves 200 hours of study.
2.3. Residential Attendance Requirements
A residential is held for year 1 modules, and then another is held for year 2
modules. It will take place approximately June/July of each year at a venue to be
advised. You pay a fee for each residential which includes your accommodation,
and any preparation and assessment conducted at the venue. (It may also include
some meals, depending on the venue.) The residential for each year’s modules will
usually only involve three to four days of your time, and it is likely to occur during
some weekdays.
You are required to attend and complete all residential assessments required for
each relevant module each year in order to be in a position to pass each relevant
module. The residentials concern assessments for BN4501/2, BN4503, BN4505,
BN4507.
You are required to arrange for your visas well in advance of the residential,
and to pay for your travel arrangements, and make sensible arrangements for
your transport to and from the venue for the residential, well in advance of
the residential. The university will not be held responsible in any way for the
payment of your travel, its arrangements or for any expense involved.
The residential includes preparation for the mandatory exams which take place
during the residential and which concern modules BN4501/2, BN4503 and BN4505
and BN4507. The residential is also where the exams take place. You will also give
assessable presentations for BN4501/2 and receive preparation for an assignment.
Assessable presentations for BN4501/2 (1st year) and any required dispute
resolution preparation for BN4508 will be arranged during the same residential
period (3-4 days).
Exceptional circumstances
If you wish to request leave of absence from the residential because of
‘exceptional’ circumstances’ an d are successful, you will be responsible for making
alternative examination and presentation venue arrangements for your assessment
with the approval of your Course Leader and Head of School.
‘Exceptional circumstances’ are regarded as very serious circumstances beyond
your control which have recently arisen and could not have been reasonably
foreseen at the time you enrolled on the relevant module, and which absolutely
prevent your attendance at the residential despite your reasonable efforts, for
example, your judicious efforts to obtain a visa well in advance of the residential.
Simply failing to take adequate steps to obtain a visa, or attempting to do so without
allowing a sufficient period of time within which to obtain a visa will not be
considered exceptional circumstances- nor will the claim that your employer
requires you to work during the residential. You need to plan well in advance of the
residential and obtain the necessary approvals, and leave.
A request for leave of absence must be given to the Head of School, Mr Rob
Wallace, through your Course Leader, Dr. Baker. It must also be made within a
reasonable time prior to the residential, and it must be supported by tangible and
sufficient evidence to justify an exceptional circumstances claim, in order for the
request to be considered.
International students have responsibilities under the Visas and Immigration
(UKVI)UK Border Agency (UKBA), Points Based System (PBS). Under PBS,
UCLan is obliged to tell UKBA UKVI if you withdraw from a course, defer or
suspend your studies, or if you fail to attend to the course residential requirements.
Guest speakers will usually be invited to present at the residentials. Past
presenters have included Tony Bingham, John Riches, Michael Conway, and Dr
Hamish Lal (a visiting professor at the University), the Dean of the Faculty of Law at
Edinburgh University, the Chairperson of the Scottish Branch of the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators, Project Managers from Bovis LendLease, Advocates from
the Paris Bar, and Contract Consultants specialising and having an involvement in
the development of the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC)(in its current
format the NEC3).
Visits during the residential have included Bouyges' worldwide headquarters near
Paris, the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament Building, the
International Arbitration Chamber in Paris and organisations such as SOCOTEC
and Europtima in Paris.
2.3.3 Learning Requirements
You are required to complete all learning activities for each module. Notification of
illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to the course
leader
2.4 Data Protection
All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection
with your studies at the University will be held securely and will be used by the
University both during your course and after you leave the University for a variety of
purposes. These are all explained during the enrolment process at the
commencement of your studies. If you would like a more detailed explanation of the
University’s policy on the use and disclosure of personal information, please
contact the Information Governance Officer, Clerk to the Board Service, University
of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE or email DPFOIA@uclan.ac.uk.
3. Approaches to teaching and learning
3.1 Expertise of staff
Dr. Francine Baker has been a practicing lawyer since 1991 in Property and Con
struction and is dual qualified as a Barrister & Solicitor in Australia and as a
Solicitor of England and Wales. She has also been involved in education since
1985, and as a Senior Lecturer since 2006 in Property and Construction Law as
well as Dispute Resolution teaching and Environmental and Planning Law, and also
as a Course Director of B.Sc (Hons) Quantity Surveying, and a published
researcher.
Joanne Lambourne is a lawyer and has also taught a range of built environment
modules for many years in Law and Built environment Schools and brings a Master
of Laws specialism in Environmental Law to the course.
Dr Champika Lianage is a leader in research in the School and an expert on
construction related published research. She has been involved in a number of high
profile projects.
Dr Adebayo Oledapo also brings a wealth of experience as a published researcher
and as a construction law lecturer in Africa and the UK.
The team are supplemented by high profile guest speakers and participants such
as Barristers and Solicitors and industry professionals.
3.2 Learning and teaching methods
The method of programme delivery makes the use of blended e- learning and face
to face interaction and has been designed to achieve the following:
•
a realistic balance of electronic learning and face to face interaction between
students, the course team and other contributors to the course
•
regular on-line tutorials to provide supplementary support in subject areas by
academic staff
•
the selection of texts, journal articles and case law for their relevance and
rigour in terms of writing quality and critical analysis consistent with the programme.
•
the constant reviewing and updating of learning materials in order to maintain
currency
The MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution is delivered via the University
of Central Lancashire's virtual learning platform called elearn, the third party
sotware product used is Blackboard - which is specifically designed for the
electronic delivery of courses. Most of the learning materials are therefore web
based and your studying will be directed by following the instructions, guidance and
help referred to above and in the Module Materials. You can access the
programme material by simply logging on to your PC at home, work or even while
you are travelling! This 'programme material' is principally in the form of Modules
which contain their own aims, learning outcomes, reading matter, discussion
forums, section assessment questions (SAQs) and assessments.
All you have to do is simply follow the instructions within each module.
Do take the time to read the material on the elearn support site if you have not
already done so. If you have read the guidance available from the website and are
still uncertain about using the technology, please contact the technical support and
elearning development officer for the School.
Materials - electronic.
Much of the material you will need to access, read, analyse and evaluate will be
available electronically. The modules themselves, of course, are accessed via
elearn and contain links (see the left hand side menu of each module space on
Blackboard) to other web based materials such as:
Electronic Journals
Electronic databases such as Emerald, EBSCO, Ingenta
UK government departments
UK government documents
EC documents and reports
UK and EC case law
Newspaper articles
UK and EC legislation in force and draft legislation
Consultation papers
Statistical databases such as OECD
Professional institutions such as RICS, CIOB, CIArb etc.
HMSO
Materials - electronic and paper based.
Not all of the material you will need for the programme can be obtained
electronically. Sometimes essential text books are required for specific modules
(please see the module reading lists on Blackboard for each module but also the
online reading lists available at this link may assist) and these may be available in
hard copy only. Other sources may be accessible via the full range of services,
including book and journal loans, available via the LIS team. You can also gain
direct access to E-Databases (and reading lists online) from this website.
Do note that as a Distance and Learning student you are able to access
extra services from our Library and Information Support team. This is
available via this link. See also
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/library/index.php
The Learning and Information Support (LIS) team If you wish to email then do
please contact them via: LISCustomerSupport@uclan.ac.uk
Telephone queries are available through LIS also. Please telephone +44 (0)1772
895355 or internal extension 5355 between the following hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
As noted above, there may be some of the material which you might need for this
stage of the programme which is not immediately available in an electronic
format. However, the Document Delivery Team can produce electronic texts
comprising, for example, journal articles and book chapters available for you. You
will be able to view, print or download approved materials from any computer with
access to the web, through the university's computing network.
Where non electronic sources are identified as necessary reading within the
modules, LIS will digitize the lecturer identified page(s) and make these available to
you in the same manner. In this way, you don't need to worry about copyright as
this is researched, checked, cleared and paid for by us - as a last resort where
even this task is not possible for whatever reason, LIS will photocopy the material
you need and post it to you!
