Essential Westminster 2009-10

Published on May 2016 | Categories: Types, Brochures | Downloads: 28 | Comments: 0 | Views: 930
of x
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Introduction to the University of Westminster

Comments

Content

ESSENTIAL WESTmINSTEr

WESTmINSTEr.AC.UK
This leaflet is issued on the understanding that all matters in it are subject to change. Produced by the Marketing, Communications and Development Office, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW. The University of Westminster is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Registration number: 977818 England. Registered Office: 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW

Ref: 4215/07.09/RB/BP

ESSENTIAL WESTMINSTER • STUDENT GUIDE • 2009/10

THE STUDENT GUIDE 2009/10: SUPPOrT • SErVICES • GUIDANCE

ESSENTial wESTmiNSTEr 2009/10

If you would like a large print copy of this handbook or any of the material provided through web links, please contact the Academic Registrar: Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5724

University of Westminster 309 Regent Street London W1B 2UW Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 (main switchboard) westminster.ac.uk

2

Essential Westminster is available online at westminster.ac.uk/essentialwestminster

CONTENTS
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION....................4 WHATS NEW IN 2009/10..............................6 INITIAL GUIDANCE..........................................7
• ENROLMENT FOR TAUGHT COURSES • NEW STUDENTS ONLINE ENROLMENT INSTRUCTIONS • WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO YOUR ENROLMENT SESSION • WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT YOUR ENROLMENT SESSION • CONTINUING STUDENTS • BEFORE RETURNING TO UNIVERSITY • YOUR STUDENT LOAN AND GRANT • HOW TO CONTACT THE RESEARCH DEGREES OFFICE • RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION TEAM • LOCATIONS AND CONTACTS

THE USE OF INFORMATION....................... 23
• MODULE AND END-OF-YEAR FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRES • UNISTATS • FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ... 25
• STUDENT RIGHTS • STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES • CODES AND POLICIES • ESSENTIAL REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS • STUDENT CONDUCT • ACADEMIC CONDUCT • EXAM AND COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT • PUBLICATION OF RESULTS • SPECIAL EXAM AND ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS • MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES • UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGULATIONS • APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

ACADEMIC GUIDANCE ............................. 13
• PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION AND COURSE HANDBOOK • COMMUNICATION • TUTORIAL AND STUDENT SUPPORT • SRS WEB AND STUDENT MODULE PROFILES • POLYLANG • STUDY EXCHANGE PROGRAMME • ACADEMIC WRITING • LIBRARIES AND COMPUTING • MARYLEBONE BOOKS • COPYRIGHT • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS • RECORDING

UNIVERSITY SERVICES.................................. 29
• SERVICES FOR STUDENTS • COUNSELLING AND ADVICE SERVICE (CANDA) • JOBS AND CAREERS • HOUSING • STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES • POLYCLINIC • CHAPLAINCY • SPORT AND RECREATION • STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES OR DISABILITIES • HEALTH AND SAFETY • EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

STUDENT FINANCE ................................... 17
• TUITION FEES FOR TAUGHT COURSES • HOW TO PAY YOUR FEES • TUITION FEE LOANS • OTHER FEES • RECOVERY OF DEBTS/DECLINED PAYMENTS • STUDENT FINANCE • STUDENTS FROM USA • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • EMERGENCY FUNDS • COUNCIL TAX

FINAL YEAR STUDENTS .............................. 35
• TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD CERTIFICATES • NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY (NSS) • DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION SURVEY (DLHE) • PRESENTATION CEREMONIES • REFERENCES • ALUMNI SERVICES

STUDENT PARTICIPATION ........................... 21
• STUDENT FEEDBACK • UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS’ UNION (UWSU) • FREEDOM OF SPEECH • MENTORING • STUDENT AMBASSADOR SCHEME

ACADEMIC YEAR DATES ............................ 37 ESSENTIAL WESTMINSTER FEEDBACK FORM ...................................... 41 TERMS AND CONDITIONS ........................ 43

westminster.ac.uk

3

wElCOmE TO wESTmiNSTEr
ESSENTIAL WESTMINSTER – THE STUDENT GUIDE 2009/10 IS THE GUIDE TO ALL THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION YOU NEED TO ENROL AT THE UNIVERSITY AND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME STUDYING HERE.
This handbook provides a summary of the key information you need, with web links which take you to detailed information in each service department. You can also access the University’s regulations online.
Please read this handbook and access the web links so you know what to expect when you enrol and what is expected of you in becoming a registered member of the University of Westminster. Westminster has long-established traditions, from its earliest days as the Royal Polytechnic Institution founded in London’s West End in 1838. The University has recently completed a £125 million, 12-year, renewal of its buildings, to provide a modern learning environment. The teaching provision across the whole University has been approved by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). In addition, courses in Arabic, building, Chinese, communication and media, French, housing and surveying, integrated health, politics and international relations, psychology, subjects allied to medicine, and tourism have all been rated as excellent by the QAA. We are a cosmopolitan community in the heart of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant capital city. Of some 22,000 students about 75 per cent are Bachelors level students and the other 25 per cent are either Masters students or those conducting research for MPhil or PhD degrees. Our students come from around 150 different countries. Westminster’s ethos is captured by its mission of Educating for Professional Life. The University has professional recognition for courses in all core disciplines, whilst our learning support framework will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to underpin your professional self-confidence. Please keep this handbook as your guide throughout the 2009/10 year. I hope you enjoy your time at Westminster, making lifelong friends and doing well in your studies. Evelyne Rugg Academic Registrar

4

iNTrOdUCTiON
THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER IS A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS AND TEACHING, RESEARCH-ACTIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF.

The University’s emphasis on preparing and educating students for professional life is underpinned by its strong links with employers and professional bodies, which foster creative and relevant course designs and research programmes. The University’s current academic portfolio is further strengthened by its UK and international partnerships, Study Abroad, Exchange and Work Placement Schemes, which benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students alike. We sincerely hope that your time here will be enjoyable and beneficial and have designed this guide to assist you in achieving your personal, academic and vocational goals. The individual sections signpost a comprehensive range of services and support, which should guide you through the various stages of student life, as well as changing and sometimes challenging circumstances. To assist you in accessing specific and up-to-date information, we have created a series of online topic pages and user-friendly web addresses, details of which are included in this handbook. All students should familiarise themselves with the contents of this handbook as it is important that you develop an awareness of your rights and responsibilities as a student.

The University’s policies, procedures, codes and regulations are designed to ensure that all students are treated equitably, and to help safeguard the academic integrity of our awards. In signing the student enrolment form you are agreeing to comply with the University’s policies, codes, regulations and procedures, which will be amended from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the University’s regulations and procedures. Definitive versions of all University publications are published online. Hard copy reference publications are also available in the University’s libraries and on request from the Academic Registrar’s Department. We hope this information will prove to be useful, and we would welcome your comments and suggestions for future enhancements. There is a feedback form at the end of this handbook which you may return by post or complete online.

westminster.ac.uk

5

whaT’S NEw iN 2009/10

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHOS: ONE PLANET LIFESTYLE
The University is working to improve its environmental performance and these improvements are best achieved through everybody’s participation. It’s been calculated that if everyone in the world lived like an average European, we would need three planets. As we only have one planet, we need to take actions so that our lifestyles become more sustainable. There are over 22,000 students at the University of Westminster, so our individual everyday actions, small as they may seem actually have the potential to make a huge difference. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face this century. We invite you to support the One Planet Lifestyle and reduce the University’s carbon footprint. You can find out how to help using the web link at the end of this section.

