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The UK’s European university POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT MASTER’S STUDENT HANDBOOK 2019/20 The Graduate School
The UK’s European university
POSTGRADUATETAUGHT MASTER’SSTUDENTHANDBOOK 2019/20The Graduate School
CONTENTSIntroduction 1Postgraduate Study at Kent 21 Contact within your school 22 Credit Framework 23 What does a taught course entail? 34 Student responsibilities concerning University regulations 35 Student Data System and Moodle 36 Presentation and examination of your dissertation 37 Personal Development Planning 38 Providing feedback 39 Postgraduate finance 310 Travelling and working overseas 3Graduate School Support 4With passion and focus you can achieve anything 5Global Skills Award Programme 6Meet the team 7Student Services 8Student Support and Wellbeing 10Regulatory Information 111 How is Postgraduate study managed at Kent? 112 Plagiarism and duplication of material 113 Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 11Appendix A: University Code of Practice 12Appendix B: Employability Points Scheme 13
1www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the University of Kent! We hope that your time as agraduate student here will be fun and rewarding and something youcherish for many years to come. This Handbook is a guide throughthe policies and procedures that underpin your postgraduate studiesand contains information about all the different types of support thatare available to you. We hope it will be helpful.*
Studying for a postgraduate degree will improve your detailed knowledge of youracademic subject and it may also provide preparation for a professional career.Our Global Skills Award Programme offers you a unique and additional skills trainingopportunity which is designed to enhance global awareness and improve youremployability in a competitive job market while you study for your postgraduatequalification. The latest Higher Education Review of the University of Kent by the UK’sQuality Assurance Agency recognised the benefits of the Global Skills AwardProgramme in terms of the development and networking opportunities it providesto postgraduate students.
Kent provides a range of other activities to enhance your postgraduate developmentincluding an invitation to apply for the Postgraduate Experience Awards, participationin the Kent Researchers’ Showcase and contribution to the production of the GradPost.You should also embrace the opportunities offered to you by the dynamic intellectuallife of the University. Every school holds regular research seminars which are open toeveryone across the University, regardless of their discipline. There are also many‘Open Lectures’ at Faculty and University level which feature leading academics andpublic figures. This is a fabulous opportunity to become a specialist in your field whilstalso gaining an appreciation of a much broader range of disciplines and currentaffairs. Do make the most of it, but also make sure to know where help is if it’sneeded – don’t be afraid to ask. The Graduate School and countless other universitystaff are on hand to assist and to ensure all your endeavors are successful.
I wish you all the best for your studies.
Professor Paul AllainDean of the Graduate School
* We have aimed to provide general regulatory information that is relevantacross all our campuses and European centres. Your own School may alsoprovide additional information that is relevant to your particular disciplineor research area. Postgraduate students studying at our European centreswill receive additional centre-specific information.
2 www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
1 Contact within your school1.1 Postgraduate administrationYou should make contact with the member of staffwho deals with postgraduate programmes withinyour school’s administrative team as soon aspossible. They will be able to help with administrativematters regarding your registration and should beyour first point of contact should you have anyqueries or problems relating to your studies.
1.2 Programme ConvenorEach taught programme has a convenor or director.This member of staff is an academic within yourschool who is responsible for the development of theprogramme of study and your progress within it. Heor she is also the person you consult about anyqueries or problems relating to your work or generalcircumstances.
If you need to develop further skills for yourprogramme, the convenor/director can give youadvice and arrange for extra tuition if necessary.Convenors are also able to request that you attendadditional classes, lectures and tutorials if these arethought necessary for your academic progress.
In general, it is your responsibility to tell theProgramme Convenor if you have any administrativeor academic related problems. The Convenor isrequired by the Faculty to give prompt attention andreplies to your requests, to comment on your writtenwork within a reasonable time, and to put you intouch with other people working in your area if that ishelpful.
Each School will have staff who can help to supportyou and offer guidance with any issues that ariseduring your studies. The best person to talk to abouta particular issue will depend on the nature of theissue and the structure of your School, but help canbe sought from some or all of the following:
Academic Adviser, Student Representative, StudentSupport Adviser, Module Convenors, Director ofGraduate Studies (with responsibility for taughtprogrammes of study), or other members ofacademic and support staff.
1.3 Postgraduate students based atBrusselsInformation for postgraduate students who are basedat the Brussels School of International Studies canbe found on the ‘Getting Started/Brussels’ website at:www.kent.ac.uk/getting-started/welcome-to-brussels
2 Credit FrameworkThe Credit Framework for Taught Programmesprovides information about the credit structure oftaught programmes of study, award of credits,progression and conventions for award andclassification of qualifications. The annexes to theCredit Framework include information aboutqualification level descriptors, minimum creditrequirements for awards, marking, resit marks,concessions applications and appeals againstrecommendations of Boards of Examiners,academic discipline procedures and the EuropeanCredit Transfer System (ECTS). The CreditFramework can be viewed at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework
POSTGRADUATE STUDYAT KENT
3www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
7 Personal Development PlanningPart of the experience of studying at university is theacquisition of the skills you need to become a moreeffective, independent and confident learner.Personal Development Planning (PDP), a process inwhich you reflect on your learning and achievementand plan for your educational, academic and careerdevelopment, can help you to achieve this. Allstudents are encouraged to undertake PDP as partof the development of a personal Progress File.Further information and online resources to help youwith this process are available from the Unit for theEnhancement of Learning and Teaching (UELT) at:www.kent.ac.uk/learning/PDP-and-employability/pdp
8 Providing feedbackPostgraduate students have a number ofmechanisms which they can use to providefeedback on their experience.