In order to make full use of this service, you must have a PC capable of reading
PDF files, which requires Acrobat Reader or equivalent.
3.3 Study skills
We support the development of study skills. There are a variety of services to
support students and these include
WISER
https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_33_1
LIS
https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_25_1
The essence of study for both undergraduate and particularly, Masters level, is
that it is largely self-directed: rather than "spoon-fed" - you must use your own
initiative to read up on the topic under consideration. Please therefore try to
establish the habit of using library books and other on-line material as much as
possible, especially when preparing for workshops or assessments. Reading lists
are contained within Module Information documents and also in a separate link
available on the left hand menu of each Blackboard Module space.
It is essential that you consult, as often as possible, the leading academic
journals.
This will help you to keep abreast of current developments within the subject area
and to appreciate the finer points of debate among the experts.
In addition, you are strongly advised to read regularly a daily broadsheet (The
Independent, The Guardian, The Times, The Financial Times, The Daily
Telegraph). They will contain useful details of recent business and management
related developments and helpful commentaries. In particular, matters of
environment, economics and finance are at the moment very frequently debated
within their pages.
3.4 Learning resources
3.4.1 Learning Information Services (LIS)
Extensive resources are available to support your studies provided by LIS –
library and IT staff. Take advantage of the free training sessions designed to
enable you to gain all the skills you need for your research and study.
Throughout all of the stages, the programme has been carefully planned and
timed to allow you to work in a disciplined manner within an overall manageable
time frame.
Our course administrator, Lynn Smith (lsmith2@uclan.ac.uk) (tel: 01772 893206)
is on hand to answer your queries regarding the various services available to you
and can direct you to the correct team within the university, if she is unable to
answer your query herself.
Electronic Resources
LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources – e-journals and
databases, e-books, images and texts.
Student Feedback
The programme is managed by the course team. However, we need your
feedback at regular intervals, both formally and informally, in order to identify and
resolve any issues such as: matters which are hindering or delaying your
progress, or where you may wish to comment on the structure, content or quality
of any aspect of the provision, including the residential workshops/conferences.
Final Submission of Work Dates in order for marks to be awarded
All work necessary to complete a module must have been submitted at least 14
calendar days in advance of a module board if the mark for that module is to be
presented to that module board for approval.
Similarly all applications for extenuating circumstances must be submitted and
received by the School at least one week prior to the relevant board. For
example, If the board is on a Wednesday then the application must have been
submitted by close of day on the Tuesday of the previous week.
3.5 Personal development planning
We are here to encourage and support students to achieve personal
development plans. If you have any problems with your course plan please
contact
3.6 Preparing for your career
Your future is important to us, so to make sure that you achieve your full potential
whilst at university and beyond, your course has been designed with
employability learning integrated into it. This is not extra to your degree, but an
important part of it which will help you to show future employers just how valuable
your degree is. These “Employability Essentials” take you on a journey of
development that will help you to write your own personal story of your time at
university:
•To begin with, you will explore your identity, your likes and dislikes, the things
that are important to you and what you want to get out of life.
•Later, you will investigate a range of options including jobs and work experience,
postgraduate study and self- employment,
You will then be ready to learn how to successfully tackle the recruitment
process.
You will be able to record your journey using Pebblepad, the university’s eportfolio system, which will leave you with a permanent record of all the fantastic
things you have achieved during your time at UCLan. It’s your future: take charge
of it!
Careers offers a range of support for you including:•career and employability advice and guidance appointments
•support to find work placements, internships, voluntary opportunities, part-time
employment and live projects
•workshops, seminars, modules, certificates and events to develop your skills
Daily drop in service available from 09:00-17:00 for CV checks and initial careers
information. For more information come along and visit the team (in Foster
building near the main entrance) or access our careers and employability
resources via the Student Portal.
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/safety_health_environment/index.php
4. Student support, guidance and conduct
We know how difficult it is at times to keep up with the planned work schedule
and now and again, you may find yourself falling behind. You must let us know as
soon as possible when you are starting to get behind! You can contact any of the
course team at any time to discuss your difficulties, and to arrive at a mutually
acceptable solution which will set you off on your way again and help you to
achieve the course deadlines.
Discussion about your progression through the course normally takes place at the
October (for September starters) and February (for January starters) boards each
year. It is an opportunity for you to make plans for your study over the next
academic year.
Please note that, as previously mentioned, you must comply with the overall
University regulations for the maximum period of study on the course.
A failure to complete a module within the academic year may lead to the module
not being passed and a resubmission being necessary (with your subsequent
mark being capped at a maximum of the pass level of 50%).
Please note: To extend the overall time for completion of a module, an
application for extenuating circumstances would have to be made and such
applications are determined in strict accordance with university regulations
applicable to such applications – see the downloadable documents at
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/aqasu/academic_regulations.php.)
See also “intercalation‟ (or freezing of your studies). This is only available after
BN4501/2 has been completed
You may be able to successfully submit a request for extenuating circumstances
to be considered or for intercalation (a temporary suspension of studies),
however that is a matter that is not within the course team’s ability to grant and is
considered for approval by others within the School (in strict accordance with the
University academic and assessment regulations – see the downloadable
documents at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/aqasu/academic_regulations.php. )
Your module leader is your first point of contact regarding a module, however
your Academic advisor, Dr Francine Baker is always available if there is a
personal issue or course planning issue.
4.1 Academic advisors
The Academic advisor for this course, Dr. Francine Baker, follows the school
policy. If possible it is best to discuss matters by telephone or mobile. It may also
be possible to skype. Times of contact can be arranged within reason to suit your
timeframe. Other academic advisors may be appointed.
Your academic advisor will normally:
•Offer academic advice throughout the year,
•Monitor your progress and attainment through the year,
•advise you on your progress and issues such as option choices and electives,
•Offer personal support, referring you to relevant University support services
where appropriate,
•Support you in the context of any disciplinary matters.
In some instances, your Academic advisor may refer you to your Course Leader
or a Module Tutor for clarification of detail.
You should:
•Make use your Academic advisor. (You can make private appointments to see or
communicate with your Academic advisor.)
•Make sure you know how to contact them.
Watch out for emails, notices and memos asking you to make appointments with
your Academic advisor
4.2 Student Support
The 'i' is a central Student Information Centre and your first point of contact. You
can obtain information on a wide range of topics including Council Tax Exemption
Certificates, Bank and Confirmation of Study Letters, Portable Financial Credits,
(continuing students only, Printing and Printer Credit, UCLan Cards, the ‘iI’ shop
and UCLan Financial Support Bursary (first year students only).
The School of Engineering: The School Office opening times are as follows:
Monday to Thursday 8.45 am – 5.15 pm
Friday 8.45 am – 4.00 pm
The staff are there to help you whilst you are at the University. They will try to
answer most queries of a general nature, but they are not Academic advisors or
Student Counsellors. If you have a specific problem of an academic or personal
nature, you should make contact with your Academic advisor in the first instance.
The Programme Administrator is your link between you and the computer and
deals with all aspects of your Student Record. You should check with the
Programme Administrator if you have any queries regarding your programme of
study. If you wish to make any changes to your programme you should fill in a
Profile Change Form which must be signed by you and your Academic advisor. If
the form is not filled in correctly, changes cannot be made.
Any changes to home or term addresses should also be reported here. If
we do not have your correct address on the computer, important documentation
may not reach you.
Technical Support
A number of technicians are available in support of the School’s activities. They
are responsible for providing support for IT, laboratories, workshops and audio
visual aids in the School. They will demonstrate technical processes and the use
of School equipment and assist individual students with the presentation of work.
The E-learning contact for this course is Marc Coulthard
MCoulthard@uclan.ac.uk in the Harris Building room 318B and his telephone
extension is 3811
Other technicians‟ offices are currently located in the laboratory areas, rooms
HB128 and HB129 in Harris Building and KM126 in Kirkham Building.
