Master of Research
Public Health/Primary Care
Handbook 2023 – 2024
1 General Information
1.1 Welcome from the Director of Education
I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. We are extremely pleased you have chosen the University of Manchester to commence or continue your postgraduate study journey; whether you are progressing straight from your undergraduate studies, seeking to develop your knowledge/skills in your chosen career or, are bravely, taking a completely different direction in life.
In the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and humanity, we will place you at the centre of a transformational learning process to support you to achieve your individual goals and aspirations. Our challenge to you is to embrace all of the opportunities available to you; be bold, think differently and realise your potential. We want your postgraduate journey with us to be intellectually stretching, rewarding and fun.
We are aware that most of you will need to juggle a number of competing priorities during your postgraduate taught studies. Some of you will already be in full time employment, while others will need to secure part time employment to fund your studies. We know that many of you will have family and caring responsibilities that will have to be prioritised before your own learning. We hope the information detailed in this programme handbook will help you in managing these competing commitments. Whether you are joining us on campus, or studying at a distance, you are an integral part of our School and University, and we are here to support you.
We are extremely proud of our postgraduate student community and alumni who are making a difference, both locally and globally. We look forward to working with you, confident that you too will play a role in transforming the lives of people who use health and social care services, whether during your studies or upon graduation.
I wish you every success in your postgraduate studies here at the University of Manchester.
Mr Andrew Mawdsley
Director of Education
School of Health Sciences
1.2 Programme Contacts
| Head of School: | Professor Andrew Brass |
| Director of Education | Mr Andrew Mawdsley |
| Programme Director: | Professor Arpana Verma |
| Deputy Programme Directors: | Dr Angela Spencer
Dr Anjana Sahu Greg Williams
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| MPH Admissions Co-ordinator: | E-mail: pgtaught.cbm@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 161 306 0604 |
| Programmes Administrators Office:
(MPH Administration Team) |
G.304 Jean McFarlane Building
The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL We will be available for support queries Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 4pm, UK local time |
| Programme Admin team |
| EMAIL ADDRESS | PURPOSE |
| shs.assessment@manchester.ac.uk
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| shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk |
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| shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk |
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| shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk |
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| shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk |
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| shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk |
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| shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk
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The reporting structure for the programme can be found in Appendix 1.
1.3 Programme External Examiners
The role of the External Examiners
External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment processes of the University to ensure fairness and academic standards. They ensure that assessment and examination procedures have been fairly and properly implemented and that decisions have been made after appropriate deliberation. They also ensure that standards of awards and levels of student performance are at least comparable with those in equivalent higher education institutions.
External Examiners’ reports
External Examiners’ reports relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives at the programme committee/staff student liaison committee, where details of any actions carried out by the programme team/School in response to the External Examiners’ comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiners’ reports or the process for considering them.
External Examiner Details
We have six External Examiners for this programme.
- Professor Lesley Anderson, Chair in Health Data Science at the University of Aberdeen
- Professor Anjum Memon, Chair in Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Honorary Consultant in Public Health.
- Dr Charlene McShane, Lecturer in Cancer Epidemiology, Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast
- Dr Jenny Blythe, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Barts & The London Medical School
- Professor Zoe Marshman, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health at the University of Sheffield
- Dr Thomas Lamont, Clinical Lecturer, School of Dentistry at the University of Dundee
Please note that it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments. Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their School contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact their Programme administration team in the first instance.
2 Programme of Study
The aims of the postgraduate programmes in public health and primary care are to:
- Provide students with the core knowledge necessary to develop competence in the academic underpinning of public health, with special emphasis on the critical appraisal of the evidence base (Cert, Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Produce graduates who understand the theory underlying the practice of public health and thus to equip them to proceed, should they wish, into further professional training within one of the diverse settings to which the public health perspective contributes (e.g. many clinical and related management disciplines) or where public health per se (e.g. a specialist in public health post) is practised (Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Teach students the rudiments of research methods and critical appraisal within the discipline so that on a life-long basis, they will be able to apply this knowledge to assess evidence that comes before them (Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Equip students to gain employment in public health (Dip, MPH);
- Obtain practical experience of designing, analysing and writing up a research project to enable the transition towards undertaking a research degree or to doing research in other settings (MRes).
We offer two main awards, the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Master of Research (MRes), as well as a PG Diploma, a PG Certificate and stand-alone CPD units known as Public Health Professional Development (PHPD). Students from all these courses choose their units from a common pool, use the Blackboard learning environment, and share the same online discussions.
Philosophy of the programmes
All of the courses offered in this programme share the same philosophy.
Evidence
Developing skills in the collection, synthesis and implementation of evidence is central to this programme. Each course unit will be based on this approach wherever possible, and will use the evidence cycle as it applies to the population as a theme.
This can be summarised as: Collection, Synthesis (and/or Appraisal), and Implementation/Application.
Skills
The programmes emphasise the acquisition of skills so that you can put into practice what you learn. Many Masters level courses teach attitudes and knowledge, while our emphasis will be more focused on the development of skills to use in professional life. These skills also translate into the ability to perform and appraise research projects as well as developing the skills necessary to pass the professional examinations of the Faculty of Public Health.
Students will also be guided and encouraged to develop new and further refine their existing communication skills. Clear, precise, well presented and referenced writing is essential. Students will be required to present their assignments in styles which reflect models used in public health and research. Students should access study skills materials for academic writing and presentation skills which can be found on Blackboard – please see the Course Units available in 2023-24 under section 2.5 for more information.
Self-directed study
The programmes encourage self-directed study around clearly identified learning outcomes for each course unit, rather than the provision of lectures or just web-based lecture notes.
Implications
The implications of emphasising self-directed study and skills are that the course will largely involve active learning methods using case-scenarios, exercises, etc., in a problem-based approach. Hence, examples and exercises will use real-world examples from appropriate settings, for example from primary/secondary care, public health practice, etc.
The programmes include a visionary aspect, so course units will cover the latest developments in the field and horizon scan for new and emerging topics and policies.
2.1 Master of Research (MRes) programme
The MRes has three streams, one in public health, one in primary care and the other in dental public health. Distinction between the three is on the basis of the course units taken and the research topics chosen.
The programme aims to provide an entrance to research development, mainly for those currently in the workforce who wish to become researchers, through a combination of coursework and research training in public health and primary care.
MRes course outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Assess the evidence that underlies health practice
- Develop a population focus for health issues
- Develop research skills necessary to research and answer population health questions
- Be able to work under supervision in a research capacity
- Be able to enter higher degree (PhD) research training
- Understand and develop skills in order to carry out research in the primary care and public health settings
The full programme specification can be found here.
2.1.1 Programme structures and core course units
- Master of Research Total: 6 course units + MRes Dissertation = 180 credits
Public Health Primary Care Core units Evidence Based Practice Evidence Based Practice +
Primary Health Care
Optional units 5 units 4 units NB Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) is a prerequisite for any students planning a qualitative dissertation Dissertation (90 credits)
2.2 Course Units Available in 2023/24
The Dissertation Unit
Full time students register for their dissertation with the rest of their units.
