MSc in Public Policy 2015-2016
School for Policy Studies
This handbook tells you about your programme of study and the School for Policy Studies.
However, much information you need as a student within the School is explained in the Faculty
Post Graduate Handbook.
Please read this handbook in conjunction with the Faculty of Social Sciences & Law
Postgraduate Student Handbook for Taught & Research Students and the University
Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Degree Programmes.
Faculty Handbook available online at: https://www.bris.ac.uk/fssl/current-students/
Code of Practice available online at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/academicquality/assessment/codeonline.html
1
CONTENTS
1.
MASTERS IN PUBLIC POLICY ...........................................................................3
2.
CALENDAR 2015–2016 .........................................................................................6
3.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION .........................................................................13
4.
ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATION .....................................................34
5.
ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................................35
6.
MEDICAL & OTHER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ...........................42
7.
ABSENCES, EXTENSIONS & SUSPENSIONS .................................................43
8.
LIBRARY ..............................................................................................................44
9.
INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SERVICES .............................................45
APPENDIX 1— PRECINCT MAP ...................................................................................63
APPENDIX 2—HARVARD SYSTEM OF REFERENCING .........................................64
APPENDIX 3—ESSENTIAL IT SKILLS ........................................................................66
APPENDIX 4—INFORMATION FOR DISABLED STUDENTS ..................................67
APPENDIX 5—ETHICAL REVIEW AT THE SCHOOL FOR POLICY STUDIES .....70
APPENDIX 6—DIGNITY AT WORK AND STUDY.....................................................71
APPENDIX 7—IMPORTANT LINKS .............................................................................72
DISCLAIMER ...................................................................................................................73
2
1.
1.1
MSC IN PUBLIC POLICY
Welcome to the MSc in Public Policy at the School for Policy Studies.
The MSc in Public Policy (MPP) is based on the completion of six units and a
dissertation of 15,000 words (maximum length). While the MSc is the principal
curriculum, other elements of the graduate programme include a Diploma in Public
Policy, based on six units and a Certificate of Public Policy Studies, based on
completion of three units. Progression within the graduate programme, for example
from Diploma to MSc is possible subject to satisfactory completion of unit assessments.
1.2
About the programme
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge of public
policy from an international perspective. It considers the global political economic
context of public policy, the range of institutional actors and models of public policy
making. It gives students a grounding in the techniques for appraising policy outcomes
as well as methods and evaluation of research evidence that informs public policy. It
also gives students the opportunity to develop this generic understanding from a choice
of policy areas all with an international perspective but with particular reference to
Europe and Asia. Upon completion of this programme students will have a strong grasp
of the policy context and policy making as well as knowledge of comparative context
of public policy in a number of substantive policy areas.
1.3
Programme outcomes
This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate
knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following
areas:
Knowledge and understanding of:





The political, economic and institutional context of policy making in an
international context.
The various models of policy-making.
The range of research methods and types of evidence that inform public policy.
Ways of appraising and evaluating policy outcomes.
International policy concerns in a number of substantive policy areas.
Intellectual skills and ability to:




Analyse a problem and provide reasoned written arguments that are well
structured with appropriate research and citational support.
Communicate ideas effectively in oral communication with the appropriate
reasoned support.
Evaluate the appropriateness and quality of research evidence.
Refine a self-directed research question and pursue the research using
appropriate research design, method selection and analytical techniques.
Transferable skills and ability to:



Read effectively
Write effectively
Take notes effectively
3




1.4
Compose a bibliography efficiently
Organise and evaluate a range of information inputs
Manage research (independent and team)
Disseminate ideas effectively (oral and written)
Programme organisation
For full-time students the programme is delivered across three terms on a weekly basis
during the Autumn and Spring terms. During the Autumn term students normally
complete three mandatory units. In the Spring term students complete their fourth
mandatory unit and two elective units. Students spend the summer term completing
their dissertation. Part-time students are required to complete a minimum of two
mandatory units in the Autumn term of their first year, and a minimum of one elective
in the Spring term of their first year. Depending on which electives are chosen it is
expected that the student will attend one day per week. There are no taught components
during the Summer term. During the second year part-time students will take one
mandatory unit in the Autumn term and a mandatory and elective unit in the Spring
term. Students spend the Summer term completing their dissertation.
1.5
The University of Bristol is a world-class university offering a stimulating academic
environment with centres of excellence in all faculties. It was founded in 1876 as
University College, Bristol and was the first higher education institution in England to
admit women on a basis of equality with men. Its mission statement is “to pursue and
share knowledge and understanding, both for their own sake and to help individuals
and society fulfil their potential”. Organised in six faculties (Arts, Engineering, Medical
and Veterinary Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, Science, Social Sciences and Law),
the University comprises approximately 5,500 staff, 12,500 undergraduate and 5,500
taught and research postgraduate students. Further information about the University of
Bristol is available at www.bristol.ac.uk/university
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), over 61 per cent of the research
work assessed in 48 research fields at Bristol was awarded either the top 4* rating,
defined as ‘world leading’, or the 3* rating, classed as ‘internationally excellent’.
Overall, nearly 93 per cent of research at Bristol has been deemed to be of international
standard. Over 90 per cent of eligible staff at Bristol were included in the submission –
thought to be one of the highest percentages in the sector making Bristol among the
UK’s top research universities. You can find out more information about the RAE at
www.bristol.ac.uk/research/assessment/
The University is an integral part of the City of Bristol, a thriving and beautiful city
with a history going back 1000 years. Bristol is a multicultural city of balloons and
kites, clubs and DJs, festivals and carnivals, architecture and park land, business and
new technology, theatres and museums, artists and animators, music and film. It has
been officially designated a 'Centre of Culture' and a 'Science City' by the Government.
In 2008, Bristol was given the European City of the Year Award by the Academy of
Urbanism. Bristol has its own international airport and offers easy rail and motorway
links to London, Birmingham and the North, Oxford, Wales and the West Country.
Find out lots more about Bristol at www.bristol.ac.uk/citybristol/
1.6
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law
The School for Policy Studies is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Law which
also includes the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, the School of
Law, the School of Economics, Finance and Management and the Graduate School of
Education. The School of Geographical Sciences has joint membership with the
4
Faculty of Social Sciences & Law and the Faculty of Science. The Faculty is one of
the UK's top social sciences and law faculties. Each department and centre within the
Faculty has high ratings in research and teaching quality. The Faculty achieved a very
strong performance in the RAE 2008 outcomes with over 87% of its research outputs
being judged of international quality. Teaching excellence has been clearly
demonstrated in Departments' QAA Subject Review scores. More details are on the
Faculty website www.bristol.ac.uk/fssl/
1.7
The School for Policy Studies
The School delivers highly-rated research, undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes, professional training and seminars in social policy, public policy and
social work. Our multidisciplinary team of policy experts come from a wide variety of
backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, history, human
geography, economics, psychology and nutrition and health sciences based within
seven specialist research centres.
 Head of School: Professor David Abbott
 Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences
Centre Head: Professor Ashley Cooper
 Centre for Family Policy and Child Welfare
Centre Head: Professor Dendy Platt
 Centre for Gender and Violence Research
Centre Head: Professor Marianne Hester
 Centre for Research in Health and Social Care
Centre Head: Patricia Lucas
 Centre for the Study of Poverty and Social Justice
Centre Head: Eldin Fahmy
 Centre for Urban and Public Policy Research
Centre Head: Dr Misa Izuhara
 Norah Fry Research Centre
Centre Head: Dr Val Williams
The School is located in several houses on Priory Road and Woodland Road. Appendix
1 provides you with a map showing you key places you will need to know. You
can also find other useful maps on the University website at
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/maps/
1.8
Research excellence
The results of the 2014 Research Exercise Framework (REF) confirms the excellence of
research in social policy and social work in the School for Policy Studies. 80% of of our
research was rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' and the School was rated
10th overall in the country.
Staff in the School research and publish on a wide variety of policy issues and are closely
involved in major national research in the fields of urban policy, family policy,
personalisation, health and community care. A full list of all academic staff within the
School, with their research and teaching interest, and their contact details, is available on
the School website at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/people
The School is committed to multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary working, integrating
theory with practice, and to working at an international, national and local level. A
5
commitment to equal opportunities practice also informs all the School's activities. The
School has a large and thriving postgraduate student body of around 280 students with
around 90 postgraduate research students studying full-time or part-time for PhD, MPhil
and Doctorate degrees. The full range of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes
offered at the School is listed at www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying/.
.
1.9
Sustainability
The University’s Education Strategy (2010-16) commits the institution to incorporating
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into its teaching and learning. See
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/environment/policy/
The School and Faculty are all committed to enhancing and promoting Education
for Sustainable Development. UNESCO defines Education for Sustainable
Development in a broad manner covering four main areas: social and economic
justice, cultural diversity, human rights of future generations and the protection and
restoration of the Earth's ecosystems. It also stresses the importance of critical
thinking, inter-disciplinary, multi-method approaches to assessment, and challenging
approaches to, and ideas about, teaching and learning. You will encounter many of
these issues and approaches both directly and indirectly during the course of your
studies, although the School acknowledges that not all will be encompassed within
your particular subject-area. We encourage you to think creatively and critically
about how your own subject addresses some or all of the following:










1.10
A strong, stable and viable economy
A healthy and just society
Diversity
Effective and participative governance
Environmental limits and ecological wellbeing
Quality of life
Cultural heritage
The rural and the urban (conflict and balance)
Preparing for the imagined future
Ethical questions
Student representation
Student representation is very important at Bristol. Staff and students work together at all
levels to improve the student experience. You can have your say and bring about change by
voting in elections, attending meetings or standing for election in academic societies,
Student Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs) or Union Committees and roles.
The Staff-Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) exists as a forum by which staff and student
representatives can discuss all aspects of teaching and student welfare in our school. It
provides a means by which you, as students, can pass your views to staff.
Every single course and year group has its own Course Rep whose main responsibility is
to collate and communicate the views of their peers at regular SSLC meetings held with
the Programme Director.
Course Reps will also have the opportunity to meet with other Course Reps in the School,
the Head of School, the Director of Learning and Teaching, Director of Doctoral Studies
6
and School Administration Manager to discuss common issues arising across programmes
in the School.
Student representation is operated in partnership with UBU (the Students' Union), who
will elect, train, and provide continuing support to our student representatives. The aim is
to ensure that reps are equipped to help us to jointly solve any problems together with our
students, able to feed back any concerns you may have to the academic team, and are well
known to you and feedback the results of conversations they have on your behalf.
The UBU representative structure means that you have the opportunity to pass on feedback
through a representative, or the opportunity to work closely with the academic staff
yourself on behalf of those studying on your programme. An on-going, constructive
dialogue about how we can improve your time studying at Bristol is enormously important
to us. If this interests you, we would urge you to think about standing as a student
representative at the beginning of the year. Elections will be run by UBU online. For more
information please visit www.ubu.org.uk/reps.
2.
2.1
2.2
CALENDAR 2015–2016
TEACHING BLOCKS
Teaching Block 1
28 September – 18 December 2015
Teaching Block 2
18 January 2015 – 22 April 2016
KEY DATES FOR YOUR PROGRAMME
Registration Day – Monday 21 September 2015
First Term Essay Submission - 11 January 2016
Second Term Essay Submission - 2 May 2016
Dissertation Submission - 15 September 2016
Vacation Dates:
Christmas vacation: 21 December – 8 January 2016
Easter vacation: 21 March – 8 April 2016
Bank Holidays: 2 May and 30 May 2016
7
Teaching schedule MPP 2015/2016
TB1
Week Beginning
Teaching week
21 September
28 September
1
5 October
2
12 October
3
19 October
4
26 October
5
2 November
6
9 November
16 November
23 November
30 November
7 December
TB2
Week beginning
18 January
25 January
1 February
8 February
15 February
22 February
29 February
7 March
14 March
Easter Vacation
11 April
3.
Notes
INDUCTION week
READING WEEK –
no teaching, deadline
for formative study
skills essay
7
8
9
10
11
Teaching week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
21 March-8 April
Notes
No teaching
10
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
FULL-TIME PROGRAMME 2015-2016
TERM 1
Core Unit
Core Unit
Core Unit
Power, Politics and the Governance, Institutions and Informing & Evaluating
Policy Process
the Global Political Economy Policy: Research Methods
and Analysis
TERM 2
Core Unit
Public Management
Organisation
Elective
Elective
and
8
TERM 3
Dissertation
PART-TIME PROGRAMME YEAR ONE 2015-2016
TERM 1
Core Unit
Core Unit
Governance, Institutions and the Global Informing and Evaluating Policy: Research
Political Economy
Methods and Analysis
TERM 2
Elective
TERM 3
No Taught Elements
PART-TIME PROGRAMME YEAR TWO 2015-2016
TERM 1
Core Unit
Power, Politics and the Policy Process
TERM 2
Core Unit
Public Management and Organisation
Elective
TERM 3
Dissertation
9
TIMETABLES FOR FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME STUDENTS
MSc in Public Policy week commencing 21 September 2015 – INDUCTION WEEK
ROOMS:
21 SEPTEMBER: PRIORY ROAD COMPLEX D BLOCK ROOM 2D1
22 SEPTEMBER: 43 WOODLAND ROAD, ROOM LT1
Times
9.00– 10.00
10.30 – 1.00
MONDAY
Registration – Great Hall,
Wills Memorial Building (No
26 on precinct map)
Welcome
Introduction to Study and
Research at School for Policy
Studies
(Noemi Lendvai and David
Abbott)
1.00 – 2.00
Buffet Lunch
Lunch
School for Policy Studies
Common Room
2.00 – 3.30
TUESDAY
Study and Research at School
for Policy Studies
10.00 – 12.00
Study and Research at School
for Policy Studies (continued)
(Noemi Lendvai)
12.00 – 12.30 Personal Tutor
Role in School for Policy
Studies (Ailsa Cameron)
2.00 – 2.10
Bristol Student’s Union Talk
(Noemi Lendvai)
Language Centre
(Lisa Hanson)
4.00 - 5.00
Introduction to the University
Library Service
(Sue Chubb)
10
Full Time Timetable for Autumn Term 2015 weeks 1-12 commencing 28 September – 14 December 2015
Times
9.00 –
11.00
MONDAY
TUESDAY
SPOLM1060
SPOLM1073
Power, Politics and the Policy Process (Sarah
Ayres/David Sweeting) Lecture
10.00 – 11.00 Governance, Institutions and
the Global Political Economy
Week 1 Wills Memorial Building Reception
Room
Lecture Arts Complex 3 – 5 Woodland
Road Room LT1 EXCEPT
9.00 – 10.00 Weeks 2 – 4 (5,12, 19 October)
Priory Road Complex Room 2D3
10.00 – 12.00pm
27 October (week 5) Arts Complex 3-5
Woodland Road Room LT2
17 November Arts (week 8) Arts Complex
3-5 Woodland Road Room LT2
1 December (week 10) Arts Complex 3-5
Woodland Road Room LT2
9.00 – 11.00 Week 5 (26 October) Priory
Road Complex Room 2D3
9.00 – 10.00 Week 7 – 11 (9, 16, 23, 30
November, 7 December) Priory Road
Complex Room 2D3 NO LECTURE IN
WEEK 6
WEDNESDAY
(Patricia Kennett)
Week 12 Seminars (14 December)
10.00 – 11.00 Seminar Group 1
6 Priory Road Room 6B1
11.00 –
12.00
Week 12 Seminars (14 December)
SPOLM1073 Seminars
Seminar Group 2 6 Priory Road Room 6B1
11.00 – 12.00 Group 1 Governance,
Institutions and the Global Political
Economy (Noemi Lendvai) 6 Priory Road
Room 6B1
11.00 – 12.00 Group 2 30-32 Tyndalls
Park Road Room G.03 (Patricia Kennett)
11
12.00 –
1.00
Week 12 Seminars (14 December)
SPOLM1073
Seminar Group 3 6 Priory Road Room 6B1
12.00 – 1.00 Group 3 Governance,
Institutions and the Global Political
Economy (TBA) 6 Priory Road Room
6B1
Study Skills (for the first 6 weeks of term
only)
SPOLM1061
Lunch
2.00 – 4.00
Woodland Road Room 10G4/5
David Sweeting and Noemi Lendvai
2.00 – 3.30 Informing and Evaluating
Policy: Research Methods and Analysis
Lecture (Ailsa Cameron)
Geography Building Hepple Room G.1S
Weeks 1 – 11 no lecture in week 6
4.00 – 6.00
4.00 – 5.00 Group 1 7 Priory Road, Room
7G1 (Ailsa Cameron)
4.00 – 5.00 Group 2 6 Priory Road Room
6B1
(William Turner)
5.00 – 6.00 Group 3 7 Priory Road Room
7G1 (Ailsa Cameron)
12
KEY TO UNIVERSITY WEEK NUMBERS
Week
Commencing
Teaching Block
Week Number
21-Sept-15
28-Sept-15
05-Oct-15
12-Oct-15
19-Oct-15
26-Oct-15
02-Nov-15
09-Nov-15
16-Nov-15
23-Nov-15
30-Nov-15
07-Dec-15
14-Dec-15
21-Dec-15
28-Dec-15
04-Jan-16
11-Jan-16
18-Jan-16
25-Jan-16
01-Feb-16
08-Feb-16
15-Feb-16
22-Feb-16
29-Feb-16
07-Mar-16
14-Mar-16
21-Mar-16
28-Mar-16
04-Apr-16
11-Apr-16
18-Apr-16
25-Apr-16
02-May-16
Welcome Week
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
January Exams
January Exams
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Easter Vacation
Easter Vacation
Easter Vacation
2
2
2
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
CV1
CV2
CV3
JE1
JE2
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
EV1
EV1
EV2
21
22
23
24
13
Full-Time Timetable for Spring Term weeks 13-24 commencing 18 January – 21 March 2016
Times
9.0011.00
MONDAY
TUESDAY
ELECTIVE 1
9.00 – 11.00
6 Priory Road Room 6B1
SPOLM1074 Public Management and
Organisation weeks JE2, 16 and 20
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
(Alex Marsh/Sarah Ayres ) Lecture
Arts Complex Room LT3
9.00 – 10.00 weeks 13,15,17,19,21
Arts Complex Room LT3
11.00
–1.00
ELECTIVE 2
10.00 – 11.00
ELECTIVE 6
6 Priory Road Room 6B1
SPOLM1074 Public Management and
Organisation
10 Woodland Road Room 10G4/5
10.00 – 11.00 Group 1 6 Priory Road
Room 6B1 (Alex Marsh)
11.00 – 12.00 Group 2 6 Priory Road
Room 6B1 (Sarah Ayres)
12.00 – 1.00 Group 3 6 Priory Road
Room 6B1 (Alex Marsh)
Lunch
2.00 4.00
ELECTIVE 3
ELECTIVE 5
ELECTIVE 7
6 Priory Road Room 6B1
Priory Road Complex A Block Room
0A1
12 Woodland Road Room 1G5
4.00 –
6.00
ELECTIVE 4
ELECTIVE 8
Priory Road Complex D Block 2D3
34 Tyndalls Park Road Room G.02
14
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Programme Director: Noemi Lendvai
The administration of the programme is the responsibility of Noemi Lendvai, the
Programme Director, and Andrea Osborn, the Graduate Programme Secretary. The
Programme Director has overall responsibility for the organisation and administration
of the programme, including:


