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North Campus<br />

Faculty of Computing<br />

MSc Professional Engineering and<br />

Technology<br />

Postgraduate Course Handbook<br />

For admission in 2011-2012<br />

PRENTE-N


Postgraduate Academic Year 2011-2012<br />

AUTUMN SEMESTER Start - End<br />

Welcome Programme 22 September 2011 - 30 September 2011<br />

Teaching 3 October 2011 - 16 December 2011<br />

Christmas Break 19 December 2011 - 6 January 2012<br />

Teaching/revision 9 January 2012 - 13 January 2012<br />

Examinations 16 January 2012 - 3 February 2012<br />

Dissertation Deadline 20 January 2012<br />

SPRING SEMESTER<br />

Welcome Programme<br />

(new February entrants only)<br />

30 January 2012 - 3 February 2012<br />

Teaching 6 February 2012 - 30 March 2012<br />

Easter Break 2 April 2012 - 13 April 2012<br />

Teaching 16 April 2012 - 4 May 2012<br />

Teaching/revision 8 May 2012 - 11 May 2012<br />

Examinations 14 May 2012 - 1 June 2012<br />

Dissertation Deadline 18 May 2012<br />

SUMMER STUDIES PERIOD<br />

Summer Studies Period 1 June 2012 - 31 August 2012<br />

Resit Examinations 16 July 2012 - 27 July 2012<br />

Reassessment Coursework 27 July 2012<br />

Dissertation Deadline 31 August 2012<br />

Note – Masters courses are based on a teaching year designed to amount to 48 weeks in total<br />

Although the MSc Professional Engineering and Technology course is more flexible and<br />

does not fully comply with the above schedule there are additional dates you may wish<br />

to consider if you are planning a late start or end of your study - publication of the exam<br />

timetable, publication of results, mitigating circumstances deadlines, programme<br />

planning deadlines, etc.<br />

You can access these at: www.londonmet.acuk/pg-students


1<br />

KEY CONTACTS<br />

Postgraduate Office: Tower Building Postgraduate Office, Room T1-01<br />

Administration Manager of the Postgraduate Office: Nicola James<br />

Faculty Administrative Office: Tower Building, room T8-04<br />

Course Leader: Dr Vassil T. Vassilev, email: v.vassilev@londonmet.ac.uk<br />

Course Leader’s Office: T10-03<br />

Main Campus teaching location: North


2<br />

CONTENTS<br />

1.0 WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY<br />

1.1 Using Your Handbook<br />

1.2 Introduction to the Course<br />

1.3 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses<br />

1.4 Introduction to your Faculty<br />

1.5 Location and Faculty Facilities supporting the course<br />

1.6 Learning and Teaching on the Course<br />

1.7 Research in your Faculty<br />

2.0 BEING A STUDENT<br />

2.1 Welcome Programme Checklist<br />

2.2 Your first semester<br />

2.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment<br />

2.4 Studying while working<br />

2.5 Building Careers<br />

2.6 Enrolment and Re-enrolment<br />

2.7 Credit for previous learning<br />

2.8 Module registration, course planning and approval<br />

2.9 Your Timetable<br />

2.10 Publication of Results and Transcripts<br />

3.0 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE<br />

3.1 Your <strong>University</strong> IT Account<br />

3.2 Communication<br />

3.3 Your Contact Details<br />

3.4 Evision<br />

3.5 WebLearn – Online module resources<br />

3.6 StARS<br />

3.7 Course Committees<br />

3.8 Students’ views on modules and courses<br />

3.9 Postgraduate representation through the Students’ Union<br />

4.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE<br />

4.1 Postgraduate Office<br />

4.2 Postgraduate Course Leader<br />

4.3 Module Lecturers<br />

4.5 Student Success through Learning Development<br />

4.6 Student Services<br />

4.7 Disabilities and Inclusion<br />

5.0 FINAL PROJECT<br />

5.1 Registration<br />

5.2 Supervision Arrangements<br />

5.3 Topic approval<br />

5.4 Planning and Timing<br />

5.5 Submission<br />

6.0 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT<br />

6.1 Academic Regulations<br />

6.2 Marking and grades<br />

6.3 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment<br />

6.4 Academic Misconduct<br />

6.5 Assessment Feedback<br />

6.6 Submission of coursework<br />

6.7 Presentation Timetable


6.8 Mitigating Circumstances<br />

6.9 Assessment Board Appeals<br />

6.10 Action in the event of failure to pass a module<br />

6.11 <strong>University</strong> Criteria for Awards<br />

6.12 Withdrawal from a module<br />

6.13 Intermission of Studies<br />

6.14 Mode of Study<br />

6.15 Course Transfers<br />

7.0 STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES<br />

7.1 Libraries and Special Collections<br />

7.2 Academic Liaison Librarians and Subject Guides<br />

7.3 Student feedback<br />

7.4 ICT Services and Media Resources<br />

7.5 Open Language Programme<br />

8.0 COURSE SPECIFICATION<br />

9.0 USEFUL INFORMATION<br />

10.0 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION<br />

10.1 Relevant <strong>University</strong> Procedures<br />

10.2 Useful online information<br />

3


1.0 WELCOME TO YOUR COURSE AND FACULTY<br />

1<br />

This is the Course Handbook for the MSc Professional Engineering and Technology. The staff of the Faculty<br />

of Computing warmly welcome you to <strong>London</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> <strong>University</strong> North Campus and to the study of<br />

Professional Engineering and Technology.<br />

1.1 Using Your Handbook<br />

Your Course Handbook contains a wealth of information. Some of it will be of more relevance to you later in<br />

the course than at the start of your studies. You can access your Course Handbook either by logging into<br />

your Evision account or via the <strong>University</strong>’s website at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/pg-course-handbooks<br />

We recommend that you read this Course Handbook thoroughly and carefully, as it covers many of the<br />

questions you will have about your course. Sections 3 and 4 in particular will help you locate the advice you<br />

will need. Section 10.1 contains an Index of key sources of information that you may need to access during<br />

your course.<br />

For more detailed information you will sometimes need to consult other sources, including:<br />

<strong>University</strong> Student Handbook - for details of important <strong>University</strong> regulations and procedures. It<br />

also provides information on university life and the support services available. The <strong>University</strong><br />

Student Handbook can be accessed at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/student-handbook<br />

PostGrad-Line – a comprehensive on-line source of postgraduate course and module<br />

information available at: https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/prog-plan/postgrad-line<br />

Postgraduate students’ webpage – a comprehensive on-line resource for postgraduate students.<br />

Provides information about your course, timetables, details of timeslots and room numbers for<br />

most taught modules. Once you have completed enrolment and registration, you can view and<br />

print your personal timetable Please see: www.londonmet.ac.uk/pg-students<br />

The Course Specification (Section 8 of this handbook) defines the key features of your course, its aims,<br />

structure and learning outcomes, and includes all the modules you must study for the award.<br />

All postgraduate courses are governed by the <strong>University</strong>’s Academic Regulations<br />

(www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations). It is your responsibility to be fully aware of the<br />

regulations which govern your studies as a postgraduate student of the <strong>University</strong>. Your course may<br />

in addition have some course specific regulations or may be governed by a Professional Body.<br />

Where relevant these are included in paragraph 32 of the Course Specification, contained within<br />

Section 8 of this handbook.<br />

You should also note that occasionally, the details in this Handbook, including the Course Specification, may<br />

be amended or revised, in order to improve the Course.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> is reviewing postgraduate education as part of its commitment to enhancing learning. This will<br />

not affect full-time students completing in September 2012. However, it is possible that this may affect a<br />

small number of part-time students. In the event of this occurring, any students affected will be advised<br />

during 2011-12.<br />

We would encourage you to participate as a Student Representative (see Section 3.6). We welcome your<br />

comments about the course or any suggestions for improvements. We wish you every success in your<br />

studies.


1.2 Introduction to the Course<br />

2<br />

The MSc Professional Engineering and Technology course is entirely work-based and will give professionals<br />

the opportunity to learn quickly without leaving their work. The course includes a wide range of flexible<br />

options, which allow students to combine their prior experience and to continue working on their current<br />

business tasks as a part of their study. This way, studying for a higher academic degree will help them to<br />

reflect on their own work and to find possibilities to run their business more efficiently, which can boost their<br />

career to a new professional level.<br />

The course assumes that the students have work and wish to prepare themselves for a career path related to<br />

their work. It is expected that after finishing this course the students will be able to pursue a professional<br />

career on a senior level. Although successfully finishing the course does not guarantee the position<br />

anticipated, typical positions which might be suitable targets are: System Architect, System Administrator,<br />

Project Manager, Software Development Team Leader, Business Process Line Manager and all intermediate<br />

positions up to CIO and CEO.<br />

The course takes from one to six years to complete and can be studied part-time without interrupting the<br />

students’ work. If for whatever reason the students are unable to complete their study they can be awarded<br />

one of the two intermediate awards (Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Technology and Engineering<br />

and Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Technology and Engineering).<br />

1.3 Key Features of Postgraduate Courses<br />

The Course Specification (see Section 8) details your course curriculum and structure and you should study<br />

this carefully. Many features are defined by the Postgraduate Regulatory Framework, part of the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />

Academic Regulations (see Section 10.1 of this handbook for details), which sets out general features<br />

common to almost all Masters courses.<br />

(i) Full-time students starting Masters programmes in the Autumn semester are taught over a 48week<br />

year (an autumn and a spring semester and a summer studies period), requiring<br />

approximately 40 hours of study per week. For full-time students starting courses in February the<br />

workload is similar but is distributed over a longer study period and normally completed at the end<br />

of the following Spring semester. Part-time students undertake the equivalent overall workload<br />

over a longer period of study, normally at least two years.<br />

(ii) The standard Masters award requires 180 credits at level M: normally 120 credits for the taught<br />

elements and 60 credits for the Dissertation or Project. There are some exceptions to the rule,<br />

such as specified Masters courses in Human Resource Management, which require 180 credits,<br />

and the MBA at 220 credits.<br />

(iii) Most postgraduate modules are equivalent to 20 credits. Typically, a full-time student studies<br />

modules equivalent to 60 credits per semester (normally 3 modules), with 15 weeks of teaching,<br />

revision and assessment activities for each module.<br />

(iv) The taught elements of postgraduate courses are mainly compulsory “core” modules and normally<br />

include one concerned with research methodology and project development and practice, in<br />

preparation for the dissertation or project. Some courses may include “designate” modules, which<br />

can be chosen from a specified list for the course, or “elective” modules, which can be chosen from<br />

any available at postgraduate level.<br />

(v) All taught modules and the dissertation or project module, are marked on a percentage scale, with<br />

a pass/fail threshold of 50%.<br />

(vi) Based on the final aggregate of average percentage results, Masters awards are graded as:<br />