Student Services
Student Services comprises a wide range of high quality advice and information
on matters such as careers, personal counselling, disability etc. The full range of
services can be accessed via http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/
Student Liaison Officer (SLO)
Student Liaison Officers have recent experience of what it is like to be a student
and can advise you of the support systems available. They work towards improving
your student experience here at UCLan, more information about their role can be
found via the Student Union.
4.3 Disabilities
If you have a disability that may affect your studies, please either contact the
Disability Advisory Service - disability@uclan.ac.uk - or let one of the course team
know as soon as possible. With your agreement information will be passed on to
the Disability Advisory Service. The University will make reasonable adjustments
to accommodate your needs and to provide appropriate support for you to
complete your study successfully. Where necessary, you will be asked for
evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.
The University is firmly committed to providing the widest possible access and to
removing barriers to those with disabilities and/or learning difficulties while
ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. A formal process is in place to
undertake an assessment of the student's needs and students are strongly
encouraged to disclose a disability or learning difficulty.
Disclosure means that you tell us or the Disability Advisory that you have a
learning difficulty or disability. Once you have disclosed your disability, it allows
us to make reasonable adjustments. By making these adjustments we will make
every effort to ensure that you will not be at a disadvantage because of your
disability.
Following disclosure, staff will make every effort to provide reasonable
adjustments to ensure that students are not placed at a substantial disadvantage
in comparison with persons that are not disabled. Where a student does not
disclose and where the University might not reasonably be expected to know
about a student's disability and/or learning difficulty, the University might not
make adjustments which it would otherwise have made.
If you have a disability that may affect your studies, please therefore either
contact the Disability Advisory Service - disability@uclan.ac.uk - or let one of the
course team know as soon as possible. With your agreement information will be
passed on to the Disability Advisory Service.
Assessment arrangements for students with a disability
Arrangements are made for students who have a disability/learning difficulty for
which valid supporting evidence can be made available. Contact the Disability
Adviser for advice and information, disability@uclan.ac.uk.
Data Protection – the information about your disability is protected by the Data
Protection Act (1988) and every member of staff at the University follows a strict
Code of Practice to comply with the Act. This law prevents your personal details
from being accessed from outside or given to other people.
Supporting You – disclosure of your disability allows us to make arrangements
for an Academic Assessment of Need Report – this can be done in conjunction
with special advisors within the Disability Advisory Service. Once you are
assessed you
may be eligible via your Local Education Authority for additional funding to pay for
assistive support. Your Assessment of Need Report will be given to your Course
Leader with your full consent) who then can further support you in your needs and
this can include:
Assistive technology such as screen readers, Braille displays, readers,
typists/audio typists, FSL/English interpreters, note-takers, language support tutors
for deaf students, learning support tutors for dyslexic students, educational
psychologists, information technology trainers, library helpers, educational
technology support workers, specialist transcribers and mentor tutors for students
with mental health disabilities.
Assessments – marking guidelines are used by your tutors
Support by training or use of technical services Extra liaison with tutors
Funding your requirements
Welfare matters and
Careers information, advice and guidance
Contact/Further Disability Support - Please ask your academic advisor or the
School Office for the School Disability Contact.
Further assistance and information can be found at the following link:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/life/disability_services.php
Other support
Although Academic advisors, Course Leaders and Year Tutors will deal with most
of the day-to-day questions which arise, the Head of School is always willing to
see or talk to students and an appointment can be made via email to the School
Office.
Complaints Policy
As already noted above, students may appeal against Assessment Board
Decisions in accordance with the procedures set out in Section I of the Academic
Regulations and Section 6 of the Assessment Handbook.
For other, informal, complaints students may approach either their personal or
module tutor, the course leader, the student course representative(s), or the
student liaison officer for the School.
The University recognises that there may be occasions when you have cause for
complaint about the service you have received. When this happens, the
complaints procedure is intended to provide an accessible, fair and
straightforward system which ensures an effective, prompt and appropriate
response. Click on this link for more information Complaints Procedure.
4.4 Health & Safety
As a student of the University you are responsible for the safety of yourself and
for that of others around you. You must understand and follow all the regulations
and safety codes necessary for a safe campus environment. Please help to keep
it safe by reporting any incidents, accidents or potentially unsafe situations to a
member of staff as soon as possible.
Safety assessments have been undertaken for each module of your course and
you will be advised of all applicable safety codes and any specific safety issues
during the induction to your course and modules. You must ensure that you
understand and apply all necessary safety codes. These form an essential
element of your personal development and contribute to the safety of others.
Whether on or off campus, safety regulations, procedures and working practices
must be observed. Safety corridors must be kept clear and the NO SMOKING
rule should be observed at all times. Please help to keep your environment safe
by reporting any incidents, accidents or potentially unsafe situations to a member
of staff as soon as possible.
Whilst at the university or at any of the workshops, never attempt to use
equipment or facilities without instruction. At any time if you are in doubt about a
particular process or procedure, you should consult a technician or a member of
academic staff.
Observe fire exits and extinguishers, emergency phones and the emergency
phone number: - 333.
First aid officers are located within all buildings and details appear on notices on
each floor of University buildings.
The University recognises and accepts its responsibilities for providing a safe and
healthy workplace and work environment for students as well as its employees
and others (contractors, visitors and the public) that may be affected by its work.
In addition to this, individuals have an important role in co-operating with those
responsible to take reasonable care of themselves and not to harm others.
In order to ensure that everyone involved with the University (employees,
students and others) can function without risk to their health and safety, the
University has policies and procedures in place to identify hazards (the potential
for harm), assess risks (the likelihood of that harm being realised) and manage
those risks.
Further information on Health and Safety is available on the University and
School web pages
Health Centre
Medical staff offer a full range of GP services. You are advised to register either
with the Medical Centre or a local GP as soon as possible if you have moved to
Preston to take up your studies.
4.5 Conduct
You will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in
the University. UCLan expects you to behave in a respectful manner
demonstrated by using appropriate language in class, and switching mobile
phones / other devices off prior to attending classes.
If your behavior is considered to be unacceptable, any member of staff is able to
issue an informal oral warning and the University will support staff by invoking
formal procedures where necessary. You can read more about UCLan
expectations in the regulations for the Conduct of Students.
4.6 Students’ Union
You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this
course through the feedback you give. In addition to the ongoing discussion with
the course team throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to
feedback about your experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to
your feedback and let you know of our plans for improvement.
The Students’ Union is the representative body for all UCLan students. The
organisation exists separately from the University and is led by the elected
officers of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) as well as representatives on the
Students’ Council. The Students’ Union building is located at the heart of the
Preston campus, and is the hub for all student activities.
Representation and campaigning for students’ rights is at the core of what we do
and is encompassed by our tag line of, Making Life Better for Students. Should
you wish to make a change to any aspect of your student experience, whether it
be academically related or not, then the Union is where your voice can be heard,
actions taken, or campaigns launched.
Your Union is also the home to a fantastic range of student-led societies, sports
teams and multitudes of volunteering opportunities. You can also receive help in
finding part-time work, whilst you study. Not sure where to go pop into the
Opportunities Centre on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building and
someone will point you in the right direction.
We hope your time at University is trouble free, but should you come into
difficulties around anything from academic appeals, to issues with housing,
benefits or debt, then our dedicated staff team in the Advice and Representation
Centre are on hand to help. As we are independently run from the university, we
can offer truly impartial advice.
More information on all these things, as well as details about all our (not-for-profit)
commercial services, including our student supermarket (Essentials) and studentbar (Source) and student venue (53 Degree), can be found at
http://www.uclansu.co.uk/
5. Assessment
Please note that all modules must be assessed. You are expected to attempt all
required assessments for each module for which you are registered, and at the
times scheduled, unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for
disability, or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.