Ensuring that all unit essays and dissertations are handed in on time by students
and making decisions on any extenuating circumstances which might lead to a
delay in submission of essays or discussing difficulties in relation to
dissertations with the Chair of the Examination Board.
Arranging and organising internal and external examiners and making
arrangements for marking of essays and dissertations.
The Postgraduate Student Administrator Andrea Osborn is the first point of contact
for enquiries, submission of work, assessment, feedback and all the administrative
business connected with the course. Her contact details are:
Andrea Osborn
School for Policy Studies
6 Priory Road, Room G2
Bristol
BS8 1TZ
Email: a.l.osborn@bristol.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)117 954 6758
Programme team
The Team is made up of the Programme Director, and all members of the teaching team.
It is responsible for the development, management and quality assurance of the
Programme.
Personal tutors
Every postgraduate student registered on a taught programme in the School for Policy
Studies will be assigned a Personal Tutor. The role of a Personal Tutor is to provide you
with a stable academic point of contact while you study at the University. Personal Tutors
can support you to manage the transition to postgraduate study, help you to understand what
is expected of you academically and, signpost you to other support services elsewhere in
the University. Students are expected to meet formally with their personal tutor once in
Teaching Block 1 and 2.
15
1.12.1 The Network of Support for PGT Students: A flowchart template
Student Reps can raise issues for wider
discussion at the school level.
Student
Pastoral Issues
Academic Queries
Unit Convenor
Dissertation Supervisor
Faculty-level
guidance for staff:
Graduate Education
Director
Faculty Education
Manager
Personal Tutor
(Personal Tutor may
liaise with
Senior Tutor)
(Ailsa Cameron0)
Vulnerable Students’ Support Service
For referral by staff only. This is support for
vulnerable students where it is not clear what
other service is appropriate.
(www.bristol.ac.uk/studentservices/vulnerab
lestudents)
Student Administration
Manager
(Jacqui Perry)
Hall of Residence (if
applicable)
 Warden
 Student Support
Administrator
 Senior Resident
Specialist Professional Services
Students can refer themselves to these central services themselves, or they can be
referred by staff in Schools and Residences.

Accommodation Office (www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation)

Careers Service (www.brsitol.ac.uk/careers)

Disability Services (www.bristol.ac.uk/disability-services)

International Advice & Support (www.bristol.ac.uk/international-office)

Just Ask, Students’ Union (www.ubu.org.uk/justask)

Multifaith Chaplaincy (www.bristol.ac.uk/chaplaincy)

Student Counselling Service (www.bristol.ac.uk/student-counselling)

Student Funding Office (www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding)

Students’ Health Service (www.bristol.ac.uk/students)

Widening Participation Student Support Team (www.bristol.ac.uk/wp)
16
Student representation
Students have the right to be represented in University government. At University
level, this is generally done through the Students' Union. Elections are held for
departmental and faculty representatives on the various boards and committees which
govern the University's academic business. For each department there will usually be
at least two student representatives for each undergraduate year, as well as postgraduate
representatives. Elections take place within the first four weeks of the first term of the
academic year. The University and Students' Union provide training and support to
elected student representatives.
Within the School for Policy Studies, the main input for students is via the individual
programme with which they are involved. There are student representatives on the
individual programme committees, and all these representatives are members of the
School's overall Student Representative Committee which meets once a term. The MSc
in Public Policy has one representative who is a member of the Course Committee
which meets once a term. In addition, there are student representatives from the Student
Representative Committee on the School Board.
As staff we welcome dialogue about the programme and students' experience of
learning. Students are actively involved in development of the programme through
their role in formal evaluation, and through developing mutual engagement with the
programme and each other.
In addition, individual students have a number of routes and opportunities to seek
information, guidance or assistance, or to raise issues of immediate concern.




