School of Engineering
and Materials Science
(SEMS)
Taught Postgraduate
Handbook
2018/19
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 2
This handbook is for all taught postgraduate students in all Engineering and Materials
Science Programmes. This handbook should be used together with the Academic Regulations and
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/. This handbook provides information specific to the
School of Engineering and Materials Science, while http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/
gives information common to all students at Queen Mary. The Academic Regulations
provide detailed information on progression, award and classification requirements.
Nothing in this handbook overrides the Academic Regulations, which always take
precedence. The Academic Regulations are available online at:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/
The information in this handbook is correct as of 1st September 2018. In the unlikely event
of substantial amendments to the material, the School of Engineering and Materials Science
will inform you of the changes.
Queen Mary cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of information given
in third party publications or websites referred to in this handbook.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 3
Contents
Introduction by the Head of School ............................................................................................... 4
SEMS Office Opening Hours for Students ...................................................................................... 5
Key Dates .......................................................................................................................................... 5
School Office Location & Contact Details....................................................................................... 6
School Information and Facilities ................................................................................................... 7
Communications .............................................................................................................................. 8
Contacts ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Starting the Year ............................................................................................................................ 11
Study Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 16
Coursework .................................................................................................................................... 19
Exams .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Religious Observance and Study................................................................................................... 32
Student Support ............................................................................................................................. 33
Safety Regulations ......................................................................................................................... 36
SEMS Staff Charter ......................................................................................................................... 38
SEMS Student Charter ................................................................................................................... 40
Plagiarism Consent Form............................................................................................................... 42
Appendix A - Glossary .................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix B - Student Academic Engagement Policy Framework (SEMS) ................................. 50
Appendix C – Student Services ..................................................................................................... 52
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 4
Introduction by the Head of School
I am very pleased to welcome you to the School of Engineering and Materials Science if you
are new to QMUL - and for those continuing, may I welcome you back. The School is highly
rated for its research in both Engineering and Materials disciplines; it is justifiably proud of
its research led tradition.
I hope that the School provides a friendly, accessible environment for all our students and
we will strive to support all students in the best way possible.
All our staff, both academic and support, are approachable and ready to help you. The
School Office is where you will find the majority of the support staff along the same corridor
with most of the senior academic staff who have substantial roles in the School, including
the Senior Tutor, the Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies and the Director of Taught
Programmes.
In this handbook we have brought together what we hope will be an easy reference for you
as you undertake your studies at Queen Mary. Some of this information is very specific to
your activities in the School, but it also covers broad aspects of life at QMUL. You will find
more detailed information on the School’s intranet site at https://admin.sems.qmul.ac.uk
where you can also find an electronic version of this handbook.
You are principally at University to achieve a good degree that will equip you for a range of
different careers. Whilst you are here, however, I am sure you will also develop and broaden
your interests. I hope therefore you will enjoy your time with us and find it exciting and
motivating
Prof John Stark
Head of School
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 5
SEMS Office Opening Hours for Students
Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Key Dates
17th September 2018 Welcome week commences
24th September 2018 Lectures commence (start of Semester A)
5th November 2018 Week 7 starts
14th December 2018 Semester A finishes
7th January 2019 Semester B starts
18th February 2019 Week 7 starts
9th March 2018 Deadline for applying for Special Examination Arrangements
28th March 2019 Semester B finishes
22nd April 2019 Revision Week starts
1nd May 2019 Exams start
7th June 2019 Exams finish
7th June 2019 Deadline for submitting Extenuating Circumstances*
26th June 2019 Provisional exam results*
29th July 2019 Late Summer Resits start*
9th August 2019 Late Summer Resits finish*
23rd August 2019 Project Report submission*
Late September 2019 Final MSc Examination Board*
*Approximate dates, subject to confirmation
Key QMUL dates are available on the ARCS homepage (www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk) and here:
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/calendar/
Please note that coursework deadlines will be notified to you by the individual module
organisers and you can confirm these by checking the coursework diary page in your
student web account.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 6
School Office Location & Contact Details
The School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS)
3rd Floor Engineering Building
Queen Mary University of London
Mile End Road
E1 4NS
Telephone: +44(0)20 7882 8770
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk
Please see below a link to the campus map:
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/howtofindus/mileend/
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 7
School Information and Facilities
SEMS Office Opening Hours for Students are: Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Location of Noticeboards, Pigeon Holes/ Coursework
Submission Cupboard The School Noticeboard is located on the side corridor wall adjacent to the School Office
Reception entrance. The pigeon holes for submitting Coursework are located inside the
Coursework Submission Cupboard. This is also positioned in on the side corridor adjacent to
the School Office Reception entrance.
School Website The school website is: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/
School Intranet The school intranet is at: https://admin.sems.qmul.ac.uk/
Availability of Reading Lists, past exam papers and
timetabling information Reading lists for all programmes are located within QMPlus in the individual modules
content.
Past exam papers are also located within QMPlus and to search for them simple type in
SEMS Exams on the QMPlus search tool.
All timetabling information can be found at: https://timetables.qmul.ac.uk/
QMPlus Information on QMPlus: https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 8
Communications
QMUL will communicate with you in a variety of ways. Formal correspondence will be sent
to you by email, and it is important that you keep Queen Mary up to date with your
personal details and address. You will be able to update your address and contact details on
line using MySIS. You can do this online via the MySIS record system:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/mysis-record/. However, a change in name must be
done in person at the Student Enquiry Centre with accompanying identification.
The School, QMUL and the Students’ Union to contact you by your QMUL email. You are
assigned a university email address when you enrol, and you are responsible for checking
this account on a daily basis. All major notifications and updates will be sent to you by email
first. This is so we know this is definitely your email address and the information will not go
to anyone else.
You can access your email account by logging on to a QMUL computer, or, if you are not on
campus, at: http://mail.qmul.ac.uk.
Furthermore, the School may use the News Forum located on the ITS QMPlus landing page
for any updates or news.
Contacting SEMS by Email All SEMS Academic and Support staff have their own email addresses and this is the most
effective and reliable way of contacting them. Even if you wish to see a member of staff in
person it is often convenient to email them first to arrange a time rather than simply hoping
to catch them in their office.
For all other general enquires including coursework extensions, EC claim form submission,
please email: [email protected]
For examination enquiries (and hence will probably only be needed during the examination
period), please email them to: [email protected]
For all timetabling enquires please email: [email protected]
For suggestions, comments or feedback feel free to drop them in the SEMS Student
suggestion box located opposite the entrance to the School Main Office. Alternatively, you
can email these to: [email protected]
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 9
Contacts
The full contact list for SEMS Staff can be found at: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/
Director of Student Support
Dr Folashade Akinmolayan (Eng E.309A)
+44 (0)20 7882 7281 / [email protected]
Taught Programmes Manager Dr Alison Hartshorn
+44 (0)20 7882 8732 / [email protected]
Director of Taught Programmes
Dr Adrian Briggs (Eng 344)
+44 (0)20 7882 8876 / [email protected]
Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies
Dr Jun Chen (Eng 310)
+44 (0)20 7882 8873 / [email protected]
MSc Examination Board
Chair Dr Sergey Karabasov (Eng 319)
Deputy Chair Dr Remzi Becer (Eng 221)
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 10
Programme Directors
Advanced Mechanical Engineering Dr Henri Huijberts (Eng 338)
Aerospace Engineering Dr Eldad Avital (Eng 326)
Biomaterials Dr Haixue Yan (Eng 336)
Biomedical Engineering Dr Pavel Novak (Eng 115)
Biomedical Engineering (conversion) Dr Pavel Novak (Eng 115)
Biomedical Engineering with Imaging
and Instrumentation
Dr Pavel Novak (Eng 115)
Biomedical Engineering with
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Dr Pavel Novak (Eng 115)
Computer Aided Engineering Dr Jens-Dominik Mueller (Eng 122)
Dental Materials Dr Saroash Shahid (Francis Bancroft
Building Dental Physical Sciences)
Materials Research Dr Haixue Yan (Eng 336)
Mechanical Engineering (conversion) Dr Henri Huijberts (Eng 338)
Medical Electronics and Physics Dr Pavel Novak (Eng 115)
Polymer Science and Nanotechnology Dr Remzi Becer (Eng 221)
Sustainable Energy Engineering
(conversion)
Prof Magda Titirici (Eng E406)
Sustainable Energy Systems Prof Magda Titirici (Eng E406)
Student-Staff Liaison Committee
Chairs Dr Jun Chen (Eng 310)
Laboratories and Workshops
Laboratory and Workshop Manager Ben Gridley (School Office & Labs)
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 11
Starting the Year
Use of QMUL Student ID Card You will be issued with a student ID card which should be worn prominently at all times
when on campus. Failure to display or produce this ID card when requested could result in
your removal from individual buildings or from the campus itself.
Your card will show your Student Number which will generally be a nine digit number
starting with the year that you first registered (e.g. 18******* for students first registering
in 2018).
You must take your card into all examinations, and display it on your table for inspection.
You will also need to copy your Student Number onto your exam script.
The card also serves as your library card, and as an access card for certain buildings. Many
buildings have security points at which you must show your card, and others require you to
scan your card to release the doors.
It is vital that you keep your card safe and with you at all times on campus. If you lose your
card, or if your card is stolen, you should contact the Student Enquiry Centre
(http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/sec/student-card/), who will be able to help you. A
fee is charged to replace lost ID Cards.
Personal Tutors & Student Support Mechanisms Each MSc student is allocated a personal tutor. The tutor is a member of academic staff
whose responsibility it is to oversee your academic progress, to look after your welfare and
to provide an academic reference for prospective employers.
You should see your tutor at least fortnightly. A ‘Student-Staff Liaison Forum/Personal
Tutor’ slot has been provided on the timetable for the first semester. In even weeks, your
personal tutor will be available in his/her office during this time slot. Attendance at these
sessions is compulsory and a record will be kept. Non-attendance may result in
deregistration.
The School Director of Student Support is Dr Folashade Akinmolayan and if several tutors
report that similar problems are being raised by their tutees she will arrange for the matter
to be considered at School level and receive appropriate attention. If you have a problem
which your personal tutor cannot resolve they may refer you to the Director of Student
Support; in addition you are welcome to make an appointment to see her yourself.
Furthermore, the School Student Support Team (Key personnel in student support) can help
you with the following:
Any difficulties with your programme of study,
Any issues that may be affecting your attendance and progress,
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 12
General queries about your programme of study, module choice or further study
opportunities.
Should you wish to make a complaint you should contact the Director of Taught
Programmes (Adrian Briggs) on [email protected].
Use of Personal Data
Personal information and data protection
During application and at enrolment/re-enrolment you provide us with personal
information about yourself such as relevant addresses and information about your
background, which is held in systems such as MySIS and you give QMUL consent to process
this. It is important that you ensure this information is accurate and keep it up to date.
Throughout your studies (or after you graduate) you may also provide, or we may collect,
other personal information and you should be aware that this also includes any work you
submit for assessment in the course of your studies. Tutors may occasionally use
anonymised student essays (or portions from them) as part of the teaching process. We
hope you will be willing to support your fellow students by allowing this, but you may opt
out by contacting your school office. Other markers of engagement are monitored to help
support students.