PARTICIPATE
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Project is a student led project which is one part of the University’s Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility initiative. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Programme aims to increase all of our knowledge of sustainability and social and community issues by coming together and educating each other (students, academics and support staff alike). The ethos of this project is that great ideas start with completely unrealistic thoughts, so feel free to contact us with any idea that you would like to undertake in and outside the University, and we’ll discuss whether we can take it further. More information and to find out what the University is doing visit westminster.ac.uk/sustainability

6

iNiTial gUidaNCE
• ENROLMENT FOR TAUGHT COURSES • NEW STUDENTS ONLINE ENROLMENT INSTRUCTIONS • WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO YOUR ENROLMENT SESSION • WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT YOUR ENROLMENT SESSION • CONTINUING STUDENTS • BEFORE RETURNING TO UNIVERSITY • YOUR STUDENT LOAN AND GRANT • HOW TO CONTACT THE RESEARCH DEGREES OFFICE • RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION TEAM • STUDENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT: LOCATIONS AND CONTACTS

ENROLMENT FOR TAUGHT COURSES
To join the University (or to renew your membership as a continuing student) you need to register through the enrolment process.
You must complete enrolment as failure to do so may result in you losing your place. The simplest and fastest way of registering is to enrol online before arriving at the University. This will ensure that you receive your student loan and/or grant without any delays if you are eligible. If you have applied for a student loan but you do not enrol online, then confirmation of your attendance cannot be sent to the Student Loans Company until you arrive at the University and, as your details will have to be entered manually, this may take a few days. Please make sure you read the notes on Tuition Fees later in this section.

NEW STUDENTS ONLINE ENROLMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Before you arrive
There are a few things you can do before leaving home to make your enrolment and induction go more smoothly. When your place is confirmed you will receive an email informing you that you can enrol online. • Go to westminster.ac.uk and click on the online enrolment link • You will need your application number. This is on the covering letter in your enrolment pack or on any correspondence you have received from the University • Follow the instructions in each section, entering and/or updating any personal information such as addresses and emergency contact details. You may wish to use the step-by-step guide to enrolment • If any details regarding your course or qualifications are incorrect, please contact your Admissions Office

westminster.ac.uk

7

InItIal GuIdance
• If you are paying the full fee or part of the fee yourself, you can do this online. Please print a receipt. The option to pay fees by instalments is not available if you are a full-time undergraduate UK/EU student, and have the option of taking a tuition fee loan and deferring payment until after graduation. The option to pay by instalments is available for all other students with a personal fee liability of over £1,500. Remember to complete and sign the Instalment Agreement form available at the bottom of westminster.ac.uk/ page-12545 and bring it to your enrolment session • If you are not paying your fees online, you will need to bring your payment (by cheque, cash, a credit card, or Banker’s Draft) or evidence of approved sponsorship to your enrolment session. Evidence of sponsorship will be retained, so make sure you have a spare copy • Once you have completed the enrolment pages and declaration, review your details, print off the form and receipt and bring it with you to your enrolment session at the University. You will find an enrolment timetable from your Admissions Office in your enrolment pack.

WhAT WIll hAPPEn AT YOUR EnROlmEnT sEssIOn
It is essential that you attend your enrolment and induction sessions as this is where you will receive important information about your programme of study and the University. It also gives you the opportunity to meet with fellow students and academic staff before teaching begins. You will need to show us your enrolment form along with your proof of identity, and pay your fees if appropriate. If your qualifications have not been marked as VERIFIED or VERIFIED UCAs then you will need to bring those certificates as these will be checked against your offer of a place on your chosen course. You will then be issued with a University of Westminster ID Card. This gives you swipe card access to University buildings, it is also your library Card and your students’ Union Card. You do not need to bring a photograph as a digital one will be taken on the day.

WhAT YOU nEED TO BRIng TO YOUR EnROlmEnT sEssIOn
• A printout of your completed enrolment form • Please only bring certificates for courses that do not have a status of VERIFIED or VERIFIED UCAs • If you are paying by instalment remember to bring a signed copy of the agreement to your enrolment session • Proof of identity. We will accept any of: • A full, valid passport • EU Identity Card • A full or provisional UK Driving licence (both the photocard and the paper part). Or two of the following: • An international driving licence • Tfl/Oyster Photocard/Young Person’s Railcard • A cheque book or credit/debit card (one only) • InD document • An original birth certificate in English. For international students on student visas – you must bring your passport and visa.

COnTInUIng sTUDEnTs
Returning students must enrol before the start of teaching. Any students that have not enrolled and paid their fees by 16 October will have their ID card deactivated and access to University facilities will be withdrawn.

BEFORE RETURnIng TO UnIVERsITY
Please remember to arrange a student loan Company fee loan or other sponsorship or have funds available to pay your course fees. All full-time undergraduate students need to enrol for the next academic year online. This is a simple process and means that you do not have to go to your school office and enrol in person if you follow the instructions correctly. • go to westminster.ac.uk and click on the online enrolment link • Enter your username. Your username consists of the letter w followed by the first seven digits of your registration number • Follow the instructions in each section entering and/or updating any personal information such as addresses and emergency contact details • If any details regarding your course are incorrect, please contact your local school Registry • If you are paying the full fee or part of the fee yourself you can do this online. The option to pay fees by instalments is not available if you are a full-time undergraduate UK/EU student if you have the option of taking a tuition fee loan and deferring payment until after graduation. The option to pay by instalments is available for all other students with a personal fee

8

InItIal GuIdance
liability of over £1,500. Remember to complete and sign the Instalment Agreement form available at the bottom of westminster.ac.uk/page-12545 and send it to your local Finance Office • Once you have completed the form and declaration, review your details. You may find it useful to print off a copy of your enrolment form and receipt of payment for your own records. We do not require a copy • It is much easier if fees are paid by debit or credit card online but if someone else is paying by cheque on your behalf, please send in your enrolment form together with the cheque. Make sure your full name, course and student number are on the back of the cheque • Your individual timetable can be accessed via SRSWeb by clicking on the item called ‘Student Timetable (e:Vision)’. about student financial support is available from the Student loans Company. To avoid delays ensure the local Authority and SlC has your correct bank details, address and national Insurance number.

HOW TO COnTACT THe ReSeARCH OFFICe
The Research Office is responsible for all aspects of administration and support for research students, ranging from initial enquiries and admissions through to final submission and examination of the thesis and conferment of the research degree. The research team also supports the work of the university’s Committees responsible for research and research students, including policy, strategy and governance. For further information on Research degrees and the work of the Research degrees Office, please visit westminster.ac.uk/page-1118

TIMeTAblIng
You may be asked for your login password again before being able to access your most up-to-date timetable. You may experience problems accessing your timetable if you have not paid your fees. note that the timetable may currently list both 2009/10 and 2008/9 timetabled events. The information can be viewed either as a weekly chart, or a list of events. Most modules have more than one event (for example, a lecture and a tutorial) and these are listed separately. If a module is not taught every week there may be more than one listing in the timetable (in this case, check which weeks the listing applies to). Module timetables are subject to change. You are therefore strongly advised to check your online timetable on a regular basis. Should you have any timetable clashes with your core modules it is your responsibility to report this to the School Registry. The sooner you do this the better, as there will be more time to resolve such problems. Further timetable information is available via the following link westminster.ac.uk/page-6902

ReSeARCH AdMInISTRATIOn TeAM
Academic Services university of Westminster Fourth Floor, Copland building 115 new Cavendish Street london W1W 6uW Fax +44 (0)20 7911 5118 Research degree Admissions enquiries email [email protected] Fran noonan, Assistant Registrar (Research) Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5117 email [email protected] Mike Fisher, Research degrees Manager Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5733 email [email protected] Huzma Kelly, Senior Research Officer (Policy and governance) Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000, ext 3933 email [email protected] lesley Mcdonagh, Senior Research Officer (Audit and Assessment) Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5717 email [email protected] Shila Panchasara, Research Secretary Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5731 email [email protected] lindsay Martin, Research Administrator Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 2423 email [email protected]

YOuR STudenT lOAn And gRAnT (undeRgRAduATe STudenTS)
The university is kept informed by the Student loans Company (SlC) of fee contributions and loans by downloading details from their website. This means we do not need to see your SlC letters of financial support, you simply need to check when you enrol online there is no discrepancy between the figures in your letter and those displayed on the Intranet. After you have successfully enrolled online, the university will confirm your attendance to the SlC by uploading details to their website daily. This will trigger the first payment of your loan/grant into your bank account within five working days. Further information

westminster.ac.uk

9

iNiTial gUidaNCE
STUDENT ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: LOCATIONS AND CONTACTS
Students should use the following email addresses for any queries regarding enrolment, induction, module registration, assessment, coursework submission and examinations. CAVEndiSH
School of Electronics and Computer Science For all students in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, please email [email protected] School of Life Sciences For all students in the School of Life Sciences, please email [email protected]

