1. Institute of Lifelong Learning
Certificate in Professional Practice
Course Handbook
2010-2011
The Leading Edge
Tailored Education for Business Needs

2. CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
A) THE UNIVERSITY 5
B) INSTITUTE OF LIFELONG LEARNING 6
C) COURSE STAFF 7
D) COURSE ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS 8
i) CFS Accounts 8
ii) Contacting the Department 8
iii) Contact Details 8
iv) Management of the Course 8
v) E-Learning 9
E) COURSE DETAILS 11
i) Course Aims 11
ii) Course Duration 11
F) COURSE REGULATIONS 12
G) COURSE CONTENT 13
i) Tutorial Support 13
ii) Module Structure 13
H) ASSIGNMENTS 15
i) Presentation 15
ii) Structuring the Assignment 15
iii) How do I Write my Assignment 16
iv) Managing your Time 17
v) Using References and Writing a Bibliography 18
vi) Submitting your Assignment 18
vii) Extensions 18
viii) Return of Work from Staff 18
ix) Role of the Tutor 19
x) Role of the Student 19
xi) Reading Lists 20
I) ASSESSMENT AND RELATED GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 21
i) Scheme of Assessment and Marking Schedule 21
ii) Assessment 21
iii) Marking Criteria 21
iv) Internal Examiners 22
v) External Examiner 22
vi) Guidelines and Procedures for Submission of Work 23
vii) Course Deadlines and Extensions 23
viii) Mitigating Circumstances 23
J) QUALITY ASSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS 25
i) Staff-Student Committee 25

3. ii) Complaints procedure 25
iii) Appeals procedure 25
iv) Cancellations and refunds 25
K) STUDY SUPPORT, GENERAL FACILITIES AND WELFARE 26
i) Library Services 26
ii) IT Services 27
iii) The Student Support and Development Service (SSDS) 28
L) APPENDICES 30
Appendix 1 – Plagiarism 30
Appendix 2 – Using references 34
Appendix 3 – Sample Essays 39
Appendix 4 – Turnitin UK 45
Appendix 5 – Extension Request Form 47
Appendix 6 – Diverting CFS Accounts 49
Appendix 7 – Glossary 51
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Cert in PP – Handbook 2010/11

4. INTRODUCTION
I am delighted to welcome you to the Institute of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leicester
and the Certificate in Professional Practice Course. This handbook will give you all the information
you need to get you started on the course as well as providing useful information throughout your
studies. Please read it carefully, as it gives details of the aims and objectives of the course and
how to approach your studies. Towards the back of the handbook you will also find some
important general information about studying at the University of Leicester and your rights and
responsibilities as a student.
The Certificate in Professional Practice is part of a programme of Degrees and Certificates offered
by the University of Leicester‟s Institute of Lifelong Learning. The Certificate is taught over an
eighteen month period. The Certificate consists of six modules that total 120 credits and qualifies
for the Certificate in Professional Practice.
The course is delivered on-line via the internet. You are eligible to join the main University Library
simply by joining the course. During your studies you will produce written work for each module,
take part in on-line discussion groups and produce a reflective statement. The final assessment is
based on this work. There are no examinations.
Certificate tutors are experienced teachers, and well understand the problems faced by mature
students in returning to learning. They will give you every help and encouragement. People who
are attracted to the course may not have studied for a number of years, but now feel ready to
return to learning. Others are simply looking for a new challenge. You only have to have a desire to
learn and a real commitment to study. Apart from the on-line activities you will be expected to work
at home – reading, making notes and writing essays. But learning about professional practice is
not just about working to meet a target. We hope that it will also enhance your understanding of
your sector, widen your skills, and introduce you to people who share the same interest and desire
to learn.
This course handbook contains the core information you will need to complete your studies
successfully. It contains many important details about the course and how it operates, as well as
about the various facilities and forms of support open to you. Please read the contents carefully
and keep it safe for future reference throughout the course.
Once again, a very warm welcome to the course!
Jan Ball
Course Director
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Cert in PP – Handbook 2010/11