Masters (50-59%), Masters with Merit (60–69%), or Masters with Distinction (70% plus)


3<br />

(vii) While most students will aim to achieve the full Masters qualification, all Masters courses offer the<br />

subsidiary awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma (both available with Merit<br />

or with Distinction) for students unable to complete their full programme of study. The full list of<br />

awards and their requirements is as follows:<br />

Award Credits at level M Modules Required<br />

Masters 180 credits (Level 7) 6 modules + dissertation (60<br />

credits)<br />

Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits (Level 7) 6 modules<br />

Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits (Level 7) 3 modules<br />

1.4 Introduction to your Faculty<br />

The Faculty of Computing is in central <strong>London</strong> at <strong>London</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> <strong>University</strong>'s North Campus, situated in<br />

the Tower Building on Holloway Road.<br />

The Faculty provides an extensive variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These range from<br />

electronic engineering, through networks, mathematics and statistics, a suite of computing and business<br />

systems courses, to animation, games and multimedia - about 30 courses in total. The Faculty is divided into<br />

four subject areas: Communications Technology, Computing, Mathematics and Multimedia.<br />

There are around 70 academic staff and over 1300 students in what is one of the largest faculties in the<br />

<strong>University</strong>. The Faculty pays equal importance to research and consultancy, teaching and continuing<br />

professional development. One of the Faculty's key aims is to increase its relevance to commerce and<br />

industry, eg by offering professional and short courses and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. We<br />

place emphasis on professional integration by applying new technologies and approaches to our teaching<br />

and research.<br />

1.5 Location and Faculty Facilities supporting the course<br />

A variety of specialist computer laboratories are available to students in the Tower Building at North Campus,<br />

Holloway Road and throughout the <strong>University</strong>. Workstations run varied software including Unix, Windows,<br />

networking software from CISCO, database software from Oracle and multimedia software. Other academic<br />

services, including the library facilities, are provided by the <strong>University</strong> centrally. General purpose computer<br />

laboratories, and wireless access for student laptops, are available in most university buildings.<br />

1.6 Learning and Teaching on the Course<br />

The Faculty of Computing covers three of the Quality Assurance Agency Subject Areas: Computing,<br />

Electronic Engineering and Mathematics, and QAA assessments have been good, notably the quality review<br />

in Computing which took place in 2004 and the Institutional Audit of Electronic Engineering in 2005. More<br />

recently the Faculty has gained accreditation for its courses from the Institute of mathematics and its<br />

Applications (IMA) and, provisionally, from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), subject to final<br />

approval. In 2010 the university gained broad confidence in its quality and standards from the QAA. In the<br />

2011 National Student Survey overall student satisfaction with their course ranged from 80% in<br />

Communications Technology, and 88% in Computing up to 100% in Mathematics.<br />

1.7 Research in your Faculty


4<br />

Research in the Faculty of Computing is applied, relevant to industry and often carried out in collaboration<br />

with external partners. We have particular strengths in mathematics and statistics, communications<br />

technology, knowledge management, intelligent systems and media design for interaction. The Faculty<br />

included more than 30 research active staff in the UK Research Assessment Exercise (2008), resulting in half<br />

of our Computer Science and Informatics research being classified as internationally recognised or<br />

internationally excellent; and most of the Pure Mathematics and Statistics research being rated as<br />

internationally excellent or world class. In recent years, our research, development and knowledge transfer<br />

projects have attracted funding from, amongst others: European Union; Joint Information Systems Committee;<br />

Higher Education Academy; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; and British Broadcasting<br />

Corporation. Much of our work is carried out in conjunction with industry. We are proactive in forming external<br />

links and partnerships and in bringing contemporary research material into our degree programmes for the<br />

benefit of our students and their employability.<br />

Our research is carried out in the following research centres and groups:<br />

Centre for Communications Technology<br />

Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC)<br />

Knowledge Management Research Centre (KMR)<br />

Laboratory of Applied Computer Science and Technology (LACOST)<br />

Statistics, Operational Research and Mathematics Research Centre (STORM)<br />

Students can use the Project Description Web Site to view projects and research topics offered by active<br />

research staff which they can apply to do for their final 60 credit project module.


2.0 BEING A STUDENT<br />

5<br />

Undertaking study at postgraduate level is likely to involve new and different methods of working compared to<br />

your previous experience. You will study more specialised subject matter at a more advanced level, relatively<br />

quickly and over a shorter period. You will be expected to pursue your studies with a greater degree of<br />

independence than at undergraduate level and to set your own learning objectives within the framework of<br />

the course.<br />

The remainder of this section highlights the general features and expectations associated with postgraduate<br />

study.<br />

2.1 Welcome Programme Checklist<br />

Following the Welcome Programme and Course Introductory Meeting, you should check that you have<br />

received the following:<br />

an ID card (including library number and computer network username)<br />

an email address<br />

a course timetable<br />

the location of your Postgraduate Office<br />

the location of your Faculty Administrative Office<br />

the location of your main learning centre and IT facilities<br />

the name of your Course Leader<br />

If you are not able to attend the Welcome session for you, contact your designated Postgraduate<br />

Office to ensure you know what to do and where to go to get started. The Academic Year commences<br />

from Monday 3 October 2011, immediately following the Welcome Programme. Your course allows<br />

some variation of the starting date so if you need special arrangements, contact your Course<br />

Organiser and he will be happy to assist you in that matter.<br />

2.2 Your first semester<br />

If you attend the university during the opening week, please note that the induction schedule will culminate in<br />

one of two social events hosted by the <strong>University</strong> and the Students’ Union. These will take place three weeks<br />

into your first semester and you are welcome to attend one of these sessions which will be held at both<br />

campuses.<br />

After your welcome, you will find yourself in the first week of formal teaching. Unlike students from the taught<br />

courses, you will be studying most of the time individually and without coming to the university, so please<br />

maintain regular contact with your Course Leader and watch the Web sites of your modules on WebLearn<br />

(http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/weblearn/). In addition, your Course Leader will be able to point in the direction<br />

of other introductory materials or sessions run by other <strong>University</strong> departments, for example, Library Services,<br />

Student Services or the Students’ Union.<br />

Your first semester usually involves only compulsory (core) modules covering essential subject<br />

contents and skills elements in your area of study. During this semester you may also wish to apply<br />

for crediting of your past experience and/or training as part of your course and to look for<br />

professional training courses you may wish to negotiate to be included in your programme of study.<br />

Your Course Leader will assist you throughout this process, so stay in touch.<br />

2.3 Attendance, academic engagement and employment<br />

This course is for people who are employed, and the study is focused on the work itself so you are not<br />

required to come to the university unless you are attending another taught module or professional training<br />

course as part of your study. This also allows overseas students to study from their home countries. But this


6<br />

does not mean that you should not engage with the university. Both the module leaders of the modules<br />

included in your individual programme of study and your Course Leader are here to help you. Even more, the<br />

demand you keep in contact with them so that they can monitor your progress and assist you in the best<br />

possible way.<br />

Since by the time of starting the course you will be working, no work placements are considered. The<br />

university does not provide placements and does not support work permit applications for students<br />

enrolled on this course.<br />

2.4 Studying while working<br />

As a postgraduate student, you will be seeking to develop your learning at more advanced level and your<br />

course will provide many opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. To make the most of these you<br />

will need to develop a strategy for your studies, planning ahead, managing your time effectively and reflecting<br />

on your learning.<br />

Assessment is an important feature of study at postgraduate level. Each module booklet sets out detailed<br />

assessment requirements and learning outcomes, providing a focus for your studies. There are various forms<br />

of assessment and modules often involve a combination of examination and coursework or presentation. It is<br />

important that you understand clearly the expectations and deadlines for each item of assessment.<br />

You should be aware that all the various coursework assessments and examinations have to be completed<br />

for the achievement of your final award. In addition to attending the timetabled sessions, you will need to<br />

study in your own time. You should expect to spend 12-14 hours per week on each module, making up to<br />

40 hour per week commitment for a full-time student (for 3 modules). Part-time students need to plan a<br />

similar time commitment for each module, but will generally be taking fewer modules at any one time (1-2<br />

modules per semester).<br />

Independent study is essential throughout the entire study, not only for your project. You will be<br />

working closely with your tutors, and you need to prepare your written work and presentations in<br />

constant deliberation with them. When it comes to the final project, you must also plan your work<br />

carefully with the assigned supervisor, with initial discussion to define the topic, preparatory<br />

research and reading, planning the structure of the research and final report, writing and re-writing<br />

particular sections and drafts.<br />

2.5 Building Careers<br />

Your course is very important for your career because it provides many opportunities, which the standard<br />

courses may not offer. It is particularly aimed at increasing your work-related qualification and skills in order<br />

to prepare yourself to take new roles on a higher level of responsibility.<br />

First of all, the entire programme of study is focused on your work. Don’t hesitate to use it as a business case<br />

for study in all the modules included in your programme. You are also strongly encouraged to involve your<br />

employer in the process of planning of your studies.<br />

In a second place, the results of your work will be made available to your employer. In the case of oral or<br />

online presentations they may be arranged in the presence of your employer. Presenting yourself well in front<br />

of the employer can definitively make an impact on your career with him. AT the same time, you must not be<br />

afraid of this since the employer will not be involved in the process of assessment of your work.<br />

Thirdly, as part of your programme of study towards the degree you may wish to consider attending of<br />

training courses which provide professional training in areas of importance for your business. The university<br />

provides professional training in some areas, such as Oracle database administration, CISCO network<br />

management, Adobe technologies and tools, but this is by no means an exhaustive list of options and you


7<br />

are encouraged to deliberate training both inside and outside the university as a part of your study. Such<br />

training could be recognized and credited after the standard procedures for APCL/APEL.<br />

All of our Masters graduates will normally be equipped to continue academic study at a higher level, for<br />

example for a PhD or a professional doctorate. If you wish to continue your study at <strong>London</strong>met on the next<br />

level you may consider the available areas of interest of the Faculty staff at<br />

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/research/the-research-and-postgraduate-office/staff/staff_home.cfm<br />

Becoming student while at work is a chance for boosting your career. Use it for your benefit.<br />

2.6 Enrolment and Re-enrolment<br />

Enrolment is an annual process. The first time you enrol you will need to provide evidence of your identity<br />

and the qualifications which formed the basis of your offer from the <strong>University</strong>. You will also need to pay your<br />

tuition fees or demonstrate how these will be paid.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> ID card you receive at enrolment contains your library number and computer network<br />

username and allows entry to the <strong>University</strong>’s buildings. Provided you fully completed the enrolment<br />

requirements your card should work throughout the year. If it stops working then please seek advice from<br />

your Postgraduate Office. By signing the enrolment form you confirm that you accept and will follow<br />

the <strong>University</strong>’s regulations<br />

If you are studying on a part-time basis over more than one academic year or need to return to complete your<br />

studies, you will need to re-enrol online usually from around mid-August. Re-enrolment is necessary for your<br />

ID card to be reactivated for the new academic year. There will be a deadline for this so it is important that<br />

you complete this before the start of the next academic year.<br />

If you are an overseas student studying while working in you home country you may not need the ID card to<br />

get access to the university premises, but you can still use your network credentials to log in on the university<br />

intranet to access online materials available to you.<br />

Your student ID number, your network login name and your student email address are elements of<br />

your identification as a student of <strong>London</strong>Met. They can be used locally, in person and remotely,<br />

online, so keep them with you.


