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Centre for
Criminology and Sociology
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
20010/11
Telephone (01784) 414085
Centre for Criminology & SociologyRoyal Holloway University of LondonEgham Hill, EghamSurrey TW20 OEX
The College switchboard number is (01784) 434455, but it is usually easier to contact individual staff or the Department by the direct line numbers shown in this handbook.
DisclaimerThis document was published in October 2010 and was correct at that time. The Department* reserves the right to modify any statement if necessary, make variations to the content or methods of delivery of programmes of study, to discontinue programmes, or merge or combine programs if such actions are reasonably considered to be necessary by the College. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum, and to give as much notice as possible.
* Please note, the term ‘Department’ is used to refer to ‘Departments’ ‘Centres’ and ‘Schools’. Students on joint or combined degree programmes will need to use two departmental handbooks.
An electronic copy of this handbook can be found on your departmental website (http://www.rhul.ac.uk/Crim-Soc/) where it will be possible to follow the hyperlinks to relevant webpages.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME..................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION TO THE CENTRE..................................................6HOW TO FIND US: THE DEPARTMENT...............................................................................................................7MAP OF THE EGHAM CAMPUS..................................................................................................................................7HOW TO FIND US: THE STAFF............................................................................................................................8STAFF RESEARCH INTERESTS..............................................................................................................................9
COMMUNICATION.....................................................................12EMAIL................................................................................................................................................................12POST.................................................................................................................................................................13TELEPHONE AND POSTAL ADDRESS...........................................................................................................................13NOTICE BOARDS..................................................................................................................................................13PERSONAL ADVISORS............................................................................................................................................13QUESTIONNAIRES.................................................................................................................................................14
TEACHING................................................................................15TERM DATES 2010-2011.....................................................................................................................................15TERM 1..............................................................................................................................................................15TERM 2..............................................................................................................................................................15TERM 3..............................................................................................................................................................15ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................................16
DEGREE STRUCTURE.................................................................17PROGRAMME AIMS..............................................................................................................................................17PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES.......................................................................................................................17PROGRAMME STRUCTURE YEAR 1...........................................................................................................................19PROGRAMME STRUCTURE YEAR 2...........................................................................................................................19PROGRAMME STRUCTURE YEAR 3...........................................................................................................................20
FACILITIES...............................................................................22LIBRARY..............................................................................................................................................................22OTHER UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES:................................................................................................................................22SPECIALIST LIBRARIES:...........................................................................................................................................22PHOTOCOPYING, PRINTING AND COMPUTING............................................................................................................22STUDENT ACCOMMODATION:.................................................................................................................................22CHAPLAINCY:.......................................................................................................................................................23HEALTH CENTRE:.................................................................................................................................................23STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICES:..........................................................................................................................23STUDENT FINANCIAL COUNSELLING:.........................................................................................................................23STUDENT EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES:.............................................................................................................23INFORMATION CONSULTANT: PAUL JOHNSON............................................................................................................23OTHER FACILITIES.................................................................................................................................................23
COURSEWORK ESSAYS AND DISSERTATIONS..............................24ASSESSMENT.......................................................................................................................................................24MARKING CRITERIA..............................................................................................................................................24FORMATIVE COURSEWORK.....................................................................................................................................25SUMMATIVE COURSEWORK....................................................................................................................................25
GUIDLEINES FOR PRODUCING GOOD ACADEMIC WORK...............25ESSAY WRITING...................................................................................................................................................25
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REFERENCING AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................................................27REFERENCING SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................................27IN THE TEXT........................................................................................................................................................27CITING SOURCES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN READ DIRECTLY................................................................................................27BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................................................................................28HOW TO CITE WEBSITES USING HARVARD................................................................................................................28CITING WEBSITES.................................................................................................................................................29EXAMPLE BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................................29
