Student handbook

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August 2010
Dear LILL Student,
Welcome to the Institute of Lifelong Learning Student Handbook for 2010-11. The purpose of
this Handbook is to provide you with all the basic, general information you need to be a
student on any LILL programme during the coming academic year.
This Handbook gives you information about the University as a whole, about support
facilities which are available, about the teaching centre at which you study, about general
course regulations and about study skills. Wherever indented paragraphs appear, these are
reproduced directly from general University regulations and guidelines.
You will also receive a Course Handbook for the specific programme on which you are
studying to provide you with the precise details you need for the year ahead, including
information about all the modules you‘ll be studying. Wherever your Course Handbook
provides additional or alternative information to what appears in this Handbook (e.g. more
specific detail about assignment submission or marking criteria), then it is the Course
Handbook which should be followed.
Our intention is to provide a full Handbook like this in hard copy for new students each year,
and supply supplementary material (any necessary amendments or additions which are
needed) in every alternate year. Existing students should therefore ensure that they do not
consult any Student Handbook or supplement which is more than two years old. A full copy
of the latest version of the handbook will always be available on-line on the Institute of
Lifelong Learning web site.
If you note any omissions, or have suggestions for improvements, then we would be pleased
to hear them. Future students will be very grateful for any such suggestions you might make.
Whether you are on a face-to-face or distance learning course, I wish you well for the
academic year ahead and hope that your experience as a LILL student is enjoyable,
stretching and fulfilling.
All good wishes,
Clive Marsh
Director of Learning and Teaching
(cm286@le.ac.uk)
This Handbook is designed to help you access information you will find useful throughout
your time on this Course. Details are correct at the time of going to print, but please be aware
that Universities are dynamic institutions which are frequently reviewing requirements and
procedures. It is, therefore, possible that there may be some changes to the current contents.
We will always do our best to inform you of any such changes well in advance and, where
they affect you, discuss them with you directly.

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Contents
General Introduction
The University of Leicester 7
The Institute of Lifelong Learning 7
Part One: Registering and Getting Started
Registration 9
Computer Accounts 9
The Institute of Lifelong Learning (LILL) web-site 9
University Library Card 10
LILL Contact Details 10
University-Student Communication 10
Handling procedures and paperwork (dealing with ‗the system‘!) 11
Part Two: General Information (...which you’ll need frequently)
The Structure of Courses: Modules and Credits 13
University Regulations 13
Attendance 14
Illness/Notification of Ill Health 15
Teaching and Learning 15
Blackboard 16
Progression 17
Neglect of Academic Obligations 17
Fees and Finance
Policy on Payment of Fees and Refunds 18
Financial Advice 19
Personal Tutor Arrangements 19
Student Representation 19
Student Evaluation of Courses/Modules 20

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Assessable Work/Assignments
Remembering the Level 20
Submission of Assessable Work 20
Word Length 21
Paying attention to the marking scheme 21
Respecting deadlines 22
Extensions 22
Penalties for late assignments 22
Mitigating Circumstances 22
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 23
Other Forms of Academic Misconduct 26
Return of work from staff 27
Course Completion and Classification of Award 27
Part Three: Facilities and Resources
I.T. Support 29
Library Facilities 30
University Bookshop 34
Student Support and Development Service (SSDS) 35
Student Development 35
AccessAbility Centre 36
Student Welfare Service 36
Counselling, Health and Wellbeing 37
Students‘ Union
Education Unit 38
Study Skills 39
Teaching Centres:
Northampton 40
Vaughan College 42

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Part Four: Information for Reference
Complaints and Appeals
Complaints Procedure 45
Appeals Procedure 45
Ethical Approval of Student Projects 45
Marking and Moderation 45
Personal Development Planning 46
Employability 46
Course Handbooks 49
Appendices:
Assignment Submission Form
Assignment Extension Request Form
Assignment Feedback Form
Module Evaluation Form
Assessment criteria (=Marking Scheme) (Undergraduate)
Certificate Classification Bands
General Regulations for Certificate and Diploma Courses of Higher Education
Receiving University E-Mail at Home

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General Introduction
The University
The University of Leicester is one of the UK‘s leading research and teaching universities.
The University was founded as a University College in 1921 and granted a Royal Charter in
1957. It has an estate of approximately 232 acres that includes a fifteen-acre Botanic
Garden, an arboretum and a range of residences in the suburbs that are set in attractive
gardens.
The University has 23,000 students, studying within four Colleges:
Arts, Humanities and Law
Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology
Science and Engineering.
Social Science
There is a University-wide Graduate School and an Institute of Lifelong Learning. The
University employs approximately 3,500 staff. The Institute of Lifelong Learning sits within
the College of Social Science, though relates to many different academic disciplines in
fulfilling its university-wide role.
A judge in a recent awards ceremony described Leicester as ―elite without being elitist‖. We
are proud to be elite. But we are at least as proud to be an inclusive and progressive
university. This commitment to high quality, an inclusive academic culture and belief in the
synergy of teaching and research are our hallmarks. We believe that teaching is inspirational
when delivered by passionate scholars engaged in world-changing research that is delivered
in an academic community that includes postgraduate as well as undergraduate students.
For a University that believes teaching and research are synergistic, it is pleasing that the
National Student Survey reveals that 91% of full-time students are satisfied with their
courses. Consistently amongst the best in the country, this 2009 result is matched only by
Cambridge amongst mainstream universities in England.
Already ranked in the top-15 universities in Britain, by 2015 we aim to rise further to become
top-10. It is a cornerstone of our success that we are the only top-15 UK university to meet
Government benchmarks on inclusivity.
Institute of Lifelong Learning
Government policies and initiatives continue to highlight the importance of lifelong learning to
individuals and to the broader society and economy. We have a long tradition of providing a
wide range of adult education courses and the current, broad, high-quality programme of
lifelong learning opportunities continues this tradition.
The Leicester Institute of Lifelong Learning (LILL) was set up on 1 August 2000, and is a
department within the College of Social Science. It builds on the work of Vaughan College
(founded 1862) and on a long and distinguished tradition of adult education within the city of
Leicester, absorbing within it the immediate predecessor to the Institute, the Department of
Adult Education. Jackie Dunne is Director of Lifelong Learning. As a leading research
university, there are great opportunities for us to develop a comprehensive, dynamic and
imaginative portfolio of lifelong learning activities. The Institute seeks to encourage and

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facilitate departments in developing programmes of lifelong learning, and in delivering their
research and expertise to the wider community. It is also developing and expanding its own
programme of part-time degrees, diplomas and certificates, short courses, day schools and
study visits, and social, cultural and artistic events. Student enrolments to the Institute
exceed 4000 per year.
The Leicester Institute of Lifelong Learning (LILL) aims to work closely with partners in the
region, including further education colleges, private companies, public-sector organisations
and voluntary bodies, to meet their education and training needs and to disseminate
research findings. In order to meet increased demands to match expertise and knowledge
with the requirements of individuals and employers, our lifelong learning programme needs
to be accessible, flexible, versatile and innovative.

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Part One: Registering and Getting Started
Registration
It is vitally important that you register at the start of each academic year (or on the twelve
month anniversary of your previous registration date if you started your course part-way
through the academic year). This is a requirement for all students. Students who fail to
register within the first week of term without having sought prior permission or without
evidence of special circumstances will be charged a late registration fee of £75.00. Students
who have not registered by the end of the second week of the Autumn Term will be regarded
as having withdrawn from their course.
Computer Accounts
As part of your registration you will have created a University Computer User (CFS) account.
This will give you access to the University‘s online resources including a University Email
Account, a ‗My Documents‘ storage area, Blackboard (virtual learning environment) and
other online learning resources which you can access via the University Website using your
CFS username and password.
Your username will consist of your initials and a number. If you forget this your Course
Administrator will be able to remind you of it.
You will have set the password yourself along with a security question. You will be advised
to choose a ‗strong password‘, one which includes unusual characters and a mixture of
numbers and letters.
If you forget your password, type this web address in to your web browser to access the
password reset facility: https://wads.le.ac.uk/cc/ResetApp/pwd_home_page.html
You will need your cfs username, your student number (9 digit), which can be found on your
student library card, your date of birth and the answer to your security question, which you
will be prompted for.
All of these facilities can be accessed from the University‘s Homepage: www.le.ac.uk
The important links are ―Remote Access To‖ and ―Current Students‖.
Click on them and have a look round. You will sometimes be prompted to log in. If so, just
use your cfs username and password.
In the event of any problems please contact your Course Administrator in the first instance.
For more technical queries please contact LILL‘s Technical and Information Officer, John
Tompkins, (jet13@le.ac.uk) or the University‘s IT Help Desk (ithelp@le.ac.uk).
The Institute of Lifelong Learning (LILL) web-site
The address for the Institute website is: www.le.ac.uk/lifelonglearning/
On the LILL website you will find more information about the department and its staff, along
with information about other courses that are available. You will also find a section called