We ensure that all personal data is held securely and not disclosed to third parties without
your consent, unless we are obliged to do so by law - for example the annual student record
that we submit to the Higher Education Statistics Agency - https://www.hesa.ac.uk/ - or
other conditions allow. When you graduate, your details will be transferred to our Alumni
database so that we can stay in touch with you in the future.
HESA requires us to collect details of our students’ ethnicities and disabilities as a means of
monitoring the success of equal opportunities policies at a national level. This information is
kept confidential and helps us to provide you with support and information on facilities and
services that may be useful.
When you enrol or re-enrol online you will be asked to read a declaration about the
purposes for which we use your personal data and to whom we may disclose it when
required. You must read this declaration carefully. All personal data is maintained in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information, visit:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/governance/information-governance/
IT Helpdesk The IT Helpdesk, located on the second floor of the Queens’ Building (room W209), Mile End
campus, Tel: 020 7882 8888 or email [email protected] is open weekdays and is able
to provide support or give you advice on any IT related subjects. For further information, go
to http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/services/students/
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 13
Accessing PCs An extensive network of PCs is available for students in several rooms on each of the
University campuses:
http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/services/students/finding-PCs/
There is also a live PC availability page, which will give you up-to-the-minute information on
the number of PCs available to use in each area:
http://availability.stu.qmul.ac.uk
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi internet access is available in many campus locations (including halls of residence). We
recommend you connect to the Wi-Fi network using the eduroam – Janet Roaming Service:
http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/services/students/wifi/
Email Facility When you enrol in your first year you will be provided with a University email address. The
University email system facilitates academic communications. It is essential to check your
Queen Mary email account every day. This is very important as often we need to let you
know about things at short notice. If you miss important information because you have
failed to check your email this could seriously hamper your studies. Please do not get this
confused with your personal email accounts. When conducting University business by email
you should always use your University email account. Emails sent from your personal email
account can often be blocked by “spam” filters and may never be received. Moreover, staff
members will not discuss any personal information, e.g. examination and progression
outcomes if you use a personal email account.
You can access your University email from campus computers or via the internet using
webmail:
http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/services/students/email/
This link also has information on how to configure your personal computer and mobile
devices (iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry) to pick up your email.
Students who abuse the system will have their computer access withdrawn which will
severely hamper their communications and make any coursework based on software
provided by the University impossible. An example of such abuse would be bulk emailing of
other students to advertise a meeting or event.
Print and Copy Services Printers are located in all Student Service computer labs and the Libraries. Print jobs sent
from Student Service PCs and wirelessly from laptop devices can be released at any Student
Service printer or Library photocopier. Once you hit print you have 24 hours to visit a printer
that’s convenient for you, swipe your University ID card and confirm which jobs you’d like to
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 14
collect. If you have forgotten your ID card print jobs can be released by entering your
username and password at your chosen print device.
There are photocopiers for student use in all the Libraries. These can be used to photocopy,
scan and collect print jobs sent from Student Service PCs and wirelessly from laptop devices.
Scanning at Library copiers is free but you need to have a balance of at least 4p on your
account to successfully login. You will need a USB memory stick to save your scanned
documents and images.
Printing, photocopying and Library fines are paid for using your QM iPay account, which is
linked to your University ID card. Your account can be topped-up online at:
https://i-pay.library.qmul.ac.uk/webcentre/ or at kiosks located in each of the Libraries.
NB: All students will receive £10 print credit this year.
Module Selection Details of the modules and options for each MSc programme are listed on the SEMS
website. QMUL uses the MySIS system for choosing your options and registering your
modules. Full details of how to do this are available when you log on. Once selections are
made they have to be approved by your Programme Director.
You will be automatically registered for any resit assessments. You may “opt out” of resit
assessments, but in doing so you forfeit any remaining attempts to pass the module, and if
this results in you having insufficient module passes to graduate this will result in your
registration being terminated.
Change of Modules Your choice of modules can be modified during the first two weeks of each semester on the
MySIS system, where you can only change your Semester B module choices at the start of
Semester B. After this time no changes can be made and your exam entry will be the
modules recorded on the system. All changes will need to be approved by your Programme
Director.
Timetable Timetables for all modules are available on the SEMS website. Where times/locations differ
to those on say, QMplus or MySiS, the SEMS timetable should always take precedence.
On the timetable, ‘PSC’ indicates a problem solving class, ‘Comp’ a computer session and
‘Lab’ a laboratory class. These support classes are usually conducted in smaller groups than
the lecture classes. They will not start in week 1. At the start of each module you need to
establish when these activities will start and when the schedule detailing which sessions you
should attend will be published. The organiser of each module will give you this information
in the lectures.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 15
Week 7 Alternative teaching methods are used during week 7 of Semesters A and B, and hence the
normal timetable is suspended.
Disabilities Students suffering from dyslexia, learning difficulties or other disabilities which may affect
their study are advised to contact the Disability & Dyslexia Service (DDS) at an early stage in
the year: http://www.dds.qmul.ac.uk
Appointments can be made on 020 7882 2756, via email to [email protected] or in person at
Room 2.06, Francis Bancroft Building. This service can help you to develop learning
strategies to compensate for your dyslexia or learning difficulty. (See also – Special Exam
Arrangements.)
The Student Guide The Student Guide is a University publication that you will receive at the start of the
academic year. The Guide should be used together with this Handbook for general
information. It can be found at:
http://my.qmul.ac.uk/studentguide
and contains a wide range of information, including:
Academic and student support
services
The academic year
Campus facilities
Details of some key Academic
Regulations
How to? Advice
Queen Mary contact information
Calendar
Graduation
Student administration and
enrolment advice
QM policies
Campus and QM information
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 16
Study Requirements
Student Charter Conduct whilst a student in SEMS, including issues related to lectures and other formal
coursework, are covered by a Student Charter, a copy of which is appended to this
handbook.
Attendance It is a QMUL requirement that you attend the lectures, problem solving classes, laboratories
and other practical sessions associated with the modules which form your programme of
study. Attendance records are kept for all years. It is your responsibility to be aware of the
method of recording attendance and to make sure that your name is included. Failure to
attend at least 70% of the lectures on any given module without good reason (supported by
a medical certificate or similar documentation) may result in de-registration from that
module and withdrawal from the examination.
Absences should be notified to the School Office, 3rd Floor Engineering Building, on or by the
first day of absence by emailing [email protected]. Please include your full name
and student number and the reason for your absence. A note will be made on your file and
if a coursework extension is subsequently requested this information can be used as
supporting evidence. Medical certificates or other evidence should be submitted to the
School Office for absences of more than five days. You should discuss with your personal
tutor any personal problems which may cause difficulties with attendance. If you are absent
for 5 or more days you must produce a medical certificate issued by your doctor. All
documents should be submitted to the Student Support Co-ordinator in the School Office at
the earliest opportunity.
Deregistration Should you not meet module requirements for attendance or for submission of coursework,
you may be deregistered from the module. You will be given warnings before deregistration
occurs, and you will have the right to represent your case to the School. Such deregistration
is entered permanently on the student’s QMUL record and on all transcripts provided
thereafter by QMUL. References provided for potential employers or for further studies may
include comments on your attendance and participation.
Tuition Fee Deregistration When you enrol or re-enrol at the start of each academic year you agree to QMUL’s Tuition
Fee Regulations, https://www.qmul.ac.uk/tuition-fee-regulations/ which set the deadlines
for paying tuition fees. Failure to pay your tuition fees by these deadlines may lead to your
deregistration from your programme of study, under University Ordinance C3
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/governance/council/Charter/
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 17
Term-Time Employment Absence from lectures, problem solving classes, or laboratories to pursue paid employment
is not permitted. If your financial problems interfere with your studies, see your Personal
Tutor or the QMUL Advice and Counselling Service.
Even employment that does not directly clash with your university timetable will interfere
with your studies. A significant amount of time is needed to prepare coursework, study new
material and practice problem solving questions. During term time you should expect to
spend at least forty hours a week on your university studies.
Personal Details It is important that QMUL has up to date personal details for all students. Please check your
profile on the student web and ensure that your home and term-time address, name,
telephone number and other details are correct. When you have enrolled you will be able to
access a page on MySIS called “My details”. On this page you will have access to the
personal details QMUL holds on your record. You will be able to update your address details
(Home, Term Time) and next of kin directly through this page. If you are staying in QMUL
accommodation this address should be automatically populated by the System when you
check into Halls but please check this has happened.
School Forums Forums relating to specific modules and also for general student queries can be found on
the module QMplus page. There are also School Office Forums on the SEMS website which
may have key information on certain procedures and may save you a visit in person to the
School Office. You may post any questions and they will be responded to by the relevant
staff member.
Conduct in Lectures The following rules are designed to enhance the learning process.
Lectures begin at 5 minutes past the hour and finish at 5 minutes to the hour.
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late you must not attempt to enter the lecture.
If you arrive within the 10 minute allowance you must enter quietly with minimum
disturbance.
Students who make a habit of arriving within the 10 minute allowance will be told to
leave even if they arrive within this 10 minute period.
All mobile telephones must be switched to silent during lectures.
Talking between students during lectures is not permitted. Questions must be
addressed to the lecturer at the appropriate time, not to the student sitting next to
you.
If a lecture is disrupted the students responsible will be told to leave.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 18
Repeat offenders who disrupt lectures with their telephones, late arrival or talking
will have a note placed on their file. If a lecture is so badly disrupted that it is
abandoned then a repeat lecture will not be given. Instead, students will have to use
their own time for private study of the material that the lecturer planned to present.
The Library Information on the library is available at:
http://www.library.qmul.ac.uk
If you have a subject enquiry related to engineering or materials you should contact the
Faculty Liaison Librarian James Soderman, [email protected] and 020 7882 7299.
See the Subject Support Information at:
https://www.library.qmul.ac.uk/subject-guides/engineering-and-materials-science/
Students are reminded that the Library is a place for study. You must:
Always consider the needs of other users of the Library
Always be silent in the study areas on the upper floors
Always confine group working to the designated group study areas
Always keep noise to a minimum in other areas e.g. the ground floor entrance and
circulation area and the stairs
Never talk in anything other than a quiet voice and then only where permitted
Never allow your mobile phone to ring in the Library
There is a system of sanctions for non-compliance with the above, starting with one-day
bans and escalating to four-week bans and worse for frequent offenders.
The School is fully behind these measures and may take additional action against any
student who does not respect the library environment.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 19
Coursework
What is Coursework? Coursework is any assessed work other than the written, end of year examinations. It may
include laboratory and other practical work, projects, assignments, group projects and other
written work (reports, essays, problem solving examples, etc.). It also includes in-class tests
and take-home tests. Coursework marks are combined with the marks for the written, end
of year examinations according to the specification in the module document. Failure to
complete the coursework is sufficient cause to bar a student from registration for the
examination. Most coursework is counted towards your final assessment (summative);
however some coursework is given primarily so that you can improve your skills (formative).
It is important that you complete all coursework in order to maximise your performance on
the module.
Coursework Cover Sheets Most coursework will be submitted as a hard copy in the pigeon holes outside the school
office. It must include a cover sheet for each separate piece of coursework. These
coversheets can be downloaded from your profile on the student web.
Note that each cover sheet includes a bar code which is unique for every student and every
piece of coursework. Please be sure you are using your own cover sheet for the particular
piece of coursework you are submitting. Failure to attach the correct cover sheet or
omission of a cover sheet entirely when submitting coursework may result in a mark of zero
being given.
