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Course handbook

MA Creative, Digital and

Professional Writing

For admission in 2019/

Postgraduate academic year 2019-

Autumn semester Starts Ends Welcome week (enrolment/induction) w/c 23 September 2019 Teaching 30 September 2019 13 December 2019 Christmas vacation 16 December 2019 3 January 2020 Teaching 6 January 2020 10 January 2020 Examinations (for Autumn modules) 13 January 2020 24 January 2020 Dissertation Deadline 3 pm on 13 January 2020

Spring semester Starts Ends Welcome programme (enrolment/induction for January starters)

w/c 27 January 2020

Teaching 3 February 2020 3 May 2020 Easter vacation 6 April 2020 17 April 2020 Teaching 20 April 2020 8 May 2020 Examinations (for Spring /Year long modules) 11 May 2020 29 May 2020 Dissertation deadline 3 pm on 11 May 2020

Summers studies period Starts Ends Summer Studies Period 1 June 2020 2 September 2020 Resit Examinations 15 July 2020 30 July 2020 Reassessment Coursework Deadline 3 pm 27 July 2020 Dissertation Deadline 3 pm on 1 September 2020

Postgraduate term dates

Term Dates Starts Ends Autumn 23 September 2019 13 December 2019 Spring 6 January 2020 3 April 2020 Summer 20 April 2020 29 May 2020

2019/20 Academic term dates

In addition to these dates you need to be aware of other important events and deadlines throughout the year; such as coursework submission dates, publication of the exam timetable, publication of results, mitigating circumstances deadlines, programme planning deadlines.

CONTENTS

POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019-

USING YOUR HANDBOOK

SECTION 1: WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE

1.1 Introduction to your course 1.2 Key contacts

SECTION 2 POSTGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES

2.1 Key features of Postgraduate Courses 2.2 Dissertation or Project 2.3 Credit for previous learning 2.4 Module registration 2.5 Open Language Programme

SECTION 3: BEING A STUDENT

3.1 Induction programme checklist 3.2 Your first semester 3.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment 3.4 Your timetable 3.5 Studying 3.6 Feedback on your assessments 3.7 Building careers

SECTION 4: COMMUNICATION, INFORMATION AND ADVICE

4.1 Your University IT account 4.2 Communication 4.3 Your contact details 4.4 Evision 4.5 WebLearn – online module resources 4.6 Your student hub 4.7 Learning development support 4.8 Course leader 4.9 Module Lecturer

SECTION 5: YOUR VOICE COUNTS

5.1 Students’ Union 5.2 Student Reps

SECTION 6: YOUR A-Z ESSENTIALS

6.1 Academic liaison librarians 6.2 Academic misconduct 6.3 Academic regulations 6.4 Academic board appeals 6.5 Complaints 6.6 Counselling and personal development 6.7 Course transfers

6.8 Coursework submission 6.9 Criminal convictions 6.10 Criteria for awards 6.11 Disabilities and Dyslexia 6.12 Enrolment and re-enrolment 6.13 Examination papers 6.14 Examination timetable 6.15 Fitness to study 6.16 ICT Services 6.17 International Student Advice Service 6.18 International support 6.19 Libraries and special collections 6.20 Marking and grades 6.21 Mitigating circumstances 6.22 Mode of study 6.23 Printing, photocopying and scanning 6.24 Progression 6.25 Publication of results and transcripts and awards certificates 6.26 Reassessment 6.27 Retaking a module 6.28 Student conduct 6.29 Student Charter 6.30 Student services 6.31 Taking a break from your studies 6.32 Terms and conditions/student-University relationship 6.33 Volunteering 6.34 Withdrawal from a module

SECTION 7: THE KEY FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE

7.1 Course specification 7.2 Additional course related information (where applicable)

INDEX OF KEY ONLINE INFORMATION

Section 2: Postgraduate degree courses

Undertaking study at postgraduate level is likely to involve new and different methods of working compared to your previous experience. You will study more specialised subject matter at a more advanced level, relatively quickly and over a shorter period. You will be expected to pursue your studies with a greater degree of independence than at undergraduate level and to set your own learning objectives within the framework of the course.