Assessment details are contained within each module (see each module‟s
Module Information Guide).
All assessable work, except for exams must be submitted through the Blackboard
turnitin submission box set up for each assessment
You will be provided with generic feedback for assessment which contribute to a
module within 20 working days of the scheduled final submission date, unless
otherwise advised. Feedback may be oral, written, posted on a website or other.
5.1 Assessment Strategy
In order to gain the award of MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution,
you must pass each module (including the dissertation) (with a minimum of 50%):
Assessment may be by means of exams, essays, and/or other section
assessment questions (SAQs), presentations, reports, case studies or other
written exercises presented either individually or in a group. Note also that the
results of your performance at the workshop conferences are fed into a module at
each of the PGCert and PGDip stages.
You must also pass, with a minimum of 50%, each element of the assessment of
each module.
The date for submission of work is stated in each module programme
planner.
Section Assessment Questions (SAQs) are assessable for some modules
such as BN4504 and BN4506 and BN4508. Overall, you must achieve a mark of
50% or above when the SAQs in a particular module are aggregated. Your
answer to each SAQ is expected to produce an answer with a guideline length of
no more than 300 words. Answers substantially in excess of the guideline length
will attract penalties for not being sufficiently concise. Answers substantially less
than 300 words may well be lacking in detail or failing to include all aspects
required by the question.
You must submit your SAQs through the Blackboard turnitin system submission
box set up on each module.
Written Assignments - Essays/Reports/Case Studies/Decisions etc
The fundamental purpose of the assignments is to assess your ability to articulate
and evaluate arguments, to find and use primary and secondary resources, and
to compose a well structured, accurate, coherent, carefully presented and
properly referenced piece of work.
Written assignments may be up to between 2,000-2,500 words (excluding
references and footnotes) - although see individual module requirements. You
are expected to submit written assignments in typed or word-processed format.
You should read widely before starting to write, but your written assignments
must be written using your own words. You can quote from published
sources, including textbooks and other various sources, but you must give full
references using the Harvard system of referencing, both in the narrative section
of your written work and in a References section at the end of your work.
You should submit your assignments through the Blackboard turnitin system
submission box set up on each module.
Please keep your tutor’s details available at all times as it may be that you cannot
access the system for whatever reason.
The quality of the assessment procedure and methods together with the standard
of marking and student work is evaluated by the course's external examiner on an
annual basis as part of the University's ongoing quality assurance mechanism.
Exams
The exams are held at the mandatory residential venue held each year
approximately in June/July. There is an exam for the following modules: BN4502,
BN4503, BN4505 and BN4507. Each exam is two hours long and may consists of
between three to four questions to answer. The exams are closed book exams,
so you cannot bring in anything to the exam except pens and your passport and
student card. Electronic devices, coats and hats and shawls must be placed at
the back of the exam room, well away from a desk.
The exam may require you to address essay questions or problem scenarios.
Your preparation for the exams starts when you start the modules each Sept.,
however, a tutor will assist you with exam technique and queries at the residential
prior to the exam, and during the academic year you will be prepared for your
exam with mock exam questions and suggested answers.
Presentations
Sometimes 'presentations' are used to assess competence in a particular topic
area. This is usually conducted at the residential where the presentation is part of
your mandatory assessment for BN4501/2. We need to judge how well you are
able to present an argument orally, and how you respond to questions posed at
the end of your presentation. This will enable you to develop invaluable skills for
communication and negotiation.
(If, however, you can prove that ‘exceptional circumstances’ ( see section 2.3 of
the handbook) have arisen to the satisfaction of the Head of School through your
Course Leader – and at a reasonable time prior to the start of the residential -you
may produce a DVD presentation and submit that for the presentation
assessment. There will be a subsequent questioning session which can then be
undertaken by telephone or skype or its equivalent.)
Student Café Forum Posts
The expectation is that students will interact with each other in forming views on
issues raised by their module material. The site may be monitored by the Module
leader as well as the Course Leader.
Assessment Regulations
The School of Engineering modules and courses operate within the University
Academic Regulations containing detailed information about the assessment
regulations, conduct of boards, the role of external examiners, appeals and much
more besides.
In determining assessment recommendations, Assessment Boards will consider
properly submitted claims from students who believe their performance has been
adversely affected by extenuating circumstances.
N.B. Assessment Boards are not permitted to alter individual assessment
marks to take account of extenuating circumstances (Academic
Regulations: G9.5)
Accreditation of prior learning (APL)
Can you be accredited for previous studies or experience?
The short answer is yes. We call this 'accreditation of prior learning', or APL for
short. APEL stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning which allows
evidenced work experience to be taken into account. It is available to students in
accordance with the University's published policies and guidelines. On
postgraduate programmes, entry is normally what is based on results obtained
from a previous post graduate programme, in accordance with University
Regulations for APL/APEL (see Section E4 of the Academic Regulations).
Applications for accreditation of prior learning, whether based on previous
experience or certification of previous studies, will be considered on an individual
basis. You should submit your applications to the course team who will then verify
your qualifications and liaise with the.University's APL co-ordinator.
5.2 Notification of assignments and examination arrangements
Students will be notified of the requirements for individual assessments and their
respective deadlines for submission / examination arrangements within module
information packs or through Blackboard.
5.3 Referencing
The University produces a useful guide to the Harvard System. It can be found at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/library/files/Harvard_Referencing_UCLan
_Rev_2012.pdf
For case law, legislation, statutory instruments, Law Commission reports and
journals see:
http://www.competition-law.ox.ac.uk/published/oscola.shtml
5.4 Confidential material
From time to time you may access confidential information during the course e.g.
module leader notes which might inform assignments, and research content, e.g.,
as the result of surveys.
You have ethical and legal responsibilities to respect confidentiality and maintain
the anonymity of individuals and organisations within their assignments.
5.5 Dealing with difficulties in meeting assessment deadlines
Assignments must be submitted no later than the date on your assignment
instructions / brief. If you anticipate that you will have difficulty in meeting
assessment deadlines or you have missed or are likely to miss in-semester tests
you must report this at the earliest possible opportunity to your module leader.
Authorisation of the late submission of work requires written permission. Your
School is authorised to give permission for one extension period of between 1
and 10 working days where appropriate evidence of good reason has been
accepted and where submission within this timescale would be reasonable taking
into account your circumstances (Academic Regulations).
You should complete and submit an extension request form, with any supporting
evidence, to your School office. Further information is available on the Student
Portal at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_ci
rcumstances.php
We aim to let you know if the extension has been granted within 1 working day of
the receipt of the request.
If you are unable to submit work within 10 working days after the submission date
due to verifiable extenuating circumstances, you may submit a case for
consideration in accordance with the University’s Policies and Procedures on
Extenuating Circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).
5.5.1 Extenuating circumstances
Some students face significant events in their personal life that occur after their
course has started, which have a greater impact on their studies than can be
solved by the use of an extension. If this applies to you, the University is ready to
support you both with regard to your course and your personal wellbeing through
a process called Extenuating Circumstances (see Academic Regulations and
Assessment Handbook).
Normally extenuating circumstances will relate to a change in your circumstances
since you commenced your course, which have had a significant, adverse effect
on your studies. Everyday occurrences such as colds or known conditions such
as hay-fever will not qualify unless the effects are unusually severe and this is
corroborated by a medical note. The University does not look sympathetically on
absences or delays caused by holiday commitments or by work commitments in
the case of full-time students. The normal work commitments of part-time
students would not constitute an extenuating circumstance. A disability or
learning difficulty does not constitute an extenuating circumstance (see Academic
Regulations).
Further information is available on the Student Portal at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_ci
rcumstances.php
You can apply for extenuating circumstances online via myUCLan. You must
apply no later than 3 days after any examination or assessment submission date.
Do not wait until you receive your assessment results to submit a claim. It is in
your own interests to submit the claim as soon as possible.