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‗Student Support Area‘ (accessed from the left-hand side of the Homepage) through which
you will be able to access information about study skills and University services and
facilities.
University Library Card
At registration each student will receive a University membership card. This card must be
carried at all times and produced on request for inspection by any member of the University
staff or any official of the Students' Union. If it is lost, a replacement, for which a charge of £6
will be made, must be obtained through the Registry.
LILL Contact Details
Details of all LILL‘s contracted staff (full- and part-time) can be found at:
http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/lifelong-learning/people
The list of staff does not, however, include all Course Directors or Module Tutors. These
contact details should be provided in Course Handbooks. The Course Handbook will make
clear the best channels of communication on your course. If, however, you are in any doubt,
contact your Course Administrator first.
Three staff with particular roles across the whole of the Institute, with whom you may have
direct contact at some point in your studies are:
Halina McDowell (Equal Opportunities Officer) htf1@le.ac.uk
Angela Cantrill (AccessAbility contact - Leicester) acc13@le.ac.uk
Paul Adams (AccessAbility contact - Northampton) pa43@le.ac.uk
Louise Taylor (Finance Officer) lm40@le.ac.uk
University-Student Communication
Please note that we require students to give their Course Administrator immediate
notification, in writing (e-mail is acceptable), of any change in their contact details.
Students should also contact their Course Administrator or teaching centre if they are likely
to be absent from teaching sessions/tutorials due to ill health or for any other reason.
Students are registered on LILL courses on the understanding that they can arrange
frequent and regular access to the internet, whether this be from one of the University‘s
teaching centres and/or the University‘s libraries, or from home, work, or other local facilities
such as a local authority library or internet cafe. Communication between course tutors and
students will often be carried out over e-mail. Students will also need to use the internet in
order to access the University Library's electronic resources. On many courses, students will
also require internet access in order to submit assessed assignments.
The University will from time to time wish to communicate official information to students
electronically via their individual CFS email accounts. It is therefore the responsibility of all
students to activate and regularly access their CFS email accounts, as any communication
sent by this method will be deemed to have been received. It is possible, should students so

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wish, to set up a divert from their CFS account to a personal account. Instructions for doing
this are included elsewhere in this handbook.
Information may also be conveyed to students via files placed on a course‘s Blackboard site
(see further under ‗Blackboard‘ in this Handbook).
Handling procedures and paperwork (dealing with ‘the system’!)
For those new to Higher Education, or returning to study after some time, the nature and
scale of the paperwork or electronic communication needed to ‗get going‘ may seem
complex or overwhelming at first. It is crucial, if things do seem too much, that you seek help
at the earliest point possible. Your Course Administrator is there as the first port-of-call for
any administrative difficulties. Some Administrators work part-time. But even if you cannot
reach your own Administrator on the day you need help, you will be contacted when
possible, or – if the matter is urgent – other available staff will always do their best to help.
If you do experience difficulties, please do not let your frustrations continue to a point where
you think the whole world is against you! Seek help.

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Part Two: General Information (...which you’ll need regularly)
The Structure of Courses: Modules and Credits
Most Institute of Lifelong Learning students are on award-bearing programmes. In other
words, you are studying on a programme which leads to a qualification. Award-bearing
programmes are modular in structure. Within the modular system, a certain number of
credits are awarded for each successfully completed module.
120 credits at (Higher Education) HE Level 1/ Level 4 in the Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications leads to a Certificate of Higher Education
A further 120 credits (at HE Level 2/FHEQ Level 5) leads to a Diploma of Higher Education
A Foundation Degree also comprises 240 credits (120 credits at HE Level 1/FHEQ Level 4,
and 120 credits at HE Level 2/FHEQ Level 5), with the emphasis of many of the modules
being on practice.
The successful award of 360 credits (including a further 120 credits at HE Level 3/FHEQ
Level 6) results in the award of a Bachelor‘s degree.
As a general rule, for face-to-face modules, each 10-credit module consists of fifteen
teaching contact hours plus sixty private study hours, including time for completion of the
relevant assessment.
At Postgraduate Level, a Postgraduate Certificate comprises 60-credits at HE Level 4/FHEQ
Level 7, a Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits, and a Masters award 180 credits (the final 60
credits usually comprising a dissertation).
University Regulations
The University‘s General Regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,
from which many of the indented paragraphs contained in this Handbook are taken, can be
found at the Academic Office website at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/Regs/index.html
Hard copies are available for consultation at Vaughan College, at the Institute of Lifelong
Learning offices at 128 Regent Road and on the main University campus at the Main Library,
the Education Unit, the Students‘ Union, and the Admissions Office.
Where there is any dispute about a regulation or interpretation of a regulation or guideline,
LILL must refer to the University‘s Academic and Research Services for guidance or for a
ruling.
Please note that the Student Charter, the Student Code of Social Responsibility, and a core
extract from the Race Equality Policy are included as Annexes B-D of the University
Regulations (pp94-104). You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with these documents.
The first two both affirm that, ‗Students and staff of the University are members of a single
community, working in partnership within available resources to provide a research and
learning environment in which all members are given the opportunity to realise their full
potential‘.

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The Student Charter states:
Students are expected to:
• seek such study support as is necessary for their programme of study
• familiarise themselves with the information provided to them by the
University and by their department
• accept responsibility for pursuing their studies diligently
• comply with University regulations and procedures
• meet University and departmental deadlines
• keep appointments with University staff
• refer problems promptly to their academic/personal tutors
• manage their time sensibly, giving priority when necessary to their
academic work
• understand that academic staff have research and administrative
responsibilities which may sometimes limit their availability
• observe such health and safety regulations as are currently in force
• use University facilities with care and consideration for others
Attendance
You are expected to attend all scheduled teaching sessions and attendance is monitored
through a register. If you miss more than one session of any module, you run the risk of not
understanding the subject matter. If you are unable to attend at any time, you must advise
the Course Director or Administrator and your apologies will be forwarded to the relevant
tutor. In special circumstances, absences may be authorised in advance by the Course
Director.
As the regulations state:
Attendance is an essential requirement for all programmes of study, full or
part-time...and all students are normally required to attend such lectures,
seminars, practicals and other formal classes as are specified in their
course timetables or departmental handbooks.
Departments are empowered to authorise short absences for personal
reasons, but requests for absences of more than one week must be
explicitly approved by the University, and will only be granted if the
department is in agreement with the proposal, and if the student
concerned takes full responsibility for the completion of outstanding
academic work. This procedure also applies if the absence is required for
religious reasons...

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Illness/Notification of Ill Health
Students who suffer a minor illness for a period of less than seven days are required to
report this to their departments:
(a) if the illness leads to absence from classes at which attendance is compulsory;
(b) where it might be a contributory factor in a failure to meet course deadlines or to perform
up to expectations in any academic assignment.
At LILL‘s teaching centres, therefore, students must ring in on the first day of sickness.
Apologies for absence are then passed on to tutors.
Where the illness is of more than seven days‘ duration or is of a non-minor nature, medical
advice should be sought and a medical certificate (doctor‘s note) provided. This should be
forwarded to the Course Administrator, who can then notify the Course Director.
Students should be in contact with module tutors (and, as appropriate, Course Directors) by
e-mail concerning the practical consequences of any absences.
Teaching and Learning
In universities, there are as many styles of teaching as there are teachers, and this should
be seen as a strength because of the variety it entails and because it is difficult to be
prescriptive about a mode of education which is based on individual judgement and group
interaction. ‗Group interaction‘ is also quite different in the cases of face-to-face education
and distance learning.
In face-to-face teaching, some teachers prefer to teach mainly by lecture and question,
some quite informally by open discussion and guidance, while others adopt a position
somewhere in the range between. In many LILL courses teaching tends towards the more
informal end of the spectrum and most sessions are taught in the style of a seminar where
open discussion is encouraged – although many sessions may also contain elements of
lecture-style delivery. Whichever teaching mode is adopted, however, it is important that you
adapt your mode of learning accordingly so that you make the most of each module and of
the particular strengths of each tutor.
Don't be unduly deferential to tutors. Their job is to teach you the subject, to impart and to
enable you to learn, the essential knowledge, skills and critical practices relating to your
discipline of study, be that primarily literacy, numeracy, reasoning, logic, inter-personal skills,
self-understanding or self-expression. If you feel this is not happening in the way you could
reasonably expect it to happen, then you must say so. Remember, teaching can be an
isolated activity. It is not always possible for the teacher to know how a class, or an
individual‘s learning, is proceeding unless students offer their opinions. All LILL tutors ask
from you is what you can ask of us - courtesy and respect.
It goes without saying that seminar discussions or discussion boards can only happen if
students have prepared themselves and are ready to participate in a mutually supportive and
constructive manner. Use the seminars and on-line facilities (as appropriate to your course)
to your own advantage. Listen and read, and take notes on what you find relevant. Don't
take notes without listening to or reading what is relevant, or what is made relevant, to you. If
you do, you might find yourself with a heap of paper, but no understanding.
The Course Director is always available to offer general help and advice, but it is the course
tutors who command your learning at the most important level, in the classroom/on-line.

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As the University‘s Student Charter states:
The University is committed to providing the best teaching and learning
experience for its students within the resources available. The University
will:
• offer teaching programmes which benefit from the research environment
in which they are offered and which encourage the development of critical
thought and the ability to evaluate and communicate information
• have in place modular taught courses which are designed to regulate
workload and encourage periodic feedback on performance
• take account, as appropriate, of the needs of employers and professional
bodies
• through the design of its courses, encourage the acquisition of
transferable skills to enhance employment prospects, taking into account
the range of careers entered into by its students
• have in place a Staff Development Programme which provides
development and training activities related to teaching and learning, in
which staff are strongly encouraged to participate
• promote the use of learning and teaching methods which are appropriate
to the subject matter and to students' needs
Students are expected to:
• take full advantage of the opportunities provided for intellectual
development and the acquisition of knowledge
Blackboard
‗Blackboard‘ is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It supports on-line learning and
teaching and is used extensively in Distance Learning Programmes. It also supports face-to-
face courses.
Once you are enrolled on the Blackboard site for your course then you will benefit from a
range of features. These could include:
Electronic versions of course-related materials, allowing you to easily search and retrieve
key information needed for assignments;
Searchable on-line versions of the course handbook, module guides and University
regulations;
Links to recent publications and on-line resources relevant to your studies;
Links to the library;
Links to relevant internet sites.