DISSERTATION STRUCTURE.......................................................31THE FRONT PAGE.................................................................................................................................................31AN ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................................................31CONTENTS PAGE..................................................................................................................................................31THE CHAPTERS IN A RESEARCH–BASED DISSERTATION.................................................................................................31RESEARCH ETHICS............................................................................................................................................33DISSERTATION SUPERVISOR....................................................................................................................................33MARKING CRITERIA.........................................................................................................................................34HONOURS CLASSIFICATION.....................................................................................................................................35
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION.....................................................36DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS OF ACADEMIC WORK.....................................................................................................36ILLNESS OR OTHER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES......................................................................................................39ABSENCE FROM AN EXAMINATION / FAILURE TO SUBMIT COURSEWORK..........................................................................41SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN WORK.............................................................................................................................41EXTENSIONS TO DEADLINES....................................................................................................................................42PENALTIES FOR OVER LENGTH WORK........................................................................................................................42PENALTIES FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK...............................................................................................................42PLAGIARISM........................................................................................................................................................43ASSESSMENT OFFENCES.........................................................................................................................................44MARKING ILLEGIBLE SCRIPTS...................................................................................................................................44PROGRESSION AND AWARD REQUIREMENTS...............................................................................................................44OUTCOMES OF COURSE UNIT ASSESSMENT................................................................................................................45EXAMINATION RESULTS..........................................................................................................................................46
STUDENT SUPPORT...................................................................46STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.............................................................................................................................46STUDENT-STAFF COMMITTEE..................................................................................................................................46CAREERS INFORMATION.........................................................................................................................................46NON-ACADEMIC INFORMATION...............................................................................................................................46COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE......................................................................................................................................47
HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION..........................................47HARASSMENT POLICY............................................................................................................................................47COLLEGE SMOKING POLICY....................................................................................................................................47LONE WORKING POLICY AND PROCEDURE..................................................................................................................47Equal Opportunities.........................................................................................................................................48
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WELCOME
On behalf of the Centre for Criminology and Sociology I would like to extend a warm welcome to all incoming students. We are delighted that you have chosen to pursue a degree in Criminology and Sociology with us and we will do all in our power to ensure that your learning experience is a positive one.
Please take care to review the following handbook very carefully. It should be used to help guide you through the BSc Criminology and Sociology (Hons) programme. This handbook lists the people who will teach you and others who will provide information and help when needed. It introduces the basic structure of the programme and underlines the assessment guidelines and regulations that are relevant to this programme and also provides the web link to the College’s regulations.
Finally, please use this book to refer to specific guidance with regards to writing essays, referencing and writing your dissertation. We have also included the marking pro-forma that your assessors will use when reviewing course assignments. Please note, that all of your assignments will use the same form for comments, and you should feel free to discuss these with the assessor(s) once you have received a mark. The rest of the handbook provides information about policies and support services that we think will be helpful to you during your time with us.
Professor David DenneyCentre for Criminology and Sociology
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INTRODUCTION TO THE CENTREThe BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Sociology is a three-year, full-time degree programme. Each year involves a recommended total of 1200 hours of student learning time on College courses, made up of teaching contact time, private study and assessment. Courses are organised as either full units (300 hours learning time) taught over two terms or half units (150 hours learning time) taught within one term. In order to receive the BSc Criminology and Sociology (Hons) award students must pass, be allowed or be granted exemption from courses from the programme to the value of at least nine units (or their equivalent) out of twelve, at least three of which must be from the final year.
The BSc (Hons) degree offers students a broad introduction to both subject areas leading progressively to greater specialisation. The degree has been designed to promote both disciplinary specific knowledge and transferable skills. The introductory units in year one focus on encouraging critical thought about the nature of social problems and social policy and the criminal justice system and provide an introduction to sociology and criminology and the psychology of morality and behaviour.