Part time MRes Students register for their dissertation after successfully completing 6 units at Masters Level.
| MRes Dissertation (Public Health & Primary Care) | POPH63160 |
Essential Course Resources & Study Skills Units
The following course resources can be found within Blackboard and can be accessed at any time. There is no cost for any of these units.
| Under ‘My Communities’ |
| MPH Programme Community |
Please note: The ‘My Communities’ resources can be found below your course list when you log into Blackboard.
Further details about the MPH Programme Community can be found in section 3.1
2.4 Student Timetable
The timetable can be found on Blackboard here.
Assignment release times and submissions are at 13.00 midday local UK time (this varies throughout the year as GMT or BST – see World Clock).
Submission of assessed work
All assignments must be submitted electronically via Blackboard (through the Turnitin link) on the date and time specified above. Please see instructions in your course unit assessment pages. Assignments e-mailed to tutors or administration will not be accepted. Some units have additional assessed discussion board or group activities; details of these can be found in the course unit outline as well as the unit itself. Dates for these assessments can be found on the unit timetable in the course ‘overview’.
3 Teaching and Learning
3.1 MPH Programme Community and Online Skills Training
The MPH Programme Community is the central place to access all programme related resources and information, and communicate with other students across the programme.
It contains several essential courses.
Online Skills Training Resource
The Faculty has developed a skills training resource to support you through your postgraduate taught programme. This online material should supplement the assessed learning material and activities undertaken in your taught programme. Accessing the online skills resource You can access Blackboard through the My Manchester portal (http://my.manchester.ac.uk). The skills training resource is available in an academic community space available to all registered PGT students in the Faculty through Blackboard. If you cannot see these units in your Blackboard, please contact your Programme Administrator. Content Full details of all these resources can be found in the introduction to each unit. These resources have been designed to give you formative feedback on your progress through them. If you experience any problems and would like to talk to someone, please contact your Programme Director. If you have questions about referencing and how it applies to your own work, please contact your Programme Director or dissertation supervisor/module lead.
| Research Methods* | This course is spilt into 2 units that cover introductions to study design and dissertation skills. It has a number of online quizzes where you can test your knowledge. |
| Introduction to Statistics* | The course provides a valuable foundation for understanding and interpreting biostatistics. It aims to provide you with the fundamentals of quantitative analysis. |
| Presentation Skills | This short interactive unit is designed to help you enhance your presentation skills. Regardless of whether you are presenting in public, preparing for conferences, an oral examination or more informal settings this unit will give you the tops tips to improve your delivery. The course also includes a unit on influencing effectively, alongside the presentation and poster information. |
| Qualitative Research Methods* | This unit has been designed to give you an introduction to Qualitative Research. |
* NOTE: the material in this online resource is for reference and formative learning purposes only. In some of your taught programme you may be required to undertake assessed course units for Research Methods, Qualitative Research or Statistics. If your programme involves taught units then you should refer to the Blackboard material relating to that course unit. Please contact your Programme Administrator if you are unsure which material relates to your assessed work. You will still be able to refer to the online skills resource in later years.
Study Skills
The Study Skills course introduces you to a range of skills and resources required for developing practical and effective strategies for successful learning online. It includes topics on information searching, referencing and academic writing, and requires you to complete the Academic Malpractice Driving Test.
Health and Safety Presentation
The University’s duty of care covers all its students, staff and visitors, including distance learning students who come onto campus for residential courses, study days, or assessments. Although you will not spend much time on campus as a distance learner, there is some information you should know before you come. This short presentation tells you what to do in case of a fire or an accident while you are with us in Manchester. It should only take around 5 minutes to complete.
Both the academic malpractice driving test and health and safety presentation must be completed by the end of October in your first year of study.
3.2 Method of Study
Most of our teaching is entirely web-based with a high degree of student-led learning through interactive exercises to test understanding built into the web-based teaching materials, and exercises and assignments involving seeking out and retrieving information from a range of web-based resources.
There will be opportunities for student–student and student–tutor interaction through dedicated discussion groups. There will be web-based course material with links to external web resources such as reports, academic papers, other teaching materials and case studies.
Some units have exercises based around group work (using discussion boards or WIKI’s). These are developed around learning objectives for the particular unit. In addition they satisfy the skills-based learning objectives common to many public health curricula i.e. planning and managing a project and working as part of a team to deliver a project.
These courses are modular, meaning that each year you can choose to study a selection of units, which will count towards your degree. Units start 3 times a year: September in the first semester, January in the second semester and May in the summer semester.
The maximum number of units that can be taken per semester is usually
- four for full time students
- three for 2-year part-time students
- two for 3-5 year part time students
If a part time student wishes to take more than 2 units in a semester, they must seek prior approval before going ahead by contacting the MPH Admin team.
All units run over 15 weeks: 10 devoted to teaching and five to assignment preparation and writing. Most units cover 8-10 different topics in this time. Each unit is expected to take students 10 hours of study per week. Although you work through these units independently in your own home, it is good to follow the teaching weeks, as the online discussions and assignments are linked to particular dates and topics. A unit specific calendar can be found in the introduction week of all units. Some of these online discussions may be assessed and marked. You are advised to make a note of all the dates of assignments and assessed discussion board activities at the start of each new unit. Missing an assessed piece of work because you failed to keep up will not be accepted as grounds for mitigation.
3.3 Accreditation of (Experiential) Prior Learning (AP(E)L)
A student may be permitted to receive an award of credits on the basis of demonstrated learning that has occurred elsewhere at some point in the past or during the life of the programme. The award of credits can be based upon learning for which certification has been awarded by an educational institution or another education/training provider, or un-certificated learning gained from experience. For full criteria please contact the programme administration team.
All requests from the student for consideration of AP(E)L can be made to the programme director. You will be asked to complete a form (which you can request from your programme administration team), which will require you to indicate which MPH course units are equivalent to your prior learning. You will also be required to provide evidence of the prior learning. This will then be assessed by the programme team and approved at School level to ensure equivalency of learning outcomes has been met.
Please follow this link below for the university’s policy on AP(E)L.
If an AP(E)L application is successful, the University charges £30 for every 15 credits of AP(E)L. The overall tuition fee is adjusted and the administrative charge is applied.
Students who have completed units on the PHPD stand-alone unit scheme, can re-apply to the PG Cert, PG Diploma or MPH/MRes. Any PHPD units achieved would be automatically accredited towards their new programme (with no administrative fee), providing they were completed within 5 years of registration on one of the award-bearing programmes.
3.4 Public Health Trainees and Professionals
The programme meets most of the Public Health Competencies identified by the Faculty of Public Health. It has also been carefully structured to ensure that learning is integrated with work. This is done mainly by assignments, discussions and the dissertation being linked to current professional activities.
3.5 Sharing Information
The University may share appropriate information relating to your health and/or conduct with external organisations such as your professional employer(s) (for example, relevant NHS Trust), placement and training providers and/or regulator (such as GMC, FOM, BOHS, NMC, GDC etc.). This may occur where concerns in relation to your health and/or conduct arise and the University considers it necessary for them to be disclosed to one or more of the above organisations. The University’s Privacy Notice for Registered Students (which is accessible via this link: www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/data-collection-notice/) includes further information about how the University may use and process your personal data, including the legal basis and conditions which may be relevant to such processing (see section 6 of the Privacy Notice). The University will only disclose special category data (such as data relating to your health) to a third party organisation where one of the additional conditions are satisfied (see section 9 of the Privacy Notice), including where processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest.