CAVENDISH

HARROW

HArroW
School of Electronics and Computer Science For all students in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at Harrow, please email [email protected] School of Media, Arts and Design For all students in the School of Media, Arts and Design, please email [email protected] Westminster Business School For all students in the Westminster Business School at Harrow, please email [email protected]

10

iNiTial gUidaNCE

MArYLEBonE
School of Architecture and the Built Environment For all students in the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, please email [email protected] Westminster Business School For all students in the Westminster Business School, please email [email protected]

MARYLEBONE

REGENT

rEgEnT
School of Law For all students in the School of Law, please email [email protected]
STR

EET
U

S
S

TR

E

E

T

School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages
WELLS STREET

BROADCASTING HOUSE
LA

LA

NG

M HA

E

H

O

ALL SOULʼS
A

M

RI

DI

NG

SCHOOL OF LAW
GR
T ITC LE T L IT T LD S H F IE

For all students in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages please email [email protected]

N
G

CAVENDISH SQUARE

CHA ND OS STR EET

C AV

END

309 REGENT STREET (UNIVERSITY HEADQUARTERS)
PR

H

ST

RE

ET

W

EAT

E

LL

MO

M RTI
PO

ER
ND

S
S

IS H

PL A

OXF

ORD

PL
AC

GR

TR

EA

CE
LITT LE

E

E

POR

TL A

ST

ET

T

RTL AN

R MA

GA

RET

TIT

STR

EET

CH

FIE

D

EAS

TC A

STL

E

STR

EET

RE
GE

LD

STR

NT
STR

STR

EET

EET

EET

IN CE S

ST
RE ET

OXFORD CIRCUS

STRE

ET

westminster.ac.uk 11

12

aCadEmiC gUidaNCE
• PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION AND COURSE HANDBOOK • COMMUNICATION • TUTORIAL AND STUDENT SUPPORT • SRSWEB AND STUDENT MODULE PROFILES • POLYLANG • STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME AND STUDY ABROAD • ACADEMIC WRITING • LIBRARIES AND COMPUTING • MARYLEBONE BOOKS • COPYRIGHT • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS • RECORDING

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION AND COURSE HANDBOOK
A course summary setting out what you can expect to have achieved when you successfully complete each academic level of your course – in terms of knowledge, skills and attributes – is now published in the form of a programme specification. A fuller description of course content, skills maps and course management arrangements is given in the course handbook, which is validated by an independent panel before a new course is introduced. The course handbook also has the detailed syllabus and assessment requirements for each module. Module guides are given out during the first two weeks of the semester with published deadlines for the submission of coursework assignments.

COMMUNICATION
Email
When you have completed enrolment and your Westminster ID card has been issued, you can access the ‘signed in’ student area of the University’s Internet westminster.ac.uk. An email account will be set up for you automatically. To access your email and computer account, go to any computer room and log in using your University registration number as your username and your date of birth as your password. Secure your email account by changing your password the first time you log on. As a user of any part of the University’s Information System you are deemed to agree to abide by the policy regulations and protocols in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Information on using computer rooms is available for new and continuing students at the computer Help Desks. You can also access your account online via westminster.ac.uk so that you can use your University email account during vacations, or when you are away from the University.

westminster.ac.uk 13

aCadEmiC gUidaNCE
Blackboard
Blackboard helps tutors and students to: • Share valuable learning resources (documents such as module outlines, lecture notes, assignment briefs etc) • Communicate via announcements and email • Collaborate through discussion boards, blogs and wikis • Undertake online group work, take short-answer tests, and submit coursework electronically. Every University of Westminster course and module has its own self-contained Blackboard website. Your tutor(s) will tell you how they intend to use Blackboard to support your learning on a module or a course. Blackboard can be accessed on the web at learning.westminster.ac.uk and there is also a link to Blackboard under ‘Fast Links’ after you have logged in to the University’s website. To use Blackboard you have to log in using your computer account. The Blackboard system assigns you to individual course and module websites according to the information in the student record system (SRS). If you are not enrolled on the correct modules on SRS you will not be able to access the correct sites in Blackboard. If you are linked to the wrong courses or modules in Blackboard please first check which modules you are registered for on SRSWeb for Students. This is accessible under ‘Fast Links’ on the University homepage. If the information on SRSWeb is correct when you check then Blackboard should show your correct modules the following day. If the information on SRSWeb is incorrect please visit your local Administrative Office and ask staff to amend your record. For further help and guidance on the use of Blackboard please visit westminster.ac.uk/page-1341

TUTORIAL AND STUDENT SUPPORT
Personal tutors are the first point of contact for a student seeking academic advice about their studies. Your tutor can help you to develop your full academic potential and give advice on academic and personal matters which may affect your studies at Westminster. For advice on selection of option modules, programme planning, assessment regulations, professional body requirements (where relevant) and study skills including time management, your personal tutor may be of direct help. Most tutors are introduced to their tutees during Induction Week, and appointments can be made by email or you can refer to ‘Office Hours’ on the tutor’s door. Students based in the Westminster Business School should also contact the Tutorial and Advice Office for tutoring related services. In accordance with the University’s Personal Tutoring Policy, all students at Undergraduate Credit Level 4 are given a programme of tutorial activities and all students are offered access to at least one hour of personal tutoring contact per academic year. In some cases more specialist advice may be given by a senior tutor or by a counsellor in the Counselling and Advice Service. For further information, please visit westminster.ac.uk/canda Please note that it is for you, the student to seek the advice of your Personal Tutor and to keep appointments when made, and it is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand the assessment regulations. As part of Westminster’s approach to student-centred active learning, Personal Development Planning (PDP) is being introduced to support students’ own development of their study and employability skills. This programme of activities will help students to review,plan and take responsibility for their own learning. For more information on PDP see published guidance from the University’s Educational Initiative Centre (EIC), please visit westminster.ac.uk/eic

14

aCadEmiC gUidaNCE
SRSWEB AND STUDENT MODULE PROFILES
You can monitor your own progress throughout your course by logging in to SRSWeb which can be accessed via the link on the University homepage. This profile gives a cumulative record of all the modules you have registered for and the marks for each element of assessment. Provisional marks are those given for a coursework prior to the involvement of an External Examiner and may change after discussion and approval with all examiners at the Assessment Board. Your personal tutor and module leaders can also access your profile and give advice on your academic progress in tutorials and by email. If you are paying your fees by instalments make sure you keep your payments up-to-date so that you remain actively enrolled as a student. You can only access the University’s Information Services if you are fully enrolled.

POLYLANG
The University-wide Language Programme for All
If you would like to study another language or refresh your knowledge and skills of one of your current languages, look at the Polylang programme (westminster.ac.uk/polylang). The Polylang portfolio provides the full range of assessed and accredited modules which may be counted towards an undergraduate degree if they are studied at an appropriate level. Languages taught are: • Arabic • Chinese • French • German • Italian • Japanese • Spanish Established in 1990, Polylang is one of the oldest and biggest institution-wide language programmes in the UK. The programme has been expanded each year and there are currently about 1,000 Westminster students and numerous members of staff taking Polylang modules. All Polylang modules have been designed by a team of specialists for non-specialists from other disciplines. We offer a wide choice of levels and time-slots for the convenience of students. All Polylang modules are open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Undergraduates can complete Polylang as one of their option modules. Postgraduates study Polylang as an additional module, for which a fee is payable unless there is formal agreement with the course leader.

