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University of BrightonBrighton Business School
Brighton Business School
MSc Finance and InvestmentMSc Economics and Finance
MSc Finance and Risk ManagementMSc Finance and Banking
MSc Finance and Accounting
Course Handbook
September 2016
COURSE CALENDAR 2016
26th September Start of Autumn Term
26th – 30th September Induction Week and Formal Registration/enrolment (please see individual Induction Timetable for details)
3rd October Phase 1 Teaching Begins
School Academic Health Afternoon*
16th December End of Autumn term. Start of Vacation.
2017
9th January Start of Spring Term
11th January Elective briefing
20th January Deadline for submission of elective choice form
February Course Board (date tbc)*
27th- 31st March Phase 1 Assessment Week (Exams)
31st March End of Spring Term. Start of Easter Vacation
24th April Start of Summer TermPhase 2 [elective] teaching Begins
1st May May Bank Holiday
May Course Board (date tbc)*
29th May Bank Holiday
15th May – 9th June inclusive
Phase 2 assessments
9th June End of summer term
July / August Work on dissertation
23rd October Final submission date for dissertations
*Student reps are invited to attend
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Welcome From Professor Aidan Berry, Director of Brighton Business School
I am very pleased to have this opportunity to welcome you to Brighton Business School at the
University of Brighton. The results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) show
that the University of Brighton was rated as a top 5 University for world-leading research
impact in Business and Management Studies.
Our mission statement clearly sets out the underpinning teaching and learning philosophy that
will be governing your study whilst on the MSc programme.
“Brighton Business School is a professional business school that aims to be a leading provider of exciting and relevant management and professional education that makes a positive difference to current managers and potential leaders of the future, which is underpinned by appropriate research and which adds value to individuals, employers and society at large.”
The Business School has a growing research base and its staff continue to make an
organisational impact through teaching that is grounded in theory and its application to
practice. Brighton Business School considers it a priority to add sustainable value to its
stakeholders through well designed and high quality teaching and learning provision. I hope
that you will prosper as a student with regards to your professional and personal development
but also that you will also be able to build on the learning and networks in the future, long
after the completion of the course.
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PREFACE
The purpose of this course handbook is to provide you with key information about your course, including administrative and academic procedures, and to give you some practical advice on how to make the most of your studies and to explain what to do if you experience any difficulties. Please read the handbook very carefully and keep it at hand for future reference.
Other key documents that you should be familiar with are:
the University of Brighton Student Contract;
the University of Brighton Plagiarism Awareness Pack;
the Brighton Business School Referencing Handbook;
the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR).
Copies of all these documents are accessible in electronic format on the University’s student intranet, Studentcentral (see 7.6 below), via your Course Area.
You can find a copy of the University of Brighton Plagiarism Awareness Pack at https://staff.brighton.ac.uk/reg/acs/docs/Plagiarism%20and%20how%20to%20avoid%20it%20-%20student%20notes%202015-16.pdf
The student contract can be found at: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/current-students/my-studies/student-policies-and-regulations/index.aspx
Because of increasing incidents of cases of plagiarism both in this university and others, you are strongly urged to carefully read the Plagiarism Awareness Pack. Penalties for plagiarism can be very harsh and ignorance is no defence! The University has access to special software which can detect plagiarism and we will be using this at random throughout the year at all levels, so you have been warned.
If you would like to see any other items included in your course handbook please contact your course administrator and, whilst we cannot promise to change things straight away, we will do our best to improve the handbook in future years.
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CONTENTS
1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION
2. BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL
3. COURSE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Course management team, course board and examination board3.2 Communications between staff and students3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance3.4 Student representation and feedback3.5 Annual academic health process
4. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
4.1 Programme Rationale4.2 Course Aims4.3 Course Programme & Structure4.4 English Language Support (iASK)4.5 Careers Support 4.6 Study Support Sessions
5. COURSE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Nature of assessment5.2 Coursework marking criteria5.3 Coursework presentation5.4 Referencing your work5.5 Coursework word limit and word ranges5.6 In-class assessments5.7 Coursework submission5.8 Late coursework5.9 Coursework extensions5.10 Feedback on coursework5.11 Examination timetables5.12 Examination past papers5.13 Examination results5.14 Mitigating circumstances5.15 Plagiarism, collusion and cheating in examinations5.16 Appealing the decision of an examination board5.17 University academic regulations - GEAR
6. COURSE REGULATIONS
6.1 Compensation within modules 6.2 Compensated credit 6.3 Rules on Referrals, Fails and Repeats 6.4 Progression Regulations6.5 Deferrals, Intercalation and Withdrawal6.6 Maximum Period of Study6.7 Award Regulations
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7. LIBRARY, COMPUTING AND MEDIA SERVICES
7.1 The library service7.2 Library services for part-time students7.3 The Online Library7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulsecoomb7.5 Media Centres7.6 Studentcentral7.7 ASK Study Guide7.8 Useful web addresses
8. STUDENT SERVICES
9. STUDENT ENTITLEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES9.1 Student Charter9.2 Engagement with your Studies9.3 Disability statement9.4 Fire evacuation9.5 Observing copyright laws
10. ALUMNI
APPENDICESAppendix I: Assignment SubmissionAppendix II: Learning Support Plans (LSP)Appendix III: Employability
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1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION Welcome to the University of Brighton Business School and to the full time MSc Finance
programme, a unique programme aimed at developing those intellectual and practical skills
which are required for a professional career in finance and related industries. While you are
here in Brighton you will develop new academic and professional skills that will assist you
throughout your working life. Your academic skills will expand through the wide range of
topics offered for study that have been specifically designed to provide you with the
intellectual support that you will need in a broad range of occupations in business, economics,
finance, media or policy-related areas. At the same time, practical professional skills such as
computer applications, numeracy, particularly as applied to economics and finance, and
research methods are also nurtured and enhanced. You will also learn to improve the way
that you communicate your ideas to other people. The aim is to provide you with the
foundations that you will need for a range of occupations or for further study.
An essential ingredient of the approach adopted on this course is that we assume that you will
take responsibility for your own learning. This is most important. It does not mean that staff
are indifferent or insensitive to your needs: it means that you must organise your own learning
using the resources which the institution has to offer. The consequence of this is that there
will be a good deal of private study required in addition to the formal contact hours that are
timetabled. Post-graduate education is designed to develop the ability to carry out
independent research.
Your responsibilities therefore are to prepare for each class, to take an active part in class
discussions, and to consolidate your learning on a weekly basis. This will involve reading
beyond the recommended texts and completing all the assessed and non-assessed tasks that
are set. Our responsibility to you is to prepare you for the assessments by providing a
framework for your learning, by introducing you to the syllabus topics, directing you to
important and relevant subject areas and recommending extra work. That is the nature of our
learning contract with you.
While this Handbook tries to bring together information which should prove helpful to students,
we recognise that it is not exhaustive. If you come across anything which you feel should be
included, please let us know. We believe that the information contained in this handbook is
accurate at the time of going to publication; however, it may be necessary to make changes
during the year. An up-to-date version of the handbook is available on Student Central.
Please consult a member of the course team if you require further explanation or clarification
on any of points covered in this handbook or indeed any other aspect of the course. You are
expected to have read and understood the information given in the course handbook. You
should also refer to the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment
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Regulations (GEAR). This provides a more formal and detailed description of the framework
regulations for all taught degrees at the University of Brighton.
I hope that you find your time at Brighton to be an enjoyable one and that you are able to gain
a great deal from your course, but also that you will contribute to the course and to life
generally at Brighton.
The MSc Finance Course Management Team:Rob Hayward, Award LeaderJody Law, Programme Administrator
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2. BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL
Your school is Brighton Business School. The Director of Brighton Business School is
Professor Aidan Berry. More information about the work of the School may be found on the
school web site at: www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs
The Business School’s contact details are:
Brighton Business SchoolUniversity of BrightonMithras HouseLewes RoadBRIGHTONBN2 4AT
Tel: (01273) 600900 (Switchboard)Fax: (01273) 643597
The Academic year dates for the School are:
AUTUMN TERM
26 September 2016 – 16 December 2016
SPRING TERM
9 January 2017 – 31 March 2017
SUMMER TERM
24 April 2017 – 9 June 2017
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3. COURSE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Course management team, course board and examination board3.2 Communications between staff and students3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance3.4 Student representation and feedback3.5 Annual academic health process
___________________________________________________________________
3.1 Course management team, course board and examination board
3.1.1 Course management team
Responsibility for the day-to-day running of your course lies with the course management team, comprising your course leader, your course administrator, and the members of staff teaching on the course. Their contact details are as follows:
Responsibility Staff Room no
Tel no E-mail address
Course Leader Rob Hayward M237a 642586 [email protected]
Programme Administrator
Jody Law M225 642979 [email protected]
Module Tutors Ray Bachan M131 642147 [email protected]
Sushil Mohan M134 641273 [email protected]
Professor Andros Gregoriou
M225 641233 [email protected]
Jerome Healy M159a 641295 [email protected]
Walter Heering M146 642581 [email protected]
Khaled Soufani M126 642173 [email protected]
Profiles of academic staff may be found on the School website at:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs/contact/academic.php
3.1.2 Course board
Each course within the School has a course board. The responsibilities of course boards include:
• ensuring the smooth operation of the course;• reviewing syllabus content, teaching methods, assessment and resources and generally
monitoring the course in operation;• supervising the administration of the assessment procedures in accordance with the
assessment regulations and the aims of the course;• liaising with the Examination Board and advising when necessary;• maintaining effective feedback arrangements between the lecturers and the course
members;• planning and recommending policy with regard to the operation of the course;• exercising such other functions as may be requested by the School Board.
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The membership of course boards is as follows:
Course LeaderStudent Representative(s)Course Administrator(s)Module LeadersInformation Adviser (or nominee)Programme LeaderAssistant Head (Postgraduate)School Quality Director
Each course board will normally meet two or three times a year to hear reports on the progress of each year of the relevant course. The board will discuss both students' and tutors’ reports and take action where appropriate. If an issue arises which is clearly beyond the scope of the course board and requires further consideration, then it will be referred to the School Board. Copies of the minutes of course boards will normally be published on the school area on Studentcentral within three weeks of each board on the “My School Brighton Business School” area.
3.1.3 Examination boards
Each course within the School is allocated to an examination board, which considers each student’s overall performance and makes decisions on awards and progression (see section 6 of this course handbook).
3.2 Communications between staff and students
Effective communication between staff and students is very important, and the School facilitates this in a range of ways.
3.2.1 We contact you
By e-mail – using your University e-mail address (see 3.2.6 below) Through Studentcentral By [mobile] phone Through the student notice boards Through the postgraduate student mailboxes
Please could you ensure that we have an up to date telephone contact number for you. This means that we will be able to contact you if there is a last minute class cancellation or emergency. Through e-mail you will be told about changes in timetables, cancellations and re-locations, the membership of groups, notes about examinations and essays, internal and external mail. Changes are frequent at the start of the academic year so please check your university e-mail and Studentcentral daily. It is your own responsibility to keep up with any announced changes.
If you change your personal details (address, name etc) you must ensure that you record these changes in the Personal details section on Studentcentral.
The notice-boards and student mailboxes are all in Mithras House, close to the postgraduate office in M159.
3.2.2 You contact us
By knocking on the doors of academic and administrative staff By calling us by phone By e-mail. E-mail addresses of all staff are readily available.