2.7 Credit for previous learning<br />

8<br />

If you already hold a qualification (for example from another college) that may exempt you from part of your<br />

course, you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). Similarly, if you have<br />

undertaken work, paid or voluntary, that has resulted in learning skills or knowledge equivalent to a module<br />

you will be studying you may apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Collectively these<br />

are known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).<br />

It is important to be aware that any application for APL credit in respect of postgraduate studies must be<br />

based on prior learning or experience at a suitably advanced level. This means that additional training on<br />

college or undergraduate level may not be credited under the conditions of APL. You can claim prior learning<br />

up to 50% of the content of the entire course, which effectively means no more than 3 modules.<br />

2.8 Module registration, course planning and approval<br />

Your Course Leader should provide the information you will require in order to choose your modules. Core<br />

Modules are compulsory for your course, but your course may also offer Designate Modules, which can be<br />

chosen from a specified list of modules taught at the Faculty instead of the two technological modules if you<br />

prefer to attend taught modules.<br />

In the structure of the course there are two designated modules which can be credited entirely based on your<br />

prior training and experience with the technologies in your professional area. This can lead to financial<br />

implications for the cost of your study, since your programme of studies may become shorter. You are<br />

strongly encouraged to use this opportunity even if you do not have professional training, although in such a<br />

case you may need to arrange additional training to fill in these slots with suitable courses.<br />

In either case, consult this with your Course Leader before the registration so that your programme<br />

of studies reflects both your future plans as well as your past experience.<br />

Programme Planning Deadlines: 2011/12 Module Registration<br />

Dates Autumn Semester 2011/12 Starters Spring Semester 2011/12 Starters<br />

22 September – 30<br />

September 2011<br />

7 October 2011<br />

14 - 25 November 2011<br />

20 January 2012<br />

30 January – 3 February<br />

2012<br />

10 February 2012<br />

March/April 2012<br />

18 May 2012<br />

Module Choice Events during<br />

Welcome Programme 1<br />

Deadline for confirmation of Autumn<br />

Semester programmes 2<br />

Confirmation of Spring Semester<br />

Modules 3<br />

Autumn Semester Dissertation<br />

Deadline 4<br />

Module choice exercise for students<br />

continuing their studies in 2012/13<br />

Spring Semester Dissertation<br />

Deadline 4<br />

.<br />

Module Choice Events during<br />

Welcome Programme<br />

Deadline for confirmation of Spring<br />

Semester programmes<br />

Module choice exercise for students<br />

continuing their studies in 2012/13<br />

31 August 2012 Summer Dissertation Deadline Summer Dissertation Deadline


9<br />

1 Students should plan for the whole 2011/12 programme.<br />

2 Students confirm their programme of study for the year and may not vary their Autumn Semester programme after this point<br />

3 Students may make amendments to their Spring Semester programme (they cannot reduce the number of modules studied).<br />

4 It is unlikely that students will be in a position to take their dissertation at this stage, but it is just possible that they may have<br />

sufficient credit at entry to do so.<br />

2.9 Your Timetable<br />

As work-based student your timetable depends entirely on you. However, if you are taking standard taught<br />

modules from the Faculty portfolio you may need to consult the regulations which apply to that modules.<br />

2.10 Publication of Results and Transcripts<br />

At the end of each semester Assessment Boards confirm marks and awards. The Postgraduate Offices are<br />

responsible for providing these results to you via Evision. www.londonmet.ac.uk/evision (refer 3.4 below)<br />

An official transcript will be posted to you at your home address on the completion of your course. There is<br />

no charge for this end of course transcript but a fee will be payable for any subsequent transcripts.<br />

For reason of employment or to provide proof of study at the <strong>University</strong> during your course, you may need a<br />

formal transcript, stamped by the Postgraduate Office. There is a fee for these transcripts, payable at the<br />

time of request. Requests should be made to the Postgraduate Office, who aim to produce transcripts within<br />

5 working days of request.


3.0 MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE ON-LINE<br />

3.1 Your <strong>University</strong> IT Account<br />

10<br />

You use the same account to access all <strong>University</strong> IT systems. Your account name is printed at the top of on<br />

the ID card that you receive at enrolment and is 7 characters in length (e.g. ABC1234). Your password will<br />

be set initially to be your date of birth (DDMMYYYY) so you should change to something secure when you<br />

first log in. You can change your password and set details for resetting your password at:<br />

http://my.londonmet.ac.uk<br />

3.2 Communication<br />

We do our best to keep you informed of what you need to know at all times. We use the Web to provide<br />

much of the information you need so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the <strong>University</strong> website. At other<br />

times we will use email to contact you so it is essential that you check your <strong>University</strong> email on a regular<br />

basis.<br />

3.3 Your Contact Details<br />

The <strong>University</strong> will contact you by letter, phone, or email, perhaps to arrange a meeting, to provide you with<br />

information, or to respond to a query. It is therefore essential that you keep your contact details up to date<br />

on your student Evision account.<br />

Increasingly, we use email to communicate and keep you informed. You will also have been allocated a<br />

<strong>University</strong> email address, which is your 7 character account (see 3.1 above) e.g.<br />

ABC1234@my.londonmet.ac.uk . Even if you already have an email account that you will continue to use you<br />

should regularly check your <strong>London</strong> Met account or set up an auto forward, as important messages will be<br />

sent to your <strong>University</strong> email address.<br />

3.4 Evision<br />

Evision is the <strong>University</strong>’s online facility that allows you to access your personal student record, and is where<br />

you print your coursework coversheets and other forms that you may need. You also re-enrol via Evision and<br />

view information showing your attendance at classes. You can view your:<br />

Personal and contact details (can be updated online)<br />

Registered modules<br />

Enrolment and progression<br />

Tuition fee details<br />

Record of coursework deadlines and submissions<br />

Mitigating Circumstances decisions<br />

Module results (available from notified date of publication)<br />

Details of final award<br />

For more information please check: www.londonmet.ac.uk/evision<br />

3.5 WebLearn – Online module resources<br />

WebLearn provides online support for your modules, enabling you to communicate with your tutor and other<br />

students. Course materials, information and assessments are available on WebLearn as well as study<br />

programmes materials and such as “Writing and Communicating at <strong>University</strong>”. WebLearn requires your user<br />

name and password and can be accessed at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/tltc/weblearn


THE STUDENT VOICE<br />

3.6 StARS<br />

11<br />

Feedback from students is vital to the <strong>University</strong> to find out how well the teaching, guidance and other<br />

services are working. This is obtained in different ways, including via Student Academic Representatives<br />

(StARs) who, supported by the Students’ Union, provide direct feedback from students on the course and<br />

raise any issues on their behalf. You will have the opportunity to stand for election as a StAR or to elect a<br />

fellow student.<br />

3.7 Course Committees<br />

A Course Committee is normally convened each semester to review a set of modules and courses and<br />

provide quality assurance. Key staff, including module and course lecturers, attend these meetings and<br />

student input is received via your StARs.<br />

3.8 Students’ views on modules and courses<br />

Students’ views are obtained by a variety of means such as focus groups and web-based questionnaires.<br />

While staff welcome informal feedback from students, module lecturers will produce formal monitoring reports<br />

which cover areas such as teaching, student feedback and assessment. Reports and action points agreed<br />

are available from both module and course reviews.<br />

3.9 Postgraduate representation through the Students’ Union<br />

The <strong>University</strong> is proud to work with the Students’ Union which now has a Postgraduate Officer whom you<br />

may wish to contact about any student, pastoral or social issue.<br />

To contact the Students’ Union please access: http://www.londonmetsu.org.uk/


4.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE<br />

4.1 Postgraduate Office<br />

12<br />

The Postgraduate Office is the key administrative service to support you in your studies throughout your time<br />

at the <strong>University</strong>. You will be assigned to the Postgraduate Office linked to your course, normally in the<br />

building where the subject teaching staff are located. It will be here that you go with timetable queries, to plan<br />

your modules, to hand in your coursework, to collect letters you may need, and to ask any questions about<br />

your studies.<br />

You should also contact your Postgraduate Office in relation to the following issues:<br />

• Queries about your enrolment status or the fees that you have been charged;<br />

• Queries about your timetable or the modules that are registered for you;<br />

• If your ID card is not working;<br />

• Submit a module query, a claim for mitigating circumstances, an appeal, or get advice about<br />

examination arrangements;<br />

• Advice on claiming credit for previous study or experience;<br />

• Help you contact your course leader;<br />

• Obtain standard letters and council tax exemption certificates;<br />

• Visa extension letters for international students;<br />

• Advice on the consequences of withdrawing.<br />

Each group of courses has a Course Administrator and you will become familiar with them throughout your<br />

time at the <strong>University</strong>. Your Postgraduate Office will also contact you if you are missing classes or not<br />

submitting work on time.<br />

The offices are normally open throughout the academic year but can also be contacted by phone or email –<br />

see www.londonmet.ac.uk/registry<br />

When contacting your Postgraduate Office, please always quote your student number as it enables staff to<br />

access your information quickly and so respond to your query.<br />

4.2 Postgraduate Course Leader<br />

Course leaders are the main contacts for personal academic advice, including programme planning and<br />

approval, and are also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of their course and liaising with academic<br />

and administrative staff. They can be a source of valuable advice for other matters also and should be tour<br />

first port of call if problems arise. They are able to:<br />

provide you with academic advice on all aspects of your studies and progress<br />

explain the implications of assessment results and associated feedback on your academic<br />

performance<br />

advise you on managing and planning your studies;<br />

refer you to Student Services for support regarding personal problems, housing, health and finance<br />

Your Course Leader can also write you a reference, for a job application for example.<br />

4.3 Module Lecturers<br />

Module lecturers are members of academic staff who lead the modules contributing to your programme of<br />

study and are key to your learning experience. They should be your first port of call for advice on any topics<br />

you do not understand following a lecture or seminar. All Module lecturers have “office hours” – these are set<br />

times during the week when they are available for consultation. For each module there will be a Module<br />

Booklet.