3.6 IT Requirements and Support
You will need to be able to access a computer (and/or device) with stable internet access and ensure an up-to-date browser is installed.
You should also have access to word processing and spreadsheet software and be confident in using them.
As a Postgraduate taught student at the University of Manchester you can download the full Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, as well as other applications which are available for offline and online use whilst you are a registered student. This is via Microsoft Office 365 – http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/students/office365/.
Course materials are accessed via Blackboard and Rise Articulate, both platforms are mobile compatible, but you may find it easier to carry out some tasks (such as posting on discussion boards on a computer). Information about how to set up your University email on your phone or tablet can be found here – http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29431.
If you have any technical queries please contact IT Services – http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/.
Course download options
Most MPH course units are available to download. The downloadable versions of the courses are provided for offline use when no Internet connection is available. They are in no way a substitute for the full online versions of the courses delivered through Blackboard. Some of the interactive elements of the course units are not available on the mobile course versions.
Once you have started the course you will have access to these downloads in each course unit’s Blackboard space, with instructions on how to use them.
IT Services and eLearning
Details of what IT support is available and how to access it can be found on the FBMH eLearning Support page. Login to the Support Centre online to log a request, book an appointment for an IT visit, or search the Knowledge Base.
- Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 5544 (or extension 65544). Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In person: Walk-up help and support is available at the Joule Library, Main Library or Alan Gilbert Learning Commons:
- Use Support Centre online for support with eLearning, from where you may make a request or search the Knowledge Base.
For IT and eLearning support visit: https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/
Blackboard
Blackboard, the University’s ‘virtual learning environment’, will be used for online teaching.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a web-based system that complements and builds upon traditional learning methods used at The University of Manchester. By using Blackboard you can:
- view course materials and learning resources,
- communicate with lectures and other students,
- collaborate in groups,
- get feedback
- submit assignments
- monitoring your own progress at a time and place of your own convenience.
Training in the use of software The Faculty eLearning team have produced a short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on YouTube:
The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.
4 Assessment
4.1 Methods of Assessment
We have described in each course unit outline the mix of self-assessment and marked assessment expectations. The assessment will be closely linked to the learning outcomes of each course unit. Factual knowledge is assessed by self-assessment assignments/quizzes. The marks from these self-assessments are purely for feedback purposes, and are not part of your assessment and not made available to course unit tutors, although tutors will know if you have completed them. Marked assignments will focus on the ability to synthesize and implement knowledge. There are no formal examinations, as most work is assessed by essay-type assignments. Some courses have assessed discussion boards or online activities. Please refer to individual course unit outlines for details; dates will be found in the actual Blackboard activities at the start of each semester.
Assignment Submission
All written assignments are submitted via Blackboard. Each course unit has an Assignments link which contains instructions on how to submit your assignments.
Use of Turnitin
The University uses electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. Such systems include TurnitinUK, the plagiarism detection service used by the University.
As part of the formative and/or summative assessment process, you may be asked to submit electronic versions of your work to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University (this requirement may be in addition to a requirement to submit a paper copy of your work). If you are asked to do this, you must do so within the required timescales.
The School also reserves the right to submit work handed in by you for formative or summative assessment to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University.
Please note that when work is submitted to the relevant electronic systems, it may be copied and then stored in a database to allow appropriate checks to be made.
4.1.5 The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We urge students to be cautious when using a chatbot or AI tool within their learning. Chatbots and AI tools can be useful, but there are a number of risks associated with using them. Please ensure that you are aware of what is permissible use of AI for each assignment. You can utilise AI to generate ideas, key themes, and plan your assessment but not to write your assessment. Do not use AI to generate text, or partial text for use in your assessment unless the assignment brief explicitly states that this is permitted, otherwise use will be deemed academic malpractice. This is academic malpractice because the words and ideas generated are not your own and not an accurate reflection of your learning. Further to this, the words and ideas generated by the chatbot or AI tool may make use of other, human authors’ ideas without referencing them, which is plagiarism. Where a chatbot or other form of AI has been used, make sure you acknowledge that use. Information on how to cite can be found here:
https://manchester-uk.libanswers.com/teaching-and-learning/faq/264824.
Some units, for example those on AI and technology, permit the use of AI. However, they require you to sign a code of conduct which must be adhered to. Make sure you understand and follow these codes. If you are unclear on what is permissible, speak to the unit lead.
4.2 Feedback Policy
The following policy has been developed in line with the University ‘Policy on feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students’.
“The University of Manchester is committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to students on their academic progress and achievement, thereby enabling students to reflect on their progress and plan their academic and skills developmen.t effectively. Feedback, and acting on feedback, is therefore part of the active learning process throughout a student’s course of study.” Teaching and Learning Support Office, University of Manchester (2010).
On the MPH/MRes programme we are committed to:
- Providing students with personalised feedback for their summative assignments, within 20 working days.
- Providing more opportunities for formative feedback (on non-assessed work) during a course unit.
1. Personalised feedback on written assignments will be provided
We aim to offer the same quality of feedback across the programme, however the form that this feedback will take will vary from unit to unit, and this will be specified in each individual Blackboard unit. Some assignments will benefit from a summary at the end of the paper, short answer questions may receive feedback after each question and in other units feedback may refer to the model answer.
All feedback will be given through ‘Grademark’ within Blackboard, unless specifically stated differently in the course unit materials. Your tutor may use a variety of different tools within the software. A guide to accessing feedback within Grademark will be found in each unit.
We aim to get feedback uploaded into Grademark and your assignments marked in 20 working days or less for the final assignments. In the case of tutor sickness delaying feedback, students will be informed by e-mail or an announcement placed in Blackboard.
Feedback is designed to be positive to show you how you can improve. In most cases it will be linked closely with the programme marking criteria found in the handbook.
We encourage you to reflect on the feedback and to incorporate the ideas into your next work. If you are uncertain about it, or have any questions please contact your Course Unit Lead. Do this via Blackboard. If you are advised to improve your referencing then please do so using the skills units for guidance. If you still do not understand how to reference then contact your Course Unit Lead or the Programme Director before your next assignment.
Some discussion board and small group exercises are also assessed. Details of the marking and assessment will be explained in the individual course unit.
Feedback for assessed discussion board activities can be found in Blackboard in ‘Gradebook’ along with your mark for the work. We aim to provide these within a week to ten days of the exercise finishing.
2. Providing opportunities for formative feedback (on non-assessed work) during a course unit
Formative feedback gives you the opportunity to develop and improve with the unit and/ or programme of study. In our programme this is offered in several different ways, for example:
- Feedback by tutors and fellow students on discussion boards or WIKI’s
- Automated feedback from self-test or quizzes
- Peer review exercises
- Reflective exercises which provide sample answers
These are not assessed and therefore optional, however we do encourage you take part and reflect on the feedback that you receive.