Students can raise concerns at the Programme Meeting.
Students can talk directly to Unit Convenors about their units, and to other
academic staff in the School whose interests may coincide with the student's
learning.
Students can deal directly with the Programme Secretary over immediate
administrative matters.
See section “Complaints and Appeals Procedures” in School for Policy Studies
Postgraduate Taught Handbook for more formal situations.
Programme committee meeting
This Committee, which meets termly, is where student representatives meet with the
Programme Director, to discuss issues relating to the programme.
Programme evaluation
Students are asked to complete evaluation forms at the end of each unit. You are
encouraged to complete and return these to assist in the monitoring of quality as part of
the University's 'Policy for Good Practice in Teaching and Learning Quality' and other
quality assurance mechanisms. Students should be aware that written evaluation forms
are used not only by those directly involved in teaching and managing the course, but
may also be used for staff review and development and in University quality assurance
exercises.
Programme review
At the end of each year a programme review meeting is held where unit co-ordinators
meet to discuss the programme, the feedback provided by Examination Boards and to
consider any changes which need to be made to the content of the programme.
17
Our expectations of students
These will be addressed more fully as part of the initial induction process. Students are
advised to familiarise themselves with Rules and Regulations for Students, published
by the University at www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/.
Students are required to confirm their dissertation title, have a dissertation supervisor
appointed and have completed an ethics form by 1st June 2016.
Cancellation of classes
In the unfortunate event that a class needs to be cancelled because of illness or some
other unavoidable circumstance, the Programme Director will take steps to re-arrange
the programme wherever possible. However, there are times when changes cannot be
made and students should always come prepared to pursue private study in the School
for such occasions, which normally will be very rare.
Final results and degree ceremony
Final results will be determined at the Examination Board which will meet in November
2016. Recommendations are made to the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee which
meets in January and makes the final decision. A pass list is then issued which is sent
to all students on provision of a stamped addressed envelope. Students may telephone
the Programme Director after the November Board for informal indications of the
recommendations which have been made.
The degree congregation is normally held on a Wednesday in mid-February
information about this is sent to students the previous November. If you have not heard
from the University with these details by the end of December, you should contact the
Examinations Office, Telephone Number 0117-9287681.
One free copy of your transcript will be sent to your home address two months post
graduation. Subsequent copies are to be charged at £10 each for the first copy and £5
each for subsequent copies. No student who owes the University money will be
allowed to graduate. In addition if there is an outstanding appeal the degree will
also not be conferred.
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PROGRAMME CONTENT
Core unit titles
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Governance Institutions and the Global Political Economy
Power, Politics and the Policy Process
Public Management and Organisation
Informing and Evaluating Policy: Research Methods and Analysis
Elective unit titles (subject to demand)
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The International Analysis of Poverty, Inequality and Social Exclusion
Critical Policy Studies and the Internationalisation of Public Policy
International Perspectives on Gender Violence
Cities, Housing and Public Policy
Economics of Public Policy
Environmental Policy and Social Justice
The State of Labour
Health and Health Care in a Global Context
Social Policy and Social Change in East Asia
An International Analysis of Crime, Harm and Justice: Policy Responses
Public Policy for a Complex and Uncertain World
Migration, Asylum and Human Rights: EU and Global Policy Perspectives
Language Support Sessions
Language support for the MSc Public Policy covers two broad areas: the first focuses
on the four areas of academic listening, reading, speaking and writing, and the second
guides students through academic language and critical thinking skills.
Non-native students are strongly encouraged to sign up for this support course at the
beginning of the academic year. Students are grouped in small classes, enabling
regular student participation and individual feedback from the tutor.
Class tutor: tbc, Centre for English Language and Foundation Studies.
Elective unit descriptions
International analysis of poverty, inequality and social exclusion
Tackling poverty, inequality and social exclusion are currently core aims of both
international and domestic policy. The question of how best to define and measure
poverty and social exclusion is of fundamental importance in the development of
effective policies to eradicate poverty and social exclusion within the UK and
internationally. This unit examines different approaches to the definition and
measurement of poverty and social exclusion and their implications for our
understanding of the extent, nature and causes of this problem and the policies needed
to tackle it.
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These themes will be illuminated through discussion of a variety of international policy
areas, including human rights, global development, migration, gender, and poverty
across the life course. The focus of this unit is upon developing participants’ awareness
of the range of theoretical approaches and methods involved in research in this area and
their implications for the development of effective evidence-based policies. Throughout
the unit the emphasis is upon understanding the relationship between empirical research
and anti-poverty policy development at national and supranational levels. The unit will
conclude with a consideration of the prospects for eradicating poverty and the policies
needed to achieve this.
Critical Policy Studies and the Internationalisation of Public Policy
The aim of this unit is to introduce critical policy studies and international public policy
as emerging fields within policy studies. The unit will provide a theoretical and
methodological overview of critical approaches to policy studies such as post-positivist
and post-structuralist approaches, interpretive policy analysis, and anthropology of
public policy. It will interrogate key international debates about policy making and will
offer the opportunity for students to advance their skills in understanding policy
processes, policy changes, policy transfers, and the role of policy-makers in an
increasingly internationalized and transnationalised policy environment. The course
will also offer an interdisciplinary outlook on understanding policy by utilizing
approaches and perspectives from critical sociology, critical political geography,
anthropology, cultural studies and political economy. The course will discuss issues
around paradoxes of policy-making, power and knowledge, policy and scales, policy
and governmentality, policies on the move, and postmodern public administration.
International perspectives on gender violence
Recognised as a global concern by the UN, and increasingly acknowledged as both
crime and welfare issue in such diverse settings as the UK, Europe, China and India,
gender-based violence provides an important window on the development of policy and
action in a global context. The unit explores the impact of international organisations
(governmental and non-governmental) on gender-based violence policy development,
and demonstrates the importance of country context in constructing and implementing
global policy frameworks. Definitions and measurement of gender-based violence
differ between cultures and contexts, and violence may increase in situations such as
war or migration.
To explore these issues, the unit focuses on a number of examples, including domestic
violence, forced marriage, prostitution and trafficking. The unit explores and compares
incidence and prevalence of gender violence, drawing on global studies, examines
issues and problems related to methodology, and assesses gender violence as a human
rights issue. These aspects provide the basis for discussion of policy development in a
variety of contexts, principally Europe, the UK, China, and India.
A variety of perspectives have been used to explain gender violence, including
frameworks involving power and control, social structures, and individual behaviour.
These different perspectives will be explored, especially where they have implications
for definitions, policy and practice.
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The Economics of Public Policy
This unit examines a selection of key ideas from mainstream economics and their
relevance to policy. It examines contrasting approaches from behavioural and
institutional economics, which provide alternative perspectives on policy questions. A
key concern throughout is the way in which economic analysis and research are
deployed to shape policy. The unit considers a selection of applied topics such as: the
economic critique of government, the marketing of public services, the use of costbenefit analysis and impact assessment in policy decisions, the use of economic tools
in environmental policy. The unit seeks to set the economic approach to policy
alongside other criteria that could be used to inform thinking about policy.
The State of Labour
This unit has been developed in a period of great economic uncertainty when major
questions are raised about the nature and the prospects for contemporary capitalism.
Many accounts of societal transformation present as supporting evidence of projected
employment trends and occupational and compositional change in the workforce. The
transformation or work therefore portends not simply structural change in the economy
but a qualitative shift in the nature of capitalism. This unit will explore the
transformativity of globalisation, technological change, and welfare restructuring and
the extent to which the labour market acts as the medium through which societal change
emerges. This unit considers, not only the realms of production and industrial change,
but also the domain of reproduction with thematic focus on welfare state restructuring,
pension reform and demographic change.
It begins by examining public perceptions about the changing world of work and the
narratives of societal change from post industrial society to new capitalism. It will
examine the forces for change and ask what is meant by neoliberalism. It will address
dominant accounts of labour market change including deindustrialisation and the rise
of the service sector, dual labour market models, call centres outsourcing and
offshoring. It will examine demographic change and pension reform, individualisation
and the prospects for trades unions, institutional restructuring and professionalisation.
Finally it will explore the global economic crisis and its impact on the labour market
and the welfare state
Social Policy and Social Change in East Asia
Dramatic socio-economic transformations over the last two decades have brought social
policy and social welfare issues to prominence in many East Asian societies. This unit
aims to provide an understanding of key drivers of social change in the region, and to
explore how social, economic and political changes taking place in East Asian societies
have affected social policy delivery and management. For example, we will consider
whether the economic success is at the sacrifice of social policy development. Much of
the literature has concentrated on Japan and the four 'Tiger economies', but the reemergence of China has added a further and substantial new element to the social policy
discussion in East Asia. This unit has two components: the introductory set of sessions
will outline the key areas of theoretical and policy debate including how welfare
systems are constructed and understood in East Asia. It will also cover demography and
social change. The latter half will explore substantive policy fields such as employment
and labour market, social security, ageing society, and housing.
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Public Policy for a Complex and Uncertain World
Policymakers face a range of structural developments - such as population ageing,
technological change, increasing inequality or climate change - which present profound
systemic challenges. This unit examines how we can think about such large-scale and longterm developments and how this thinking could be integrated into policy alongside short term
imperatives driven by electoral politics and the news cycle. Looking to the long-term means
the policymaker must deal with a world in which uncertainty, rather than risk, is pervasive. It
requires moving away from focusing on individual issues or single policy areas and thinking
in terms of systems, interaction and complexity. Policymakers must act in the face of the
partially known, the unknown, and the unknowable. Consideration of longer-term trends and
challenges raises questions about the capacity and capabilities of policy systems: Do
governments have access to the analytical skills needed to do useful futures work? Do they
have the leadership and strategic capacity to develop and deliver policy that can effectively
account for and address these complex systemic issues? In the background sits a more
fundamental question: what can we know about the future that will help us to decide and act
now? What sorts of useful knowledge can be derived from futures work?
This unit provides an overview of a range of strategic foresight and futures techniques and a
critical understanding of the challenges associated with applying them to policy processes, both
in a national and global context. The unit will allow students to: develop their understanding
of the nature of public strategy and leadership; deepen their understanding of the drivers of the
policy process; examine the scope for integrating longer term thinking into policymaking,
including an appreciation of the organisational and institutional challenges associated with
doing so; reflect on the nature of complex social systems and the extent to which policy can
exert predictable influence over them; examine a selection of the practical tools available for
futures work in policymaking, including developing an understanding of their strengths and
weaknesses.
Migration, Asylum and Human Rights: EU and Global Policy Perspectives
The Unit will cover the main elements of the development of asylum and migration policies in
a global context of human mobility. It will focus on the consequences of policy implementation
both within and beyond the borders of the EU, addressing the impacts on human rights and
civil liberties of asylum seekers, recent migrants, EU citizens and non-EU citizens. The Unit
will include an overview of the historical importance of migration in the development nationstates, international and regional political blocks and of the global economy. The emergence
of immigration and asylum as key policy concerns for the EU will be examined in an
international context. Analysis of policy development will include the securitisation of
migration policy, policy transfer and the role of the EU in the world.
This Unit is designed to provide:
An up-to-date understanding of population movements in a global context and an overview of
the historical development of asylum and migration policy and legislation in the European
Union. It will include a thorough grounding in the role of EU institutions and the Member
States in producing and implementing Justice and Home Affairs policies.
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A comparative analysis of EU policies in the context of the global and regional activities of the
UNHCR and current debates around proposed changes to the 1951 Geneva Refugee
Convention and the Dublin III Regulation.
An understanding of the processes of asylum and migration policy development in the United
Kingdom and Ireland, in the context of the EU.
A comparative examination of the impact of asylum and migration policies on human rights
and citizenship legislation at national, EU and global levels.
Environmental Policy and Social Justice
This unit examines the intersection of environmental issues, social justice, and public policy.
As evidence mounts that the climate crisis has been caused by humans, there has been a gradual
but growing acceptance among national governments, supra-national organisations, and the
general public of the need for more environmentally harmonious societies. At the same time,
traditional development paths have come under question in the context of the continuing failure
to meet a number of basic human needs. Additionally, many of the challenges posed by
environmental risks relate to inequalities within societies between rich and poor, and also
between societies between the global North and South.
This unit will help students to integrate thinking about social and environmental issues by
exploring foundational concepts, values and perspectives as well as implications for policy. It
explores topics such as the particular characteristics of environmental issues that face policymakers in making environmental policy, and the nature of environmental goods that impact on
behaviour relating to them. It will also make use of increased awareness of ethical issues
relating to environmental sustainability and social well-being from a global perspective,
exploring matters of social and environmental injustice and issues such as citizenship and
human need. It therefore combines both ‘social policy’ and ‘public policy’ approaches to the
environment.
An International Analysis of Crime, Harm and Justice: Policy Responses
Globalisation and governance are intimately related to the production of crime (and harm
more generally) and developments within criminal justice. Globalisation is identified as
fomenting conditions which are facilitating the proliferation and development of
crimes/harms, whilst there is increasing recourse to cross-border and international
interventions to respond to these developments. This unit examines crime, harm and justice
from national and international perspectives. It begins by interrogating the meaning of
‘crime’, ‘harm’ and justice’. Taking an expansive notion of crime, and harm more
generally, it then considers a number of case studies including drugs, violence against
women, corporate and state harm and draws upon different theoretical perspectives (e.g.
harm reduction, restorative justice) to understand national and international responses to
them. By the end of the unit students will have an understanding of the construction of
‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’; policy responses to key crimes/harms; and current theoretical
approaches informing those responses.
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CORE UNIT OUTLINES 2015 - 2016
Governance, Institutions and the Global Political Economy
Convenor: Patricia Kennett
20 Credit Points
Unit Description and aims
This unit explores some of the key debates in relation to globalisation, governance and the
global political economy. It will consider the implications of the changing global political
economy for the integrity and autonomy of the nation state and the policy process. As
international activity increases does the nation state lose influence or authority? To what extent
is power dissipating both upwards (via supranational organisations) and downwards (via
decentralisation) and thus ‘hollowing out’ the nation state? This unit will explore these debates
paying particular attention to the variable geometry of power among nation states; the tension
between ‘geographical space’ and the space of financial flows and global networks; the
relationship between supranational and national institutions in the setting of policy agenda: the
role and status of international non-governmental organisations and new social movements
within international and global policy making; and discourses, theories and policy frameworks
for less-developed countries.
The unit will consider the range of approaches to understanding the new institutional structure
and patterns of decision-making emerging in this global age. It will focus on the concept of
`governance’, consider the various interpretations of and theoretical approaches to the term,
and its usefulness for understanding the policy process.
The specific aims of the unit are:
 To establish an understanding of and the relationship between globalisation,
governance and the global political economy
 To establish an understanding of the institutions and actors involved in the global
political economy and the transnational policy arena
 To develop a critical, theoretically informed understanding of the concepts of
governance and international political economy
 To consider the implications of the changing global political economy for different
parts of the world and groups of people.
Unit learning outcomes
 Develop a theoretically informed understanding of the relationship between
governance, the global political economy and the transnational policy arena;
 Develop a critical understanding of the range of actors and institutions which
comprise the global political economy, as well as the nature, dynamics and power
relations of their interaction;
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 Develop a critical understanding of the implications for the policy process and
policy making and the ability to apply this to their own work
 Demonstrate an understanding of the implications for different parts of the world
and different groups of people.
Methods of Teaching
The unit will comprise of weekly lectures, class discussions and student presentations.
Key Reading
Kennett, P. (2008) Governance, globalization and public policy Edward Elgar Publishing.
Held, D. and McGrew, A. (2002) Governing globalization and public policy Oxford: Polity
Press.
Wilkinson, R. and Hughes, S. (2002) (eds) Global Governance: critical perspectives London:
Routledge
Powell, F. (2007) The Politics of Civil Society: Neoliberalism or Social Left Bristol: The Policy
Press.
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Power, Politics and the Policy Process
Lecturers: Sarah Ayres & David Sweeting
Background
Policy making is a commonplace activity but one which is often difficult to understand and to
explain. During the last century a new discipline of policy studies emerged and with it the
promise that through a better understanding of the nature of policy making, the content and
impact of policy would be improved. Policy studies is a sub-field of political science that tries
to understand and build up knowledge of the whole process of public policy beginning from
the big picture of the global economy through the complex issues of which policies are chosen
for inclusion on the political agenda, who designs them, who delivers them and how, finally,
they are evaluated. The concept of political power influences every stage of the policy process
and as such is at the core of policy analysis. This unit introduces students to the concepts of
politics and power and explores them in relation to key theories of policy making.
This unit has three main aims:
 To introduce students to the literature of policy studies and to the development of the
field over the last fifty years,
 To introduce the main theories that seek to explain the nature of policy making,
including agenda setting, policy formation, implementation and policy evaluation,
 To enable students to apply these theories to understanding and explaining various
aspects of policy making in different settings.
On completion of the unit students should:
 Understand the range of theories and models of the policy process,
 Be able to critically review contemporary debates about the nature, scope and
effectiveness of policy,
 Be able to develop a better understanding of policy and policy making in their chosen
fields.
Learning resources
There are a number of key texts that provide a good introduction to most elements of the unit.
You will be expected to get through some of the recommended reading before each lecture.
The recommended reading list provides a ‘first port of call’ as many other books or journals in
the library may be appropriate. It is hoped that a broad spectrum of reading material will prompt
diverse perspectives and lively debates. There will be compulsory reading during some weeks
which will feed into group discussions.
Key texts
 Ayres, S. (eds) (2014) Rethinking Policy and Politics: Critical reflections on
contemporary debates in policy studies, Bristol, Policy Press. (ON ORDER)
 Bochel, H. and Duncan, S. (2007) Making Policy in Theory and Practice, Bristol,
Policy Press.
 Bovaird, T. and Loffler, E. (2009) Public Management and Governance 2nd edition,
London, Routledge.
 Ferlie, E.; Lynn, L. E. and Pollitt, C. (eds) (2005) The Oxford Handbook of Public
Management, Oxford, Oxford University Press. (JF1351OXF)
 Flynn, N. (2007) Public Sector Management, London, Sage. (FF1351FLY)
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 Geyer, R. and Rihani, S. (2010) Complexity and public policy, London, Routledge.
(H97GEY)
 Hartley, J., Donaldson, C., Skelcher, C and Wallace, M. (2009) Managing to Improve
Public Services, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press (JF1351 MAN)
 Hill M. (2012) The Policy Public Policy Process: 6th Edition, London, Routledge
(electronic version available).
 Hodgson, S, M. and Irving, Z. (2007) Policy Reconsidered, Bristol, Policy Press.
 John, P. (2010) Making policy work, London, Routledge.
 Kraft, M. and Furlong, S. (2012) Public Policy: Politics, analysis and alternatives: 4th
edition, London, Sage. (ON ORDER)
 Parsons, W. (1995) Public policy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Policy
Analysis, Aldershot: Edward Elgar. (H97PAR)
 Peters, G. (2010) The politics of bureaucracy, London, Routledge.
 Peters, G. and Pierre, J. (2007) The Handbook of Public Administration, London, Sage.
(H97HAN)
 Raadschelders, J. (2013) Public Administration: The interdisciplinary study of
government, Oxford, Oxford University Press. (ON ORDER)
 Torfing, J., Peters, G., Pierre, J. and Sorensen, E. (2012) Interactive Governance:
Advancing the paradigm, Oxford, Oxford University Press. (electronic version
available)
 Welch, D. (2014) A guide to ethics and public policy: Finding our way, London,
Routledge. (ON ORDER)
Journal Articles
Relevant journals include (Arts and Social Science library);
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Local Economy
Local Governance
Local Government Studies
Journal of European Public Policy
Journal of Public Policy
Political Studies
Policy Studies
Policy and Politics
Public Administration
Public Administration Review
Public Money and Management
Public Policy and Administration
The Political Quarterly
Social Policy and Administration
Serial HC251.LS
Serial J53001.L59
Serial J53001.L6
Serial H97.J6
Serial H97 J69
Serial JA1.P61
Serial H61.P6
Serial JA1 P46
Serial JA1.J69
Serial JF1351.P8
Serial HJ101.P82
Serial JF1351.P8
Serial JA1.P59
Serial HU1S55
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Informing and Evaluating Policy: Research Methods and Analysis
Mandatory for: MSc Public Policy
SPOLM1061
20 credit points
Convenor: Ailsa Cameron
Unit descriptions and aims
The unit brings together staff with diverse research interests, approaches and disciplinary
backgrounds with the purpose of introducing students to the use of quantitative and qualitative
research techniques relevant to different public policy fields and contexts and to a range of
methods that can be used to investigate a particular aspect of social life. The unit aims to
introduce students to the application and analysis of quantitative and qualitative techniques
through a consideration of the following: questionnaire design; sampling techniques, statistical
inference and systematic reviews; interviewing; and qualitative analysis. The strengths and
weakness of methods will be reviewed in the context of matching appropriate method(s) to
specific research questions. Students have to submit a dissertation which must have a strong
methodological framework, and the unit has been designed with a view to covering a variety
of possible ways students can approach and research a particular topic of inquiry for their
dissertation.
The specific aims of the unit are as follows:
 To familiarise students with the range of quantitative and qualitative
methods and techniques as they apply to public policy contexts; and
 To help students make informed judgments about the choice and
appropriateness of a range of research methods available to researchers in
public policy;
 To familiarise students with the conduct and design of research projects.
Unit learning outcomes
Upon completion of the unit students should be able to:
 Have an appreciation of reflexivity – a capacity to reflect upon what you are
doing, and to recognise that social research is a form of intervention in
social life;
 recognise the contributions and limitations of quantitative and qualitative
social science research and their available research techniques and methods;
 acquire the knowledge and skills in the construction of measuring
instrument(s) and data analysis;
 use several qualitative and quantitative methods when answering a research
question;
 scrutinize and evaluate scholarly research based on the methods/methodology
that informed it.
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Methods of Teaching
Lectures, and seminars. The aim of the eight seminars is to provide students the
opportunity to consolidate and enhance their learning from the lectures. Attendance at
seminars is highly recommended; Preparatory reading is a prerequisite. Details will
be announced after the first week of lectures.
Method of assessment
Formative assessment: n/a
Summative assessment: Formal assessment is an assignment of 3,500 words
(maximum).
 Action, C., Miller, R., Fullerton, D. and Maltby, J. (2009) SPSS for Social
Scientists [2nd edition], Basingstoke: Palgrave.
 Babbie, E. (2013). The Practice of Social Research (11th ed). Belmont:
Wadsworth Pub. Co.
 Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University
Press [Arts and Social Sciences .
 Creswell, J. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed
methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
 Creswell, J. Plano Clark, V. (2011) Designing and Conducting Mixed
Methods Research. London: Sage
 De Vaus, D.A (2002) Surveys in Social Research, [5th edition] London:
Routledge.
 Fielding, J and Gilbert, N (2006) Understanding Social Statistics [2nd
edition], London: Sage.
 Flick, U. (2009). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (4th Edition).
London: Sage.
 Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2008) Researching Social Life [3rd edition], London:
Sage.
 Gomm, R. (2004) Social Research Methodology: A critical introduction.
(2nd edition) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
 May, T. (2001). Social Research: Issues, methods, and process (4th
edition). Buchingham: Open University Press.
 Moore, D.S., & McCabe, G.P. (2003). Introduction to the practice of
statistics (4th edition). New York: Freeman & Company.
 Ritchie, J and Lewis, J (eds) (2014) Qualitative Research Practice,
London: Sage.
 Robson, C. (2002). Real world research: a resource for social scientists
and practitioner-researchers. (3rd edition) Oxford: Blackwell.
 Seale, C. (Ed.) (2012) Researching Society and Culture (3rd ed). London:
Sage.
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Public Management and Organisations, 2016
Lecturers: Sarah Ayres and Alex Marsh
Unit Description
This unit examines a selection of topics related to the restructuring of public sector
organisations. The unit will seek to relate change in the organisation of the public sector to
changing thinking about organising more generally. It will consider the origins of key concepts
used to understand organisation and management and the extent to which they translate to the
public sector.
Unit aims
 To provide students with an understanding of key concepts shaping the reorganisation of
the public sector.
 To demonstrate to students the way in which changing ideas about organisation connect
with the reshaping of public sector organisations.
 To introduce students to a range of perspectives from which to think critically about
organisations.
 To explore the origins of, and assumptions underpinning, a selection of concepts and
discuss the extent to which they can be applied to public services.
On completion of the unit students should have an understanding of:
 The key concepts shaping the reorganisation of the public sector.
 The way in which changing ideas about organisation have reshaped public sector
organisations.
 The origins of and assumptions underpinning a selection of concepts and their
application to public services.
 A range of perspectives from which to think critically about organisations.
Key texts
 Ackroyd, S.; Kirkpatrick, I. And Waller, R. (2007) ‘Public management reform in the UK and
its consequences for professional organisations: A comparative analysis’, Public
Administration, 85, 1, 9-26.
 Brown, T. L., Potoski, M., and Van Slyke, D. M. (2006). Managing public service contracts:
Aligning values, institutions, and markets. Public Administration Review, 66, 3, 323-331.
 Clegg, S., Kornberger, M. and Pitsis, T. (2008) Managing and organizations: an introduction
to theory and practice, 2nd ed, Sage. (HD31.CLE). Introduction.
 Craig, G., Gordon, D. and Burchardt, T. (2008) Social Justice and Public Policy, Bristol, Policy
Press. (HM216SOC)
 Currie, G., Humphreys, M., Ucbasaran, D. and McManus, S. (2008) Entrepreneurial leadership
in the English public sector: paradox or possibility?, Public Administration, vol 86, no 4, 9871008.
 Doherty, T. L., Horne, T., and Wootton, S. (2013) Managing Public Services – Implementing
Changes, London, Routledge. (ON ORDER)
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 Du Gay, P. (2008) ‘Without affection or Enthusiasm’ Problems of involvement and attachment
in ‘responsive’ public management, Organization, 15, 2, 335-353.
 Greener, I. (2009) Public Management: A critical text, Palgrave MacMillan.
 Grey, C. (2005) A very short, fairly interesting and reasonably cheap book about studying
organizations, Sage.
 Gordon, R., Kornberger, M., and Clegg, S. (2009) Power, rationality and legitimacy in public
organizations, Public Administration, vol 87, no 1, 15-34.
 Hatch, M. and Cunliffe, A. (2006) Organization theory: modern, symbolic and postmodern
perspectives, 2nd ed, Oxford. (HD58.7 HAT) Chapter 8.
 Johnston Miller, K. and McTavish, D. (2013) Making and Managing Public Policy, London,
Routledge. (ON ORDER)
 Pollitt, C. (2013) New Perspective in Public Services: Place and Technology, Oxford, Oxford
University Press. (ON ORDER)
Walker, R. M., Boyne, G. A., and Brewer, G. A. (2012) Public Management and Performance,
Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. (ON ORDER)
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ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT
Time commitment
The workload for this programme is considerable, and involves preparation before
visits, mainly reading. In addition, there are a number of assessment essays and a
dissertation which place a considerable strain on both the students to write and the
academics to mark within the time constraints imposed by Examination Boards. It is
therefore very important that students recognise this and try to prepare for this as early
as possible.
Academic writing
Written work should aim to be critical, thorough and creative. In terms of assessment
this translates into writing critical and argumentative essays which are not simply
descriptive accounts or regurgitations of opinion. To conform to an academic style of
referencing, the Harvard system should be used. Details of the “Harvard System for
Referencing” are in the School for Policy Studies Postgraduate Taught Handbook.
Students are expected to adopt a good standard of written English and grammar.
Coursework awarded 70+ will be expected to demonstrate excellent written English
and grammar and accurate referencing using the Harvard system.
Dissertation preparation
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Howard, K. and Sharp, J.A. (1996) The management of a student research
project London: Gower
Phillips, E.M. and Pugh, D.S. (1990) How to get a PhD: a handbook for students
and their dissertations Milton Keynes: Open University Press
Rudestam, K.E, and Newton, R.R. (1993) Surviving your dissertation: a
comprehensive guide to content and process London: Sage
Guides and study skills
All of the following are available in the main or departmental libraries.
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

