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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