In the second year, the units strongly emphasise research methods. Students are introduced to a range of social research methods and the different ways in which knowledge about contemporary society and criminal behaviour can be gathered. They are also provided with an opportunity to engage with theoretical debates in both disciplines. Two half units in this year are selected from a range of optional courses, with one from Criminology and one from Sociology. In year three the core ideas acquired previously are developed through specialist units and a research or literature review-based dissertation. Of the four full units in this year, only the dissertation is compulsory. The remaining three full units are made up of three optional courses, with at least one full unit from Criminology and one full unit from Sociology. The strong research profile of staff is utilised in this year to develop research literate undergraduates who are able to think critically about evidence.
Overall, the degree thus enables students to build up a range of skills and knowledge whilst developing a critical appreciation of the processes of social research, sociological and criminological debates and the operation of the criminal justice system.
The College and Centre are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all students. The Centre’s policies on ensuring equal opportunities and anti-discrimination can be found on the Centre’s website.
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HOW TO FIND US: THE DEPARTMENT
The Centre for Criminology and Sociology is located within the Arts building on the first and second floors. This can be found on the college campus map as building 16
Map of the Egham Campus
Student parking is limited and a parking permit is required. This can be obtained via Security. You will need proof of insurance and ID before a permit will be issued.
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HOW TO FIND US: THE STAFF
All staff are currently located in the Arts Building.
ABF = Arts Building First FloorABS = Arts Building Second Floor
Director of Centre:Professor David Denney 01784-443683 [email protected]
Academic Staff: Professor Ravinder Barn 01784-443678 [email protected]
Professor Jonathan Gabe 01784- [email protected]
Dr Vicki Harman 01784-443674 [email protected]
Dr Sarah Moore 01784-276482 [email protected]
Dr Alex Newbury 01784-414966 [email protected]
Dr Richard Smith 01784-443689 [email protected]
Administrator: Vanessa Law 01784-414085 [email protected]
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STAFF RESEARCH INTERESTS
Ravinder Barn, Professor of Social PolicyProfessor Barn is an experienced empirical mixed-methods researcher with a particular interest in migration, multiculturalism, social justice and human rights. She has over 60 publications which includes 7 books. As Principal Investigator, she has successfully led on a number of externally funded research studies for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the former Commission for Racial Equality, The Canadian High Commission, and the Department of Health. Her research is empirically and theoretically grounded and key findings are disseminated to a wide variety of potential beneficiaries ranging from academic researchers, central and local government, international organizations including the Council of Europe and the European Union, and third sector organizations.
David Denney, Professor of Social and Public Policy, Director of CentreProfessor Denney has conducted research in a number of areas related to the workings of the criminal justice system, violence and risk. This includes work on differential sentencing and ‘race’ in the UK and Canada. He has also worked on the ESRC Violence Research Programme. He has written extensively in international journals and is the author of a number of books including ‘Race and AntiRacism in Probation (Routledge, 1992), Social Policy and Social Work (1998) Oxford University Press,Risk and Society (2005) Sage, and Living in Dangerous Times (2009) (ed) Wiley Blackwell. He also has wide experience of outside policy related consultancy including the National Task Force on Violence against Social Care Staff. He is currently Chair of the Editorial Board of Social Policy and Administration.