Dunleavy, P. (1986) Studying for a degree in the humanities and Social
Sciences and Law Macmillan
Richardson, M. et al (1979) Preparing to Study Milton Keynes: Open
University Press
Fairbairn, G.J. and Winch, C. (1996) Reading, writing and reasoning: a guide
for students Milton Keynes: Open University Press
Marshall, L. and Rowland, F. (1993) A guide to learning independently Milton
Keynes: Open University Press
Assessment procedures
The MSc in Public Policy is awarded to candidates who achieve at least a pass mark of
50 in the dissertation and unit essays.
Assignments
Unit essays
Students are required to submit an essay of up to 4,000 words in length chosen
from a list of essay titles provided by the third week of each unit. Students may
also negotiate individual titles for their essays, but these must be approved in advance
32
by programme tutors and the external examiner.
Any essay which does not reach the pass mark may be re-submitted on one occasion
only, but can only achieve a maximum mark of 50.
The final Examination Board may condone a limited number of failed units (up to 20
credit points, ie one standard 4,000 word essay) if there is compensating work of above
pass standard.
Formative Essay
Students will have the opportunity to undertake a formative assessment of their work.
Students will be asked to write a 2,000 word essay. This work will be graded using the
MSc in Public Policy marking criteria but will not contribute to their final degree
classification. The exercise is intended to give students feedback on their writing style
and capacity early on in the course before they undertake their assessed pieces of work.
The deadline for this piece of work is on week 6.
Submission of essays
Detailed notes on the requirements for both unit essays and dissertations are given in
the section Conventions for assessment of the MSc in Public Policy. This is a brief
reminder of the main points.
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

You will be assigned a random number which you should use on all your work
(except for the dissertation).
You are required to submit your unit assessments via Blackboard by the
date given.
If problems arise, you should discuss these with the unit co-ordinator. Requests
for extensions for essays should be made to the Programme Director using the
relevant form. These should be directed via the Programme Secretary’s office
in 6 Priory Road. Medical reasons must be supported by a doctor's note. Work
related reasons should whenever possible have a supporting letter from the
employer.
Suspension of studies
Suspension of studies during the Programme may be allowed in exceptional
circumstances. Approval must be sought from the Graduate Dean of the Social
Sciences and Law and Law Faculty Office. All correspondence requesting extensions
to study time or suspensions of studies should be addressed to the Programme Director
(via the Programme Secretary). Following discussion of the circumstances the
Programme Director will then pass on the relevant paperwork to the Faculty Office.
Essay plans
Student assignments should reflect the acquisition of knowledge gained from attending
a unit as well as the student’s capacity to apply this knowledge to the analysis and
evaluation of literature, documentation or other data. Unit assignments should represent
the student’s own work, and the outcome of their learning experience. The question
therefore arises as to what extent can teaching staff assist with the preparation of
assignments. As a general rule teaching staff can provide assistance in the process of
essay writing rather than guidance on the final outcome.
In the early stages of the preparation of an assignment an Essay Plan, based on a onepage outline of the essay, can be submitted to an academic member of staff involved
33
in the delivery of the unit who will provide verbal or written feedback as appropriate.
Students are entitled to submit an essay plan for all assignments. A student may contact
the unit convenor, in person, by telephone or by email, and ask for specific guidance in
the preparation of the assignment, for example, when she/he is experiencing particular
difficulties in identifying the relevant literature, or in understanding or interpreting the
assignment title. They may also contact the unit convenor when they have questions of
a more general nature to do with the unit content.
Timetable for submission of coursework in 2015-2016
For units completed in the Autumn Term the submission date for assignments is 11
January 2016
For units completed in the Spring Term the submission date for assignments is 2 May
2016
The Dissertation must be submitted by 15 September 2016
Conventions for assessment of the MSc in Public Policy programme
The following conventions have been drawn up to guide those involved in the
assessment procedure. They will normally be adhered to by the Examination Board
and made available to external examiners, and all students following the programme.
Amendments to the conventions where necessary will be made by the Examination
Board and notified to all examiners and students.
The programme is subject to the ordinances and regulations established by Senate and
Council. These are contained within both the current version of the Faculty Handbook
and the University Handbook entitled Rules and Regulations for Students. Students
should ensure that they are familiar with these ordinances and regulations.
Examiners

There is currently one external examiner, who serves for three academic
sessions.

Internal examiners will be drawn from the University staff with academic status
approved by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law.
Examinations board

This will comprise the external examiner, all members of staff who teach or
mark on the programme, the departmental Graduate Studies Officer, the
Director of the programme and the Year Tutor(s).

The Chair will be a senior member of School for Policy Studies staff.

The Board will meet as appropriate to consider and agree marks and discuss
written marks and comments from the external examiner. At least once each
year, normally in November, the Board will meet in the presence of the External
Examiner, to make recommendations for the award of MSc in Public Policy
degree. Interim Boards may be convened to agree assignment marks to date
and assess progress. The External Examiner is not normally expected to attend.
Unit assessments

Six units of the programme will be assessed by an essay or equivalent piece of
work. The essay will be up to 4,000 words in length and chosen from a list of
essay titles provided by the third week of each unit. These will have been
approved by the External Examiner in advance of circulation to students.
34

Students may be able to negotiate individual titles for their essays or
amendments to other forms of assessment with Unit Tutor(s) but these, like
those on the lists provided by the Unit Tutor, will have to be approved by the
External Examiner.

ALL unit assessments are submitted electronically via Blackboard. Cover sheets
and plagiarism sheets are no longer required as these form part of the
checklist/instructions at the start of the electronic submission process.

Students are assigned a random number by School for Policy Studies which
should be used, rather than their name, on the front of all essays. This ensures
that essays are marked anonymously.

Examiners may deduct marks for any racist, sexist or other offensive language.

Unit essays will be subject to a moderated marking procedure, whereby a
sample of scripts will be double marked to ensure consistency and accuracy in
marking procedures.

A mark of 50 will indicate that a candidate has reached MSc standard; a mark
of 60 –70 will indicate that an essay or other piece of work is of merit standard;
a mark of 70+ will indicate that an essay or other piece of work is of distinction
standard.

The External examiner will receive a schedule of all unit essay marks. A
selection of essays including high and low marks and borderline cases and cases
where the internal markers have differing opinions will be sent to the external
examiner. Copies of all unit essays or other pieces of work will be available for
inspection by the External Examiner on request. The role of the External
Examiner is to moderate marks overall, not in general to be a third marker.

The external examiner will comment in writing on unit essays or other pieces
of work. Final marks will be determined at the Examination Board. In the event
of a disagreement between the mark given by internal markers and the External
Examiner, after discussion of the reasons for the mark, the normal presumption
would be to take the band recommended by the external examiner.

Students have the opportunity to resubmit any piece of failed work once.
However, they can only achieve a maximum mark of 50.

Candidates must pass six formally assessed essays to be eligible for the award
of the MSc in Public Policy (see Overall Performance below).

There is the possibility of condonement of one failed unit (up to 20 credit points,
ie. one standard 3,500 word essay, provided this is not a mandatory unit.) This
is at the discretion of the final Examination Board and for it to be allowed, there
needs to be compensating work of above pass standard.

Students will be given marks and detailed comments on the standard of their
performance.
Dissertation
Students will have an opportunity to discuss their dissertation topic with the
Dissertation Co-ordinator, who will then assign them an appropriate supervisor.
Students must ensure that they have been assigned a supervisor no later than 31st May.
There is an expectation that students will not leave the university for the Third Term
until they have had a face-to-face meeting with their supervisor and agreed a
programme of work. Please refer to the Dissertation Handbook for further details about
supervision arrangements.
35
Dissertations should be submitted to the Graduate Programme Secretary by the
appropriate date.