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Important messages and official documents can be handed in to the Postgraduate Office (M225)
3.2.3 Postgraduate office
The Postgraduate Office is located in Room M225 and is staffed by Julie Watson and her team of course administrators. They have responsibility for all initial enquiries: for most queries you should see them first (what to do, where to go, requests for freely available handouts, information sheets, etc).
Opening times during term time
Mithras House:07.00 – 21.00 (Monday- Thursday)07.00 – 19.00 (Friday)
Postgraduate Office:08.30 – 17.00 (Monday to Thursday)08.30 –16.30 (Friday)
3.2.4 How to locate an office or lecture room
Most University room numbers are in two parts each of which convey information. For example, to find room M160, you need to go to Mithras House, then the first floor (the first digit is a “1”) and then look for room M160. Similarly the computer pools will have numbers such as MA201, signifying Mithras Annexe, on the second floor and W321, somewhere on the third floor of the Watts Building. Outside the School Office (M140) you will find on the wall a list of all the staff with their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and office numbers.
3.2.5 University telephone numbers
The standard University telephone exchange number is 01273 600 900. To directly reach a member of staff, once you know their internal extension number you need to add 64 before the internal extension number. For example, the Assistant Head of School’s extension is 2132. To make contact with this person from outside you would need to dial 01273 642132. Alternatively dial 01273 600 900 and ask for a particular member of staff.
3.2.6 Your email address
Every member of the university has a central email address usually in the form [email protected]. This is the address that we will use to contact you.
3.2.7 Proof of enrolment
If you need a letter confirming your enrolment on a University course (e.g. for the purposes of a career development loan from your bank) you must request this from Academic Services, Ground Floor, Cockcroft Building. Please note that your School staff are not permitted to produce these letters
3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance
Although every effort is made by staff to ensure that your course runs without problems we recognise that these do occasionally arise. The following notes provide guidance on the procedures to be followed in the event of problems arising during the course or with assessment. At each stage it is expected that the staff involved will try to find a solution to the difficulty. However, you should bear in mind that in some cases it is not within their power to solve them and, as such, it may need to be referred on to another body. It is permissible to
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miss out a stage in these procedures when a problem is urgent and the appropriate lecturer/tutor is unavailable, or where for other reasons it may be appropriate.
If you are not satisfied that your problem has been fully resolved, you may wish to make use of the complaints resolution procedure referred to in the Student Contract. The first stage (Early Resolution) requires you to raise your concern with one of the School Complaints Officers.
3.3.1 Administrative problems
In the first instance, you should contact your course administrator about problems of an administrative nature. If the problem still remains unresolved then you should contact your course leader.
3.3.2 Personal problems In the first instance, you should contact your course leader.
3.3.3 Academic problems (unrelated to coursework and examinations)
Stage 1 Discuss with lecturerconcerned
No further action needed
Not Resolved Resolved
Stage 2 Bring to attention ofCourse Leader
No further action needed
Not Resolved Resolved
Stage 3 Bring to attention ofthe Course Board through your yearcourse representative
No further action needed
Not Resolved Resolved
Stage 4 If you are not happy that your complaint has been satisfactorily resolved please contact the School Complaints Officer
3.3.4 Problems associated with completing coursework and/or sitting examinations
Problems completing coursework should follow the pattern below:
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Stage 1 Discuss with lecturer concerned
Stage 2 If necessary complete an Assignment ExtensionForm, getting the approval of your Course Leader, and/ or Mitigating Circumstances Form and notify your course leader in writing of the nature of the problem and its potential effect
Stage 3 Lodge copies of the document outlined in stage 2 with the Postgraduate Office marked for the attention of the course leader. Please make sure that you obtain a copy from the Office staff when submitting this form
For problems relating to sitting examinations the normal pattern should be as follows:
Stage 1 Bring the problem to the attentionof the invigilator
Stage 2 Bring the problem to the attention of your course leader. This should be in writing with, wherever possible, an assessment of the effect the problem had on performance
Stage 3 Lodge a copy of a mitigating circumstances form with the Postgraduate Office marked for the attentionof the Course Leader. Again, please makesure that you obtain a copy from the Office staff when
` submitting this form
For further information about obtaining coursework extensions see 5.9 (below), and for further information about submitting a mitigating circumstances form see 5.14 (below) below.
3.4 Student representation and feedback
3.4.1 Student representation
Each year student representatives are elected for each course, and they are an important formal channel of communication between students and staff. The names and contact details of student representatives are published on Studentcentral from early November each year.
All students are urged to consider standing for election as a student representative. It can be a very rewarding role, is an excellent personal development opportunity, and looks great on your CV. All newly elected student representatives are offered training for the role by the School, in conjunction with the University of Brighton Students Union, and support is available
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during the year as required. For further information about standing as a student representative, please contact the course administrator.
3.4.2 Student feedback The School recognises the importance of formally obtaining and responding to the views of students in a systematic, consistent and transparent manner, taking action where necessary, and “closing the loop” by giving students feedback on resultant action, and the outcomes of student participation in decision making. For example, the Student Liaison Committee comprising student representatives and chaired by the School Quality Director meets two/three times a year in order to provide a forum for students to comments on issues that may arise at both course and School level.
Feedback is formally obtained from students via annual course feedback forms, the student representative system (see 3.4.1 above), and operation of the School’s policy for resolving academic problems (see 3.3. above)). Formal mechanisms for obtaining student feedback are inevitably, and often usefully, supplemented by informal channels and contacts with students.
Feedback from students is formally considered, and responded to, at course boards and at the School Board, and as part of the annual academic health process (see 3.5 below). Copies of the minutes of course boards will normally be published on the school area on Studentcentral within three weeks of each board.
3.5 Annual academic health process
The basic building block of the University’s quality assurance system, is the Annual Academic Health process, which ensures that all courses and their constituent modules are reviewed annually, drawing upon a range of data as appropriate. Reports are produced from module through to course level, and are synthesized into school reports which consider the range of courses within their portfolio. Schools’ reports are considered at faculty and university level. External examiner reports and student feedback are a vital part of this process.
Within Brighton Business School, all course academic health reports are considered and approved at the School’s Annual Academic Health Afternoon in October, to which student representatives are invited to attend and participate. Copies of all approved academic health reports and the School Academic Health Report will normally be published on the school area by mid-November.
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4. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
4.1 Programme Rationale4.2 Course Aims4.3 Course Programme & Structure4.4 English Language Support (iASK)4.5 Careers Support 4.6 Study Support Sessions
___________________________________________________________________
4.1 Programme Rationale
There are three aspects of the rationale for this suite of programmes.
Firstly, there is a shortage of postgraduate programmes which cater specifically for the advanced educational needs of those entering today’s workforce. There is currently a shortage of graduates and postgraduates with the appropriate skills to go directly into employment within the financial services and related sectors. The problem stems from the fact that the traditional division of academic disciplines does not provide the balance of skills required by professionals working in modern financial markets and supporting industries.
Today, finance professionals need to be competent in the knowledge and techniques found within the traditional disciplines of finance and economics, whilst at the same time being capable of using and appraising quantitative techniques and computer applications on one hand, and the regulatory implications of financial transactions on the other. The global financial crisis has shown that, on their own, traditional academic methods are insufficient to deal with modern financial problems,
The recent development of the application of modern risk management techniques to finance has been so rapid that traditional financial training such as accounting, banking and economics no longer provides an adequate background. Indeed, an integration of these skills and knowledge of where they relate to computer science is necessary. Consequently one rationale for this course is to provide an educational experience tailored to the need of students who will, upon graduation, seek employment in a range of financial services and other industries either here or abroad.
Secondly, the Brighton Business School has a range of expertise in the areas of financial economics, risk management, quantitative techniques and econometrics that can be combined to create a programme that is academically rigorous and professionally relevant. Most of the teaching team are research active in areas associated with finance and economics.
Thirdly, the MSc Finance suite will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Business School’s postgraduate portfolio of courses, continuing the development of existing and proposed Specialist Masters’ programmes. This in turn will feed back into and strengthen other post-graduate and post-experience programmes.
4.2 Course Aims
In the spirit of the Business School, this course has three aims:-
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To provide a professionally relevant, yet intellectually rigorous educational experience
To enable students to expand their personal and social capabilities in the working environment
To contribute to career advancement through the workplace acknowledgement of the effectiveness by which new skills and knowledge are deployed
Educational Aims of the Course
To develop at postgraduate level your understanding of:-
The portfolio of the core concepts and applications in the broad area of financial economics, quantitative methods and financial markets theory and practice, and to enable you to supplement this understanding with research in the optional area of your study
The quantitative and computing techniques appropriate for your chosen career. Computing skills will be imparted as a by-product of computer applications being applied in various modules throughout the course
Personal Development Aims of the Course
Taking part in the programme will:-
Extend your development in the appropriate quantitative and research techniques required of a financial markets professional
Enable you to study a limited number of relevant topics at a more advanced level than is possible in undergraduate courses
Extend the development of your skills in handling financial data, and in presenting ideas orally as well as in writing
Develop a process of critical thinking so that you can analyse and synthesise information in order to provide solutions to problems
Further develop individual research skills
Vocational Aim of the Course
To enable you to make an immediate contribution to your initial postgraduate employment and to be able to benefit from continuing professional development using the degree as a sound foundation for self-directed learning.
4.3 Course Programme & Structure
4.3.1 Induction
In order to ensure that students are comfortable in their new surroundings and to make clear the fundamental requirements of masters-level education, there is an induction programme that begins in the first week of term and continues through the first six weeks. The Moving to Masters Induction involves a number of contact hours in the first week of term and follow-up exercises. The main aims are to:
get you familiar with your surroundings and introduce you to the support services that are available at the university;
introduce you to the tools of research and referencing that will be necessary throughout the course;
develop your ability to work effectively and independently.
The module will culminate in a reflective response to formative feedback that is received on the core subjects of finance, economics and research methods. You
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will be required to produce a Personal Development Plan as a response to any weaknesses that are identified in the feedback.
4.3.2 Phase One: Compulsory (core) subjects
The main programme will start in the second week of term. The three core subjects of finance, economics and research methods will move from some fundamental concepts and revision to coverage of the more advanced, contemporary questions. Specific, short, formative assignments will be provided in the first 6 weeks. These will allow you to get an early indication of your progress. Later on, there will also be summative assignments to complete. These will contribute to the overall grade for the module and the degree. The nature of the assignments will be determined by the subject. The programme will run to the end of the second term when exams will be held.
The 3 core modules are:
Financial Theory and Practice (FNM19) Economics of Financial Markets (ECM17) Research Methods for Finance and Economics (ECM20)
4.3.4 Course Structure
The following diagram shows how the phases fit within the overall course structure
PHASE 1
SEPTEMBER TO MARCH
PHASE 2
MARCH TO JUNE
PHASE 3
JUNE TO OCTOBER
ECM17Economics of
Financial Markets CORE
=30 CATS points
FNM23 /ECM14/FAM05/FNM25/FNM34Dissertation
CORE =60 CATS points
FNM19Financial Theory and
Practice CORE
=30 CATS points
OPTION MODULES*
In addition to core modules, students
must choose 3 x Option modules
@ 10 CATS points each
ECM20Research Methods for
Finance and Economics
CORE =30 CATS points
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4.3.4 Main Programme: Phase 2 – Optional subjects
In this term, you study three options and commence work on the dissertation. The provision of options will depend upon demand from you as course participants and the availability of teaching resources.
The option programme determines the ‘flavour’ of your degree and the following table sets out the options available and the particular requirements you must follow.