4.5 Student Success through Learning Development<br />

13<br />

Some students may need extra help with their studies, sometimes for a particular module or, more generally,<br />

across their programme. This might include help with presentations, essay writing and critical analysis. It is<br />

always best to seek help in good time and to take advantage of the range of additional classes, courses and<br />

resources available. For the full range of study and skills programmes and to find out more about the<br />

Learning Development Unit, please visit: www.londonmet.ac.uk/ldu/<br />

4.6 Student Services<br />

We provide a range of advice, information, guidance and counselling services to support you in achieving<br />

your academic aims, We provide advice on issues including.<br />

Academic<br />

Financial<br />

Personal<br />

Faith<br />

Careers/employment<br />

Disability<br />

Accommodation<br />

Student development<br />

Extra curricular activities<br />

Visit our web site www.londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices to find out how we can help you make your time at<br />

<strong>London</strong> Met both enjoyable and successful<br />

4.7 Disabilities and Inclusion<br />

The Student Advisers (Disability and Inclusion) can assist you if you have a disability, long-term medical or<br />

mental health condition or Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. dyslexia). Support can include:<br />

Special examination arrangements<br />

Help with finding an academic support worker<br />

Screening if you think you have a Specific Learning Difficulty<br />

Assistance to apply for study-related funding<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/disabilities<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/dyslexia-disabilities<br />

If you are eligible for support, the Advisers can help you obtain a range of adjustments depending on the<br />

level of need identified. This may include:<br />

Practical Assistance: specialist tutors (specific learning difficulties), note-takers, or communication support<br />

Specific Adjustments to Study-Related Services: extended library loans (week loans only) or accessibility<br />

related rooming adjustments<br />

Teaching-Related Adjustments: internal needs assessment report to identify needs to Academic Staff<br />

Assessment Specific Adjustments: exam adjustments, coursework certificates or alternative assessment<br />

arrangements.<br />

Please Note<br />

There are some aspects of course assessment that cannot be changed. These are known as ‘competence<br />

criteria’. To be identified as ‘competence criteria’ the assessed items must be essential to the course and all<br />

students must be able to fulfil these criteria. Although in such situations it may not be possible to alter the<br />

format of the assessment, you may still be entitled to adjustments (e.g. extra time or an amanuensis).


14<br />

Placement support<br />

If you are required, as part of your course, to go on placement, we can provide assistance to ensure that the<br />

placement is suitable for you and for any required adjustments to be discussed and organised as appropriate.<br />

You may be entitled to government allowances. You are strongly advised to contact us for help with funding<br />

applications. For full information on the types of funding available:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/disabilities<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/dyslexia-disabilities


5.0 FINAL PROJECT<br />

5.1 Registration<br />

15<br />

You register for your Final Masters Project in the same way as for your other modules - see section 2.8<br />

Module Registration, Course Planning and Approval.<br />

Once you are registered for your project, you are expected to submit it in the period for which you are<br />

registered. The <strong>University</strong>’s standard assessment arrangements and mitigating circumstances procedures<br />

apply (see below for information on withdrawal and mitigating circumstances).<br />

Formal requirements for your dissertation are set out in detail in the Project Module Booklet for your course.<br />

The main aspects are summarised below:<br />

5.2 Supervision Arrangements<br />

Students will undertake the work under the guidance of a member of academic staff. This supervision is<br />

expected to take up, on average, 0.5 hour per week and the student is expected to work independently for a<br />

further 29.5 hours per week. Students working on projects are expected to use mainly email to discuss<br />

problems related to the undertaken work, to seek advice on the completed and future work, and to discuss<br />

the progress of their work. Supervisors are expected to use email as well to provide advice, guidance and<br />

support to students.<br />

If you need to arrange a meeting with your supervisor ion person, you can either visit the university, or you<br />

can deliberate a visit by the supervisor to your work place, whenever suitable. In either case, you must<br />

negotiate the meeting with your supervisor in advance. If you are an international student and you need a<br />

visa for coming to the UK on a visit, you may also need to contact the Graduate office for arranging the<br />

necessary documents related to the visa application.<br />

5.3 Topic approval<br />

All final projects in this course must be related to your current work. Students can identify a problem<br />

themselves, they can ask their employer for formulating a suitable work-related problem, or they may accept<br />

a suggestion by the supervisor. After identifying the problem the students should write up a short proposal<br />

describing the nature of the problem, rationale, objectives and methodology. The topic of the project will be<br />

finalised in consultation with the agreed Project Supervisor, who will also advise on the scope and viability of<br />

the work and who will provide advice, guidance and support for the duration of the project.<br />

You should also consult the <strong>University</strong>’s Code of Good Research Practice which can be accessed at:<br />

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/research/the-research-and-postgraduate-office/current-students/researchethics.cfm<br />

to see whether these guidelines raise any issues for your own research, and discuss them with<br />

your supervisor.<br />

5.4 Planning and Timing<br />

An outline project plan forms part of the proposal submitted for FCPP01N. Further planning and timing are<br />

carried out in discussion with the project supervisor at the beginning of the project.<br />

In addition to meeting the Supervisor on a weekly basis, weekly workshops are organised by the Module<br />

Convener to address issues relevant to the Project, which gives the student the opportunity to get further<br />

feedback/advice and ask questions.


5.5 Submission<br />

16<br />

You must submit two copies of your dissertation/ project. One copy will be available for you to collect after<br />

marking and the other may be kept by the <strong>University</strong>, for reference.<br />

Both copies should be securely bound so that pages cannot easily be removed, lost or replaced. It is helpful<br />

if at least one of the copies is bound with front and rear boards rigid enough to hold the dissertation upright<br />

on a shelf, and has a navy blue cover with gold lettering. (Your Postgraduate Office can provide a list of<br />

thesis binders, or they can be sent to you via ordinary mail.<br />

There are three standard deadline dates for submission in every academic year. The dates for your course<br />

in 2011/12 are:<br />

Autumn Semester N/A<br />

Deadline<br />

Spring Semester 18 May 2012 (for full-time students only, if you started the project in<br />

the beginning of the second semester)<br />

Summer Period 31 August 2012 9 (for full-time and part-time students, if you started<br />

the project after you finished the second semester)<br />

Projects must be submitted at your Postgraduate Office<br />

Dissertations/Projects must be submitted at your Postgraduate Office


17<br />

6.0 MARKING AND ASSESSMENT<br />

6.1 Academic Regulations<br />

The <strong>University</strong>’s Academic Regulations govern all aspects of assessment and those concerning postgraduate<br />

assessment can be found in Section 4.2 (www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations).<br />

6.2 Marking and grades<br />

The <strong>University</strong> provides you with marks and grades for the work that you submit for assessment. The<br />

detailed requirements of assessment in each module are specified in module booklets, together with<br />

indicative assessment criteria associated with different levels of performance and results. Each component of<br />

assessed work is assigned a percentage mark with a pass/fail threshold at 50%.<br />

At postgraduate level, degrees are awarded according to the overall average mark obtained for all modules<br />

and the dissertation, with classification thresholds for each grade of award as follows:<br />

70% and above Masters degree with Distinction<br />

60% - 69.99% Masters degree with Merit<br />

50% - 59.99% Masters degree<br />

0% - 49.99% Fail<br />

At the end of each semester, module results and awards are confirmed by Assessment Boards (Subject<br />

Standards Boards and Awards Boards). Assessment Boards uphold the academic standards of your course<br />

and ensure that each student is treated fairly and equally through the assessment process.<br />

6.3 Your responsibilities concerning Assessment<br />

You have a responsibility to ensure that all coursework assessments are completed in accordance with the<br />

published deadlines and that all examinations are attended in accordance with the published timetable.<br />

While there are opportunities to be re-assessed in assignments and examinations (see 6.10 below) you<br />

should be aware that, under the <strong>University</strong>’s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module on reassessment<br />

your overall module mark will be capped at the bare pass mark level of 50%.<br />

6.4 Academic Misconduct<br />

You are also responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is your own, and that it is appropriately<br />

referenced. The <strong>University</strong> does not tolerate cheating of any kind. You are strongly advised to familiarise<br />

yourself with the Academic Misconduct Procedures, which list a range of categories of academic misconduct<br />

and associated penalties, covering instances of academic misconduct (plagiarism, collusion, exam cheating).<br />

From the outset of your studies you should receive information and guidance on referencing conventions and<br />

group work activities and on how to ensure that you do not contravene the <strong>University</strong>’s Procedures. If you<br />

are unsure about referencing, paraphrasing or group work activities, you should seek advice as soon as<br />

possible from the Module Tutor, your PAA or the Students’ Union.<br />

An interactive guide on preventing plagiarism containing student views on plagiarism, interactive<br />

demonstrations on how to reference and quizzes can be accessed at:<br />

http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/TLTC/learnhigher/Plagiarism/<br />

Further information can be accessed at:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-misconduct


6.5 Assessment Feedback<br />

18<br />

Assessment feedback is a critical part of your learning experience and supports successful achievement on<br />

your course. Feedback can be:<br />

diagnostic – it provides an indicator of your aptitude and preparedness for study and can identify your<br />

strengths and weaknesses.<br />

formative – it provides you with feedback on progress on your work. The work may or may not<br />

contribute to the overall module grade.<br />

summative – it provides a measure of achievement or failure in respect of your performance in<br />

relation to intended learning outcomes for a piece of assessment.<br />

During your course you will probably receive feedback in a number of different forms.<br />

in teaching sessions to the whole class or to you individually;<br />

orally or in writing;<br />

written using a feedback sheet on your work;<br />

during the module as well as at the end.<br />

Your assessment tasks may be set for submission during the semester or towards the end of the<br />

semester. For this course the beginning of the semester is not a fixed date but the date of actual<br />

starting as negotiated with the Course Leader.<br />

You should note carefully the following details<br />

For coursework submitted up to the end of teaching week 9 of a semester<br />

i) Your marked coursework and accompanying feedback should normally be returned to you during<br />

module sessions. Alternative arrangements may be made, for example, where the assessment<br />

involves bulky pieces of coursework.<br />

For coursework submitted after teaching week 9 of a semester<br />

i) Your tutor’s feedback (without the coursework) will be available for collection either from your module<br />

lecturer or from the Postgraduate Office.<br />

ii) The marked work with your tutor’s comments will be available for collection two weeks after the formal<br />

publication of the result.<br />

iii) Any unclaimed work will be kept for a period of 6 months following publication of the result, after which<br />

it will be destroyed.<br />

All arrangements for coursework and feedback return will normally be stated in module booklets. This should<br />

include:<br />

due dates for coursework submission;<br />

dates when coursework feedback will be distributed in class (for work submitted up to the end of week<br />

9);<br />

dates when coursework feedback can be collected from the module lecturer or the Postgraduate<br />

Centre (for work submitted after week 9);<br />

the format by which assessment feedback will be given;<br />

the process by which coursework can be collected two weeks following the publication of the result<br />

concerned.<br />

6.6 Submission of coursework<br />

Unless you are given formal guidance to do otherwise (e.g. for some design work or work to be submitted via<br />

WebLearn), written coursework must be submitted via email directly to the module leader.


