1. Welcome
The University has a worldwide reputation based on high quality teaching and research, and I am sure that your programme will provide a solid foundation for your future career success. Within the School and the wider Faculty, our goal is to create an environment that allows you to excel and reach your full potential. Offering access to first-class facilities and strong links with regional health-service providers, our programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of all our students. The curriculum of our programmes provides the knowledge and skills you will need in your subject area and all our programmes include an opportunity to carry out an independent research project on topics spanning all areas of biomedical research from molecular to experimental biology and clinical medicine. While subject areas cover a broad range, all our programmes have two common aims: As a student of the School of Medical Sciences, you will be expected to take responsibility for your degree, within a supportive environment that fosters your development and helps prepare you for your future career. This handbook will be a useful resource as you progress through your programme. It provides programme-specific information that I am sure that you will find helpful throughout your study. If however, you have questions or would like some further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the people listed in this handbook for further information and assistance. I wish you every success as you embark upon your programme, and in your future career. Dr Helen JoplingWelcome to the School of Medical Sciences
Director of Education
Welcome to the Programme
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/dentistry/
Dear postgraduate student,
I am writing to introduce myself as the Programme Director for the MSc in Periodontology.
I am delighted that you have accepted a place on the programme commencing in September 2021 and I am sure that you will find the experience of studying here at the University rewarding and enjoyable.
This developed programme aims to provide extensive experience and training. We have a great team of tutors and I am sure you will enjoy your time here at the University.
I look forward to meeting you when you arrive in September.
With kind regards,
Professor Kevin Seymour
BDS MSc PhD DRD MRD MFGDP FHEA
Programme Director – MSc Periodontology
Division of Dentistry
2. Key Contacts
| Programme Director | Professor Kevin Seymour | kevin.seymour@manchester.ac.uk
0161 306 1578 Office Location: Coupland 3 Building |
Location of the Division of Dentistry
The Division of Dentistry is located in Coupland 3 Building, No. 47 on the Campus Map.
The Dental Hospital is number 41. The Manchester Dental Education Centre (MANDEC) is on the top floor of the Dental Hospital, on the North side of the building.
School Contacts
Information, Advice & Guidance: sms.hub@manchester.ac.uk
Student Support and Wellbeing: sms.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk
Curriculum and Programmes: sms.programmes-pgt@manchester.ac.uk
Assessment and Progression: assessments.smspgt@manchester.ac.uk
3. Overview of the Programme
Programme and course unit specifications are available on the MSc Clinical Dentistry Periodontology community space on Blackboard: Content (manchester.ac.uk)
4. General Information
Health and Safety (Lab Based Programmes)
In most laboratories, you will come across potential hazards. Prior to starting work in any laboratory you should undergo a Health and Safety induction by the safety officer of your laboratory project – it is your responsibility to ensure that this happens. You must ensure that you read any relevant literature relating to Health and Safety given to you at this induction or at any other time in the programme. Refer to the online Health and Safety course unit that you completed at Induction. Laboratory coats must be worn in laboratory areas and will be provided by your supervisor. Project work must be carried out according to the particular guidelines and COSHH regulations for that piece of work or project in the laboratory in which the project is undertaken. Any accidents occurring in laboratories should be immediately reported to your project supervisor.
Dental Loupes
Should students require dental loupes, the University can arrange drop-in sessions with Orascoptic. The University will subsidise up to the value of £1,300.00 per student and the student will be responsible for any costs above this amount. You will receive communication from the Curriculum & Programmes team in due course.
The Student Charter
Our Student Charter, developed jointly by the University and the Student's Union, is an important part of how we establish and maintain clear mutual expectations for the experience of all undergraduate and taught postgraduates. It sets out what we can expect from each other as partners in a learning community.
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 (https://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 Curriculum & Programmes team.
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/course unit 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 to 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 the Curriculum and Programmes Team 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.
Mandatory Introductory Courses
All students are automatically enrolled onto the Blackboard introductory unit that provides information on Health and Safety and Academic Malpractice.
Completion instructions for each of these sections are clearly defined within the course. All assessments must be completed within a month of you starting your programme, with the academic malpractice driving test completed before the first piece of summative assessment is submitted.
You must achieve 70% in each of the Health and Safety elements and 100% in each of the Academic Malpractice Driving Test elements to pass.
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, Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (PSRB)), placement and training providers and/or regulator. 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) 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.
Communication with Students
Please note that only the University e-learning platform (Blackboard) and your student university email address will be used as official communication by University staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can access and read emails from this source.
Students are required to keep the University informed of any change to their personal circumstances such as change of name or address. Changes can be recorded by the student via their own personal online record. It is also essential to inform your programme team if you do not intend to return to the next session of the course, if, for example, you are moving away.
5. Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students should familiarise themselves with the degree regulations for Postgraduate Taught Degrees by clicking on this link http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate-degree-regulations/ or reading the University document here: Introduction to the Postgraduate Degree Regulations for Students.Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations
Please be aware this programme has some higher requirements to the University degree regulations and details of these are outlined below:Postgraduate Degree Regulations and exemptions
Programme Exemptions
The programme is designed for dental practitioners with a minimum of two years recent experience in general professional training or equivalent and who wish to further their knowledge in periodontology. Teaching will take place predominantly in the Division of Dentistry/Dental Hospital.
Each unit has a credit rating. The number of credits required for the award of the degree of MSc in Clinical Dentistry (Periodontology) is 360 credits.
The programme is delivered on a two semester per annum basis over three years. The structure of the MSc programme is as follows (CATS and University guidelines are reflected):
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI tools have the potential to enhance learning, and can support inclusivity and accessibility when used appropriately. It is important that you understand the potential risks and benefits of these tools if you plan to use them during your studies.
You may use AI tools like any other resource to help you generate ideas, key themes, and plan your assessment, and you may also cite or quote content generated by AI systems. However, passing off work generated by AI as your own is plagiarism, and will be treated as seriously as plagiarism of another person.
Some Course Units or assignments may vary this position. In these cases you will be given detailed instructions on what is and isn’t allowed, and may be asked to sign a code of conduct. If you are unclear about what is permissible, contact the course unit lead.
For more detail on the University’s position on the use of AI in teaching and learning, see Artificial Intelligence (AI) Teaching Guidance.
For advice on how to acknowledge and cite content generated by AI see https://manchester-uk.libanswers.com/teaching-and-learning/faq/264824
Fitness to Practise
Where a programme of study requires the student to undertake practical training in a quasi-professional role in relation to patients, clients or service-users or where the qualification provides a direct license to practise, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has a duty to ensure that the student is fit to practise. In order to protect present or future patients, clients or service users and to comply with the requirements of professional/regulatory bodies, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has established a procedure for dealing with student-related fitness to practise issues.