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

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The Dissertation will take the form of a piece of work agreed between the candidate
and an internal adviser. The work should be of a length between 10,000 and 15,000
words. Examiners will deduct marks for excessive length. There will also be penalties
for late submission. The number of words, excluding appendices, footnotes, references
and bibliography, should be stated on the title page of the work. Examiners may also
deduct marks for any racist, sexist or other offensive language.
Two bound copies of the Dissertation plus one electronic copy submitted via
blackboard are to be submitted by 15 September in the first or second year of the
programme. These should normally be submitted on A4 paper, typed and securely
bound between firm covers. They must be delivered to the Graduate Secretaries' Office
at 6 Priory Road, between 8.00am - 4.00pm. Due to high postal costs we are unable to
return a copy of your dissertation to you following assessment so we suggest that you
print an additional copy for your own records.
Dissertations will be subject to a moderated marking procedure, whereby a sample of
scripts will be double marked to ensure consistency and accuracy in marking
procedures.
A mark of 50 or above will indicate that the candidate has reached Masters standard.
All Dissertations will be available to the external examiner. A selection of dissertations,
including high and low marks, borderline cases and cases where internal examiners
have differing opinions will be sent to the external examiner for moderation.
The external examiner will comment in writing on dissertations. In the event of
disagreement between the mark given by internal markers and the external examiner,
after discussion of the reasons for the mark, the normal presumption would be to take
the mark recommended by the external examiner.
Students will be given final agreed marks and comment sheets from internal markers
on the dissertation.
Candidates must achieve a mark of 50 or above in the dissertation to be eligible for the
award of MSc in Public Policy (see overall performance below).
Overall performance
The Faculty Graduate Studies Committee will not allow compensation between the
marks for the dissertation and the taught element for the purpose of awarding a
commendation.
The overall performance of each student will be reviewed by the Board of Examiners
following completion of their chosen Programme. The examiners may recommend:
For the MSc:

that the degree of MSc be awarded unconditionally

that the degree of MSc be awarded with merit where:
the average mark for the taught units is not less than 60
and the mark for at least three of the taught unit assignments is 60 or higher
and the mark for the Dissertation is 60 or higher
that the degree of MSc be awarded with distinction where:
the average mark for the taught units is not less than 65
and the mark for at least three of the taught unit assignments is 65 or higher

36
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


and the mark for the Dissertation is 70 or higher
that the degree of MSc be awarded subject to the correction of minor errors to
the Dissertation, to the satisfaction of the Dissertation Advisor
that the degree of MSc not be awarded but that the candidate be permitted to represent the Dissertation in revised form for re-examination
that the degree of MSc not be awarded and permission not granted to re-present
the Dissertation, but that the candidate is considered for the award of the
Diploma
that no award is made
For the Diploma or Certificate

that the Diploma or Certificate be awarded unconditionally where there is an
overall average of 50 in taught components, with no more than 20 credit points
condoned at less than 50 that no award is made
The Board of Examiners has discretion to take into account exceptional circumstances
in judging the overall performance of each student.
Award of Degree
The Examination Board may convey its recommendations for the award of degrees to
students, but it should be made clear that the final decision on whether degrees are
awarded rests with the Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty Board, to which
recommendations are made.
37
4.
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION
Your UCard (University Card) is also your Library card and should be available for
collection from Faculty Registration on the Introductory Day if have uploaded your photo in
time and from the Library if not. Keep this card safe as it allows you access to important
areas around the University and shows you are a University of Bristol student. The first time
you use your UCard you will need to initialise it by holding it against a card reader for 10-15
seconds, while the system checks your card details. You should carry your UCard at all
times when you are on the University precincts at Bristol and do not give your UCard to
anyone else, or allow anyone else access to buildings or facilities using your card. You can
find out more about your UCard at www.bristol.ac.uk/cardservices/.
The School uses the Blackboard virtual learning environment as the principal medium for
delivering supporting materials for its teaching programmes. There is an overall Blackboard
site for your programme, which is used for general administration and communication. You
will be expected to submit your essays through this site (see the section below on ‘Essay
submission using Blackboard’).
As well as the programme site, each unit on a teaching programme has its own Blackboard
site and you should expect materials associated with each unit you are studying to be
available on the site. You should not expect lecturers to provide printed handouts or
photocopies of reading materials in class. Rather, you should expect the materials related to
an upcoming lecture or class to be accessible through Blackboard in advance of the session so
that you can download them and, if necessary, print them out.
There may be occasions on which it is not, for a variety of reasons, possible for your lecturer
to make materials available in advance of a particular session. Your lecturer should post a
notice on Blackboard telling you that this is the case. Your lecturer should then bring paper
copies of the relevant materials to the session.
When a lecturer distributes paper handouts in class, the materials should subsequently be
available on Blackboard, unless there are technical or copyright reasons why this is not
possible.
The Blackboard site associated with each unit should contain:




the unit outline, including lecture programme, class topics, and reading list
the requirements and tasks set for all types of written assignment copies of any
Powerpoint presentations associated with lectures
any written materials associated with classes (eg. briefings for class exercises, where
relevant)
any messages from the unit convenor regarding changes to arrangements.
It may also have other resources like external links or additional reading. Some units may
have discussion boards and fora, but these depend on how the unit convenor wants to use
their Blackboard site.
Access Blackboard through your ‘MyBristol’ page, which you reach from the University
home page. It is on the ‘Course’ tab at the top of your home page. Accessing via MyBristol
means you are logged in to the system.
If you experience problems accessing or using Blackboard, please contact bbhelp@bris.ac.uk. Questions about the content of a Blackboard unit site should be addressed to
the contact point for that unit (usually the unit convenor).
38
5.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
1.1 Assessment and Feedback Statement for PGT Students
The programme’s assessment and feedback reflect the Institutional Principles in Taught
Programmes, available at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/academicquality/assessment/assessment-and-feedback-principles/, the University’s Examination
Regulations, available at: www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/examregs.html and
the University’s Assessment Guidelines and the Regulations and Code of Practice Taught
Postgraduates, available at: www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/assessment/
Assessment
The amount and type of assessment and feedback within the units that you study will vary
and the details given here are guidelines on what you should normally expect in units run
on the programmes.
Units on the programmes are designed to enable you to meet the intended learning
outcomes of the unit and your programme. We use the following types of assessment to
help you attain these outcomes and to assess how well you have attained them:
1. Summative assessment which is designed to test whether and how well you have
met the intended learning outcomes for a unit.
2. Formative assessment designed primarily to provide feedback on how well your
learning is developing in the unit. It should give you an indication of where you
are performing well in relation to the intended learning outcomes and where you
need to focus to improve your learning.
The programme norm for summative assessment for a 20 credit point unit is 4000 words
in essay format. You will be informed of the assessments required in a unit at the
beginning of the unit. This information is also usually provided in a unit handbook or
course outline and/or Blackboard.
Marking
The programmes use marking criteria to judge whether and how well you have succeeded
in attaining the intended learning outcomes for your unit. These criteria are used to assign
a mark to your work. The Faculty’s marking criteria may be found on the website. The
University’s marking criteria (to which the Faculty’s criteria conform) are found in the
Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Submission and penalties
You will be informed in advance of the dates and methods of submission of all assessed
work, whether formative or summative.
Late submissions of summative work will be subject to late penalties. There are word
limits specified for assessed work, there will be penalties applied for exceeding them.
Feedback
Feedback is designed to enable you to reflect on what you have done well and where
improvement is needed. You should seek clarification if the feedback is not clear to you.
You should also try to act on the feedback and use it constructively in future assessments.
Feedback is provided in a variety of ways, for example:
● Individual feedback consisting of written comments on submitted work. Such
feedback is provided on submitted work.
39
● Group feedback is sometimes provided on submitted work. Such feedback will
help you to see how your understanding compares with your fellow students and
may, by providing insight into how others answered a question, give you ideas on
what could have been included in your work.
● You may receive feedback from your personal tutor or from unit convenors.
● Where you make presentations to a tutorial or seminar group, or do group work
with other students, you may receive written or oral feedback from the tutor and
other students in the class.
The amount of time required to give you feedback on a piece of formative assessment
will depend on the nature of the assessment task and other programme-specific factors,
but feedback will normally be provided within three working weeks of the submission
deadline, unless there is a special reason why this deadline cannot be met.
Further information on assessments within the University may be found in the
Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Marking criteria
For full information, see sec. 12 of the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught
Programmes.
The marking criteria provided below describe in broad terms the considerations that
inform the decisions of markers. The details of each unit will identify for you any more
detailed and specific marking criteria for that unit.
 Work is worthy of publication or dissemination as appropriate to the
field.
Distinction  Clear evidence of originality and independent thinking, as appropriate
to the task.
 Exceptional in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied areas
of relevant literature, policy and conceptual issues as appropriate to the
task.
 The work is very well written and presents an excellent synthesis of
appropriate available information, coherently structured and draws
valid conclusions.
 Outstanding evidence of acquisition of relevant skills and their
application.
 Excellent presentation including the consistent use of an appropriate
referencing system.
70-79%
 Commanding knowledge of relevant literature, policy and conceptual
issues appropriate to the field.
Distinction  Evidence of originality and independent thinking, as appropriate to the
task.
 Demonstrates the ability to make good judgements and draw valid
conclusions, as appropriate to the assessment task.
80-100%
40
60-69%
Merit
50-59%
Pass
40-49%
Fail
<40%
 The work is very well written and presents an excellent synthesis of
appropriate available information, coherently structured.
 Excellent evidence of acquisition of relevant skills and their
application.
 Excellent presentation including the consistent use of an appropriate
referencing system.
 Good knowledge of relevant literature, policy and conceptual issues
appropriate to the field.
 Material from relevant sources is carefully and critically selected,
interpreted, compared and evaluated.
 The work is well written and presents a good synthesis of appropriate
available information, coherently structured.
 Draws valid conclusions.
 Good evidence of acquisition of relevant skills.
 Very good presentation including the consistent use of an appropriate
referencing system.
 Adequate understanding of relevant literature, policy, available
information, and conceptual issues appropriate to the field.
 Some interpretation, evaluation and comparison of sources is attempted
but not pursued in depth.
 Adequate synthesis of available information but analysis of underlying
principles and themes not developed, valid but limited conclusions.
 Work is coherent and adequately structured.
 Evidence of acquisition of relevant skills.
 Good presentation including the consistent use of an appropriate
referencing system
 Demonstrates a limited understanding of relevant literature, policy,
available information, and conceptual issues appropriate to the field.
 Demonstrates clear but limited attempt to become acquainted with
relevant source material and draw relevant conclusions, but draws
conclusions that do not all follow logically from the work undertaken.
 Work is not fully coherent, poorly structured, and indicates that key
concepts are generally not understood.
 Little evidence of acquisition of relevant skills.
 Poor presentation including inconsistent referencing.
 Changes required to content and/or structure and presentation in order
to achieve a pass on resubmission.
 Makes little attempt to become acquainted with relevant source
material.
 Does not draw conclusions or if it does then they consist of
unsupported assertions.
 Work is not coherent, very poorly structured, and indicates that key
concepts are not understood.
 Little or no evidence of the acquisition of key skills.
 Very weak presentation.
 Major changes required to content, structure and presentation in order
to achieve a pass on resubmission.
41
1.1 Marking procedures
The programme uses an ‘open moderation’ procedure. The first internal marker
assesses the student’s work and feedback is recorded on a proforma together with a
suggested mark. The second (internal) marker then looks at a selection of essays
(usually one from each band) and confirms the band. Moderation means that not all
essays get double marked, however, the confirmation of bands means that there is an
agreement between the first and the second marker about the quality of the work and
they allocated category of marks. All dissertations are moderated.
If the second marker disagrees the Programme Director is arranging a third internal
marker and if necessary she will be sending the essay to the external examiner for
comment. When a mark and comments are agreed, the first internal marker completes
the unit assessment proforma and passed to the Postgraduate Student Administrator for
return to the student.
1.2 Confirmation of marks and student notification
All summative unit assessments are confirmed by the Programme Examination Board,
which is normally held twice yearly (once in November and once in May). Following
confirmation of the marks (and the assessment of any penalties) students are notified via
email that their unit assignment marks have been ratified. Students can then check these
through the MyBristol portal. Students will only receive a letter from the Postgraduate
Student Administrator if there have been any penalties assessed for lateness or over word
length or in instances of suspected plagiarism. Final awards are first recommended by the
Programme Examination Board and then decided by the Faculty Board of Examiners,
who are also informed about any potential issues regarding student progression.
1.3 Referencing
It is essential that you acknowledge the sources of your information and it is very
important to get their referencing right. This is one of the criteria on which your work is
assessed. The School expects a high standard of technical detail and accuracy, especially
for the dissertation which is a public document.
The purposes of referencing are to:

show that you can locate your work in the context of existing thought and writing
(commonly referred to as “the literature”). It is never acceptable to say ‘research
has shown ...’ and then fail to cite any books, articles or reports.

acknowledge that you have drawn on the arguments and evidence of other writers.

allow the reader (or marker) to check the original source of evidence or argument,
for example if you cite something that the reader finds particularly contentious or
surprising. It is for this reason that you must be as precise as possible.