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Many courses also use Blackboard for on-line discussions between students, and for
electronic submission of coursework.
Course Handbooks will clearly identify how Blackboard will be used within specific courses,
and within individual modules.
Progression
The progression of each student (from one year to the next, or from one level to the next) is
considered at each Board of Examiners. To enable progression to occur, it is essential that
completion of all assessable work is kept up to date and that all fees due are paid.
Neglect of Academic Obligations
The nature of students‘ academic obligations (for example, attendance at lectures and
classes, performance of practical and written work, etc.,) varies from programme to
programme and from department to department. If students are in doubt about their
obligations, they should without delay consult their Course Director, Personal Tutor or
Programme Director. Students may be reported to the University for serious neglect of their
academic obligations. In such cases, the Head of Department (or other appropriate person)
will notify the students in writing of the alleged neglect and invite them to make
representations in writing and/or through their Personal Tutor.
The University may decide for undergraduate students:
(a) to take no action; or
(b) to issue a formal warning that the students will need to use their best efforts if they are to
be successful in their examinations; or
(c) to issue a formal warning that the University:
(i) may not allow the students to resit any examinations that they may fail during the session;
or
(ii) will not allow the students to resit any examinations that they may fail during the session
other than in the most exceptional circumstances;
(d) to recommend that the students‘ courses be terminated.
The University may decide for taught postgraduate students:
(a) to take no action; or Regulations Concerning Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught
Students
(b) to issue a formal warning that if the students continue to neglect their academic
obligations their registration will or may be terminated; or
(c) to recommend that the student‘s course be terminated
Students will be informed of the University‘s decision in writing.

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Fees and Finance
Policy on Payment of Fees and Refunds
Students become liable for the full module or sessional fee when they register. Students
who are eligible to apply for support under the Government‘s student support
arrangements must produce evidence of their award before or at the time of registration.
Other sponsored and self-financing students are required to provide adequate proof of
their ability to pay the tuition fees for the course in the form of a financial guarantee.
The registration of students who fail to pay tuition fees by the due date will be
suspended. Students will not be allowed to attend classes.
Students on courses of one or more years‘ duration, may, as a privilege, pay University
fees in three termly instalments as follows: the first instalment before or at registration,
and the second and final instalments within the first seven days of each term.
If the term’s fee is not paid within seven days of the start of each term, this
privilege is forfeited, and students will become immediately liable to pay the whole
tuition fee for the year, without further delay.
Fees are not returnable. The fees payable by occasional students depend on the period
of attendance and the courses taken. The registration of students who fail to pay tuition
fees within fourteen days of the issue of the invoice will be suspended.
If enrolling by post, please include some proof of entitlement to benefit (e.g., a
photocopy).
It is also possible to pay course fees of over £20 by credit or debit card. Precise
instructions will be given when you enrol by post or telephone.
Award of Degrees, Diplomas or Certificates
Ordinance IV(8) provides that "No person shall be admitted to a Degree or granted a Degree
or Diploma or Certificate unless he has paid the fees prescribed and any other sums due to
the University". This Ordinance may be enforced in respect of the non-payment of approved
fees, fines imposed in accordance with Library regulations, accounts rendered by the
University Bookshop and any other sums due to the University.
Cancellations and Refunds
The University reserves the right to cancel courses prior to commencement and to move the
location of courses without notice should the need arise. Courses are subject to minimum
student enrolment.
If a course is cancelled or withdrawn by the University prior to commencement, your fees
will be refunded in full.
If you withdraw from a course at least 14 days before the first meeting, and notify us in
writing, your fees may be refunded and an administration charge levied.
Once a course has begun, refunds can only be made in exceptional circumstances,
when an administrative charge may be levied. Requests for such refunds should be
made in writing to the Institute Manager, outlining the circumstances. Exceptional

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circumstances might include serious illness or a necessary move to another part of the
country, but will NOT include failure to complete the course successfully. Even in these
exceptional circumstances refunds will only be given for whole terms following receipt of
the written request.
Teaching staff will be required to exclude students from classes when fees are outstanding.
Financial Advice
For receipt of financial advice, note this paragraph from the Student Welfare Service section
later in this Handbook.
Financial advice is offered, with information on budgeting and DSS
benefits. Students can apply for hardship grants and loans through the
Service; Welfare staff can assist with applications to charities and trusts.
Personal Tutor Arrangements
The University‘s Guidelines on the University’s Personal Tutor System declare that, ‗Each
department must have in place systems for supporting students in relation to: Regular
pastoral care, Personal development planning, Crisis support.‘
The full Guidelines can be found at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/ua/ac/quality/guidelines/cotlptut.pdf
As these Guidelines are written primarily for full-time courses based at the main University
campus, they have needed to be adapted for LILL use. The adapted version, as agreed by
the LILL Academic Committee during 2009, can be found as Appendix ??.
You will be made aware of the specific personal tutor arrangements for your course in your
Course Handbook.
Student Representation
In keeping with University procedures, all LILL programmes are required to demonstrate how
consultation with students occurs, through the existence of some form of structured student
representation. This ensures that student feedback is taken into account in the running and
development of a course. The University guidelines for the running of Student/Staff
Committees can be found at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/ua/ac/quality/guidelines/cotlssc.pdf
Many LILL programmes find it difficult to set up student/staff committees in the manner
proposed for full-time courses. This is due to the time-, employment- or domestic demands
on part-time learners, who are often not in a position to come to extra meetings.
Nevertheless, all LILL courses are required to show how student feedback may be given,
and the structures which exist for this purpose will be clearly indicated clearly in your Course
Handbook.
In addition to standard means of students‘ providing feedback (written or oral) to individual
modules, this may further comprise/include:

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Holding an open end-of-year forum to which all students on a programme are invited
Using a short time at the end of the final module of the year for reflection on the year as
a whole (notes of which are taken both by a representative student and the tutor present
for forwarding to the Course Director)
Inviting any students who wish (or representative students chosen by a year-
group/cohort/programme) to attend a final/separate section of a Tutors‘ Meeting/Board of
Studies/Board of Examiners
It is a Course Director‘s responsibility to ensure that such consultation happens in some
form.
Student Evaluation of Courses/Modules
Feedback is invited on courses and on individual modules on a regular basis across LILL
courses. When formal course or module evaluation is requested in the form of
questionnaires, it is expected that students will complete these to enable the Institute to
continue to develop its courses appropriately.
A standard LILL module evaluation form is available (see Appendices), though individual
courses may seek feedback in different ways.
Students should feel free to offer feedback, positive and negative, on any aspect of the
course at any stage, and are invited to send written comments to the Course Director.
Assessable Work/Assignments
A range of guidelines and regulations exist with respect to the submission of assessable
work. This section draws attention to these, whilst also providing practical tips for
approaching assessable work.
Remembering the Level
It is vital to remember the academic level at which you are studying (see ‗The Structure of
Courses: Modules and Credits’ above).
Further information about what the levels mean (in terms of the scale of knowledge and
types of skills expected) can be found at:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/EWNI08/FHEQ08.pdf
(especially pp14-20 for undergraduate awards, and pp20-25 for postgraduate awards).
This link leads you to the nationally agreed understandings of what each of the Higher
Education levels entails.
Submission of Assessable Work
All assignments should be submitted by the specified submission date. The specific means
of submission will be made clear in your Course Handbook. Some courses use electronic
submission. Others require hard copy submission.

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When hard copies are required, work can usually be posted but it is your responsibility to
ensure that the work actually arrives safely and on time. If you do not hand your work in
personally, you may wish to ensure its safe arrival, and cover yourself by sending an e-copy
to a Course Administrator to prove its completion. ‗Got lost in the post‘ is not an acceptable
reason for failing to meet a deadline.
All work should normally be word-processed or typed and must be accompanied by a front
cover sheet (‗Essay Tracking Record‘) which can be obtained from your teaching centre (if
you are on a taught course), downloaded from the Student Support area of the LILL website,
or, in the case of most courses, from the relevant course Blackboard site. A sample form is
attached as Appendix ?? in this handbook and, as you will see, this contains a tear-off
section to serve as a receipt.
Deadlines for many of the assignments for an entire academic year may well be notified in
the course handbook at the start of the year and you should plan your work for each module
accordingly to ensure that all deadlines are met. The deadlines are there to ensure fairness
to all students and to assist in the efficient management of the course. Just as importantly,
they are also there to help you manage your studies effectively and to prevent you from
falling behind. Studying for an award in Higher Education is not simply about ‗learning a
subject‘ but also developing transferable skills. Managing time and managing yourself as you
complete necessary tasks is a key aspect of what you do.
Word Length
Individual courses will make clear whether penalties exist for being under or over the set
word length for a written piece of work, and how such penalties will be calculated and
applied.
Paying attention to the marking scheme
It is vital that you make yourself fully aware of the marking scheme (‗scheme of assessment‘)
according to which your submitted work will be assessed. Familiarity with the scheme of
assessment is helpful not only when you receive your work back – when you can check ‗how
you did‘ (‗why did I get that mark, and not a higher or lower grade/mark?‘ The marking
scheme will help you understand your mark.) It is also useful to look at the marking scheme
before you undertake work. The different ranges of marks/grading bands show you what is
expected at each group of points on the marking scale. The more you engage critically with
the material presented in the course, and with material you have discovered for yourself, and
the more you present your ideas in a well-structured and well-ordered way, the higher your
mark will be.
The Undergraduate Examination Conventions and Scheme of Assessment can be found as
Appendix IV of the Code of Practice on Examining Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate
Programmes at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/quality/Codes/examining/examining-code.pdf
(see pp. 41-46).
For ease, the assessment criteria at module level are reproduced in the Appendices of this
document. All LILL schemes of assessment are based on these criteria. Where no additional
specific marking schemes are provided in course handbooks, it is these criteria which are
followed by markers.