In the case of in class tests, you should consult the module webpage before coming to the
test. This is particularly important for multiple choice tests when the coursework cover
sheet may include an answer grid for you to indicate your choice for each question.
Some coursework is submitted electronically in which case no coversheet is necessary
Submission and Deadlines All coursework submitted in hard copy format should be submitted through the coursework
handing in point outside the School Office, by 3.30 pm on the day of submission.
In the case of coursework submitted electronically, the deadline for submission is 23:59 on
the day of submission.
The School takes the view that the ability to meet a deadline is a professional skill that is
assessed through coursework. The deadlines for each item of coursework will be specified
by the module organiser, posted on the module website and included in your profile on the
student web. It is essential that you consult the module organiser if you have any doubts
about the deadlines.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 20
For every period of 24 hours or part thereof that an assignment is overdue there would be
deduction of five per cent of the total marks available (i.e. five marks for an assessment
marked out of 100). After seven days the mark would be reduced to zero, and recorded as a
failure 0FL (zero, fail, late). A late work penalty would be removed where a student provided
good reason for the late submission under the extenuating circumstances policy. Schools
and institutes are also able to grant extensions to submission deadlines, provided that the
extension date was in advance of the relevant subject examination board.
Coursework Delivery You are strongly advised to deliver your coursework in person rather than leaving it to
someone else to deliver. If your ‘friend’ fails to deliver your report on time or copies any of
it you will be penalised (see Plagiarism below). Coursework reports must NOT be sent by
post, not even by ‘Recorded Delivery’ to the SEMS office or module organiser, unless this
has been specifically allowed.
Coursework Marks Any coursework that you submit will be logged centrally and you will be able to check this
on your student profile. Marks for the work will be uploaded on or before the “mark return
date” specified on the module webpage. If you hand in coursework and note that it has not
been registered on your profile, you must bring this to the attention of the School Office
within one week of the handing in date; otherwise it may be impossible to verify that the
work was handed in.
If you wish to contest a mark, or if you do not receive a mark for a piece of coursework
which has been logged in, you must bring this to the attention of the School Office within
one week of the mark return date.
Missed Laboratory Classes If you are unable to attend a scheduled laboratory class due to extenuating circumstances
you must see the Student Support Co-ordinator in the School Office, with independent
written evidence of the circumstances. If this relates to a medical problem then you need a
medical certificate from your doctor. It might be necessary to explain to your doctor that
without this you will lose marks. A self-certified certificate is not acceptable. If the Student
Support Co-ordinator believes the reason given is not valid then you will not be permitted to
carry out the missed laboratory class and will be awarded zero marks for any coursework
based on the missed session. If the Student Support Co-ordinator accepts the reasons for
your absence, then the session will be rescheduled for you as soon as possible. If it proves
impossible to reschedule your class then the Student Support Co-ordinator will inform the
relevant module organiser who will either give you an alternative coursework task that is at
least as challenging as the work you missed or, in exceptional circumstances, neutralise the
mark.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 21
Coursework Extension & Rescheduling Request Form (CERR
Form) Permission for the late submission of coursework can only be obtained using the
Coursework Extension and Rescheduling Request form, available on-line on the SEMS
website. If you miss, or know you are about to miss, a coursework deadline and feel you
have a reasonable excuse, it is in your own interests to submit the CERR form as soon as
possible. You will then find out more quickly if you have been granted an extension or not
and can plan accordingly. In any case, the deadline for submitting a CERR is one week after
the coursework deadline.
The Student Support Co-ordinator can authorise the late submission of the pieces, or if this
is not possible, can award a neutral mark. This will be implemented on-line and the student
will be informed separately by email. Late penalties will then only be applied after the
revised date. Excuses for missing a coursework deadline must be accompanied by a
corroborative note (e.g. a medical note) covering the period immediately before the
deadline.
A record of the documentation supporting a late submission will be kept on your file and
referred to in the case of any further late coursework submissions.
Report Presentation Hard-copy reports should be compiled using loose-leaf A4 pages securely stapled and
completed with the appropriate cover sheet attached. Where the complexity of a figure or
table results in the use of an A3 page this should be oriented and folded in such a way that it
forms an integral and easily read part of the report.
Slide binders should not be used because of the risk of the contents becoming detached
from the cover sheet. An electric stapler is available in the School Office for thick reports but
its use should be well planned. Trying to use any facility in a rush just hours before a
coursework deadline will be hectic and stressful for all concerned. It also makes you more
vulnerable to equipment failure and other problems.
Ring binders, plastic report folders and other non-standard covers should NOT be used.
Different guidelines may be in place for year 3 and year 4 project reports. Please refer to the
relevant Project Handbook for details.
Report Content Writing reports is an important professional and scientific skill that you will be taught
throughout your degree.
Your report should demonstrate good research skills and use of referencing and a thorough
understanding of the topic and its technical significance. Most coursework reports will
therefore benefit from a list of references (including links from the main text) and sections
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 22
entitled ‘Introduction”, ‘Discussion’ and ‘Conclusions’ are essential, unless explicitly stated
in the coursework brief.
Remember, most students are capable of following the analysis and presentation
instructions on a laboratory sheet. If that is all your report contains then your mark is likely
to be poor; a good report requires more than this.
Group Reports All group reports must have individual cover sheets of all contributors on the front of the
report. The contents page should identify the main contributor for each section and the final
author of that section if different. Each student is responsible for checking that their
contribution has been included in the report. Where there is no visible contribution or
cover sheet then that student will normally be awarded zero marks.
Learning to deal with different personalities within a group, keeping everyone motivated,
and ensuring everyone has clear tasks and deadlines are key elements that your group will
be assessed on.
An individual who fails to make an adequate contribution should be identified by the rest of
the group. Where a group of four only produces the work of three and the non-performing
student is not identified, everyone’s mark will suffer, not just the culprit’s.
Plagiarism QMUL defines plagiarism as:
“Presenting someone else’s work as your own, whether you meant to or not. Close
paraphrasing, copying from the work of another person, including another student, using
the ideas of another person, without proper acknowledgement or repeating work you have
previously submitted without properly referencing yourself (known as ‘self-plagiarism’) also
constitute plagiarism.”
Regulations on Assessment Offences
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/student-appeals/assessment-offences/.
Plagiarism is a serious offence and all students suspected of plagiarism will be subject to an
investigation; if found guilty, penalties can include failure of the module to suspension or
permanent withdrawal from Queen Mary.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand plagiarism and how to avoid it. The
recommendations below can help you in avoiding plagiarism.
Be sure to record your sources when taking notes, and to cite these if you use ideas
or, especially, quotations from the original source. Be particularly careful if you are
cutting and pasting information between two documents, and ensure that
references are not lost in the process.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 23
Be sensible in referencing ideas – commonly held views that are generally accepted
do not always require acknowledgment to particular sources. However, it is best to
be safe to avoid plagiarism.
Be particularly careful with quotations and paraphrasing.
Be aware that technology, such as TurnItIn, is now available at Queen Mary and
elsewhere that can automatically detect plagiarism.
Ensure that all works used are referenced appropriately in the text of your work and
fully credited in your bibliography.
If in doubt, ask for further guidance from your adviser or module tutor.
The School uses sophisticated anti-plagiarism software to scan your work (see Computer
Files below).
If accused of plagiarism or any other assessment offence you will be interviewed by a
member of the School’s Academic Standards Committee and the module organiser , who will
ascertain if there is a case to answer.
If there is a case to answer then, if the coursework constitutes 30% or less of the marks for
the module, the Director of Taught Programmes or his representative will assign a penalty
up to and including a mark of zero for the coursework under investigation and the incident
will be logged on your student record.
If the coursework constitutes more than 30% of the marks for the module then the case will
be sent directly to the Academic Registry for consideration by the Chair of QMUL’s
Assessment Offences Panel. Any second or further incidence of plagiarism will be referred to
the Registry automatically, irrespective of the contribution of the item of coursework to the
final mark. Note that QMUL’s Assessment Offences Panel can impose much more severe
penalties than the School, including failure of the whole diet of modules taken in a year and
in extreme cases a recommendation to the Principal to expel the student from QMUL.
Remember when working in groups (such as in laboratories) you may discuss the results
with your friends but never write up your report with them – this will help to avoid
plagiarism. Your reports must be individual efforts not the result of teamwork, unless a
group effort is explicitly allowed in the coursework description.
Computer Files You must keep electronic copies of any reports you prepare using a computer, including
backups on a separate disc or memory stick. Computer failures will not normally be
accepted as a valid reason for late submissions. In addition, problems with printing at the
last minute will not be regarded as a valid reason for lateness.
In the rare event that an item of coursework goes astray during marking, you may be asked
to produce a second printout at short notice. Also, if it is suspected that any of your work
has been plagiarised from another source then you will be required to submit an electronic
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 24
copy of your work which will be thoroughly scanned by anti-plagiarism software. Failure to
produce such a copy when requested may be interpreted as a sign of guilt. You must always
keep back-ups of your computer files and retain paper copies of earlier drafts that can be
used in case of problems.
Coursework for Other Departments Some of our degree programmes include modules run by other Departments or Schools.
These will have module codes which do not begin with either DENM, MELM or MTRM.
Coursework must be handed in to the relevant Department or School. If you are doing
modules outside the School of Engineering and Materials Science it is essential that you
ascertain and follow the coursework rules for that Department or School.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 25
Exams
Exam Timetables Most, but not all, of the modules you study will be assessed at least in part by a formal, end
of year exam. This examination period runs from late April to early June each year. (see Key
Dates above.) Individual timetables will be available on MySIS before the start of the exam
period.
You should check your timetable carefully to ensure that all exams including resits have
been included. If an exam is not shown this usually means that no seat has been provided
for you in the examination room and you need to contact the Academic Registry urgently.
By this stage the exam room and timetable have been finalised and cannot be altered.
Safety and invigilation considerations place a fixed limit on the number of seats in each
room.
If there is a timetable clash or it proves impossible to add you to the room and the problem
is traced to the Academic Registry system then special provision will be made so that you
can take the missing exam. If the source of the problem is that you failed to correctly
complete or check your Exam Entry then QMUL will not go to the expense of providing a
separate room, special invigilator etc. In this case you will have lost the opportunity to sit
that exam.
Exam Administration Many aspects of the examination process, such as timetabling of examinations, allocation of
examination venues, invigilation process, formal communication of results and transcripts,
etc. are undertaken and overseen outside the School, at QMUL level, by Student
Administration.
Exam Regulations You must read the exam regulations, which are posted outside each examination room and
are available on the Registry Website. All breaches of examination regulations are viewed as
cheating and the penalties are severe. It is especially important not to have any
unauthorized material on you in the exam room. Any material used for last minute revision
must be removed from your pockets and placed in your bag away from your desk.
Special Exam Arrangements If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia additional time in the written
examination and other types of in-class tests may be possible. This should be discussed with
the Disability Coordinator in the Disability & Dyslexia Service as early as possible in the
academic year. The Disability Coordinator will also be able to give you advice on learning
strategies to minimise the impact of your disability on your studies. Applications for Special
Exam Arrangements must be submitted before the deadline (see Key Dates above) so that
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 26
they can be properly considered before the exams commence. In the case of class tests
students who have had ‘Special Exam Arrangements’ approved should provide evidence of
this to the module organiser who will adjust the test appropriately.