MSc Finance and investment must choose two of the options marked *; MSc Economics and Finance must choose two of the options marked ǂ; MSc Finance & Accounting must take FAM04 and MAM02; MSc Finance and Banking must take ECM19 and ECM18;MSc Finance and Risk Management must take FNM11 and FNM21
Note: The provision of optional modules will depend upon demand and staff availability.
Finance & Investment Code CATAdvanced Financial Mathematics* FNM20 10Financial Derivatives* FNM11 10Market-making and Investment Strategies* FNM22 10International Portfolio Management* FNM07 10Financial Risk Management* FNM21 10One other (from list of options that are running) 10Economics & Finance Applied Econometrics and Financial Time Series Analysisǂ ECM08 10Emerging Financial Marketsǂ ECM09 10Financial Regulationǂ ECM06 10Banking and Financial Institutionsǂ ECM18 10Money, Banking and Interest Ratesǂ ECM19 10One other (from list of options that are running) 10Finance & Accounting Issues in Management Accounting MAM0
210
Issues in Financial Accounting FAM04 10One other (from list of options that are running) 10Finance & BankingBanking and Financial Institutions ECM18 10Money, Banking and Interest Rates ECM19 10One other (from list of options that are running) 10Finance & Risk Management Financial Risk Management FNM21 10Financial Derivatives FNM11 10One other (from list of options that are running) 10
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Independent study provision is possible for modules which do not attract sufficient students.4.3.4 Dissertation: Phase 3
In the final phase of the course, students are required to complete a dissertation – undertaking an enquiry into a significant financial topic.
Candidates for the Finance and Investment degree must investigate a relevant finance or investment topic.
Candidates for the Economics and Finance degree must investigate a relevant economics topic.
Candidates for the Finance and Accounting degree must investigate a relevant accounting topic.
Candidates for the Finance and Banking degree must investigate a relevant banking topic.
Candidates for the Finance and Risk Management degree must investigate a relevant risk management topic.
The dissertation will be a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 15,000 words long depending on the extent of quantitative analysis. The dissertation will address a capital markets problem which will require you to undertake desk research and fieldwork leading to implementable recommendations based on sound analysis and judgment. Alternatively, you may wish to carry out a more scholarly dissertation relating to a financial markets’ topic of personal interest. This style could suit a student with a subsequent inclination to undertake a PhD programme.
With specific regard to research methodology, the dissertation is supported by econometric courses within the degree.
At the beginning of Phase 2 of the course you will attend a dissertation workshop, following which you will select a topic for study and investigation.
To help you in your task a dissertation supervisor will be appointed to you and you will meet the supervisor at intervals mutually agreeable to you in order that you can discuss the progress of your work.
The dissertation will be submitted no later than 23rd October 2016
4.4 English Language Support (International Academic Study Kit – iASK)
iASK is a service for students whose first language is not English. The service is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Brighton. The iASK advice and services are FREE of charge and are designed to develop your existing academic language skills to help you succeed in your day-to-day academic tasks.
iASK includes:
Introduction to Academic English weekend lecturesAcademic writing and grammar classAcademic support & drop-in tutorials Online essay feedbackOnline peer proofreading
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Further details can be found in the leaflet in your induction pack. There’s no need to book just come along.
FIND OUT MORE: Brighton.ac.uk/ask/internationals [email protected] 01273 641976
You are strongly advised to take advantage of this service.
4.5 Careers Support The University of Brighton has a careers service which is available for all students
4.6 Study Support Sessions
The Student Services unit of the University run a series of study support sessions that may be particularly useful for students who have completed their previous studies outside the UK. A leaflet with details of these sessions should be circulated during the first week of term. If you have not received one, please ask your course leader, Rob Hayward, or your course administrator, Jody Law.
These open-access Study Skills sessions are open to all students who would like to improve and hone their academic skills.
A different topic will be covered each week. Sessions take place at different times on different campuses and you can attend
whichever is most convenient. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you like and no booking is required. You can even bring your lunch!
For more information about other study skills resources and topics, please see the ASK website at www.brighton.ac.uk/ask
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5. COURSE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Nature of assessment5.2 Coursework marking criteria5.3 Coursework presentation5.4 Referencing your work5.5 Coursework word limit and word range5.6 In-class assessments5.7 Coursework submission5.8 Late coursework5.9 Coursework extensions5.10 Feedback on coursework5.11 Examination timetables5.12 Examination past papers5.13 Examination results5.14 Mitigating circumstances5.15 Plagiarism, collusion and cheating in examinations5.16 Appealing the decision of an examination board5.17 University academic regulations - GEAR_____________________________________________________________________
5.1 Nature of assessment
You will be assessed in each of the modules that you study, which is designed to enable you to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcomes for the module.
The nature of assessment will vary from module to module, and may comprise one or more components. The two principal forms of assessment are examinations and coursework. Examinations may be open book, or closed book (i.e. you may or may not be permitted to take notes and/or materials into the examination with you), seen or unseen (i.e. you may or may not be given advance notice of the examination paper). Some examinations may be multiple choice. Coursework may take many different forms e.g. an essay, a report, a dissertation, a reflective statement. Sometimes you will be assessed on your seminar contributions, or be required to give a presentation. Sometimes you will be required to produce group-work.
The learning outcomes and assessment regime for every module may be found in the relevant module descriptors. Copies of all module descriptors are accessible, by module code, via the “My School: Brighton Business School” area on Studentcentral.
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5.1 .1 Methods of Assessment
The following table summarises assessment in each module. Further details are given with each syllabus which can be found on Studentcentral.
Module Code
ModuleLeader
Module Form of Assessment CATS
Core courses :ECM17 Rob Hayward Economics of Financial
MarketsOne assignment (50%) & one 3 hr unseen closed book exam (50%)
30
FNM19 Jerome Healy Financial Theory and Practice
One assignment (50%) & one 3 hr unseen closed book exam (50%)
30
ECM20 Ray Bachan Research Methods for Finance and Economics
One assignment (50%) & one Eviews test (50%)
30
Options: FNM20 Pascal
StiefenhoferAdvanced Financial Mathematics
One 2hr unseen closed book exam (100%)
10
ECM08 Ray Bachan Applied Econometrics & Financial Time-Series
One assignment (100%) 10
ECM18 Khaled Soufani Banking & Financial Institutions
One assignment (100%) 10
ECM09 Sushil Mohan Emerging Financial Markets
One 2hr unseen closed book exam (100%)
10
FNM11 Jerome Healy Financial Derivatives One individual case study (100%)
10
FNM07 Andros Gregoriou
International Portfolio Management
One 2hr unseen closed book exam
10
FNM21 Marc Blunden Financial Risk Management
One individual case study (100%)
10
ECM06 Walter Heering Financial Regulation One 2hr unseen closed book exam (100%)
10
ECM19 Khaled Soufani Money, Banking and Interest Rates
One 2hr unseen closed book exam (100%)
10
FNM22 Rob Hayward Market-Making and Investment Strategies
Short, individual assignments 10
MAM02 TBC Issues in Management Accounting
One assignment (100%) 10
FAM04 TBC Issues in Financial Accounting
One assignment (100%) 10
FNM23ECM14FNM34FNM25FAM05
Individual Supervision
Dissertation Individual dissertation (10000 to 15000 words)
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5.2 Coursework marking criteria
The following grading criteria, based on the University’s postgraduate marking/ grading descriptors, indicate the marks and classifications to be awarded for various standards of written work. Your work will be marked in percentages, with the exception of those few modules that just need Pass/fail As each subject has its own emphases and as assignments may vary in their approach (e.g. essays, reports, projects etc.) so descriptions offered here are inevitably generalised and will need to be interpreted and adapted to the specifics of each assignment. Sometimes you will be issued with supplementary grading criteria which are specific to the particular task you have been set.
High Distinction (80-100%)22
An outstanding response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been achieved to an exceptionally high level. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics beyond that expected for work at the given level of study within the discipline:
Exceptional display of understanding, exploration, insight and/or research
Potential for publication/exhibition1 and/or ability to undertake further research
All specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been strictly adhered to
The organisation, structure and standard of presentation of the work, including any subject-specific conventions2 where appropriate, are exemplary throughout
Evidence of effective communication of work to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Stimulating and rigorous arguments that are likely to be at the limits of what may be expected at this level
The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in an original way
Inspirational, innovative and authoritative - evidence of intellectual rigour, independence of judgement and insightful contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/performance
Clear evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on incomplete or complex evidence
Evidence of very high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Outstanding problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches Ability to address complex issues both systematically and creatively - challenges established
knowledge
*The high distinction grading criteria is provided purely for guidance and will not be reflected on your transcript or final degree certificate.
Distinction (70-79%)An excellent response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been achieved to a high standard and many at an exceptionally high level. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline: In-depth understanding, exploration, insight and/or research
Potential for publication/exhibition3 and/or ability to undertake further research
All specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been adhered to
The organisation, structure and standard of presentation of the work, including any subject-specific conventions4 where appropriate, are excellent throughout
Evidence of effective communication of work to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Convincing arguments that are likely to be at the limits of what may be expected at this level1 Includes equivalent influential dissemination2 For example use of language, referencing 3 Includes equivalent influential dissemination4 For example use of language, referencing
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The work has been approached and/or executed/ performed in an original way
Insightful contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/ performance
Clear evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on incomplete or complex evidence
Evidence of high to very high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Excellent problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches
Ability to address complex issues effectively – challenges established knowledge
Merit (60-69%)A good to very good response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been met fully at a good or very good standard. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline: Good to very good understanding and exploration, some insight and/or thorough research
Some capacity to undertake further research
No significant inaccuracies, misunderstandings or errors
The specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been adhered to
The work is well organised, coherent and the standard of presentation including any subject-specific conventions5 where appropriate, is at least good
Evidence of effective communication of work
Ability to present structured, clear and concise arguments
The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in a comprehensive way with some degree of originality
Appropriate contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/performance
Evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on incomplete or complex evidence
Evidence of high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Good or at least competent problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches
Ability to address complex issues competently – explores established knowledge
Pass (50-59%)An adequate to sound response to the task: all learning outcomes/ assessment criteria havebeen met. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to thoseexpected at the given level of study within the discipline: Sound understanding and exploration, some insight and/or appropriate research
Some minor inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings – small but not significant errors
5 For example use of language, referencing
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Some minor aberrations from the specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate
The work is suitably organised6 and the standard of presentation, including any subject-specific conventions7 where appropriate, is at least sound
Ability to develop an argument but can lack fluency
The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in a standard way with limited evidence of originality
Some contextualisation but with a heavy reliance on a limited number of sources and, in general, the breadth and depth of sources and research are lacking
Evidence of study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on incomplete or complex evidence
Some, but limited evidence of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Some evidence of problem solving skills
Some evidence of ability to address complex issues adequately
Fail (40-49%) An unsatisfactory response to the task: one or more of the learning outcomes/assessment criteria have not been met. The work may display some strengths but theseare outweighed by several weak features in relation to those expected at the givenlevel of study within the discipline, such as: Limited understanding and/or exploration of major ideas with very little insight and/or minimal
research
Some significant inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings – gaps in understanding and/or knowledge
Insufficient attention paid to some of the assessment criteria and some significant aberrations from the specifications for the assessment task8
The work is too descriptive, somewhat disorganised and unclear and the standard of presentation, including any subject-specific conventions9 where appropriate, is poor
Development of an argument is limited and often flawed
The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in poor way
The context provided takes the form of description lacking any breadth, depth and accuracy
Limited or inappropriate research and demonstrated ability to reach decisions
Insufficient evidence of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Little evidence of problem solving skills
A struggle to address complex issues
6 Clearly presented but with little development 7 For example use of language, referencing
8 Such as not keeping to the word limit and/or minor elements of the work missing9 As 1
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Fail (0-39%)An unsatisfactory response to the task: most of the learning outcomes/assessment criteria have not been met. The work fails to meet the requirements in relationto those expected at the given level of study within the discipline, exemplified by: Very limited understanding and/or exploration of major ideas with little or no insight and/or
minimal research
Several significant inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings – minimal or no evidence of knowledge and understanding of the subject
Insufficient attention paid to several of the assessment criteria and some serious deviations from the specifications for the assessment task10
The work is mainly descriptive, poorly structured and the standard of presentation, including any subject-specific conventions11 where appropriate, is poor
The work lacks supporting evidence or argument
The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in a very poor way
Failure to contextualise from sources
Little or no evidence of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal
Little or no evidence of problem solving skills
Failure to address complex issues
5.3 Coursework presentation
These guidelines are based on our requirements for placement projects and dissertations, but should be valid for most written work produced during your course.