Fitness to Practise issues are initially investigated and considered locally within the School by a Concern Review Panel, who will decide whether the case should be referred to a Fitness to Practise Committee at either School of Faculty level. Further information can be found in the FBMH FTP Procedure
A student may appeal against the decision of a Fitness to Practise Committee within twenty days of the decision but only on one or more of the following grounds:
a) procedural irregularity;
b) availability of new evidence which could not reasonably have been expected to be presented to the original hearing;
c) the disproportionate nature of the penalty.
The TLSO facilitates the arrangements for Fitness to Practise Appeals Committees. An Appeals Committee has the power to confirm or alter the original decision, and the outcome is confirmed to students in a Completion of Procedures letter. A student may then decide to pursue a complaint with the OIA.
Further information can be obtained from med.ftp@manchester.ac.uk.
Occupational Health
A first screening appointment has been made for you with the Occupational Health Services Department and you will receive confirmation of your first screening appointment via email. It is crucial that you keep this appointment. With the pressure of numbers accessing their service it is not possible to rearrange the time set. It is your responsibility to complete the screening and immunisation programme. Occupational Health Services will issue you with a Clinical Placement Certificate to certify that you are safe, from a health perspective, to start clinical work with patients.
Failure to complete the screening/immunisation process may cause delay to you being able to see patients.
You should ensure that you present to your first screening appointment with your full childhood immunisation history in order to obtain clearance. Please gather this in advance of coming to University so that you have it ready, to avoid any delays to your screening.
For any queries relating to your first appointment scheduling or clearance status, please contact sms.clinicaldelivery@manchester.ac.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Clearance
The Programme requires you to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (and/or police check equivalent for those who have been residing overseas) on entry to the Programme, and reserves the right to request subsequent checks.
You will be contacted before you join the Programme with information on what you need to provide. It is important that you act on any requests as soon as possible and follow the instructions carefully.
Not doing so will impact on your ability to participate in the Programme and you may be excluded.
If a positive disclosure is made, the School would need to investigate whether the disclosure affects your suitability to commence the Programme and you would be invited for an initial meeting to discuss this. See the University’s guidance for applicants with a criminal conviction: https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=17995,
Please note that it is your responsibility to keep a copy of your disclosure certificate for your own records when it is received from the DBS.
The University does not receive a copy of the certificate and will therefore not be able to provide you with a copy. If you do not receive your certificate you will need to contact the Disclosure and Barring Service directly: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service,
Once you have commenced the Programme (including during any interruption or intercalated degree), you are responsible for informing the Programme immediately if you are being investigated in relation to any crime or if you receive any charges, convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands – or other criminal penalty.
Questions relating to the DBS process can be sent to: sms.dbs@manchester.ac.uk.
Placement Learning
You may have to undertake a placement as part of your programme of study. These often take place off-campus. If your programme involves placement learning, please refer to the Policy for Placement Learning.
The University's Health and Safety Services have produced Health and Safety Arrangements: Chapter 24 - Health and Safety in Off Campus Work including field work, field trips and business travel, which contains guidance on health and safety issues for off campus work.
Clinical Teaching
Teaching in the clinical units of Periodontology is provided throughout the programme. Teaching methods in this component will include tutorials, seminars, clinical demonstrations, case presentations and clinical practice.
Reading from the scientific literature on related subjects will be assigned for seminars and journal clubs when required; the aim being to expose the student to a wide range of topics in a short period. Students will be challenged to assess the available evidence and to determine the biological and scientific basis for acceptable and non-acceptable methods and techniques.
Teaching will be given in clinical aspects of Periodontology. This instruction will take the form of demonstrations, shadowing of t staff, seminars, and practical clinical exercises.
Students must maintain an online log of procedures. You will receive further details following registration on the course.
Students can expect to be exposed to a broad range of clinical Periodontology, including new patient and treatment clinics
Students are required to dress smartly (including the scrubs provided by the School of Medical Sciences, smart dark trousers or skirt and smart flat shoes) – as in accordance with the University and Hospital dress code. This will be strictly enforced.
For all clinical sessions students are expected be punctual and attend in time for the start of the sessions. The clinical supervisors reserve the right to refuse entry to clinic if students are inappropriately dressed or late to sessions.
Students are also expected to understand that they are able to observe or assist treatments or undertake procedures at the discretion of the clinical supervisor. If the clinical supervisor wishes to intervene for patient safety or reasons relating to respect or comfort of the patient, then they will do so and the student should respond professionally. Any disagreement or query about the decision should be discussed after the clinic.
If a student:
- is deemed to have adversely affected patient treatment
- is deemed to be unsafe
- has the potential to cause patient harm or
- disrupts the running of a clinic/theatre.
then the Clinical Lead for that specialty may withdraw the student from clinics to investigate the matter further.
Any investigation/meeting/s should take place within 5 working days of the event causing concern, during which time the student would remain withdrawn from clinics. Within a further 3 working days the student will receive a decision in writing.
Any malpractice or unprofessional conduct relating to a student academic studies will be dealt with in accordance with the The University of Manchester Regulation XVII Conduct and Discipline of Students or The University of Manchester Academic Malpractice Procedure.
Specialty Units
The Specialty Clinical Units are designed to encourage the student to take responsibility for his/her own learning. There is an emphasis on a self-directed learning approach and the application of newly acquired knowledge is encouraged. The individual learning needs of each student will be recognised. For example, the diversity of clinical options in the specialty clinical unit allows students to receive further training in areas in which they may perceive themselves to be deficient. The type of teaching will vary from tutorials, small group seminars, self-directed learning, individual clinical and laboratory tuition and close clinical supervision.
In addition, activities in this clinical component may be supplemented by:
- attendance at national conferences
- participation in appropriate extra-mural clinical courses
- attendance at seminars given by guest lecturers
Content of Specialty Clinical Units (270 Credits)
Teaching in the specialty clinical units of periodontology is provided throughout the programme. Instruction will be given in clinical aspects of periodontology in the form of demonstrations, shadowing of staff, seminars and practical clinical skills sessions as well as clinical exercises.
Seminars will be planned and reading from the scientific literature on related subjects will be assigned, the aim being to expose the student to a range of topics in a short period. Students will be challenged to assess the available evidence and to determine the biological basis for acceptable and non-acceptable methods and techniques. Students are encouraged to attend relevant seminars in other clinical disciplines to gain a broad-based perspective to periodontology. A comprehensive reading list is provided supplementary to this handbook.
An overview of each unit (content and aims) follows.
Evidence Based Practice – POPH60041 (15 Credits)
An important aspect of public health practice is using evidence to inform changes in delivery, design and policy. All public health professionals need to be able to confidently and competently access, appraise and apply different types of evidence.
This course will provide practical skills and theoretical understanding to help you develop evidence-informed practice. The first part of the course will develop your skills in finding research evidence to inform your professional practice. The second part of the course will develop your critical appraisal skills and the practical application of evidence into practice.