Late Arrival You should aim to arrive at the examination room well before the start time of the exam
and make appropriate allowance for possible transport delays. If you arrive late but within
30 minutes of the start you will be allowed to sit the examination but will not be allowed
extra time at the end to compensate for your late arrival. If you arrive more than 30 minutes
late you will not normally be allowed to sit the exam.
Use of Programmable Calculators - A Warning Note ALL programmable calculators are banned from School of Engineering and Materials Science
exams. If your standard calculator is programmable you are advised to replace it early in the
academic year. If you leave purchase of a new calculator to just before the exams you will
not be sufficiently familiar with it to use it with speed and confidence in the exams.
The calculators banned under this rule are defined as those permitting storage of the full A
to Z alphabetical characters within programmable memories, i.e. those that allow storage of
text sentences and numerous equations. Calculators with just a few formulae memories
and the ability to use a limited range of alpha characters as the variables will be tolerated.
However, the relevant rule in QMUL’s Exam Regulations still applies, i.e. the presence of
pre-stored information in calculators is an exam offence. Exam invigilators are permitted to
inspect calculators for banned material. They can also insist that the calculator is reset and
the memories erased while they watch. The more sophisticated your calculator the greater
the likelihood that some of your time in the exam will be taken up by this action.
Please note that calculator features such as automatic graph sketching, simultaneous
equation solving and numerical integration and differentiation, should only be used where
an exam question specifically says that such calculator functions can be used. In all other
cases the examiner requires evidence in the answer script of the individual logic steps taken
to answer the question and will award zero marks if these are not given.
Calculators must be of the hand-held type, quiet in operation and compact, and have their
own power supplies. Students shall be responsible for ensuring that machines are in
working order, and for providing in advance for alternative means of calculating in the event
of calculators failing during examinations. Where students use electronic calculators in
examinations, they must state the name and type of machine clearly on their answer scripts.
Any calculator used by or in the possession of a student during an examination must not
form part of a communications or electronic entertainment device (e.g., a mobile
telephone, smart watch or MP3 player).
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 27
Results Your official module results will be posted on MySIS during the summer vacation provided
you are not in debt to QMUL. You will also receive official confirmation of these results by
post to their permanent address. Provisional marks will usually be emailed to your QMUL
email address at an earlier date (see Key Dates above).
Resits Your first attempt at the assessment for a given module is known as a First-Sit. If you fail the
First-Sit for any module you are only entitled to one Resit attempt. The maximum mark
allowed for a successful Resit is a bare pass of 50.
Your Resits must be taken at the first available opportunity and you will be automatically
registered for any resits you are entitled to. If you “opt-out” of a resit or fail to attend the
examination you will forfeit any further opportunity to resit the module.
Late Summer (i.e. August) Resits (LSRs) will be available for all students and all modules.
It is important that you make no holiday, flight, employment or other arrangements that
might interfere with a possible LSR or your revision for it. If you fail to attend an LSR this will
still count as one attempt and could end your resit allowance for that module.
The LSR timetable will be available on MySIS. You are advised to check the timetable in good
time taking into account that the location of the exam maybe elsewhere on the campus or
even outside the campus. In the case of dyslexic students who had additional time agreed
for their May exams additional time will be allowed for their LSR exams.
Overseas Resits All resits must be taken at QMUL. There are no facilities for taking resits at British Council
offices overseas.
Resit Coursework The method by which a Resit will be assessed is specified on each module web page under
the link marked “Find out how you will be assessed if you fail this module”. Where a Resit is
assessed solely by an exam, as is usually the case, coursework previously submitted and
marked will not be considered. Some modules will require additional pieces of coursework
to be submitted and this will be made clear on the module webpage.
Resit coursework rules for modules taken from other Schools and Departments need to be
checked by the students themselves and are not the responsibility of SEMS.
Entitlement to Resits All entitlement to Resits of individual modules ceases once a student has passed the
module. All entitlement to resit any modules ceases upon graduation.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 28
Progression to the Dissertation In order to progress to the dissertation students should have passed a total of 120 credits (8
modules). Failure in modules to the value of not more than 30 credits can be condoned provided
that the candidate’s average mark over all the taught modules is not less than 50%, and the mark for
the failed modules is not below 40%. This does not mean that you cannot start your project, in fact
you should have completed your literature survey by the time you sit your examinations. Should you
fail to progress at this point, you will have to resit your failed examinations before continuing with
your project. If you are allowed to progress to the project after resits, you will need to finish your
project by the end of November 2018 and you will officially graduate in July 2019.
Failure to Proceed or to Graduate If, after the LSRs, you have insufficient module passes to proceed to the dissertation and
you have not exhausted your Resit allowance, you become a non-attending student. You will
automatically be registered for any resits at the next available opportunity. If you “opt-out”
of a resit or fail to attend the examination you will forfeit an opportunity to resit the module
and this may exhaust your resit allowance for that module. (Note that for MSc students this
will be rare, as the LSR will normally be your last opportunity to pass the module.) Non-
attending students should obtain a letter from their tutor to gain access to the l ibrary and
computer facilities. Non-attending students are not permitted to attend lectures. When a
sufficient number of modules have been passed you can then rejoin your degree
programme immediately after the Subject Examination Boards in June.
Extenuating Circumstances Extenuating circumstances are defined by Queen Mary as:
“Circumstances that are outside a student’s control which may have a negative impact on a
student’s ability to undertake or complete any assessment so as to cast doubt on the likely
validity of the assessment as a measure of the student’s achievement.”
Extenuating circumstances are usually personal or health problems. Health problems
include your emotional wellbeing and mental health, as well as your physical health.
Extenuating circumstances do not include computer problems, misreading your exam
timetable, planned holidays or events, or local transport delays
If you believe that your performance in a particular item of assessment or more generally
has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may wish to register an
extenuating circumstances case. Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) include illness, death of a
close relative, etc. Extenuating Circumstances do not normally include computer problems,
printing problems, misreading your exam timetable or planned holidays.
Extenuating Circumstances forms are available from the SEMS School Office or online. If you
believe that you have a case for consideration, you should complete this form and supply
supporting documentation (for example medical certification, death certificate, police
report and crime number, or other written evidence from a person in authority), and submit
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 29
the paperwork to the SEMS School Office. All cases of extenuating circumstances are
considered by a small subcommittee of the Examination Boards known as the Extenuating
Circumstances Committee. All claims must therefore be received no later than 3 days before
the meeting of this committee, which will take place soon after the May Examinations (see
Key Dates above). Please note that although accompanying documentation can be
submitted late, claims without any evidence cannot be considered. All proceedings of the
subcommittee are strictly confidential, and will not normally be discussed at the full
Examination Board.
It is your own responsibility to make a case for extenuating circumstances, not that of your
Personal Tutor. Please ensure that if you do have what you believe is a valid case, you
complete the submission process in accordance with the School guidelines and deadlines.
Further information on extenuating circumstances can be found at:
https://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/study/extenuating-circumstances
Where the extenuating circumstances cause you to be absent from an exam please refer to
the next section.
Absence from Examinations If, on the day of the exam, you feel you are not well enough to sit the exam, or if
Extenuating Circumstances in the run up to an exam have made it impossible for you to
prepare for the exam adequately, then you should not attend the exam and instead submit
a claim for Extenuating Circumstances, including with your claim any and all supporting
evidence (see previous section for further details on submitting an extenuating
circumstances claim). If your claim is accepted you will be granted a Certified Absence. This
means you will be given the opportunity to take the exam at the next available opportunity,
your mark will not be capped at 50% (as it would be if you simply attended the exam and
failed it) and the Certified Absence will not count towards your allowed quota of attempts
for that module.
Please note it is ultimately your decision whether or not to attend the exam and it is the
collective decision of the Examination Board whether or not a claim is accepted. If you
attend an examination then you will be deemed to have made the decision that you are “fit
to sit” and any subsequent request for Extenuating Circumstances to be taken into account
will not be accepted.
Medical certificates for exams must be independently certified, i.e. from a GP and must
include a clear diagnosis. It is essential that the certificate specifies the precise dates that
you are unfit to take exams. If you absent yourself from any exams due to a lengthy illness
during your revision period then the Examination Board would normally expect all your
modules to be equally affected and for you to be absent from all your examinations.
Self-certified certificates and notes from NHS “walk-in” centres are not valid for exam
absences. If there are other Extenuating Circumstances for your absence then written
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 30
independent evidence must be provided within the same time-scale. You are advised to
keep photocopies of these documents.
Interruption & Withdrawal of Studies Information on interruption & withdrawal of studies, including links to the relevant forms,
found here:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/study/interrupting/
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/study/withdrawing/
Interrupting Studies Continuing on a degree programme when you have serious problems will almost certainly
lead to either failure or a poor degree. In these circumstances you should consider
temporarily withdrawing from the programme and returning at a later date. This is referred
to as ‘Interrupting Studies’ and must be requested using the appropriate form obtainable
from the School Office or online. After completion you will need to obtain the Director of
Student Support’s approval. Independent written evidence of your problems will add weight
to your request.
The dates of interruption and return will be decided by the Director of Student Support
based on your particular circumstances and the exact date you request an interruption. For
this reason it is vital that you discuss the matter as soon as problems arise. The final date for
requesting an interruption is the end of the second semester.
The fee structure for students interrupting studies depends on the exact dates of the
interruption and return but you remain liable for any fees that are due for the period up to
your officially approved interruption. If you interrupt your studies without official approval,
i.e. simply cease attending, then you remain liable for the full academic year’s fees. Students
in this situation remain registered for exams and will be awarded 0% Fail when they fail to
attend the exams.
Withdrawal To withdraw from Queen Mary you must complete a Withdrawal from University form
obtainable from the School Office or online. You remain liable for any fees that are due for
the period up to your officially approved withdrawal from Queen Mary. If you withdraw
without official approval, i.e. simply cease attending, then you remain liable for the full
academic year’s fees.
Graduation In order to graduate students should have passed a total of 120 credits (8 modules) in
taught modules and the dissertation. Failure in taught modules to the value of not more
than 30 credits can be condoned provided that the candidate’s average mark over all the
taught modules is not less than 50%, and the mark for the failed modules is not below 40%.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 31
Your degree will be classified as Distinction when your overall average is 70.0 or higher and
your dissertation mark 65.0 or higher, as Merit when both your overall average and
dissertation mark are 60.0 or higher, and Pass otherwise.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 32
Religious Observance and Study
QMUL is a diverse community of over 25,000 students and staff. With a variety of faiths and
beliefs represented on campus, we are committed to tolerance, understanding and co-
operation, as well as to ensuring as far as possible that our policies are consistent across all
needs. Many religions and beliefs require their members to pray at specific times during the
day, or have special festivals or spiritual observance days. We recognise therefore that
students at QMUL often strike a balance between their educational and religious
commitments.
One of QMUL’s fundamental aims is to provide an education that is judged internationally to
be of the highest quality. It would be both impractical and inconsistent with our aims as a
university to suspend teaching for reasons of religious observance, but we will
accommodate students’ religious commitments where we reasonably can do so. This may
include providing learning materials (potentially including QReview recordings) online and
permitting students to attend classes at different times where there is availability.