2.1 Key features of Postgraduate Courses

The Course Specification (see Section 7.1) details your course curriculum and structure and you should study this carefully. Many features are defined by the Postgraduate Regulatory Framework, part of the University’s Academic Regulations. The following overview provides a summary of the most common features of postgraduate courses:

• Full-time students starting Masters programmes in the Autumn semester are taught over a 48-week year (an Autumn and a Spring semester and a summer studies period), requiring approximately 40 hours of study per week. For full-time students starting courses in January the workload is similar but is distributed over a longer study period and normally completed at the end of the following Spring semester. Part-time students undertake the equivalent overall workload over a longer period of study, normally at least two years.
• The standard Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught elements and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project. Any variation to this will be detailed in the Course Specification.
• Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits. Typically, a full-time student studies modules equivalent to 60 credits per semester (normally 3 modules), with 15 weeks of teaching, revision and assessment activities for each module.
• The taught elements of postgraduate courses are mainly compulsory “core” modules and normally include one concerned with research methodology and project development and practice, in preparation for the dissertation or project. Some courses may include “option” modules, which can be chosen from a specified list for the course.
• All taught modules and the dissertation or project module are marked on a percentage scale, with a pass/fail threshold of 50%.
• Based on the final aggregate of average percentage results, Masters awards are graded as: Masters (50-59.99%), Masters with Merit (60–69.99%), or Masters with Distinction (70% plus)
• While most students will aim to achieve the full Masters qualification, all Masters courses offer the subsidiary awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma (both available with Merit or with Distinction) for students unable to complete their full programme of study. The full list of awards and their requirements is as follows:

Award Credits at level M Modules Required Masters (^) 180 credits (Level 7) 6 modules + dissertation (60 credits) Postgraduate Diploma (^) 120 credits (Level 7) 6 modules

Postgraduate Certificate

60 credits (Level 7) 3 modules

2.2 Dissertation or Project

You register for your Masters Dissertation or Project in the same way as for your other modules. Once you are registered for your dissertation/project, you are expected to submit it in the period for which you areregistered. The University’s standard assessment arrangements and mitigating circumstances procedures apply (see below for information on withdrawal and mitigating circumstances).

Formal requirements for your dissertation are set out in detail in the Dissertation/Project Module Booklet for your course. Please note that some postgraduate courses will require you to have passed research methods before you can begin your Dissertation/Project.

You should also consult the University’s Code of Good Research Practice to see whether these guidelines raise any issues for your own research, and discuss them with your supervisor.

There are three standard deadline dates for submission in every academic year. The dates for 2019/20 are:

Deadline

Autumn Semester 3pm on 13 January 2020

Spring Semester 3pm on 11 May 2020

Summer Period 3pm on 1 September 2020

Dissertations/Projects must be submitted to your Student Hub or via WebLearn. Your supervisor wiil be able to confirm the correct mode of submission.

2.3 Credit for previous learning

If you already hold a qualification (for example from another college) that may exempt you from part of your course, you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). Similarly, if you have undertaken work, paid or voluntary, that has resulted in learning skills or knowledge equivalent to a module you will be studying you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Collectively these are known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

It is important to be aware that any application for APL credit in respect of postgraduate studies must be based on prior learning or experience at a suitably advanced level. This means that it is not normally possible to accredit prior learning at undergraduate level, even if the content may appear similar.

The University operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 European credit (ECTS) is equivalent to 2 UK credits (CATS). Thus, each taught module of 20 credits is normally equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, and a full Masters of 180 UK credits is equivalent to 90 ECTS.

If you wish to claim for APL please contact your Student Hub..

2.4 Module registration

Your Course Leader should provide the information you will require in order to choose your modules. Core Modules are compulsory for your course, but your course may also offer Option Modules , which can be chosen from a specified list. Your Student Hub will contact you to inform of the process to register modules and of the relevant timescales/deadlines.

Please consult Course Catalogue (year of entry) for information about your course structure and Module Catalogue for information about the modules you will be studying.

Section 3: Being a student

3.1 Induction programme checklist

Following your Induction Programme and Course Introductory Meetings, you should check that you have received the following:

 an ID card (including library number and computer network username)  a personal timetable  the location of your Student Hub  the location of your main Library and IT facilities  the name of your Academic Liaison Librarian  the name of your Course Leader

If you miss your Induction Programme you still need to obtain all of the above items and there will be a Late Induction session for you. Contact your designated Student Hub to ensure that you know what to do and where to go. It is very important that you complete the enrolment process as this is what activates your status as a student and ensures, for example, that you appear on your module class lists.

3.2 Your first semester

Classes commence on 30 September 2020 and your timetable will list all the classes that you need to attend.