The report should be of A4 paper size with one-and-a-half spacing between the lines, single or double sided. Appendices may be single-spaced. Each page in the main report should be numbered with page numbers at the foot of the page.
There should be a margin of at least 1.5 inches (4 cm) on the left side of the page, both for the text and for any diagrams. Top, right and bottom margins should be at least 1.25 inches (3 cm). The right margin should be unjustified (i.e. left 'ragged') to aid readability.
The main text should be in a single 12-point font, e.g. Times New Roman or similar. An alternative font such as Arial in a smaller point size may be more appropriate in diagrams and tables. Use bolding for emphasis within the text and for section headings.
Any material copied directly from another author must be enclosed in quotation marks, followed immediately by a reference to the source. Individual quotations should not normally exceed one paragraph, and quotations should not exceed 5% of the length of the report.
Colour printing may be used for charts, screen-shots etc. Clarity is more important than fancy graphics. Avoid clip-art except where required for drawing diagrams.
You are responsible for the accuracy of the finished work so after it has been completed you should use the spell-checker to catch any typographical and spelling errors. You should also proof read it yourself (or have it read by someone else), as the spell-checker is not likely to
10 Such as not keeping to the word limit and/or major elements of the work missing11 As 1
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catch every error.
5.4 Referencing your work
It is important in academic writing to reference all the important ideas and facts in your work. It is also the best way to avoid any risk of plagiarism (see 5.15 below). You should do this:
when you quote directly using others’ words in quotation marks
when you paraphrase the arguments or theories of others in your own words
when you use evidence from the work of others to support your own arguments
when you rework published data or use it as the basis of your own calculations.
To ensure that you reference properly, you should carefully read and follow the guidance contained within the Brighton Business School Referencing Handbook, which is based on the Harvard referencing system. An electronic copy of the handbook is also available on the School Area and all Course Areas on Studentcentral.
Therefore, no student has any excuse for not referencing properly, and poor referencing may have a negative impact on the mark that you receive for your work. Non-referencing will constitute plagiarism, which is considered a very serious form of academic misconduct (see 5.15 below).
5.5 Coursework word limit and word range
Every piece of coursework you are set will either have a word limit or a word range, which you should make sure you observe. Normally, if your coursework has a word limit e.g. 2,000 words, then the marker will stop reading the work once you have exceed the word limit by 10%. If you write less than the word limit you risk not maximising your potential mark. If your coursework has a word range e.g. 1,500-2,000 words, then the marker will stop reading the work once you have exceeded the upper figure. If you write less than the lower word limit you risk not maximising your potential mark. For the purpose of calculating the word count, footnotes are included (apart from law coursework where they are excluded), whereas contents pages, executive summaries, tables, appendices and reference lists/bibliographies are not usually included. If in doubt, check with one of your module lecturers.
You are required to declare a word count for every piece of work you submit. 5.6 In-class assessments
In-class assessments may be used on certain modules as the assessed coursework component (or part of the assessed coursework component). In-class assessments may take the form of pieces of work, or the grading of performance/contribution to seminars.
Where students are to be graded in every seminar, and the marks averaged over the number of seminars possible, any absence will therefore be penalised. However, where the absence is due to a good reason (i.e. a reason which would be sufficient for the purpose of granting an extension or mitigating circumstances (see 5.9 and 5.14 below)), the number of possible seminars will be reduced to avoid penalties.
Where in-class assessments are used on the basis of marks awarded for the best X out of Y pieces of work or best X out of Y seminar contributions (for example, the best 3 out of 4 or the best 5 out of 6), if a student fails to do the minimum i.e. X, the final mark will normally be based upon the assessments that have actually been completed.
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5.7 Coursework submission
Your lecturer will specify the date and time by which your assessed coursework has to be submitted. You must keep to this deadline unless you have been granted an extension by the Course Leader. (see later sections). If you are likely to face difficulties submitting at the specified time, then submit your work in advance.
All coursework must be submitted digitally via Studentcentral. For word documents you are required to submit a digital copy of your assignment using Turnitin – indicated by the following icon - on Studentcentral. For documents using Excel, submission of the digital copy is via Blackboard – indicated by the following icon - on Studentcentral. We only accept coursework for marking on submission of the digital version and reserve the right to scan versions for plagiarised material.
5.7.1 Submission of digital copy
Each module has its own area on Studentcentral and, if the module involves coursework, you will find a link in the menu called “Assessment” through which you should submit your work. Details on how to submit the digital copy on Studentcentral can be found on http://ask.brighton.ac.uk/portal/public/?querytext=assignments&tabid=2&searchradio=searchall&searchsubmitted=true
5.7.1.1 Ensuring your submission is successful is your responsibility.
If submitting to Turnitin you will receive a digital receipt, a copy of the receipt will be available from your Turnitin inbox in your Messages, but if in doubt return to the submission point and you will be able to see your paper if the submission was successful. If submitting to a studentcentral assignment point there will be no digital receipt but the final screen confirms the successful submission, again if you return to the submission point as if resubmitting you will see any files you have already submitted.
5.7.1.2 What if studentcentral or Turnitin goes down?
System failures are recorded centrally. If Turnitin or studentcentral has a technical failure at the time of a deadline preventing you from submitting by the deadline all affected students will be given a 24hr extension to the deadline.
5.8 Late coursework
Submission deadlines are sacrosanct. Students must submit all work for assessment in the manner and by the date previously notified to them unless an extension to deadline has been granted (see 5.9 below). Assessed work submitted after the published submission deadline will be considered late submission and will be subject to a standard penalty. Students submitting work within two weeks after the submission deadline (this includes a new submission deadline following an agreed extension to deadline) or the last working day immediately prior to the feedback date where this is shorter than two weeks can be provided with feedback. Beyond this date assessed work will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be awarded for non-submission. The penalty for submitting late work is that the work will be capped at the pass mark i.e. 50% or the actual mark where it is a fail. There is no entitlement to submit late for the submission of referred work. Individual members of staff cannot waive these penalties as it is University policy.
5.9 Coursework extensions
In exceptional circumstances students may apply for an extension to the submission date. An extension is granted in order that an assignment can be submitted as if on time i.e. the
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deadline for students with extensions is effectively put back to a later date. Copies of the extension form are available from the Postgraduate Office and must be submitted for approval to the course leader along with independent supporting evidence. For full procedure and guidance see GEAR (5.17 below)
5.10 Feedback on coursework
Your module tutors will indicate when you should receive feedback on your coursework, which will normally be available within 20 working days if the work has been submitted on time. However, where work is due for submission during or after the first week of the Summer term, the marks will not be made available to students until after the relevant examination board has met to agree the results. Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances (such as staff illness), there can be delays in publishing provisional marks and where that happens your module tutor will let you know and provide you with a revised date.
However, please note that all coursework marks provided prior to the relevant examination board are provisional, and are subject to approval of the examination board.
Normally examination scripts are not returned to students, however students may request copies of scripts on submission of the Document Access Request form, together with payment of the appropriate fee. The form is available on Studentcentral or from your course administrator.
5.11 Examination timetables
Examination timetables will be published at least three weeks in advance of the relevant examination period on the “My School: Brighton Business School” area of Studentcentral . It is your responsibility to obtain the details of your examinations, and make sure that you attend at the right location, on the correct day and at the correct time. If you arrive late for an examination, you will not necessarily be given extra time, and if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the start of the examination you will not be permitted to enter the examination room. If you are unable to attend an examination you should submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form (see 5.14 below).
5.12 Examination past papers
Copies of the past two years examination papers for all modules are available on the “My School: Brighton Business School” area on Studentcentral. Where a new module is offered, your lecturers will advise you of the format of the exam and an indication of the type/style of question you may be asked.
5.13 Examination results
A pass list will be published on Studentcentral as soon as possible after the Examination Board and a letter will be sent to you detailing your results within two weeks of the Board. Due to current data protection legislation, examination pass lists identify students by their University student number rather than their name. Therefore if you attend the University to consult the pass lists it is important to bring along your student number. Administrative staff will be very busy at this time preparing results letters and will not be able to look up student numbers.
Please do not ask the tutors, course leader or course administrator for your results. They are under a lot of pressure to get the results out to you as speedily and as accurately as possible and any such requests just slow them down. Under no circumstances will results be given by telephone or e-mail.
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5.14 Mitigating circumstances
Where you consider that your performance in an assessment has been adversely affected by circumstances beyond your control and you wish the Examination Board to take this into account you should complete a Mitigating Circumstances form. If you are unable to attend an examination you should also submit a Mitigating Circumstances form. Copies of the Mitigating Circumstances form are available from the Postgraduate Office and must be submitted with independent supporting evidence. Full details on mitigating circumstances can be found in GEAR (5.17 below)
5.15 Plagiarism, collusion and cheating in assessment
If you attempt to gain a grade by fraudulent means you can be severely punished by the Course Examination Board – see GEAR (5.17 below)
Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
Plagiarism. Where a student submits work originated in sum or in part by someone else, with or without their consent but without acknowledgement;
Collusion. A type of plagiarism defined as collaborating with another student(s) in the completion of assessed work and submitting this as being entirely the student’s own work;
Falsification or fabrication of results, data or references Duplication. Where a student submits work for assessment that is the same as, or
broadly similar to, work submitted earlier for academic credit, without acknowledgement of the previous submission;
Cheating in an invigilated examination. Where a student copies from unauthorised material or from another student's script within an examination room, communicates with another person during an examination, consults information or individuals while absent from the examination room, or attempts to gain a higher grade by fraudulent means;
Impersonation. Where one person assumes the identity of another with the intention of gaining unfair advantage for that person;
Ghosting. Where a student submits as their own, work that has been done as a whole or in part by another person on their behalf, or deliberately makes available or seeks to make available material to another student with the intention that the material is to be used by the other student to commit academic misconduct;
Unethical behaviour. Conduct which deviates from accepted ethical behaviour, including failure to gain ethical approval, coercion or bribery of project participants, breach of confidentiality or improper handling of privileged or private information on individuals gathered during data collection
5.16 Appealing the decision of an examination board
Examination Boards are conducted under the University of Brighton’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR), a copy of which is available on the “My School: Brighton Business School” area on Studentcentral.