4.3 Faculty assessment criteria for assignments and dissertations
NB A more comprehensive assessment criteria specific to the MPH/MRes course units can be found in each Blackboard unit.
| BAND | MARKING CRITERIA
Descriptor |
| 90% – 100% | EXCELLENT (may allow award of distinction*)
Exceptional work, nearly or wholly faultless for that expected at Master’s level. |
| 80% – 89% | EXCELLENT (may allow award of distinction*)
Work of excellent quality throughout. |
| 70% – 79% | EXCELLENT (may allow award of distinction*)
Work of very high to excellent quality showing originality, high accuracy, thorough understanding, critical appraisal, and very good presentation. Shows a wide and thorough understanding of the material studied and the relevant literature and the ability to apply the theory and methods learned to solve unfamiliar problems. |
| 60% – 69% | GOOD PASS (may allow an award of a merit*)
Work of good to high quality showing evidence of understanding of a broad range of topics, good accuracy, good structure and presentation, and relevant conclusions. Shows a good knowledge of the material studied and the relevant literature and some ability to tackle unfamiliar problems. |
| 50% – 59% | PASS
Work shows a clear grasp of relevant facts and issues and reveals an attempt to create a coherent whole. It comprises reasonably clear and attainable objectives, adequate reading and some originality. |
| 40% – 49% | DIPLOMA PASS, POTENTIALLY COMPENSATABLE FOR MASTERS
Work shows a satisfactory understanding of the important programme material and basic knowledge of the relevant literature but with little or no originality and limited accuracy. Shows adequate presentation skills with clear but limited objectives, and does not always reach a conclusion. |
| 30% – 39% | FAIL, POTENTIALLY COMPENSATABLE FOR DIPLOMA
Work shows some understanding of the main elements of the programme material and some knowledge of the relevant literature. Shows a limited level of accuracy with little analysis of data or attempt to discuss its significance. |
| 20% – 29% | FAIL
Little relevant material presented. Unclear or unsubstantiated arguments with very poor accuracy and understanding. |
| 0 – 19% | CLEAR FAIL
Work of very poor quality containing little or no relevant information. |
Dissertations
Please see the MPH/MRes dissertation handbook in Blackboard for further details.
4.4 Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations
Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Manchester are based on the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). This framework requires students to achieve credit at Masters’ level in order to get an award. For a standard postgraduate taught Masters programme this will normally mean passing 180 credits. A standard postgraduate diploma will normally have 120 credits and a postgraduate certificate 60 credits. The way in which you study these credits will be defined later in the programme handbook and the programme specification.
The University sets standards relating to your performance on every unit but also on your progression through the programme. The programme and course unit specifications will set out the requirements for passing the credit on individual units.
University of Manchester Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations – Including criteria for Awards and classifications of Distinction, Merit and Pass for Masters and Compensation & Reassessment Maximums.
4.5 Assignment extensions
All submission deadlines will be 13:oo GMT/BST. There will be no grace periods following the deadline (unless mitigating circumstances are approved) and the University late submission policy (see section 4.7) will take effect.
Students on POPH units are permitted a maximum extension of one week and will only be granted for acute illness around assignment submission time and any unforeseen life events that affect your ability to work in the short-term. They are not given for increased workload at your place of work, students that register late or book holidays during term time.
You will be required to submit your request form available at Blackboard here directly to the Mitigating Circumstances team together with supporting 3rd party evidence, prior to the assignment deadline. All requests are treated confidentially. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the programme administration team/director.
Please do not submit any extension request via Blackboard or via your Course Tutor.
Please note that extensions of more than one week will not be offered by the programme. Students who require more than one week will need to complete a mitigating circumstances form and provide evidence which will be taken to the mitigating circumstances panel. This panel will make a recommendation to the Exam Board as to whether the student can take the resit as a first attempt. (see ‘Mitigating Circumstances’ section for further details).
Please note that extension requests can take up to 2 working days to confirm and your request is not guaranteed to be accepted, so please submit any requests as early as possible. Students who submit late will risk having penalties (see ‘Late Submission’ section for further details)
Any extension for a resit assignment will be dealt with by the same procedure, however you will need to submit new request and provide new evidence.
4.6 Late Submission Penalty (Including Dissertation)
Work submitted after the deadline without prior approval will be subject to a late penalty in accordance with the University Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes. The penalty applied is 10% of available marks deducted per day/24 hours (from the time of the original or extended deadline), until the assignment is submitted, or no marks remain.
Penalties for late submission relate to 24 hours/calendar days, so include weekends and weekdays, as well as bank holidays and University closure days. The mark awarded for the piece of work will be reduced by:
- 10% of the available marks deducted if up to 24 hours (1 day) late
- 20% of the available marks deducted if up to 48 hours (2 days) late
- 30% of the available marks deducted if up to 72 hours (3 days) late
- 40% of the available marks deducted if up to 96 hours (4 days) late
- 50% of the available marks deducted if up to 120 hours (5 days) late
- 60% of the available marks deducted if up to 144 hours (6 days) late
- 70% of the available marks deducted if up to 168 hours (7 days) late
- 80% of the available marks deducted if up to 192 hours (8 days) late
- 90% of the available marks deducted if up to 216 hours (9 days) late
- 100% of the available marks deducted if up to 240 hours (10 days) late
If the assessment is submitted within 10 days of the deadline the assessment should be marked and feedback to the student provided. If this mark before the penalty is applied reaches the appropriate pass mark but the applied penalty results in a fail of the assessment, the student should not be required to resit the assessment as the original mark can be taken as the resit mark. Further information and examples can be found in the Policy and associated Guidance documents. For work submitted more than 10 days late, it is regarded as a non-submission and need not be marked. In this case a mark of zero will be awarded and normal resit regulations will apply. The sliding scale should only be applied to first-sit submissions. For all referred (resit) assessment, any late submission will automatically receive a mark of zero.
For further information:
- Guidance on Late Submission
- Policy on the Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
4.7 Assignment Word Count (Including Dissertation)
In accordance with the University Policy on Marking: Each written assignment has a word limit which you must state at the top of your first page. It is acceptable, without penalty, for you to submit an assignment within a range that is plus 10% of this limit. If you present an assignment with a word count exceeding the specified limit+10%, the assignment will be marked but 1% will be deducted from this mark for every 100 words over the limit given. For an original word limit that is 1000 words and an assignment that is marked out of 100. If a submission is made that is 1101 words, then it exceeded the 10% leeway, and is more than 100 words over the original limit and should receive a 1-mark deduction. In accordance with accepted academic practice, when submitting any written assignment for summative assessment, the notion of a word count includes the following without exception:
- All titles or headings that form part of the actual text. This does not include the fly page or reference list
- All words that form the actual essay
- All words forming the titles for figures, tables and boxes, are included but this does not include boxes or tables or figures themselves
- All in-text (that is bracketed) references
- All directly quoted material
Certain assessments may require different penalties for word limits to be applied. For example, if part of the requirement for the assessment is conciseness of presentation of facts and arguments. In such cases it may be that no 10% leeway is allowed, and penalties applied may be stricter than described above. In such cases the rules for word count limits and the penalties to be applied will be clearly stated in the assessment brief and in the submission details for that assessment.
4.8 Deferral & Referral of assignments (Resits)
To pass a course unit you must have submitted all (usually two) assignments (excluding assessed discussion boards), and gained an overall mark of 50% or greater at Masters Level and 40% or greater at Diploma or Certificate level. If you have failed to submit the required number of assignments you are very likely to fail the unit.