Students are expected to stay engaged and up-to-date with their studies throughout their
time at QMUL. Schools and institutes should make their expectations for attendance and
submission of coursework clear to students at the beginning of their studies, and students
should inform themselves beforehand about the potential implications of missing learning
and teaching activities. Students must also inform their school or institute beforehand if
they intend to miss any teaching. We will take religious commitments into reasonable
account when reviewing students’ attendance, but we expect students to plan their studies
so that they can submit coursework on time.
The following procedures apply in the event that a special festival or spiritual observance
day would result in absence from a scheduled assessment:
In the case of an in-class test, students may request permission in advance from their
Head of School or Institute to be absent on that occasion. The Head of School or
Institute will consider whether reasonable adjustments can be made, for example by
permitting late submission or rearranging the test. It is important to submit requests
well in advance, in case reasonable adjustments cannot be made.
Students may notify QMUL of any special festivals or spiritual observance days that fall
during formal examination periods by submitting the relevant form by the deadline
specified in the Academic Calendar. We will accommodate such requests where we
reasonably can do so. We are not able to make allowances for routine religious
observance during formal examination periods.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 33
Student Support
Personal Tutors If you have a problem you should see your Personal Tutor as soon as possible. Email can be
used to book a mutually convenient time for a meeting. In cases of continuing difficulty, and
for urgent problems. If your Personal Tutor is not available, you should see the Student
Support Coordinator or the Director of Student Support.
Your Personal Tutor can refer you to QMUL’s Advice and Counselling Services if you agree
that this would be appropriate and helpful or you can contact them independently.
Discussions with the QMUL’s Advice and Counselling Services are confidential.
Student-Staff Liaison Forum The Student-Staff Liaison Forum (SSLF) provides a forum for the exchange of views between
students and staff, covering any subject relevant to Programmes, School facilities, QMUL
facilities and associated professional issues. SSLF meetings take place on Wednesdays 1-
2pm in odd weeks.
Student Societies There are currently four societies organised by students within the School. These are;
Engineering, Materials, Engineers without Borders and Formula Student. These societies all
have academic contacts within SEMS and are supported in different ways by the school, but
they are run primarily by students, for students.
Those students prepared to devote time and energy to participating in the management of
these societies not only make a very useful contribution to the school but also enhance their
own transferable skills. Details can be found via the SEMS website.
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey All MSc students at UK institutions take part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
(PTES). This is your opportunity to share your experiences of Queen Mary with the wider
world and future students. Please do complete the PTES, and fill it in honestly. The results
are important as they are used in compiling university league tables, which can determine
national university ‘rankings’ in the press.
Advice and Counselling Service The University has a free and confidential Advice and Counselling Service which can be
contacted as follows:
Telephone: 020 7882 8717
Email: [email protected]
In person: Room G7, Ground Floor, Geography Building
Website: https://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 34
Examples of areas where you may want advice include:
Student loans and fees
Money management
Welfare benefits
Hardship funds and bursaries
Housing rights
Immigration law
Examples of areas where you may want counselling include:
Difficult decisions
Anxiety
Depression
Poor concentration
Cultural pressures
Relationship problems
Disability and Dyslexia Service The Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) offers support for all students with disabilities,
specific learning difficulties and mental health issues.
Website: http://www.dds.qmul.ac.uk
Careers Advice A high proportion of your age group now goes to university. Competition for graduate
employment is therefore much greater than it once was. If you want to work in a field
directly related to your degree programme then you need to be one of the ‘best’ graduates
available to prospective employers. This judgement will initially be based on your CV, taking
into account your academic, and work experience. Your personal tutor will be happy to give
you advice on your draft CV. SEMS also puts on a series of events and CV workshops.
A high proportion of graduates pursue careers that at first sight appear to be unconnected
or only loosely connected to their degree programme. Choosing the most appropriate
career for you personally can seem daunting.
The Queen Mary Careers Service can help you with making these choices. They are located
in Room WG3 of the Queens’ Building
http://www.careers.qmul.ac.uk
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 7882 8533
They can check your CV or application form, and give advice on interviews, assessment
centres and postgraduate study. They provide a range of services, including an information
library, careers fairs, workshops and employer presentations throughout the year. They can
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 35
also help with job hunting (part-time, vacation and graduate) and career choice/planning.
The service is free of charge to all current students.
The Careers Advisor for SEMS is Andy Walsh:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 7882 3682
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 36
Safety Regulations
There are particular risks and hazards associated with work in the School of Engineering and
Materials Science.
The SEMS Safety Regulations must be observed by all students using the facilities of the
School of Engineering and Materials Science for their own safety and for the safety of
others. These regulations are in addition to the general University safety regulations.
If you do not observe the regulations you may be penalised by the University, but you will
also be breaking the law and you could be fined or even imprisoned.
You will be given access to a copy of the SEMS Health & Safety Handbook which you must
retain for future reference.
You will not be allowed to work in the School Laboratories until you have completed the
online Health and Safety Induction, as described in the handbook.
Emergencies 1. It is the duty of every individual to know the procedure for calling emergency
services (3333 from any internal phone, or 999 if using a mobile, direct line or
payphone where University Security cannot be contacted), and to be familiar with
the University instructions “What to do in an Emergency” and “Fire Precautions”
displayed in the main entrances of all buildings. A person who discovers a fire should
raise the alarm by breaking the glass of the nearest fire alarm call point. When
hearing the fire alarm evacuate the building by the nearest route and go to the Fire
Assembly point – the SEMS Emergency assembly point is in front of Queens Building
on the grass.
2. First aid boxes, fire extinguishers, fire alarms and telephones are installed
throughout the School. Everybody should be familiar with the installations nearest
to their work locations.
3. Nobody shall carelessly or intentionally interfere with or misuse anything that is
provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
4. Any accident involving personal injury, which requires medical attention, must be
reported to the Medical Centre and the School Safety Advisor. Staff members must
also know the procedure for reporting dangerous occurrences and serious personal
injury accidents.
Working in Laboratories 1. Undergraduate students are not permitted to work in any room or laboratory at any
time outside scheduled classes unless the responsible technician or academic staff
member is present and a Risk Assessment has been carried out.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 37
2. Nobody is permitted to work alone where any potentially dangerous situation exists,
such as electrical hazard, explosion or implosion hazard, chemical hazard, or
mechanical or structural hazard. Exceptionally, working alone in laboratories may be
authorised by written permission only by a supervisor and head of School or School
Safety Advisor, after appropriate risk assessment. As a guide, hazards are deemed to
exist in any situation not normally found in domestic households.
3. The School Safety Advisor must be informed in advance of any proposed work which
may involve unusual or severe hazard whether in or outside the University. Risk
assessments must be carried out for all laboratory or workshop procedures.
4. Protective clothing, such as overalls or a laboratory coat and goggles, should be worn
at all times when working in the laboratories. Approved steel toe-capped footwear
must be worn at all times in workshops, with closed toed shoes to be worn in
laboratories. You will be asked to leave the workshop/laboratory if you do not wear
suitable foot wear. Wear heat-resistant gloves when using ovens and furnaces. Do
not touch equipment or objects in hot areas without first checking that they are
cool. Hot items should be clearly marked and kept in safe areas
5. Chemicals are particularly hazardous. You should not handle or use any chemicals
until you have been given the proper safety precautions and completed a thorough
risk assessment that includes a COSHH assessment (COSHH = Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health).
6. No machine, engine or equipment is to be used until you have been fully instructed
in its use, as incorrect operation may be dangerous. If in doubt ask a member of
staff.
7. All injuries, even minor ones such as cut fingers, must be reported to the Faculty
Safety Advisor and treated by a qualified First aider (dial 3333 on any internal phone
and ask for a First Aider to be paged). All spillages must be attended to and cleared
immediately and all breakages/damages must be reported immediately.
8. Care must be taken when using compressed air: IT CAN KILL. Fume cupboards and
fume extractors must be used to clear fumes from work areas.
9. All guards must be in place before an engine or machine is started. Guards are NOT
to be removed.
10. If you are doubtful about the safety of anything you are asked to do, you have a
DUTY to refuse to do it until you have been properly instructed. If you come across a
situation you think is unsafe, you have a DUTY to report it to a member of staff.
For all information related to Health and Safety within SEMS please go to the following link
on the SEMS intranet:
https://admin.sems.qmul.ac.uk/healthandsafety
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 38
SEMS Staff Charter
This staff charter aims to:
Set out in broad terms what you should expect from all members of staff in terms of support
for learning, wellbeing and for the development of broader career skills.
1. Respect for Students. All members of staff should behave at all times in a manner
that shows due respect to individual students as well as to the whole lecture class.
2. Access to Staff. All staff should be available for meetings within a reasonable time
during term time. If they are absent from University for a prolonged period then they
should arrange for another member of staff to deal with their academic, tutoring and
other enquiries.
3. Replying to e-mails. All staff should normally reply to your e-mails within five
working days during term time, providing they are sent from your University email
address. If the member of staff is away from University for a prolonged period then
an automatic e-mail reply should be generated. Staff cannot be expected to reply to
unsigned, specious or unreasonable e-mails.
4. Module Material. You should be provided at the start of every module with a
module outline that will set out clearly the aims and objectives, syllabus, coursework
requirements, details of feedback you will receive, recommended textbooks or other
reading.
5. Teaching. All staff should arrive promptly at lectures and deliver a coherent lecture
with appropriate illustrations, examples etc. Where appropriate the lecturer should
deal clearly with questions.
6. Coursework. The handing in dates for coursework should be clearly and
unambiguously set out by the module organiser. A return date should be given for
marked coursework and should be adhered to. All coursework should be clearly
marked with feedback where appropriate.
7. Projects. Your Project Supervisor should devise a project that is academically and
practically achievable within the allocated time scale. You should be provided with
clear direction and support for the project from the outset. The supervisor is
responsible for ensuring that any equipment and technical help required is to be
available within the project period. The supervisor should be available for regular
project meetings and advice throughout the project.
8. Personal Tutoring. A member of staff will act as your Personal Tutor. His/her role is
to monitor your progress through your Degree programme and to provide advice
and help in any circumstances that may inhibit your progress, whether these are
academic difficulties, illness or difficult personal issues. Your personal tutor should
normally be available to see you at reasonable notice and record your attendance. If
your problem is urgent and your personal tutor is not available then you should be
able to contact the Senior Tutor.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 39
9. Reference Letter. You should normally be able to obtain reference letters from
your Personal Tutor and Project Supervisor. These letters will usually be for specific
applications, and not be general letters of commendation
10. Complaints. If you feel that you have a complaint you should take this up with
Director of Taught Programmes, Dr A Briggs, in accordance with the SEMS
complaints procedure, shown on the SEMS intranet at
https://admin.sems.qmul.ac.uk/undergrad/handbooks/files/Student%20Complaints
%20SEMS%20Policy%202013.pdf
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 40
SEMS Student Charter
This student charter aims to:
Encourage you to take responsibility for your studies.
Protect you from interruption to or distraction from your studies
Preserve a friendly working environment
Promote the correct and legal use of equipment provided by the School such as
computers and laboratory apparatus.
Develop a positive image of the teaching and research activities of the School both
locally and nationally.
This charter is specifically concerned with the following issues:
1. Identification. I will wear my identification card at all times on the Campus in such a
way that it can easily be seen.
2. General Behaviour. I will conduct myself in an orderly and courteous manner in all
areas of the Campus, in particular lecture rooms, the Library, Student Residences
and eating areas. I accept that I should readily and fully comply with the reasonable
requests of authorised University personnel at all times when on the Campus.