22
The Postgraduate Assessment Conventions, Classifications and Schemes of Assessment is
Appendix V in the same document (pp.47-49).
Respecting deadlines
Deadlines for submission will be clearly declared in the Course Handbook, or in other
documentation provided with respect to modules being studied. It is important that these are
met, or that a formal request has been made (using an appropriate form) to receive
permission for the submission deadline to be extended.
Extensions
All requests for extensions to submission dates for assessed work must be made on a
standard form before the original deadline expires. Extension request forms are available
from the Course Administrator (and/or the teaching centre), or may be downloaded from the
Area for Current Students of the LILL website. A sample form is attached as an appendix to
this handbook. Distance Learning courses will make clear in their Course Handbooks the
procedures for requesting extensions.
If an extension is granted, confirmation (via letter or the appropriate part of the extension
form) will be sent to indicate the new submission date. There may be a delay in your work
being marked, as special arrangements will need to be made for assignments subject to an
extension.
Penalties for late assignments
Course Handbooks will make clear the penalties which will be imposed upon late
assignments, if any. When Course Handbooks do not indicate alternative arrangements, and
when no specific penalties are indicated, there is a common scale of penalties for all
University of Leicester programmes, and which many of LILL‘s course opt to apply. A penalty
of 10% of the available marks for a piece of work is imposed upon the expiry of the deadline.
A penalty of 5% of the available marks will then be imposed on each of the ten subsequent
working days. (‗Available marks‘ in this context means the maximum marks available for the
piece of work—for most essays this will be 100. ‗Working day‘ in this context means a
period of twenty four hours or part thereof from Monday to Friday inclusive.) Where a penalty
has been imposed, it will be clearly identified as such in the final adjusted mark.
Mitigating Circumstances
The general regulation governing the submission of evidence of mitigating circumstances is
set out below.
It is the responsibility of students to inform their department(s) of any
matters (whether of an academic, personal, medical or other nature) which
may be relevant to their academic performance, and to supply
substantiating evidence, for example, a medical certificate. Such
information should be submitted before the expiry of any departmental
deadlines governing the submission of evidence of special circumstances.
If no such deadlines exist, the evidence must be submitted as soon as it is
available, and in any event before the meeting of the relevant board of
examiners is due to take place.

23
Appeals against degree classification and appeals against termination of
course may be disallowed if the appeal is based on mitigating
circumstances which the appeals panel believes should have been
communicated earlier to the department concerned.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
On all LILL courses, teaching, on-line material and personal research are intended to lead to
understanding of the subject matter of the course and the promotion of informed,
independent thought. Assessable work is set to promote and evaluate such understanding.
Respect for the work of others and the potential of all students and scholars to contribute to
a discipline are fundamental to the tradition of University education.
It is very important that written work is presented and referenced in such a way that the
reader can clearly judge the relative contributions of different sources and the research and
thought of the author. The unreferenced copying of text or ideas constitutes plagiarism.
To guard against this, please note:
All quotations should be fully referenced following the guidelines given in your study
skills modules and/or by individual module tutors
All case studies, theories and ideas taken from other sources should be
acknowledged
The reader should always be able to judge whether an argument is your own or has
been derived from another source
Good working methods can ensure you do not commit plagiarism:
Make sure you have enough time to complete your work (the temptation to plagiarise
can come when panic sets in – leave time to synthesise, organise and form
judgements on your thoughts)
Make clear notes (always distinguish between an author‘s words and thoughts and
your own responses)
Keep track of the sources you have used (always take down the details of books and
compile a Bibliography, annotating your notes so you can find the relevant source or
page easily)
NEVER cut and paste material from the internet into the text of an essay (treat
electronic material like a published source – read and make notes/or print out and
annotate, much as you would do with a photocopy from a book – and, if anything, be
even more cautious and critical with internet sources than with books).
Value your own skills and opinions – remember that the tutor wants to see your work.
A University statement on academic honesty is reproduced below.
As you read through University Regulations, you will note that there is a
specific regulation about academic honesty. This describes the penalties
which apply when students cheat in written examinations or present
someone else‘s material for assessment as if it were their own (this is
called plagiarism). Very few students indeed commit such offences, but the
University believes that it is important that all students understand why
academic honesty is a matter of such concern to the University, and why
such severe penalties are imposed.

24
Universities are places of learning in two senses. For students on taught
courses, learning takes place through listening and talking to academic
staff, discussion with peers, reading primary and secondary texts,
researching topics for dissertations and project work, undertaking scientific
experiments under supervision and so on. For Ph.D. students and
academic staff, learning takes the form of original research, where the
outcome will be a contribution to the sum of human knowledge. At
whatever level this learning takes place, however, a common factor is the
search for truth, and this is why an over-riding concern for intellectual
honesty pervades all the University‘s activities, including the means by
which it assesses students‘ abilities.
Throughout your time at the University you will legitimately gather
information from many sources, but when you present yourself for any
examination or assessment, you are asking the markers to judge what you
have made as an individual of the studies you have undertaken. This
judgement will then be carried forward into the outside world as a means of
telling future employers, other universities, financial sponsors, and others
who have an interest in your capabilities that you have undertaken the
academic work required of you by course regulations, that you are capable
of performing at a certain intellectual level, and that you have the skills and
attributes consistent with your range of marks and the level of your award.
If you use dishonest means with the aim of presenting a better academic
picture of yourself than you deserve, you are engaging in a falsehood
which may have the severest repercussions. If you are discovered, which
is the most likely outcome, the penalties are severe. If by some chance
you are not discovered, you will spend the rest of your life failing to
measure up to the academic promise indicated by your degree results and
other people‘s expectations of your abilities.
Cheating in written examinations The University assumes that students
know without being told that this is dishonest, and it therefore applies strict
penalties in all written examinations at all levels. Any student found
copying from another student, talking in an examination, or in possession
of unauthorised material, is reported by the invigilator to the Examinations
Officer, who refers the matter to the Registrar. The standard penalty is for
a mark of zero to be given to the module concerned, but in some
circumstances, particularly in the case of a repeat offence, the penalty
could be permanent exclusion from the University. The risks associated
with cheating are enormous. The simple advice is: Don‘t do it.
Collaboration Many modules offer students the opportunity to work
together in pairs or teams. Care should be taken to read departmental
guidelines on how such modules are to be assessed.
If a joint or collaborative report is requested, the team can work together
right up to the point of submission. In such circumstances, individuals may
be asked to indicate the sections of the report they contributed to, or the
assessment may be of the group itself, or there may be an additional form
of assessment, such as presentation session, which allows for
individualised grading. A more common arrangement is where the
collaborative investigation of a topic is followed by the submission of a
report from each team member, where each report is independently
produced. Similarly, work undertaken on computers or at the laboratory

25
bench may be jointly undertaken with other students, but the outcome for
assessment purposes is still meant to reveal the intellectual abilities of the
individual students, and therefore has to be prepared by that student
without the assistance of others. If you do not understand what is required
of you, ask the module convenor or another academic tutor, or your
personal tutor. Do not guess.
Plagiarism Plagiarism is to take the work of another person and use it as
if it were one‘s own in such a way as to mislead the reader. Whole pieces
of work can be plagiarised (for example, if a student put his or her name on
another student‘s essay), or part pieces, where chapters or extracts may
be lifted from other sources, including the Internet, without
acknowledgement. Sometimes plagiarism happens inadvertently, where
students fail to read instructions about or do not understand the rules
governing the presentation of work which require sources to be
acknowledged. In such cases, the problem is usually identified very early
in the course and can be put right through discussion with academic tutors.
Deliberate attempts to mislead the examiners, however, are regarded as
cheating and are treated very severely by Boards of Examiners. Any
plagiarism in assessments which contribute to the final degree
classification are likely to lead, at the very least, to the down-grading of the
degree class by one division or, at Master‘s degree level, to a down-
grading of the award to Diploma level. In the worst cases, expulsion from
the University is a possibility.
The severity of the penalties imposed for plagiarism stems from the
University‘s view that learning is a search for truth and that falsehood and
deception have no place in this search. The emphasis placed on avoiding
plagiarism sometimes worries students, who believe that they will find it
impossible to avoid using someone else‘s thoughts when they spend all
their time reading critical works, commentaries and other secondary
sources and are required to show in their work that they have studied such
material. Sometimes problems arise from poor working practices, where
students muddle up their own notes with extracts or notes taken from
published sources. In the light of all that has been said above, the question
you should ask yourself about any piece of academic work are ‗Will the
marker be able to distinguish between my own ideas and those I have
obtained from others?‘ What markers fundamentally want to see is that
students have read widely round the subject, that the sources used have
been acknowledged, and that the conclusions which arise from the study
are the student‘s own.
The University has issued a code of practice on plagiarism to departments
which includes guidance on the best ways of assisting students in the early
part of their studies. This is in order to instil in them the sort of good
learning habits which will help to guard against the dangers of academic
dishonesty.
If you are in any doubt about what constitutes good practice, read through
departmental guidelines carefully and then if necessary ask your personal
or academic tutors for further advice.
Check the Student Development website for guidance on how to avoid
plagiarism (http://www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment) or make an
appointment for individual advice.

26
Two leaflets, ‗Avoiding Plagiarism‘ and ‗Referencing and Bibliographies‘, are available from
Vaughan College, from the Student Learning Centre Website (www.le.ac.uk/slc) in the Study
Skills section, and also from the Student Development Zone on the 2nd
floor of the David
Wilson Library.
An interactive tutorial on how to avoid plagiarism, 'Don't Cheat Yourself' is available at:
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/ld/resources/study/plagiarism-tutorial
The University‘s Code of Practice on Plagiarism, which sets out in detail the University‘s
approach to this topic, including the penalties applied when plagiarism is discovered, can be
found as pp29-34 of the Code of Practice on Examining Undergraduate and Taught
Postgraduate Programmes on the Academic Office website at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/quality/Codes/examining/UGExamsCode.pdf
As an example, the table below lists the penalties for cases of plagiarism at undergraduate
level:
First offence: Failure of the module, resit allowed, severe written warning
Second and third offences: A mark of 0 for the module.
Resubmission required for the purposes of progression
Possible downgrading of degree class if the offences are for
modules which contribute to the final classification, and if the
normal application of the standard scheme of assessment
incorporating marks of 0 does not automatically lead to a
downgrading. In applying this penalty, Boards of Examiners
will have due regard to the significance of the plagiarised work
in the overall scheme of assessment.
Fourth offence or multiple*
simultaneous offences
after the second offence: Termination of course
[*In this context ‗multiple‘ means plagiarism in more than one separate module and
plagiarism applying to double modules of 30 or 40 credits].
Other Forms of Academic Misconduct
In addition to Plagiarism and Collaboration, the following actions also constitute academic
misconduct, and will be penalised if detected:
Personation: falsely pretending to be someone else in order to gain academic credit,
either on behalf of yourself or another.
Duplication: submitting the same work twice for academic credit. This includes work
for which credit has already been awarded by another course, at the University
of Leicester or elsewhere.
Fabrication: making untruthful statements in order to obtain credit. For example,
falsifying the word count on an assignment, or fabricating false references.