6.7 Presentation Timetable<br />

19<br />

As the presentations and demonstrations are an important assessment mechanism in number of modules in<br />

your course you may expect to be required to prepare and deliver them in person in quite a number of<br />

occasions. Presentations in person can be delivered either at the <strong>University</strong>, or at your workplace. This will<br />

be negotiated with your tutors in each specific occasion. Wherever you are delivering the presentation or the<br />

demonstration at your workplace, your tutor will be coming there and your employer may be also invited to<br />

participate, but the academic judgement will be always of your tutor only.<br />

If you are an international student and cannot come to the <strong>University</strong> for presentation/demonstration in<br />

person, or if your tutor is not coming to your place of work, you may be allowed to present the materials<br />

prepared by you online. In such a case you will receive instructions how this should be organised by your<br />

tutor and you may be required to install suitable software on your own premises or at work for which you will<br />

have to have the permission.<br />

In any case, you may need to deliberate the time and the method of presenting directly with your<br />

tutor/supervisor.<br />

6.8 Mitigating Circumstances<br />

Students who are unable to attend an examination must contact their Postgraduate Office on or before the<br />

date of the exam. A claim should also be made under the procedures for Mitigating Circumstances which, if<br />

accepted, will result in an opportunity to redo the exam without penalty in the summer period. Students who<br />

are unable to submit coursework by the due date should also make a claim under the mitigating<br />

circumstances process but are also expected, where possible, to submit the assignment within two weeks of<br />

the due date with an explanation of the reasons for lateness.<br />

Students who do not submit assessment and do not notify the <strong>University</strong> of the reasons for this in<br />

advance will not be eligible for reassessment and may be required to retake the module and, in some<br />

cases, to leave the course.<br />

For further information access: www.londonmet.ac.uk/mitigation<br />

If you think you are likely to need to make a claim under these procedures you are advised to contact your<br />

Postgraduate Office in advance of the due date.<br />

Claims of mitigating circumstances must be submitted to the Postgraduate Office on the appropriate form,<br />

attaching independent supporting evidence of the particular circumstances that affected your studies. Forms<br />

should be printed from: www.londonmet.ac.uk/mitigation<br />

The deadlines for the submission of claims are published at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/mitigation , but also on<br />

notice boards outside the Postgraduate Office.<br />

Prior to submitting a claim for Mitigating Circumstances you are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with<br />

the Mitigating Circumstances Criteria (Section 10.3 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations<br />

6.9 Assessment Board Appeals<br />

There are only three grounds on which students may appeal against the outcome of an assessment board<br />

decision. These are very specific and an appeal may not be made in respect of an academic judgement or in<br />

respect of a rejected claim of mitigating circumstances. The <strong>University</strong> operates a strict 5 working day<br />

deadline for submission of appeals, following the publication of the result(s) concerned. Refer to the Index<br />

(Section 10.1) for sources of further information.


20<br />

Appeals in respect of impaired academic performance due to mitigating circumstances may be made only in<br />

relation to an exam or to an assessed piece of work that was submitted by the published deadline. If<br />

successful, the assessment/reassessment concerned will be voided and any mark achieved must be<br />

surrendered. A further assessment/reassessment will then be granted, at the next opportunity, in place of the<br />

voided attempt. Such appeals WILL NOT be considered in relation to work submitted during the late<br />

coursework period (as defined in 6.8 above).<br />

Prior to submitting an Appeal you should familiarise yourself with the Procedures for the submission of<br />

Appeals (Section 10.4 of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations<br />

6.10 Action in the event of failure to pass a module<br />

Reassessment<br />

A student who attempts the final component of assessment in a module shall normally be entitled to be<br />

reassessed on one occasion in any module for which a failing mark has been awarded. Reassessment takes<br />

place during the summer resit period following the academic session in which the module was taken.<br />

However, reassessment of a dissertation shall take place at the next available assessment point (i.e.<br />

January for September submissions, May for January submissions and September for May submissions).<br />

Under the <strong>University</strong>’s Academic Regulations, if you pass the module following reassessment, your overall<br />

module mark will be capped at the bare pass.<br />

A student who does not attempt the final component of assessment in a module will only be permitted<br />

reassessment if they have notified the <strong>University</strong> (normally in advance of the date of submission/date of<br />

examination). Where the reasons given are documented and meet the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances<br />

(see Section 6.8), a student will be entitled to be assessed during the summer period as if for the first time<br />

and will be entitled to the full range of marks for the module. Where a request for a deferral of assessment is<br />

made but the claim does not satisfy the criteria for Mitigating Circumstances, the <strong>University</strong> may agree a<br />

reassessment opportunity but any passing module mark will be capped at a bare pass.<br />

If you have received failing marks in three or more modules (60 credits) in a level you will be required to<br />

undertake a review of your academic performance with your Course Leader or nominee. On the basis of this<br />

review, you may be required to leave the course or seek admission on to a different course.<br />

You should ensure that you familiarise yourself with the <strong>University</strong> regulations on reassessment (Section 4.2<br />

of the Academic Regulations), which can be found at:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations<br />

Retaking a module<br />

If, after reassessment, you still have not passed a module, you may need to re-register and to take the whole<br />

module again. You are only permitted to re-register any module on one occasion and a fee may be charged<br />

for re-registrations.<br />

6.11 <strong>University</strong> Criteria for Awards<br />

The Postgraduate Awards Framework, the list of all of the <strong>University</strong>’s postgraduate awards, can be found at<br />

the beginning of Section 4.1 of the Academic Regulations. Section 4.2 of the Academic Regulations details<br />

the minimum criteria for all the <strong>University</strong>’s postgraduate awards.


WITHDRAWAL, INTERRUPTION OR TRANSFER<br />

6.12 Withdrawal from a module<br />

21<br />

Normally once you have a registered programme for the academic year it cannot be changed. You have until<br />

the end of week 2 of the first semester to withdraw from a module without academic or financial penalty. After<br />

this point you are expected to complete every module registered against your record and to pay any fee due<br />

for your registered programme. For further information and advice please contact your Postgraduate Office.<br />

Withdrawal from a module is not permitted after Week 2 of the first semester and students with unforeseen<br />

circumstances, which prevent completion of an assessment or a module, should submit a claim of mitigating<br />

circumstances. (See section 6.8). Requests to substitute modules for the second semester of study must be<br />

submitted by the <strong>University</strong>’s specified deadline for such requests and shall be subject to <strong>University</strong> approval.<br />

Such requests shall only be considered where there is no reduction in the total number of modules registered.<br />

6.13 Intermission of Studies<br />

There may be circumstances that arise in the year that make it difficult for you to continue on your course or<br />

part of your course. If this is the case you should in the first instance, contact your Postgraduate Office, who<br />

will advise you of the options available to you. You may need to see your Course Leader and/or Student<br />

Services.<br />

Intermission of studies is only possible in exceptional cases and you will need to provide evidence of your<br />

circumstances that confirms it is not possible for you to continue on your course. Intermission can have as<br />

financial implications (where applicable) and on your status in the UK if you are an international student.<br />

During an approved intermission of studies you will not be eligible to sit examinations, submit coursework or<br />

undertake any other form of assessment.<br />

The maximum period of intermission permitted is two years and the maximum period in which to<br />

qualify for a Masters degree (including any agreed intermission) is six years.<br />

If you intermit without prior approval you will be deemed to have withdrawn from your course and<br />

you may not be allowed to recommence at a later date.<br />

For further details go to: www.londonmet.ac.uk/intermission<br />

6.14 Mode of Study<br />

Your mode of study is determined by the <strong>University</strong> based on the number of modules that you have<br />

registered for a particular semester (Refer to Section 4.1, Regulation 13 of the Academic Regulations).<br />

While students are permitted to change their mode of study at the end of a semester, they must be clearly<br />

registered as either full-time or part-time for each whole semester. This is because the funds allocated to<br />

the <strong>University</strong> by the Higher Education Funding Council (England) relate to the number of students registered<br />

in each mode.<br />

You should be aware that a change in mode of study is a formal <strong>University</strong> process and you should therefore<br />

seek advice from your Postgraduate Office or Student Services before making any decision.<br />

The university does not support visa applications on the ground of full-time study for international<br />

students in this course.<br />

6.15 Course Transfers<br />

If you intend to change course, you should seek advice from your Postgraduate Office.


22<br />

7.0 STUDY RESOURCES AND FACILITIES<br />

7.1 Libraries and Special Collections<br />

We hope you will make full use of the study facilities, specialist library staff and extensive range of<br />

print and electronic resources available to support your studies and help you succeed.<br />

<strong>London</strong> Met students have access to our five libraries located at Calcutta House, Commercial Road,<br />

Holloway Road, Ladbroke House and Moorgate and two internationally acclaimed special<br />

collections.<br />

The Special Collections are The Trades Union Congress Library Collections which is a major<br />

research library for the study of all aspects of trade unions, employment and collective bargaining<br />

both historical and contemporary coverage. This is located on the ground floor of the Holloway<br />

Road library. The Women’s Library, located next to Calcutta House building, is the oldest and most<br />

extensive collection of women’s history in Europe. It is also a cultural centre and students are<br />

encouraged to attend the busy public events programme – discounts for students are available.<br />

The Collections are reference only but they are an excellent source of information for essays –<br />

especially for dissertations.<br />

For more information go to:<br />

www.thewomenslibrary.ac.uk<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/sas/library-services/tuc/<br />

All <strong>University</strong> libraries have a large range of up-to-date information and resources. The electronic<br />

resources include e-journals, e-books, and databases, which are also accessible outside the<br />

<strong>University</strong>, via the library catalogue at:<br />

http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/<br />

Holloway Road library, re-designed in early 2011, houses plenty of new computers, comfy informal<br />

learning spaces, techno booths, teaching rooms and a café area.<br />

All the libraries have open access networked PCs and printers, copying and media facilities to<br />

support your studies. In designated areas you can get wireless access to the Internet using your<br />

own laptop – look out for the MetNet signs. All the libraries offer group and silent learning zones<br />

and there are group study rooms which can be booked. To save you time, there are many selfservice<br />

facilities including borrowing and returning items, renewals and reservations. The web<br />

based catalogue is easy to use and can be accessed both on and off campus.<br />

Information on our services, library opening hours, borrowing rights, resources and contacts can be<br />

found at: www.londonmet.ac.uk/library<br />

7.2 Academic Liaison Librarians and Subject Guides<br />

Academic liaison librarians are qualified to provide learning support and information skills training<br />

and ensure that the appropriate information resources you need are available throughout your<br />

course.<br />

Your librarian can help you acquire valuable information literacy skills which will enable you to locate,<br />

retrieve, evaluate and use the most relevant resources for your research for specific assignments<br />

and projects. This is done in a variety of ways from drop-in workshop sessions to bespoke course<br />

group sessions planned in conjunction with academic staff and based on your learning objectives.