3. Punctuality. I understand that lectures, practical classes and problem solving classes
begin at a specified time (typically 5 minutes after the hour) and that I am expected
to be punctual. If I arrive more than ten minutes after the advertised start of a
lecture or problem solving class, I understand that I shall not normally be allowed to
participate.
4. Attendance registers. I understand that an attendance register may be taken during
lectures and practical classes. I understand that it is my responsibility to register my
attendance by the appropriate means.
5. Maintaining regular contact. I agree to use only my University e-mail account and
address for all University communications and I shall check my e-mail on a daily basis
for all School correspondence.
6. Eating and Drinking. I agree not to consume food or drink in lecture rooms,
computing laboratories or other designated teaching areas.
7. Noise. Chatting during lectures or other classes disturbs other students as well as the
module organiser. I accept that noise makers may be required to leave the lecture
room.
8. Computer Facilities. I agree to register for the use of the University computing
facilities and that I shall only use these facilities in connection with academic work
and University business.
9. Computer Software. I undertake not to copy software without permission from the
owner or the copyright holder. I shall not install unlicensed or illegal software on any
School or University computing facilities.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 41
10. Data Protection. I shall not attempt to obtain access to any data relating to the
administration of the University, unless explicitly told that I may do so. I understand
that I have the right under the Data Protection Act to request a copy of all records
relating to me which the School and the University maintains.
11. Plagiarism. I recognise that any individual coursework submitted must be my own.
Any quotation or reference from published or unpublished work of others will be
acknowledged by a citation. In particular, I shall not copy the work of another
student. This is called plagiarism and is an offence as serious as cheating in a written
examination.
12. Cheating in Examinations. I will follow all the University regulations for my proper
conduct during examinations. I shall not attempt to use any memory storage device,
mobile tele-communications system or written notes to assist me in any
examination.
13. Use of Equipment and Facilities. I shall not attempt to use any laboratory or
teaching facilities such as mechanical testing machines, physical characterisation
equipment or microscopes unless I am either under the direct supervision from a
qualified member of staff or unless I have been given written authorisation having
previously followed an approved training course.
14. Damage to Equipment and Facilities. I shall use utmost care when using School
equipment and facilities in order to avoid careless or reckless damage. However, if I
am responsible for accidental damage then I shall report it immediately to the School
Office.
15. Movement of Equipment around the School. I undertake not to move any School
equipment without the prior written consent from the relevant member of staff. I
undertake to return any borrowed equipment to its registered location immediately
after use.
16. Safety. I agree to abide by the safety rules as set out by the School Safety Handbook.
17. Other Illegal Activities. I undertake to participate in no illegal activity throughout my
study at Queen Mary.
The University regulations are available at: http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/. Follow the link
under “QMUL Students”.
Nothing in this charter shall override any of the Regulations of the University.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 42
Plagiarism Consent Form
You will be asked to sign a separate copy of this form when you enrol
What is Turnitin® UK (A JISC Service)? The service helps academic staff address a number of common but difficult to identify issues
related to citation and collaboration in coursework assessments. It enables tutors to identify
the original source of material included within student work by searching a database of
several billion pages of reference material gathered from professional publications, student
essay websites and other student works. It is used by academics as a tool to help them
provide better information and feedback to students about the work they have submitted.
The tool does not make decisions about the intention of unoriginal work, nor does it
determine if unoriginal content is incorrectly cited or indeed plagiarised. It simply highlights
sections of text that have been found in other sources to help academic staff members
make these decisions. In many cases this will lead the academic member of staff to provide
feedback to students on how to improve their coursework submissions and citations. All
assessment decisions will continue to be made by the course tutor who will review the
entire work.
What is the benefit of using the service? Your institution wishes to encourage students to behave with honesty and integrity at all
times. The correct citation of work and the authenticity of submitted work is a cornerstone,
not just of our education system, but of the trust and value held in each of our education
institutions by employers and the public at large. The use of this service along with other
methods of maintaining the integrity of the academic process will help your institution
maintain academic standards and assessment fairness.
How will my data be used? In order for this service to work you will be required to submit your assignments to the
service where they will be stored together with your name, email address, degree
programme details and institution. You may also opt to enter your address and phone
number but this is not compulsory. Once your material has been uploaded it will be stored
electronically in a database and compared against work submitted from this or any other
department(s) within this institution or from other UK institutions using the service.
Your tutor will receive an Originality Report from the service. In most cases this feedback
will be used by the tutor to instruct you about the process of citation and the importance of
maintaining academic standards. In some cases, dependent on extent, level and context, the
institution may decide to undertake further investigation which could ultimately lead to
disciplinary actions, should instances of plagiarism be detected. Such decisions are entirely
at the discretion of your institution and in no way involve HEFCE (the Higher Education
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 43
Funding Council for England) nor the service. In this circumstance it is possible that your
personal data may need to be disclosed to academic staff within the other institution(s)
from where matching content has been submitted.
HEFCE has overall responsibility for the processing of personal data carried out by Turnitin®
UK (A JISC Service). HEFCE and each institution signing up to use the service will together
act as Joint Data Controllers for the personal data submitted with students’ work.
In order for your institution to make use of the service it will be necessary for personal data
relating to you to be transferred to countries not governed by EU Data Protection
legislation. However, it should be noted that iParadigms, the company processing your data
are bound by terms of contract to at all times abide by the Data Protection Act 2018.
How long will the service keep my work? The service will seek to retain content submitted to it and associated personal data until the
termination of this service or its successor, thus helping to accumulate as large a corpus of
knowledge as possible against which to compare submitted content.
Who owns the copyright to the work I have submitted? HEFCE has no interest in acquiring the intellectual property rights for the content submitted
by you. The copyright for such content will continue to reside with either yourself or your
institution; whichever is currently the case.
The service will help to protect your work from future plagiarism and thereby help maintain
the integrity of any qualification you receive.
What are my rights under the Data Protection Act? As the data subject you do have the right to see what personal information is held about
you in relation to this or any other service that stores your personal information and have
limited rights to object to your data being used. Please refer to the Plagiarism Advisory
Service web site (www.jiscpas.ac.uk) for further information regarding these rights.
If your personal data has been integrated into the service via your institution’s student
information system your request may require the institution to withdraw your personal
information from student information system as well. Your institution will be able to inform
you of the implications of exercising this right under these conditions.
Please note: your tutor can submit your work to the service without the use of personal
data should you decide to exercise this right. The right to objection relates to the storage of
your personal data and does not extend as a right to object to your tutor making use of
technology aimed at improving academic standards when assessing your work
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 44
Agreement: I give my permission for my personal details to be used by the JISC PDS service. I am aware
that work submitted on my behalf by my Instructor will form part of the database against
which all future submissions are checked.
Forename:
__________________________________________________
Surname:
__________________________________________________
Student Number:
_________________
Programme of Study:
__________________________________________________
Signed:
__________________________________________________
Date:
_________________
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 45
Appendix A - Glossary
This section explains some of the main terms that you are likely to encounter in this
handbook and in your studies.
Academic credit: An indicator of the amount and level of learning. Given in multiples of 15.
Academic level: The relative complexity, depth of study, and learner autonomy required in
relation to a module in the context of its discipline. Each module shall be assigned a level
from the following scale:
Level 3: Foundation or pre-degree level (previously level 0)
Level 4: Introductory (previously level 1)
Level 5: Intermediate (previously level 2)
Level 6: Final (previously level 3)
Level 7: Masters (previously level M)
Level 8: Research level
Academic year: A period running from September to August. The developmental years of
most undergraduate programmes follow academic years, and policies and regulations are
normally written by academic year. See also developmental year, and calendar year.
Advanced standing: Prior, certificated study from another institution deemed equivalent to
QM modules from which exemption is sought.
Assessed coursework: Coursework that students are required to complete and submit, and
which contributes in whole or in part to module marks and awards.
Award: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate certificates, diplomas, bachelors
degrees (with and without honours), and undergraduate and postgraduate masters degrees.
The awards offered by QM are detailed in the Ordinances and the Academic Regulations.
Calendar year: A twelve month period. Many masters programmes run for a full calendar
year, which may cross two academic years. See also academic year; developmental year.
University: Queen Mary and Westfield University, which operates under the name ‘Queen
Mary University of London’ (QMUL).
University Mark: The weighted average of a student’s performance, calculated in
accordance with the regulations for the award, on which the classification of the award is
based.
Component of assessment: See Element of assessment.
Compulsory module: A module that must be taken to meet requirements for progression or
award.
Core module: A module that must be taken and passed to meet requirements for
progression or award. Core modules cannot be condoned.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 46
Co-requisite module: A module that must be taken at the same time as another, specified,
module.
Course, course unit: See Module. The terms course and course unit are no longer used.
Delegated authority: Where the authority invested in an individual or body is delegated to
another individual or body for a specified purpose.
Developmental year: A year of a programme. Normally one academic year of full time
study, during which a student is normally required to be registered for 120 credits of
modules. Developmental years for part time students normally last two years. See also
academic year and calendar year.
Dissertation, project, research project: An extended piece of independent study assessed
by an output report or extended essay. The dissertation or project comprises a significant
part of most masters programmes. In these regulations, the term ‘dissertation’ also refers to
projects and research projects.
Element of assessment: An individual item of assessment. The assessment for a module
may comprise several elements of assessment.
Enrolment: A process by which individuals with offers of places to study become students of
QM. New students must pre-enrol before enrolment, and returning students must re-enrol
each year.
Extenuating circumstances: Circumstances that are outside a student’s control which may
have a negative impact on a student’s ability to undertake or complete any assessment so as
to cast doubt on the likely validity of the assessment as a measure of the student’s
achievement.
External examiner: A senior professional academic from outside QM who monitors the
assessment process for fairness and academic standards.
Field of study: The description of the modules passed by a student. Represented in the title
of the award conferred upon a student.
First sit: The repeat of all or part of a module’s assessment following a certified absence at
the first attempt due to extenuating circumstances acceptable to the examination board. A
first sit replaces the first attempt and does not count towards the value of academic credit
for which a student must normally be registered in an academic or developmental year. First
sit module marks are not capped.
First take: The repeat of a module following failure at a previous attempt. This involves
attendance and completion of all elements of the module, and submission of all
assignments, whether assessed or not. First takes count towards the value of academic
credit for which a student must normally be registered in an academic or developmental
year. Module marks for first takes are not capped. First takes incur pro rata tuition fees.
Intercollegiate examiner: An external examiner from within the University of London.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 47
Invigilated examination: A timetabled summative examination that contributes in whole or
in part to the module mark.
Level: See Academic level.
Module assessment: Assessment of the performance of a student on a module. This may
include a variety of elements and forms, including coursework, dissertations, and practical
assignments.
Module: An approved block of teaching and learning leading to the award of academic
credit and forming part of a programme of study. ‘Module’ also refers to course, course
unit, subject, or any equivalent approved unit of assessed teaching.
Module mark: The overall module result. This may be an aggregate of marks from several
elements of assessment, which may be weighted. It is held to one decimal place.
Notional study hours: The number of hours required to complete an academic credit,
module, or programme.
Pathway: A specific combination of modules within a programme leading to a named
award.
Prerequisite module: A specified module that must be taken before a second specified
module can be taken.