This is an interactive online course. Students are expected to progress through the 10 weeks of taught course material at the same pace and engage in weekly discussions with their peers and tutors.
On completion of this unit, successful students will be able to:
- Find existing sources of evidence relevant to public health questions.
- Be able to critically appraise common research designs and assess the published literature.
- Understand how to apply evidence to inform professional practice and decision making.
- Understand the strengths and limitations of traditional concepts of evidence-based practice and how these relate to their own work or profession.
- Understand and apply alternative approaches to maximise the potential benefit from scientific enquiry, to improve the way in which health care is provided.
Non-Surgical Management – DENT71031 (15 Credits)
This unit is designed to provide the student with clinical and theoretical experience so that he can obtain a competence in the applications of non-surgical periodontal management. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment. Topics covered are:
- Approaches to treatment (including full mouth disinfection)
- Therapy of periodontal diseases - initial treatment
- The importance and methods of plaque control
- Root surface debridement
Basic science of applied periodontology – DENT71011 (15 Credits)
This unit will equip the participant with a detailed knowledge of scientific background forming the basis of non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal diseases. The academic content will include:
- Biology of the periodontium and oral physiology.
- General principles of oral microbiology.
- Functional anatomy of the head and neck & oral anatomy.
- Pharmacology.
Diagnosis & treatment planning – DENT71021 (15 Credits)
The delivery of this unit will provide each participant with a comprehensive experience and training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal diseases. Furthermore, the assessment and treatment planning elements will incorporate aspects of other relevant dental disciplines. The students will gain an understanding of the clinical features and diagnosis of periodontal diseases and their risk assessment. They will also get familiarized with the clinical implication of radiology, different imaging techniques, and other diagnostic tests in diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal diseases.
Adjunctive treatments & antimicrobials – DENT71041 (15 Credits)
This unit is designed to provide the student with clinical and theoretical experience so in order to obtain competence in the applications of adjunctive treatments & antimicrobials. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment. Topics covered are:
- Antimicrobial treatment of periodontal diseases
- Use of systemic antimicrobials
- Use of topical antimicrobials
- Modulation of host response
Clinical case reflection and presentation I, II & III – DENT72042, DENT74022 & DENT76043 (15 Credits each)
The aim of these units is to provide the clinical skills and attitudes required for clinical practise in periodontology. The units build on knowledge gained in the pre-requisite units to enhance applied application of knowledge to the clinical environment through direct clinical experience, directed learning and guided reflection, including aspects of patient management; planning provision of care; review of clinical procedures; and, clinical reflection.
Management of complicating factors – DENT73011 (15 Credits)
The unit will ensure participant awareness of, and ability to manage, factors that directly or indirectly influence the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Furthermore, experience in the management of advanced / complex lesions will be gleaned. Topics covered will include: occlusal trauma; periodontal splinting; surgical and non-surgical treatment of furcation problems.
Periodontal surgery – DENT73021 (15 Credits)
The unit aims to equip the participant with a sound theoretical basis, and practical experience of all elements of periodontal surgery. Theoretical and practical experience and competence in the following procedures will be gained:
- Access flaps
- Apically repositioned flaps
- Resective techniques
- Surgical crown lengthening & other pre-prosthetic surgeries
- Regenerative techniques
Advanced diagnosis and treatment planning – DENT74012 (15 Credits)
This unit aims to deliver the skills and knowledge required to see the patient as a whole and how the patient’s general well-being is affected by periodontal disease. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment. There will be an emphasis on the interrelationship between systemic/oral disease and periodontal health, and then be able to work as an effective part of a team to improve patients general wellbeing and quality of life. The unit will cover the following topics:
- Medically compromised patients
- Manifestations of systemic disorders in the oral cavity
- Epulides and tumours of the gingivae
- Interrelationships of periodontal disease and therapy with other dental disciplines
- Systemic disease and effects of periodontal disease
Mucogingival surgery – DENT75011 (15 Credits)
The unit aims to further develop the theoretical knowledge and surgical skills obtained in previous surgical units to those required for mucogingival surgery. On completion of the unit the participant will be able to perform the following techniques:
- Root coverage procedures (coronally repositioned flaps / free gingival graft / connective tissue graft / laterally repositioned flap)
- Gingival augmentation procedures
- (Modified) Tunnel Techniques
- Papilla preservation and double papilla flaps
- Frenectomy procedures
- Vestibuloplasty procedures
Implant Basic Sciences – DENT61141 (15 Credits)
The unit aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to understand the value of basic sciences that underpin clinical management with dental implants. Basic Sciences are fundamental to planning and understanding clinical management of patients with dental implants. The unit will cover: applied clinical basic sciences, choice of anaesthesia (local anaesthesia, conscious sedation, general anaesthesia), preoperative and postoperative care
Implant Treatment Planning – DENT61152 (15 Credits)
The unit aims to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills to be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan for a patient by assessment, arrangement of appropriate investigation including radiological imaging and taking into account the patients general health. This unit provides the knowledge and practical skills for determining a dental implant treatment plan appropriate to a patient needs. The unit will cover:
- Patient Assessment
- Imaging
- Diagnosis
- Implant Positioning Aids
- Medical Aspects of Patient Care and Treatment Planning.
- Long term maintenance
- Complications
- Medico -legal aspects
Basic Implant Surgical and Restorative Techniques I & II – DENT61161 & DENT61132 (15 Credits each)
The unit aims to provide participants with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to place and restore dental implants in selected appropriate patients requiring a removable implant borne prostheses. This programme unit provides the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to enable dentists to practice basic dental implantology. The unit will cover: surgical techniques of dental implant placement and exposure; techniques for the construction of a removable denture retained prosthesis and its maintenance. This unit includes basic planning, periodontology and prosthodontics.
Advanced Implant Surgical and Restorative Techniques – DENT61182 (15 Credits)
The unit aims to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills to place and restore dental implants in selected appropriate patients requiring fixed crown or bridge restoration. This programme unit provides the additional knowledge and practical skills to enable dentists to practice dental implantology with fixed prostheses. The unit will cover: advanced surgical techniques of dental implant placement and exposure; techniques for the construction of a fixed crown or bridge restoration and its maintenance
Peri-implant lesions – DENT76022 (15 Credits)
This unit is designed to provide the student with clinical and theoretical experience so that he can obtain a competence in the diagnosis of peri-implant lesions. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment. Topics covered will include: inflammatory reactions in peri-implant soft tissues; peri-implant bone pathology; and, microbiological aspects related to implants.