23<br />

They publish guides and online tutorials to resources specific to your subject area which are a good<br />

starting point when you need support. You can talk to your academic liaison librarian in person<br />

during one of the regular drop-in sessions at all libraries or, if you prefer, send an email with your<br />

enquiry. They are always happy to help. For further information:<br />

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/services/sas/library-services/services/sessions.cfm<br />

To access subject guides and find your academic liaison librarian go to:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/services/sas/library-services/subject-help/subjects/index.cfm<br />

7.3 Student feedback<br />

Library Services are always looking at ways to improve what we offer you and welcome your views.<br />

Please go to our Comments and Suggestions link on our web pages<br />

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/services/sas/library-services/comments.cfm or email your Learning<br />

Resources Manager http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/services/sas/library-services/services/conman.cfm<br />

7.4 ICT Services and Media Resources<br />

Many classrooms are equipped with fixed Audio-Visual installations, including overhead projector,<br />

PC, whiteboard and screen.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> has a number of computer studios, offering both specialist and general-purpose<br />

software, running mainly on PCs, but some on Apple Macs.<br />

Access<br />

ICT facilities can only be accessed through using individually assigned IDs and passwords.<br />

General-purpose PC and Mac studios are provided and supported by IT support staff. Most are<br />

open-access to students except when booked for teaching.<br />

Support staff<br />

Support is provided throughout the day through dedicated onsite teams, with Student Helpdesks<br />

located in Tower Building, Calcutta House, Commercial Road, Eden Grove, Ladbroke House,<br />

Moorgate and Spring House. Telephone support is available evenings and weekends every day of<br />

the year.<br />

Details can be found on the support webpage: http://my.londonmet.ac.uk<br />

Opening Hours<br />

For full details of opening hours, refer to: http://my.londonmet.ac.uk<br />

Students can access many of the <strong>University</strong>’s computing facilities from home or another workplace<br />

via the Internet.<br />

Student Printing<br />

Laser printing is available throughout the <strong>University</strong>. A fee is charged.<br />

FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES<br />

7.5 Open Language Programme<br />

In addition to their main programme of study, the <strong>University</strong> offers all postgraduate students the<br />

opportunity through the Open Language Programme, to learn (or gain fluency in) one of a wide<br />

range of languages. For the majority of courses an additional fee payment is charged should you<br />

wish to pursue this.


24<br />

Before registering for an OLP module you will need to be assessed so that you can be placed at the<br />

appropriate level; these assessments are made by the Open Language Programme at key points in<br />

the year.<br />

The languages available are usually: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese<br />

and Spanish.<br />

Learning is achieved through a combination of taught sessions and independent study packs, both<br />

of which are essential to make real progress. For further information please visit:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/depts/hal/olp


8.0 COURSE SPECIFICATION<br />

1. Name of course and highest award<br />

MSc Professional Engineering and Technology<br />

2. Scheme<br />

Postgraduate<br />

3. Total credit for course<br />

180<br />

4. Possible interim awards<br />

Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Engineering and Technology: 60 credits<br />

Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Engineering and Technology: 120 credits<br />

5. Awarding/validating institution/body<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />

6. Teaching institution<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />

7. Course also accredited by<br />

None<br />

25<br />

8. Professional body exemptions/accreditation<br />

None<br />

9. External subject benchmarks<br />

Due to the engineering flavour of the course the main external benchmark which applies here is the<br />

Subject Benchmark in Engineering by QAA, although number of specific professional<br />

benchmarks issued by professional organisations such as IET, BCS etc may also broadly apply to it.<br />

10. UCAS code (undergraduate only)<br />

N/A<br />

11. <strong>London</strong> Met course code<br />

PMST<br />

12. Route code<br />

PRENTE-N<br />

13. JACS code


G400<br />

14. Source of funding<br />

Self funded by students, or paid by their employer<br />

15. Approved to run from<br />

February 2010<br />

16. Mode of attendance<br />

Work-based part-time/full-time.<br />

17. Expected duration of course<br />

MSc 1 year full-time, 2-6 years part-time<br />

PGDip 2 semesters full-time, 4 semesters part-time (maximum 4 years)<br />

PGCert 1 semester full-time, 2 semesters part-time (maximum 3 years)<br />

26<br />

18. Organised work experience/sandwich year/year abroad<br />

N/A<br />

19. Career education, information and guidance<br />

The course assumes that the students are employed and studying while working. It prepares them<br />

for further pursuing their professional career on a more senior level. Information and guidance on<br />

the course and individual modules is provided by the course leader and module leaders<br />

respectively.<br />

20. Admissions<br />

Spring or Autumn<br />

21. Teaching location<br />

North Campus<br />

22. Home academic department<br />

Faculty of Computing<br />

23. Course Leader<br />

Dr. Vassil T. Vassilev<br />

24. Main educational aims of the course<br />

The overriding aim of the course is to provide analytical, technological and management guidance<br />

to IT specialists already working within the industry on a professional level with particular emphasis<br />

on those areas, which are currently considered core for a senior career in the profession, i.e. IT<br />

Strategy Management; Business Analysis and Modelling; Software Products, Services and Systems


Design and Development; Deployment, Maintenance and Re-Engineering of IT Solutions and IT<br />

Project Management.<br />

The main course aims are:<br />

27<br />

To provide a high quality postgraduate programme of training and guidance in the most<br />

important, current areas of computing and professional engineering.<br />

To address a broad core of computing topics, focussing in depth on issues pertinent to current<br />

IT technology and business practice.<br />

To develop a set of skills that enable students to apply an analytical approach to IT in the<br />

context of real life applications.<br />

To offer core modules and modules with negotiated content in order to provide a flexible<br />

programme to allow candidates to acquire knowledge and skills appropriate to their interests and<br />

career, enhancing and complementing the knowledge and skills and recognising and crediting<br />

their previous education and experience.<br />

To further develop in candidates the intellectual skills of reasoning, problem solving, selfexpression,<br />

independent study and decision making, thereby enabling them to deal with<br />

complex issues both systematically and creatively.<br />

To further encourage commitment and enthusiasm for computing and to prepare students for<br />

pursuing a career as computing professionals at a senior level.<br />

25. Course learning outcomes<br />

25a. Knowledge and understanding<br />

Learning Outcomes<br />

On completing the course students will<br />

1. Know and understand the problems associated with implementation of IT solutions in one or<br />

more of the special areas of business operation: Office Automation, E-Commerce and E-<br />

Business, Management Information Systems, Business Process Engineering, Information<br />

Systems Development, Enterprise Software Production, Distributed Systems, Embedded<br />

Systems, Multimedia Systems<br />

2. Understand the problems associated with commercial, industrial and business enterprise<br />

products, systems and services from different perspective: business, financial, technical, legal,<br />

social and psychological.<br />

3. Be able to analyse their business, propose solutions and judge the feasibility, effectiveness,<br />

legal aspects and usability of various alternatives.<br />

4. Know and understand the nature and principles determining the overall architecture, design and<br />

functioning of enterprise software, the principles of contemporary object-orientation, component<br />

approach, collaborative and autonomous computing on the Internet.<br />

5. Have competence in using state-of-the-art software tools in their own area of specialisation as<br />

found in their workplace, at the university or on the Internet.<br />

6. Know the principles, be able to judge and practically assess the usability of various IT solutions,<br />

employed at their own workplace.<br />

7. Know and understand concepts, mechanisms and processes involved in securing information in<br />

an enterprise system environment.<br />

8. Be able to develop knowledge and skills needed to undertake independent research in<br />

Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Technology.<br />

9. Be able to communicate their work effectively to others by means of appropriate documentation,<br />

public and online presentation.<br />

Teaching/ learning strategies and methods


28<br />

Students’ learning is organised according to the individual programme of study and includes various<br />

activities:<br />

Work-based learning using self-study and/or communication and collaboration with other<br />

professionals at work. The students will be expected to work in their normal business<br />

environment to prepare the course tasks materials to be submitted for formal assessment and<br />

presentation at the university.<br />

E-Learning using electronic communications with the tutors for guidance and support. Part of the<br />

study will be conducted using materials, provided by the university and made available to the<br />

students over the Internet using convenient tools (e-mailing, instant messaging, file<br />

downloading). Supplementary learning material such as notes and handouts, bibliography and<br />

links to external resources will be generally available through the university WebLearn system.<br />

Individual and Group sessions for oral presentation of research reports, professional portfolios<br />

and for practical demonstrations of engineering solutions. This will be organised on university<br />

premises with participation of both the students and their tutors.<br />

Recognising of prior experience, academic study and professional training. The students will be<br />

allowed to claim up to 50% of their study credits according to the university procedures for<br />

recognising prior experience after standard AP(E)L procedures.<br />

Individual or group guidance for AP(E)L applications. As part of the procedures for credit<br />

recognition the students will be provided with the necessary instructions and practical assistance<br />

to allow them optimize their programme of study according to their personal experience.<br />

Part of the study program can also include attendance of taught modules and short intensive<br />

courses available through the Faculty of Computing current portfolio of modules. In such a case<br />

the direct contact time will increase, combining lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars in<br />

which information is conveyed through various more conventional methods such as group-work,<br />

case studies, problem based learning tasks, presentations and demonstrations.<br />

Assessment<br />

Students should expect to be assessed through a variety of methods strictly related to the course<br />

outcomes listed above.<br />

Formative assessment such as written coursework, research reports and professional portfolio will<br />

require students to<br />

Conduct individual research<br />

Formulate business cases<br />

Collect factual data<br />

Build problem portfolios<br />

Propose business models<br />

Perform feasibility analysis<br />

Construct technical specifications<br />

Develop software prototypes<br />

Evaluate technical solutions from business, professional, legal and social perspectives<br />

Write technical documentation<br />

Summative assessments such as prototype demonstrations, oral presentations and project reports<br />

will add to the above outcomes a variety of tasks, including:<br />

Discussing advantages and disadvantages of alternative solutions available<br />

Comparing alternatives according to a designated set of criteria<br />

Planning project activities for achieving professional targets<br />

Specifying technical solutions using pseudo-code, formal languages and visual diagrams


Writing detailed explanations and justification of the specifications<br />

Projecting future development<br />

25b. Cognitive intellectual skills<br />

Learning Outcomes<br />

29<br />

On completing the course the students are expected to have developed higher order skills that are<br />

reflected in the student’s ability to:<br />

1. Carry out independent and scholarly research and investigation. This skill will be encouraged at<br />

the module level and has been built in to the course structure by the provision of a specific<br />

module (Research and Development Skills) and the final project work (MSc Project)<br />