If you fail a course unit and are unable to compensate the mark, you will be offered the opportunity to take a resit assignment (known as a “referral”). The resit assignment will take the form of one assignment which is designed to test your knowledge of the entire unit and will also form your mark for the entire unit. This will be capped in line with the regulations, unless mitigating circumstances are submitted and approved.
If you fail a course unit but have a mitigating circumstances request accepted for any of your assignments, the most likely outcome is that you will be offered the opportunity to take a resit assignment (known as a “deferral”). The resit assignment will take the form of one assignment which is designed to test your knowledge of the entire unit and will also form your mark for the entire unit. This will mark not be capped.
Any extension for a resit assignment will need to submit new mitigating circumstances and provide evidence. This will be taken to the panel also and a recommendation will be made. Please note that this will take time and your request is not guaranteed to be accepted. Extensions of more than one week will not be offered.
Failure of a resit assignment at first attempt
If you have approved mitigation to take the resit assignment for a unit at first attempt, and you fail this assignment, you will have to wait until the following academic year to take a further resit at second attempt. We offer only one resit opportunity for each unit per year, directly following the examination board for that unit. This means that there will be no further opportunity to take a resit in the same academic year if you fail the resit assignment at first attempt. Even if you have further mitigation, you will likely be offered to retake the full unit in the following academic year.
Failure of a unit at second attempt
If a student fails a resit assignment they will not be eligible to take the unit again. They are also unable to take an additional unit in place of the failed one. Should this happen, the students situation will be discussed at an exam board and the student will be offered appropriate options. This may include transfer to another award such as a PG Diploma or PG Certificate, or exit from the programme if this is not possible.
A detailed description of the regulations surrounding resits can be found in the Postgraduate Degree Regulations in Section 4.5.
4.9 Special permissions (Interruptions and Extensions)
It is the expectation of the University that postgraduate taught students pursue their studies on a continuous basis for the stipulated duration of their programme. However, it is recognised that students may encounter personal difficulties or situations which may seriously disrupt or delay their studies. In some cases, an interruption or extension to your programme of study may be the most sensible option.
Students who wish to interrupt the programme or extend to write up the dissertation should initially discuss their plans and reasons with your Academic Advisor, Programme Director or their Dissertation Supervisor (if requesting an extension to their dissertation deadline) and the Student Wellbeing team.
Students must also provide documentary evidence when appropriate, for example, doctor’s letter, sick note etc.
An application must be submitted to the Student Wellbeing team and this will also be reviewed by the Programme Director.
The forms required for formal application are available at MPH Programme Community here. More details can be found under the Mitigating Circumstances section.
5. Mitigating Circumstances
Sometimes, factors beyond your control may interfere with your ability to attend to your academic studies. The University’s mitigating circumstances procedures exist to try to mitigate against the impact that this could have on your grades. The full mitigating circumstances policy and guidance can be accessed via the following link: https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/mitigating-circumstances/ We strongly recommend that you seek advice from a member of the Wellbeing team before submitting any claim for mitigating circumstances. You can contact them via shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk or shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk
Grounds for mitigation
Grounds for mitigation are unforeseeable or unpreventable circumstances that could have, or did have, a significant adverse effect on your academic performance. Possible mitigating circumstances include:
- significant illness or injury
- the death or critical/significant illness of a close family member/dependant
- significant family crises or major financial problems leading to acute stress
- absence for public service e.g., jury service
Circumstances that will not normally be regarded as grounds for mitigation include:
- holidays, moving house and events that were planned or could reasonably have been expected
- assessments that are scheduled close together
- misreading the timetable or misunderstanding the requirements for assessments
- inadequate planning and time management
- consequences of paid employment
- exam stress or panic attacks not diagnosed as illness or supported by medical evidence
- disruption in an examination room during the course of an assessment which has not been recorded by the invigilators
Applying for mitigation
You should inform us if you experience difficulties that may negatively affect your performance on assessed work. You can inform us of such difficulties by submitting an online Mitigating Circumstances Form. The form must be completed by you. It will ask you to provide details of your difficult circumstances and to list the assessments affected. It is important that you list each separate assessment, giving details of the course unit and the nature of the assessment (e.g. PSYC10711 Essay or PSYC10100 Week 4 Quiz). Your form should also be supported with evidence, which is independent and time-specific (for example, a doctor’s note which confirms that you were ill and indicates the period affected). Our Student Support and Wellbeing team can advise you on the information required on the form. You should inform us of mitigating circumstances as soon as you become aware that they might affect your performance. Typically, mitigating circumstances must be submitted prior to the assessment taking place. In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to inform us in advance, you should submit your Mitigating Circumstances application as soon as possible after deadline or scheduled examination, supported by a credible and compelling explanation of why your claim could not be submitted in advance. Please note, not informing the University of circumstances due to personal feelings, e.g., shame, embarrassment and pride, or having concerns over the confidential treatment of requests for mitigation, are not considered to be credible and compelling explanations as to why the circumstances could not be made known or shown by these deadlines. If the details of the mitigating circumstances are considered to be highly confidential, you can discuss with the wellbeing team shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk the best way to submit an application. The committee handle all requests for mitigation with sensitivity and due regard for confidentiality.
How mitigation is considered and applied
Evidence for personal and medical mitigating circumstances is considered by a mitigating circumstances committee. It is this committee’s role to determine whether there is evidence of mitigating circumstances, whether those circumstances could have had an effect on your performance, and the likely impact. The committee will consider all submissions and, where there is evidence that circumstances have been serious enough to have an effect on one or more elements of assessment, the committee will make recommendations to the exam board. The exam board, at the recommendation of the mitigating circumstances committee, can take a limited number of actions to apply mitigation. In most cases, acceptance of the mitigation will involve revoking any late submission penalties or allowing for the missed or failed coursework/exam to be taken again as a first sit. A claim for mitigating circumstances may be turned down for several reasons:
- The circumstances detailed by the student are not regarded as grounds for mitigation under the Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
- The supporting evidence does not cover the relevant period
- The supporting evidence is not supplied by an appropriate (independent) source
- The supporting evidence is deemed insufficient to support the student’s claim of the seriousness of impact on their assessment performance
- The wording of the evidence supplied does not support the student’s claim e.g. the material does not provide a medical diagnosis
- No evidence is provided, and the student has not given any explanation as to the reasons why nor indicated when evidence could be available
- The evidence relates to a chronic condition which the student is already in receipt of support from the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS). This does not include instances where the student has an acute flare up of a pre-existing condition which may be accepted if properly evidenced and confirmed by DASS
- The deadline for submitting mitigating circumstances has been missed, without a credible and compelling reason
- The claim relates to an ongoing condition or circumstance previously used to claim mitigation where the Panel, on the earlier occasion, instructed the student that this mitigation could not be used again and may have instructed the student to access support from the Disability Advisory and Support Service
5.1 Extensions
If you experience difficulties that will prevent you from submitting assessed coursework on time, you can request an extension of up to one week. You need to provide a credible reason for your extension, in line with the extension policy, but you do not need to submit evidence to support your request. Please think carefully about whether one-week is enough time to submit and how this will impact the rest of your workload before requesting an extension. To apply for an extension, you will need to complete this form: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_56LcBQhsaZ6Agsu Extensions should be applied for by 15:00pm on the day of your original assessment submission date. Any applications after this time will not be considered and you will need to apply for mitigating circumstances. If mitigating circumstances prevent you from submitting an extension request in advance, or mean that you miss the extended deadline that has been awarded, you should submit mitigating circumstances following the procedures outlined in the mitigating circumstances procedure. Please note, such requests for mitigation will only be considered where students provide a clear justification (including evidence) for failing to follow the normal extension request procedure. Some DASS students are entitled to an automatic one-week extension, which does not need to be applied for. If you are a DASS student with this automatic extension and require longer than one-week, please complete the form above by 15:00pm on the day of your DASS submission date.