SRSWEB AND STUDENT MODULE PROFILES
You can monitor your own progress throughout your course by logging in to SRSWeb which can be accessed via the link on the University homepage. This profile gives a cumulative record of all the modules you have registered for and the marks for each element of assessment. Provisional marks are those given for a coursework prior to the involvement of an External Examiner and may change after discussion and approval with all examiners at the Assessment Board. Your personal tutor and module leaders can also access your profile and give advice on your academic progress in tutorials and by email. If you are paying your fees by instalments make sure you keep your payments up-to-date so that you remain actively enrolled as a student. You can only access the University’s Information Services if you are fully enrolled.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Westminster has links with a large number of higher education institutions in Europe and beyond, and all undergraduates are encouraged to include a semester abroad in their study programme for their Westminster degree. Returning students recommend the option of being based in another university for a semester, and all the opportunities for friendship and travel that this brings. We know too that employers welcome applications from students who have credit for study abroad on their transcript of results. For most programmes you need to have the language skills for the country you plan to visit as teaching and learning activities will be conducted in the native language of the host institution. There is a wide range of programmes – in northern Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA – which are taught and assessed in English. For the list of countries and institutional links, and details of how to apply visit westminster.ac.uk/international

westminster.ac.uk 15

ACADEMIC GUIDANCE
AcAdemic writing
Academic writing is the ability to communicate thought and knowledge within an academic context. it involves the use of standard, often quite formal language. it also requires clear, structured communication and the skill of writing precisely about your ideas and those of others. gaining academic writing skills is an important part of studying at university as writing is the primary means through which we understand, gain, communicate and apply knowledge. it is an important way of learning, of reflecting on what you have learnt and of making connections between different areas of knowledge. writing is part of learning, not separate from it. Academic writing is a complex process and is a skill that all students and lecturers continue to improve on throughout their careers. the Academic writing centre (Awc) is there to help all students in the University whether your secondary education was in the UK or another country, and irrespective of whether english is your first or an additional language. to find out more, visit westminster.ac.uk/awc

mAryLeBOne BOOKS
the on-site bookshops at cavendish and marylebone give students a range of support: • a fast order service (including mail order) • a student book account scheme to get discount on all books, all year round • a secondhand book scheme (typically students can re-coup as much as 60 per cent of the price originally paid) • a wide range of study guides • a range of stationery, both general and specifically for architecture students. email [email protected] tel +44 (0)20 7915 5432 email [email protected] tel +44 (0)20 7911 5049 or visit marylebonebooks.co.uk

cOPyright
All published material, whether available in hard copy or electronically, is protected by the copyright laws in its country of origin. the legal obligation to observe copyright law lies with the individual making the copy. check that what you plan to photocopy or download will not break the law. For guidance visit westminster.ac.uk/page-11933

LiBrArieS And cOmPUting
the wiSe (westminster information Services explained) booklet gives an introduction to the University’s library and computing services. A PdF copy can be downloaded at westminster.ac.uk/library or you can pick up a copy in any of the University libraries. with easy-to-access guidance you can find out how to: • access library resources on site and from home • find books, journals and past exam papers • use other libraries in London • request and renew book loans online. the it staff provide support and information on how to access the University’s network including: • what you can access from home • using laptops plugged into the University’s network • on-site wiFi access • copying, printing and scanning • initial training and support. For the full range of support services visit westminster.ac.uk/its

inteLLectUAL PrOPerty rightS
For guidance on intellectual Property rights, please visit westminster.ac.uk/page-14885

=

recOrding
if you want to record lectures you must first obtain the explicit permission of the staff member or guest speaker concerned. it is best to do this through email. if a presentation, seminar, group tutorial or workshop involves other students’ contributions then you must get the explicit permission of the students in the session if you want to record it. covert or secret recording is not allowed – it is regarded as a disciplinary offence. if you have a disability and wish to request permission to record classes please contact disability Services tel +44(0)20 7911 5456 (harrow) or tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 7360 (other sites) or email [email protected] to request a supporting statement.

16

student finance
=
• TUITION FEES FOR TAUGHT COURSES • HOW TO PAY YOUR FEES • TUITION FEE LOANS • OTHER FEES • RECOVERY OF DEBTS/DECLINED PAYMENTS • STUDENT FINANCE • STUDENTS FROM USA • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • EMERGENCY FUNDS • COUNCIL TAX

This section of Essential Westminster includes information about your financial commitments, as well as guidance on the different forms of financial support which are available to undergraduate students, and advice on how to manage your money during your studies.

or withdraw from the University, you should complete the necessary documentation promptly; otherwise you may not be eligible for any refund to which you may have been entitled. Full refunds are only given in cases where you withdraw before the end of the temporary enrolment period (16 October for Semester One enrolments and 29 January for Semester Two enrolments). You can qualify for a five per cent prompt payment discount if your fees are over £5,000 and you pay in full before 30 September (31 January if you are starting in Semester Two). Your tuition fee covers the cost of teaching, academic and administrative support, required fieldwork, including residential and materials costs, professional body registration fees (with the exception of the LPC) and any claims for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). For some courses, other fees such as for optional fieldwork, insurance and/or materials must be paid in full at enrolment. The costs covered by the tuition fees for continuing UK students, those paying £3,225 per year tuition fees, and for international students, differ. For more detailed information, please ask your local Undergraduate or Postgraduate Office.

TUITION FEES FOR TAUGHT COURSES
Fees are payable in full at enrolment. However if your fees are greater than £1,500 and you are not eligible for a tuition fee loan you can pay in three instalments. The first 50 per cent of the course fee must be paid at enrolment, the next 25 per cent by 1 December, and the balance by 31 January. If you are starting your course in January, 50 per cent must be paid at enrolment, the next 25 per cent by 31 March and the balance by 30 April. If you choose to pay in instalments you will be required to complete a form committing yourself to full payment of the fees. If, for any reason, you need to suspend your studies

westminster.ac.uk 17

STUdENT fiNaNCE
HOW TO PAY YOUR FEES
The simplest way to pay your fees is by paying online by debit or credit card. However, you can also pay by cheque (UK £ or euro), cash (UK £ only), or Banker’s Draft. Euro payments are subject to exchange rate variations. Payment by direct debit may be available, please ask your local Finance Office. If you are paying your fees to the University direct from an international bank overseas, a bank charge is normally made of around £10 on each transaction. Please ask the bank to include your name, course and student number when making the transaction. You must produce evidence that payment has been made into the University account if your fees are sent directly. University Bank details: NatWest Bank plc PO Box 3038 57 Victoria Street London SW1H 0HN Account name: University of Westminster Main Account Account No 48303542 Sort Code 56-00-33 Swift code: NWBKGB2149C IBAN (international payments) GB95NWBK56003348303542

TUITION FEE LOANS
Detailed guidance on student funding arrangements, for both new and continuing students, is available at direct.gov.uk/studentfinance If you have not yet applied for or had a tuition fee loan confirmed by Student Finance England, you will be liable to pay your tuition fees. You may have chosen to pay part of the tuition fee yourself in which case you need to pay this part by following the instructions above. You will not have fulfilled the conditions of enrolment until your tuition fee has been paid or you have provided confirmation of your fee loan. You are responsible for fees should your sponsor fail to pay. It is very important that you take confirmation of your fee loan to your local Undergraduate or Postgraduate Office as soon as you receive it so that your fee position can be finalised. EU nationals are normally eligible to receive tuition fee loans.

OTHER FEES
The University requires payment of all other fees such as for accommodation, childcare facilities and course materials to be made on demand, although the University will accept evidence from a student that such other fees will be paid by a recognised sponsor.

18

STUdENT fiNaNCE
RECOVERY OF DEBTS/ DECLINED PAYMENTS
Each year the University receives a number of payments by cheque, credit card or direct debit which are returned by our bank or declined. An administration charge of £10 will be levied for each transaction which is returned or declined. The University reserves the right to take legal action for the recovery of outstanding fees or other dues whether or not the debtor is currently a student of the University. If you have dependent children, you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue. For further information contact the Inland Revenue helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits If you are a part-time student, you should apply to your LA for an application and information pack or download the form from studentfinancedirect.co.uk/forms Part-time students (taking at least 50 per cent of a fulltime course) may be eligible for a small means-tested maintenance grant and can also be assessed for a grant towards the tuition fees. Further assistance towards the cost of part-time tuition fees is also available to some students from the University’s Additional Fee Support Scheme. Contact Central Admissions and Student Funding for further details. Once you have enrolled at the University, you can apply to the Access to Learning Fund. All full-time or sandwich, undergraduate or postgraduate students who are classified as home (UK and EU) students may apply to this fund for financial assistance. Part-time students taking at least 60 credits in an academic year are also eligible. You can download the application form and guidance notes from March to October westminster.ac.uk/page-9488

STUDENT FINANCE
Managing your money
Undertaking a university course is quite a financial commitment and you should therefore take some time to plan your finances and make sure you make the most of your income. Students often work part-time while they are studying to augment their income and have to survive on a very tight budget. You will need to work out how much your living costs will be and work out a budget plan for the whole academic year. Making smart choices about your finances will help you stick to your budget and avoid getting into difficulties. We have a specialist Financial Capability Adviser to help you with information on making the right financial choices while you are a student. Look out for SmartMoney events during the year or for further information visit westminster.ac.uk/smartmoney If you do have money worries you should seek advice from a Student Adviser or the Financial Capability Adviser sooner rather than later. For further information about part-time work you should contact Careers and Student Employment (CaSE) or visit westminster.ac.uk/careers

Bursaries

Undergraduate students who started their course in 2006 or after and who receive a Maintenance Grant from their Local Authority will also be eligible for a £319 bursary from the University. Your bursary is money that you keep – you do not pay it back. You will normally receive this Bursary automatically around the end of February 2010, provided you and your parents have not ticked the box on Section 8 of the PR1 form or Section 10 of the PN1 form.