Your first semester usually involves mainly compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject contents and skills elements in your area of study. During this first semester you will meet with your Course Leader who will discuss your study programme and advise you on how to plan your studies for the second semester if you did not do this at the start of the course.

3.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment

In order to succeed on your course you should attend all classes and attempt all assessments; indeed the University requires this of you. Whilst some absences may be unavoidable you should always let your Module Lecturer know in advance and you must to catch up on what you have missed.

Attendance at classes is recorded and is reviewed on a regular basis. You can view this via your Evision account. If you miss too many classes your Module Leader can withdraw you from that module. If your attendance is not satisfactory over your whole programme you may risk having your enrolment terminated.

For International students holding a Tier 4 visa a high level of attendance is essential, not only to your success, but also to maintaining your visa conditions. If your attendance does not meet satisfactory requirements it could have serious implications for your stay in the UK. Please see the international support section for further details.

We recognise that our full-time students may need to undertake part-time work, and we encourage you to do so. However, we strongly recommend that you not work more than 20 hours per week during term time. The University’s Careers and Employability Service can help you find a suitable part-time job that can enhance your employability and complement your studies.

If you are an international student holding a Tier 4 visa, please ensure that you work within the rules set by UK Visas and Immigration. The international student advice team can advise you on how many hours and the types of work you can undertake. More information is available on the student pages or contact the advice service adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk

3.4 Your timetable

The University timetable operates from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Monday to Friday.Provided that you enrolled at the required time your timetable will be available on-line and the structure of classes will be explained during your Induction Programme. Your timetable will change each semester (except for Year long modules), and will be available on the web shortly before the start of each academic year.

If you do not have a course timetable please contact your Student Hub without delay.

3.5 Studying

As a postgraduate student, you will be seeking to develop your learning at a more advanced level and your course will provide many opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. To make the most of the opportunities available you need to organise and plan your learning to help you manage your time effectively

• see the guidance provided on the Study Hub collection of online guides on academic and study skills.

Assessment is an important feature of study at postgraduate level. Each Module Booklet sets out detailed assessment requirements and learning outcomes, providing a focus for your studies. There are various forms of assessment and modules often involve a combination of examination and coursework or presentation. It is important that you understand clearly the expectations and deadlines for each item of assessment.

You should be aware that all the various coursework assessments and examinations have to be completed for the achievement of your final award. In addition to attending the timetabled sessions, you will need to study in your own time. You should expect to spend 12-14 hours per week on each module, making a 40 hour per week commitment for a full-time student. Part-time students need to plan a similar time commitment for each module, but will generally be taking fewer modules at any one time.

Independent study is particularly important when planning work for your dissertation or project. This is a substantial piece of work, to be developed and completed over a relatively lengthy period, with much of the writing concentrated in the final stages. Working closely with your assigned supervisor, you will need to plan your work carefully, with initial discussion to define the topic, preparatory research and reading, planning the structure of the research and final report, writing and re-writing particular sections and drafts.

Please be respectful of the learning environment and remember to switch off your mobile phone before entering all classes and study areas.

3.6 Feedback on your assessments

Assessment feedback is a critical part of your learning experience and supports successful achievement on your course. Feedback can be:

• formative – it provides you with feedback on progress of your work. The work may or may not contribute to the overall module grade.
• summative – it provides comments in respect of your performance in relation to intended learning outcomes and requirements for a piece of assessment.

During your course you will probably receive feedback in a number of ways:

• in teaching sessions to the whole class or to you individually;
• orally or in writing;
• written using a feedback sheet on your work;
• via WebLearn, the online space for modules – written and/or audio feedback;
• during the module as well as at the end.

In summary: plan your learning strategy; allocate enough time; attend all of your module lectures, tutorials and other sessions; start assignments well in advance; seek advice and help when you need it; use the learning resources offered; and, enjoy the learning experience!

Section 4: Communication, information and advice

4.1 Your University IT account

You use the same IT account to access all University IT systems and Library electronic resources. Your account name is printed at the top of your student ID card that you receive at enrolment and is 7 characters in length (e.g. ABC1234). Your password (which you would have already used during pre-registration) was initially set as your date of birth (DDMMYYYY) so, if you have not already done so, please do change it to something more secure at: https://password.londonmet.ac.uk/

4.2 Communication

We do our best to keep you informed of what you need to know at all times. We use the Web to provide much of the information you need so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the University website. At other times we will use email to contact you so it is essential that you check your University email on a regular basis.