Advanced (implant) regenerative techniques – DENT76032 (15 Credits)
This is a programme designed to provide the student with clinical and theoretical experience so that he can obtain a competence in the applications of treatment for peri-implantitis. It will also aim to not only develop clinical abilities but also to stimulate critical and analytical thinking in both the clinical and research environment. Topics will include non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment including tissue regeneration techniques and adjunctive treatments & antimicrobials
Dissertation – DENT60020 (60 Credits)
Each student must undertake a research project and a review of the relevant literature, methodology and results presented in the form of a dissertation. Guidelines for preparation of a dissertation and the notice of submission form can be found at the following website: http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/intranet/admingroups/postgraduate/taught/Dissertation/.
A list of suggested topics and supervisors will be provided. Students are also encouraged to suggest potential topics. As this dissertation must be completed within the time span of the programme, it is essential that the project is commenced early in the programme. With this fact in mind, supervisors may request students to commence background reading and similar related tasks prior to the commencement of the programme. As most of the second half of the last semester will be taken up with examinations and writing-up of the dissertation, it is recommended that the presentation cases be completed prior to the middle of the second semester.
Students are encouraged to disseminate their findings in a variety of ways:
- Presentation at research seminars
- Presentation at national/international meetings
- Publication in a professional journal (often non-refereed)
- Publication in a refereed journal
Regular meetings between each student and the academic member of staff nominated as his/her supervisor will be arranged. These are inevitably frequent in the early stages of the project when design and preparation work demands a high intensity of work. Each meeting should be recorded with outcomes summarised and objectives set for research to be performed prior to the next visit.
The University’s Travel Policy applies to all students travelling to conferences/external courses.
Conferences
All PGT Dentistry students are permitted to attend one national UK conference per year of their programme funded by the University.
All PGT Dentistry students are permitted to attend one international conference* over their three-year programme funded by the University. If students have an abstract accepted for an international conference, it is at the discretion of the Programme Director to determine whether the student can attend the conference in addition to their one permitted international conference, subject to available funding.
**Programme Directors will retain ultimate approval over which conferences students can attend**
Conference Expenses
During the conference, students can claim up to £30 per day on expenses for the following:
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Public travel passes (e.g. bus passes, public transport passes for inner city travel etc.)
Any expenses paid up front by students must be claimed within 3 months of the conference taking place. All expenses will require a receipt with an itemised breakdown to be submitted along with the PR7 Claim Form in order to claim back.
Taxis are not a permitted mode of travel for claiming expenses, unless there is no other means of public transportation available. Flights, trains, subways, buses and coaches should be the default travel option, and should be booked in advance by the Curriculum & Programmes Team.
External Courses
Where a course takes place outside of Manchester, the programme will cover return rail travel costs only. Students will need to purchase their own return rail tickets and claim back via a PR7 claim Form.
The majority of external courses on the programme take place either in Manchester or a nearby city. Therefore, accommodation will very likely not be required as students are able to travel to and from the course in the same day.
Students who are registered with DASS and have accessibility concerns are encouraged to discuss these with the Curriculum & Programmes Team to find the most suitable means of travel.
If students have non-DASS related requests that cannot be accommodated (e.g. they have a preference of mode of travel, which cannot be authorised with University funding), they are permitted to book and pay for their own travel. However, it will not be possible for these to be claimed as expenses and attendees should be mindful to ensure they purchase travel insurance, if needed.
Expense Reimbursement Policy for External Courses and Clinics Outside of the Greater Manchester Footprint Area
Students must prioritise walking or using inner-city public transportation to reach course and clinic locations outside of the Greater Manchester footprint, whenever possible.
Please note taxi fares are not reimbursable unless public transportation is unavailable. In such cases, prior approval is required for any taxi travel expense claims. Accordingly, students will need to research and plan their travel well in advance to avoid any complications.
Expenses for meals and beverages generally are not reimbursable for attendance at external courses and clinics. Students are expected to provide their own lunch and refreshments.
Annual Presentation Event
This event will take place over two days in June and it's mandatory attendance for all Dentistry students. Part-time students are asked to make appropriate arrangements to change their session during this week to allow attendance on both days.
The event will provide an opportunity for you to meet with your peers within your own area of study and also to meet with those whom you may not normally encounter. There will be the chance to gain an appreciation of the work of your peers, and to see the variety of clinical and research studies being undertaken and to highlight the mutual goal of patient benefit. Clinical taught students will give an oral presentation of a clinical case, to share clinical work and best practice with colleagues and to broaden clinical experience, whilst research students will present a summary of their ongoing research either in poster format or as an oral presentation (depending on your stage of study). There will be ample opportunity for interaction and mutual learning. The presentations will also be independently assessed, with a prize available in each category. Details of prizes will be advised nearer the event.
Mitigating Circumstances and Short Extensions to Coursework
Short Extensions to coursework
If personal circumstances affect your ability to submit an assessment (not including exams or presentations), you may be eligible to request a short extension (5 working days) to your submission date (on top of any DASS automatic extension you may be entitled to).
Requests for short extensions must be received at least 2 days before the submission due date. If your request is being made less than 2 working days before the published submission date, you should complete a Mitigating Circumstances request – see below.
For further information, including the link to apply please refer to Assessment Extensions.
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances are personal or medical circumstances which are unforeseeable and unpreventable that could have a significant adverse effect on your academic performance. You should only submit a mitigating circumstances application if you consider it serious enough, and the timing critical, to have affected your performance in your assessed work and examinations.
You should submit your mitigating circumstances application form before your exam or assessment deadline. You have up to five working days after your deadline to submit mitigating circumstances. Requests after this date will only be considered by the Mitigating Circumstances Panel if there is a credible and compelling reason for the late submission.
All mitigating circumstances applications must be supported by independent third party evidence. For further guidance regarding acceptable evidence please refer to the Evidence guidance section of the SMS Student Information Hub.
Please note that not informing the University of circumstances due to personal feelings of embarrassment and pride or having concerns over the confidential treatment of requests for mitigation, are not considered to be credible and compelling explanations.
For further information please refer to the Mitigation Circumstances section of the SMS Student Information Hub.
Annual Leave
Requesting leave from teaching and assessment for the purposes of leisure will not be accepted, and there will be no leave available for students other than University holidays:
- Christmas vacation
- Easter vacation
- Summer vacation
If you experience personal or medical circumstances that impact on your studies and assessment, please contact our Student Support & Wellbeing team (sms.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk) as early as possible to discuss support options.
Turnitin and Plagiarism
Plagiarism and Other Forms of Academic Malpractice
Academic malpractice is any activity - intentional or otherwise - that is likely to undermine the integrity essential to scholarship and research. It includes plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or falsification of results, and anything else that could result in unearned or undeserved credit for those committing it. Academic malpractice can result from a deliberate act of cheating or may be committed unintentionally. Whether intended or not, all incidents of academic malpractice will be treated seriously by the University.
The Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health have designed a learning module to raise your awareness of academic malpractice and how it can occur in general writing during your studies. This resource can be accessed via Blackboard - SMS Introductory Course and must be completed before you submit your first piece of academic writing for assessment.