Student loans and additional support through your local authority (LA) / Student Finance England

Travel costs

Financial support in the form of grants and/or loans is available to home (UK) undergraduate students and some EU students. If you are not sure whether or not you are eligible visit westminster.ac.uk/page-11362 To apply for financial support you can download the application form and guidance notes from studentfinanceengland.co.uk. This will tell you what help may be available to you. Students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should go to studentfinancewales.co.uk, studentfinancescotland.co.uk, or studentfinanceni.co.uk New students should apply to one of the organisations listed above, and continuing students should apply to their LA. There is also information on student loans and additional support, including bursaries and scholarships, on our website at westminster.ac.uk/funding

The University of Westminster participates in the Transport for London Student Oyster Card Scheme. Full-time students are eligible for a Student Oyster Card, which gives a 30 per cent discount on all Transport for London services within Greater London. You will be able to apply online for this once you have enrolled. For further information visit the Transport for London website at tfl.gov.uk/tickets/ oysteronline/photocards/18plusstudents/2976.aspx

westminster.ac.uk 19

STUdENT fiNaNCE
STUDENTS FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
If you are a US student planning to study a full course at the University of Westminster and want to take out a federal loan, please visit westminster.ac.uk/usloans or contact Central Admissions and Student Funding at Marylebone

COUNCIL TAX
Council Tax is a local authority tax. Student Halls of Residence are exempt, as are properties where all the occupants are students. If you live in an all-student household you will need to provide the local authority with a Council Tax Exemption Certificate which can be collected from your local Undergraduate or Postgraduate Office once you have enrolled. If you are sharing accommodation with one non-student, the property will receive a 25 per cent discount. The full amount will be payable where there is more than one non-student living in the property, but in the majority of cases, full-time students are exempt from liability for Council Tax. If you need further advice or information please contact the Student Advisers:

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As a condition of your Tier 4 General Student Visa, you will have had to show that you have the money to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. Please remember that the University of Westminster, as your licensed sponsor, will be required to notify the UK Border Agency if you stop attending your course without good reason. Please be aware that if you do not pay your fees in full by the agreed date, you will be blocked from attending the University and this could have serious consequences for you. If, once you have enrolled on your course, something changes which you could not have planned for and which affects your finances, please contact a Student Adviser for help. You may be able to apply for assistance from the University’s Special Fund. This fund is set up by the University to provide help to part-time and international students who meet with unexpected financial difficulties or where the student’s country has experienced major problems such as a natural disaster or war. Please email Counselling and Advice at [email protected] to contact a student adviser.

Central Admissions and Student Funding
35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS Email [email protected] Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5716/5719 Fax +44 (0)20 7911 5858

Student Advisers and Financial Capability Adviser

Counselling and Advice Service (CandA) Third Floor, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS Email [email protected] Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 3261, 3140 or 3232

Student Advisers at Harrow

=

EMERGENCY FUNDS
While we ask students to prepare for the start of University financially, we know that there can be last minute problems which you cannot control such as your student loan and/ or grant arriving late due to problems with your LA. In these situations, you can obtain a small loan of £100. If you need this sort of help, you should go to the Central Admissions and Student Funding at Marylebone or see a student adviser at Marylebone or Harrow.

Watford Road, Northwick Park, Harrow, HA1 3TP Email [email protected] Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 4023 Fax +44 (0)20 7911 5916

20

STUdENT parTiCipaTiON
=
• STUDENT FEEDBACK • UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS’ UNION (UWSU) • FREEDOM OF SPEECH • MENTORING • STUDENT AMBASSADOR SCHEME

STUDENT FEEDBACK
Student feedback is an essential part of University life. Without it, the University will not be able to respond and adapt to the needs of students and improve the services it offers, and the Students’Union will not be able to fully represent students and lobby for improvements on their behalf. You will be asked for your opinions on a range of University projects, committees and your course, as well as the National Student Survey (NSS), a nationwide survey of all final-year students. Your course will have a course committee made up of lecturers, support staff and students, who discuss the course and its development, and are a primary source of student feedback. Each year, students are elected to the course committee by their fellow students, to represent their views to the University. Full training and support is offered to the representatives, as well as a meeting allowance to cover expenses. Students who fulfil their role completely are eligible for the Student Representation Certificate. To contact any of your elected representatives visit uwsu.com

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS’ UNION (UWSU)
The Students’ Union is run by students for students, and is the key independent body that supports students during their time at the University. We are led by a team of elected student officers, backed up by a team of expert staff, who provide a wide range of support, activities, entertainments and opportunities in order to allow you to have the best possible student experience. Our Education and Welfare, and Campaigns and Representation departments work to support students and lobby the University for improvements that make a real difference to students lives. Our trained advisors can support you with issues ranging from academic advice to issues with student housing. Our recent campaigns include pushing for better and more timely feedback for students and pushing for anonymous marking and electronic submission of coursework to be implemented. Our Activities team support and co-ordinate over 40 student societies (from old favourites such as the Law Society, Drama Society and the Christian Union to exciting the groups such as the Black Culture Society and the new Entrepreneur Society) and a wide range of sports clubs including men’s and women’s football, snowsports and cheerleading. For a full list, visit uwsu.com

westminster.ac.uk 21

STUdENT parTiCipaTiON
We also run an active student newspaper and student radio station. For your chance to join any of these groups, come along to our Freshers Fairs, between 11am and 3pm on 1 October in P3 at Marylebone (for all central London students) and 3 October in the Sports Hall at Harrow. We have an office at Regent, a shop and an office at Cavendish, an office and a venue – Inter:mission – at Marylebone, and a shop, office, venue – The Undercroft – and a nightclub – Area 51 – at Harrow. We really want you to take a full part in the running of the Students’ Union, and we run a range of meetings and forums where you can suggest changes and put forward your opinion on the work we are doing. We need you to make us into the relevant and vital tool that supports you through your time at University, so get in touch and let us know what we can do to help you.

MEnToring
A number of courses have introduced eMentoring schemes, where new students are offered support from a continuing student by email. To find out whether the scheme is running on your course or to volunteer to become an eMentor, visit westminster.ac.uk/ementoring The Counselling and Advice Service offer a mentoring scheme to support students with long term mental health problems. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/mentalhealthmentoring Careers and Student Employment (CaSE) participate in the National Mentoring Consortium to encourage equality of opportunity in graduate recruitment. Visit westminster.ac.uk/nationalmentoring

FrEEdoM oF SPEECH
The University endorses the principle of Freedom of Speech and the need to ensure that members of the University have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or any privileges they may have at the University. Both staff and students are bound by national legislation on the Freedom of Speech. However, neither the University nor UWSU will provide a platform for any organisations or individuals likely to endanger the safety or liberty of members of the University community, visit westminster.ac.uk/page-5220

STUdEnT AMBASSAdor SCHEME
Many students also represent the University as Ambassadors giving advice and information to schools and colleges. Visit westminster.ac.uk/ambassadors

ELECTED OFFICERS
President ..................................... Omar Hussain Vice-President .................................... Bilal Khan (Campaigns and Communications) Vice-President ....................................Robin Law (Education and Welfare) Vice-President (Activities) ...................... Nas Said

=

22

ThE USE Of iNfOrmaTiON
=
• MODULE AND END-OF-YEAR FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRES • UNISTATS • FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION

information is collected throughout the year and is used for many different purposes, eg the creation and administration of your student record, to meet external body requirements and for monitoring our performance. information about your attendance at the University may also be collected as part of our Tutorial and Student Support activities.