27
Return of work from staff
The following statement can be found in the LILL Handbook for Tutors:
As a general rule, for taught courses, returned (moderated/second-marked)
work should be returned to students within six weeks at the maximum. It
is recommended, especially for Certificate courses, that a return time of 3-5
weeks be aimed for. (The shorter time enables students to make greater
use of the feedback received.) Distance Learning programmes may in some
cases have longer return times, but these should still be clear and clearly
communicated.
In the same way that the (domestic, health and employment) demands on part-
time students can lead to higher than average requests for extensions (and
cause complications with marking schedules), so also demands on LILL‘s many
part-time tutors can complicate the plans made for return times. Students can,
however, be assured that all Course Directors will endeavour to meet the
declared target return times.
Course Completion and Classification of Award
The scheme of degree classification in operation at the University of Leicester can be found
at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/quality/Codes/examining/NewClassificationScheme.pdf
This document also indicates how borderline cases are handled.
Guidelines on Undergraduate Progression and Completion are to be found at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/quality/Codes/examining/progression-guidelines-2010.pdf
These are followed directly when possible and adapted where necessary (e.g. for awards
lower than degree level).
For undergraduate Bachelor‘s degrees, the University classification bands apply, as follows:
1st-class honours 70%+
Upper second-class honours, or 2.i 60-69%
Lower second-class honours, or 2.ii 50-59%
Third-class honours 40-49%
Pass 35-39%
Fail Under 35%
For Undergraduate Certificates and Foundation Degrees, the following bands apply:
A Pass will be awarded for a mark of 40% - 59%
A Merit will be awarded for a mark of 60%-69%
A Distinction for 70% or more
Details of postgraduate classifications are to be found at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/quality/Codes/examining/examining-code.pdf
(pp47-49).

29
Part Three: Facilities and Resources
I.T. Support
Here is the general University statement about I.T. services.
Support for the University’s central computing services is provided by staff
in IT Services. The computing service used by most students is referred to
as the CFS service and it makes use of Microsoft’s Windows operating
system to provide access to the Microsoft Office suite of programmes and
other software that will help you with your studies.
Computer Accounts: When you complete your online University
registration you will be issued with an email address and a username for
accessing the CFS service.
The University Website: Staff in IT Services manage the systems that
provide information on the University Website. The CFS service has
Internet Explorer and when a student runs this browser on campus the
University’s internal home page for students is displayed. Content is mainly
provided by University staff and many departments will use this service to
disseminate information.
Regulations of Use: Students must abide by Senate’s Regulations
Concerning the Use of Computing Services. These regulations, which are
available on the University website, state that ‘The staff of the University
will at all times have authority to maintain good order in the use of the
University's computing facilities and may suspend or exclude from their use
any person who breaks these Regulations.’
Access to Computers: Most of our teaching buildings have Student PC
Areas where there are PCs you can use and some of these rooms have
overnight and week-end access. There are also several Student PC Areas
in the David Wilson Library. NOTE: The University expects students to use
the PCs in Student PC Areas for legitimate academic purposes only and
with consideration for others’ needs.
Resources Protected by Athens: The University subscribes to a number
of database services which are protected by Athens. To obtain access to
these resources you must use your CFS username. NOTE: Support for
these external services is provided by staff in the David Wilson Library.
Remote Access to University Email: You can use the Outlook Web
Access service to obtain secure access to your University email from
anywhere in the world. A web browser is required and the address for this
service is http://webmail.le.ac.uk/ NOTE: Your CFS username and
password will be requested.
Wireless Network Service: The Wireless Network service is freely
available to all members of the University and provides Internet web
browsing and access to your University email and filestore. You can also
access Blackboard, the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE),
and if registered you can obtain access to the ULTRA service which runs
Linux. NOTE: Your laptop must be suitably configured to connect to the

30
Wireless Network service.
Halls of Residence Network: Facilities for internet access are available in
all of the study rooms in University accommodation. This residential
network, which is provided by a commercial ISP, can be used to access the
University’s central computing services.
Printing Facilities: Registered students may use the printers in our
Student PC Areas. The costs of printing are automatically debited from
your ‘Print and Copy’ account which is created when you register for a
computer account. For more information about the printing facilities
available please visit the IT Services website (see below).
IT Support: If you are on campus and have an IT related problem or query
you can visit the Help Zone in the David Wilson Library. This is a combined
Library and IT Services one-stop-shop for help and support. You can also
contact the IT Service Desk (email: ithelp@le.ac.uk or tel: 0116 252 2253)
or your department may have computer support staff who can offer you
help.
ITS Website: For more information about the services and IT support
available please visit the IT Services website at
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/itservices
Contact Details
IT Service Desk
Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 17:00
Tel: 0116-252-2253
Email: ithelp@le.ac.uk
John Tompkins, LILL‘s Technical and Information Officer (jet13@le.ac.uk), is also available
to deal with any problems which arise. John has a number of briefing sheets dealing with
common problems.
Library Facilities
Here is the general University statement about Library services for UNDERGRADUATES.
Using the University Library will make a key contribution to success in your
studies.
Facilities:
The Library comprises the award winning David Wilson Library on the main
campus, the Clinical Sciences Library at Leicester Royal Infirmary, together
with the Digital Library. The Library buildings offer inspirational, state-of-
the-art services and facilities, comprising in total 1700 study spaces, over
370 student PCs and Wi-Fi throughout both buildings. The David Wilson
Library also provides 13 group study rooms bookable only by students, and
a Graduate School Reading Room exclusive to postgraduate students.
Opening hours are generous; including 24/7 during the summer
examination period. The Clinical Sciences Library is open 24/7 all year
round.

31
Entrance to the libraries requires a Student ID/University Library card which
is issued as part of registration. To make full use of the library Catalogue
you need a Library PIN, which is sent to your University of Leicester email
address. For security reasons your card and PIN should not be shared
with anyone.
The Library’s Collections
The Library’s collections are significant with over 1 million books and
journals. They are a supplement to the core texts which you will need to
own.
Visit the Library catalogue at https://library.le.ac.uk to search for books and
printed journals. You can borrow and return books and journals using the
self service machines in both Libraries. The number of items that you can
borrow will depend on which course you are on, visit:
www.le.ac.uk/li/services/borrowing.html for details. Normal loan books can
be borrowed for up to four weeks, but may be recalled because another
user wants the book. The original due date will be shortened and the book
must be returned by the new date. Loans can be renewed using the
Catalogue, email or telephone. Please renew on time to avoid a fine.
Books in heavy demand are in the David Wilson Library Express Zone.
Self-service photocopiers and printing are available at both libraries and all
students have an electronic ‘Print & Copy Account’ which can be credited
to pay for photocopying.
Leicester Digital Library
Visit www.le.ac.uk/li/digital for
Both on and off campus access to, 18,000 journals, databases and
electronic books through the internet.
‘Subject Rooms’ which bring together the most important resources
for your subject, - providing you with an ideal starting point.
Leicester e-link lists our electronic journals.
You can also access the Digital Library from the mylibrary tab in
Blackboard.
Your CFS user name and password, which you get when you register, is
needed to access the Digital Library off campus. For more details on
accessing the digital library off campus, please visit
http://www.le.ac.uk/li/digital/accessoffcampushelp.htm
Support
Visit our home page at www.le.ac.uk/library for opening times,
services, introductory vodcasts, online tutorials…
In the David Wilson Library visit the Help Zone on the ground floor for
both Library and IT enquiries
The Help Team are there to offer advice; look out for their blue or
purple shirts
Pick up one of our printed guides in the Library
Many departments organise introductory sessions to the Library
during the first term
Email or phone our Enquiry Service (see contact details below)

32
Ask the Information Librarian who specializes in your subject area
(see website for details)
Distance Learners and part-time research students can use the Library’s
Distance Learning Service, which offers additional help in obtaining
material. Visit www.le.ac.uk/li/distance for details.
Students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, disabilities
and long term conditions can make use of additional services and facilities.
Visit www.le.ac.uk/li/disabilities for details.
The Library welcomes feedback from students, and a comment form is
available at www.le.ac.uk/library/about/comments.html or in the Libraries.
Library Regulations and Charges
The Library is a shared service for all members of the University and, as
such, some rules need to be respected when using it. Please note that as
a registered student Senate’s Library Regulations apply to you; these can
be found at www.le.ac.uk/li/about/regulations.html. The Librarian, or any
person nominated by the Librarian, can apply sanctions, or levy a fine on
any user who breaks these regulations. Please visit:
http://www.le.ac.uk/li/about/policies.html for current charges and other fees.
Contact Details
Web site: www.le.ac.uk/library
David Wilson Library:
Email: library@le.ac.uk
Tel: (0116) 252 2043
Clinical Sciences Library:
Email: clinlib@le.ac.uk
Tel: (0116) 252 3104
We look forward to seeing you in the Library.
The text for POSTGRADUATE students reads as follows:
University Library
The University Library is a significant research library. It comprises the
David Wilson Library, an award winning building at the heart of the
campus, and the specialist Clinical Sciences Library at the local hospital.
The inspirational David Wilson Library building was opened by HM The
Queen in April 2008. The building, contemporary in design, combines
state-of-the-art technology with the strengths of a traditional research
library and over 1,500 study places, with Wi-Fi available throughout.
Opening hours are generous, including extended vacation opening to cater
for postgraduate students.
The Library provides access to over a million printed volumes and a wide
range of electronic journals and information resources; using them