2. Evaluate and compare a range of technological solutions for IT problems, which they will<br />

encounter in their employment. This skill has been built into the course structure by the provision<br />

of two specific modules (Work-based Learning and Professional Development, and Professional<br />

Portfolio)<br />

3. Evaluate and select appropriate analysis and design methods for solving problems of software<br />

implementation (Work-based Learning and Professional Development)<br />

4. Anticipate, detect and handle issues related to the planning, development, deployment,<br />

maintenance and evolution of complex software in their employing organisation. This skill is<br />

related to all above mentioned modules, as well as the Project Management module included in<br />

the programme of study.<br />

5. Deploy general study skills, problem solving behaviour, team working skills, communication,<br />

self-presentation and decision-making for improving the individual performance, team efficiency<br />

and activity optimisation in real business environment. This skill is primarily related to all creative<br />

work, which goes across the modules but it will also interact with the individual professional<br />

practice.<br />

6. Evaluate the professional, ethical, social and legal issues involved in developing and deploying<br />

software.<br />

Teaching/ learning strategies and methods<br />

The main teaching/learning strategies in this direction of learning will be centred around the<br />

following methods:<br />

Individual research using publicly available and work-related sources of information<br />

Professional communication within the industrial environment at the workplace with colleagues<br />

Public presentations on subjects related to the above issues before colleagues, tutors and<br />

guests<br />

Critical evaluation and justification of proposed solution<br />

Assessment<br />

Students will be exposed to various assessment techniques suitable for assessing cognitive<br />

abilities. Formative assessment such as feasibility study, presentations and keeping of logbooks<br />

will usually be accompanied by summative assessment such as problem portfolio submission,<br />

presentations and technical demonstrations.<br />

All assessment methods are designed to test the student’s actual level of skill achievements.<br />

Initially the students are expected to conduct some research of existing technologies, business<br />

models and solutions, then they will be asked to gather and analyse data, subsequently they will<br />

be expected to identify problems and propose solutions and, finally to plan the actual<br />

implementation.


As students progress through the semesters, the assessment methods will become more<br />

challenging, culminating in the requirement to write a MSc Project report.<br />

Any prior experience and existing certificates of the students will be assessed via a portfolio<br />

matched to learning outcomes<br />

25c. Transferable skills<br />

30<br />

The overall curriculum is designed to develop in students specific skills that should define their<br />

‘graduateness’ at the end of the period of study. These skills are embedded in the curriculum and<br />

developed within each module. The key skills are:<br />

1. The ability to communicate ideas, principles, theories and information effectively by oral and<br />

written means, business presentations and technical prototype demonstration.<br />

2. The ability to work effectively both in a team and independently on a given project or task.<br />

3. The ability to apply advanced software analysis and design skills to the development of industrial<br />

applications.<br />

4. The ability to think critically and take decisions, analysing given information, evaluating technical<br />

options, designing solutions and implementing them in an industrial setting.<br />

Teaching/learning strategies and methods<br />

At all stages, students have the opportunity to work independently and to present work in varied<br />

forms such as study reports, data sampling, problem portfolios, technical demonstration and oral<br />

presentations (skill 1 & 2). Group work is included in both semesters with lots of interpersonal and<br />

professional communication during the first semester and some more emphasis on the team<br />

interaction during the second semester (skill 2). The technological skills are also covered in both<br />

semesters (Engineering and Technology Designate 1 & 2 modules) and subsequently find their<br />

application in the final year project (skill 3). Critical thinking (skill 4) is developed and stimulated<br />

throughout the whole curriculum, but especially in three of the core modules - Research and<br />

Development Skills, Work-Based Learning and Professional Development, and Professional<br />

Portfolio and culminates in the final year project (MSc Project). Support and guidance regarding<br />

AP(E)L procedures will be provided both online and individually (See http://apel.londonmet.ac.uk).<br />

Assessment<br />

Skills 1, 3 and 4 are assessed through written reports and presentations. Skills 2 and 4 are<br />

assessed through case studies and the professional portfolio. Skill 2 is assessed through project<br />

work and public presentations. Support and guidance regarding AP(E)L procedures will be provided<br />

both online and individually (See http://apel.londonmet.ac.uk).


25d. Subject-specific practical skills<br />

Learning Outcomes<br />

31<br />

The MSc Professional Engineering and Technology course is a framework for work-based<br />

individual study in a broad area of engineering and technology directions and as such it<br />

leads to a variety of subject-specific skills. Because of this the following list of outcomes<br />

covers only partially the whole spectrum of possible outputs at the end of the study, which<br />

depends on both the preliminary preparation of the students as well as on their individual<br />

programme of study throughout the course as agreed with the course management.<br />

1. Perform business analysis and system modelling for solving complex business problems<br />

and doing e-Business using a variety of methodologies and supported by appropriate<br />

software tools.<br />

2. Configure, utilise and manage off-the-shelf products and business suites in a desktop,<br />

centralised and distributed mode of operation.<br />

3. Design complex scenarios for working using visual interfaces for interacting with<br />

business information systems and services in distributed, service-oriented and pattern<br />

based software architectures.<br />

4. Critically apply knowledge and skills to test, evaluate and assess real-world information<br />

systems, software products and services.<br />

5. Control, monitor and administer complex technical systems for doing business online<br />

and working in a collaborative environment.<br />

6. Estimate, plan, manage and execute information systems, software products and<br />

information services implementation projects.<br />

Teaching/learning strategies and methods<br />

The technical nature of these skills requires selection of appropriate methods for working<br />

with the corresponding tools and technologies through which these skills are acquired,<br />

specific to the corresponding professional area – data and knowledge processing<br />

technologies, software engineering technologies, communication technologies, media<br />

technologies, etc.<br />

Assessment<br />

Depending on the technology in consideration, the assessment of these elements will be<br />

done through a variety of individual and group exercises, reports and presentations, workbased<br />

and presentations, etc.; see individual module specifications for the assessment<br />

schemes for specific modules. Recognition of prior experience will be based on the portfolio<br />

matched to the learning outcomes according to the standard APEL procedures. Support and<br />

guidance regarding AP(E)L will be provided both online and individually (See<br />

http://apel.londonmet.ac.uk).<br />

26. Course structure diagram<br />

The programme of study will be entirely practice driven and work-based, customized to the<br />

individual needs of the students in their workplace. The students are expected to work<br />

closely with the business in order to identify, study and propose solutions to key problems in<br />

the business they participate in through a number of instruments – project plans, feasibility<br />

studies, professional portfolio, technical models, specifications and prototypes.