5.2 Interruptions and Withdrawals
Interruptions
If at any point in your studies you feel that you need to take some time away from your degree, you can interrupt your studies and return once you are ready. You need to be aware of the below implications when considering taking an interruption, so it is best to discuss any queries you may have with the Student Support and Wellbeing Team/Programme Director/Year Tutor/Academic Advisor. There are a few important things to think about when deciding to interrupt:
- Primarily, your wellbeing. If an interruption is the best decision for you, it should benefit your present and future wellbeing and support you completing your degree to the best of your abilities.
- Tuition Fees
- Accommodation (if living in UoM halls)
- Possible changes to course content on return
- Tier 4 students MUST be referred to the Student Immigration Team in SSC to discuss consequences of interruption (3.2 Policy on Interruptions to UG and PGT Programmes of Study)
If you then wish to request an interruption to study, either via email, during a welfare meeting, or following a meeting with an AA, you would need to complete an SHS Interruption Request Form, which can be obtained by contacting the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk. It is helpful to know at this stage how long you expect to interrupt for and when you might return. You need to complete and sign the form, returning it back to the shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk email address with any appropriate supporting evidence. The form will then be sent to the relevant member of academic staff for approval (this may be the Programme Director, Year Tutor or Academic Advisor). *Please note that students will be contacted by the Student Support and Wellbeing Team prior to their return to study/return from interruption*
Withdrawals
If you decide that you are unable to continue your programme, you can withdraw from your studies. You will need to be aware of the below implications when considering withdrawing from the programme, so we would always advise discussing any queries you may have with the Student Support and Wellbeing Team/Programme Director/Year Tutor/Academic Advisor.
- Tuition Fees
- Accommodation (if living in UoM halls)
- Future career prospects
If you then wish to withdraw from the programme, either via email, during a welfare meeting, or following a meeting with an AA, you will need to complete a SHS Withdrawal Request Form, which can be obtained by contacting the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk Students need to complete and sign the form, returning it back to the shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk email address. No supporting evidence is required for a request to withdraw. The form will then be sent to the relevant member of academic staff for approval (this may be the Programme Director, Year Tutor or Academic Advisor) Once the Student Support and Wellbeing Team has received the form which has been approved by the relevant member of staff, a standard confirmation letter will be sent to you confirming the details of the withdrawal.
5.3 Student Support Services
Student Support and Wellbeing Team
The Student Support and Wellbeing Team can support your wellbeing needs through the year. The team is here to support you when you wish to discuss circumstances such as interrupting your studies, financial issues, the submission of details of mitigating circumstances and any personal concerns that are affecting your ability to study and engage fully with your course. It is important to point out that Student Support is not a counselling service; it is a practical support service.
Support from the University
As a student at the University of Manchester, you have access to a huge range of support services and resources. This includes, but is not limited to, support relating to your studies, finances, health and wellbeing, settling in and making friends, personal safety and planning for your future beyond University.
Students’ Union Advice Centre
The Students’ Union has advisers who can help with any matter ranging from finances to housing and beyond. The Advice Centre is on the first floor in the Student Union Building, and is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, term time and vacation. See http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/.
Support of care experienced and estranged students
The University of Manchester recognises that care experienced students, and those that become estranged from their families often require additional support. This may take the form of, amongst other things, financial support, help with accommodation, provision of quiet study are as and general support. Please contact shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk for further details on how to access support.
Support for Students with Disability and Long-Term Health Problems
If you have a disability, or have learning support needs, we advise that you register with the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS). They can offer a range of services to help you make the most of your University experience. Where appropriate, they will work with you to develop a support plan which will put in place any support you require for exams, from the library or from teaching staff. Registering with DASS is particularly important for students where ongoing or recurring difficulties may impact their academic performance. The University’s Policy on Mitigating Circumstances (see section 6) does not allow students to make repeated claims for the same condition, because to qualify for mitigation, the circumstance must be ‘unforeseeable’. However, the Mitigating Circumstances Committee can award further mitigation where DASS support your claim; for example, by advising the committee that your condition is associated with ‘flare-ups’ (which are unforeseeable). You find more information and how to register with DASS here: http://www.dass.manchester.ac.uk/
5.4 Support for International Students
Manchester has a thriving International student community and you will have lots of opportunities to engage with students from all over the world. The International Society (http://www.internationalsociety.org.uk), based on Oxford Road, organises trips, events, activities and community projects which are open to both International and British students. The Language Centre also provides support to International students who have concerns about their English skills (http://www.languagecentre.manchester.ac.uk/).
5.5 UoM Counselling Service
The Counselling & Mental Health Service works in partnership with other support services within the university and are here to provide support for you should you feel you need help with your mental health. The Counselling & Mental Health Service offer a range of workshops, groups, 1-1 appointments and other resources to help you. For more information and to book an appointment click here: Get Help You can also phone for advice on 0161 275 2864 between 9.00am – 4.30pm (Monday – Friday)
5.6 Student Support and Wellbeing Contact Details
shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk – for information and guidance on mitigating circumstances and extensions, including sending evidence and receiving outcomes of applications. shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk – for queries related to attendance monitoring. shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk – for support and signposting to university wellbeing resources, as well as making a wellbeing appointment with an advisor. shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk – for Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) enquiries.
5.7 Attendance monitoring and Student Ill Health
Students are expected to attend all scheduled teaching and learning sessions in every year of study, unless alternative arrangements or flexibility in attendance has been agreed for individual students, if unavoidable circumstances such as illness prevents you from attending or if absence has been authorised. This includes both on-campus teaching as well as online/blended, distance or remote learning modes of delivery. If you are unable to attend a teaching session you should inform the lecturer/instructor in the first instance to catch up on missed learning and for support with teaching materials. For absences of 1-2 days, you do not need to tell the Student Support and Wellbeing Team. If you expect to miss one or more full weeks of teaching, you must notify the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk, as well as your Academic Advisor. Please provide a reason for this to help the team provide appropriate guidance and signposting as required. If your attendance is deemed to be too low, someone from the Student Support and Wellbeing team will be in touch to check in with you and make sure that you are ok. If the poor attendance continues without a valid reason, your Academic Advisor will be informed. If there is still no improvement in your attendance, you will be asked to a meeting with your Programme Director. This is in line with the university policy on monitoring attendance.
5.8 Tier 4 Visa Students
As a part of your visa requirement, your attendance needs to be monitored with regular in-person check ins on campus. You will need to attend the SHS Hub (Ground Floor, Jean McFarland building) twice a week on your assigned days to scan your student ID card.