You will be expected to re-submit claims for extenuating circumstances for each
semester. All evidence that is provided relating to extenuating circumstances will
be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. Supporting evidence will not be
kept for longer than is necessary and will be destroyed shortly after the end of the
current academic year.
Further information about the submission process is available at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_ci
rcumstance_submission.php
In determining assessment recommendations, Assessment Boards will consider
properly submitted claims from students who believe their performance has been
adversely affected by extenuating circumstances. N.B. Assessment Boards are
not permitted to alter individual assessment marks to take account of extenuating
circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).
5.5.2 Late Submission
If you submit work late and unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in
relation to your work:
•If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date
you will obtain the minimum pass mark.
•Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date
will be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment
•Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a
mark of 0% for that element of assessment.
5.6 Feedback Following Assessments
UCLan is committed to giving you clear, legible and informative feedback for all
your assessments (Academic Regulations: G2.4). You are expected to review
and reflect on your feedback and learn from each experience to improve your
performance as you progress though the course.
For distance learning courses:
You will be provided with generic feedback for in-module formative and
summative elements of assessment which contribute to a module within 20
working days of the scheduled submission or examination date. Generic
feedback on end of module assessment and dissertations will usually be made
available within 20 days of publication of results, unless otherwise notified.
Feedback may be oral, written, posted on a website or other.
5.7 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation
You are required to sign a declaration indicating that individual work submitted for
an assessment is your own.
If you attempt to influence the standard of the award you obtain through cheating,
plagiarism or collusion, it will be considered as a serious academic and
disciplinary offence as described within the Academic Regulations: G7 and the
Assessment Handbook .
•Cheating is any deliberate attempt to deceive and covers a range of offences
described in the Assessment Handbook.
•Plagiarism describes copying from the works of another person without suitably
attributing the published or unpublished works of others. This means that all
quotes, ideas, opinions, music and images should be acknowledged and
referenced within your assignments.
•Collusion is an attempt to deceive the examiners by disguising the true
authorship of an assignment by copying, or imitating in close detail another
student’s work - this includes with the other student’s consent and also when 2 or
more students divide the elements of an assignment amongst themselves and
copy one another’s answers. It does not include the normal situation in which you
learn from your peers and share ideas, as this generates the knowledge and
understanding necessary for each individual to independently undertake an
assignment; nor should it be confused with group work on an assignment which is
specifically authorised in the assignment brief.
•Re-presentation is an attempt to gain credit twice for the same piece of work.
There are specific resources available at UCLan designed to help students to
understand the meaning of plagiarism and how to avoid it e.g. by cross
referencing to guidelines on referencing assignments effectively – School or
University materials.
Your assessment work will be submitted through Turnitin which will identify
plaigorism. The process of investigation and penalties which will be applied can
be reviewed in the Assessment Handbook, section 5. If an allegation is found to
be proven then the appropriate penalty will be implemented:
In the case of a single offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or representation:
•the penalty will be 0% for the element of assessment, and an overall fail for the
module.
Please also see the Assessment Handbook for the procedure involving a unfair
means meeting under 6.4 ‘Procedure Following an Allegation of Unfair Means’
The website is currently:
https://intranet.uclan.ac.uk/ou/sass/resourcecentre/External%20Library/Assessment%20Handbook%20201415.pdf
The process of investigation and penalties which will be applied can be reviewed
in the Assessment Handbook. If an allegation is found to be proven then the
appropriate penalty will be implemented:
In the case of a single offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or representation:
• penalty will be 0% for the element of assessment, and an overall fail for
the module.
• the plagiarised element of assessment must be resubmitted to the required
standard and the mark for the module following resubmission will be
restricted to the minimum pass mark. (ie 40% for levels 4, 5 and 6 work,
50% for level 7 work).
• when it is detected for the first time on a resubmission for an already failed
module, no further resubmission for the module will be permitted, and the
appropriate fail grade will be awarded.
In the event of a repeat offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or representation (irrespective of whether the repeat offence involves the same form
of unfair means) on the same or any other module within the course:
•the appropriate penalty will be 0% for the module with no opportunity for reassessment. This penalty does not preclude you being able to retake the module
in a subsequent year.
The penalties will apply if you transfer from one UCLan course to another during
your period of study and module credits gained on the former course are
transferred to the current course.
You may also contact the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre by
emailing: suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and guidance.
5.8 Appeals against assessment board decisions
If you consider that you have a reason to appeal against an assessment board
decision, please bear in mind that your reasons must fall within the grounds
specified in the University Academic Regulations: Section I. You cannot appeal
simply because you disagree with the mark given. The specified grounds for
appeal are:
1.that an Assessment Board has given insufficient weight to extenuating
circumstances;
2.that the student’s academic performance has been adversely affected by
extenuating circumstances which the student has, for good reason, been unable
to make known to the Assessment Board;
3.that there has been a material administrative error at a stage of the examining
process, or that some material irregularities have occurred;
4.that the assessment procedure and/or examinations have not been conducted
in accordance with the approved regulations.
If you want to appeal, then you must do so within 14 days of your results being
published. The onus is on you to find out your results and submit your appeal on
time. Contact the Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing:
suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and guidance.
6. Course regulations
6.1 Course requirements
All modules are normally undertaken on a part time basis and all must be
commenced at the start of the academic year in September. The three first year
modules all start at the same time at the start of the academic year in Sept. each
year and are completed by the end of the academic year (this includes assessed
and approval for entry into second year). The three 2nd year modules also all start
at the same time at the start of the academic year in Sept. each year and are
completed by the end of the academic year, as explained above. The Research
methods module BN4508 must be completed in the first year of the course or by
the end of the first semester of the second year. The dissertation module should
be started in the second year and also completed by the end of that academic
year, however, leave may be given for the dissertation to be completed during the
next academic year- that is, during a third academic year.
1st year modules
BN4501 - Construction skills for lawyers, or BN4502 which covers legal skills for
construction professionals, including an understanding of the English Legal
System and introduction to Litigation.
BN4503 – Construction Contractual issues which includes an understanding of
legal issues connected with standard contracts such as the JCT, NEC and FIDIC,
and the broader international implications of contracts.
BN4504 - European and Procurement law relevant to construction professionals
concerning for example EU directive which must be followed and can dictate how
procurement should be conducted and challenged
(BN4508 – Research Methods (may be completed in 1st or 2nd year). Students
will formulate their proposal for a suitable research question for the dissertation
during the completion of this BN4508 module. The module also enables students
to apply appropriate legal methods and methodological frameworks to their
research.
The BN4508 module must be successfully completed before starting BN4509
Dissertation.
2nd year modules
BN4505 -Tortious Issues relevant to Construction concern non-contractual legal
obligations to avoid trespass and professional negligence and statutory torts.
BN5606 - Environmental Law (Option) concerns the important interaction of
construction with environmental and related planning law issues
BN4507 - Dispute Resolution focuses on alternative means to the court of
resolving disputes such as conciliation, adjudication, dispute resolution boards
and also arbitration, and how they are conducted and resolved with reference to
the rules fo evidence
BN4509 – Dissertation. This fleshes out and develops the proposal developed
during the BN4508 Research Methods module
BN4510 - Contemporary Issues in European Procurement (Option) (not currently
available)
BN4523 - International Comparative Contract Law (Option) (not currently
available)
The core modules for 2nd yr. are BN4505 and Bn4507. The options BN4510 and
BN4523 are not offered in 2015/16, therefore BN4506 which is offered, should
also be completed.
A student may be permitted a 3rd year to complete BN4509, the Dissertation.
As a student undertaking this course, you should follow the Code of Conduct as
specified by RICS. This is subject to the UCLan procedure for the consideration
of Fitness to Practise (Regulations for the Conduct of Students: Appendix 3).
6.2 Classification of Awards
The University publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards
and results are decided in Academic Regulations Section H. Decisions about the
overall classification of awards are made by Assessment Boards through the
application of the academic and relevant course regulations.