Following notification of results, students may wish to meet with their Course leader or Personal Tutor in order to discuss any concerns before the student decides whether or not to submit a Formal Appeal see GEAR (5.17) below)
5.17 University academic regulations – GEAR
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Academic regulations ensure that all students are treated in a fair way – from your admission to the university, to assessments and the qualification that you are awarded. They describe the academic conduct expected of our students and staff, and set out criteria for making judgements about students’ academic performance. They also protect the academic standing of the university and the academic integrity of our awards.
The university regulations, in full, can be found at the following website https://www.brighton.ac.uk/current-students/my-studies/student-policies-and-regulations/index.aspx
We advise that all students to read and understand the university’s regulations, below are the sections of GEAR you may find most useful (which can be accessed via the website above)
Assessment Regulations (Extensions, mitigating circumstances, pass marks, exam regulations)
Progression regulations (Referrals, repeats, compensation)
Academic Misconduct(Plagiarism, Collusion, Misconduct)
Academic Appeals (Guidance and procedure)
Learning Support PlansGuidance for students who require additional support
Your Course Administrator and Student Support Guidance Tutor can also offer guidance on the above areas.
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6. COURSE REGULATIONS
6.1 Compensation within modules6.2 Compensated Credit 6.3 Rules on Referrals, Fails and Repeats6.4 Progression Regulations6.5 Deferrals, Intercalation and Withdrawal6.6 Maximum Period of Study6.7 Award Regulations_________________________________________________________________________
6.1 Compensation within modules
Unless otherwise stated in the module descriptor, where there is more than one element of assessment a student achieving an overall mark of 50% in the module and a minimum of 40% in all components will be considered for compensation. Where the minimum of 40% is not achieved the examination board may, at its discretion, allow compensation if in its opinion the student has demonstrated that they have achieved the learning outcomes specified in the module descriptor. 6.2 Compensated credit Students may normally be compensated for up to 20 credits at the end of a 120 credit phase of the course. Compensation may only be considered for: 1. an optional elective module2. a compulsory module Compensated credit is not graded and is not awarded against a specific module. The raw marks for the module(s) taken, and failed, remain on the student’s record, and will be used in determining final classification, although fails will not appear on any final transcript. The result of the award of compensation will be that the student has achieved the necessary credit to progress to the next stage or be eligible for an award.
6.3 Rules on Referrals, Fails and Repeats
You will normally be allowed 3 attempts to pass a module which you have failed or been referred in.
There are the following possibilities:
1. If you fail in your first attempt by achieving an overall mark in a module of below 30% you will normally be asked to repeat the module. On repeating the module if you are referred (counts as your second attempt) you will then have one more final attempt to pass the module. If you do not pass the module at this third attempt, normally you will be counselled to leave the course.
2. If you are referred in a module by achieving an overall mark of 30 – 49% you will normally be asked to retake the module (counts as your second attempt). If you are referred at this second attempt you will be required to repeat the module which will be your third attempt. If you fail this third attempt then you will normally be counselled to leave the course.
The assessment regulations will conform to the university’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR). A copy of GEAR can be downloaded from Studentcentral via the ‘my school: Brighton Business School’ area.
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6.3.1 What is a fail?
Where a student
i) is re-assessed and fails on a referral
or
ii) does not achieve an overall mark of 50% in the module, with a minimum mark of 30% in each element at the first attempt
or
iii) has not attended an examination or submitted one or more elements of assessment.
they will be failed in that module
6.3.2 Capped Marks
Any student achieving a pass in a previously referred or repeated module will have the mark ‘capped’ at 50%.
6.3.3 Repeat Modules
Where a student has been failed in a module they may, at the discretion of the examination board, be allowed to repeat the module with attendance. This would incur repeat module fee.
A module can only be repeated once and only 3 attempts are allowed. Please see the following table for clarification
Outcomes of fail and maximum permitted referrals
Reasons for FAIL Number of attempts allowed upon repeating module
re-assessed and fails on a referral One more attempt alloweddoes not achieve an overall mark of 50% in the module, with a minimum mark of 30% in each element at the first attempt
Two more attempts allowed
has not attended an examination or submitted one or more elements of assessment
Two more attempts allowed
6.4 Progression Regulations
A student may normally be referred in a maximum of 50% of the stage of study.
A student who has been referred in Phase 1 will be allowed to progress conditionally to Phase 2. If the conditions are not met upon completion of the referral task(s) the student will be required to withdraw from the course.
At the end of Phases 1 & 2, normally a student may be referred in up to 60 CATS points
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6.5 Deferrals, Intercalation and Withdrawal
6.5.1 Deferrals
The regulations from GEAR apply to deferrals, see GEAR for further details. A copy of GEAR can be obtained from the Course Administrator.
6.5.2 Intercalation
Students considering withdrawing or intercalating from either a module or the whole course should contact the programme administrator at the earliest opportunity to discuss the matter as there may be fee implications based on the timing of this decision. Students are encouraged to contact the course leader if they are experiencing difficulties of any kind which might impact on their attendance.
6.5.3 Withdrawal
If you decide to withdraw from the course you must inform the course administrator immediately in writing so that your fees can be re-calculated from the point at which you exit the course.
6.6 Maximum Period of Study
Maximum period of study i.e. the total time permitted between registration and award is 3 years
6.7 Award Regulations
6.7.1 Criteria for the award of an Overall Distinction or Merit
For a student to be awarded a masters degree with distinction, they will normally achieve an average mark, calculated over all summatively assessed modules and weighted according to the number of credits, of 70% or over, and where their completion element (dissertation) has also been graded at 70% or over.
Students not eligible for a distinction may be considered for a merit, where they will normally achieve an average mark, calculated over all summatively assessed modules and weighted according to the number of credits, of between 60 - 69%, and where their completion element (dissertation) has also been graded at between 60 - 69%.
Merits and Distinctions are not awarded for Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas.
6.7.2 Award of MSc
To complete the academic requirements for the Master of Science (MSc) degree, a successful student must achieve 180 CATS points made up as follows:-
Phase 1: Core courses (3 modules @ 30 CATS points each) 90Phase 2: Optional programme (3 modules @ 10 CATS points each) 30
Phase 3: Dissertation 60
Total 180
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6.7.3 Exit Awards (For partial completion of MSc)
If for any reason you have to leave the course before completing the full MSc programme there are some possible exit awards:
Completion of 2 Phase 1 core modules (60 CATS points):
Award:
Postgraduate Certificate in Finance
Successful completion of Phase 1 and 2 (120 CATS points):
Award:
Postgraduate Diploma in Finance & Investment or Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Finance or Postgraduate Diploma in Finance & Risk Management or Postgraduate Diploma in Finance & Banking or Postgraduate Diploma in Finance & Accounting.
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7. LIBRARY, COMPUTING AND MEDIA SERVICES
7.1 The library service7.2 Library services to part-time students7.3 The Online Library7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulsecoomb7.5 Media Services7.6 Studentcentral7.7 ASK Study Guide7.8 Useful web addresses
_________________________________________________________________
The Information Services department provides library, computing and media services in support of learning, teaching, research and administration at the University of Brighton.
7.1 The library service
7.1.1 The University of Brighton libraries
There are five libraries at the University of Brighton; the Aldrich, Falmer and St Peter’s House libraries in Brighton, the Queenwood Library in Eastbourne and the Hastings Campus Library.
You will be issued with a student identity / library card (Unicard) when you enrol, which will enable you to borrow material from all University of Brighton libraries. Your Unicard will also allow you reference access to the University of Sussex library.
The Aldrich Library is located in the Cockcroft Building on the Moulsecoomb site. It stocks a broad range of books and other materials relevant to your studies, covering all aspects of business studies, accountancy, management and law.
7.1.2 Opening hours
Up to date information the about opening hours for all site libraries can be found at www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students under Libraries > Locations and opening times, or here
Current opening hours for the Aldrich Library Help Desk (on the Moulsecoomb site):
Term time: Monday – Thursday 08.30 – 21.00Friday 08.30 – 19.00Saturday & Sunday 11.00 – 15.00
Vacations: Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.30Saturday ClosedSunday 11.00 – 15.00
The Aldrich Library is open for study until 02.00 every night during term time. After the library Help Desk closes, entrance to the Ground Floor is via the entrance in Queensdown School Road and you will need your Unicard to gain entrance.
In addition the opening hours will extend to 24 hours five days a week on 9 January 2017. For more information about this look out for posters displayed in the library or visit www.brighton.ac.uk/is/aldrich.
7.1.3 Borrowing entitlements
You may borrow up to 20 items at any one time. The standard loan period is three weeks but items in heavy demand are seven day loan or in the Desk Loan Collection. You will normally
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be charged a fine if you return late an item which has been reserved by another user and recalled by the library.
7.1.4 Renewing items
Your items are automatically renewed on the day they are due so you don't accrue fines for forgetting to renew yourself. You will be able to keep them until you have finished using them, or until someone else reserves one of them. If one of the items is reserved by someone else however, you will need to return it or you'll incur a fine. You will need to check your university email regularly to check the status of all your loans.
Providing they have not been requested by another user, you can also renew your loans yourself: in the library at the Help Desk or on the self-service machines using your Unicard. by telephoning the library (the Aldrich Library number is 01273 642770). Outside of library
opening hours there is an answerphone where you can leave a message requesting a renewal.
online using the My Account tab in the library catalogue (via the Online Library at http://library.brighton.ac.uk). You will need to log in using your Unicard number.
7.1.5 Returning items
If the library is open, return your items to the library using the self-service machines so that they can be discharged from your record.
When the library is closed, you can use the secure book-drop bins situated at the site libraries. At Aldrich there is one on the ground floor adjacent to the computer pool room and a second one in the Cockcroft building reception area.
Items can be returned by post; however, they remain your responsibility until received by the library.
7.1.6 The library catalogue
The library catalogue is available on dedicated terminals in each library and is also accessible online via the Online Library (http://library.brighton.ac.uk). The catalogue has information about all the material held in all of our site libraries. You can use the catalogue to search for books, electronic books, print journals, electronic journals and audio-visual items and to access your own borrower record for renewing books and to see your current loans. You can also use the catalogue to reserve items when all copies are on loan.
7.1.7 Requesting items from other libraries
Undergraduate and postgraduate students are entitled to inter-library loans. This means that you can obtain books or articles from other libraries (usually the British Library) when we do not hold them in stock. For more information please refer to the Inter Library Loan section of the Information Services website here under Libraries > Borrowing, ask at the library Help Desk or contact the Aldrich Library Business Team.
7.1.8 Photocopying
All the libraries offer self-service photocopying and scanning facilities - you should read the notices about copyright to ensure you stay within the legal limits of copying from printed materials.
7.1.9 Audio-visual material
All the libraries have relevant collections of DVDs which you can use in the library or borrow for home use. You can use the library catalogue to search for audio-visual items. There is
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also a service called BOB: Box of Broadcasts, for watching and making clips from TV and radio programmes, available from the Online Library http://library.brighton.ac.uk
7.1.10 Communications
The library uses your university Email address for all correspondence (e.g. recalled, loans or notification of reserved items awaiting collection). It is possible to set your Email to be forwarded to a personal email account of your choice. This can be done within studentCentral by clicking on Email or from the Information Services website www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students under Computing > Student email.
7.1.11 Library Rules and Acceptable Behaviour Policy
All students are advised to read these documents which supplement the university regulations. They are available on the Information Services website www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students under Libraries > Borrowing > Rules and regulations
7.1.12 Bibliographic Reference Management software
RefMeRefME is a free referencing tool which allows you to generate references by searching via Book/Article Title, ISBN, DOI or URL or by simply scanning book barcodes using your phone or tablet camera.