6. Academic Appeals, Complaints, Conduct and Discipline
Academic Appeals
- For the most up to date information regarding appeals, students should refer to the University’s general support pages, since the pages are updated to reflect changes in policy and guidelines.
- Students have a right of appeal against a final decision of an Examination Board, or a progress committee, or a graduate committee or equivalent body which affects their academic status or progress in the University.
- Students thinking of appealing should first discuss the matter informally with an appropriate member of staff, in order to better understand the reason for the result or decision and to determine whether the matter can be resolved informally by the School prior to making a formal appeal.
- Should you wish to proceed to a formal appeal, this must be submitted within the timeframe outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedure to the Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team electronically by e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).
- The Academic Appeals Procedure (Regulation XIX) and associated documents, including the form on which formal appeals should be submitted, can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic/basic-guide-academic-appeals/
Student Complaints
- The University’s Student Complaints Procedure (Regulation XVIII) and associated documents, including a complaints form, can be found at www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic
- The University has separate procedures to address complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or victimisation – see https://www.reportandsupport.manchester.ac.uk/
- Students thinking of submitting a formal complaint should, in most instances, attempt informal resolution first (see the procedure). Formal complaints should be submitted on the relevant form to Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team electronically by e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).
Conduct and Discipline of Students
- General University information on the conduct and discipline of students can be found at https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/academic-appeals-complaints-and-misconduct/conduct-and-discipline-of-students/
- Faculty policies for students on communication and dress code, social networking and drugs and alcohol can be found at:
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29038 (Communication and Dress Code)
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29039 (Drugs and Alcohol)
- http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29040 (Social Networking)
- Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/guidance-to-students-on-plagiarism-and-other-forms-of-academic-malpractice/
- In accordance with the Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes, ‘All typed summative assessment, including dissertations, should be submitted online and subjected to plagiarism detection software, where appropriate’.
The University Library has produced online resources to help students in avoiding plagiarism and academic malpractice at: https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/training/my-learning-essentials/online-resources/
6.1 Fitness to Practice
Postgraduate students at The University of Manchester who are qualified health or social care professionals (e.g. doctor, dentist, nurse, social worker) registered by a healthcare or social care regulatory body (e.g. General Medical Council, General Dental Council, Nursing & Midwifery Council, Social Care Council) are expected to behave at all times in a way that is consistent with the recommendations or code of practice of the relevant professional regulatory body*.
Postgraduate students need to be aware that in the event of misconduct, dishonesty, unprofessional behaviour, or other behaviour or illness (e.g. mental health illness) that raises the possibility that the student’s fitness to practise may be impaired the university has a duty to protect the public and to inform the relevant professional regulatory body. This means, for example, that where a student has been found to be dishonest (e.g. plagiarism, collusion, falsification of research data or other forms of cheating) the matter may be reported by the university to the relevant professional regulatory body.
Students who are dishonest risk not only failing to be awarded the intended degree, but also place at risk their whole professional career.
Information on Fitness to Practise related matters can be found at http://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/academic-appeals-complaints-and-misconduct/fitness-to-practise-/
* This also applies to intercalating medical students
7 Student Progression
7.1 Attendance/Engagement
Monitoring Attendance (Engagement) and Wellbeing of Students
The programme director and teaching staff will monitor the work and attendance of students on the programme. This is for your benefit and helps to ensure you are coping with the work. Regular or a pattern of non-attendance and/or engagement will result in you being contacted by the School to meet with your programme director.
Examination Boards can refuse assessment, as well as referred assessment, on the grounds of poor academic performance and/or lack of attendance/engagement. A series of warnings (informal and formal) would be issued to any students failing to meet the engagement requirements of their programme. If there is no significant improvement, or the criteria set out in the formal warning is not met, then further action will be taken and may result in withdrawal from the programme.
Informal non-engagement triggers – If a student reaches any of the following trigger points, they will be contacted via email by a member of the admin team:
- Where a students has not accessed the unit after 3 weeks of the start of course.
- Where a student has not accessed the unit after 10-days of the final assignment being released.
- In the dissertation year, where a student is not regularly engaging with their Supervisor within the expected guidelines (see dissertation handbook for further information)
Formal non-engagement warnings – If a student reaches any of the following formal trigger points, then they will be issued a formal warning resulting in an online/telephone review meeting with one of the Academic Student Support Advisors. If the student does not attend the review meeting, or hits a further formal trigger, the student will then receive a formal written warning. Further failure to comply with engagement may lead to student being refused permission to continue with their programme. Examples include:
- Non-submission of a final assignment (unless mitigation is approved)
- Non-attendance of mandatory face-to-face session (blended units only)
- In the dissertation year, where a student is consistently not engaging with their supervisor within the expected guidelines (see dissertation handbook for further information)
For further information see:
Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
The University offers a range of advice and support to students experiencing problems with attendance. Further information can be found via Student Support. You can also speak to your Programme Director and/or one of the Student Support Tutors.
The requirements in relation to the monitoring of engagement for students during the research component of a Masters level degree can be found in the Dissertation handbook.
7.2 Programme changes
Students may request to change their programme from full time to part time. They may also request to change from a Master level to a Diploma or Certificate. They may also request to change from the MPH to MRes, or vice versa. On the basis of performance students may be recommended or required to change their programme for example from a Masters to a Diploma.
Progressing from PG Certificate or Diploma to a Masters
Well performing PG Cert/PG Dip students can progress on to a Masters level programme if they meet or better the required academic performance for a Master award. Anyone wishing to consider this route should contact the programme administration team as soon as possible to discuss this (shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk).
Progressing from PHPD units to PG Cert, PG Dip or Masters in Public Health
If you have completed course units on the PHPD stand-alone unit scheme and would like to progress to the PG Certificate, PG Diploma or MPH programme, you must complete the online application form providing all supporting documents before the beginning of August. If you need any further information about this process, please contact the admissions co-ordinator (pgtaught.cbm@manchester.ac.uk).
7.3 Progression to dissertation
In order to progress to the dissertation, MPH students must have completed 120 taught credits (or 8 taught units). Of these at least 90 credits (or 6 units) must be passed at Masters Level (i.e. 50%). The other 30 credits (or 2 units) must have marks that fall within the compensation zone for a Masters degree (40 – 49%) or higher. For full details about this please see section 4.4.
Part-time students wishing to start their dissertation early
In exceptional cases, part-time students may request to start their dissertation unit early, before they have successfully completed all their taught unit. Such students must already be at least registered on all of their remaining taught units and be achieving pass marks at Master’s level before their request will be considered.
Starting a dissertation early than the recommended time will not be considered as sufficient grounds for mitigation and/or an extension to submission deadline. To enquire about starting your dissertation early, please email shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk
7.4 Graduation
All students who successfully complete the PG Diploma, MPH, and MRes programmes are invited, along with their guests, to attend a graduation ceremony. The School will write to you confirming your award and the details for graduation. Further information about graduation can be found at: www.graduation.manchester.ac.uk.
All University of Manchester degree ceremonies are broadcast live on-line, and are also stored on the University website.
Graduation and Blackboard Access
Students who are presented at the June Exam Board will be invited to join the July Graduation Ceremony and students who are presented at the November Exam Board will be invited to join the December Graduation Ceremony. The University’s Graduation Team will release the Graduation Ceremony information as soon as it is made available, usually late April/October. The standard email sent by the University’s Graduation Team is sent to ALL potential graduands. Therefore, please do not book flights or hotels until you have received your award/degree result following the Exam Board meeting.