Assessment boards for the School’s programmes operate in line with the
University Academic Regulations. The External Examiner is selected in
accordance with Academic Regulations Section J.
Members of the Board are as follows:
Head of School (Chair) Course Leader/s Module Tutors External Examiner/s
School Programme Administrator
The Assessment board will consider the results of your assessment in all your
modules and make one of the following recommendations:
i)award •pass/merit/distinction with the specified award of Postgraduate Certificate in
Construction Law as an Exit award
•pass/merit/distinction with the specified award of Postgraduate Diploma in
Construction Law and Dispute Resolution as an Exit award
•pass/merit/distinction with the specified award of MSc in Construction Law and
Dispute Resolution.
ii)referred (This means you have to pass some reassessment in a specified
module(s) before you can gain the award.
iii)defer (This means that the Board is aware that there are good reasons why you
have not met all the assessment requirements and it is postponing its decision, in
your best interests. The course team will advise you about what happens next.)
iv)fail (This means you have failed in too many modules to be referred. If this is
the Board's recommendation then you should discuss matters with the course
team, because there are two categories of fail: one is fail repeat the course and
the other is fail withdraw. In the former you will be allowed to repeat the modules,
in the latter the Board is recommending that this opportunity should not be made
available to you. Again, the course team will advise you of your options)
Notification of Assessment Board Recommendations
You will be notified of the results and the recommendation arising from the
Assessment Board following completion of the Board's business by post to your
home address (or other address specified in writing or email by you). Results are
also posted online. The recommendation may carry an offer of compulsory or
optional reassessment. Details of reassessment offered to you will be sent by
email and post.
Referral and Reassessment
At its discretion the Assessment Board may refer a student who has failed certain
modules. You may be required to complete the reassessment of an assignment.
Students are well advised to take up such offers. Reassessment is not normally
available to any student who has failed more than two modules.
Reassessment assignments must be submitted by the reassessment assignment
submission deadline, which will be stated on the assignment briefing and on the
reassessment details form. You must ensure that you are available during the
published reassessment period to undertake resit presentations, if required or
participate in an interview wither face to face or by video conferencing. Where it is
necessary for you to attend a viva, it is your responsibility to make yourself
available, if required; otherwise, you are in danger of failing.
Withdrawal
If you are obliged to, or choose to, discontinue all of your studies then you will
need to withdraw formally from the programme. To do this you must complete
and return a Notification of Withdrawal or Intercalation form. Failure to do so will
result in your being recorded as having failed your programme and this may
jeopardise any applications you may make for financial support for a place on a
future course of studies.
(It is however, possible to –intercalate- that is, to suspend your studies. Please
contact your programme administrator Lynne Smith for details and for any
queries.)
7. Student voice
You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this
course through the feedback you give. In addition to the on-going discussion with
the course team throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to
feedback about your experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to
your feedback and let you know of our plans for improvement.
The Students Union can support you in voicing your opinion, provide on-going
advice and support, and encourage your involvement in all feedback
opportunities. They will be requesting that you complete the National Student
Survey (during semester 2 for students in their final year of study) or the UCLan
Student Survey (all other students).
The Students’ Union and University work closely together to ensure that the
student voice is heard in all matters of student-life. We encourage students to
provide constructive feedback throughout their time at university, through course
reps, surveys and any other appropriate means,
The Union’s Student Affairs Committee (SAC), members of Students’ Council and
School Presidents each have particular representative responsibilities, and are
involved with decision making committees as high as the University Board.
Therefore it is very important students engage with the democratic processes of
the Students’ Union and elect the students they see as most able to represent
them.
You have the opportunities to voice their opinion within your course (SSLCs as
noted below). Examples could include course management committees,
timetabled sessions with whole cohort of students, on-line discussion with
distance learners and Module Evaluation Questionnaires (MEQs)
7.1 Course Representatives and School Presidents
A course representative is a student who represents their fellow students’ views
and opinions to the course team, school, university and students’ union. Course
representatives work proactively and diplomatically to improve the academic and
non-academic experiences of students.
The role of a course representative is extremely beneficial to both students on
your course and the university. It enables students to have ownership of their
student experience and voice their opinions and share positive practice with the
course team, primarily the Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings ( SSLC)
(see below).
Course representatives will be elected every year either in April or September.
Alongside receiving recognition, support and respect being a course
representative is a great opportunity to enhance your employability skills. If you
are interested in becoming a course representative and wish to find out more
about the role visit the Students’ Union website or by emailing:
coursereps@uclan.ac.uk.
School Presidents meanwhile are annually elected representatives who voice the
opinions of students within each school. They communicate and engage with
students in their school to gain feedback and work in partnership with senior
management to create positive change. They are also trained to support and
signpost course representatives where needed. If you wish to find out who is your
School President or more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or
email: coursereps@uclan.ac.uk
7.2 Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (SSLC)
The purpose of a SSLC meeting is to provide the opportunity for course
representatives to feedback to staff about the course, the overall student
experience and to inform developments which will improve future courses. These
meetings are normally scheduled once per semester.
Your Course Leader will facilitate the meetings using guidelines and provide a
record of the meeting with any decisions and / or responses made and / or
actions taken as a result of the discussions held. The meetings include
discussion of items forwarded by course representatives, normally related to the
following agenda items (dependent on time of year).
The course team encourage student feedback in all areas and recognise that
additional items for discussion may also be raised at the meeting
• Update on actions completed since the last meeting
• Feedback about the previous year – discussion of external examiner’s report;
outcomes of National /UCLan student surveys.
• Review of enrolment / induction experience;
• Course organisation and management (from each individual year group, and
the course overall);
• Experience of modules - teaching, assessment, feedback;
• Experience of academic support which may include e.g. Personal Development
Planning, academic advisor arrangements and The Card;
• Other aspects of University life relevant to student experience e.g. learning
resources, IT, library;
• Any other issues raised by students or staff.
7.3 Complaints
The University recognises that there may be occasions when you have cause for
complaint about the service you have received, when this happens, the
complaints procedure is intended to provide an accessible, fair and
straightforward system which ensures as effective, prompt and appropriate
response. Click on this link for more information Complaints Procedure
8. Appendix 1: Programme Specification
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
School of Built and Natural Environment
Preston PR1 2HE
3. University School/Centre
School of Built & Natural Environment
4. External Accreditation
RICS APC route to be applied for following validation
CIArb Membership
5. Title of Final Award
MSc Construction Law & Dispute Resolution
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Blended e-learning
7. UCAS Code
N/A
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
N/A
RICS Professional Competencies
CIArb
CIOB Educational Framework Masters
QAA HE Framework
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
Jan 2015 (PCR)
11. Aims of the Programme
The aims of the programme are to establish and develop:
• A critical awareness of contemporary issues in construction law and dispute resolution
informed by the framework of the construction, engineering and built environment sector and
by leading edge research and practice
• A detailed understanding of the nature and application of construction law and dispute
resolution in a wider context and to enhance negotiation, communication and problem solving
skills within complex dispute resolution and interrelated scenarios
• Effective use of IT, elearning and other innovative tools, techniques and methodologies as
applied to construction law, dispute resolution and the research process
• The capacity to undertake and reflect upon strategic and complex decision-making in the
project management process
• Personal and interpersonal skills which can be applied to the construction law and dispute
resolution process
•
Relevant skills in order to pursue life-long learning and continuous development in the context
of workplace practice within the subject specialism and international construction law
• The ability to identify, retrieve and assess the rigour and value of published research as the
source of alternative perspectives that inform and underpin the construction law and dispute
resolution decision making process and investigative research
• Creative and innovative approaches to investigative research including the review, evaluation
and selection with justification of appropriate research methodologies and the communication
of findings in an objective, coherent and professional manner
• Develop the student’s research methods and applications
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1 Critically evaluate approaches the principles, interpretation and application of construction
contract law in the context of common law, International, European Community and Environmental
Law and sustainability.