4.3 Your contact details

The University will contact you by letter, phone, or email, perhaps to arrange a meeting, to provide you with information, or to respond to a query. It is therefore essential that you keep your contact details up to date on your student Evision account.

Increasingly, we use email to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a University email address, which is your 7 character account (see 4.1 above) e.g. ABC1234@my.londonmet.ac.uk. Even if you already have an email account that you will continue to use you should regularly check your London Met account or set up an auto forward, as important messages will be sent to your University email address.

4.4 Evision

Evision is the University’s online facility that allows you to access your personal student record, and is where you print your coursework submission sheets and other forms that you may need. You also re-enrol via Evision and view information showing your attendance at classes. You can view your:

• personal and contact details (can be updated online)
• registered modules
• enrolment and progression
• tuition fee details
• record of coursework deadlines and submissions
• mitigating circumstances and appeals decisions
• module results (available from notified date of publication)
• details of final award

4.5 WebLearn – online module resources

WebLearn provides online support for your modules, enabling you to communicate with your tutor and other students. Course materials, information and assessments are available on WebLearn as well as study programmes such as “Writing and Communicating at University”. WebLearn requires your user name and password.

4.6 Your student hub

The student hub is the place to go for any query related to your studies or your time at the University. The Student Hub is also the gateway to the wealth of other support services offered in the University, such as Student Services (Student Money and Accommodation Advice, Counselling Service, Disabilities & Dyslexia Service), finance and learning support services.

During your Induction Programme, you will be informed of the location of your Student Hub. Below is just a small selection of the ways that your Student Hub can help you. However, no matter what your query is, your student hub is the place to go:

• queries about your enrolment, the fees that you have been charged or if you have not received your student loan;
• book appointments with Student Services;
• module registration and queries about your timetable or the requirements for your course;
• if your ID card is not working or if it has been lost or stolen;
• the results for your modules, including result queries, claims for mitigating circumstances, appeals, and advice about examination arrangements;
• queries relating to your attendance in classes and seminars;
• advice on claiming credit for previous study or experience;
• obtain standard letters and council tax exemption certificates;
• advice on transferring or withdrawing from your course or taking a break from your studies;
• for answers to many questions make sure to check our FAQs

The Student Hubs are open to visit throughout the academic year and can also be contacted by phone, email and chat.

When contacting the Student Hub, please always quote your student number as it enables the team to access your information quickly and respond to your query. When contacting the Student Hub by email please use your University email account.

4.7 Learning development support

A range of learning development support is available to all students wishing to make the most of their time studying at University. This includes:

• advice from module lecturers;
• assistance from Academic Liaison Librarians for particular subject areas
• opportunities provided by Schools, including workshops, advice and support offered by Academic Mentors;
• online tools, resources and advice for developing writing, presentation, critical analysis and other academic and study skills, available via the Study Hub, a dedicated website for students

4.8 Course leader

Course Leaders are the main contacts for personal academic advice, including programme planning and approval, and are also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of your course. They support systems for positive student engagement, achievement and progression and are also a source of valuable advice for other matters. They should be the first port of call if problems arise as they are able to:

• provide you with academic advice on all aspects of your studies and progress
• explain the implications of assessment results and associated feedback on your academic performance
• advise you on managing and planning your studies;
• refer you to Student Services for support regarding personal problems, housing, health and finance.

4.9 Module lecturers

Module lecturers are members of academic staff who lead the modules contributing to your programme of study and are key to your learning experience. They should be your first port of call for academic advice on any topics you do not understand following a lecture or seminar. All Module Lecturers have “office hours” – these are set times during the week when they are available for consultation. For each module there will be a Module Booklet, which should be available via Weblearn. The Module Lecturer and your seminar tutors also confirm your attendance at classes each week and you can view the data they submit via your Evision account.

Section 6: Your A-Z essentials

6.1 Academic liaison librarians

Academic Liaison Librarians are qualified to provide learning support and information skills training and ensure that, where possible, the appropriate information resources you need are available throughout your course.

Your dedicated librarian can help you acquire valuable information literacy skills which will enable you to locate, retrieve, evaluate and use the most relevant resources for your research for specific assignments and projects. This support includes referencing skills and the use of reference management software. The Librarians publish guides and online tutorials to resources specific to your subject area which are a good starting point when you need support.

Additionally, there is a section called Library Matters available in WebLearn. Library Matters will help you learn how to find, evaluate and use the information you need for your studies and assessments. It is designed for you to dip into different sections, and there is no need to log in or create an account.