The University provides workshops and online training via My Learning Essentials
Please refer to the University of Manchester guidance to students on plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice
The full guidance document can be viewed here: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=2870
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases can be found at: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=639
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.
Academic Appeals, Complaints, Conduct and Discipline
Academic Appeals
You can submit an appeal about an academic outcome based on one or more of the following grounds:
a. Circumstances exist (or existed) affecting your performance of which, for a good reason, the relevant decision-making body may not have been made aware when its decision was taken, and which might have had a material effect on its decision.
b. A material administrative error or procedural irregularity has taken place in the assessment process (or in putting into effect the regulations for your programme of study) of such a nature as to cause significant doubt whether the decision you are appealing might have been different if the error or irregularity had not occurred.
c. You have evidence of prejudice or bias by one or more of your examiners.
d. Your supervision or training in respect of research for a dissertation or thesis (or equivalent work) was unsatisfactory to the point that your performance was seriously affected.
An appeal cannot challenge academic judgement, including challenges to examiners’ scores and feedback.
STAGE ONE – Early Resolution
Stage One Academic Appeals must be submitted within 20 working days of being notified of the decision you are appealing against.
Complete the Stage One Academic Appeal form: Stage One Academic Appeal form (manchester.ac.uk)
The School will conduct an initial assessment to check the appeal:
- is on time, within 20 working days of the publication of confirmed results or the decision being appealed.
- meets one or more of the grounds to appeal.
- is not a challenge to academic judgement.
- is supported by relevant evidence where necessary.
If your appeal does not meet all of the above, the School will write to you within 10 working days to explain why.
If your appeal is considered eligible, it will be reviewed by the School and you will receive an outcome letter.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can choose to progress to Stage Two.
All evidence and reasoning relating to your appeal must be included with the Stage One application. Any new evidence or reasoning presented at Stage Two or Three will not be considered if there is not a clear and credible reason why this was not submitted or declared in the Stage One application.
STAGE TWO – Formal Consideration
Stage Two Academic Appeals must be submitted within 10 working days of receiving the Stage One outcome.
A Faculty Officer will review your appeal and the response from the School. The Faculty Officer may decide that your appeal is not eligible for consideration at Stage Two because the School has already made a decision at Stage One that the Faculty Officer thinks is reasonable.
If the Faculty Officer decides to review your appeal at Stage Two, they may request further documents and evidence from you. Please note that you are usually expected to provide all the evidence that you wish to be considered in an appeal at Stage One.
Your appeal will be considered and you will receive a Stage Two outcome letter. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can choose to progress to Stage Three.
STAGE THREE – Review Request
If you do not agree with the decision to dismiss your appeal after it has been considered by your Faculty, you can request that the decision is reviewed.
A Stage Three review is not a reconsideration of the appeal. A review is to check that the appeals procedure has been properly followed, and that the Faculty Officer’s decision was reasonable based on all available evidence.
You can request a review up to 10 working days after receiving your Stage Two outcome.
More information about the three stages of the appeal process can be found here: Quick Guide to Academic Appeals and Academic Appeals Procedure Regulation XIX
Information about the support available to you during the appeals process can be found here: Available support - factsheet for students who are accessing the University's appeals process
Student Complaints
- The University's Student Complaints Procedure (Regulation XVIII) and associate documents, including a basic guide to students, can be found here.
- The University has separate procedures to address complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or victimisation - see Report + Support
- 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
Conduct and Discipline of Students
- The University's Procedure for Conduct and Discipline of Students (Regulation XVII) and associate documents can be found here.
- Faculty policies for students on communication and social networking can be found here:
- Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it can be found here.
- 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, they can be found here.
Assessment Information
Please refer to the Blackboard unit spaces for more information regarding coursework and assessment, including submission deadlines: https://my.manchester.ac.uk/
Assignment Word Count (Including Dissertation)
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.
Word Count Guide
What is and what is not included in the word count. Please note: Depending on the type of assessment, not all sections will be applicable.
| Title page | No |
| Contents | No |
| List of tables, figures | No |
| Glossary of Terms | No |
| Page numbers | No |
| Abstract | No |
| Declaration | No |
| Intellectual Property | No |
| Acknowledgements | No |
| Introduction | Yes |
| Background, Critical Review of Existing Literature | Yes |
| Aims | Yes |
| Methods | Yes |
| Results | Yes |
| Discussions | Yes |
| Conclusions | Yes |
| Recommendations | Yes |
| Citations in the main text | Yes |
| Directly quoted material in the main text | Yes |
| List of references | No |
| Appendices | No |
| Tables and Figures | The titles, footnotes and citations for Tables and Figures are included but the actual text within them is not. |
Guidance for Presentation of Taught Master's Dissertations
The University of Manchester guidance on presentation of taught Masters Dissertations is available at: Guidance for the presentation of Taught Masters dissertations. The guidance explains the required presentation of the dissertation, and failure to follow the instructions in the guidance may result in the dissertation being rejected by the examiners.
Submission of Assessments
All course paperwork must also be submitted via Blackboard as instructed. Do not submit laboratory reports, tutorial work or other items of work to your MSc/ MRes Programme Director or other members of staff unless specifically asked to do so – they should be submitted electronically as explained below. Please be aware that all electronically submitted work will be assessed for plagiarism using Turnitin software as described below.
Please refer to your Blackboard unit spaces for more information regarding coursework and assessment, including submission deadlines.
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:
Policy on the Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
Marking and Feedback
Summative assessments for the taught units will be marked by the primary assessor (and secondary assessor where specified) and feedback given to help you understand the mark you have received for the work submitted and how your performance might be improved in future. A sample of the assignments will be assessed by an internal moderator. Where appropriate, the primary assessor and secondary assessor/moderator will meet to agree a final mark, accompanied by written feedback where necessary. The agreed mark may be an average of the two marks; if not the assessors will provide written justification of the agreed mark. If the assessors cannot agree a final mark then a third marker will assess the work. The agreed mark and feedback will be available for you to view on Blackboard, within 15 working days of the submission date.
The research project/dissertation will be independently double marked by two assessors. Both will provide feedback and will meet to agree a final mark. This may be an average of the two marks; if not the assessors will provide written justification of the agreed mark. If the assessors cannot agree a final mark, then a third marker will assess the work. The external examiner will moderate the research project reports. Marks and feedback will be available for you to view on Blackboard, within 20 working days of the submission date for Research Project 1 and following the Final Examination Board for the Research Project 2/Dissertation.
Assignments will be marked anonymously wherever possible and therefore should be identified by your ID number rather than your name. The only exceptions to this rule are oral presentations and pieces of work, which are required to bear a name (e.g. laboratory notebooks).
For further information see Policy on Marking and Policy on feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students.
Special Permissions
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/programme extension/change mode of study or an extension to writing up may be the most sensible option.