A complete list of all references contained in essays, dissertation or project reports
must appear at the end of the assignment. You should be sure to go through the
text painstakingly and check them off. Please note that you are asked for a
reference list not a bibliography. You should not include publications which you
have looked at but not actually referred to in the text.
42
For the School for Policy Studies, the standard system used is the Harvard system of
referencing, which uses (name, date) in the text, and an alphabetical list of citations at the
end. This is the one most commonly found in social science texts and journals and is the
most flexible to use, though it may be slightly different from the ‘house style’ of some
publications. Unless you are told otherwise by your programme staff, assume that you
must use the Harvard system of referencing in your assessments. Appendix 2 gives you a
basic guide to using the Harvard system, and you can find further help at the following
websites:
 library.leeds.ac.uk/info/200232/referencing.
 www.lib.monash.edu.au/tutorials/citing/harvard.html is a clearly labelled self help
guide.
 iskillzone.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderConstellation.aspx?Context=10&Area=
8&Room=25&Constellation=39 provides a list of resources for help with
referencing using different standard styles.
 The reference source for Harvard and other styles is recorded in British Standards
Institution (1990) BS5605:1990 Recommendations for citing and referencing
published material. Milton Keynes, BSI. The library holds this reference book.
1.4 Plagiarism
Passages quoted or closely paraphrased from other authors must be identified as
quotations or paraphrases, and the sources of the quoted or paraphrased material must be
acknowledged. Use of unacknowledged sources may be construed as plagiarism. More
information about plagiarism can be found at:
www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/studentlearning/plagiarism/
The Library also provides Plagiarism information and advice found at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/support/findinginfo/plagiarism/.
Please also look at the Faculty Postgraduate Handbook where there is a more
detailed explanation section of what we consider to be plagiarism, and at the
University Regulations and Procedures Relating to Plagiarism which can be found
at: www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/studentlearning/plagiarism/.
It is your responsibility to read these!
You will see from these that there can be very serious consequences, including the
possibility that you would not be awarded a degree at all, or that your degree
classification would be lowered. Some of the very serious forms of plagiarism may be
treated as disciplinary offences. Because of the seriousness with which we regard
plagiarism, we scrutinise work submitted for assessment using the Turnitin Plagiarism
Detection software. For this reason you are required to submit all work electronically,
through Blackboard.
NB: The extensive use of material which you have written as part of an assignment for
one unit in another unit assignment (whether at this university or another university) is
‘self-plagiarism’. It is easily detected by Turnitin. In Master’s programmes, there is
sometimes an overlap in assignments, for example because they may ask you to develop a
research proposal. Clearly, you must not submit essentially the same proposal for more
than one unit. However, you may draw on this material for you dissertation, so long as
your unit assignment is clearly referenced at the beginning and end of the included
43
material. For example, you might write:
“The policy context/theoretical framework/methodology [as appropriate]
discussed in the following section was previously presented as part of my/the
author’s assignment for Further Qualitative Research.
…[at the end of the section] (Author, FQual assignment, 2013).
Subsequent reflection on this proposal suggested that…[new material].
If you are uncertain about self-plagiarism, you are strongly advised to speak to your
personal tutor, dissertation supervisor or the programme director.
1.4.1
Plagiarism procedures
The University's Examination Regulations state that 'Any thesis, dissertation, essay, or
other course work must be the student’s own work and must not contain plagiarised
material. Any instance of plagiarism in such coursework will be treated as an offence
under these regulations.' (Section 3.1)
The Examination Regulations give information on the University's procedures for
dealing with cases of plagiarism in undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes
of study (Section 4) and in theses submitted for research degrees (Section 5).
Note: Unit assignments are checked through Turnitin for suspected plagiarism
The process for detecting suspected plagiarism is presented in the figure below.
5.1 Essay submission using Blackboard
You must submit all essays through the relevant essay submission area in Blackboard
by the deadline. You do not need to provide us with printed copies of essays.
You will be enrolled onto the relevant submission area in Blackboard. There will be
instructions in this area as well as a test area for you to practice with before you
submit your first essay. Please contact the Programme Student Administrator if you
44
cannot see the essay submission area in your Blackboard course list.
Please be aware that all essays are processed through the Turnitin Plagiarism Software
Detection Service. You can find out more about this at
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/e-learning/support/tools/turnitin/. You are required to
submit an essay through Blackboard in one of the following formats:
 Word file (.doc)
 Rich text format (.rtf)
Before you submit you are required to sign an electronic plagiarism declaration and
check that you have put your candidate number and word length on the first page of
your essay. Please note that the word length will be checked.
5.2 Dissertation submission
Dissertations must also be submitted via Blackboard. Please note that two bound
paper copies of the dissertation are also required. Further instructions about format
and binding are provided in a separate dissertation handbook.
5.3 Penalties for late and over length submissions
Assignments that are submitted late, with no agreed extension, or after the date of an
agreed extension, are subject to penalties.
Coursework that is submitted late without extenuating circumstances is penalised by a
mark reduction of 10 marks (out of 100) for a delay of up to 24 hours, and 5 further
marks for each subsequent period of 24 hours or part thereof. One week after the
deadline there is a final cut-off after which the work is given zero and treated as if it
had never been submitted.
Assignments that are overlength are also subject to penalties. You must enter the word
count on the coversheet. Candidates must not exceed the word limit. If the word limit is
exceeded, 1 mark will be deducted for every 300 (or part of 300) words by which the
limit is exceeded. The word limit includes footnotes, but not the bibliography. Failing to
state the number of words, or misstating them, is an examinations offence. A fixed
penalty of 5 marks will be applied to those who mislead on the word limit by
systematically omitting spaces in references and footnotes.
Note: If the penalty takes you below the pass mark, you will be permitted to re-submit,
once, for a capped mark of 50%.
5.4 Resubmission
Students normally are allowed to resubmit each failed assignment once for a capped mark
of 50%. In order to be permitted a second attempt (i.e. re-sit) in any failed unit(s), taught
postgraduate students must gain at least half of the credit points (i.e. 60 credit points) in
the taught component by achieving the pass mark at the first attempt AND must have
45
satisfied any additional criteria at the time they are considered by the progression board,
or equivalent (see sec. 37 of Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
The timing of the resubmission is normally on or before 6 weeks of notification by the
programme team. The programme exam board ratifies marks for all submitted unit
assignments (original and resubmitted, ie. first and second attempts).
5.5 Student Progression and Completion in Taught Postgraduate
Modular Programmes
Students must satisfy certain minimum criteria to be allowed to progress from the taught
component of the programme to the dissertation. In other words, they must pass the
necessary taught units before they are allowed to proceed to the dissertation.
Suitable arrangements will be made to implement the regulations for the award of credit
for students who are studying a programme on a part-time basis such that the students are
aware of the arrangements (e.g. the timing and status of any re-sits) and are not
disadvantaged by the point in their studies in which their progression is formally
considered.
The following paragraphs summarise these requirements. For full information, see sec. 37
of Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
By reaching a satisfactory standard students thereby acquire the necessary credit points to
progress, except as specified below. Students must achieve the pass mark for the unit
(normally a mark of 50 out of 100 at postgraduate level) and meet any additional criteria,
if applicable, to be awarded the associated credit. The criteria for the award of credit
points, and an explanation of how the award of credit may be affected by criteria
additional to marks in an examination or other formal assessment, are described in the
relevant unit and programme specification and are communicated to the students in
advance of the commencement of their study of the unit.
Students must gain at minimum half the credit points of the taught element of the
programme at the first attempt (60 credits, ie. half the taught component of the programme),
and pass all the failed units at the second attempt, although some exceptions are allowed in
certain circumstances (see ‘compensated pass’ below).
A student who is not awarded the credit for a unit will be permitted a second attempt to
achieve a satisfactory standard to progress (i.e. a ‘re-sit’). A “re-sit” need not be in the
same form as the original assessment, as long as it: tests the same learning outcomes, does
not compromise any competence standards; and applies to the entire cohort of students who
are undertaking the re-assessment. Re-submission of essays and coursework should
normally be within 4-6 weeks for full-time taught postgraduate students.
In short, the above means that if you fail any in the first batch of unit assignments you
cannot formally resubmit (ie “re-sit”) any failed units until you have passed at least 60
credit points (ie three units) at first attempt. We will discuss with you your options at this
point. The timing of any resubmissions is based on when the failed units occurred.
Progression to the dissertation phase of the programme will not be allowed until such
time as the minimum criteria are met. Exceptions are at the discretion of the exam board.
Under certain circumstances the programme examination board may permit a student to
progress notwithstanding a failed assessment in one unit only. This is known as a
compensated pass, and you should refer to the Regulations and Code of Practice for
46
details. Compensated pass cannot be applied to must-pass units, which in our programmes
are all the mandatory units. As such, you can only be awarded a compensated pass for
your elective units provided you have only failed one unit. In the School, compensated
passes will be applied at the ‘second’ attempt.
Note: If a student does not achieve the necessary requirements, s/he will be required to
withdraw from the programme, with an exit award if appropriate, unless there are
validated extenuating circumstances (see sec. 17 of the Regulations and Code of Practice
for Taught Programmes
5.6 Programme Awards
The MSc is awarded for the successful completion of six units (four mandatory and
two electives) plus a dissertation (equivalent of three units) and can be taken in not
less than one and not more than five years.
The Diploma is awarded for the successful completion of six units (four mandatory
and two electives) but does not require a dissertation.
The Certificate is awarded for the successful completion of three units. Students
should discuss with the Programme Director which set of units they would like to
take, bearing in mind that at least two should be selected from the mandatory units.
The award of the MSc, Diploma and Certificate requires all assessed work to achieve
a mark of at least 50.
5.7 Final Programme Mark
For full information, see sec. 38 of Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught
Programmes.
The final programme mark is calculated by averaging the weighted individual unit
marks, which are recorded to one decimal place. The overall final programme mark
should be rounded to the nearest integer (up if 0.5 and above or down if below).
The weighting of each unit mark, in calculating the ‘final programme mark’, will
correspond to the credit point value of the unit. See Annex 12 of the Regulations and
Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for an example of how to do this
calculation.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters,
diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level
qualifications.
An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students
are required to exit the programme on academic grounds.
An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are
prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
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Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall
and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain
discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for
masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion
to increase these thresholds.
Pass: at least 50 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards,
at least 50 out of 100 for the dissertation.
Fail: 49 or below out of 100 for the taught component overall or, where relevant, 49
or below out of 100 for the dissertation.
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6.
MEDICAL AND OTHER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
If you feel your work has been affected by medical or other circumstances, you may
notify the Exam Board and ask for extenuating circumstances to be taken into account.
Please read section 17 of the University Regulations and Code of Practice on Taught
Postgraduate Programmes. This will explain what we mean by extenuating circumstances
and the procedures followed. Bristol SU provides a helpful Guide on Academic Processes for
Students and A guide to….extenuating circumstances, both of which include information on
student absences and extenuating circumstances.
If you want to present a case to the Exam Board for extenuating circumstances to be taken
into account in the treatment of your marks, you must do so on the Extenuating
Circumstances form which you can find on the Programme’s Blackboard site or download at:
www.bristol.ac.uk/academicregistry/studentforms/, in advance of the Exam Board meeting.
Such cases are considered by a small subgroup of the Exam Board, which then makes a
recommendation to the full Exam Board. All such cases are dealt with anonymously at the
full exam Board.
Note: If you do not raise such matters before the meeting of the exam board without
“good reason”, they will not be considered if you later appeal against the decision of
the board of examiners.
Students must complete the University’s form for extenuating circumstances (available at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/services/forms/) and submit the form to the relevant
School or Faculty Office. The deadline for receipt of this form will be the day before the
Programme Extenuating Circumstances Committee meeting. Relevant evidence must be
provided.
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7.
ABSENCES, EXTENSIONS AND SUSPENSIONS
Absences - Illness and Extenuating Circumstances
If you are ill and unable to attend classes or submit work for any length of time, you must
inform us. Please treat this as you would if you were in employment and unable to attend
work; very similar rules apply about self-certifying illness and when you need to obtain
medical certification.
1. For absence of up to and including seven consecutive days in the teaching period
due to illness or other cause, students should inform the School as soon as possible
and complete this form. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/medialibrary/sites/students/documents/forms/student-absence.doc
2. Students who are absent for more than seven consecutive days, or if they are unable to
attend a summative examination or submit a summative coursework assignment by
the agreed deadline, must complete the University Extenuating Circumstances form
(available from: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/medialibrary/sites/students/documents/forms/extenuating-circumstances.doc), providing
evidence as necessary.
3. Please refer to the University policy on “Student Absence Due to Illness or Other
Cause” available at: www.bris.ac.uk/esu/assessment/codeonline.html#studentabsence
for further information.
Note: If you are an international student and so hold a Tier 4 visa, please be aware that it
is important to keep us informed of any absence and the reasons for it, as we are required
to report on points of contact with you.
Attendance and Progress Monitoring
All taught postgraduate students are monitored in terms of attendance and performance on
the programme. Students are required to maintain a very good level of attendance and
remain engaged with their programme of study. Failure to do so may entail
additional/supplementary formative assessment to compensate for missed sessions.
This is defined as attendance at 9 out of 12 (or 75%) sessions of the programme
unit.
Students who fail to maintain good attendance may be referred by the School to the
Faculty. On the basis of the information received, the Faculty will contact the student to
check on their status and/or make changes to their student status as appropriate to the
circumstances (e.g. deem them withdrawn or suspended).
In order to fulfil its statutory obligations, Schools are required to monitor the attendance
of Tier 4 students via expected contact points between students and their programme of
study, and report on these monthly through an online monitoring system. Expected
contacts may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 attendance at lectures, tutorials or seminars;
 attendance at test, examinations or assessment board;
 attendance at practicals, laboratory session or, clinical sessions;
 submission of assessed or un-assessed coursework;
 submission of dissertation/coursework/reports;
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


attendance at any meeting with a supervisor or personal tutor;
attendance at an appointment with a welfare advisor or an international student
advisor;
attendance on field trips.
Unit assignment extensions
If you require an extension to a deadline for an assessment, you must request this in
advance. Please look on the Programme’s Blackboard site for information about how
you do this for your programme.
If you require an extension for your dissertation, which will mean you do not complete
your programme of study at the normal time, this will need to be agreed by the Faculty
Graduate Dean. Please see the Faculty Handbook, and sec. 35 of the Regulations and
Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for information. Please contact the Postgraduate
Student Administrator for a copy of the extension of studies proforma.
Please remember that deadlines for submission are set within the examination board
timetable. Any extension for submission may have an impact on when your work can be
received by an exam board and ultimately may affect whether you can complete your
programme and so graduate within the normal timeframe.
1.5 Suspension of studies
The University expects students to complete their study in a single continuous period.
However there are occasions when students need to suspend studies for a period. A
suspension of study will only be granted where there are good grounds and supporting
documentation, and will need to be agreed by the Faculty Graduate Dean. If you think
you may need to suspend studies, please discuss this with your Personal Tutor or
Programme Director as early as possible. Please see the Faculty Handbook, and sec. 6 of
the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for information. Please
contact the Postgraduate Student Administrator for a copy of the suspension of studies
proforma.
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8.
LIBRARY
The Arts and Social Sciences Library is one of 9 libraries that make up the University
Library system. Most of the material for the programmes in Policy Studies is housed in
this library, but you will find that other libraries, such as Education and Medical may
contain material relevant to your studies. All University students are entitled to use and
borrow from any of the libraries.
A guide to each library is available online and will help you find your way around and
identify the resources and library services available.
A UCard will be given to students as part of university registration procedures and will be
valid for the whole of your course and for borrowing from all 9 libraries.
The Arts and Social Sciences Library
University of Bristol,
Tyndall Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1TJ
General Enquiries Telephone: 0117-9288000
Email: library-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk
Internet: http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/study/libraries/assl/
Twitter: Follow the University Library on @BristolUniLib
Subject Librarian for Policy Studies
Sue Chubb, the Policy Studies Subject Librarian will be glad to help you with any
enquiries you may have about the library’s collections and online resources, with literature
searches or with any questions you may have about any of the services outlined below.
Sue is based in the Subject Librarians’ office on the 1st floor of the Arts and Social Sciences
Library one day a week, generally on a Friday, she can also be contacted by:
Email: Sue.Chubb@bris.ac.uk Telephone: 0117-3317453 (Fridays only)
Library web pages
The Library web pages are a useful source of information, as they provide direct online
links to both general library resources and to subject related information.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/
This page gives information concerning each of the 9 libraries, access to electronic
journals and databases, the subject resources and support pages for Policy Studies and for
Exercise Nutrition and Health, referencing help, Internet searching, library news,
‘Library Search’ and many other useful information pages.
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Finding material using ‘Library Search’
To find out what print and electronic resources the Library provides access to, a good
place to start your search is by using ‘Library Search’ which provides a single search
interface for searching the Library’s printed and online collections, together with
millions of scholarly eresources all at the same time.
There are 2 search options on ‘Library Search’
Everything – is the default search option and allows you to search for both print and
electronic resources available from our own University Collections in all 9 of our
libraries and in addition, will search a huge collection of journal articles from various
publishers and database producers.
UOB Collections – will search for details of both print and electronic books, electronic
journals, print journals, pamphlets, reports, newspapers, theses, and audio-visual
materials available in all 9 libraries.
A guide to using ‘Library Search’ is available at:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/help/guides/pdfs/library-search.pdf
You can access ‘Library Search’ from any public access computers in both the libraries
and University study spaces. There are fast access PCs in each library which are solely
for users wishing to use ‘Library Search’ as you do not need to login to these computers.
‘Library Search’ will give you the shelf location/classmark for printed materials that we
have in our collections, so you will know where you can find that item in the Library.
For online resources such as ebooks, journal articles, ejournals and online theses, a link
will be available to view that publication online.
Borrowing books - As a taught postgraduate you may borrow up to 35 items including 4
items from Short Loan. In the Arts and Social Sciences Library there are self-issue
terminals, so you can borrow books whenever the Library is open. To self-issue you will
need your Ucard and your library PIN number, which you will be given when you
register. You can also find your PIN number from ‘MyBristol’ – your space on the
University portal, or you can ask in the Library. Borrowing periods for library materials
vary from several hours to 28 days, so please take careful note of when an item is due
back as fines soon mount up, bear in mind that an item may also be recalled from you
before the original loan date if another user reserves it.
Reserving books and other materials out on loan - From ‘Library Search’ you can also
make your own online reservations for any items you wish to borrow that are currently
out on loan to another user. You will be contacted by email once the material has been
returned to the Library and reserved books are kept for users at the Issue Desk for a
limited period of time, before being re-shelved or issued to the next person in any
reservation queue.
53
My Library Account
You can access your personal Library Account from either ‘My Bristol’ at:
https://mybristol.bris.ac.uk/portal/
or from the Library home page at: http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/
Click on ‘My Library Account’ and login with your UOB username and password if asked to.
Once you are logged in, you may view your account details, including each item you have
borrowed and when it is due back. You also have the option to renew the library books you have
borrowed for a further period - you will be able to renew your books and extend the loan period,
providing no other user has reserved them, they are not short loan materials, or very overdue.
Inter-Library loans
Material that is not available anywhere in the University Library may be obtained using the InterLibrary loans service. At present you may request up to 3 items during the year, if you need any
more ILL items you should discuss this with your Subject Librarian before submitting any
further requests.
Further information about Inter-Library loans and making an ILL request is available at:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/interloans/
Printing and photocopying
All students will have a university printing account and print credits may be purchased
online or you can use cash by buying print credits from the IT Service Desk in the
Computing Centre.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/applications/printing/printcredit.html/
Credits allow you to print from the PCs or photocopy from the networked photocopiers
in the Library. Printing credits currently cost 5p for an A4 black and white copy. Colour
photocopying/printing are also available but are more expensive than b&w. You can
logon to a photocopier by using the touch screen on the copier and then entering your
UOB username and password or by scanning your Ucard on the Ucard reader attached to
the photocopier. Remember to ‘Logout’ when you have finished, by pressing the ID
button to prevent other people making copies at your expense. Alternatively you can use
‘Print release’ - an easy way for our users to send documents to print and then collect
them from any large Canon printer/photocopier on the student printing system. Further
details about how this system works are available at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/applications/printing/printrelease.html
Finding and using resources for research
Subject resources and support pages - Policy Studies
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/support/subjects/policystudies/
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Subject resources and support pages - Exercise, Nutrition and Health
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/support/subjects/health/
Choose the subject support page for your programme. Exercise, Nutrition and Health has its
own support pages. Each of the subject support pages will be laid out in a common format
The ‘Getting started’ section includes information on finding material in the University
Library relevant to your subject, and also information on how to find books, journals,
theses, and information on eresources, including ebooks, ejournals and online databases,
relevant for your subject. There is also information on how to obtain materials not available
in the University Library, through the Inter-Library loans service. This section also includes
information for researchers and gives a link to the research support pages.
The ‘Subject resources’ section provides links to the most useful databases to search for
your subject with information about, and a direct link to each database. The ‘Internet links’
page provides links to some websites, giving a short description of each web resource. This
section also links to quick print reference tools for Policy Studies in the library, for example
year books, dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
The ‘Skills and training’ section includes self-help materials, such as links to short
video tutorials on finding and using library materials, available University Study Space
facilities, accessing library resources off-campus and making Inter-Library loan requests.
The ‘Referencing help’ section gives guidance on how to evaluate information found,
write for your subject, cite your academic work correctly and avoid plagiarism. Help is
also provided on how to manage your references using EndNote.
Electronic full text journals
In addition to the library’s print collection of journals, access to the contents of over 40,000
full text electronic journals is available online via the Library’s eJournals web page at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/resources/eresources/ejournals/
There is also an option link, ‘Find eJournal’ on the Library home page which will take you
to the ejournals page above.
Type in the full title of the journal you are looking for, in the box entitled ‘Find eJournal by
title’ - use the title of the journal not the title of any article you are looking for. If we have
full text access to the journal, you can then navigate to the volume, issue and pages you
want.
Off-campus access - You have access to these journals and their contents from any public
access PC on the University campus and you can also access these resources off-campus
too. For more information on Remote/Off-campus access go to:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/resources/eresources/access/#off-site
55
Detailed instructions are given on how to access electronic resources off-campus, (these
include both ejournals and databases) either by using the ‘Student Remote Desktop’, or by
setting up the University’s ‘Off-site Proxy’ service on your computer.
Finding journal articles, literature searching and online databases available
One of the most effective ways to find relevant, good quality information for your work
is to access and search the online databases that the University Library subscribes to.
The most useful of these databases for Public Policy, Policy Research, Social Work
Research and Disability Studies are: International Bibliography of the Social Sciences,
Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Social
Care Online, Social Services Abstracts and CINAHL. All of these databases are available
online and you can access them both on and off-campus.
The most useful databases for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health are
Medline on OVID SP, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, Embase, PsycINFO
and Biosis Citation Index. All of these databases are available online and you can access
them both on and off-campus.
To find a more detailed listing of relevant databases for your subject go to the Library
home page at:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/