8.1 Module evaluationsModule evaluations encourage students to reflect ontheir own learning and provide developmentalfeedback to staff. Further information can be foundunder Annex M of the Code of Practice for TaughtProgrammes of Study: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexm.html
You can direct feedback to your programmeconvenor or postgraduate student representative(s).
8.2 The Annual PGT SurveyThe annual Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey(circulated in spring/summer) provides you with anexcellent opportunity to provide feedback on a rangeof different areas. The results of this are anonymousand the information is used by your academicschools and the wider University to makeimprovements to the postgraduate experience atKent.
8.3 Staff/student liaison committeesStaff/student liaison committees are one of themeans by which students are able to discuss withstaff their views on degree programmes, modules,and administrative arrangements. The committeesinclude representatives from the School’spostgraduate programmes which are elected via theKent Union Student Representative elections.
Further information on Staff/student liaisoncommittees can be found in Section 5 of Annex M ofthe University’s Code of Practice for QualityAssurance for Taught Programmes atwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexm.html
3 What does a taught course entail?Our taught programmes consist of coursework withother students (lectures, seminars, tutorials andlaboratory work as appropriate) and, for the Master’sdegree, independent study for a superviseddissertation or project.
4 Student responsibilities concerningUniversity regulations
Please familiarise yourself with the UniversityRegulations for Students which can be viewed atwww.kent.ac.uk/regulations
This link will provide you with access to the GeneralRegulations (including the Student Charter) and theAcademic Regulations.
5 Student Data System and Moodle5.1 Student Data System (SDS)An invaluable source of information is the StudentData System, from which you can get your timetabledetails, as well as check your marks and deadlines.The Student Data System can be accessed via theStudent Guide on the University website at:www.kent.ac.uk/student
5.2 MoodleMost taught modules at the University of Kent havean associated Moodle module available for use bystaff to help them deliver online teaching resourcesto students. To access visit:https://moodle.kent.ac.uk/2017
For instructions and documentation on how to useMoodle please go to the E-Learning website at:www.kent.ac.uk/elearning/moodle/index.html?tab=information-for-students
6 Presentation and examination ofyour dissertation
Where a dissertation is a requirement for yourprogramme of study, students should aim tocomplete and submit their dissertation by the end oftheir period of registration. In exceptionalcircumstances an extension in the time allowed forsubmission may be considered. In such cases youracademic school will advise you on the procedure.
The Student Learning and Advisory Service (SLAS)runs the student skills and learning developmentprogramme, a workshop programme which includessessions on planning and preparing for yourdissertation. More information can be found on theirwebsite: www.kent.ac.uk/learning/programmes/postgraduate.html
9 Postgraduate finance9.1 Scholarships and FinancePostgraduate students fund their degrees through arange of routes (eg self-funded, employer sponsoredand Career Development Loans). Useful Kentwebsites related to postgraduate funding include:• Postgraduate Scholarships:www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate
• Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding:www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/skills/onlinetrg/gradfunding.html
• Finance: www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student
9.2 Postgraduate loans for Master’s degreesThe Government recently established new studentloans for Master’s degrees. Eligible students can nowborrow up to £10,906. Further information is availableat www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search/FNADPGLOAN02
10 Travelling and working overseasStudents may have the opportunity to travel or workoverseas as part of their programme of study (eg aspart of a placement or group visit).
Where this is the case, students should refer to theUniversity’s requirements concerning travelling andworking overseas. The member of staff leading ororganising the visit must carry out a risk assessmentfor all work undertaken overseas. Full details of theUniversity’s requirements concerning travelling andworking overseas are available for reference at:www.kent.ac.uk/safety/hs/pages/travel-work-overseas/travel-work-overseas.html
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Kent Graduate SchoolOverviewThe mission of the Kent Graduate School is to leadand champion the strategic development ofprovision for graduate education and research at theUniversity of Kent. The Graduate School is locatedin a central location on the Canterbury campus(Cornwallis East, third floor), with offices for its staffand a dedicated training room.
The Graduate School works in partnership withacademic schools, faculties, central servicedepartments and Kent Union to enhance the qualityof the postgraduate student experience across allcampuses and create a vibrant postgraduatecommunity at Kent.
We aim to ensure that the academic and socialinterests of postgraduate students, both taught andresearch, are appropriately provided for within theUniversity by developing:• Dedicated postgraduate facilities• A supportive environment for the intellectualinterests of our postgraduates
• Student-led initiatives such as social events,conferences and workshops
• The Global Skills Award Programme and otherpostgraduate training opportunities
• A strong framework of specialist support for ourpostgraduates across the University
• Internationally distinctive, exciting and innovativeprogrammes of study that combine academicexcellence with an exceptional student experienceand appropriate learning resources
• Further funding and study opportunities throughcultivation of external links with ResearchCouncils, graduate schools and otherorganisations, both nationally and internationally
Professor Paul Allain (Dean of the Graduate School)works closely with the Master of Woolf College(Postgraduate College) and the President of theKent Graduate Student Association to ensure acohesive approach to the provision of support andactivities for postgraduates at Kent.