Should you wish to apply for special permission, in the first instance, please discuss your circumstances with your Programme Director/Academic Advisor/Dissertation Supervisor. Alternatively, you can contact the Student Support and Wellbeing team via sms.wellbing@manchester.ac.uk.
Withdrawal from the Programme
Students who are considering withdrawing from the programme should discuss this in the first instance with their Programme Director. If arrangements for withdrawal needs to be made, this will be handled by the relevant TLSE Team within the School.
Graduation
All students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc/MRes programmes are invited, along with their guests, to attend a graduation ceremony. Further details can be accessed via the Graduation page on the University's website.
The University of Manchester degree ceremonies are broadcast live online, and are also stored on the University website.
Your progress and feedback given is monitored by a series of Progress Forms that have to be completed during the programme at set dates during meetings with your supervisory team and Academic Advisor. A copy of these forms is provided in a Logbook available on the Programme Blackboard page. You should keep the completed forms for your records and self-reflection and also upload a copy via the submission link in Blackboard. It is your responsibility to arrange meetings with your supervisor(s) and Academic Advisor. Please be aware that academics have enormous demands on their time so it is advisable to arrange meetings well in advance of the deadline. The PDP is a process to plan, reflect and record aspects of your progress, development and feedback during your programme. There are 5 components to the PDP: meetings, careers, research, time management and action planning. At the beginning of the course, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor. It is your responsibility to arrange to meet your Academic Advisor and complete the 3 Personal Development Plan forms during the programme. A copy of these forms is provided in the Logbook available on the Programme Blackboard page.Monitoring Attendance and Engagement within the Programme
The Programme Director and teaching staff will monitor the work and attendance of students on the programme via the SEAtS application. 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. Following this, further action will be taken if there isn’t a significant improvement in attendance. For further information see: Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
You are required to attend all lectures, seminars, clinics, field trips, tutorials, and other events or meetings concerned with the conduct of the programme, as well as meeting the specified due dates for the submission of work for comment or assessment, and attending examinations, tests, or other forms of assessment.
If you are unable to attend a timetabled session due to illness you should record this in the SEAtS app. Students will not be permitted to take annual leave during term time
If religious observance will affect your attendance at normal teaching and learning activities in ways that will cause problems, you should discuss this issue with your Programme Director as soon as possible. The School will give sympathetic consideration to any such request and will try to make reasonable adjustments. However, adjustments can only be made provided that the standards of the degree are maintained (e.g. a student would not simply be excused from parts of the programme affected by his/her religious observance). You should also understand that adjustments may not always be possible if required to attend clinics that coincide with a religious holiday.
If you experience ongoing problems with attendance, you should discuss these with your Programme Director, Academic Advisor or the Student Support and Wellbeing team. The University also offers a range of advice and support to students experiencing problems with attendance.
Logging Your Attendance: A Quick Guide to SEAtS
From September 2024, the University is introducing a new Student Engagement and Attendance System called SEAtS, enabling students and staff to log attendance at teaching sessions (such as lectures and seminars).
Your attendance will be logged in one of two ways:
- The academic will take a digital register (usually for small group teaching sessions, or
- You will mark yourself as having attended via a QR code or PIN code provided by the teaching colleague leading your session.
This system will actively support your engagement and wellbeing, allowing us to offer you further support should you need it.
Using the new system will involve a few simple steps, which we have outlined below. This will be compulsory for all Undergraduate and Postgraduate students taught on campus. Other students will begin to use this system at a later date; they will be provided with further information on this nearer the time.
How to use SEAtS
SEAtS is a powerful tool that helps you manage your attendance and stay on top of your schedule. As a student, logging in to SEAtS for the first time is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Download the SEAtS App
To begin, download the SEAtS App on your smartphone. It's available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, so whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, you can easily access it. Simply search for "SEAtS 2024" in your app store, download, and install the app.
If you do not have access to a working smartphone, it will be possible to use a web-based version that you can access from a laptop or a desktop computer. More information on this will be available via our SEAtS information hub.
Step 2: Log in using your University Email
You will only be able to log onto SEAtS once you have completed registration and signed up for your University IT account. Once the app is installed, open it and log in using your university email address and password. It's important to note that you must use your official university email for this initial login. This ensures that your account is correctly linked to your student profile and schedule.
Step 3: Logging your attendance
If your attendance is being logged via a digital register the teaching colleague leading your session will do this.
If your attendance is being logged via a QR or PIN code, once you have logged in you'll be directed to the home screen of the SEAtS app. Here, you'll see a list of your upcoming teaching events. Select the relevant event to check into from the list, and you'll be prompted to confirm your attendance. You can do this by either scanning the QR code displayed in your classroom or entering the PIN code provided by the teaching colleague leading your session.
These steps are essential for tracking your attendance accurately.
What happens after the first login?
Following your first login, accessing SEAtS becomes even easier. You can simply open the app, choose the teaching event you’re attending, and scan the QR code or enter the PIN code, just like before. The app remembers your login details, so you won't need to re-enter your email each time you use it.
What to do if you are absent
You should record all absences in the SEAtS app. Additionally, in the case of illness that will result in you being absent for more than 7 calendar days or if you are absent for other reasons then you should email the Programme Director and sms.attendance@manchester.ac.uk explaining the circumstances. Whatever your reason for being away, you should inform your Programme Director or Supervisor and make any necessary arrangements to catch up with work you have missed.
For further information see: Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students
Student Visa Attendance Requirements
If you are a student sponsored by the University of Manchester for a Student (formerly Tier 4) Visa, there are certain responsibilities that you need to understand and comply with in order to protect your status. This includes co-operating with the University in fulfilling our shared Student route duties to UK Visas & Immigration. Any breaches to your responsibilities can have serious implications on your studies and eligibility to stay in the UK. There are some responsibilities associated with academic attendance.
Please ensure you are fully aware of all your responsibilities: https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/immigration-and-visas/responsibilities/
6. Student Support and Guidance
Academic support and advice is available to all students both formally and informally from the Programme Director, Academic Advisors and Research project Supervisors. The School also have a dedicated Student Support and Wellbeing team who can help with a wide range of issues whether they are personal, health or financial. The team can help you with wellbeing advice, Mitigating Circumstances, Disability Support and anything you experience that may affect your engagement with course. The SMS Student Information Hub has lots of helpful guidance to support you throughout your time with us here at the University of Manchester. The Student Support and Wellbeing team offer one-to-one appointments to any challenges you are facing, offer personalised guidance and signpost to the relevant support. These meetings can take place either on campus or online.Support within the Programme
Academic Success Programme
You’re studying at the University of Manchester – congratulations! Writing and speaking Academic English can be challenging, even for native speakers. Our team of experienced tutors are here to support you, and will help boost your confidence to work independently in English through a series of interactive workshops - freely available to all University of Manchester students.