A2 Comprehensively appraise the current knowledge base of subject matter viewed from relevant
industrial/commercial perspectives and at a level consistent with complex and unpredictable
situations A3 Critically evaluate a range of complex dispute resolution techniques/methodologies
A4 Conceptually appreciate current research and advanced scholarship in the field of construction
law and dispute resolution
A5 Critically evaluate a knowledge base of appropriate research methodologies
A6 Develop a sound understanding of the need to evaluate and adopt a considered theoretical
perspective or conceptual framework within which legal research can be undertaken
Teaching and Learning Methods
•
•
•
•
•
•
Integration of effective use of electronic distance learning and face to face interaction
between the students, the course team and other contributors to the course.
Electronic learning materials which offer directed study through a series of subject sections
and section-assessment questions (SAQs)
Use of case study material to raise and analyse issues
Residential workshop will require students to expound theories and make judgements based
on sound planning of complex task resolution
An introduction to planned approaches to research problem identification and alternative
research methodologies available
Individual meetings with research supervisors via Breeze or on campus
Assessment methods
Assessment by SAQs, essays, reports, case studies, research papers, presentations, group
exercises and dissertation
B. Subject-specific skills
B1 Identify, retrieve, interpret and evaluate relevant legal material
B2 Compare alternative legal systems and authorities
B3 Critically appraise the impact of legislation and government policy, international and EU law,
environmental law and policy on the construction industry in terms of obligations, liability and
contractual claims
B4 Evaluate the impact of multi-delay and disruption events to construction programmes and
assessment of outcome scenarios in terms of obligations, liability, enforcement and cost.
B5 Identify and analyse legally based issues relevant to the construction industry and construction
dispute resolution at large and selection of appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies to
address them
B6 Independently produce a major piece of written work using an appropriate and justified research
methodology, which employs evidenced based argument, as part of managing an effective research
project relating to professional practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
•
•
•
•
•
•
Integration of effective use of electronic distance learning and face to face interaction
between the students, the course team and other contributors to the course.
Electronic learning materials which offer directed study through a series of subject sections
and section-assessment questions (SAQs)
Use of case study material to raise and analyse issues
Residential workshop will require students to expound theories and make judgements based
on sound planning of complex task resolution
An introduction to planned approaches to research problem identification and alternative
research methodologies available
Individual meetings with research supervisors via Breeze or on campus
Assessment methods
Assessment by SAQs, essays, reports, case studies, research papers, presentations, group
exercises and dissertation
C. Thinking Skills
C1 Contribute to debate relating to concepts, principles, interpretation, conflicts and opinions
C2 Develop creative and innovative approaches to problem identification and resolution
C3 Reflect upon and critically review knowledge base and dispute resolution methodologies
C4 Evaluate and justify selection of research methodologies appropriate to the theoretical
perspective or conceptual framework employed in the research
C5 Develop and effectively employ techniques of evaluation and critical analysis in investigating
solutions and the presentation of findings in an unbiased and objective form
C6 Reflect upon and evaluate judicial decision and legislative documents in order to construct logical
and lucid legal argument in an original piece of work
Teaching and Learning Methods
•
•
•
•
•
•
Integration of effective use of electronic distance learning and face to face interaction
between the students, the course team and other contributors to the course.
Electronic learning materials which offer directed study through a series of subject sections
and section-assessment questions (SAQs)
Use of case study material to raise and analyse issues
Residential workshop will require students to expound theories and make judgements based
on sound planning of complex task resolution
An introduction to planned approaches to research problem identification and alternative
research methodologies available
Individual meetings with research supervisors via Breeze or on campus
Assessment methods
Assessment by SAQs, essays, reports, case studies, research papers, presentations, group
exercises and dissertation
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1 Communicate effectively in writing and orally and prepare clear, fully evidenced and referenced
reports, essays and case studies
D2 Apply skills of team work, planning and time management necessary for undertaking a major
project which can be applied to a workplace situation
D3 Develop use of IT and e-learning skills acquired throughout the programme to sustain currency
of knowledge and the use of on line learning to develop and enhance personal career aims and life
long learning
D4 Resolve conflict through the demonstration of a systematic and original approach to complex
problems in order to make sound and confident judgements
D5 Acquire and develop research skills applicable to the production of a dissertation at Master’s
level, to personal continuing professional development and to workplace scenarios
D6 Develop and apply IT skills to the identification and retrieval of relevant data, the collection,
processing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
Teaching and Learning Methods
•
•
•
•
•
•
Integration of effective use of electronic distance learning and face to face interaction
between the students, the course team and other contributors to the course.
Electronic learning materials which offer directed study through a series of subject sections
and section-assessment questions (SAQs)
Use of case study material to raise and analyse issues
Residential workshop will require students to expound theories and make judgements based
on sound planning of complex task resolution
An introduction to planned approaches to research problem identification and alternative
research methodologies available
Individual meetings with research supervisors via Breeze or on campus
Assessment methods
Assessment by SAQs, essays, reports, case studies, research papers, presentations, group
exercises and dissertation
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 7
Module
Code
BN4508
BN4509
Module Title
Research Methods
Dissertation
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
20
40
Master of Science in
Construction Law and Dispute
Resolution with
pass/merit/distinction
Target Final award
The MSc comprises nine (level 7)
modules which includes the Year
1 and Year 2 modules
In total 180 credits must be
achieved
Level 7
BN4505
Tortious and Statutory Issues
20
BN4507
Dispute Resolution
20
Options: select one of the
following :
BN4506
BN4523
BN4510
Environmental Law
International Comparative Law
Contemporary Construction
Procurement
Postgraduate Diploma in
Construction Law and Dispute
Resolution with
pass/merit/distinction
(Exit Award)
20
20
20
The
Postgraduate
Diploma
comprises six level four (level 7)
modules which includes the Year 1
modules.
In total, 120 credits must be
achieved.
Level 7
BN4501
BN4502
Balancing module – select :
Construction Skills for Lawyers
or
Legal Skills
20
Postgraduate Certificate in
Construction Management
with pass/merit/distinction
20
(Exit Award)
BN4503
BN4504
Contractual Issues
European Competition and
Procurement Law
20
20
The
Postgraduate
Certificate
comprises three level four (level 7)
modules. (Year 1)
In total, 60 credits must be
achieved.
15. Personal Development Planning
The course includes access to an individual electronic portfolio which allows the student to plan and
record their achievements. This is available on elearn. The student will be able to complete a
reflective analysis of the skills obtained on completion of each module.
16. Admissions criteria
General
The requirements for admissions shall be in accordance with the Regulations set out in the University's
Admissions Policy.
Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of English Language competence and an IELTS score of
6.5 (or equivalent) and comply with one of the following three entry criteria
•
•
•
A good University Honours degree in a property, civil engineering, construction, law or
equivalent subject
Professional qualification deemed to be equivalent to RICS, CIOB, MICE, RIBA, Solicitor,
Barrister or any other equivalent qualification relating to property, law or construction
disciplines.
Hold a relevant position within a construction, construction law, dispute resolution or
construction related organisation and possess extensive industrial/professional experience at
an appropriate level. In addition two written references will be required and the applicant will
be interviewed with a view to assessing suitability for the course
Entry to the Programme of Study with Accreditation of Prior Learning and / or Experience
Applicants with suitable previous qualifications and/or experience may be exempt from a maximum of
two modules of the Postgraduate Certificate stage. The policy of APL and Accreditation of Prior
Experiential Learning (APEL) is based on current University procedures and published guidelines.