33
effectively will make a key contribution to success in your studies. These
resources supplement any core texts which you may need to own.
Leicester Digital Library
http://www.le.ac.uk/library/digital
Leicester has significant electronic collections. We subscribe to over
18,000 electronic journals and an increasing number of electronic books.
The majority of these resources are available off campus.
David Wilson Library Graduate School Reading Room & Media Zoo
The Graduate School Reading Room in the David Wilson Library is
exclusive to postgraduates and University staff. It offers a variety of study
spaces from silent study to informal space, and group study rooms that can
be booked only by postgraduate students.
The Graduate Media Zoo in the Graduate School Reading Room provides
a ‘safe’ environment for you to learn about and experiment with the
‘technological wildlife’ available in Higher Education. The Media Zoo offers
the opportunity to handle and see the potential of new devices such as
eBook Readers, and take a tour around the 3D virtual world of Second Life.
Support for distance learning and part-time research students
The University Library places special emphasis on support for distance-
learning and part-time research post-graduates who cannot always visit the
Library in person. Services include postal loans for books and arranging
access to local libraries.
Special Collections
The David Wilson Library includes the Kirby & West Special Collections
suite. This state of the art facility houses many fine collections both
medieval and modern. These resources can provide students with
dissertation options.
Specialist support for researching your subject area
The Library has Information Librarians for each subject area. They may be
contacted by email, phone or in person. You may find it particularly useful
to contact them when beginning a piece of extended project work or
dissertation.
Using the Library
Entrance to the libraries requires a Student ID/University Library card which
is issued as part of registration. To make full use of the Library Catalogue
you need a Library PIN, which is sent to your University of Leicester email
address. For security reasons your card and PIN should not be shared
with anyone. Your CFS username and password, which you get when you
register, is needed to access the Digital Library off campus. For more
details please visit
http://www.le.ac.uk/li/digital/accessoffcampushelp.htm
Library Regulations
The Library is a shared service for all members of the University and, as
such, some rules need to be respected when using it. Please note that as
a registered student Senate’s Library Regulations apply to you; these can
be found at www.le.ac.uk/li/about/regulations.html. The Librarian, or any

34
person nominated by the Librarian, can apply sanctions, or levy a fine on
any user who breaks these regulations. Please visit:
http://www.le.ac.uk/li/about/policies.html for current charges and other fees.
We look forward to seeing you in the Library.
Contact Details
Web site: www.le.ac.uk/library
David Wilson Library:
email: library@le.ac.uk
Tel: (0116) 252 2043
Clinical Sciences Library:
Email: clinlib@le.ac.uk
Tel: (0116) 252 3104
LILL students also have access to Teaching Centre Libraries at Vaughan College and the
Northampton Centre. For details of library access, see the ‗Teaching Centre‘ sections below.
University of Leicester students can access other UK libraries, including other University
libraries, via the SCONUL system. For more details, see www.access.sconul.ac.uk.
Students can obtain an application form for SCONUL library access from their Course
Administrator once they have a valid University of Leicester library card, or from one of the
teaching centre libraries.
Arrangements for postal access to resources by Distance Learning students will be made
clear within individual courses.
University Bookshop
The following text is written mostly with full-time courses in mind. It may not be the case that
‗all prescribed and recommended texts‘ for LILL courses will be on the shelves when you go,
though you are encouraged to use the University Bookshop as much as possible.
The Bookshop is owned and managed by the University. Established in
1958 the bookshop moved to new premises on the ground floor of the
David Wilson Library in April 2008.
All prescribed and recommended texts are kept in stock, so that students
can rely on the Bookshop to supply all the books that they are encouraged
to buy in the course of their studies. A wide range of paperbacks and books
of general interest are also kept in stock. Any book not in stock can be
quickly provided to order.
Maps, greeting cards, and a wide range of stationery items are stocked as
well as University of Leicester branded merchandise including an ever
changing range of clothing.
The opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. (during term-time)
Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (during vacation)
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. (all year)

35
The Bookshop is open to the general public as well as to all students. In
addition to accepting payment in cash, by cheque, Visa, Mastercard and
Maestro, there is a mechanism by which money may be deposited with the
bookshop by parents or friends and later used to purchase books and
stationery.
Contact details: Telephone: 0116 229 7440
E-mail: bookshop@le.ac.uk
Student Support and Development Service (SSDS)
A summary of the services offered by the Student Support and Development Service
(SSDS) and other service providers can be found in the SSDS leaflet Making Connections.
This is available on-line at:
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/about_us/making-connections?searchterm=making
connections
SSDS offers a holistic service to students, meeting needs in three major areas of student
life: health and well-being, practical matters, and learning and career development.
The sections that follow provide information on all these areas.
Learning and Career Development
Student Development
Whether it‘s developing the skills you need to succeed on your course, or
in your life beyond university, Student Development is here to support and
facilitate your academic, professional and personal development.
Visit the Student Development Zone in the David Wilson Library to access
our extensive range of resources: we have over 50 different study guide
titles and 20 career development guides, so whether it‘s writing better
essays or building a CV, instant advice is available to take away. You can
also access these resources from our website along with a range of online
resources such as interactive study skills tutorials and videos on
developing your career prospects.
One-to-one advice is available via study consultations, research
consultations, maths help and careers consultations. You can see our
advisors face-to-face in the Student Development Zone or use our website
to find out how to access our services remotely. Every term, we have a
busy programme of interactive workshops covering a diverse range of
topics. Our learning development titles range from avoiding plagiarism to
improving your essay writing, to giving effective presentations. Career
development titles cover all the essential areas such as CV writing, job
searching, application forms and interview skills.
Student Development provides lots of opportunities for you to develop your
employability skills whilst at University. We maintain strong links with
employers and advertise their vacancies and work experience opportunities
through JOBSonline (on our website). We have a busy programme of

36
employer-led events, from skills workshops to careers fairs, and we
organise numerous opportunities for you to make the most of your time at
University. Choose from a wide range of volunteering opportunities, work
placement schemes and enterprise activities, or take an accredited
programme and gain a Leicester Award in Employability skills.
Research postgraduates are catered for with resources, events and
training specific to their needs: from Starting your PhD workshops to
University-wide events such as the Annual Festival of Postgraduate
Research.
To find out more about how Student Development can enhance your
success at university and beyond, visit our website.
Contact: Student Development, Student Development Zone, Second
Floor, David Wilson Library
Telephone: 0116 252 5090
Email: sdzhelpdesk@le.ac.uk
Website: www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
AccessAbility Centre
The Centre offers a range of services to all University of Leicester students
who have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, disabilities or long-
term conditions. Staff offer one-to-one support, assessment of dyslexia, the
co-ordination of alternative examination arrangements and assistance with
applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance. The open access Centre
acts as a resource base for students and staff and is a relaxed place for
students to work. Its computers are equipped with specialised software for
speech output (essay planning software and basic speech output software
are on the University wide CFS network). Low-level photocopying, printing
and scanning facilities are also available. The Centre welcomes self-
referrals as well as referrals from academic staff.
Contact: AccessAbility Centre, AccessAbility Zone, David Wilson Library.
Tel/minicom: 0116 252 5002,
Fax: 0116 252 5513,
Email: accessable@le.ac.uk,
Website: http://www.le.ac.uk/accessability/
Practical matters
Student Welfare Service
The Student Welfare Centre offers wide ranging support for students.
Practical advice and information is available on a wide range of issues.
Financial advice is offered, with information on budgeting and DSS
benefits. Students can apply for hardship grants and loans through the
Service; Welfare staff can assist with applications to charities and trusts.
For international students, the Student Welfare Service runs various
Welcome programmes throughout the year. Information is provided on

37
specific hardship funds, advice is given on immigration. Students are
advised to renew their visas through the scheme provided by Student
Welfare. The Service also co-ordinates HOST visits to British families and
hospitality visits to local families in Leicester. International students with
children may be eligible for help with childcare costs, which are claimed
through the Service.
Welfare Officers can provide materials on health-related issues including
alcohol and drugs, meningitis, pregnancy testing, and sexual health.
The Student Welfare Service co-ordinates pastoral care for students living
in University residences; the Service recruits and trains the Sub-Wardens
and Resident Advisors who provide this support. Postgraduate and mature
students are invited to apply for these positions; information and application
forms are available on the website. The Service also works closely with
the local community to intervene in disputes with neighbours and to
improve living conditions for those students who choose private rented
accommodation.
A legal advice clinic is held in conjunction with the School of Law.
Contact: Student Welfare Service, 1st
Floor Percy Gee Building.
Telephone: 0116 223 1185
Fax: 0116 223 1196
Email: welfare@le.ac.uk
Website: http://www.le.ac.uk/welfare
Counselling, Health and Wellbeing
Student Counselling Service
The Student Counselling Service provides free and confidential services to
all students. Students seek out the Service for a variety of reasons, ranging
from difficulties with adjusting to University life, or family/relationship
concerns, to stress, depression, anxiety or related issues. Counselling
services are short-term. While some students see a counsellor just once or
twice, others may go and see them regularly over a period of several
weeks. Students who are having difficulties are encouraged to talk them
through with a counsellor. This can sometimes prevent them turning into
major problems - so if in doubt, go and see them!
Contact: Student Counselling Service, 161 Welford Road (behind the
Freemen‘s Common Health Centre)
Office hours: 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 10.00a.m. to
5.00p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments can be made by
telephone, email, or call in and speak to a receptionist in person.
Telephone: 0116 223 1780.
E-mail: counselling@le.ac.uk
Website: http://www.le.ac.uk/counselling/
Student Support (mental wellbeing)
This discreet and confidential service offers one-to-one support to students
managing mental health issues at university. The aim of the service is to