Jonathan Gabe, Professor of SociologyProfessor Gabe has interests in health and illness, health care organisation, and health policy. Recent and current research includes studies of asthma in young people, violence against professionals in the community, managing medical regulation and performance and the use of medicines in everyday life. He has published 15 monographs and edited books, the latest of which are: The New Sociology of the Health Service (Routledge 2009) (edited with Mike Calnan) Pharmaceuticals and Society: Critical Discources and Debates (Wiley Blackwell 2009) (edited with Simon Williams and Peter Davis) Challenging Medicine Second edition (Routledge 2006) (edited with David Kelleher and Gareth Willilams) Key Concepts in Medical Sociology (Sage 2004) (edited with Mike Bury and Mary Ann Elston). Professor Gabe is currently a co-editor of the international journal Sociology of Health and Illness
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Dr Vicki HarmanDr Harman’s research interests include family life, ethnicity and racism, gender and inequality. Her PhD (awarded in 2007) explored the experiences and support networks of lone white mothers of mixed-parentage children. This resulted in a number of journal articles and book chapters including: ‘Experiences of Racism and the Changing Nature of White Privilege Among Lone White Mothers of Mixed-Parentage Children’, Ethnic and Racial Studies (advanced access online, 2009); ‘Social Work Practice and Lone White Mothers of Mixed-Parentage Children’, British Journal of Social Work (advanced access online, 2009) and with Professor Ravinder Barn (2006) ‘A Contested Identity: An Exploration of the Competing Social and Political Discourse Concerning the Identification and Positioning of Young People of Inter-Racial Parentage’, British Journal of Social Work, 36 (8): pp.1309-1324. Dr Harman’s current research explores ethnic and racial socialisation among white British families living in mainly white and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods.
Dr Sarah MooreDr Sarah Moore’s principal research areas are gender and risk, fear of crime, and crime and the media. A core theme in her research is the cultural construction of threats to our health and personal safety, particularly as these representations relate to gender norms. Previous projects have explored the ‘feminisation’ of breast cancer, the relationship between fear of crime and the built environment, and the media representation of drink-spiking. Her most recent work seeks to establish the ‘cautionary tale’ as a new model for understanding the media representation of risk; she gave a workshop on her work in this area during a stint as Visiting Fellow at Yale’s Center for Cultural Sociology in 2009. She has published articles in a number of international journals, including Crime, Media, Culture and the British Journal of Criminology. She is also the author of Ribbon Culture: Charity, Compassion, and Public Awareness (2008), which was awarded the 2009 Philip Abrams Memorial Prize for best first book in Sociology.
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Dr Alex NewburyDr Alex Newbury’s research to date has focused on the causes and impact of youth crime, youth justice, restorative justice and social policy. She has expertise in liaising and working with Youth Offending Teams, and skills in interviewing young offenders, including those with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Her doctoral research analysed empirical findings undertaken over eighteen months, observing forty-one youth offender panel meetings and conducting fifty-five semi-structured interviews with young offenders. The research was informed by discussion with service providers (YOT workers, Victim Liaison Officers, community volunteers), plus academic theory, government policy and Home Office research, and evaluated the impact and success of referral orders as a restorative approach in youth justice. She has published on youth crime and responsibility, and given papers at the British Society of Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies Association Annual Conferences. She is also a member of both the BSC and SLSA.
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COMMUNICATIONIt is vitally important that you keep in touch with us and we keep in touch with you. Members of staff will often need to be able to contact you to inform you about changes to teaching arrangements, special preparations you may have to do for a class, meetings you might be required to attend, and so on. You will need to be able to contact members of the department for example, if you are unable to attend a class, or wish to arrange a meeting with a tutor or your Personal Adviser
Email to your College email address is routinely used and you should check regularly (at least daily) if any official communication has been sent to your email address. Do not ignore the email as it will be assumed that it will have been received by you within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.
On occasions it may be necessary to contact you by telephone or send a written communication. This information is held on your student record and it is your responsibility to keep all your contact details up to date via your student portal.
EmailThe College provides an e-mail address for all students free of charge and stores the address in a College E-mail Directory. Your account is easily accessed, both on and off campus, via Campus Connect or via Outlook Web Access (OWA). E-mail to this address will be used routinely for all communication with students. E-mail may be used for urgent communication and by course tutors to give or confirm instructions or information related to teaching so it is important that you build into your routine that you check your emails once a day. E-mail communications from staff and all the Faculty Administrators should be treated as important and read carefully.
The College provides a large number of computer terminals for student use so the Department expects you to check your e-mail regularly. It is also important that you regularly clear your college account of unwanted messages or your account will be clogged and unable to accept messages. Just deleting messages is not sufficient; you must clear the sent and delete folders regularly. It is your responsibility to make sure your College email account is kept in working order. If you have any problems contact the IT help desk.