The app then generates references in your chosen University of Brighton style including Harvard, Harvard Chicago, APA 6th, MLA and Vancouver. Once you have a reference list you can export it directly to Microsoft Word, Evernote or EndNote.
More information about RefMe can be found at www.refme.com/uk EndNote
EndNote is a software programme installed on all University computers that allows you to store and organise your references and create bibliographies or insert correctly formatted references into assignments in whichever style you require eg. Harvard, Chicago, APA etc. The online version is available free to all staff and students registered at the University Brighton. You must register to use EndNote online using a University of Brighton computer and renew your registration after one year. Further information can be found on the Online Library website under Subject Guides here
7.1.13 Enquiries and further help
A Help Desk can be found in each of our libraries. You can also contact the Aldrich Library:
By phone:
Aldrich Library Help Desk: 01273 642760/642770
By email:
General enquiries: [email protected] Subject support team for Business and Law: [email protected].
If you have special needs, ask about the services that can be provided to enable you to use the libraries effectively.
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7.2 Library services for part-time students
If you are studying part time and living away from the university, please ask at your University of Brighton home library about using another university library under the SCONUL Access scheme. Ask at your home library Help Desk for more information and you can also visit http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/ to check whether the library you want to use is part of the scheme.
Part time students may also be eligible to join the University of Brighton’s Postal Loan Service whereby items can be posted to you. For more information go to the Information Services website www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students and see Libraries > Part time students or link from here.
7.3 The Online Library
The Online Library (available via the Online Library link in StudentCentral, or here) contains:
OneSearch: for searching across a number of our resources at once.
Links to our library catalogue, the catalogues of other local libraries and the British Library’s catalogue.
Subject Guides: Providing research assistance, subject guides, and useful resources compiled by Information Services. These guides include databases, government websites and professional organisations
Resources A-Z includes the databases used to search for articles and papers relevant to your subject. Most of these databases contain the full text of documents. The non-full text databases provide bibliographic detail and often an abstract.
A selection of the databases you may find useful are:
Business Source Premier Emerald FAME Passport (global market information) Key Note (market research reports and company data) Lawtel Lexis Library UK Newsstand (Financial Times, Guardian, Times etc) Westlaw
The majority of these resources are available both on and off campus using your university username and password.
If you would like more information or assistance with using the Online Library please ask at your library Help Desk or email [email protected].
7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulsecoomb
7.4.1 Locations and opening hours for computer access
Aldrich library computer poolroom:
Term-time Monday - Friday 08.30 – 02.00Saturday – Sunday 11.00 – 02.00
Vacation Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.30
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Sunday 11.00 – 15.00 (closed during August)
After the library Help Desk closes, entrance to the Ground Floor is via the entrance in Queensdown School Road and you will need your Unicard to gain entrance.
In addition the opening hours will extend to 24 hours five days a week on 9 January 2017. For more information about this look out for posters displayed in the library or visit www.brighton.ac.uk/is/aldrich.
Mithras Annexe computer poolroom:
Term-time Monday – Friday 08.30 – 02.00Weekends: Closed
Vacation Monday – Friday 08.30 – 17.00
The Aldrich Library has a number of computers on each floor and the majority of study spaces have connection points for laptops. The Aldrich Library is wireless enabled. For the opening hours of Aldrich Library see section 7.1 above or go here
NB. LIBRARIES AND COMPUTER POOL ROOMS MAY BE CLOSED ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The information above was correct at time of going to press., However as opening hours can be subject to change, for latest information please check the Information Services website here
7.4.2 Usernames and passwords
When you have completed your online enrolment / activation, your university username and password will be generated. This can be used to access all the open access computers in libraries and poolrooms, studentcentral and the majority of resources available via the Online Library. If you wish to change your password to something easier to remember, you can do this in studentcentral by clicking on Personal Settings.
7.4.3 Student email
You will be provided with your university email address when you activate your computer account. You can read your email at http://outlook.com/uni.brighton.ac.uk
Email is used as the primary means of communication throughout your course of study. Your lecturers and other staff and students will send email to your Brighton University address. You may wish to look at the Information Services website www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students under Computing > Student email where you can also find instructions on how to set your email to be forwarded to a personal email account and to set up Email on your mobile device... NOTE: If forwarding email to your personal address you will need to clear down your university email account from time to time; if you exceed your disc space you will stop receiving emails.
7.4.4 Connecting your own computer
You can connect your own computer via the network sockets in libraries and most halls of residence using an Ethernet cable or via the Eduroam wireless network on each site. Once connected, your computer is part of the university network and is therefore subject to our conditions of use. Please see the Information Services website under Computing or link here
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for information such as how to download anti-virus software, which is one of the conditions, how to connect your laptop to the University network in the libraries and in halls of residence, and computer clinics offered.
7.4.5 The Computer Store
The Computer Store in the Watts Building at Moulsecoomb sells a range of consumables such as USB sticks, cables, software, computers etc. Many items are available at special educational discount rates. The computer store is open 9am – 4.30pm Mon – Thursday and 9am - 4pm Friday during term-time. See here for details.
7.4.6 Printing
Information Services provides a variety of high quality networked laser printers throughout the university. You can use them from computer pool rooms, from libraries and from your laptop on all main sites of the university.
A printing account is automatically set up for you once you activate your computer account and you can add credit to your Unicard account online and via the blue Printer Credit Stations which you will find located in the open access computer pool rooms. For more information on printing see the Information Services website here
7.4.7 Scanners
Scanners are located in all open access computer pool rooms.
7.4.8 Software available in the open access computer poolrooms
Adobe Reader EndNote (bibliographic software) InfoZip Internet Explorer MS Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access) MindGenius (mind-mapping software) Minitab PhotoShop Elements (on machines connected to scanners only) Sophos (anti-virus software) SPSS TextHelp Read & Write Gold (screen reading and reading/writing tool)
In addition there is specialist software available as relevant in the different poolrooms / libraries. For a full, up to date list go to the Software section of the Information Services website.
7.4.9 Computing help
Online help is available in studentcentral (see below) and the Information Services website here. Technician help is also available in the libraries at advertised times. For help with username and password problems you can contact your local library help desk.
7.5 Media Services
The Central Media Services Team can help with the recording and editing of media production to assist students as part of their assignments. See here for further information.
7.6 Studentcentral
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Studentcentral is the student website for the University of Brighton; it is how you access most online information whilst studying here. You can access your study information and materials, submission points for your assignments, your grades, email, and the online library as well as keep your personal information up-to-date. If you need technical support with any aspect of using studentcentral please contact the [email protected].
Once logged in you are taken to the home tab where you can see News and Events as well as ‘What’s New’ on your modules, course and school and links to your timetable, email, Unicard top-up and the library. The Studies ‘Tab’ is where you will see your school, course and modules. The school area contains information about the school and includes timetables and exam schedules. The course area contains information about the course and the module areas are where the online teaching takes place and is also where you will be submitting any coursework (speak to your tutors for more information). You will also find a link to your Reading List providing access to information about recommended reading including books, ebooks, journal articles, websites and videos.
Studentcentral on your mobile or tablet – an app is available which gives you access to studentcentral on your mobile or tablet. Particularly useful for the push notifications so that you are alerted to any new content posted on your modules. The app is called Blackboard Mobile Learn and is available from your app store. For details see: http://student.brighton.ac.uk/mobile
7.7 Academic Study Kit (ASK) Website
In addition to course-specific guidance, online resources to help you study effectively are available through the ASK Study Guide see: http://about.brighton.ac.uk/ask/ . The ASK website offers advice on how to develop the study skills required for academic success at
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University. There are a range of resources and study tips on how to make the most of seminars and lectures, reading and note-making, preparing for exams, tackling stress, essay writing, oral presentations, group work and many other topics. You will also find information about the weekly Study Support workshops held at all university sites, how to book tutorials or groups and specialist services such as the Maths & Stats Support Unit and English Language Support Programme.
7.8 Useful web addresses
Information Services web site http://staff.brighton.ac.uk/is/ Online Library http://library.brighton.ac.uk student mail http://outlook.com/uni.brighton.ac.ukstudentcentral http://studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk/ studentcentral help Login to studentcentral and use the Help and Advice tabHelp Documents http://staff.brighton.ac.uk/is/Pages/Documents.aspx
8. STUDENT SERVICES
Opportunities and support to help you get the most out of your time at university.
Student Services is a central department that provide a range of services to support you through university and to help you get the most from the student experience.
Our experienced and supportive staff offer advice on a range of issues, including:
-Advice about money worries and how to live on a budget.-Support in finding jobs and volunteering opportunities.-Help accessing academic support if you have a disability, learning difficulty or long-term medical condition.-One to one support for students with worries or concerns in a safe, confidential space.
Here for you, whatever the issue
Below is an outline of some of the ways in which we can help you during your time here.
Career DevelopmentBuild your employability skills and boost your graduate potential, with careers guidance, enterprise skills, and employment and volunteering opportunities.
ChaplaincyThere’s more to the Chaplaincy than you think with social events, retreats, worship, discussion, support and listening.
ChildcareWith two Ofsted rated nurseries open to children of staff, students and the local community, the University of Brighton is an
excellent choice for high quality, affordable and flexible childcare.
CounsellingWhatever the reason, if you are finding academic life is causing you concern, or for personal reasons you need someone to talk things over with, you don't need to feel that you are all alone with your worries. You can access a counsellor in a safe and confidential space for an assessment appointment and they canthen offer guidance and support or referral to appropriate agencies.
Disability and dyslexia supportIf you’ve got a disability, specific learning
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difficulty or long term-health condition and choose to disclose it in confidence to the Disability and Dyslexia team, you’ll discover the wide range of academic and personal support available.
Health and wellbeingLooking after yourself whist at university helps you to get the most of your experience. Our links to local surgeries give you access to a doctor, while our health and wellbeing workshops and information help you to keep everything in balance – so look after your mind and body whilst you are here.
Student Advice ServiceWhen it comes to your finances at university it pays to be money wise; so for expert advice on financial issues, including fees, grants, bursaries, loans, and money management, contact the Student Advice Service. They can also help if you are an international student needing immigration advice, or support if you’re experiencing culture shock and home sickness.
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Get in touch
You can find further information about our services and answers to your student life queries at h t t p :/ / w w w . b r i g h t o n . a c . u k / c u r r en t -s t u d en t s / i n d e x . a sp x , see also the ‘help and advice’ tab on student central for access to FAQs, ask a question or book appointments.
We can help answer your questions in confidence via email, at s t u d e n t s e r v i ces @ bri g h t o n.ac . u k or you can access our services at each campus by visiting our student centres, or call us to find out more or book an appointment.
Eastbourne - Trevin Towers, Gaudick Road T: 01273 643845Falmer – E354, Checkland Building T: 01273 643584Grand Parade – Student Centre, Ground Floor, main building T: 01273 643187Moulsecoomb - Manor House, Moulsecoomb Place T: 01273 642895Hastings – The Student Centre, Level 1, Priory Square T: 01273 644643
9. STUDENT ENTITLEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
9.1 Student Charter9.2 Engagement with your Studies9.3 Disability statement9.4 Fire evacuation9.5 Observing copyright laws
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9.1 Student Charter
The relationship between the University, its students and the Students’ Union is based on the principle of partnership: a relationship through which mutuality and interdependence in the learning process are emphasised and celebrated. This has as its principal goal the development of confident, independent researchers and professionals, fully capable of succeeding in their chosen vocations and as well-informed citizens. The Charter seeks to emphasise this partnership and to sustain it through a set of shared commitments and expectations, set out in the table below and embodied in the detailed policies, procedures and regulations of the University of Brighton accessible at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/studentlife/studentadvice/regulations
The University aims to: Students are expected to: The Students’ Union aims to:
Provide a stimulating learning environment.
