PPLS FRESHERS UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2015-16
(AT-A-GLANCE VERSION)
Welcome to the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS)
The PPLS Freshers Handbook 2015-2016 contains most of the information you will need to get you
through your first few weeks of starting at the University. Below is a summary of the most important
points.
KEY DATES
Teaching/Exams/Vacations
Semester 1
14 Sept – 18 Sept 2015
 Welcome Week
21 Sept –04 Dec 2015
 Semester 1 Teaching Weeks
10 Dec – 21 Dec 2015
 Winter Exam Block
22 Dec 2015 – 08 Jan 2016
 Winter Vacation
Semester 2
11 Jan – 01 April 2016
 Semester 2 Teaching Weeks
15 Feb – 19 Feb 2016
 Innovative Learning Week
04 Apr – 15 Apr 2016
 Spring Vacation
25 Apr – 20 May 2016
 Spring Exam Block
23 May 2016
 Summer Vacation Starts
Deadline dates for changing your degree this year

14th September – 2nd October: for all changes, go to the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 2nd
floor, David Hume Tower (DHT)
After 2nd October any change would be for the next academic year. Please see the PPLS Student
Support Officers for further information.
Deadline dates for changing your courses
If you wish to change your courses please speak to the Undergraduate Teaching Office. No course
changes can be accepted after the end of week 2, Friday 26th September.
CLASS/LECTURE TIMES/LOCATIONS
Details of your first lectures will be posted on the Undergraduate Teaching Office notice boards on the
ground floor of the Dugald Stewart Building (DSB) and reception area of 7 George Square. Classes
start week beginning Monday 21st September.
The times of your classes are also available on MyEd and via the Web Timetable, on-line Degree
Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS) website - http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk.
Please note most tutorials start from week two, starting 28th September. Please refer to Learn for
exact start dates and times. You may need to register on a tutorial.
PERSONAL TUTOR
Your Personal Tutor (PT) is a member of academic staff. They can provide you with advice on
academic matters and ensure your overall curriculum keeps within the limits allowed. Every student must
see their PT in Welcome Week. You can find out who your PT is by logging onto MyEd http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/computing/comms-and-collab/myedportal/introduction-to-myed
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The main point of contact for all your queries will be the Undergraduate Teaching Office. The Teaching
Office is located on the ground floor (room G.06), Dugald Stewart Building. Opening hours are 9.30am
to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. If you are not sure who/where to ask about
something – the Teaching Office is a good place to start.
You should also refer to the PPLS Undergraduate Student Handbook –
http://www.ppls.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduate/student_support.php. This
handbook will provide you with general information to assist you through your
time at Edinburgh University.
It is also a good idea to look at the PPLS website where there is lots of useful
information - http://www.ppls.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduate/index.php.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Register with a doctor
It is important that you sign up with a doctor in Edinburgh so you can get help if you are ill. The
University Richard Verney Health Service (http://www.health-service.ed.ac.uk) provides comprehensive
medical care under the National Health Service for those students who wish to register as patients of
the practice. To register with the University Practice, go to the 3rd Floor Reception Desk, 6 Bristo
Square.
Facilities for Disabled students
Students with a disability, health condition, or specific learning difficulty are advised to discuss their
needs with the Student Support Officer, Room G.03, DSB in the first instance. Students can also
contact the Student Disability Service (email: Disability.Service@ed.ac.uk tel: 0131 650 6828, or in
person: 3rd Floor, Main Library, George Square).
Emails
You must start using your University email address ASAP. University messages will ONLY be sent to
that address. Your email address is made up of ‘s’ + your matriculation number@ed.ac.uk - for
example, s12333333@sms.ed.ac.uk This email address will be used for a variety of essential
communications so REMEMBER TO CHECK IT REGULARLY! Not checking is not a valid excuse for
missing deadlines etc. You access your email account via the University of Edinburgh student portal,
MyEd www.myed.ed.ac.uk
This should be enough to get you going but please do read the
PPLS Freshers Handbook 2015-2016 as well!
You can print out a copy here http://www.ppls.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduate/new_students.php