Programme regulations: The regulations for an individual programme of study, approved by
Senate, or its delegated authority.
Programme of study (programme): A package of modules approved by Senate, or its
delegated authority, and leading to an award of QM or the University of London.
Progression: The process of moving from one developmental year to the next, or from the
taught element to the project element of a programme.
Project: See Dissertation
QMACF: Queen Mary Academic Credit Framework. The structure of academic credits and
levels applied to all modules and programmes leading to awards of QM or the University of
London (introduced in 2008).
Qualifying mark: A specified minimum mark that must be obtained in one or more elements
of assessment in order to pass a module. This is in addition to, and distinct from, the
requirement to achieve a pass in the module mark to pass the module. For example:
‘Students must obtain a minimum aggregated and weighted coursework average of 30.0,
and a minimum module mark of 40.0, in order to pass the module.’
Registration: A process by which a student signs up for modules of a programme of study.
Required assessment: Assessment that students are required to complete to a prescribed
standard and to submit, but which does not contribute to the module mark.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 48
Research students: Students registered for a programme of study specifically designated as
a research programme. Research programmes have separate Academic Regulations.
Resit: The repeat of all or part of a module’s assessments, following failure at a previous
attempt. Resits do not involve the repeat of attendance for the module. They do not count
towards the value of academic credit for which students must normally be registered in an
academic or developmental year.
Retake: The repeat of a module following failure at a previous attempt. Retakes involve
attendance and completion of all elements of the module, and the submission of all
assessments (summative and formative). They count towards the value of academic credit
for which students must normally be registered in an academic or developmental year.
Retakes incur pro rata tuition fees.
Special regulations: Programme regulations that diverge from the general Academic
Regulations for good reason, and which are approved by Senate or its delegated authority.
The special regulations are detailed in Sections 6 and 7 of the Academic Regulations.
Students: Students of QM. Ordinance C1 describes ‘those persons who are students of QM
and associate students of QM’. The Academic Regulations apply to all students undertaking
undergraduate or postgraduate study at QM, and to any persons whom Senate declares to
be students of QM.
Subject: The term by which modules (see Module) are known for the LLB and other
programmes that operate under the LLB regulations. Where the term ‘module’ is used in
these regulations it also refers to subjects, unless otherwise stated.
Taught component: The parts of a programme delivered as taught modules, as opposed to
dissertations or projects. The term is generally used in relation to postgraduate
programmes.
Total credit value: The total amount of academic credit required for an award.
Threshold requirement: A progression requirement for MSci and MEng programmes.
Students must achieve a year - or aggregate - average (threshold) to progress to the next
developmental year. This is in addition to the credit requirements for progression.
University: The University of London, unless otherwise specified.
Assessment types definitions
Invigilated examination (short code EXM): A formal, timed and invigilated
assessment that takes place under the regulations for invigilated examinations. To
include but not limited to: seen and unseen examinations (including on-line
examinations) that take place in QMUL’s formal examination periods.
Coursework (short code CWK): An assessment that takes place during the module.
To include but not limited to: essays, reports, presentations, poster presentations,
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 49
seminar/tutorial work, in-class or in-semester tests, mid-sessional examinations,
project proposals, gobbet exercises and homework sheets.
Practical (short code PRA): An assessment that requires the application or
demonstration of knowledge and/or skills/competencies in a practical context. To
include: laboratory work, computer work, performances, fieldwork, Organised
Structured Clinical Examinations and oral assessments in languages.
Dissertation/project (short code DIS): An extended piece of independent study that
is assessed by the output report or long essay. To include but not limited to:
dissertations, research projects and project reports.
Professional capability (short code CAP): An assessment of a student’s professional
attitude and conduct to meet the requirements of a Professional and Statutory
Regulatory Body. To include but not limited to: assessment of behaviour and
conduct (primarily for primary qualifying medical and dental qualifications but may
be appropriate in other programmes).
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 50
Appendix B - Student Academic
Engagement Policy Framework (SEMS)
The ‘Student Engagement Policy’ has been approved both by the HSS and S&E faculties and
was approved by Senate in June 2013.
More information on Engagement, Retention and Success can be found here:
http://connect.qmul.ac.uk/teachlearn/retention/
Introduction For the timely and effective administration of support, the School wishes to use the
following markers of student engagement. This is to ensure that students are well
supported and given every opportunity to progress with their studies and to achieve to their
fullest potential whilst here.
1. Markers of Student Engagement 1.1. Attendance: All undergraduate students are expected to attend scheduled taught
sessions including lectures, practical classes, group work, workshops, personal
tutorials, seminars, computer lab sessions, problem-solving classes, exercise classes,
lab sessions, project meetings, and other events which are associated with the
modules for which they are registered as part of their programme of study.
1.2. Coursework Submission: All undergraduate students are expected to submit
reports, exercises essays, and other pieces of coursework associated with each
module for which they are registered as part of their programme of study, by the
individually advertised deadlines and method of submission
1.3. Participation in Formative Assessments: All undergraduate students are expected
to participate in a range of activities (with or without the allocation of marks) that
help to inform teaching and learning during the learning process.
1.4. Marks from Summative Assessments: All undergraduate students are expected to
participate in a range of activities assessing the outcomes of a learning process.
Provisional and/or confirmed marks allocated from such summative assessments
e.g. weekly tests, coursework, and Examinations, often contribute to the overall
module grade and programme degree classification.
1.5. Other Student Engagement Activities: All undergraduate students are expected to
participate in a range of formal or informal activities that signify continued
engagement with their programme of study. Examples of such activities are
scheduled meetings with Personal Tutors, industrial visits , and group work
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 51
2. Action Following Identification of Students Who May
Require Support 2.1. Actions by Schools are designed to support students to engage or re-engage with
their study programme. The underpinning principles are that the School, once it has
admitted a student to a programme of study, has a duty of care to that student,
whilst in turn the student has a responsibility to engage with the available support.
In such cases, support will be designed by the School around the needs of the
individual student.
2.2. A student identified as approaching or falling below the minimum requirements of
engagement set by their School will be contacted alerting them to this, outlining
support mechanisms to deal with the issues that may be contributing to this.
2.3. Once a student is identified as in need of support in order to re-engage with their
studies, they will be invited to a meeting with their Personal Tutor to discuss issues
that might be affecting their studies, and for the provision of encouragement/advice
(with possible referral to QM support services if necessary). The first port of call is
the Personal Tutor, who in turn may liaise with the Senior Tutor and the School’s
Student Support Co-ordinator. In exceptional circumstances, a senior member of
the School Management Team, such as the Director of Taught Programmes or the
Head of School, may be involved in this process.
2.4. The School will always try to help students who are experiencing problems, but we
cannot do so if we are not kept informed of them. If there are factors making a
student’s engagement with their programme difficult, it is essential that the student
discusses these with their Personal Tutor, or an appropriate person in the School, at
an early stage. This will give us the opportunity to intervene and provide the
necessary support
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 52
Appendix C – Student Services
Student Enquiry Centre We provide support to all Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students and we can
help with a wide variety of queries. If you are not sure about something or do not know who
to contact, ask us!
We are located on the ground floor of the Queens’ Building, CB01
Student Enquiry Centre Online: http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/sec/sec-online/
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 7882 5005
Follow us on Twitter @QMULSEC https://twitter.com/QMULSEC
Bursaries, Grants and Scholarships
Student Loans If you have applied for funds from Student Finance then you will receive the first instalment
once you have enrolled fully for the academic year. If your payments do not arrive and you
cannot remedy the problem with Student Finance yourself, please contact the Advice and
Counselling Service for specialist support.
Bursaries
QMUL Bursaries are assessed using the household income information provided to us from
Student Finance. You and your financial sponsor(s) need to consent to share your
information with us, this is usually done during the application process but if you are unsure
if you have done this then you can contact Student Finance directly to check.
If you don't wish to take out student funding, such as loans, but still wish to be assessed for
a QMUL Bursary you will still need to apply for a household income assessment, full details
on how to do this are on the Advice and Counselling Service website.
Full details of the QMUL Bursary, including eligibility, amounts and payment dates can be
found on our website at http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/finances/bursaries-grants-
scholarships/qmul-bursaries/
QMUL Financial Assistance Fund
If you have exceptional or unforeseen costs or you are in financial hardship you could be
eligible for help from the Financial Assistance Fund. The fund is there to help any eligible
student who has a particular financial need but we cannot meet every application we
receive and we cannot always meet all of the costs that you might apply for. Full details,
guidance and an application form can be found on our website
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 53
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/finances/bursaries-grants-scholarships/financial-
assistance-fund/
Telephone: 020 7882 5079
Email: [email protected]
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/bursaries
Advice and Counselling Service The Advice and Counselling Service offers free and confidential professional services to
students. The service is located on the ground floor of the Geography Building at Mile End,
and is open on weekdays throughout the year, including most vacations. Detailed
information and advice is available online.
Welfare Advice
Welfare advisers can advise on solutions and options relating to financial, legal and welfare
issues, to help you concentrate on your studies. The service can advise you about your rights
and entitlements, and also offers an advocacy service if you need professional
representation
to remedy your difficulties. The service provides specialist advice and support on all aspects
of student finance (loans, grants, and bursaries), hardship funds, welfare benefits and
dealing with debt. The service also offers preventative advice, on issues such as planning a
budget and maximising your income from a range of sources, to help you avoid problems
emerging during your studies.
Counselling
Life inevitably has its ups and downs, and it is normal to sometimes feel a bit low or anxious.
But at times, emotional and psychological issues can become more challenging, and may
have a negative effect on your studies and student life. Counselling can help you to
understand difficult experiences and feelings. If you are finding life difficult, the opportunity
to think and talk reflectively about your difficulties can bring relief and meaningful changes.
Counselling is offered for any personal issue that may affect you.
Immigration Advice
Welfare advisers in the Advice and Counselling Service offer confidential advice on all
student and Tier 4 related immigration issues. The welfare advisers in the Advice and
Counselling Service are the staff at QM who are authorised by the UK government to offer
immigration advice to our students. See the Advice and Counselling Service website for
information about immigration issues.
Contacting the Advice and Counselling Service
The Advice and Counselling Service offers a limited number of same day appointments
Monday to Friday during the main university term times, in addition to the more standard
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 54
pre- booked appointments. For more information and contact details please visit the Advice
and Counselling Service’s website. If you are on a placement, studying abroad, or find it
difficult to get to Mile End, some services can be provided via telephone or email.
http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk
Telephone: 020 7882 8717
Email: via website online form
Careers and Enterprise Looking for part-time work or an internship? Need help with your CV or a job interview?
Want to find out about your options when you graduate? Thinking about starting a
business?
The QM Careers and Enterprise Centre Team provides information, advice and employer
events to help you get the best opportunities. We provide students with access to work
experience, support with starting a business, employer networks and self-presentation skills
for the recruitment process.
Students in every School are able to participate in a diverse careers programme. This might
include in-curriculum lectures, lunchtime workshops, professional career options panels, 1-
to-1 careers guidance, application feedback appointments and mock interviews. This is
supported by a wealth of careers information online.
Get the latest news on social media, search jobs on our online jobs board, read our jobs blog
or website for advice and insights and use our practice interviews and psychometric test
software.
We host over 160 events per year, from alumni career option panels to CV and interview
workshops and large scale recruitment fairs.