UNISTATS
The University uses information to monitor your experiences, and in turn external bodies monitor the quality and standards of service provided by the University. Therefore, the University is sometimes obliged to send data about you to relevant government agencies such as the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The following key data is published on the Unistats comparison website unistats.com – student entry qualifications, progression and degree classification data, the findings of the Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education survey (DLHE) and the results of the National Student Survey (NSS) of undergraduate finalists.

MODULE AND END-OF-YEAR FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRES
The information you provide on how modules and your course are organised and how your learning is assessed is important to the University. Please take some time to complete the module and end-of-year questionnaires as your feedback provides guidance to staff on how modules and courses are operating and how well they are meeting your needs and expectations and help to inform changes to the modules and courses. The information is used in the annual monitoring of courses. Course Committee meetings, which student representatives attend, are held throughout the year to address and monitor issues raised through student feedback so make sure that your opinions are received by completing the questionnaires and contacting your course representatives.

westminster.ac.uk 23

ThE USE Of iNfOrmaTiON
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION
The University manages the information you provide in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000. You should also be aware that current or potential providers of education or employment are given basic details on request. Sponsors and individuals or organisations who pay some or all of your fees may also obtain limited information about you. The University is also required by law to report on the attendance of international students who have entered the UK on a student visa. Full details of the way in which your data is used and further information about your rights and our responsibilities can be found on the University website: Freedom of Information Act 2000 westminster.ac.uk/page-8264 Data Protection Act 1998 westminster.ac.uk/page-8186



24
24

STUdENT righTS aNd rESpONSibiliTiES
• STUDENT RIGHTS • STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES • CODES AND POLICIES • ESSENTIAL REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS • STUDENT CONDUCT • ACADEMIC CONDUCT • EXAM AND COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT • SPECIAL EXAM AND ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS • PUBLICATION OF RESULTS • MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES • UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGULATIONS • APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

• =

STUDENT RIGHTS
• To attend the University and participate in academic and extra-curricular activities in an environment of mutual respect for diversity, free from prejudice or discrimination. To be treated with dignity and respect, without threat of bullying, harassment or intimidation • To receive tuition as published in the module syllabus or to receive reasonable notice of any changes in the course or module • To expect the University to provide tuition, supervision, assessment and support of a professional standard • To expect the University to act reasonably and fairly in exercising its powers under its published rules, regulations, policies and procedures • To be able to raise concerns about the running of a module or course or to complain about the quality of academic or service delivery if it falls short of the standard reasonably expected of the University • To have Freedom of Speech • To have information processed and request information in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• To abide by the University’s Diversity and Dignity at Work and Study Policy and other policies relating to the treatment of fellow students and staff at the University • To obtain, read and be familiar with and comply with the full University and Course Assessment Regulations and to accept the jurisdiction of the University in all academic and disciplinary matters • To submit work by the published deadline and to attend exams for assessment as required • To advise Disability Services of any disability or difficulty on the basis of which they are requesting special exam or assessment arrangements • To ensure that they are registered for any module for which they are submitting work for assessment • To advise the relevant Student Administration Office, in writing, by the published deadlines, if they are withdrawing from a course or a module. Failure to do so will normally result in non-submission of work/nonattendance at exams being recorded as failure and may also result in a loss of fees or loan entitlement.

25

westminster.ac.uk 25

STUdENT righTS aNd rESpONSibiliTiES
CODES AND POLICIES
The University has a wide range of codes of practice and policies affecting students. These include: Codes of behaviour relate to specific regulations with respect to particular areas of the University, for example computer laboratories and libraries. It is important to read these regulations in detail so that you understand what is expected of you. The University Disciplinary Procedure details the process that is instigated when there has been a breach of the regulations governing student conduct. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/studentconduct

student rights and responsibilities

• Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy • Online Learning Policy • Research Codes of Practice • Ethics Code of Practice • Ethical Policy Framework • Race Equality Policy • Diversity and Dignity at Work and Study Policy • Religion, Belief and Study: Code of Practice to Support Students

ACADEMIC CONDUCT
While we are aware that only a few students consciously try to contravene the Assessment Regulations, you should be aware that there are ways in which you could find yourself having broken the rules inadvertently. Guidance on academic writing and referencing, including the new online tutorial on how to avoid committing plagiarism is available at westminster.ac.uk/awc Please read the guidance on plagiarism and collusion and the regulations on breaches of the assessment regulations. If carried out intentionally, cheating and plagiarism have the objectives of deceiving examiners and this threatens the integrity of the assessment procedures and the value of the University’s qualifications. It is unethical to try to gain an unfair advantage over other students, and for this reason the University imposes strict penalties on those students who intentionally contravene the Assessment Regulations. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/academicconduct

• Careers Education, Information and Guidance • Code of Practice for Students with Disabilities • Code of Practice on Supporting Students with Mental Health Problems • Regulations Governing Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure • Disciplinary Code for Illegal Drugs Use • No Smoking Policy • Health and Safety • Policy on HIV/AIDS. Further information can be found at westminster.ac.uk/policiesandcodes

ESSENTIAL REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS

EXAM AND COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT
Assessment is a critical part of the learning process and it is important that you plan and prepare for your assessed work. The coursework section provides you with the regulations relating to the submission and return of coursework including the regulations governing marking practice, and outlines the penalties for late submission. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/courseworkregulations Regulations for exam candidates explain the difference between closed, restricted and open exams. Specific details of what you can and cannot do in exams are provided, as well as what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/examinationregulations

For the University to function properly it is necessary that its members comply with certain rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are published in the interests of fairness, consistency and transparency. Your signature on the University’s enrolment form signifies that you undertake to abide by the University’s Regulations. It is therefore important that you take the time to read and understand them. You will find the Essential Regulations for Students at westminster.ac.uk/essentialregulations including the sections overleaf.

STUDENT CONDUCT
The University is a diverse community of over 22,000 students and staff, and it is important that we all get along. All students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and with consideration for the other members of the University. This means, for example, arriving at lectures on time, listening to others when they are speaking or presenting, following guidance and instructions from staff and respecting the University’s neighbours. The Regulations Governing Student Conduct list actions or behaviour which are defined as misconduct.

26
26

STUdENT righTS aNd rESpONSibiliTiES

westminster.ac.uk 27

STUdENT righTS aNd rESpONSibiliTiES
PUBLICATION OF RESULTS
This section provides information on when results are released and your responsibility in obtaining your results. The difference between provisional and ratified results is explained. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/publicationofresults

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
The full Handbook of Academic Regulations for the University, which governs all standard undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses, is available at westminster.ac.uk/academicregulations

SPECIAL EXAM AND ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Special arrangements for exams or assessments may be made for students with particular disabilities or difficulties. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/specialarrangements

APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS
The University is committed to providing a good quality service to students. However, it is acknowledged that there may be times when individuals may experience a quality of academic or service delivery which they feel falls short of the standard reasonably expected of the University. In such cases, you may feel that it is necessary to make a written submission setting out your concerns. If you have evidence that there has been a material irregularity in the conduct of your assessment you may submit a request for a review of an Assessment Board decision (known as an Appeal), addressed to the University Academic Registrar. In all other cases your concerns should be addressed through the complaints procedure. Full details of the procedures for submitting Appeals and Complaints can be found at westminster.ac.uk/academicregistrars

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
The University expects that students will plan and prepare carefully for assessments, but also recognises that circumstances beyond your control may sometimes occur that prevent you from completing coursework on time or sitting for exams. It is important that you read and understand the specific rules on submission of Mitigating Circumstances claims and the criteria for consideration. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/mitigatingcircumstances

=

28

UNivErSiTY SErviCES
=
• SERVICES FOR STUDENTS • COUNSELLING AND ADVICE SERVICE (CANDA) • CAREERS AND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT (CASE) • HOUSING • STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES • POLYCLINIC • CHAPLAINCY • SPORT AND RECREATION • STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES OR DISABILITIES • HEALTH AND SAFETY • EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Most students at the University complete their course successfully and enjoy their lives both academically and socially. You will be able to cope alone, or with help from friends, with nearly all the issues you face. However, studying in a large city, especially if you are away from home for the first time or if you are coming from another country, can sometimes be stressful. The University gives a high priority to your welfare and there is a range of services to help you.