GRADUATE SCHOOLSUPPORT
“The Graduate School has been invaluablethroughout my Master’s programme at Kent,mainly thanks to the Global Skills Award.In particular, the CV and Cover Letters andInterview Skills workshops both helped meto prepare for job hunting alongside mydegree, whilst the Writing Skills workshophas helped me to effectively research, plan,and write my dissertation, thereforesupporting me with my degree, and withfinding a job after university.”
Sarah MurphyMA in French and Comparative Literature
WITH PASSION AND FOCUSYOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING
Academic, social and networking opportunitiesThe Graduate School provides many opportunities for postgraduate students to meet and socialise. It is also especiallykeen to support student-driven initiatives such as workshops and conferences. Please keep an eye on the GraduateSchool events calendar for further information at: www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/news/calendar.html
Championing your interestsAs your Dean, Paul chairs a board thatis responsible for all aspects of PGeducation at Kent. This board includespostgraduate student representatives.The Graduate School works to ensurethat student views on all aspects of thestudy experience are listened to andacted upon within the institution.
The GradPostThe GradPost is a quarterly newsletterwritten by postgraduates forpostgraduates and is supported by theGraduate School. The GradPost editorialteam welcome article contributions forpublication. For more information visit:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news
Kent Graduate StudentAssociation (KGSA) A committee of students who volunteerto make sure postgraduates get themost out of their time at Kent, have a voice among the Universitycommunity and have fun! @kentgsa
Kent Researchers’ Showcase The annual Showcase is a chance tocelebrate the excellence of research atKent. It brings together all disciplineswithin the postgraduate community. For information visit: www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/celebrating-success#researchers-showcase
Global Skills AwardThe Programme is designed to broadenyour understanding of global issues andcurrent affairs. It also develops personalskills which will enhance youremployability. For more information see page 6
Enhancement eventsThe Graduate School organisesworkshops and events to supportand encourage the next steps you takein your postgraduate study. Keep an eye on the events calendar at:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news#events
ResourcesTaught Master's students areencouraged to visit the GraduateSchool’s Workshop Handouts and Resources Moodle page for updated workshop resources.
Postgraduate VoiceThere are many opportunities to makeyour voice heard and give feedback onyour experience. One of the ways to dothis is through the annual PostgraduateTaught Experience Survey. www.kent.ac.uk/student/experience/feedback.html
Community ExperienceAwardsPostgraduate students have theopportunity to bid for funding to co-ordinate their own event/projectaimed at enhancing the postgraduateexperience. For more information, visit:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/celebrating-success#experience-awards
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Example workshop topics
1:1 CV review
Interview skills
Cover letters
Application forms
Mock Assessment Centre
Commercial awareness
Time management
Writing skills
Digital communication skills
Cross cultural communication
Networking
Team working
Presentation skills
Negotiation skills
Leadership
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GLOBAL SKILLS AWARDPROGRAMME
www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
Global Skills Award ProgrammeThe Graduate School’s Global Skills AwardProgramme is designed to broaden yourunderstanding of global issues and current affairs,as well as to develop personal skills, which willenhance your employability. All students registeredfor a taught Master’s Degree are eligible to enrol,which is free of charge and open to students basedat Canterbury and Medway.
A lecture series will allow you to participate indiscussion on issues of global importance such asthe environment, culture, social changes, worldpolitics and developments in science.
A series of skills training workshops will offer you thechance to develop career opportunities, as well asaquire the skills you need in your search for a job,enhancing your career development, as well asenabling you to develop the skills you need tosucceed in the work place, such as team working,networking and leadership.
By completing the Global Skills Award Programmeyou can earn employability points, as part of theEmployability Points Scheme, which rewards activelyinvolved students with points for every activity (seepage 8 for more information on the EmployabilityPoints Scheme).
To receive an award postgraduate taught studentsaccepted onto the programme will:• Complete a personal development assessment• Attend a minimum of three GSA workshops• Attend a minimum of three lectures on globalissues
• Comply with the Terms of Engagement• Complete a final evaluation of the GSA
The 2015 Higher Education Review of the Universityof Kent by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agencyrecognised the benefits of the Global Skills AwardProgramme in terms of the development andnetworking opportunities it provided to postgraduatestudents.
In order to enrol onto the GSA and to book ontoworkshops, you will need to register with theGraduate School’s online skills workshop bookingsystem which can be accessed at:https://bloom.kent.ac.uk
Examples of lecture topics:• The Wisdom of Psychopaths• Brexit: Where are we?• Flexible working: the way of the future?• Cancer research and treatment; past, presentand future
• Are our genetic male bits shrinking?• Exploring global cultures• Walking, Talking, Solidarity: calling for an endto indefinite detention
Award levelsThe table below shows the number of lectures andworkshops you need to attend in order to gain aspecific level of award.
The minimum requirement is to attend three lecturesand workshops for a Bronze Award.