To find out more, and to register, please go to www.manchester.ac.uk/academicsuccessprogramme
The Academic Writing workshops are delivered via live synchronous video sessions, and offer faculty-specific support covering both the basics and the finer points of good academic writing. The sessions are interactive and encourage small group work to solve problems and edit texts. Our Academic Grammar workshops are also online and open to students from all faculties. They include the fundamentals of good sentence structure as well as more subtle ways of showing nuance and emphasis.
There are also self-study resources available via our Blackboard community – details, and registration, is via the “Online Resources” link.
Should you have further queries, please email academicsuccess@manchester.ac.uk
Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)
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 you 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 DASS 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.
School Disability Coordinator (Karen Ross) Contact Details: sms.dc@manchester.ac.uk
DASS Contact Details: https://www.dass.manchester.ac.uk/contact-and-see-us/
Religious Observance and Looking after yourself and your patients during Ramadan
Policy on Religious Observance:
- University Policy
- The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has 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.
7. Student Representation and Feedback
Student Representation The programme’s Student Rep is expected to: There is a dedicated team in the Students’ Union available to support reps with each aspect of the role, along with staff contacts in each programme who help to facilitate the staff-student meetings. Further details of training will be provided for reps once elected and information about additional support/activities for student representatives can be found on the Students’ Union website http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/reps. You can find more information by visiting the SMS PGT Student Support Hub. Course Unit Evaluations
A Student Representative is a student leader and works in partnership with the University staff and Students’ Union to represent the views and experiences of student peers.
The quality of teaching on the programme is monitored in part by student feedback. Thus it is very important that you make your views, good and bad, known. At the end of each course unit, and at the end of the programme, you will be asked to complete an anonymous course unit evaluation form. In addition, please let the course unit leader or the programme director know at any time if you feel there is a problem with a particular area of the programme.
8. Programme Management
The programme is managed and operated in accordance with the policies, principles, regulations and procedures of the University of Manchester. Programme Directors relate to the School and Faculty Postgraduate Teaching Committees on matters relating to admissions, exams, reviews and approval of new programmes and units, quality assurance etc. and policy issues of broad relevance to the Graduate School. The Programme Committee will meet each semester and consist of the Programme Director, Programme Administrator, Programme Committee members and the unit co-ordinators. The remit of the committee will be to: Committee Structure The Programme Committee acts as a curriculum development team for the Programme. The Programme Committee will report to a School, or Department, or Faculty level committee. The Programme Director is responsible for the management of the programme, and the Programme Committee is established to support the Programme Director in the carrying out of their responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Role of Programme Director
The responsibilities of your Programme Director include: overseeing their specialty PGT programme(s) and working with the administration staff to ensure the programme is delivered effectively, to include coordination of clinical experience and dissertation projects/supervisors; liaising with other Programme Directors to coordinate postgraduate teaching across the school including the development of a core lecture series and programme handbooks, incorporating Personal and Academic Development Plans; Monitoring student progression and coordinating relevant and effective contemporary assessment of the programme; ensuring contemporary and relevant teaching methods are in place to effectively deliver the programme.
The Role of Supervisor
If you are pursuing a Master’s degree, then you will be allocated a Supervisor within one month of commencement (three months for part-time programmes) for the ‘research element’ of the programme; namely, the dissertation. Responsibilities of the Supervisor include: giving guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected; planning of the research project, literature and sources. The relationship between you and your Supervisor is of central importance. Both you and your Supervisor have a responsibility to ensure that the dissertation is completed within the prescribed period of the programme. Supervisors and students should establish at the initial meeting clear and explicit expectations of each other to minimise the risks and problems of misunderstanding, personality clashes, inadequate supervision or unsatisfactory work. At the meeting, the proposed research topic should be discussed, and the student and Supervisor should draw up a timetable of initial aims for the first few months.
The Role of Adviser
All postgraduate taught students are allocated a member of staff who will act as an Adviser. The Adviser should support both you and your Supervisor and assist in monitoring your general progress. The Adviser should take part in both pre- and post-meeting discussions with the Supervisor if there are issues arising that need attention, and be available for these sorts of discussions informally, outside the framework of the formal meetings. The appraisal should be recorded on the meeting record forms. The Adviser is responsible for ensuring that deadlines are met for submission of the Progress Report and the dissertation. The Adviser need not have specialist knowledge in the particular research discipline. The role of the Adviser is not in any way meant to disturb the special relationship between you and your Supervisor. However, if you feel the need to discuss matters, whether academic or otherwise, with another person, the Adviser will be available to do that.
Your Role
As a postgraduate student at the University of Manchester who is a qualified health professional, you are expected to behave at all times in a way that is consistent with the recommendations or Code of Practice of the General Dental Council.
You should 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 your 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 if you are found to be dishonest (e.g. plagiarism, collusion, falsification of research data or other forms of cheating emerge in your work for the programme) the matter may be reported by the University to the relevant professional regulatory body.
Students who are dishonest, not only risk failing to be awarded the intended degree, but also may place at risk their whole professional career. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with the University’s Plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice regulations, available at:
External Examiner
The External Examiner for this programme is Jacopo Buti, Clinical Associate, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology, Eastman Dental Institute, University College London.
The role of the External Examiner
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 Examiner Reports
External Examiner reports relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives and details of any actions carried out by the programme team/School in response to the External Examiner’s comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiner reports or the process for considering them.
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 the Assessment & Progression Team.
9. Student Privacy Notice
The University of Manchester needs to collect, maintain and use personal data relating to you to allow us to process your application for study, register you as a student, to administer your course and to provide facilities during your time as a student. We will also use your data to keep in touch with you after you have graduated, and contact you to complete a graduate outcomes survey.
We share this data within the University in order to deliver a high standard of service to you, so it is important that you regularly check to see that we have up to date information about you in the Student System. We are occasionally required to share your information with external agencies who have need for it, such as the Higher Education Statistics Agency, or Student Loans Company. We may also ask other agencies for the information they have about you, in order to verify the personal details you provide.
Please read the full Privacy Notice - Registered Students here.