To access subject guides and find your Academic Liaison Librarian please visit your library. Liaison Librarian please visit your library.

6.2 Academic misconduct

You are responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is your own, and that it is appropriately referenced. The University does not tolerate cheating of any kind and all students must respect all relevant academic conventions and practices, and must not give or receive unpermitted aid in relation to any assessed work. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the General Student Regulations on Student Conduct, which list a range of categories of academic misconduct and associated penalties, covering instances of academic misconduct (plagiarism, collusion, exam cheating). From the outset of your studies you should receive information and guidance on referencing conventions and group work activities to ensure that you do not contravene the University’s Regulations. If you are unsure about referencing, paraphrasing or group work activities (and what may constitute collusion in such activities), you should seek advice as soon as possible from the Module Tutor, your Academic Tutor or the Students’ Union.

Further information can be accessed academic misconduct

6.3 Academic regulations

We provide guidance on most aspects of the academic regulations via Student Zone. if you are unsure please contact your Student Hub or ask your Course Leader.

6.4 Academic board appeals

Prior to submitting an Appeal you should familiarise yourself with the procedures for the submission of appeals, Students should also familiarise themselves with the General Student Regulations on Complaints and Appeals.

6.5 Complaints

The University is committed to providing a high quality service to its learning community. If you have concerns about the service and want to formally express your dissatisfaction with an act or omission by the University or a member of staff, we want to hear about it. We will use your feedback as an opportunity to help you and to learn how we may improve our service. Further information about how to make a complaint and how the University will deal with your complaint can be found at complaints procedure. Where possible students are encouraged to resolve the issue with the person concerned or responsible for the matter. This is usually the quickest and easiest way of resolving matters. However, if you have not had a response or you are not satisfied with the response, you should submit a formal complaint.

6.6 Counselling and personal development

The University Counselling Service consists of a team of experienced counsellors, who know that studying at university can be a challenging and sometimes stressful experience. Some students talk to family, friends and tutors and others find it very helpful to speak with a counsellor. We encourage you to ignore the stereotypical ideas about counselling. Instead, think of counselling as a chance to reflect and to work on developing your potential. Counselling is a chance to speak freely about your personal or emotional difficulties, with someone who will not judge you nor your experiences. If you think you could benefit from this support, please contact the Counselling Service. We will be better able to support you if you act early – don’t wait until you your difficulties reach crisis proportions.

6.7 Course transfers

If you intend to change course you should seek advice from your student hub. Do not stop attending your course until a transfer has been agreed and confirmed in writing to you.

If you are an international student holding a Tier 4 Visa you must contact the International Student Advice Team for advice on possible visa implications before changing your course adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk

6.8 Coursework submission

When handing in coursework you must ensure that you have understood and followed all the instructions provided by the Module Lecturer. For each coursework assessment, the type of submission will be specified as either:

• a ‘Hardcopy Submission’ which you submit in person to Student Hub; or,
• an ‘Online Submission’ via Weblearn

Please access further information on the coursework submission process, including how to obtain coursework cover sheets.

6.9 Criminal convictions

If you are a student with an unspent criminal conviction, or you are charged, convicted or cautioned for an offence during your studies, you must notify the University. If you have a spent conviction or caution that is not eligible for filtering but are studying on a course which is exempt from the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and/or requires a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check you must also inform the University immediately.

If you are a student with an unspent criminal conviction relating to a relevant offence, or you are charged, convicted or cautioned for a relevant offence during your studies, you must notify the University. Relevant offences are offences involving any kind of violence (including threats); sexual offences; harassment or stalking; supply of controlled substances; offences involving firearms, explosives, knives or other weapons, or arson; or terrorism offences.

If you are studying on a relevant course or undertaking regulated activity as part of your course, you must immediately notify your Course Leader if you

• have any unspent criminal convictions or any spent criminal convictions that are not eligible for filtering
• are charged, convicted or cautioned for any criminal offence; or
• are subject to a formal child protection investigation (or any member of your household is),
• are barred from working with children or vulnerable groups or in a regulated activity or are the subject of a referral to the DBS Relevant courses include (but are not limited to) Dietetics, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Initial Teacher Training (e.g. PGCE), Primary Education, Early Childhood Studies, Montessori Early Childhood Practice and Early Years Education. Regulated activity includes (but is not limited to) activities which involve working closely with children or people in vulnerable circumstances, such as caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of them.