Should you have any further queries aboutthe Global Skills Award Programme or ourbooking system please contact:Carla O’MaraPostgraduate Development OfficerT: +44 (0)1227 82(4896)E: [email protected] floor, Cornwallis East (in the Graduate School, Canterbury campus)
There are a variety of workshops on offer, whichinclude:
Lectures Workshops
Gold Award 8 8
Silver Award 6 6
Bronze Award 3 3
7www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
MEET THE TEAM
Graduate School staff
For further details about Graduate School staff, please see the website at www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/contact-us
Associate Deans (Graduate Studies)Associate Deans (Graduate Studies) are responsiblefor the oversight and development of researchprogrammes of study across their faculties. Thecurrent Faculty Directors of Graduate Studies are:
Abigail Stravroulakis-McMahonGraduate School AssistantT: +44 (0)1227 824785E: [email protected]
Professor Paul Allain Dean of the Graduate School E: [email protected]
Grace GrussenmeyerGCRF OfficerT: +44 (0)1227 816420E: [email protected]
Carla O’MaraPostgraduate DevelopmentOfficerT: +44 (0)1227 824896E: [email protected]
Dr Jo CollinsPostgraduate DevelopmentAdvisor T: +44 (0)1227 816133E: [email protected]
Rosalind BeechingHead of Graduate SchoolAdministration T: +44 (0)1227 827838E: [email protected]
Felicity CliffordPostgraduate ExperienceOfficer T: +44 (0)1227 816420E: [email protected]
Professor FragkiskosFilippaiosSocial Sciences Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) and Readerin International BusinessT: +44 (0)1227 824222E: [email protected]
Professor Gordana Fontana-Giusti Humanities Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) andProfessor of RegionalRegenerationT: +44 (0)1227 824700E: [email protected]
Dr Gurprit Lall Sciences Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) and SeniorLecturer in PharmacologyT: +44 (0)1634 202964E: [email protected]
Kent Graduate Student AssociationThe Kent Graduate Student Association (KGSA) isavailable to postgraduate students across all ofour campuses at the University of Kent. Thecommittee represents both taught and researchpostgraduates in the areas of welfare andeducation. Its members also provideextracurricular opportunities for postgraduatestudents through activities, events and sports.
The committee works together with the GraduateSchool and the Master of Woolf College (ourpostgraduate college) to make sure university life isa rewarding experience for postgraduatestudents. More information about the KGSA isavailable at: www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/community/kgsa.html
The KGSA can also be emailed at:[email protected]
Postgraduate StudentRepresentationPostgraduate Representatives are studentvolunteers who act as a voice for PostgraduateStudents within their school or faculty.
There are so many benefits to becoming aPostgraduate Rep in Kent Union’s Student Repsprogramme, including the opportunity to:• Develop new skills• Liaise with the University on postgraduatestudent issues
• Meet new people• Become familiar with University structures,perfect for the budding academics among you!
• Be rewarded through Kent Union’s KASR (KentAward for Student Representatives) system
• Enhance your CV
If you like the sound of allthat, and are interested inbecoming a PostgraduateRep for your School orFaculty, please contact your VP PostgraduateExperience, Laura Carlin, at [email protected]
8 www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
CollegesThe Masters’ offices at Canterbury and Medwaysupport and assist graduate students in all mattersof welfare and guidance. If you have a concern,query or problem, you should not hesitate to contactthe Master, or call in to their office for further help orassistance. The Masters’ offices are part of StudentServices and as such have close links with all otherstudent support services on campus.
Canterbury postgraduatesWoolf College is the University’s postgraduatecollege at Canterbury. The Master of Woolf College,Dr Jonathan Friday, has normal office hours in termtime, Monday – Friday, 09.00-17.00 (with 1 hourclosure for lunch). The Woolf College Master’scontact details are as follows: Room B3-22 in DarwinCollege, Ext 7650 and Email:[email protected]
Woolf Academic Building is open to postgraduatestudents during weekday evenings in Terms 1 and 2for socialising and study from 18.00-23.00.
Medway postgraduatesPostgraduates based at Medway are affiliated toMedway College. Jane Glew is the College Masterfor Medway and is based in room M2-25 in theMedway Building. She can also be contacted byemail [email protected]
Information ServicesIT ServicesIf you have no formal training in IT we urge you totake advantage of the opportunities at Kent.Improving your IT skills may speed up your work andincrease your chances of employment when youhave finished your degree. Information Services runcourses just before the start of the academic year tointroduce new students to the facilities at Kent andthere are short courses on topics of interest toresearchers. An advisory service is available at:www.kent.ac.uk/itservices/training
Library Services and ResourcesResources for PostgraduatesPostgraduate researchers should find outinformation about the library resources available tothem as soon as possible following their arrival at:www.kent.ac.uk/library. There is also a specific on-line guide about the library for postgraduatestudents available at:www.kent.ac.uk/library/students/postgraduate.htmlMedway students can use the Universities atMedway Drill Hall Library on the Medway campus:http://campus.medway.ac.uk
Liaison Librarians and Academic Support LibrariansIn order to make the best use of the Library and itsservices it is also important for you to contact theLiaison Librarian (Canterbury) or Academic SupportLibrarian (Medway) responsible for the area ofresearch you are pursuing as soon as possible.Liaison Librarians can give you one to one helpthroughout your course, by phone, email or inperson. For Liaison Librarians at the TemplemanLibrary on the Canterbury campus see:www.kent.ac.uk/library/subject-support). ForAcademic Support Librarians at the Drill Hall Libraryon the Medway campus please see:http://campus.medway.ac.uk/study-resources/librarians.html
Subject guides are also available at:www.kent.ac.uk/library/subjects (Canterbury) and at:http://campus.medway.ac.uk/study-resources/guides.html (Medway).