Click on the ‘Databases’ link (under ‘Other search tools’)

You will see here an option Databases recommended for your subject
Choose Subject - Policy Studies or Exercise Nutrition and Health from the list and
click on ‘GO’. This will show you a list of ‘Key’ and ‘Other’ databases of relevance
to your subject area.

Each database will be accompanied by a short description of its content and
coverage. To access and search any of the databases, click on the link for the
database. This connects you to the database and you can then do a subject search on a
topic of interest to you.
From the ‘Databases’ page you will also see a complete alphabetical A-Z listing of
databases available, which you can scroll down and browse. If you are looking for a
specific database - you can search to see if we have access to it by typing in the title of
the database, into the search box provided.
Additional Library Support Service
The University Library recognises the difficulties part-time students, distance learners,
mature students, those with disabilities or those who have caring responsibilities
encounter in visiting the university libraries and in being able to study and use library
facilities. Additional services are therefore provided for these students, such as scanning,
56
photocopying and the posting out of journal articles and book chapters, through the
‘AddLibS’ – Additional Library Support service. The service is based in the Arts and
Social Sciences Library and further details may be found at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/using/addlibs/
Using other UK Higher Education Libraries - join the SCONUL Access Scheme
The University Library is a member of the SCONUL Access Scheme, a co-operative
venture between a large number of UK higher education libraries, making it easier for
students to use libraries conveniently near to home or work throughout the year. It
enables research postgraduate students to borrow material from other member libraries
and many now, also allow taught postgraduates to borrow.
Further information about the scheme in relation to the University of Bristol Library and
how to join is available at:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/using/membership/sconul/sconulaccess.html
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9.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING SERVICES
The Student guide to IT services (PDF) provides a full list of computing and IT services
available to you as a University of Bristol student.
The University has provision for students in university residences to access the university
network and the internet from their rooms. Please refer to the resnet site,
www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/
The University states that you will need a certain minimum level of IT skills to meet the
requirements of your course. These are detailed in Appendix 3, and you should check that
you can perform the tasks mentioned.
There are a number of computer suites available around the University precinct, some of
which are open on a 24-hour basis. Further information on locations and access can be found
at www.bris.ac.uk/it-services/locations/computerrooms/. The majority of the Faculty is
wireless enabled. Signs show where there are wireless hotspots in the Social Sciences and
Faculty Building at 8 Woodland Road.
Nothing should be saved on (nor deleted from) the hard drives on University PCs (this
includes “Desktop”, “C” drive, “My Documents”). If you do save something in these
locations, the University reserves the right to wipe it clean without letting you know. Bring
your own, virus-free, memory sticks or writable CDs, (available from Students’ Union on
Queens Rd – see Precinct Plan in Appendix 1) or use your allocated file space (100Mb) on
the University o: drive (formerly the k: drive). To run the virus check facility right click on
the Windows “Start” button, and select “scan for viruses”.
All students are eligible for an email account and most have an account set up automatically
before they start their programme.
Students are encouraged to use MyBristol, the University of Bristol portal, for accessing
university services (including Blackboard VLE, email, course and exam information) by
logging into the portal at: portal.bris.ac.uk/mybristol/ from any internet connected system, no
matter where they are in the world.
You are also encouraged to use the Student Remote Desktop. This service allows you to
access the University from any computer with an Internet connection. You will have a full
remote desktop, which works in exactly the same way as if you were sat at a PC on Campus.
You will have access to your central filespace (o: drive, formerly the k: drive), most
departmental file stores and all of the common University applications. www.bristol.ac.uk/itservices/advice/homeusers/remote/studentdesktop
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10.
OTHER INFORMATION
1.1 Study Time for Each Unit
It is important that you understand how much work we are expecting from you as a
student. The University guidelines state that one credit point is broadly equivalent to 10
hours of total student input. This includes teaching, private study, revision and
assessments. Therefore a 20 credit point unit will normally require 200 hours of student
time.
The University wishes to ensure that paid work does not adversely affect the academic
progress of its students, while understanding the need to work in order to earn money. We
therefore advise that, for full time students, up to, but not more than, fifteen hours a week
paid work is reasonable, over the course of the academic year.
1.2 University’s lecture recording system
Mediasite is the University’s lecture recording system which captures audio and slide
content of formal lectures, and has the capability for lecturing staff to record additional
material either pre or post lectures to enhance online learning materials. The aim is to
help students engage more fully during lectures, review lectures to improve
comprehension of key and/or complex concepts and provide an additional revision
tool.Mediasite is being introduced across the University and phase one will begin in
September 2015, with 45 lecture theatres equipped for recording lectures. Whilst all staff
are encouraged to record their lectures, there is no obligation and the academic leading
your units will let you know which classes are recorded. Phase two will follow in
September 2016, with at least a further 30 rooms equipped. Lectures recorded using
Mediasite will be available to you via the related Blackboard course.
For more information visit: bristol.ac.uk/mediasite/
1.3 Academic Development and Study Skills
Beyond the School, there are a range of resources available to you to support your
learning. This webpage will give you access to a range of courses, workshops and online
resources: www.bristol.ac.uk/studentskills/cobs.
All the workshops are free of charge and will be held in the Student’s Union building.
You can book places for these sessions online at www.bris.ac.uk/studentskills/cobs/.
You'll need your university username and password to log in. From those pages you'll be
able to view detailed course descriptions and book and cancel places.
The Careers Service provides career-orientated workshops, practice interviews and
individual guidance as well as a variety of courses to help develop student employability
at www.bristol.ac.uk/careers. It also offers support and resources to help students
applying and considering placements, including a range of placement opportunities. In
addition, the Careers Service has an extensive information and resources web site aimed
specifically targeted at postgraduate students Another resource you may find useful is the
Personal Development Planning (PDP), guide for students on learning from experience,
enhancing learning through reflection, skills development and goal setting to enhance
your future employability http://www.bris.ac.uk/careers/pdp/.
If English is not your first language, you may be encouraged to get additional language
tuition if you have only achieved the entry level language score (e.g., IELTS score 6.5).
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If you feel your language skills need improving then contact the Centre for English
Language and Foundation Studies (CELFS), Students' Union Building, Richmond
Building, 105 Queen's Road, Bristol BS8 1LN (see Precinct Map in Appendix 1).
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/english-language/.
Their programmes will help you to improve your command of English in connection with
(1) your subject area, (2) the study skills necessary for study in a British University, and
(3) the ‘social’ English you will need to settle down and concentrate on your studies. This
is especially important given our preference for less formal teaching methods. The
International Office, including the International Advice & Support, International
Recruitment and Study & Work Abroad teams, is located on the 2nd floor of the Students'
Union Building. (see Precinct Map in Appendix 1). www.bristol.ac.uk/international/
The International Advice & Support team runs a comprehensive programme at the
beginning of the academic year to welcome you to Bristol and to give you every
opportunity to study successfully. They also offer immigration advice and general welfare
support throughout your time at Bristol. When you arrive pick up a Welcome Pack
available from the Welcome Lounge (in the Students' Union), which contains information
about living in Bristol. The Student Services website also provides useful information for
international students: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/studentservices/
1.4 Additional Programme Costs
All students on taught programmes will need to purchase some materials associated with
their programme during their time at the University. This will include basic stationery,
photocopying and printing cards, course text books, computers and software, dissertation
project costs, and possibly offsite visits. If you have any further questions about
additional expenses for your programme, please contact the Programme Director
1.5 Student Complaints Procedure
If a student has a complaint about any aspect of University life, it should be raised with an
appropriate person at the earliest opportunity. Complaints that are dealt with informally
at an early stage have the best chance of being resolved effectively. Students may raise
complaints jointly if they wish. In the first instance you should raise a grievance,
problem or complaint with the individual concerned. If this does not feel appropriate, or
does not resolve the matter, please talk to your Personal Tutor or to the Programme
Director. You may also approach either the School Director of Learning and Teaching
(Ms Christina Pantazis) or the Head of School (Professor David Abbott).
1.6 Student Appeals Process
If you wish to appeal about a decision of an exam board, you need to consult the
University exam regulations at:
www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/examregs.html. These explain the grounds for
an appeal and the procedure to follow. Please talk to your Programme Director if you
think you want to appeal an exam board decision. Also, please contact Bristol SU JustAsk
for advice on academic related matters (see for example, A guide to…academic appeals).
If the matter cannot be resolved by talking to people within the School, you may also
contact the Graduate Dean of the Faculty. Beyond the Faculty, you can contact the
University Student Complaints Officer. Please read the information about student
complaints and appeals in the Faculty Handbook and on the University Secretary’s Office
website before taking any action: http://www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/grievances/
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1.7 Disability Support
The University of Bristol and the School for Policy Studies have a commitment to
encourage disabled students to study at the University and to respond to their needs, both
academic and social. We aim to ensure that participation in all aspects of University life
is full and successful for all students. The School for Policy Studies’ Disability Statement
is Appendix 4 of this handbook.
Your Personal Tutor is your first point of contact if you are experiencing difficulties, but
you can also contact the School Disability Advisor who is our Student Administration
Manager, Ms Jacqui Perry. Outside the School, the University‘s Disability Services
provides information, advice and support. www.bristol.ac.uk/disability-services
1.8 Fees and Funding
Your University education is a significant investment and it is important that you
consider how you will meet the expenses involved. The University's Student Funding
Office will provide all the support you need to explore options for funding and take
control of your finances. For further information, see
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/
1.9 Student Services
You can find regularly updated information relating to all aspects of your life at the
university, including accommodation, finance, and equal opportunities on the
University’s student help pages http://www.bristol.ac.uk/studentservices/
1.10
Beyond Your Degree
1.10.1 Careers Office
The Careers Service office, located at 5 Tyndall Avenue can provide careers information
and advice, and provide practical help in obtaining employment.
Many employers visit the University both to advise the Careers Service on the skills they
are looking for in graduates and to meet and interview potential recruits.
1.10.2 Doctoral Study
The School offers opportunities for undertaking doctoral studies through the PhD
programmes. The School for Policy Studies is an exciting environment for postgraduate
research. It particularly welcomes students wishing to pursue topics with direct
relevance to national and international policy concerns and can offer supervision across a
number of disciplines and subject areas.
Examples of thesis topics of recent/current students include:

Combating labour market disadvantage among black and other ethnic minority
groups;

Justice in public policy: Hong Kong housing policy as a case study;

The organisation of work and production: effects of workplace changes on
personal, family and community life;

The impact of human rights organisations in shaping UN policy;

An ethnographic study of life in a male prison and the impact of prison culture
on mental health;
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