10. Learning Resources
The University of Manchester Library The My Library tab in My Manchester has quick links to all of the Library’s resources and services available to students. Getting Started There is a library guide for Dentistry students giving all of the latest information on resources and learning and research services available. This is a good starting point if you are looking for any library resources or information related to your course. Each course unit in Blackboard includes an online reading list, so you can quickly check availability and directly access e-books, digitised chapters and e-journals or articles. The Main Library The main collection of books on dental topics, along with those for other health related subjects such as Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy, are located in Blue 2 of the Main Library. The Main Library offers group study rooms, individual study space options and computer clusters. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and a cafe lounge can be found on the ground floor. The Library has long opening hours and extends these during exam periods. Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details on opening hours and facilities. The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons There is a series of training workshops covering a variety of academic and transferable skills hosted in the training room at the Learning Commons. These workshops include training on revision/study skills, note-taking and other topics and have been developed by the Learning Commons staff in partnership with other teams across the University. Full details of training sessions are available in the My Learning Essentials Calendar. University Computer Facilities Students at the University have access to a wealth of resources including research support services, PC clusters, email and Internet access, wireless access, Microsoft applications, printing facilities, network document storage, student portal, eLearning environment and the extensive electronic resources managed by John Rylands University Library. You will find the most up-to-date information about our services on the IT Services website, so throughout this guide you will find web addresses which direct you to more detailed information on the web site: http://bmh-elearning.org/technical-support/ Packed full of information, the website provides details of the services available to users including useful information about day-to-day help and support and information about protection from the latest viruses etc. We recommend you visit the ‘Getting Started’ section of the site first. University PC Clusters Some clusters will be booked for teaching and learning purposes at various times, therefore you are advised to visit the website: http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/pcclusters/pcclusterlocations/ or the Central IT Service Desk for the latest opening times and PC Cluster information. Computer Facilities Access to the computers is via a standard University username which is obtained from any of the main campus computers displaying the standard blue logon screen or from the registration computers at University Place, by answering the questions when prompted students can gain access to and receive their username and password. This will enable them to use any of the computers to which any student has access. Social Space Please note that this social space should not be used for the purposes of prayer. Details of nearby worship facilities can be found on the Interactive Campus Map Lockers Policy on use of telephones, faxes, computers, e-mail Access to Coupland 3 Building and the Dental Hospital Dental Hospital: The front entrance to the Dental Hospital will open automatically at 8.15 a.m. and close at 5.15p.m. Details of what IT support is available and how to access it can be found on the IT Services Support page. For IT and eLearning support visit: https://handbooks.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/ Blackboard What is Blackboard? Training in the use of softwareLibrary Facilities
The University of Manchester Library provides you with the resources and support you need throughout your programme. The Main Library houses all of the essential text books whilst the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons provides a 24/7 learning environment in addition to study skills workshops. The Library also has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and journals available online.
You will need your student card to access all library sites around campus. Many of our services and resources also require you to confirm that you are a registered student. This authentication can be your student card, the ID number on the card, your Library PIN, the central username and password you use to log on, or a combination of these.
The University Library has an extensive collection of printed books relevant to members of the Division of Dentistry. These are housed in the Main Library and the Stopford Library.
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art learning environment with 24/7 opening hours throughout term-time. The Learning Commons has flexible open learning spaces with multimedia facilities, computer clusters and 30 bookable group study rooms with whiteboards and media screens.IT Facilities
The University has one of the largest academic computing facilities in Europe, with a wide range of IT Services for students.
The University’s Public PC Clusters are available for any staff or student to use. Operated on behalf of the University by the IT Services division, they are present at various locations on campus and also in some Halls of Residence. Opening times for each cluster will vary but at least one cluster operates 24/7 and two clusters operate 23/5 plus extended opening times at weekends.Student IT Support Helpdesk http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/
Postgraduate dental students have access to a computer cluster in the Postgraduate Suite located in the Coupland 3 Building. Printing is free of charge in these facilities. Use of printers elsewhere in the University will incur a charge. Personal printing and sending printing to the clusters from remote locations is strictly prohibited.
There is a student common room on the second floor of the Dental Hospital - please ensure that you keep the room tidy. The University will not be responsible for student’s personal items left in the room.
Lockers are available in the Dental Hospital. A £10 deposit is required to secure a key which is refundable upon return of the key at the end of your studies. Keys can be obtained from the Accounts Office on the ground floor of the Dental Hospital (via the staff entrance).
The use of mobile phones in clinical areas is prohibited and phones must be switched off during lecture/seminar sessions. The use of landline phones and faxes is only permitted for official business.
Division of Dentistry: The doors to the Coupland 3 building will be open from 8.30a.m.- 5.00p.m. but ‘out of hours’ access to the Postgraduate Study Area is available via your swipe card.IT Services Support Centre online
Login to the Support Portal 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.
Blackboard, the University's 'virtual learning environment', will be used for online teaching.
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
The Faculty eLearning team has produced an online induction package to help you understand our online services, software, and facilities. You can access this at https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/study-support/online-induction/.
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/trainingteam/Default.aspx The Centre for Academic and Researcher Development team creates an environment that supports you through every stage of your career, allowing you to excel and reach your full potential. They deliver face to face training programmes and continual online resources that are tailored to meet your needs.Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD)
Good Research Conduct
The University of Manchester’s Code of Good Research Conduct sets out our commitment to research integrity and our expectations of those who conduct research in our name.
General principles
This code is written to preserve the highest professional standards, while striving to maintain an environment that values creativity and flexibility.
- All work must be carried out in accordance with the highest standards of scientific practice.
- Policies on safeguarding good scientific practice are available from the BBSRC
Recording, Storing and Archiving
Research Data/Materials
As leader of a research project, you are responsible for ensuring that there are clear protocols for the collection, recording, storage and archiving of research data/materials generated as part of your project. These protocols should fit within any professional guidance available, guidance from funding bodies, your school and the University’s Code of Good Research Conduct.
Health and Safety
It is your responsibility to ensure that the research staff and students for whom you have responsibility are provided with an environment that is safe and healthy and all research is conducted within the requirements of health and safety legislation:
- That necessary risk assessments have been undertaken (Never assume that because your research is not lab-based or using hazardous substances that it would not require a risk assessment).
- That staff are adequately informed, trained and monitored regarding safe practices to ensure they do not endanger themselves, others or the environment.
- That your research complies with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations as appropriate.
11. Useful Links
A full list of University Policies and documents Student SupportAcademic Support Policies
Academic Appeals (Regulation XIX)
Academic Malpractice: Procedure for the Handling of Cases
Basic Guide to Student Complaints
Conduct and Discipline of Students (Regulations XVII)
General University information on the Conduct and Discipline of Students
Faculty policies for students on Communication and Dress Code, Social Networking and Drugs & Alcohol
Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it
Data Protection
Guidance for the Presentation of Taught Masters Dissertations
Guidance to Students on Plagiarism and Other Forms of Academic Malpractice
Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating Circumstances Guidance for Students
PGT Degree Regulations
Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students
Student Complaints Procedure
Student Charter
Work and Attendance of Students (Regulation XX)
A-Z of Student Services
Accommodation
Blackboard via My Manchester
Careers Service
Counselling Service
Disability Advisory and Support Service
University Language Centre – Study English - Tel: 0161 306 3397
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Staff and Students
Health & Fitness
Health & Safety Policy
International Advice Team
IT and eLearning Support
Mature Students Guide
Occupational Health Services for Students
Personal Development Planning
A Personal Safety Guide for International Students
Students Union