On-line ResourcesThe Library makes available a substantial numberof electronic resources, including e-journals, journaland thesis indexes, e-books, online newspapers,online theses and e-reference works. Please see:www.kent.ac.uk/library/resources
If you need to use material not held by this Library,there are two options; you can request the materialvia the document delivery servicewww.kent.ac.uk/library/borrow/document-delivery.html or visit other libraries throughout the UKusing SCONUL access www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access. For further information, please contact yourLiaison Librarian.
Postgraduate Work SpaceIf you need somewhere to study and you don’t needto use Library books, try one of the study hubs, PCrooms or extra vision spaces across campus. Fulldetails can be found at:www.kent.ac.uk/student/studying/pcrooms
Careers and Employability ServicesCareer Planning The University’s award-winning Careers andEmployability Service (CES) aims to support you inmaking a successful transition from yourpostgraduate degree to the next stage of your career.
Qualified and experienced Careers Advisers andEmployability Advisers are available for personalcareers advice and guidance and for support withyour job-hunting. This may include help withdeveloping interview skills and making successfulapplications for both academic posts and graduatepositions in other sectors.
There is an extensive careers website, which includesa section dedicated to postgraduate students and anonline database of graduate vacancies. The CES hasalso produced a booklet which covers career optionsfor postgraduates, the transferable skills gainedthrough your studies, finding job opportunities andmaking successful applications.
Although you can make use of the CES at any stageof your studies, and even after you graduate, wewould recommend that you start to use it early inorder to gain the maximum benefit from the supportit offers.
For more information, see the CES websitewww.kent.ac.uk/ces
Employability PointsThe Employability Points Scheme rewards studentsfor their active involvement with co-curricularactivities. Through undertaking co-curricularactivities, including volunteering, part-time work,attending workshops, joining societies, and muchmore, students are actively making themselves moreattractive to prospective employers. TheEmployability Points Scheme allocates points tostudents for completing such activities and towardsthe end of the academic year, these points can beredeemed for rewards. In 2018-19, the EmployabilityPoints Scheme offered over 860 rewards toparticipating students, ranging from paid internshipsand project placements, to work experience,bespoke training and vouchers.
For more details visit:www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints
Kent Student Certificate of VolunteeringThe Kent Student Certificate for Volunteering is runby Kent Union and endorsed by the University. It isthe formal recognition scheme for volunteers whichacknowledges the time and effort that they put intotheir volunteering. The award is also designed toencourage volunteers to think about the skills thatthey have developed as a result of their volunteering,and gives them the opportunity to practice talkingabout these skills, which can be used later in jobinterviews, or on CVs and applications.
For more information visithttps://kentunion.co.uk/volunteering
Study Plus Study Plus offers a diverse range of non-creditbearing courses on a wide variety of topics whichare completely free and are open to all registeredKent students. Study Plus workshops give you anopportunity to learn something different from yourmain area of study, build key transferrable andemployment skills and enhance your CV. You will alsobe eligible for employability points.
STUDENT SERVICES
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Examples of courses include Creative arts anddigital photography; Microsoft Office; Studentmentoring at University; Language Express Bitesize:Arabic, Dutch, French, Japanese, Mandarin, ModernGreek and Spanish; Gaining work experience andemployability skills; Business start-up workshops;and many more. For details see:www.kent.ac.uk/studyplus
Medway Student Advisory ServicesAdvice and Support Services at Medway are locatedin the Gillingham Building and are available to allpostgraduate students based at the Medwaycampus: www.kent.ac.uk/studentservices/medway
Student Union Advice Kent Union Advice CentreThe Student Advice Centre is able to provide adviceon a wide variety of problems that students may facewhilst they are studying. The service is free,confidential and available to all students studying atthe University of Kent. The Centre is based in theMandela Building on the Canterbury campus. Youcan access the service by making an appointment,attending a drop-in session or phoning the AdviceHelp Line at 01227 827 724 (10.00-16.00, Monday –Friday). You can also email ([email protected]) orvisit the website at:https://kentunion.co.uk/welfare/advice
The Greenwich and Kent Students’ UnionsTogether Advice CentreThe Greenwich and Kent Students’ Unions Togetherprovides an Advice Centre based in the PilkingtonBuilding on the Medway campus and offers pre-booked appointments, drop-in sessions, emailadvice and a dedicated telephone advice line.
For more information please see their website at:www.gkunions.co.uk/advice/aboutus
International Partnerships The International Partnerships directorate isresponsible for increasing the University’s globalpresence by developing a range of internationalpartnership activity including research, educationand mobility opportunities for both students and staff.The team manages and initiates partnerships withinstitutions worldwide, it manages staff and studentmobility through study/work abroad and Erasmusexchange arrangements, and enhancesengagement with international training, capacitybuilding and funding projects such as Erasmus+.
For further information visitwww.kent.ac.uk/global/partnerships
Centre for English and WorldLanguages (CEWL)The Centre for English and World Languages(CEWL) specialises in the delivery ofinternationally-focused programmes, modules andcourses in English and other World languages.CEWL’s provision is driven by both the University’sInternationalisation Strategy and our institution’sposition in the sector as ‘The UK’s Europeanuniversity’. CEWL offers international learningopportunities which are designed to appeal to thefull breadth of the University community andbeyond.