The production and control of social harm;
Men and masculinity within a reproductive discourse;
The new business of aid: the policies and politics of British Development
Agencies and NGOs in Southern Africa;
Domestic Violence in China;
For further details about postgraduate study in the School for Policy Studies, please visit:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying/
1.10.3 South West Doctoral Training Centre
The Universities of Bristol, Exeter and Bath have created the South West Doctoral
Training Centre (SWDTC) which draws together the established research excellence of
more than 770 academic and research staff at the three institutions. The SWDTC has
been accredited by the ESRC and allocated 41 ESRC studentships annually. The
SWDTC was recognised in the robust peer review exercise as strong in relation to both
quality and quantity variables across the board and as particularly strong in the priority
areas of Economics and Quantitative Methods. The collaboration at the heart of the
SWDTC was recognised as adding value to the content and delivery of training.
For further information you may like to look at the following web sites:
http://www.swdtc.ac.uk/
http://www.bris.ac.uk/fssl/swdtc/
http://www.ncrm.ac.uk/
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Appendix 1: Precinct map AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Main reception, 8 Priory Road (building 46 on the map)
The School for Policy Studies occupies buildings 45 thru 48 (see map).
Travel information
There are detailed maps and travel information available on the University's web pages.
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Appendix 2: Harvard system of referencing
There are conventions to be followed when citing the work of others. We use the
Harvard convention and the examples that follow are based on it. For example, you may
want to let the reader know that you are aware of the work of particular authors, eg.
Lewis and Meredith’s work about carers. You could indicate as follows:
‘Recent research on caring (Lewis and Meredith,2011) suggests that .......’
You may also wish to include a short quotation from a book or article. In that case, you
would write it, including the page number, as:
‘Recent calls to develop a “more caring, relationship-centred perspective” (Lewis
and Meredith, 2011: 159) have attracted some interest .......’
Where you decide to use a longer quotation you should indent the quotation (without
quotation marks) and put the reference at the end of the indent, eg:
Recent research suggests that professionals must appreciate the period of
institutionalisation as part of the caring sequence and recognise the residual
power of the primary caring relationship (Lewis and Meredith, 2011: 159).
Please note above how author, date of publication and page numbers are depicted.
Please also note punctuation in the last example given. It is important that you always
cite references when referring to the work of authors. It is never acceptable to say
‘research has shown ....’ and then fail to cite any books, articles or reports.
You should list your references at the end of assignments in alphabetical order of
authors. If an author has more than one publication they should be listed in date order
(earliest first). If the same author has more than one publication in the same year they
should be in alphabetic order by title. The rules to remember when referencing are
shown below:
For a book:
Newburn, T. (1995) Crime and Criminal Justice Policy. London: Longman.
For an edited book:
Brook, E., and Davis, A. (1985) (Eds) Women, the Family and Social Work.
London: Tavistock.
For a book chapter:
Ferris, J. (1985) Citizenship and the crisis of the welfare state, in P. Bean, J.
Ferris, D. Whynes (Eds) In Defence of Welfare. London: Tavistock.
For a journal:
Adams, J.W., Snowling, M.J., Hennessy, S.M., Kind, P. (1999), ‘The Problems of
behaviour, reading and arithmetic: assessments of comorbidity using the
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.’ British Journal of Educational
Psychology, 69, 4, 571-585.
Please note how the volume number and issue number when there is one (in this case
volume 69, issue 1) and page numbers (571-585) for a journal are shown.
In the above examples, you will see that either the book title or the journal is italicised.
These can also be underlined or in bold if preferred, but you must choose a preferred
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option and be consistent in its use. If there is an author with more than one publication
in a year, list them as 1988a or 1988b, etc.
For a website:
An accepted standard for electronic sources has not yet been published by the
body responsible for setting these standards. However, there is a consensus that
references should include author, date of writing, date viewed and organisation
name and that urls are underlined. An acceptable example follows:
Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Education (April 2011) A
New Approach to Child Poverty: Tackling the Causes of Disadvantage and
Transforming Families’ Lives, Cm 8061. HM Government [Online]. Accessed
08.08.12. Available: www.education.gov.uk/publications/.../CM-8061.pdf
Other references:
Unpublished sources, parliamentary acts, newspapers, images etc.
There are different guidelines available for each of these sources and you should take
some time to find the correct usage, a resource list is available at the end of this section.
Unpublished sources should be stated as unpublished (eg unpublished Ph.D dissertation,
University of Bristol). Date of publication and name of publisher is essential (eg Title
(date) leaflet produced by XYZ pressure Group, Exeter, UK).
You may have to refer to work you have come across only through reading about it in
another book or paper. Secondary referencing is discouraged and should only be used
when you are unable to obtain a copy of the original source to read. You should cite it as
“(Bowlby, 1979, cited in Trevithick, 2012)” and in the reference list you should give the
original work and the secondary source in full, again linked with the words “cited in”.
Sometimes you will have read more material than you have finally mentioned in your
essay. Although this may be an essential part of your understanding of the subject, these
do not need to be included in your reference list.
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Appendix 3: Essential IT skills
The University states that you will need a certain minimum level of IT skills to meet the
requirements of your course. These are detailed below.
You should able to:
Windows
 Use a mouse and keyboard
 Start a word processor from the Start button
 Type a few lines of text
 Use a scroll bar to move up and down a page
 Choose a command from a menu and an icon (button)
 Make a window bigger, smaller or close it
 Open, save and close a file
 Store files, find them again, create folders, and organise your files (very
important!)
Email



Sign in to an email package
Send, read and respond to email
Delete unwanted email
Using the web
 Use a web browser (eg, Internet Explorer) to view a website and follow links
 Use a search engine (eg, Google or Altavista) to find information on the World
Wide Web
 Type URLs (addresses of websites)
Word (basic)
 Type text
 Format text – eg, bold, italics, underline, and size
 Apply landscape page orientation
 Align text – left, centre, right
 Use Print Preview
 Print
 Copy or move text
 Automatically check your spelling
Word for assignments
 Format paragraphs: indents, space between lines and paragraphs
 Create tables
 Add headers and footers
 Add page numbers
 Add footnotes and endnotes
In addition to these skills there may be others that will be required of you to prepare
assignments for your programme. If this is the case, your programme will provide
resources to support you with these.
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Appendix 4: Information for Disabled1 Students
The University of Bristol has a commitment to encourage disabled students to study at
the University and to respond to their needs, both academic and social. It also aims to
ensure that all students are able to participate in all aspects of University life fully and
successfully. The Equality Act 2010 requires that people have equal opportunities to
benefit from, and contribute to, the learning and services available in higher education
institutions.
1
Since some people may not self-define as disabled (for example if they have dyslexia or
mental health difficulties), we want to make it clear that this section provides information
intended to be relevant to people with a range of impairments whether or not they
consider themselves disabled.
Accessibility and Practical Issues
The School for Policy Studies complex consists of 5 buildings (6,7,8 Priory Road, 10 and
12 Woodland Road). All buildings except No 12 Woodland Road are partially
accessible. The Reception area in 8 Priory Rd, the programme offices in 6 Priory Rd and
some teaching rooms in the complex are fully accessible. The main School entrance in 8
Priory Rd has automatic doors and is generally staffed by the School’s Receptionist who
will be able to assist you with access to other parts of the complex. Accessible toilets are
available in all of the School’s buildings, however those in nos 10 Woodland Rd and 6
Priory Rd are accessible via basement entrances only. The toilets on the ground floors of
no’s 7 and 8 Priory Rd are more easily accessible.
Some teaching is likely to be outside of the SPS complex in nearby modern blocks with
level access/lifts, and accessible toilets. It is recommended that students with mobility or
other impairments visit the School at an early stage. Please contact the Administrator for
your programme to make the necessary arrangements.
The University's buildings are extremely diverse, and include both purpose-built
properties and buildings converted from other uses. This means that wheelchair access
into and within buildings is variable and access for students with mobility impairments
can be restricted. The University will make every effort, where practicable, to improve
access to its buildings, but cannot guarantee that all of them will be completely
accessible.
There are car parks in several locations in the precinct, as well as at Halls of Residence,
and some of these have designated spaces for disabled drivers. It is generally possible to
make arrangements for individual students, enabling them to have a reserved space
reasonably close to their academic department.
The Arts and Social Sciences Library has level access at ground floor level with access
to a staff lift for disabled users within the Library. For further information see
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/info/disabledusers/
Course Material & Assessment
It is possible to provide alternative formats of course materials, e.g. large print, electronic
format, coloured paper, Braille.
Reasonable adjustments may be considered and agreed by the School. For example,
extensions for assessed work can be negotiated and alternative arrangements for
examinations can also be made.
Support Services
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University
The University’s Disability Services offers support for disabled students. It provides:
➢ Confidential information, advice and guidance
➢ A personal Disability Support Summary detailing agreed support arrangements for
individual students
➢ Access to support where funding is in place, for example ; note taking, interpreters,
study skills or mentoring
➢ Advice on accessing and managing the Disabled Students’ Allowance
➢ Liaison with academic schools and other services to advise on reasonable adjustments
Many home/UK students are eligible for support from a non-means tested government
fund called the Disabled Students’ Allowance or DSA. In some cases this may fund
equipment, or help from note-takers and mentors etc to support the study related needs of
an eligible student. The support available is determined by a needs assessor external to the
University and is personalised to every student. Where a student does not apply for the
DSA, the support students may receive in addition to the anticipatory or reasonable
adjustments that the University is obliged to provide, may be limited. It is essential that
applicants apply for funding well in advance of the start of the course as it can take
a number of months to put in place. If you have not yet applied, please contact
Disability Services immediately. Please note that disabled international/EU students
are not entitled to the Disabled Student’s Allowance to cover any support costs. They are
expected to make every effort to secure funding prior to entry from their own country.
International and EU students are encouraged to contact the Disability Services at least 12
weeks before arrival (see contact details below) to discuss their options.
The Student Union also supports disabled students. Contact www.ubu.org.uk (Tel: 0117
331 8600).
The University library has specific services and support for disabled students and a
nominated member of staff.
See Library information for disabled users at
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/info/disabledusers/
School for Policy Studies Policy Studies
The Admissions Tutor/Programme Director for your course should be your first
point of contact. S/he
➢ Will provide information on specific programme requirements e.g. study time (and
placements where relevant), programme contact hours per week, number of hours
spent in reading and writing, and implications for the individual.
➢ Will discuss any support or access requirements you may require when
attending/studying at the School for Policy Studies. For example do you have particular
requirements for support that need to be planned in advance or do you need course
materials in alternative formats?
➢ Can discuss with you what information (if any) you are willing to divulge to relevant
staff.
For some students, a pre-programme visit to the site may be advisable to allow a more
detailed discussion about their programme, this site and any strategies that may need to be
developed to assist them. Where funds allow, reasonable expenses for a pre-programme
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visit may be paid by the School. This must be agreed via the Programme Administrator
for your programme in advance of the visit.
School Disability Coordinator
It is a University requirement that each School appoints a disability coordinator whose role
is to act as a channel for information about disability, and to provide a point of contact for
staff and students in the School in relation to disability issues.
Jacqui Perry is the School Disability Coordinator. In addition to your contact with
Programme staff or personal tutors about your disability, she is also available to offer
advice and assistance.
Tel: 0117 954 6741
Email:
Jacqui.Perry@bristol.ac.uk
“Early contact is essential”
Students are strongly advised to make early contact with:
1. The Programme Director/Admissions Tutor/Personal Tutor (whichever is relevant).
2. Disability Services to discuss your requirements and any application for the Disabled
Students Allowance or other relevant funding.
3. Your Local Education Authority or funding body to discuss your needs and
requirements.
4. You are also welcome to contact Jacqui Perry, School for Policy Studies Disability
Coordinator
Useful Contacts
Within the University
Disability Services
LGF Hampton House, St Michaels Hill, Bristol, BS6 6JS.
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/disability-services/
Tel: 0117 331 0444
Email: disability-services@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol Student Union
Web: http://www.ubu.org.uk
Tel: 0117 331 8600
Student Funding Office
Ground Floor, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TH
Web: http://www.bris.ac.uk/studentfunding/
Tel: 0117 331 7972
Email: student-funding@bris.ac.uk
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Appendix 5: Ethical Review at the School for Policy Studies
All research projects proposed by staff and students at the School for Policy Studies are
reviewed to ensure that they conform to the standards for ethical social research. The
School’s Ethics Committee, which reports to the School Research Committee, has
overall responsibility for ensuring that this occurs. The Chair of the Ethics Committee is
currently Beth Tarleton. The committee comprises members of SPS staff with a
particular interest and expertise in research ethics, the School’s research data protection
officer and postgraduate research student representatives.
When preparing to carry out a research project, including a dissertation, a researcher
completes a standard form explaining how they are going to conduct their research and
the steps they are going to take to ensure that research subjects are treated appropriately.
They also describe the methods used to ensure that research data are stored, analysed and
reported ethically. Students should discuss with their supervisor the most appropriate
point in the research process to complete their ethics form, but it should always have
been completed and reviewed before any fieldwork is undertaken. The form is available
in Blackboard on the programme administration unit. The programme administrator can
help you find this.
Taught postgraduate students undertaking a dissertation complete a form and submit it to
be reviewed by their programme director in the first instance (or by the Norah Fry Ethics
Committee, in the case of the MSc in Disability Studies). If the programme director is
satisfied that the proposed research is in accord with School policy then they can approve
the proposal. If the programme director would like a second opinion then the proposal
can be referred to the School Ethics Committee for review. The Ethics Committee will
then inform the student of its decision.
The Ethics Committee may ask for any further clarification or further information about
the proposed research that it deems necessary before the proposal is approved.
If the School Ethics Committee feels that it is not able to arrive at a decision or wishes to
have a further opinion on the proposed research method then it can refer the matter to the
Faculty Ethics Committee for consideration.
Certain types of research may also require review and approval by an external Ethics
Committee. This is particularly the case for research in the field of health and social care
that falls within the research governance framework. It is recommended that clarification
regarding the requirement for external review of a project is sought as early as possible.
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Appendix 6: Dignity at work and study
The University of Bristol acts to ensure dignity at work and study. The School will take
steps to protect its staff and students from harassment. Harassment can involve bullying,
victimisation or making unreasonable demands on others. The reasons for harassment
may include sex, race, religion, sexual preference, gender, political views, trade union
membership, disability or age. Harassment may take the form of unfair allocation of
work, unreasonable pressure to complete work, ridicule or exclusion from conversation
or social events. It may take different forms (for example, verbal, written, photograph)
and includes all forms of electronic communication such as email, blackboard, and social
networking sites.
Harassment may be deliberate but it may also be unintended. In some circumstances
comments or actions that are intended to be positive may be experienced negatively by
the person who receives them or is their subject. It is the impact upon the recipient that is
the most important consideration. Therefore, the University and the School requests that
all staff and students seek to promote a positive learning environment, and at all times
bear in mind the impact that their communication or actions can have upon others.
Please refer to the University’s policy statement on ‘Dignity at Work and Study’
including contact details of Dignity at Work and Study Advisers. Copies available from
Personnel Office, Senate House, or on their website at
www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/digwork.html
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Appendix 7: Important links
a. Student Policy on Intellectual Property
Please read the student policy on Intellectual Property at
www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/intelprop.html
b. Data Protection and Data Security: Guidelines for Staff and Students
Please read the guidance on data protection at
www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/dataprotection
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DISCLAIMER
The information in this handbook relates to the current academic session. Although it is
correct at the time of going to press, amendments may be made from time to time
without notice both in relation to the course and the facilities or services available from
or provided by the School for Policy Studies and/or the University.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or change courses.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, eg. electronically, mechanical
photocopying, recording, fibre-optic or otherwise without the permission of the
University of Bristol. Such permission will normally be freely given to educational
institutions, careers advisors and individuals who are intending to make applications or
admissions.
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