Full details of the University's regulations regarding criminal convictions are available at www.londonmet.ac.uk/convictions

Each academic year when you return to complete your studies, you will need to re-enrol online usually from early August. Re-enrolment is necessary for your ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. There will be a deadline for this so it is important that you complete this before the start of the next academic year. You will need to register modules before you re-enrol.

6.13 Examination papers

Most past examination papers, except those for the summer reassessment period, are available online In some cases sample rather than actual papers are provided.

6.14 Examination timetable

Examination periods are detailed in the Undergraduate Academic Year found at the beginning of this Course Handbook. The examination timetable is published three weeks prior to the start of the examination period.

6.15 Fitness to study

The University recognises that medical, psychological, behavioural or emotional problems or a student’s circumstances may affect a student’s fitness to study and we are committed to maintaining and preserving the physical and psychological wellbeing of all students. Where concerns about a student’s fitness to study have been raised, these will be dealt with, in a supportive and understanding manner, in accordance with the fitness to study procedure.

6.16 ICT Services

The University has a number of computer studios, offering both specialist and general-purpose software on PCs and Apple Macs. ICT facilities can only be accessed through using individually assigned IDs and passwords. General-purpose PC and Mac studios are provided and supported by IT support staff and laptops are available to loan from lockers around the campus. Most IT studios are open-access to students except when booked for teaching.

Many open access PCs and Apple Macs are available in the libraries for students to use.

Support is provided throughout the day and is also available evenings and weekends every day of the year.

Please visit IT resources online

The University has an Acceptable Use Policy which applies without exception to all users of the University’s ICT facilities.

6.17 International Student Advice Service

The International Student Advice Team at London Metropolitan University is here to assist international students and staff on subjects relating to UK immigration and Tier 4 sponsorship by providing expert advice and comprehensive support on a range of matters including visas and immigration for students and their dependants. You can contact the Advice Service by email on adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk or by telephoning + (0)207133 4186

6.18 International support

The international support team is responsible for monitoring all international students, and in particular those who are studying in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa. The team will regularly monitor:

• visa expiry dates
• students who have an immigration application pending with the Home Office
• passport expiry dates
• weekly attendance (including students on work placements)
• changes in student status (intermission, suspension, withdrawal etc.)
• changes in module registration or course transfers

It is important that you respond to all communication from the international support team quickly and as a priority as it could have implications for your UK visa or your enrolment at the University.

If you are unable to attend lectures or scheduled sessions, have questions about your course, or are changing your immigration status, please promptly contact the team at visa.compliance@londonmet.ac.uk for further information.

6.19 Libraries and special collections

You have access to our two libraries located at Aldgate and Holloway Road. Both libraries house plenty of computers and comfy informal learning spaces and a large range of up-to-date information and resources. The electronic resources include e-journals, e-books, and databases, which are also accessible outside the University, via the library catalogue

The libraries have open access networked PCs and printing and copying facilities to support your studies. You can also get wireless access to the Internet using your own device. Both the libraries offer group and silent learning zones and there are group study rooms some of which can be booked. To save you time, there are many self- service facilities including borrowing and returning items, renewals and reservations or borrowing a laptop. The web based catalogue is easy to use and can be accessed both on and off campus. The Special Collections Reading Room is located in The Wash Houses, Aldgate. This is where you can access our unique and distinctive collections, such as the Frederick Parker Collection & Archive, the University Archive, the Archive of the Irish in Britain and the TUC Library Collections as well as our set of Artists’ books. The Reading Room can also be used as a silent study space. You do not need an appointment to access Special Collections, but as most of our material is held in store, you are advised to email us in advance at specialcollections@londonmet.ac.uk so we can make sure everything is ready for you.

6.20 Marking and grades

The University provides you with marks and grades for the work that you submit for assessment. The detailed requirements of assessment in each module are specified in Module Booklets, together with indicative assessment criteria associated with different levels of performance and results. Each component of assessed work is assigned a percentage mark with a pass/fail threshold at 50%. At postgraduate level degrees are awarded according to the overall average mark obtained for all modules and the dissertation, with classification thresholds for each grade of award as follows:

70% and above Masters degree with Distinction 60% - 69.99% Masters degree with Merit 50% - 59.99% Masters degree 0% - 49.99% Fail

At the end of each semester, module results and awards are confirmed by Assessment Boards (Subject Standards Boards and Awards Boards). Assessment Boards uphold the academic standards of your course and ensure that each student is treated fairly and equally through the assessment process.