Supporting employability through offeringopportunities for language learning and teachertraining:• World language modules (credit bearing):Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, Danish, Russian
• CEWL’s Language Express evening classesavailable at Canterbury and Medway campuses.Choose from a wide variety of 11 modernforeign languages at a number of different abilitylevels including Arabic, Dutch, French, German,Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, ModernGreek, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
• Teacher training in the form of CELTA coursescourses – CELTA is an internationally recognisedqualification which provides participants with theminimum entry level for the English languageteaching profession (www.kent.ac.uk/cewl)
Student Learning Advisory Service(SLAS) We are a free academic guidance service for all students (from foundation to PhD), covering all aspects of effective learning strategies andstudy skills.
Support for postgraduate studentsWe provide one-to-one guidance (face-to-face,phone or skype), bookable workshops, embeddedworkshops (in the curriculum) and onlineresources and study guides. Our teaching coversa wide range of topics, such as:• Getting the most from lectures, seminars andsupervision
• Academic reading and criticality • Using research to develop and support ideas• Referencing • Planning and developing a written assignmenteg research or project proposal, report,academic paper, literature review, thesis
• Understanding specific principles of maths andstatistics, from basic to advanced
• Presenting ideas, both visual and verbalapproaches
• Research methods eg developingquestionnaires, surveys and interview schedules
• Linguistic development for different purposesand audiences
• Managing multiple projects and responsibilities … and much more
For more information on our services, resourcesand booking systems go to:www.kent.ac.uk/learning
You can also visit us Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00
Medway campusRoom G0-09, Gillingham Building E: [email protected] T: 01634 888884
Canterbury campusSLAS offices in UELT Building(entrance next to Santander Bank)E: [email protected] T: 01227 824016
• We also offer a level 1 British Sign Languagecourse over 20 weeks.
English language and academic skills aimed atencouraging current international students to reachtheir full academic potential:• In-sessional English language modules (creditbearing, available to international students at alllevels as wild modules)
• Free English Language and Academic Skillsworkshops (ELAS) (non-credit bearing, open toall students whose first language is not English).The workshops cover a range of skills including:Essay Writing; Grammar; Presentation Skills;Listening Comprehension and Note-taking;Academic Reading; Pronunciation and GoodAcademic Practice; Referencing Workshops
• Individual and Group Writing Tutorials at alllevels, including postgraduate
• Bespoke English language and academic skillsenhancement sessions
• Cambridge English Exam Preparation coursesfor the Cambridge Advanced (CAE) andProficiency (CPE) tests
• International English Language Testing System(IELTS) Preparation courses. Demonstrate yourEnglish skills and prepare for an IELTS test witha course at the Canterbury campus.
Please contact us on [email protected] or seewebsite: www.kent.ac.uk/cewl
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Students with mobility difficulties,specific learning difficulties (egdyslexia), medical and sensoryimpairments or mental health issues,can receive guidance and personalsupport from Student Support andWellbeing.
Depending on your specific needs, we may be ableto assist with the following:• Arranging signers, note takers and other supportworkers for you
• Helping you to find out if you have dyslexia• Talking to your lecturers about any particular helpyou may need in lectures and seminars
• Discussing any special arrangement you need forexaminations
• Contacting other departments about any specificadjustments you may require via InclusiveLearning Plans (ILPs)
• Applying for funding to pay for specialistequipment and support (eg Study Skills Tutors,Mentors and assistive technology)
Student Support and Wellbeing can providecounselling and support for all students experiencingdistress arising from psychological, emotional ormental health issues. In addition a range of groupworkshops are arranged throughout the year.
Students who require additional support shouldmake contact with Student Support and Wellbeingand complete a registration form.
Further information:Student Support and Wellbeing T: +44 (0)1227 823158E: [email protected]/studentsupport
DiversityKent has a diverse and inclusive community. Weare committed to a working and learning culturethat encompasses dignity, courtesy, respect andconsideration for all.
There are a number of support avenues at theUniversity to help you if you are confused, lookingfor friends or just want someone to talk to incomplete confidence. For more details visit:www.kent.ac.uk/student/support-and-wellbeing/diversity.html
Medical CentreCanterburyThe University Medical Centre is an NHS generalpractice based on the University of KentCanterbury campus. Students who live within a sixmile radius may register with the UniversityMedical Centre. Appointments can be booked bytelephone or in person.
For information about the University MedicalCentre please go to: www.kent.ac.uk/medical
MedwayStudents are advised to register with the SunlightMedical Centre in Gillinghamwww.sunlightsurgery.co.uk
PG MindsYou will be using your brains extensively duringpostgraduate study, but it’s important to keep‘mind and body’ as healthy as possible too. PG Minds has been put together by the GraduateSchool in conjunction with Kent’s Wellbeing Teamto deliver wellbeing workshops tailored forpostgraduates. For details of upcoming eventsvisit www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news#events
ChildcareCanterburyThe Oaks Day Nursery is run by Kent Union and issituated on the Canterbury campus. It offersnursery care and education for children aged fromthree months to five years. The nursery operatesfrom 08.00-18.00, Monday – Friday for 50 weeks ofthe year, closing for two weeks over the Christmasperiod and on bank holidays. More information isavailable at http://oaksnurserykent.co.uk
MedwayBusyBees Nursery is an independent nurserylocated opposite the Medway campuswww.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/chatham
ChaplaincyThe University Chaplaincy supports the manyreligious groups, societies and congregations onthe campuses; it has links to faith groups in thelocal community (where there are volunteeringopportunities) and also runs social events and daytrips which are popular with international andpostgraduate students. Chaplains are alwaysavailable for one-to-one pastoral support, or toanswer and discuss specific questions about thefaith traditions they represent.