ADVICE
The Student Advisers can help deal with practical and financial queries such as Student Support entitlements: fees, loans and grants during your course and if you repeat a year or change courses; funding for EU/EEA students; tuition fee status; social security benefits; tax and national insurance. We also have a specialist financial capability adviser who can offer advice and information on managing your money, avoiding debt and making good financial decisions while you are a student as well as giving advice and support if you are worried about debt.

COUNSELLING AND ADVICE SERVICE
This service is provided at Harrow and Marylebone. It is open throughout the year and has specialist staff who provide a range of information, advice and support. For further information please visit westminster.ac.uk/canda

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE
We provide a specialist advice service to students on visas and work permits and a visa renewal service if you need to extend your stay as a student. We also have an International Student Adviser who provides support with the challenge of coming to study in a new country and organises the Welcome and Introduction Programme for international students as well as other social and cultural activities.

westminster.ac.uk 29

UNivErSiTY SErviCES
The International Student Adviser can also give one-toone support to students who are lonely, missing home or suffering from the effects of culture shock. There is a Valediction Ceremony in June for final year students who cannot attend the University’s Presentation Ceremonies later in the year.

CAREERS AND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT (CaSE)
The Careers and Student Employment (CaSE) team of career development professionals are here to help you access a whole host of work-related opportunities whilst you are studying as well as support you in planning your future career. We offer quality advice, information and careers coaching on the options open to you. We have a team of staff who work closely with employers and voluntary organisations to provide you with a wide range of interesting placements, volunteering opportunities, vacation and part-time work, which you can access at the touch of button by registering with CaSE. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/careers You may also like to come and visit us in person at one of our centres, located at Marylebone and Harrow, to obtain individual guidance on CVs, interview techniques and generally how to get started with job seeking. Throughout the year we organise employer led events, networking evenings, assessment centres, confidence building sessions and self-marketing techniques. So come and talk to us or visit us virtually. Let us help you to become more successful and to realise your potential. We can help develop your employability while you study. We also offer a free service for three years after graduation.

Counselling

Our counselling team provides confidential counselling to all students on personal matters including relationship difficulties, depression, eating problems and study related anxieties. Whether you have serious concerns about your mental health or have ordinary worries about personal issues, you can arrange to speak to a counsellor. Mentoring is available for students with long-term mental health problems.

To contact an Adviser, Counsellor or the international Student Adviser:

Third Floor, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 3261/3140/3232 Fax +44 (0)20 7911 5183 Email [email protected]

Harrow

Maria Hewlett Building, Watford Road, Northwick Park, Harrow HA1 3TP Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 4023 Fax +44 (0)20 7911 5916 Email [email protected] For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/canda

HOUSING
The Unilet Housing team provide both advice and information to full-time students of the University. Our main office is located at the front of Marylebone. You should have already received the booklet ‘Westminster Choice’ which contains information on the Halls of Residence and other services offered. You can also obtain this information along with our contact details on our website at westminster.ac.uk/accommodation Temporary accommodation in the University’s Halls for the summer vacation can be booked through Unilet Vacations, tel +44 (0)20 7911 5181, email [email protected] Out of hours, the UK’s Shelterline provide an emergency housing service, tel 0808 800 4444.

nightline

There is a confidential listening and information service for students: Tel +44 (0)20 7631 0101 6pm-8am every night during term.

30

UNivErSiTY SErviCES
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
This is a nurse-run service providing treatment and health advice during term-time university hours for most ailments, injuries and ill health, as well as help and advice relating to disabilities and chronic problems that might affect your studies or University life. There are clinics at both the Harrow and central London sites and a doctor is available by appointment via the nurses. First aiders are present on all sites; they are volunteers and should only be called upon in case of accidents or sudden illness.We also offer advice for other health matters, eg travel or work vaccines, contraception (and free condoms), sexual health, lifestyle issues (anxiety, homesickness, flatsharing, nutrition, fitness etc) and dental enquiries. The waiting areas are always open and have a wide range of information in the form of leaflets and posters. For further information please visit westminster.ac.uk/studenthealth or contact us at:

Harrow

Room EG4 Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 4107

Marylebone

Third Floor, 35 Marylebone Road Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5186 Please note that this is not a National Health Service (NHS) General Practice; you must register with one in the area in which you live, as soon as you move in. Information about the NHS, how to register, eligibility etc is available at nhs.uk If you live in Halls, information about local GPs will be provided on arrival. Subsequently you will be asked to provide evidence that you have registered.

westminster.ac.uk 31

university services
Polyclinic
The University’s central london clinic offers a unique grouping of complementary therapies at affordable prices to its students and staff and to the general public. no referral is needed. Treatment is given or observed by advanced level Westminster complementary medicine students under the supervision of experienced practitioners. The range of possible treatments includes acupuncture, aromatherapy, chinese herbal medicine, craniosacral therapy, western herbal medicine, homœopathy, nutritional therapy, osteopathy, therapeutic bodywork and massage, quigong tuina, naturopathy and reflexology. Tel +44 (0)20 7911 5041 for an appointment or email [email protected]

Interfaith advice
in its expanding role within the University across the four campuses, we aim to provide a wealth of individual, community, society, and online resources, for the full spectrum between ‘inter-religious’ and secular contexts within the wider social, cultural, and historical relationships. We are in the process of developing involvement at every level, some aspects include: • • • • facilitation of events or activities mediation and reconciliation consideration in lifestyle choices Islamic counselling

chaPlaincy: FaiTh and SPiriTUaliTy
The chaplains offer personal and spiritual support to people of all faiths or none in the University through prayer, advice, information, and links with local faith communities. any student or staff member, regardless of his/her religious conviction, is free to contact one of the chaplains available on all sites at advertised times in the week. chaplains welcome anyone in need of someone to talk to for confidential pastoral support; to listen and offer informal counselling; for personal prayer or to help arrange an event to mark a festival or reflect in a time of crisis. The chaplaincy Team is committed to overcoming perceived divides and boundaries, promoting dialogue and understanding between people of different faith commitments, cherishing and celebrating the diversity of the University community. chaplains can be seen by appointment on any of the University sites. For details, visit westminster.ac.uk/chaplaincy

For further information, or to make an appointment with our advisor in the first instance, please email [email protected]

SPorT and rEcrEaTion
The University aims to provide a professional as well as affordable health and fitness service to staff, students and members of the public throughout the year. all levels are provided for from beginner to international level. Some of our ‘open’ clubs have celebrated their centenary and there are members who compete at international level in some sports. Students can join most of these clubs for a nominal fee. The University’s excellent facilities include a major sports ground down by the river Thames at chiswick and onsite sports halls and fitness suites at regent and harrow. Services offered at both sites include fitness assessment, exercise prescription, body composition measurement and one-to-one personal training. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/sport The Students’ Union (UWSU) has many active sports teams, and the University has a policy to leave Wednesday afternoons free throughout the year to allow you to participate in the teams. UWSU are affiliated to BUcS, the national organisation for student sport, who organise regional and national student leagues in a diverse range of sports. Find out more and sign up at our Freshers Fairs, between 11am and 3pm on 1 october in P3 at Marylebone (for all central london students) and on 3 october in the Sports hall at harrow, or visit uwsu.com for further details.

Contacts:
Email [email protected] Tel 020 7911 5000 ext 3400

Quiet and Prayer Rooms
The University aims to provide Multifaith Quiet rooms and Muslim Prayer rooms on each site.

32

university services
StudentS with Specific learning difficultieS or diSabilitieS
the term ‘disability’ is used to cover a wide variety of conditions, not just those that are visible. disability can include dyslexia, dyspraxia, add/adhd, asperger’s, longterm chronic medical conditions such as Me, or serious back injury, or long-term mental health problems – namely any medical condition that has a long term impact on the ability to study. Students with disabilities are welcome at the university and there are various ways in which support is provided. these include liaison with external agencies, help and advice on sources of funding, library support, and study skills tuition for students with dyslexia. Special exam arrangements may be arranged in particular circumstances. extensions for coursework deadlines are not automatically available. if you have a condition which is likely to affect your studies you are encouraged to declare it at enrolment. however, please note that declaring your disability does not mean that support will automatically be put in place. in order to access any support you need to register with disability Services and provide up to date medical evidence, or an up-to-date report confirming Specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia). You are strongly advised to do this at the earliest opportunity in order that support can be co-ordinated in a timely fashion.