Give all students the right to be represented in University Governance through the Students’ Union.
Provide access to personal tutors and appropriate study support.
Continuously seek to improve the quality of teaching, research and support services.
Ensure appropriate and timely feedback on all coursework.
Assess and mark work fairly, consistent with clearly stated learning objectives.
Provide clear regulations, procedures, policies and information.
Share responsibility for the learning process, recognising the role of independence and self- motivation in your studies.
Engage fully with all learning activities, whether face to face or through e-learning.
Attend and contribute to lectures, seminars or tutorials.
Adhere to the standards of academic practice of your course.
Reflect critically on feedback to improve your work.
Comply with University regulations and procedures.
Make arrangements for prompt payment of all fees and charges.
Promote a sense of enjoyment in all aspects of university life.
Work in partnership with students and the University in maintaining a culture that promotes a critical and independent learning environment.
Work with students and the University to ensure the financial support packages available are suitable and continue to meet the needs of students.
Offer information, advice or representation to students through the SU Advocacy Service.
Enhance personal development and employability skills and provide access to careers counsellors.
Facilitate access to appropriate welfare, support and services.
Foster an inclusive environment treating all with fairness, dignity and respect.
Operate fair, accessible and timely processes for handling appeals, complaints and disciplinary matters.
Encourage students to provide feedback on their university experience, and, where appropriate, act upon this.
Be pro-active in seeking appropriate advice and support in the event of difficulty whether academic or personal.
Use opportunities to enhance personal development including extracurricular choices and volunteering.
Treat university staff, other students and our neighbours with dignity and respect.
Respect the University and local physical environment.
Support student representatives and participate in the processes to select them.
Provide information requested by the University and ensure that your records are current.
Provide feedback on the University experience.
Provide opportunities for all students to get involved in any part of the Students’ Union.
Foster a caring inclusive environment for all students.
Ensure the elected representatives, policies and actions of the Students’ Union reflect students’ needs.
Provide support, training and resources to students and their representatives so that they may contribute effectively to the evaluation and enhancement of the university experience.
Seek to ensure that Students’ Union and the University learn from the experiences of students.
9.2 Engagement with your studies
You are expected to engage with all the learning activities which form part of your programme and attend all scheduled course workshops, lectures and seminars. Attendance registers will be maintained by your course team and should your individual attendance fall below an average of 75%, this may be taken into consideration by Examination Boards when deliberating on the granting of referrals.
You may however be unable to attend scheduled workshops, lectures and seminars from time to time due to exceptional circumstances (for example personal illness, family bereavement, hospitalisation etc.). In such cases, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the course management team are informed at the time and that such absence is discussed with and recorded by the course team. Where possible, students are expected to provide evidence supporting their absence and a lack of evidence may limit the decision making options of the course leader and/or examination board.
Should your record of attendance be consistently poor (i.e. fall below the 75% minimum requirement), you may be required to attend a meeting with your Course Leader to discuss your absences. In the event you fail to attend the meeting without due notice, you will receive a further letter inviting you to a re-arranged meeting. If you do not attend this meeting, you will then be considered to have withdrawn from the course.
Your responsibilities as a student
We encourage you to make use of all the facilities and resources available to you, including libraries and ICT facilities, to enable you to pursue your studies diligently and take responsibility for your own learning. You should familiarise yourself with University and Brighton Business School Rules and Regulations including any relating to your course and should be aware of the requirements of your course. Your course programme team, including the course administrators are available to clarify any questions you may have. Contact details of all the course team are available in your course handbook.
9.3 Disability Statement
The University of Brighton is fully committed to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001 (SENDA), which extended to educational institutions the provisions of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. The booklet entitled Access and Support for Disabled Students summarises the University’s approach to and provision for students with all types of disability, including long-term conditions, mental health difficulties, sensory impairments and specific learning difficulties. A copy of the booklet is available from Student Services, and a reference copy is held in the School Office. Fuller information about relevant services can be found at: http://www.brighton.ac.uk/disability/
Staff who co-ordinate support for students with disabilities or specific learning needs are based in the Disability & Dyslexia Team in Student Services located in the Manor House. For contact details see section 8. If you have disability or specific learning needs please also raise this with Donna Clark in the Undergraduate Office (M160) who can make you aware of student support available.
9.4 Fire evacuation
On hearing the fire alarmLeave the building by nearest routeClose all doors behind you.Report to assembly point as shown on nearest fire action notice.
At all times:Use the nearest available exit.Do not stop to collect personal belongings.Do not run or try to pass the person in front.Do not use the lift.Do not re-enter the building.Do not congregate outside the main entrance.
NB These are generic procedures; please refer to any additional specific procedures associated to individual buildings.
Students with a disability or mobility problems should notify their personal tutor, course leader or course administrator so that evacuation arrangements can be set up for them.
For further information on health and safety procedures at the University go to:http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk/safety/
9.5 Observing copyright laws
Under UK copyright law, you must not copy someone else’s copyright material unless (a) you have their permission or (b) it falls within the limits of what is known as ‘ fair dealing’. Most works remain in copyright for 70 years after the death of the author/creator. ‘Fair dealing’ for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose ’ permits you to make a single copy of a ‘reasonable proportion’ of a copyright work. ‘Reasonable’ is not legally defined but it is recommended that you keep within the following limits:• one complete chapter or up to 5% of a book;• one article from any one issue of a periodical or set of conference
proceedings;• up to 10% (up to a maximum of 20 pages) per short book (without chapters),
report, standard or pamphlet;• one poem or short story (maximum 10 pages) from an anthology;• one separate illustration or map up to A4 size;• short excerpts only from musical works (not whole works or movements) and
no copying for performance purposes.In all cases, you should acknowledge the source of the work.
9.5.1 Multiple photocopies
Should you need to make multiple copies of copyright material for classroom use, please first read the notice ‘Copyright – multiple copies’ which should be on display near each university photocopier. Further information is available online at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/copyright.
9.5.2 Copyright and the internet
Do not assume that just because something appears on the internet, it must be in the public domain. All material on the internet is protected by copyright. Look for a copyright statement (often on the website’s home page under ‘copyright’, ‘terms and conditions’, ‘disclaimer’ or similar) and unless copyright has been explicitly waived, seek permission before re-using it in any publicly-accessible document (web page, poster, etc). Taking a single paper copy of a ‘reasonable proportion’ for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose’ (using the fair dealing limits outlined under ‘single photocopies’ above) is OK but cutting and pasting from someone’s web page to add to your own website or to send to a group is not. For more guidelines on electronic fair dealing, see http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/services/elib/papers/pa/licence/fairnote
If you are looking for an image to use in your coursework, remember that images retrieved from Google, Yahoo, etc are often subject to copyright. Start by checking the sources listed on the Online Library’s ‘film, image and sound sources’ page on the Reference Shelf http://library.brighton.ac.uk/pages/Film__Image_and_Sound_Sources/index.phpMany of these collections are available for non-commercial use without payment.
9.5.3 Scanning
You may scan a ‘reasonable proportion’ of a printed document for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose’ (using the fair dealing limits outlined under ‘single photocopies’ above) but it must remain for your personal use only. Do not put scanned copyright material on a computer network and do not distribute it by email. If you use any scanned copyright material in your course work, do not alter it, always put text between quotation marks, and always acknowledge your source. Remember, unacknowledged use of scanned material in your course work could make you liable to accusations of copyright theft and plagiarism.
9.5.4 For further information on copyright
The UK Intellectual Property Office website (http://www.ipo.gov.uk/) is a useful starting point for copyright information but much of the university’s use of copyright material is determined by individual licence agreements covering material such as print materials, digitised texts, OS maps, newspapers, T.V. and radio programmes, e-journals etc. If you need any further information on this subject, please check out the documents on copyright at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/copyright .
10.University of Brighton Alumni Association: your professional home
The alumni association is here for all of our alumni (former students) whether they graduated last year or 50 years ago, but it is also here for current students.
Alumni Advice NetworkUniversity of Brighton students can access the expertise and experience of our worldwide alumni network from a full range of courses. The Alumni Advice Network is a flexible, diverse community of international alumni experts who make a huge impact on our current students. Over the past year, Alumni Advice Network members have:
delivered industry-specific talks provided one-to-one advice offered networking opportunities participated in careers interview panels mentored students through the award-winning Momentum scheme lent their talents to student and university projects given work experience opportunities.
Experience counts: ask our alumniWe know that the expertise, skills and knowledge possessed by our alumni community (currently numbering over 140,000 worldwide) could be of significant benefit to you, our current students. You can access the expertise and experience of our global alumni network from a full range of courses through the Alumni Advice Network.
If you would like to be put in touch with a graduate to talk about their experiences at university or about a specific career sector, please get in touch and we can match you up.
Contact [email protected] for more information.www.brighton.ac.uk/advicenetwork
APPENDIX I
Assignment Submission via Studentcentral
There are two different tools that are used to submit assignments in studentcentral.
The first is a Turnitin submission point and will have this icon next to the submission point.Turnitin is used for ‘Essay’ type submissions, in other words if your assignment is a written paper then you will be submitting to a Turnitin submission point, e.g. a Word file
Figure 1 - example Turnitin submission point
The second is a Blackboard submission point and will have this icon next to the submission point. This type of submission point will be used if you are required to submit a file other than a written paper file, e.g. an Excel file.
Figure 2 - example Blackboard submission point
In order that you online submission is successful please follow the correct instructions for the type of submission point you have in your module area on studentcentral.
Before you submit your assignment...
When you hand in an assignment you will be able to submit it online – your tutor will discuss the details with you so that you know what to expect.
Don’t forget that it’s always a good idea to keep a backup copy of all your work.
The filename should not be more than 25 characters long (preferably shorter) and avoid using spaces – distinguish separate words by using capital letters, for example: ThisIsMyFile.doc or use underscores, like this This_is_my_file.doc
In Turnitin only the following file types are acceptable: MS Word, WordPerfect, PDF, HTML, RTF, and plain text. Zip (compressed) files are not acceptable.
If you have created your file using Microsoft Works, you must save it first in Rich Text Format (.rtf) before submitting it to Turnitin.
Your file should not be larger than 20MB if submitting to Turnitin.
How to submit your assignment to a Blackboard submission point1. Go into the appropriate module or course area from your Home Page on
studentcentral
2. Click the menu link where your tutor has told you to submit the assignment (this is usually named Assignments or Assessments)
3. Click the appropriate assignment (there should be instructions under the link so you know you’re choosing the right one but if in doubt, check with your tutor)
4. The screen will look something like the one below. Your tutor may have written some instructions for you in the Assignment Information section, so make sure you read them carefully before submitting your work. The Due Date should be visible there too.