Course Title: MSc Professional Engineering and Technology<br />

Course Type: Work-Based Learning<br />

Course Leader: Dr. Vassil T. Vassilev<br />

Award Semester Code Title Status Credit<br />

Points<br />

M<br />

a<br />

s<br />

t<br />

e<br />

r<br />

s<br />

M Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

M<br />

M<br />

M<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

Autumn/<br />

Spring<br />

MAutumn/<br />

Spring<br />

M Autumn/<br />

Spring<br />

M Spring,<br />

Autumn<br />

and<br />

Summer<br />

32<br />

CCPW01N Research and<br />

Development<br />

Skills<br />

CCPW02N<br />

CCPW03N<br />

CCPW04N<br />

Work-Based<br />

Learning and<br />

Professional<br />

Development<br />

Professional<br />

Technology<br />

Foundation<br />

Technology<br />

and<br />

Engineering<br />

Solutions<br />

Management<br />

CCPW05N Professional<br />

Portfolio<br />

CCPW06N Project<br />

Management<br />

Core 20<br />

Core<br />

Core<br />

Core<br />

20<br />

20<br />

20<br />

Notes<br />

Cannot be credited by<br />

AP(E)L.<br />

CCPW03/4N can be<br />

scheduled as part of the<br />

study, credited based on<br />

prior experience/<br />

qualification or selected<br />

from the list of available<br />

modules in the<br />

Computing portfolio at<br />

MSc level (i.e.<br />

CCP101N, CCP102N,<br />

CCP105N, CCP106N,<br />

CCP107N, CCP111N,<br />

CCP114N, etc.).<br />

Core 20 This module should be<br />

taken in parallel or after<br />

CCPW02N and cannot<br />

be credited by AP(E)L.<br />

Core 20<br />

FCPP01N MSc Project Core 60 This module can be<br />

started after CCPW01N<br />

and CCPW06N modules<br />

only<br />

Students must pass all<br />

modules, plus the MSc<br />

Project for the award<br />

of MSc in Professional<br />

Engineering and<br />

Technology


Course Title: PG Dip Professional Engineering and Technology<br />

Course Type: Work-Based Learning<br />

Course Leader: Dr. Vassil T. Vassilev<br />

Award Semester Code Title Status Credit<br />

Points<br />

P<br />

G<br />

D<br />

i<br />

p<br />

M Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

M<br />

M<br />

M<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

Autumn/<br />

Spring<br />

MAutumn/<br />

Spring<br />

M Autumn/<br />

Spring<br />

CCPW<br />

01N<br />

CCPW<br />

02N<br />

CCPW<br />

03N<br />

CCPW<br />

04N<br />

CCPW<br />

05N<br />

CCPW<br />

06N<br />

33<br />

Research and<br />

Development Skills<br />

Work-Based Learning<br />

and Professional<br />

Development<br />

Professional<br />

Technology<br />

Foundation<br />

Technology and<br />

Engineering<br />

Solutions<br />

Management<br />

Professional<br />

Portfolio<br />

Core 20<br />

Core<br />

Core<br />

Core<br />

20<br />

20<br />

20<br />

Project Management Core 20<br />

Notes<br />

Cannot be credited by<br />

AP(E)L.<br />

The two negotiated core<br />

modules can be<br />

scheduled as part of the<br />

study, credited based on<br />

prior experience or<br />

selected from the list of<br />

available modules in the<br />

Computing portfolio at<br />

MSc level (i.e.<br />

CCP101N, CCP102N,<br />

CCP105N, CCP106N,<br />

CCP107N, CCP111N,<br />

CCP114N, etc.).<br />

Core 20 Cannot be credited by<br />

AP(E)L.<br />

Students must pass all<br />

modules for the award<br />

of PG Dip in<br />

Professional<br />

Engineering and<br />

Technology


Course Title: PG Cert Professional Engineering and Technology<br />

Course Type: Work-Based Learning<br />

Course Leader: Dr. Vassil T. Vassilev<br />

Award Semester Code Title Status Credit<br />

Points<br />

P<br />

G<br />

C<br />

e<br />

r<br />

t<br />

M Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

M<br />

M<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

Spring/<br />

Autumn<br />

CCPW<br />

01N<br />

CCPW<br />

02N<br />

CCPW<br />

03N<br />

34<br />

Research and<br />

Development Skills<br />

Work-Based Learning<br />

and Professional<br />

Development<br />

Professional<br />

Technology<br />

Foundation<br />

Core 20<br />

Core<br />

Core<br />

20<br />

20<br />

Notes<br />

Cannot be credited by<br />

AP(E)L.<br />

The negotiated module<br />

can be scheduled as<br />

part of the study,<br />

credited based on prior<br />

experience or selected<br />

from the list of available<br />

modules in the<br />

Computing portfolio at<br />

MSc level (i.e. (i.e.<br />

CCP101N, CCP102N,<br />

CCP105N, CCP106N,<br />

CCP107N, CCP111N,<br />

CCP114N, etc.).<br />

The above scheme of<br />

study is indicative<br />

only. For the award of<br />

PG Certificate in<br />

Professional<br />

Technology and<br />

Engineering students<br />

must pass modules<br />

worth 60 credits


27. Assessment diagram<br />

Course Title: MSc Professional Engineering and Technology<br />

Course Type: Work-Based Learning<br />

Course Leader: Dr. Vassil T. Vassilev<br />

Assessment CCPW01N CCPW02N CCPW03N CCPW04N CCPW05N CCPW06N FCPP01N<br />

Unseen<br />

exam EXU<br />

Seen exam<br />

EXS<br />

Open book<br />

exam EXO<br />

Coursework<br />

CWK<br />

In class test<br />

CST<br />

Oral<br />

presentation<br />

ORL<br />

Practical<br />

PRA<br />

Group<br />

Project GRO<br />

Seminar<br />

performance<br />

SEM<br />

Dissertation/<br />

Project DIS<br />

Other<br />

(specify)<br />

OTH<br />

Weighting<br />

70%<br />

30%<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

W9<br />

W13<br />

Weighting<br />

30%<br />

40%<br />

30%<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

W4<br />

W9<br />

W12<br />

Weighting<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

Weighting<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

100% W13 100% W13<br />

Note: Module assessment contains a compulsory viva weighted 0%.<br />

Weighting<br />

35<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

Weighting<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

90% W10 90% W11<br />

Weighting<br />

10% W13 10% W13 Note<br />

Submission<br />

week no<br />

100% W13


28. Additional general comments (if appropriate)<br />

36<br />

This Work-Based Learning course requires a negotiated learning agreement as to the content and<br />

assessment of each module. The course team will ensure abroad spectrum of study and the uniqueness of<br />

each module content. Submitted assignments must be unique to each module or the student may be liable to<br />

a charge of academic misconduct.<br />

The course is entirely work-based and assumes that the students are already employed in industry, where<br />

they undertake technical positions requiring daily use of IT and/or performing engineering duties related to<br />

design, development, deployment, testing and maintenance of products, services and systems. The course<br />

specification in fact provides a framework for studying in a chosen field of professional technology and<br />

engineering which needs to be negotiated between the student and the university and agreed with the<br />

employer before becoming a contractual obligation for both the student and the university. The learning<br />

contract may include signing off a non-disclosure agreement.<br />

The university provides standard access to the available library facilities onsite with the possibility of<br />

borrowing books, and remote access to the resources available online. Studying the course also relies<br />

heavily on the use of personal computing equipment and requires intensive communications over the Internet.<br />

Where the students are not attending taught modules at the university it is their responsibility to make<br />

necessary arrangements with their employers for accessing such equipment at work or to arrange such<br />

facilities at home for the purpose of their study.<br />

Since most of the work undertaken by students while studying will be performed while working, in addition to<br />

the general regulations regarding cheating and plagiarism, it is expected that the essential part of the work<br />

presented by the students will be a result of their own efforts; where it is a part of collaboration within a team,<br />

there should be a clear demarcation of the roles and citation of the ownership of the results to defend the<br />

intellectual property rights of the other members of the team. This may also require consent forms to be<br />

signed by all members of the team.<br />

The course allows enrolling of both domestic and overseas students. Overseas students need to attend at<br />

least the induction and the presentations included in the corresponding modules, but do not need to stay in<br />

the country during the entire duration of the course. They can continue working in their own country and are<br />

strongly encouraged to relate their study to the workplace.<br />

29. Standard <strong>University</strong> entry requirements, inc APEL/AP(E)L<br />

The course is open to students with an undergraduate degree in Sciences, Engineering and Arts related to<br />

the use of technical products, systems or services. It is normally assumed that the students are professionally<br />

employed, self-employed or work as freelance consultants and will continue working in the same area during<br />

the duration of their study.<br />

If English is not applicant's first language or the medium of previous study is not English, IELTS score of 6.0<br />

or above (with all components 5.5. or above), a TOEFL score above 600, or a TOEFL on-line test score of<br />

250 or above (or equivalent, as approved by the Course Leader) is required to qualify for the course.<br />

International students are strongly advised to pass language tests prior to enrolment, since the course does<br />

not allow for language training as part of the study.<br />

30. Career opportunities<br />

The course assumes that the students have work and wish to prepare themselves for a career path related to<br />

their work. It is expected that after finishing this course the students will be able to pursue a professional<br />

career on a senior level. Although successfully finishing the course does not guarantee the position<br />

anticipated, typical positions which might be suitable targets are: System Architect, System Administrator,<br />

Project Manager, Software Development Team Leader, Business Process Line Manager and all intermediate<br />

positions up to CIO and CEO.


31. Course summary<br />

37<br />

The MSc Professional Engineering and Technology course is entirely work-based and will give professionals<br />

the opportunity to learn quickly without leaving their work. The course includes a wide range of flexible<br />

options, which allow students to combine their prior experience and to continue working on their current<br />

business tasks as a part of their study. This way, studying for a higher academic degree will help them to<br />

reflect on their own work and to find possibilities to run their business more efficiently, which can boost their<br />

career to a new professional level.<br />

Two of the modules included in the study programme are of technical nature and are meant to increase the<br />

level of professionalism in dealing with technology (Professional Technology Foundation and Technology<br />

and Engineering Solutions Management), two modules are methodological by nature and target the<br />

personal and professional development of the students (Research and Development Skills, Work-Based<br />

Learning and Professional Development) and a third group of modules is entirely practically-oriented and<br />

directly prepares the students for the project (Professional Portfolio and Project Management). The MSc<br />

Project module, which finishes the course of study, summarizes and integrates the knowledge and skills<br />

gained during the study on a problem directly related to students work, and therefore it allows them to show<br />

to a fuller extent a new level of competence and confidence in their workplace.<br />

The course takes from one to six years to complete and can be studied part-time without interrupting the<br />

students’ work. If for whatever reason the students are unable to complete their study they can be awarded<br />

one of the two intermediate awards (Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Technology and Engineering<br />

and Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Technology and Engineering).<br />

32. Course Regulatory Schedule<br />

a) Since the course is work-based, a specific regulation related to this course will be to seek the<br />

agreement of both the university and the student employer or contracted client if appropriate before<br />

undertaking the programme of study. After preliminary assessment of the student’s preparation, the<br />

student and the Course Organiser will construct a negotiated programme of study. Before final<br />

enrolment on the course, the student will need to provide in writing an official statement of agreement<br />

of this programme of study from his/her employer.<br />

b) The university regulations allow up to 50% of the credits to be claimed using AP(E)L procedures.<br />

The modules which are recognised and/or assessed through these procedures will be included with<br />

the respective credit in the program of study. The only modules which are exempt from this<br />

procedure are CCPW02N, CCPW05N and the MSc Project (60 credits).<br />

c) APEL requires students to demonstrate their learning from experience through approved assessment<br />

methods. APEL guidance can be delivered by a variety of means:<br />

• as an independent learning activity, where students apply on an individual basis and are given<br />

materials and tutor support, as appropriate, in order to prepare their evidence, similar to project<br />

supervision;<br />

• as a specific module where the accreditation process is supported and delivered within a<br />

standard module. Such a module would have learning outcomes in its own right and would be<br />

subject to the normal approval processes.<br />

The students will be assigned an APEL support tutor, who will guide them throughout the process of<br />

APEL assessment.<br />

d) APCL allows recognising of the relevant training prior to starting the course. It requires appropriate<br />

match of the prior study in level and content to the learning outcomes of the respective modules. This<br />

will be organised by the APCL Coordinator of the Faculty.


9.0 USEFUL INFORMATION<br />

38<br />

You need to be aware of the regulations on student conduct, enrolment and fee payment. These are in the<br />

Student Handbook (or see http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/student-handbook)


10.0 INDEX OF KEY SOURCES OF INFORMATION<br />

10.1 Relevant <strong>University</strong> Procedures:<br />

Procedure Full procedure<br />

in the Academic<br />

Regulations<br />

Academic Misconduct<br />

Appeals against decisions<br />

of Assessment Boards<br />

APL Procedures<br />

<br />

(Section 10.5)<br />

<br />

(Section 10.4)<br />

<br />

(Section 10.1)<br />

39<br />

Full Procedure<br />

& notes in the<br />

<strong>University</strong>’s<br />

Student<br />

Handbook<br />

Further information/guidance available<br />

at:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/academicmisconduct<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/appeal<br />

(Notes only) Limits to the amount of APL, which can be<br />

claimed, are detailed within the Awards<br />

Framework and Regulations that regulate<br />

your course.<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/credit<br />

Complaints Procedure <br />

Fees and enrolments<br />

<br />

(Section 9)<br />

Fees:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/fees-and-refunds<br />

Intermission (Suspension<br />

of Studies)<br />

Mitigating Circumstances<br />

Postgraduate Assessment<br />

Regulations<br />

Postgraduate Awards<br />

Framework, Scheme<br />

Regulations & Course<br />

Structure<br />

<br />

(Section 9.1)<br />

<br />

(Section 10.3)<br />

<br />

(Section 4.2)<br />

<br />

(Section 4.1)<br />

Enrolment:<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/evision/online-reenrolment.cfm<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/intermission<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/mitigation<br />

(including<br />

deadlines)<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/coursework-exams


10.2 Useful online information:<br />

Faculties and<br />

https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk<br />

Professional Service<br />

Departments<br />

Academic Regulations www.londonmet.ac.uk/academic-regulations<br />

Examination Timetable<br />

(and Exam Track)<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/coursework-exams<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/examtrack<br />

Evision www.londonmet.ac.uk/evision<br />

Learning Development<br />

Unit<br />

www.londonmet.ac.uk/college-of-london/ldu<br />

Postgraduate Offices www.londonmet.ac.uk/registry<br />

Postgraduate Students www.londonmet/pg-students<br />

PostGrad-Line https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/prog-plan/postgrad-line<br />

Programme Planning www.londonmet.ac.uk/evision/progplan<br />

Student Handbook www.londonmet.ac.uk/student-handbook<br />

Student Services https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices<br />

Timetable information www.londonmet.ac.uk/pg-course-information<br />

WebLearn www.londonmet.ac.uk/tltc/weblearn

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