38
assist students to lessen the impact these might have on their studies. If
required, the service can co-ordinate a network of support from those
available both at the University and in the wider community. It will also,
with the students‘ permission, liaise on their behalf with their Departments
or other parts of the University.
Students are welcome to make contact with the service at any point in their
course. Pre-entry contact is also encouraged, from prospective students
who wish to discuss any support they may require on course. An
appointment to meet with an adviser can be made by telephone, letter or
email.
The service also provides advice and information to members of the
university community who have general concerns about mental health
issues.
Contact: Student Support (mental wellbeing), 161 Welford Road (behind
the Freemen‘s Common Health Centre)
Telephone: 0116 252 2283
Email: mentalhealth@le.ac.uk
Website: www.le.ac.uk/mentalhealth
Student Healthy Living Service
The Student Healthy Living Service strives to help students enjoy a
balanced life; the service helps individuals to identify an approach to life
which can improve their wellbeing, enhance study and reach their full
potential. The service is committed to the delivery of health and wellbeing
activities that support students in developing life skills. As well as
supporting academic achievement, these skills are transferable and should
prove beneficial through the transition from University to the demands of
employment and graduate careers. The Student Healthy Living Service
works closely with the Freemen‘s Common Health Centre and also
provides direction to appropriate health care services. More information
can be found on the Healthy Living Service website.
Contact: The Student Healthy Living Service, 161 Welford Road (above
Freemen‘s Common Health Centre)
Telephone: 0116 223 1268
Email: healthyliving@le.ac.uk
Website: http://go.le.ac.uk/healthyliving
Students’ Union
In addition to the many other practical ways in which the Students‘ Union supports LILL
students, it is important to note its Education Unit.
The Education Unit is one of the crucial services that the Students‘ Union
offers to students. The Unit provides a friendly, impartial and confidential
service to help and advise students about the options available to them on
a wide range of topics such as academic appeals, changing courses and
examinations. If a student wishes to come and talk to us about their
personal circumstances or problems they have encountered on their
course we will offer guidance about where to go and what to do.

39
The Education Unit is based within the redeveloped Students‘ Union on the
corridor between Willingale‘s Shop and the Abode Accommodation
Agency. Opening hours are weekdays 10.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m. and you
can either pop in or book an appointment in advance by contacting us on
the details below. The service is available for all students and you can be
assured that the Education Unit has a policy of treating all casework in the
strictest of confidence.
Phone: 0116 223 1132/1228
E-mail: educationunit@le.ac.uk
Website: http://leicesterunion.com/yourunion/ed_the_education_unit
Study Skills
The Student Development Zone on the 2nd
floor of the David Wilson Library is a major
resource for help with study skills. The Zone produces a number of useful Study Guides.
These are also available from Student Development‘s website:
www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
See the ‗Student Development‘ section within the Student Support and Development Service
(SSDS) entry above.
In addition to the central University study support, and whatever individual tutors offer
themselves whilst delivering their own modules, the Institute of Lifelong Learning provides
dedicated support for part-time, adult learners. At present this comes in the form of Saturday
sessions (currently offered three times a year at the Leicester teaching centre, Vaughan
College), led by a staff member from the University‘s Student Support and Development
Service (SSDS). Examples of sessions offered include:
Reading and note-taking
Essay-writing
Planning and structuring essays (advanced: level 2 and above)
Critical analysis and Academic language
Issues for Speakers of Languages other than English
As from September 2010, one of the Institute‘s part-time tutors will also be able to allocate
some dedicated Study Skills support time on an individual or small group basis at key points
throughout the academic year. To check on what is available, contact the Centre
Administrator at Vaughan College.

40
Teaching Centres
Northampton
Personnel and General Support
Members of staff at the Northampton Centre are committed to providing students and tutors
with the highest possible level of service and support. All have different roles and
responsibilities, but all will endeavour to answer any queries you may have and to provide
general advice and guidance relating to courses and facilities. (Please see under previous
section for information on the College Library and computer facilities.)
University of Leicester, Northampton, Centre Administrator: Paul Adams
Northampton College Manager: Richard Drake
Northampton College Site supervisors: 0779 352 5599
Office Hours
Term Time Out of Term
Monday to Thursday 9.00 am - 7.00 pm 9.00 am– 5.00pm
Fridays 9.00 am – 4.00pm 9.00 am– 4.00pm
Saturdays as advertised
Café Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8.45am – 2.30pm Evening: 5.30pm - 8.15pm
Friday 8.45am– 2.00pm
Saturdays Closed
NB. When the café is closed hot drinks and snacks are still available from the vending
machines.
Disabled Access
Access to all levels of Lower Mounts is possible by use of lifts and parking spaces are
available for disabled students. If you have any queries regarding disabled access, please
contact the Northampton College receptionist Liz Gray. It would be helpful if students could
indicate on their enrolment form whether they are registered disabled and display their
badges in any vehicle using any of the five allocated spaces at the Lower Mounts site.
Parking
The College car park is solely for the use of staff, tutors and disabled students (blue badge
holders only).
Nursery Provision
The crèche is open every day for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years only. The
charge of £3.10 per hour includes a drink and biscuits. Places in the nursery are limited.
Please contact Northampton College Nursery Supervisor, Alison Dungate, for further details.

41
Northampton Centre ID Card
All students need to register for their ID cards at reception using the form provided on the
induction day. Proof of entitlement will be required and to gain continued access to the
building for classes.
Northampton Centre Library
Northampton Centre Library offers excellent facilities for quiet study and access to many
course related titles. There is not only the University of Leicester section at the Lower
Mounts building but also through your membership card of Northampton College, access to
Northampton College titles at their other sites. Membership cards are gained through
registration with the college on entry to the course. The majority of books at Lower Mounts
can be borrowed for three weeks and, if not requested by another student, renewed after
that period in person, by telephone or online. Fines are charged for overdue items or books
that have been recalled but not returned within the specified time.
Opening hours: The library at Lower Mounts is open on Mondays to Thursdays from
8.45am to 9.00pm and on Fridays from 8.45 to 4.00pm. On the days when the College is
open on a Saturday the suite is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Students should check if these
times apply outside of term time.
The Northampton College Librarian can be contacted by telephone (01604 736209) or by
email at lmlibrary@northamptoncollege.ac.uk.
More details may be found at: http://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/library/contact.asp.
University of Northampton Library
The SCONUL access scheme allows students registered at the University of Leicester to
access resources at other participating institutions including the University of Northampton
Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, where there are excellent facilities and a good range
of books to support any aspect of your study. Therefore, membership of this is strongly
encouraged, details will be passed to you on registration and more information on opening
and access can be found online at http://library.northampton.ac.uk/about.
Northampton College Computers
Within the Lower Mounts library on the first floor there is a suite of computers that students
registered with Northampton College may use. They provide email, word processing and
Internet access. All users of these machines must scan in and out of the library and act in
accordance with Northampton College rules. A password will be required to logon and then
through remote access the University of Leicester facilities may be obtained. Again a
password will be required for this and once set, it will allow students not only to use the
machines at the college but also to access their CFS account from home. The computer
facilities at Lower Mounts are available Mondays to Thursdays from 8.45am to 9.00pm and
on Fridays from 8.45 to 4.00pm. On the days when the College is open on a Saturday the
suite is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Students should check if these times apply outside of
term time.

42
Vaughan College, Leicester
Personnel and General Support at Vaughan College
Members of the permanent staff at Vaughan College are committed to providing students
and tutors with the highest possible level of service and support. All have different roles and
responsibilities, but all will endeavour to answer any queries you may have and to provide
general advice and guidance relating to courses and facilities.
Centre Administrator: Angela Cantrill (acc13@le.ac.uk)
Reception/Student Records and Support:
Simon Ball (sdb26@le.ac.uk), Val Collins (part-time librarian; vc29@le.ac.uk),
Laura Downer (ld112@le.ac.uk), Heather Roach (hcr5@le.ac.uk)
and Karen White (kw140@le.ac.uk)
Café Supervisor: Debbie Wood
Porters: John Holmes and Andy Allen
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 9.00 am - 8.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm
Out of Term Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm
Common Room and Café
The College has a café area where drinks, snacks and hot food are available from 11 a.m.
until 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday and some Fridays in term time.
When the café is closed, there are vending and snack machines for student and staff use.
Please note that only food and drinks purchased within the College may be consumed in the
café area. Food and drinks (apart from water) are not allowed in teaching rooms on health
and safety grounds.
Disabled Access
Access to all levels of Vaughan College is possible by use of lifts and parking spaces are
available for disabled students. If you have any queries regarding disabled access, please
contact the Centre Administrator. It would be helpful if students could indicate on their
enrolment form whether they are a wheelchair user.
Parking
The College car park is for the sole use of staff, tutors and disabled students. There are
various car parking facilities around the College, including the John Lewis car park and the
NCP (St. Nicholas Circle). For evening students, the cheapest parking nearby is currently at
the John Lewis car park (at the Highcross Shopping Centre) on Vaughan Way.
Vaughan College Library
Vaughan College Library offers excellent facilities for quiet study and it contains copies of
most key texts and many secondary texts for the degree. In addition to membership of
Vaughan College Library, students on the degree also have full membership of the main