Contact us at [email protected]: www.kent.ac.uk/chaplaincy
Big White WallBig White Wall is an online mental health andwellbeing service. They offer 24/7 online andanonymous support free to all University of Kentstudents. Contact the Wellbeing Team [email protected] for more information andhow you can access this support.
STUDENT SUPPORTAND WELLBEING
11www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
1 How is Postgraduate studymanaged at Kent?
There is a network of staff members and committeesat Kent dedicated to the management ofpostgraduate education within the University and thesafeguarding of the interests of our postgraduatestudents. All the committees include electedpostgraduate student members.
Each academic school has a Director of GraduateStudies who will be responsible for taughtprogrammes of study within that school. In largerschools, there may be two Directors of GraduateStudies, one with responsibility for taughtpostgraduate courses and one with responsibility forresearch programmes of study.
Each school will have a Graduate Studies Committee,which is responsible for the quality management oftaught programmes of study and monitoring theprogress of taught students within each school, asessential platforms for feedback and support. Moreinformation about the role of the School Director ofGraduate Studies and School Graduate StudiesCommittees can be found in Annex T of theUniversity’s Code of Practice for Quality Assurancefor Taught Programmes of Study at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annext.html
The School Graduate Studies Committee reports to aFaculty Graduate Studies Committee, which ischaired by the Faculty Director of Graduate Studies.There are three faculties at Kent. More informationabout the role of the Associate Deans (GraduateStudies) and Faculty Graduate Studies Committeecan be found in Annex U of the University’s Code ofPractice for Quality Assurance for TaughtProgrammes of Study at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexu.html
The current Associate Deans (Graduate Studies) are:• Dr Gurprit Lall (Sciences Associate Dean)• Professor Fragkiskos Filippaios (Social SciencesAssociate Dean)
• Professor Gordana Fontana-Giusti (HumanitiesAssociate Dean)
The Faculty Graduate Studies Committees report viaFaculty Boards to the University-level GraduateSchool Board which is chaired by the Dean of theGraduate School. More information about the role ofthe Graduate School Board can be obtained at:www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/gsboard/tor.html
The University Code of Practice for QualityAssurance for Taught Programmes of Study providesa framework for the quality management of taughtprogrammes of study at Kent. See:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes
Appendix A provides you with a full list of theannexes contained within the Code of Practice for Quality Assurance for Taught Programmes of Study Annexes.
1.1 Intermission, transfer of registration,change of status and withdrawal from theUniversityIf you are considering intermitting, transferring yourregistration to another programme of study,changing from full-time to part-time (or vice-versa) orwithdrawing from the University, you should firstdiscuss this with your supervisor who will be able toprovide you with advice. Postgraduate administratorswithin your academic schools will be able to directand advise you on the administrative proceduresinvolved with such changes. The procedures areavailable for consideration at:www.kent.ac.uk/fso/procedures/pg/pg-taught.html
1.2 ExaminationInformation about the procedures surrounding thesubmission of your dissertation and examination isavailable in:• Regulations for Taught Programmes of Study:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations
• Instructions to Candidates for the Degree ofMaster by Coursework or Master by Courseworkand Dissertation or for a Postgraduate Diploma:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/taught/cwkinstc.html
• Credit Framework for Taught Programmes of Study:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework
1.3 External Examiners’ ReportsIt is now a QAA requirement that institutions makeexternal examiners’ annual reports available in full toall students. In order to address this, the QualityAssurance Office has made reports accessible atwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/extexaminers/eers.External examiners’ reports for the most recent yearwill be available to all Kent-registered students, whoneed a Kent login to access the information.
1.4 Academic complaints and appealsAn academic complaint is any specific concernabout the provision of a programme of study orrelated academic service. An academic appeal is arequest for a review of a decision of an academicbody charged with making decisions on studentprogression, assessment and awards. Theprocedures for complaints and appeals brought bypostgraduate students are outlined in the documentComplaints Procedures for Students, found on theRegulations website at www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/guidance/index.html?tab=procedures. Students areadvised to refer to this prior to lodging any formalcomplaint or appeal. For formal academiccomplaints, students should complete a ComplaintsForm (available on the Regulations website and inthe Complaints Procedures document), which willensure that the complaint is investigated thoroughly.
In the event that students are not satisfied with theoutcome of the formal complaint, they can request aformal review by the Dean of the Faculty.
The academic appeals procedures for taughtprogrammes are outlined in Annex 9 of the CreditFramework for taught programmes atwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfoannex9.html
2 Plagiarism and duplication ofmaterial
Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas ordiscoveries of another as one’s own. To copysentences, phrases or even striking expressionswithout acknowledgment in a manner which maydeceive the reader as to the source is plagiarism; toparaphrase in a manner which deceives the readeris likewise plagiarism.