The Centre will only use the address in the College Directory and does not use private or commercial email addresses, such as hotmail or Gmail. Students who prefer to use commercial e-mail services are responsible for making sure that their College e-mail is diverted to the appropriate commercial address. Detailed instructions on how to forward mail are available from the Computer Centre and in the FAQs on the web. This process is very easy, but you do have to maintain your College account.
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When you delete a forwarded message from, say, hotmail, it will not be deleted from the RHUL account. You must log on to your College account occasionally and conduct some account maintenance or your account will be clogged and will not forward messages.
If you send an e-mail to a member of staff in the centre during term time you should normally receive a reply within 3-4 working days of its receipt. Please remember that there are times when members of staff are away from College at conferences or undertaking research.PostAll post addressed to students in Criminology and Sociology will be held in the admin office and you will be emailed to collect this during office hours. The Centre currently does not have student pigeonholes. At the end of each term any unclaimed post will be destroyed.
Telephone and postal addressIt is your responsibility to ensure that your telephone number (mobile and landline) and postal address (term time and forwarding) is kept up to date on your Campus Connect portal. There are occasions when the centre needs to contact you urgently by telephone or send you a letter by post.
The Centre does not disclose students’ addresses and telephone numbers to anybody else (including relatives and fellow students) without the student’s specific permission to do so.
Notice BoardsThe official student notice boards are on the walls in the corridor outside the admin office in the Arts building on the first floor.
Every effort is made to post notices relating to class times, etc., well in advance, but occasionally changes have to be made at short notice and in that case e-mail will be used.
It is your responsibility to make sure you are informed of the times and places of all class meetings and of any requirements (e.g. essay deadlines) relating to your courses; so, if in doubt, please ask!
Personal AdvisorsEach student will be allocated a personal advisor at the start of the first term and a dissertation supervisor in their final year. This is the person with whom they should meet to plan and review their academic development. All lecturers are responsible for indicating their office hours (2 hours per week) on their office doors (to ensure transparency), however, students should book appointments with lecturers in advance where ever possible.
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If for any reason you wish to change advisor you should in the first place contact the admin office who will arrange for you to see the Academic Coordinator who will discuss the possibility of reallocation with you.
The advisor lists will be published on the student notice boards just prior to the start of term.
QuestionnairesThe college runs a student survey twice a year once in each term at which you are asked to complete an anonymous feedback form. This feedback is taken very seriously by the college and it is your opportunity to contribute to the development of your programme and have you say about the Centre.
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TEACHINGTerm Dates 2010-2011Autumn Term: Monday 20 September to Friday 10 December 2010 (12 weeks)
(4 week Christmas break)
Spring Term: Monday 10 January to Friday 25 March 2011 (11 weeks)
(4 week vacation. Easter Sunday 24 April 2011)
Summer Term: Tuesday 26 April to Friday 10 June 2011 (7 weeks)Graduation Ceremonies 11-15 July 2011
Term 1Week 1 College and Departmental registration. It is important that you attend.
Week 2 Lectures & Seminars start
Week 7 READING WEEK NO TEACHING
Week 12 End of term
Term 2Week 1 Lectures & Seminars start
Week 6 READING WEEK NO TEACHING
Week 11 End of Term
Term 3Exam Term
Exams take place and you are expected to be available until the last day of term.
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Attendance requirements
Attendance is a compulsory and carefully monitored requirement of the programme. However, we do realise that emergencies may occur at anytime throughout the year and therefore allow for a maximum of two absences from any one 10 session course or four absences from a 20 session course. If students are in excess of the allotted absences they will receive a formal warning unless evidence of extenuating circumstances is provided and deemed acceptable by the Centre. If a student receives two formal warnings this may lead to their registration being terminated from the course and or programme. Please see the college undergraduate regulations.You should also see the section on Outcomes of Course Unit Assessment.