43
University Library (see below for information). Vaughan Library allows access to the
University's Library catalogue, which can also be accessed on-line from your home
computer via the Institute‘s website – click on ―Existing Staff and Students‖.
The majority of books can be borrowed for one month and renewed after that period in
person, by telephone or on-line, unless another reader has recalled them. Fines for overdue
books are charged at the rate of 20p per day for each item or 40p per day for overdue
recalled items.
Opening Hours
Term-time 9.00 - 20.00 Monday to Thursday.
9.00 - 16.30 Friday
Out of Term 9.00 - 16.30 Monday to Friday
The Library is also open on occasional Saturdays (please ring to confirm).
Vaughan College Library can be contacted by email at vaughanlib@le.ac.uk.
Vaughan College Computer Suite
This is an open access computer suite, occupying Room 3 of the College on the first floor,
providing registered students with computing facilities including word processing, email and
Internet access. Students are invited to make full use of this valuable learning resource.
All students will be registered as users of the University‘s computer network at the start of
the academic year and set up with a ‗CFS username and password‘. This enables you to
use the computer facilities at Vaughan and on the main campus and also allows remote
access to the Library‘s online resources. Normal opening hours for the Vaughan computer
suite during term time are as follows:
Monday-Thursday 9.30am - 8.00pm
Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm
The suite is also open on some Saturdays, 10.00am - 2.00pm. Please check in advance for
these dates.
Occasionally (in the day-time, or in an evening), the computer suite may be booked for
teaching purposes.
Year 1 students will receive guidance on all relevant Library and IT matters during induction
and in the first Study Skills module.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the building.
Smoking is permissible on the outdoor concourse, away from the front entrance. The door
must not be propped open as this damages the mechanism and is also a security issue. The
door is normally locked at 7 p.m., so individuals will need to ring the bell to be readmitted
after this time. Please do not smoke at the rear of the building.

45
Part Four: Information for Reference
Complaints and Appeals
Complaints Procedure
The University is committed to providing the highest quality of education possible within the
limits imposed by the resources available to it, and strives to ensure that its students gain
maximum benefit from the academic, social and cultural experiences it offers. Where
students feel that their legitimate expectations are not being met, or where
misunderstandings about the nature of the University's provision occur, the University
expects that problems will be speedily and effectively dealt with at local level. Its complaints
mechanism is based on the assumption that staff will at all times deal thoughtfully and
sympathetically with students' problems, so as to minimise the extent to which formal
procedures need to be followed.
Within LILL, all complaints should be addressed, in the first instance, to the Course Director
for the award on which you study. If s/he is not able to deal satisfactorily with the complaint
then it may be referred, either by him/her or the complainant to the Head of Department (the
Director of LILL, Jackie Dunne), Institute of Lifelong Learning, 128 Regent Road, Leicester,
LE1 7PA. In the case of the Counselling programme, where a Course Director cannot
resolve an issue, a complaint may be referred in the first instance to the Director of the
Counselling and Psychotherapy Programme (Prof. Sue Wheeler). If matters cannot be
resolved informally, students should address any formal complaint in writing to the senior
officer responsible for the relevant area of activity (for a list of senior officers and full details
of the formal complaints procedure, see University Regulations).
It should be stressed, as the University‘s Complaints Procedure indicates, that:
Students are expected to utilise the consultative and organisational
arrangements in place at departmental and institutional level (these include
heads of department, the personal tutor system, staff/student committees
and the Staff/Student Council, the services of the Students' Union's
sabbatical officers and its Student Support Centre...). Students are
expected to familiarise themselves with the constitution and membership of
those bodies which are intended to represent their interests, and for general
complaints about academic matters to avail themselves of the opportunities
provided for direct feedback on the performance of individuals or in relation
to the provision of services.
Students should not turn to the formal Complaints Procedure as a first step when
considering that a query about the course should be raised, or deem that an issue should be
addressed. It is vital that the nature of any query, problem or complaint should be assessed
with respect to structures which may already be in place for its being addressed or resolved.
The full text of the University‘s Complaints Procedure can be found in the General
Regulations (pp16-18) at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/Regs/2009-0/GeneralRegs09-10.pdf

46
Appeals Procedure
Appeals procedures exist specifically for appeals against:
Termination of course
Degree Classification (Undergraduates)
Award of a Lesser Qualification (Postgraduates)
These procedures are described in the General Regulations:
http://www.le.ac.uk/academic/Regs/2009-0/GeneralRegs09-10.pdf
Students wishing to make an appeal should check these regulations carefully before making
any appeal, and consult with their Course Director.
Advice on the operation of the complaints procedure can be obtained from
the Academic Registrar, Fielding Johnson Building (tel 0116 2522419), or
from the Education Unit, Students‘ Union (tel 0116 2231132, e-mail:
educationunit@le.ac.uk). The latter can also provide assistance in
formulating complaints, and in supporting students throughout the formal
stages of the complaints procedure.
Ethical Approval of Student Projects
Before you can carry out research you will need to be granted ethical approval by the
University of Leicester. The procedure for this will be explained to you on any course on
which such research is required. Before you can be granted ethical approval, you will need
to read the University‘s Protocol for Ethical Approval of student work. This is available at:
http://www2.le.ac.uk/institution/committees/research-ethics/protocol-for-ethical-
approval-of-student-work-non-clinical-research-on-human-subjects
Marking and Moderation
In keeping with University of Leicester procedures, all marks awarded on LILL programmes,
at all academic levels, are subject to some form internal moderation and to scrutiny by
external examiners. It is recommended that a form of moderation is used, according to which
between 25% and 50% of pieces of assessable work in any given group are
reviewed/second-marked. The particular students‘ work to receive internal scrutiny will be
agreed between first marker and moderators though will normally include the highest mark,
the lowest mark and any border-line cases (e.g. between First/2.1 or between Merit/Pass).
The external examiner may be offered a sample according to the above criteria. S/he is,
however, at liberty to ask to see any work of her/his choosing. S/he should also be shown
the work of all students who may be awarded a Distinction or a First Class degree on any
programme.
For more on the University of Leicester‘s regulations on marking and moderation, see:
http://www.le.ac.uk/ua/ac/quality/Codes/examining/examining-code.pdf

47
Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a structured and supported
process designed to give students the opportunity to reflect on their
progress and plan for their future development. In doing so, it is hoped that
PDP will better enable students to improve and enhance both their
academic performance and their prospects for professional and career
success after graduation.
Many LILL students are already in employment, or are at a stage of life and personal
development when they are looking to make a major change. ‗PDP‘ can be seen as an
aspect of a LILL student‘s relationship with their personal tutor/course director. Personal
development planning is something which students have to undertake on their own behalf,
but can be supported by LILL staff whenever a student wishes to reflect on their own
planning for the future.
In broad terms, the key responsibilities of a personal tutor/course director are:
To encourage and foster individual students‘ reflection on their future plans
To offer guidance, if needed, on setting effective and realistic objectives
To refer students to appropriate support services and/or opportunities for
development
Employability
The University embraces employability as being a set of achievements – skills,
understandings and personal attributes – that makes graduates more likely to gain
employment and be successful in their chosen occupations, and which benefits themselves,
the workforce, the community and the economy.
Ultimately, students are responsible for their employability; however it is important to
remember that departments and the Student Support and Development Service are also
responsible for enabling and encouraging students to engage in developing and realising
their potential, which includes their employability. Student Development can play a pivotal
role in supporting departments in embedding employability within the curriculum, as well
providing students with opportunities outside of the curriculum.
For many LILL students, a primary reason for choosing to study is to improve their career
prospects. They will need to be able to articulate and demonstrate to tutors who may
consider admitting them to higher courses (undergraduate and postgraduate), employers
and other recruiters, the skills and knowledge they have developed during their years of
study, and then link these to the particular needs of the tutor or recruiter. Students may
improve their employability along the lines described below. (The list is written primarily for
full-time students, but some of the ways are useful as they stand. Other can be adapted to
the circumstances of LILL students.)
Ten ways a student can develop their employability:
―Applicants lack the right combination of academic and soft skills‖ - this is
something many employers say about graduates. ‗Soft skills‘ are inter-
personal skills: skills in communication, being friendly, forming good
relationships. Ensure that you are not in this category by developing your
employability skills:

48
1. Research and talk through your ideas with an adviser from Student
Development and with your departmental Careers Tutor.
2. Link what you learn within your modules to how you could use it in the
wider world (e.g. specific subject knowledge and skills you use such as
problem-solving and team-work).
3. Undertake a work placement or internship after the second year or
during vacations and think through what you have gained from the
experience.
4. Do some voluntary work. Student Development collaborates with the
Students‘ Union to organise volunteering opportunities, ranging from
marketing to counselling www.le.ac.uk/volunteering.
5. Speak to employers about what they expect from you (many employers
hold workshops and presentations on campus or attend careers fairs, all
arranged by Student Development).
6. Get some work experience or work shadow somebody in the type of job
or organisation you find interesting. This will help you decide if it‘s really
for you.
7. Take an active role in Students‘ Union activities and within your own
department to develop your communication, organisation, interpersonal
and related skills. .
8. Develop study skills, such as presentation and numeracy skills with help
from Student Development: www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment.
9. Participate in one of the Leicester Award for Employability programmes
organised by Student Development.
10. Attend any talks, workshops and careers events organised within your
department and the wider University.
Further details are available at: www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment.

49
...and finally...
Course Handbooks
This Student Handbook has covered the general information you need to get the most from
your studies as a member of the University of Leicester and of the Institute of Lifelong
Learning. You will also receive a Course Handbook, either each year, or for the whole of
your award, which will contain more detailed information and instructions about finding your
way through your course.
The Course Handbook is likely to contain:
A greeting from the Course Director
Contact details of relevant staff
Best communication practice on your course
Details of any induction events/practices
Details of modules
Timetable/s for the year
Course-specific information on:
Assignments (Preparation and Submission)
Attendance requirements (if appropriate)
Marking Schemes
Plagiarism
Progression and Classification of Awards
Any other matters pertaining specifically to the course

Student handbook

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