Our enterprise programme assists aspiring entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs to set up
their own businesses.
You can:
• Book an appointment for one-to-one careers guidance. Book by phone (020 7882
8533) or in person up to a week in advance, or drop by on the day – we may have
appointments free.
• Find out more about the world of work from employers and former students at our
careers events http://www.careers.qmul.ac.uk/events/
• Attend workshops on job applications, interviews, assessment centre techniques and
a range of graduate skills – from leadership to commercial awareness.
• Find a range of part-time, and full time job vacancies on our website
www.careers.qmul.ac.uk/jobs
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 55
• Use our work experience hub, where you can get placed into an internship,
temporary work or local work experience placement
www.careers.qmul.ac.uk/qrecruit
Disability and Dyslexia Service The university’s Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) offers advice, guidance and support for
students with disabilities, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia,
from application through to graduation. The range of support that the DDS is able to provide
includes:
Support and guidance in applying for the Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)
Support for international disabled students
Liaison with staff in QMUL’s Schools regarding ‘reasonable adjustments’
Support in ensuring that course materials are fully accessible
Screenings for students who think that they might have specific learning difficulties
Referrals to assess whether or not a student has a specific learning difficulty
Specialist one-to-one study skills support for students with dyslexia and other
specific learning difficulties
Specialist mentoring support for students with mental health difficulties and autism
On-site DSA needs assessments
Access to non-specialist human support, e.g. note-taking
Access to assistive technology
Guidance in accessing examination concessions such as additional time
IT Services Our services to support students range from email and internet access, to state-of-the-art
teaching and learning facilities and high performance computing in support of research.
There are a number of rooms around the campus that contain computers which students
can use. You sign in using your QMUL username and password. In general, any computer
you use will have all the applications that you need for your course available to you.
Your IT Account: Details of your QMUL username and password will be emailed to your
personal address before you enrol.
The IT Service Desk is the first point of contact for all IT help, support and advice. You can
call the Service Desk 24/7 on 020 7882 8888 or raise a ticket via the Self Service portal
https://helpdesk.qmul.ac.uk/. Visit us in the Queens' Building on the Mile End Campus. Our
opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
Find an available PC on campus: an interactive map showing which rooms have empty seats
http://availability.stu.qmul.ac.uk/
Print, Copy, Scan: There are printers in the computer rooms and in the Library. The larger
devices in the Library also offer copying and scanning facilities alongside printing. We also
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 56
offer a wireless printing service. You are charged for printing and copying by clicks (one click
= one side of paper). The cost of a single side is 4p but drops to 3.5p when you print double-
sided.
The CopyShop: A quick, professional and cost-effective photocopying and printing service.
We can print a range of items for you, including: Theses/Dissertations, Lecture notes,
Posters and much more.
Wi-Fi: The wireless network you use to connect your devices is eduroam. Halls of residence
are fully networked with Wi-Fi and a wired socket in each study bedroom. Access to e-mail,
QMplus the online learning environment and other services relevant to your study at QMUL
is available from the Internet as a whole.
Mobile app: QMUL’s mobile app is available as a native app for Android (version 2.3.3 or
higher) and iOS (version 6.0 and above) devices. The app allows you to do a number of
things on the move, including: check your course timetables, log into QMplus and your
QMUL email, search for and renew library books directly from your phone.
Policies: The use of IT facilities is covered by University regulations prohibiting, among other
things, software piracy and unauthorised computer use. IT Services policies are published
here: http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/governance/policies/
The IT Services website contains information on a number of our services and includes a
range of self-help guides http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/support/
Contact the IT Service Desk
Telephone: 020 7882 8888 (24/7)
Self Service: https://helpdesk.qmul.ac.uk/
IT Services on the web: http://ww.its.qmul.ac.uk
Learning Development Learning Development works in a number of ways with students at any level, undergraduate
or postgraduate, from any subject discipline, to develop the skills and practices they need to
become more effective in their academic work. Areas covered include writing for academic
purposes, effective reading, presentation skills, time-management, critical thinking and
avoiding plagiarism.
Writing & Study Guidance is offered by Learning Development Advisors in the form of one-
to-one tutorials, workshops, drop-ins, retreats and downloadable resources. We also offer a
programme of PhD writing development events. In addition, tutorials on writing are offered
by the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Fellows, who are hosted by Learning Development.
Writing & Study Guidance and RLF tutorials are based in the Library on the Mile End
Campus. For more information on the range of services we offer, and to book a tutorial or
workshop, check http://www.learningdevelopment.qmul.ac.uk.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 57
Library Services The Libraries at Queen Mary provide the study environments, resources and staff you need
to support your learning during your time at the University. There are Libraries on each of
the main Queen Mary campuses; at Mile End, Whitechapel and West Smithfield. The Mile
End library provides resources for all taught subjects, while the Whitechapel and West
Smithfield Libraries are the specialist libraries for medicine and dentistry.
The Libraries contain wide-ranging collections of print books and journals and audio-visual
resources. In addition, the Library provides access to over 16,000 online journals, 142
electronic databases and 12,000 e-books, all available on-line 24/7. These can be accessed
from the networked PCs within the Library buildings, and also from your halls or home or
anywhere else you have internet access. You will need to log-in with your Queen Mary
Student Service account username and password, which you will get from IT Services when
you enrol, to access our e-resources when off-campus.
There are dedicated help points across all our libraries, where trained staff can answer
queries. However, our staff are also happy to help with any queries you may have at the
point of need. For more complex enquiries about your subject or some of our
services, you may be referred to a specialist in that area. In particular, the team of Liaison
Librarians are most familiar with the resources for your subject – you will meet them during
induction sessions and they can be contacted at any time during your studies.
Mile End
The ground floor of Mile End Library provides a modern environment where conversational
learning is encouraged. There are clusters of networked PCs as well as wireless coverage
and power points to every workspace, so you can use your laptop. The ground floor also
houses the Teaching Collection, which contains the course reading list books most in
demand by undergraduates, the Study Skills Collection, as well as the DVD collection and
viewers. Also on the ground floor are the Learning Cafe, bookable study rooms, a seminar
room and assistive technology room, as well as printing, scanning and photocopying
facilities. The first and second floors of the building, containing the main book and journal
collections, are silent study areas, mainly with individual study spaces. The first floor has
additional bookable study rooms, a silent PC room and a range of training and consultation
rooms, where tutorials and other training takes place. Finally, the second floor contains an
Archives Reading Room, for consulting primary sources from the Archives, a Post Graduate
Taught Reading Room and a Research Reading Room. The East and West Hives, as well as
Canalside provide an informal environment for group and social study, with more clusters of
networked PCs.
Whitechapel
Whitechapel Library is based in the church of St Augustine with St Philip, just behind the
Royal London Hospital. The Library has up to date course textbooks, as well as print journals,
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 58
on the ground floor and in the basement. A large number of networked PCs are available
throughout the Library, together with printing, photocopying and scanning facilities and
wireless network access for laptops. The Library provides a range of study spaces from silent
study to more informal areas, with group study facilities located in the recently refurbished
basement area.
West Smithfield
West Smithfield Library, within the grounds of St Bartholomew's Hospital, is a traditional
library, with the building and interior dating back to 1879. Course textbooks and journals are
housed on the ground floor. There is silent study space, and a group study area, Networked
Queen Mary PCs, Printing, photocopying, and scanning facilities are all available in the
Library and study basement, as well as wireless network access for laptops.
Original primary resources are available in the Archives, which holds institutional and
personal archives dating from the 18th Century to the present day. For more information,
see the Archives website: http://www.library.qmul.ac.uk/archives. As an extension of the
library collection, Queen Mary also funds access and borrowing rights for all students at
Senate House Library, which has one of the largest arts, humanities and social science
collections amongst UK university libraries.
Library opening hours
Mile End Library is usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week before and during the
main exam period. Details will be available on the library website.
Library Contacts
General:
Telephone: 020 7882 8800
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.library.qmul.ac.uk
Twitter: QMUL Library (@QMLibrary)
Science and Engineering
Email: [email protected]
QMUL Lib Sci&Eng (@QMULLibSciEng)
Information about current research, developments and events within the disciplines of
Science and Engineering.
S&E Library Update (@seqmullibupdate)
Sister feed to @QMULLibSciEng. Provides the latest news about your favourite databases
and search tools.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 59
Music at QMUL Music is central to cultural provision at QMUL. Music at QMUL can help if you are interested
in applying for music scholarships, joining an ensemble, taking up tuition or simply attending
one of the many musical events organised by Dr Paul Edlin, Director of Music. Please, visit
http://www.music.qmul.ac.uk for further information.
Residential Services and Support Residential Services incorporates:
Housing Services, based in the Housing Hub, Feilden House, Westfield Way at Mile End,
deals with halls applications, room allocations, room transfer requests, summer
accommodation, residential fees as well as providing a comprehensive alternative housing
service.
There is a 24 hour Reception, based in France House, Westfield Way at Mile End, handling
all enquiries relating to the management of residential accommodation, including reporting
of repairs and cleaning issues.
Residential Support, also based in the Reception France House, provides support to halls
residents, handles issues relating to discipline, pastoral care, social events and complaints.
If you are a resident in University accommodation you should consult the Residents’
Handbook for comprehensive information on all hall related issues, and contact details for
the relevant section of Residential Services
Contact Housing Services
Telephone: 020 7882 6474
Email: [email protected]
Contact Residential Support
Telephone: 020 7882 5064
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ww.residences.qmul.ac.uk
Student Health Service The Student Health Service (SHS) is a free National Health Service (NHS) providing a wide
range of services. Students living in QMUL accommodation at Mile End or Whitechapel and
students living in the borough of Tower Hamlets (E1, E2, E3 and E14) are encouraged to
register with the SHS (located on campus in the Geography Building, Mile End (number 28
on map). You can see a doctor or nurse there every weekday during term time. If you cannot
register with the SHS, you can find your nearest doctor through the NHS website. QMUL
students who are not registered patients may be able to use the service in certain
circumstances. Please, visit SHS for further information.
SEMS Taught Postgraduate Handbook 2018/19 Page 60
Westfield Nursery Westfield Nursery QMUL is based on the Mile End campus and provides full day care for up
to 65 children per day aged three months to five years. The nursery prioritises students and
staff at Queen Mary, but is also available to those outside QM. Practitioners are fully
qualified and receive continuous professional training on early years practice.
It is open 48 weeks of the year, from 8.30 - 17.30 on weekdays. Early application is advised
as demand is high and waiting time is usually six to twelve months. Please visit the Nursery
webpage for more information and an application form.
Telephone: 020 7882 2782
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.nursery.qmul.ac.uk
Lost property If you have lost something at QM, please contact the Security Control Room at your campus.
If the item has not been handed in, the Security Service will produce assist you in
completing a lost property report that can be referred to by your insurance company if you
need to make a claim. We will keep your contact details and a description of the lost
property on file in case the item is handed in later. Please see
http://www.security.qmul.ac.uk for more details. Your School/Institute may also have its
own lost property store.
Parking on campus There are no parking facilities available for students unless you have special circumstances.
Please contact Security Services if you think you have circumstances which require a permit
at: www.security.qmul.ac.uk/parking/ or at France House Reception.
Smoking on Campus Only in designated areas, other than those areas which are clearly signed. QM is a smoke
free campus. You cannot smoke in the QM halls of residence or any other QM building.
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