5. In the Assignment Materials section write some comments in the Comments box – e.g. your name, cohort, date file submitted etc (DO NOT use the Submission box)
6. Click the Browse My Computer button and browse to the file on your computer or USB stick that you wish to upload electronically and click Open
7. Once you have attached a file the screen should look like the picture below.
8. If you have another file to submit, click Browse for Local File again and repeat as above. Your filenames should indicate the order in which the files should be opened and the number of files in total, for example:
Myfile1of3.docMyfile2of3.docMyfile3of3.doc
9. Continue until you have added all your files
10. When you have added all your files and want to send them to your tutor, click Submit at the top or bottom of the screen (NOTE : clicking Save as Draft does NOT actually send the file but simply uploads it so that you can send it at a later date if you wish)
11. You’ll see a receipt on the screen showing the time and date the file was submitted. You could print this out if you wish
12. Click OK to exit that screen13. Note that you only have one attempt, i.e. you can only submit your assignment once14. When the assignment has been marked by the tutor, which may be some weeks later, you will find that clicking that link again will allow you to see their feedback – but until then you will simply see the file you sent them15. If something goes wrong, speak to your tutor as soon as you can
About TurnitinTurnitin is a Web-based service that can find and highlight matching or unoriginal text in a written assignment. Turnitin checks any papers submitted against its database of materials to look for matches or near-matches in strings of text. Turnitin then generates an Originality Report. The Originality Report summarizes and highlights matching text. If submitting your assignment through Turnitin you will be able to submit your paper as many times as you choose up until the assignment deadline when that submission will be final, each time you submit your paper you will be able to view your paper‘s originality score.For details of how to interpret the originality score we would recommend you visit the following link to view a short video: http://tinyurl.com/6d62bbd
How to submit your assignment to a Turnitin submission point1. Go into the appropriate module or course area from your Home Page on
studentcentral
2. Click the menu link where your tutor has told you to submit the assignment (this is usually named Assignments or Assessments)
3. Click View/Complete (under the assignment title)
You’ll need to wait a few seconds (longer if you have a ‘slow’ internet connection) as the submission area is on a different server outside of the University. It does sometimes look like nothing is happening – but be patient!
4. You’ll see a screen like this:
5. The Information icon gives you details about any additional instructions the tutor added for that assignment
6. The Dates column give you information about the start, due and post (the date the grade and feedback will be available) dates.
7. To submit your work click the Submit button
You may need to wait a bit again
8. Once in, you should find the system knows who you are and will have entered your first and last names in the appropriate boxes
9. Don’t worry if your names have not already been entered into the boxes, just type them in yourself
10. Type the title of your assignment in the submission title box
11. Click the Browse button and find the file on your computer that you wish to submit
Remember, the system only supports the following file types: Word, WordPerfect, pdf, html, rtf and plain text. The total file size must be less than 20MB
12. When you have found the file, click Open to attach it
The name of the file you have uploaded will then appear in the upload box
13. When you are ready to submit the file click the upload button
14. Wait a few moments while your work is processed
15. Eventually Step 2 appears which displays a preview of the submitted work so you can review it and make sure it is the correct file that you wish to submit.
NOTE: that this is not the formatted view – just the text but be assured your tutor will see the fully formatted work
NOTE: If it is incorrect, click Return to Upload page and browse to the correct one.
16. If it is correct, click Submit.
17. Wait for the final time.
18. You will now be able to view your formatted work (first page only) with a success receipt if all is well and an email will be sent to your Unimail account.
That’s it! Turnitin will send you a confirmation email to your UniMail account.
The email will be sent from [email protected] with the Subject heading TurnitinUK Digital Receipt
Please check your e-mail, including your junk, bulk or deleted folders (it is sometimes filtered as spam) for the digital receipt mail. If you do not see a digital receipt, then your submission was not likely received by Turnitin.
Many students make the mistake of uploading the paper and thinking it’s done. There is a 2nd step, which is to confirm submission. If the 2nd step isn't confirmed, the paper will not be submitted, and there will be no digital receipt.
The email receipt could be printed or used as evidence of posting so you should not have to contact your school to check the assignment has gone through.
Recommendations in preparation for e-submission
If you choose to submit your assignment online from outside of the university we recommend that you do a trial submission, well before the assignment deadline, from the computer that you plan to use for the final submission. This will give you will have plenty of time to rectify any problems that occur, which will ensure that you meet the required deadline.If using Turnitin for your submission you will be able to submit as many times as you choose up until the deadline, you can use this to test the submission process.For details of the system requirements if using Turnitin please see the details on their website: http://turnitin.com/static/support/system.php
For further guidance and advice on using Turnitin at the university of Brighton see: www.brighton.ac.uk/is/ACSservices/student_tii
APPENDIX II
Learning Support Plans (LSPs)
The University is committed to ensuring that all enrolled students have an equal opportunity to succeed on their course. This includes ensuring that the university’s teaching and assessment processes are as inclusive as possible for disabled students and students who are experiencing temporary conditions (such as pregnancy), to minimize any adverse impact on their access to learning. Recommendations for adjustments to teaching, assessment and examinations are made by the university’s Disability and Dyslexia Team.
You can find further information about groups that may be eligible for Learning Support Plans in Section G of the General Examination and Assessment Regulations, on studentcentral.
What sort of adjustments are included in a Learning Support Plan?
Each Learning Support Plan is tailored to the individual needs of a student that arise because of their disability or other condition. For example, it may include recommendations to teaching practices, assessments and examinations.In some cases, more significant Variations to Assessment can be recommended. In these cases, the academic Learning Objectives of your course are fundamental to the decision as to what individual adjustments can be made.
How can I get a Learning Support Plan?
If you have a condition that you think might entitle you to a Learning Support Plan, you should contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team in Student Services either in person, by visiting your local Student Services office, or by telephoning 01273 643799 or emailing [email protected]
The Disability and Dyslexia Team will ask you to provide evidence of your circumstances, such as a note from your doctor or an Educational Psychologist (EP) Report. They can provide guidance and help you to obtain this evidence if you do not already have it.
Once you have this evidence, you should then book an appointment with a Learning Support Coordinator in the team, who will discuss what individual recommendations can be included in your Learning Support Plan and share this information with your school.
The process of implementing a Learning Support Plan can sometimes take time and so it is recommended that you contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
Adjustments for examinations cannot be guaranteed if information is received within 6 weeks of the assessment date.
When you meet with the Disability and Dyslexia Team, they will also provide you with information about other elements of disability support – such as funding that is available through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and 1-2-1 support services.
I’ve told the university about a disability when I applied. Do I need to do anything else?
Even if you disclosed a disability as part of your application, you will still need to contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team to provide evidence and so that your personal Learning Support Plan can be drawn up.
Temporary Conditions
These are usually quite sudden and normally result from physical injury. If time permits, you should make an appointment through your site Student Services Administrator to see the Disability and Dyslexia Team, and take your written evidence (e.g. medical certificate). If there is insufficient time to do this, take the documentary evidence to the School Office, where the administrative staff will be able to check with the Disability and Dyslexia Team. While every effort will be made to help, obviously the closer to the assessment period the more difficult it will be to make alternative arrangements.
What other support is available from the Disability and Dyslexia Team?
As well as helping with Learning Support Plans, the Disability and Dyslexia Team can also help with applications for Disabled Students Allowances and other disability funding. This can help to finance 121 support such as (but not limited to) notetakers, scribes, mentoring and/or learning support tuition. The type of support provided will depend on the impact that your disability has on your studies. More information about the support that the team provides can be found at www.brighton.ac.uk/disability
APPENDIX III
Employability
Work experience of any kind can enable you to broaden your experience, develop confidence, gain skills, maximise your potential, acquire business experience and learn to sell yourself. It is also an opportunity to find out what a job or occupation is really like before you commit to working in it.
It has always been crucial in helping you get ahead in competitive industries, but in the current climate work experience is crucial in giving you the advantage over other applicants– your qualification is only part of the package employers are looking for.
There are many opportunities to get involved in different paid and unpaid activities, both across the university and beyond.
Volunteering
Volunteering can equip you with invaluable work-related skills such as team work, communication and being able to demonstrate initiative and commitment.
Active Student provide a supported volunteering programme for students, which aims to match the placement to your current skills as well as looking at what you would like to gain from participation. More information about the benefits of volunteering and the opportunities available on the ww w . b ri g h t o n . a c .u k / ca r ee r s/vo lun te e r / wh y - vo l un te e r /
Within the University you can also volunteer with Sport Brighton - ht t p : // s p o rt .b r ig h t o n .a c .u k / a b o u t - s p o r t - b rig h t on/j o b - a n d- vo l un t e e r - opp o r t u n i t ie s ,and the Student union w ww .brig h t o n s u . c o m / vol u n t e e ri n g / .
Students on science and engineering courses can also volunteer through the STEM Ambassador programme: h t t p : // w w w. s t e m sus s e x . c o . u k / v o l un t e ers / st e m - a m b a s sa d o r s /
Some courses also have the opportunity to undertake volunteering as a part of your university course
Doing internships and placements
Many of our courses are designed to include compulsory professional placements (w w w .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c a r e e rs / d evel o p - yo u r - s k ills / p laceme n ts- a n d - i n t er n s h i p s / ) as part of the curriculum, while others offer placements and volunteering opportunities as optional parts of specific module choices. Employer and graduate feedback consistently suggeststhat these choices offer a real chance to improve your employability, your confidence and to start linking up your academic skills within the professional environment. If you want to know more about what opportunities may be available within your course structure, talk to your Course Leader, Personal tutor or Student Support Tutor and they will be able toprovide you with further details.
W o r k i n g p ar t - t i m e
Many students now work part-time to fund their studies. Even the most basic jobs will help you to gain additional skills to put on your CV. The Careers Service runs a vacancy and events service which students can register for and get alerts when vacancies become available - www .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c ar e ers/ f i n d - a - jo b/f i nd i n g - p art -t i m e- j o b s / .
In addition there are a number of ways to work part time for the University – Student Ambassadors, Student Helpers (Library shelving and Computer helpers), Student Union STARRS – see www .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c ar e er s /f i n d - a - j ob / f i n d i ng - p a r t- t im e- jo b s/wor k i ng- f o r - yo u r - u n ivers i t y/
Careers fairs, recruitment events and workshops
The Careers Service run different events that provide the opportunity to network with employers and find out about the skills they are looking for in employees. There are also a host of employability workshops to help you identify and learn new employability skills. Find out what’s events are coming up on our events page www .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c ar e ers/ e v e nt s /
Beepurple
Beepurple is the university’s entrepreneurship network, made up of students, graduates and staff who are interested in developing their enterprise and creativity skills and/or their business ideas. They run a variety of activities, workshops and talks throughout the year as well as providing the opportunity to network with current and former students. For further details, please see www . b rig h t o n .a c .u k / c ar e er s / e nt e r p rise/
Get involved in the Students’ Union
The student union offer a range of activities and opportunities that can help you to develop different skills such as team-working, confidence and self-management. This includes opportunities for part-time work and volunteering, the chance to stand for election as a student-representative or sabbatical officer, and through getting involved in the hundreds of student union societies, clubs and activities. For more information please see website ww w .brig ht o n s u . c o m /
Mentoring
Mentoring can provide an excellent forum for personal development, not just for the mentee but for the person mentoring too. This can include improved confidence, listening skills, cooperation and strategic thinking. The Careers Service runs 2 mentoring schemes – these pair students with business mentorsww w .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c ar e ers/develo p - yo u r - s k ills / m o ment u m - ment o r i n g - s c h em e / ww w .brig ht o n .a c .u k / c ar e ers/develo p - yo u r - s k ills / lg b t - un i - am e x - m e n t o r i n g - s c h em e /
Leadership development
There are several student roles within the institution that may particularly suit students who are looking to develop their leadership skills. These include opportunities to work asStudent Ambassadors at open days or within local schools, working as a sabbatical officer or a course rep for the students union, being captain of a sports team or chair of a student society, or by working as a leader for the Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) programme ww w . b rig ht o n .a c .u k / as k /p ass/