Disability Adviser (central London)
tel +44 (0)20 7915 5456

Disability Adviser (Harrow site)
tel +44 (0)20 8357 7360

Disability Services Manager
tel +44 (0)20 7911 5163

Dyslexia Adviser (central London)
tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 2427

Dyslexia Adviser (Harrow site)
tel +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 4344 email [email protected] for individual email addresses of advisers and for more detailed information please visit the disability Services website at westminster.ac.uk/disability

westminster.ac.uk 33

UNivErSiTY SErviCES
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The University of Westminster complies with requirements under Section 3(i) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The University has a responsibility to its students and members of the public visiting its sites, but each student has a responsibility to conduct themselves so as not to endanger their own health and safety or the health and safety of others. The University has a legal obligation to keep a record of all incidents that occur on its premises and students involved in any accident, however slight, are required to report the circumstances immediately to a First aider, other named Safety Contact or their supervisor. Please refer to the Code of Behaviour on Health and Safety at westminster.ac.uk/policiesandcodes It is a requirement of the Regulations Governing Student Conduct that this Code is observed. Special Codes of Conduct have been prepared to keep specialist areas of the University safe. These are as follows: • • • • • • Computer laboratories Bioscience laboratories Libraries Halls of Residence Teaching environments Studios and workshops

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
At the University of Westminster we have a strong commitment to embracing diversity and promoting equality. This is supported by robust internal policies and initiatives, including the Respect for People diversity programme for staff, which forms an important part of our commitment to raising awareness and enhancing understanding of key issues related to diversity. We want everyone in the University to be confident that they will be treated with respect and dignity, and to be equally committed to providing a supportive environment for students and staff alike. The University is a gateway to professional life and personal development for more than 22,000 students. We are rightly proud of our diverse student population, from the UK and 150 other nations and have gained significant recognition for our success in widening participation and supporting international students. Careers and Student Employment (CaSE) recognises such diversity as an asset in our society and proudly promotes this to employers who seek to recruit University of Westminster graduates. For further information visit the Fusion website at westminster.ac.uk/careers

Full copies of these Codes are available online at westminster.ac.uk/page-561 To report accidents, students should contact a first aider or building reception. Health and Safety Policies and Procedures can be found at westminster.ac.uk/page-561

=

34

fiNal YEar STUdENTS
=
• TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD CERTIFICATES • NSS • DESTINATION OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION SURVEY • PRESENTATION CEREMONIES • REFERENCES • ALUMNI SERVICES

TRANSCRIPTS AND AWARD CERTIFICATES
Your final transcript is a formal record of learning and achievement which sets out all the modules you have completed successfully and the academic credits you have gained with the overall module percentage mark for each. This transcript is issued at the end of the academic session to all students who have paid their fees. The award certificate is issued in the months following the final Assessment Board meeting for each course.

For further information about taking part or opting out please visit the student survey website at thestudentsurvey.com The results of the National Student Survey are published on the Unistats comparison website at unistats.com in the Autumn term.

DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION SURVEY (DLHE)
The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DLHE) tracks the employment and further study status of all UK and EU domiciled graduates six months after they have completed a course of study. Institutional DLHE results are submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) each year and form the basis of national statistical charts and league tables. The results of the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DHLE) are published on the TQI website at westminster.ac.uk/tqi in the Autumn term.

NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY (NSS)
The National Student Survey (NSS) seeks final-year undergraduate students’ views on the quality of their academic experience. Undergraduate students are invited to complete the National Student Survey in the final year of their course, and are strongly encouraged to participate in this national initiative, supported by the University of Westminster Students’ Union and the National Union of Students.

35
westminster.ac.uk 35

final year students
Presentation Ceremonies
the Presentation Ceremonies are held annually, usually in november and December, at the Barbican Centre and royal Festival Hall. these provide an opportunity for successful students to have their achievements publicly applauded. During the spring and summer terms finalists are sent a Graduation Pack. it is important that all students keep their term-time postal address details up to date on the student records system (via srsWeb) and that ticket applications for the ceremonies are made by the due date. For full details of the ceremonies, please visit westminster.ac.uk/ceremonies

reFerenCes
students may seek references from academics who are familiar with them and their work, such as course leaders, personal tutors, dissertation, project or work-placement supervisors, for use in applications for employment or further study. You are advised to choose a referee who is best placed to comment on your ability. You must ask the individual concerned before giving their name as a referee.

alumni serviCes
When you graduate you become an alumnus of the university of Westminster. this gives you access to a range of events to help you celebrate your achievement: • Graduation Ball • valediction Ceremony • Presentation Ceremony at the Barbican Centre and royal Festival Hall as an alumnus you can stay in touch with the university and your fellow graduates through the annual Network magazine and email newsletters. the alumni services also provide alum special social events and networking opportunities. to receive further special discounts and benefits, you can join the alumni association. For further information visit westminster.ac.uk/alumni

36

ACADEMIC YEAR DATES
THE FULL TERM AND SEMESTER DATES FOR 2009/10, INCLUDING DETAILS OF UNIVERSITY VACATIONS, GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY WEEKS, PUBLICATION OF RESULTS AND THE END DATE FOR THE STUDENT YEAR ARE AVAILABLE AT WESTMINSTER.AC.UK/ACADEMICCALENDAR
UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC CALENDAR 5 October 2009 12 October – 18 December 2009 25 January – 23 April 2010 4 May – 28 May 2010 12 July 2010 POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC CALENDAR 28 September 2009 12 October – 18 December 2009 25 January – 23 April 2010 4 May – 28 May 2010 12 July 2010 31 May 2010 onwards 30 September 2010 Enrolment and Induction starts this week Semester One teaching takes place Semester Two teaching takes place The University examination period The referral assessment period takes place this week Postgraduate Project preparation takes place Final submission deadline for all dissertations and projects Enrolment and Induction starts this week Semester One teaching takes place Semester Two teaching takes place The University examination period The referral assessment period takes place this week

westminster.ac.uk 37

UNivErSiTY Of wESTmiNSTEr SiTES
CAVEndiSH

HArroW

38

UNivErSiTY Of wESTmiNSTEr SiTES
MArYLEBonE

rEgEnT

westminster.ac.uk 39

40

ESSENTial wESTmiNSTEr fEEdbaCK fOrm
please send us your comments on Essential westminster by 11 december 2009. This will improve the quality of information which we provide to students in future.

Does this handbook cover all the aspects you were expecting? Is there anything else you would like to have seen included?

Yes

No

Did you find the material you were looking for online? If not, how could access be made easier?

Yes

No

Are you studying on:

an undergraduate course a postgraduate course a research degree a short course a Summer School course

Please give your email address here: Please return your completed feedback form to: Evelyne Rugg Academic Registrar University of Westminster 115 New Cavendish Street London W1W 6UW or complete the form online at westminster.ac.uk/essentialwestminster
EDGE OF PAGE

westminster.ac.uk 41

TErmS aNd CONdTiONS

=

42
42

TErmS aNd CONdiTiONS
=

If you are offered and accept a place at the University of Westminster a contract is formed. The terms of this contract include the following, and your acceptance of a place is expressly subject to them. You will be required as a condition of enrolment to abide by the University’s Memorandum and Articles, Statutes, Regulations, Rules, Procedures and Codes of Conduct as amended from time to time under the authority of the Court of Governors or the Academic Council. The University of Westminster prospectuses and the material on its website are published on the express condition that all matters contained there are subject to change from time to time. In particular while the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver the courses and programmes of study and other educational services as published, circumstances may change, and the University reserves the right at any time to vary the content and delivery of courses, to change the location of courses or modules, to discontinue or combine courses, or to discontinue services, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University.

You will be required as a condition of enrolment to: • Produce documentary evidence that you satisfy the entrance requirements for the course, or have qualifications deemed equivalent by the University; and • Have applied for admission and have a confirmed acceptance from the University; and • Pay the fees prescribed for the course, or produce acceptable evidence of sponsorship. Fees may include supplementary materials or field trip costs or similar. The University of Westminster does not accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability for damage to student property or intellectual property other than through the proven negligence of the University, its staff or agents, or for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of courses as set out above.

43
westminster.ac.uk 43

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close