Applications for accreditation of prior learning, whether based on previous experience or certification of
previous studies, will be considered on an individual basis.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
•
•
•
School of Built and Natural Environment Website:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/scitech/built_natural_environment/course_information/e_learning.php
Fact sheet
Course handbook
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
Subject-specific
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Skills
Thinking Skills
COMP
BN4502 Legal Skills
COMP
YEAR1/2 MSc
(L7)
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COMP
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O3
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COMP
COMP
COMP
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BN4503 Contractual Issues
European Competition and
BN4504 Procurement Law
BN4507 Dispute Resolution
BN4505 Tortious and Statutory Issues
International Comparative
BN4523 Law
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BN4506 Environmental Law
Contemporary Construction
BN4510 Procurement
Note:
A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

Construction Skills for
BN4501 Lawyers (balancing module)
YEAR 2
PGDIPLOMA
(L7)
YEAR 1 PGCERT
(L7)
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5
Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
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BN4508 Research Methods
COMP
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BN4509 Dissertation
CORE
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Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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9. Tuition Fee Information
Your Tuition Fees include:
• Scheduled course tuition, academic, technical and administrative support, use of course
equipment and facilities.
• Course related induction activities.
• Course assessment and awards.
• Access to the university’s library and online resources, including on-campus wifi, networked
and remote access to the university’s virtual learning environment,
• Use of the university’s estate and resources for scheduled activities and learning support
• Dissertation, project and/or thesis printing and binding where the submission of printed and
bound documents is a requirement for assessment of the module.
• Use of the university’s technical equipment and materials identified by the course teaching
team as essential for the completion of the course.
• Items identified under your course name in Table One below:
Table One:
Course
BSc Architecture Full Time
and BSc Architectural
Technology Full Time only:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Additional items included in the tuition fees for your course
BSc Architectural Studies
(Foundation Entry)
BEng Building Services and
Sustainable Engineering
full time
Year 1
Year 2/3
Icebreaker Fieldtrip.
Model making and drawing specialist materials.
Residential (UK/European Trip) and Drawing equipment maximum of £500)
Residential (European Trip – maximum of £500)
Residential (European Trip – maximum of £500)
Year 1: UK Residential up to maximum value £500
Year 2/3: UK Residential (student may choose which year
2/3 they go) up to maximum value £500
Overseas Options: See Table 3: (Option A:USA or Option B:
Hong Kong) attracts an additional £450 to be paid by
student)
BSc Building Surveying full
time
BSc Construction Project
Management full time
BSc Environmental
Management full time
BSc and BA Geography
full time
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Residential (maximum of £500 each year)
Residential (maximum of £500 each year)
Year 1: Icebreaker Fieldtrip, Residential, Day trips (max of
£500)
Year 2/3 day trips (maximum of £300)
Third year long fieldtrip NT3011 UK option
Note: School contributes up to maximum value £500 to the
Residential. Student may choose which year 2/3 they go up
to maximum value £500
BSc Facilities Management
full time
BSc Quantity Surveying full
time
Overseas Options: See Table 3 (Overseas option attracts an
additional cost on top of this £500)
Residential (maximum of £500 each year)
Residential (maximum of £500 each year)
The items listed in Table Two are required and the costs are not included in your tuition fees.
Table Two:
Optional items which may be offered and which are
Estimated costs
Course
NOT included in the tuition fees for your course.
BSc Architecture
and BSc
Architectural
Technology part
time only:
Residential (UK/European Trip)
£500
Year 1
Residential (European Trip)
£500
Year 2
Residential (European Trip)
£500
Year 3
Total
£1,500
BEng Building
Services and
Sustainable
Engineering part
time
Year 1/2/3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 1/2/3 Residential
Year 4 (Optional A) – USA Residential
£500
£950
Year 5 (Optional B) – Hong Kong Residential
£950
(student may choose which year 4/5 they go)
BSc Building
Surveying part time
BSc Construction
Project
Management part
time
BSc Facilities
Management part
time
BSc Quantity
Surveying part time
Total = £1,450 (or £2400 if you choose to undertake
the two Options in Years 4 and 5)
£1,450 to £2,400
Residential for land surveying
£450
BSc Environmental
Management part
time
BSc and BA
Geography part
time
Year 1
Year 2/3
Day trips in year one: Estimated costs for all trips.
£500
Optional third year long fieldtrip NT3011 Long haul
option A: Estimated costs
£1,200
Optional third year long fieldtrip NT3011 Long haul
option B: Estimated costs
£1,400
Years 2/3 day trips: estimated costs
£600
Total
£2,300-£2,500
The items listed in Table Three are optional and the costs are not included in your Tuition Fees.
Table Three:
Optional items which may be offered and which
Estimated costs
Course
are NOT included in the tuition fees for your
course.
BEng Building
Services and
Overseas Option (A or B) in Year 2/3:
Sustainable
Engineering full
Residential (student may choose which year 2/3
time
they go) any costs over the maximum value of £500
contributed by the School
£450
Year 2/3
BSc Environmental
Management full
time
BSc and BA
Geography full time
Year 3
Certificate in Global
Waste Management
full time and part
time
If student chooses the two options the second
Option will be at full cost
£950
Total = if the two options are chosen
£450-£1,450
Overseas Options:
Optional third year long fieldtrip NT3011 Long haul
option A: Additional estimated costs
£700
Optional third year long fieldtrip NT3011 Long haul
option B: Additional estimated costs
£900
Optional third year day trips:.
£100
Total
£800-£1,000
Optional European Residential: estimated costs
£1,500
Total
£1,500
Additional optional costs may be incurred by some students.
These optional extra costs are NOT included within the Tuition Fees.
Optional items – all courses
Estimated costs
Travel to course related work
Variable depending on the distance travelled and the
placements, work experience,
method of transport chosen.
voluntary work, or site visits (for
example costs of petrol, business level
motor insurance cover, taxis, train
fares, bus fares etc.).
Library fines & charges
Avoid these by returning on time or
renewing books!
Costs of obtaining medical or other
evidence to support applications for
extenuating circumstance applications
relating to assessments.
Fees for arranging and invigilating
course examination(s) off campus are
payable by the student (where
permitted by course regulations and
approved by course leaders)
Printing of electronic books, journals
etc.
Printing of reports, course materials
and other course documents, which
have been supplied or are available
electronically or in hard copy in the
library.
On time £0.00
0-8 days overdue £0.10-0.50 per day
9+ days overdue £0.50-£1.00 per day
40+ days replacement cost and administrative
charges/account suspension
For example a medical certificate may cost from £10.
£300
Variable, but recommended academic text books
often cost between £15-80 per copy, although some
cost outside of this range.
Estimated £0.10 per copy sheet
Living costs:
These are not included in tuition fees. You will need to budget for these separately. Below is an
indication of some typical living costs, but everyone is different and you are strongly advised to plan
your own budget.
Typical items
Estimated
Estimated
weekly costs
weekly costs
lower range
higher range
Accommodation:
£79.03
£107.83
University Halls of Residence based on a 42 week contract.
Private Halls of Residence
£70
£110
(Living at home may reduce your accommodation costs)
(£0)
Food
£20
£30
Internet connection
£0
£12
(free wifi on campus, in university halls of residence and in
some private accommodation)
Toiletries/Laundry
£5
£15
Gas/electricity/water
£0
£20
(included within university halls of residence costs and some
private accommodation – check your contract)
Printing, copying, stationery.
£2.50
£10
Travel expenses
£0
£40
(vary by travel method & distance - on foot/bicycle, bus, train
or car. If using bus or train check travel card / season ticket
rates for savings).
University halls of residence and a good selection of private
accommodation are available either on campus or a short
walk from campus.
Mobile phone or landline
Books
Leisure
Total per week
Total for 42 weeks
(typical halls of residence contract)
Total for 52 weeks
£2.50
£5
£5
£110
£4,620
£10
£10
£25
£282
£11,844
£5,720
£14,664
You may also need to budget for ‘one off’ or irregular costs
Typical items
Notes
Bedding
From £20
Clothes
Costs vary depending on your needs
TV licence
£145.50 per year
Insurances
Varies depending on your needs
Computer/laptop/telephone Varies depending on model and whether new or second hand
Furniture, crockery etc.
Furnished accommodation may include all your needs. Check
what is included.