A student must not reproduce any work previouslysubmitted for assessment (for example, examinationanswers, essays, project reports, dissertations ortheses) or any material derived from work authoredby another without clearly acknowledging the source.
Duplication of material means the inclusion incoursework (including extended essays, projectsand dissertations) of a significant amount of materialwhich is identical or substantially similar to materialthat has already been submitted for the same or anyother course at this University or elsewhere, withoutacknowledging that such work has been submitted.
The University does not accept plagiarism orduplication of material and imposes severe penaltiesif it occurs in coursework, dissertations, projects,examinations and theses. If you need guidance onthe correct use and presentation of quotations andsource material, you should consult your tutor orsupervisor.
Further university guidance on plagiarism, academicintegrity and good practice is available at:www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/ai
3 Anti-Bribery and Corruption PolicyThe University’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policyapplies to all students in their activities as students ofthe University and to the full range of the University’sactivities, both in the UK and overseas. TheUniversity is committed to conducting its businessfairly, honestly and openly, to the highest standardsof integrity and in accordance with all legalrequirements. The Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policyprovides a clear statement that the University will notpermit any form of bribery and outlines theprocedures to prevent employees or students fromengaging in bribery. The full policy can be found onthe University’s governance website atwww.kent.ac.uk/governance/policies-and-procedures/bribery.html
REGULATORYINFORMATION
12 www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
APPENDIX A: UNIVERSITYCODE OF PRACTICE
Annexes University Code of Practice for the Quality Assurancefor Taught Programmes of Study
Annex A University Curriculum Policywww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexa.html
Annex B Approval and Withdrawal of Moduleswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexb.html
Annex C Approval and Withdrawal of Taught Programmeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexc.html
Annex D Information to studentswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexd.html
Annex E Annual Monitoringwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html
Annex F Periodic Reviewwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html
Annex G Personal Academic Support Systemwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexg.html
Annex H School Directors of Learning and Teaching and Learning and TeachingCommittees, Directors of Studies and boards of Studieswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexh.html
Annex I Associate Deans (Learning and Teaching) and Learning and TeachingCommitteeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexi.html
Annex J Meetings of Boards of Examinerswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexj.html
Annex K External Examiners for Taught Programmeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html
Annex M Student Evaluationwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexm.html
Annex N Student Engagement in Quality Assurance and Enhancementwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexn.html
Annex O QA Procedures for Programmes of Study at Partner Colleges leading toUniversity Awardswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexo.html
Annex P Academic Audit Committeewww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexp.html
Annex Q Work-Based and Placement Learningwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexq.html
Annex R Accreditation of Prior Experiential/Certificated Learning (APECL)www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexr.html
Annex S University Procedures for engaging with Professional, Statutory andRegulatory Bodies (PSRBs) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) SubjectBenchmark Statementswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexs.html
Annex T School Directors of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies Committeeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annext.html
Annex U Associate Deans (Graduate Studies) and Graduate Studies Committeeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexu.html
13www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
Volunteering and challengesEngage in volunteering (KSCV), organise/take part in a fundraising event, studentambassador, active member of a club or society, contributor to a creative project.
Student enterpriseAttend an enterprise event or workshop, enter an enterprise competition, start abusiness, participate in a social enterprise activity.
Professional abilityKent Union Stand Out training, Careers workshops, IT skills, work experience andplacements, part time work, joining a professional network
Event Points
Study, work or volunteer abroad (not as part of degree) 30-90
Completion of a World language module 45
Completion of a Language Express course 30
Completion of Taster language module 20
International Buddy 15-30
Attending an event or conference 10-30
Presenting at an event or conference 20-50
Event Points
Employer Experience 10-20
Kent Union Stand Out Training 15
Part-time work 20-50
Internship (4-12 weeks) 20-80
Skills Workshop 5-15
Careers Fair 5
CV Check 10
Reward Pointsrequired
Internship 200
Project placement 175
Work experience 150
Training 125
Work shadowing 100
Skills development 75
Company experience 75
Mock assessment centre 75
Employability session 50
Voucher 50
Sponsored ‘highest points’ prizes variable
Event Points
Volunteering 10-40
Kent Union KSCV Award 15-35
Student Ambassador 30
Member of society 5
Committee member of society 20
Member of media group 15
Event Points
Attend business advice session 10
Enterprise Skills Award 15-30
Student Enterprise Competition 15
University achievementsCompete in a University Sports team, or participate in a musical event, gain anacademic award, hold an elected post in a student society.
Event Points
Member of Sports Team 10
Careers Employability Award on Moodle 60
Global Skills Award workshop 5-15
Global Skills Award open lecture 5
APPENDIX B: EMPLOYABILITYPOINTS SCHEME
5 key areas – suggested points allocation• Global Skills• Professional Ability• Volunteering and Challenges• Student Enterprise• University Achievements
Global skillsStudy, work or volunteer abroad (eg ERASMUS exchange), mentor a foreignstudent, complete a modern language lunchtime course, attendance at an eventor conference.
The Employability Points Scheme rewards actively involved students with points for every activity, which leads to rewards.
The Graduate School, Cornwallis East, University of KentCanterbury, Kent CT2 7NF www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school
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