Graduands will have access to both Course and Organisation spaces until the end of their Graduation period; end of July/end of December.
8 Student Support
Full details of support offered by The University of Manchester can be found on the Student Support web pages. Though you may not be able to come to the university, many support or guidance services can be accessed by e-mail and phone. The course unit leaders, course unit tutors, the programmes administrator and the programme director are all on hand to support and guide you while you are going through your programme of study. If you have any queries or would like to discuss any issues at all – academic, administrative, technical or personal – please do not hesitate to get in touch. All personal issues will be dealt with confidentially.
If we are unable to help you directly, we can put you in touch with many of the support services that are available to students of the university through our Student Support and Advice team. You can approach these services independently, without the involvement of MPH staff.
Details of the resources available for student support, wellbeing support and learning support can be found here.
8.1 Student Services Centre (SSC)
The Student Service Centre can help provide you with information about:
- Registration
- Tuition fees queries
- Graduation and transcripts
You can contact the SSC at:
Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 5000
E-mail: ssc@manchester.ac.uk
www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/student-services
Student identity card
Once you have completed your registration, if you would like a University of Manchester Student ID card, please request this by contacting the SSC by email to request one (ssc@manchester.ac.uk).
If you have uploaded a photograph of yourself to the student system during your application process, this can be used for your student card. If not, once you have logged into ‘My Manchester’, you will be able to upload a photo for your student card in the My Profile area.
Please state in your email to the SSC that you are a distance learning student and are not based at the University of Manchester and therefore you are requesting that your student card be posted to your home address.
8.2 Health and Safety and Security on Campus
If you are going to be visiting the University campus for any purpose, please take time to read the university’s Health and Safety Policy before doing so. This can be accessed via:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=654
Security
If you are going to be visiting the university campus for any purpose, please note that neither the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, nor The University of Manchester can be held responsible for your personal property. Please keep your belongings with you at all times. Items left unattended may be removed and destroyed or damaged without warning by University Security Services.
8.4 Disability Support
The University of Manchester welcomes students with a disability or specific learning difficulties. The University has a Disability Advisory and Support Service, who can supply further information, and DASS advisors will be pleased to meet you to discuss your needs. DASS will liaise with your School through the Disability Coordinator to make the necessary arrangements for your support during your time in Manchester.
The office can also provide a copy of the University’s Disability Statement, ‘Opportunities for Students with Additional Support Needs at the University of Manchester’ which sets out the policy and provision for students with a disability.
DASS Contact Details:-
Location: 2nd Floor, University Place
E-mail: dass@manchester.ac.uk; Phone: 0161 275 7512;
Text (for d/Deaf students only): 07899 658 790; Website: www.dass.manchester.ac.uk
8.5 Religious Observance and looking after yourself during Ramadan
Policy on Religious Observance
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has also produced guidance for healthcare students on fasting and caring:
Fasting and Caring – Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan: guidance for health care students.
8.6 Careers Service
The University has a Careers Service which you will be able to use. Please see the link below for more information.
http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/
Careers Blog for Students @ Manchester – A Careers Blog has been set up dedicated to keeping students at The University of Manchester informed with regular news and upcoming events.
8.7 Equal Opportunities
In conformity with the general intention of the university’s charter, the Public Health and Primary Care Programmes confirm their commitment to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunity for students and prospective students in their admissions policy, in all aspects of teaching and examining, in their counselling of students, and in the way they afford access to any of their benefits, facilities and services. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no student or prospective student receives less favourable treatment directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, marital or parental status, disability, creed, political belief or social or economic class. The Code of Practice for complaints represents our commitment to a programme of action to make these policies fully effective (see Appendix 3).
9 Student Representation and Feedback
9.1 Student Representatives
Each year, we ask students to volunteer for the role of student representative. Student representation plays a vital and important part in helping us to maintain and improve the quality of the services and programmes that we provide.
The role of a student representative has three aspects:
- To liaise between staff and students on matters of concern to either side
- To provide two-way feedback on the course and on teaching quality
- To promote active student involvement in course development
Student representatives are also invited to speak confidentially to our external examiner at the end of the academic year, and to participate in our end-of-year course review meetings. Representatives can participate by attending meetings in person or by teleconference. Representatives will be asked to feedback information from these meetings to the other students.
We usually recruit 5 or 6 student representatives each year to cover the range of public health programmes. You will receive an email at the start of the academic year from the MPH Administration Team asking for volunteers for the positions. Representatives should be studying at least 1 course unit in the current academic year. If more than 6 students put themselves forwards, a vote may be held or if you are a part-time student you may be asked to stand in a later year. If you wish to nominate yourself for the role of student representative, please contact shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk
Each student will act as a rep for one year, unless they express a desire to continue, in which case they may put themselves forwards again. In this instance, students who have yet to act as a representative will take precedent.
9.2 Student Feedback
Your feedback is part of an on-going process of programme and course unit assessment. At the end of each semester you will be asked to complete an anonymous on-line evaluation questionnaire for each course unit you have taken. At the end of your programme you will also be asked to complete a general evaluation for your overall programme of study.
The university also requests that students complete a PTES (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey) once a year. This information is quite different from that collected by the programme and we would encourage you to complete both.
Information about both unit surveys and PTES will be sent directly to you through the student portal. The end of programme survey will be emailed to you on completion of your programme.
Unitu is a platform/software, which provides students with an opportunity to raise and discuss feedback about things that matter to you such as your units, programmes of study or your wider experiences in a transparent way and in real-time. Your Student Rep for your programme in your year will review the comments that you post and if they feel there is an issue to be addressed by the Programme, they escalate it to your lecturers and other staff in the Programme. Unitu makes it easier to hear your views and opinions about the course, collate shared opinions across your cohort and show how your feedback on the course has been acted on. Guidance on Unitu can be found on the Programme Community Space.
Appendix 1: Academic Reporting Structure for the Programme
This programme is managed and operated in accordance with the policies, principles, regulations and procedures of the University of Manchester. The programme committee reports and responds to the Community Based Medicine Consortium and the MPH Programme Director is a member of the Community Based Medicine Consortium. The Consortium committee then feeds in to the School, Faculty and University committees.
Appendix 2: Links to current regulations, codes of practice and policies
Basic Guide to Academic Appeals
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=23874
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases can be found at: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=639
Data Protection
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/privacy-information/data-protection/
Equality and Diversity Policy
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=8361
Guidance for the Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2863
Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518
Mitigating Circumstances:
- Mitigating Circumstances: Guidance for Students
and
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=4271
Guidance for students on plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2870
Student Complaints:
- Basic Guide to Student Complaints
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=23875
Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=24561
Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=1895
Student Support
Student Charter
http://www.yoursay.manchester.ac.uk/student-charter/
Occupational Health Services for Postgraduate Students
http://www.occhealth.manchester.ac.uk
International Student Support
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/why-manchester/student-support/
A Personal Safety Guide for International Students
http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/medialibrary/study/safety-international-student-guide.pdf
Students Union
http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/
Health & Fitness
http://www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/
A full list of student services can also be found at: A-Z of Student Services