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DEGREE STRUCTUREProgramme Aims
The aims of the Honours Degree in Criminology and Sociology are:
to develop a sound and extensive knowledge base in criminology and sociology
to develop the research literacy of students including training in research techniques;
to enable students to acquire the knowledge which will enable them to understand complex social problems;
to foster the capacity for independent learning which is essential to continuing personal development;
to equip students with key communications and IT skills; to deliver teaching within a flexible and progressive structure
which will enable students to acquire knowledge, understanding and appropriate skills relevant to criminology and sociology;
to provide a firm foundation for postgraduate study or research in criminology and sociology.
Programme Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and Understanding
The programme is consistent with the benchmarks for Criminology and Sociology and will enable students to develop:
knowledge of key concepts and theoretical approaches that have been developed and are developing within criminology and sociology and the ability to critically evaluate their application;
an understanding of the value of comparative analysis; an understanding of the relationship between individuals, groups
and social institutions; an understanding of the role of culture in social life; an understanding of the social processes underpinning social change
and the criminal justice system; an understanding of the nature and appropriate use of diverse
research strategies and methods in developing criminological and sociological knowledge;
an understanding of the relationship between sociological argument and evidence;
an awareness of the distinctive character of both criminology and sociology in relation to other forms of understanding, such as its relation to other disciplines and to everyday explanations;
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2. Skills and Other Attributes
the ability to identify criminological and sociological problems, formulate questions and investigate them;
the ability to appraise critically political and social processes of victimisation and criminalisation in the light of criminological theories;
the ability to provide an analytical account of social diversity and inequality and their effects in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance
the ability to evaluate policing practices and developments in terms of changing values and relationships between individuals, groups, and public and private agencies in different locations;
the ability to examine critically the values, practices and processes of governance, including human rights, that underpin youth and criminal justice and agencies which administer sentencing and alternatives.
clear and concise presentation of complex information, both orally and in writing;*
critical and independent thinking, including evaluation of oral and written evidence;*
team working, negotiation and collaboration;* investigative skills, including literature and database searches;* reading skills: the ability to identify the most important
arguments and evidence in a text and to record and/or to represent these;*
research skills needed to plan and execute a project on a defined topic, present a coherent, reasoned argument in an oral presentation or an extended piece of written work;*
information technology (including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, e-mail, and the world wide web);*
computing skills in relation to both text and the presentation of basic research data;*
independent and reflective learning;* good time management.*
* transferable skills
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Programme Structure Year 1
Students take the following Core Courses:
Course Code Course Title Unit
ValueCR1011 Introduction to Criminology 0.5
CR1012Psychology of Morality and Behaviour: Truth, Lies, Crime and Justice
0.5
CR1013 Criminal Justice System 1.0SO1014 Introduction to Sociology 1.0
SO1015 Social Problems and Social Policy 1.0
Programme Structure Year 2
Students take the following Core Courses:
Course Code Course Title Unit
Value
SO2011 Research Methods for Social Scientists 0.5
SO2012 Data Analysis for Social Scientists 0.5
CR2013 Key Perspectives and Debates in Criminology 1.0
SO2014 Sociology of Contemporary Society 1.0
And choose options equal to the value of one full unit from the following courses (with one from Criminology and one from Sociology):
CriminologyCourse Code Course Title Unit
Value
CR2015 Violent Crime – Sociological and Psychological Perspectives 0.5
CR2016 Crime and the Law 0.5
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SociologyCourse Code Course Title Unit
Value
SO2018 Lost in Music: The Sociology of Popular Music 0.5
SO2019 Sociology of the Family 0.5
Programme Structure Year 3
Course Code Course Title Unit
ValueCR3011 Dissertation 1.0
And choose options equal to the value of three full units from the following courses with at least one full unit from Criminology and one full unit from Sociology:
CriminologyCourse Code Course Title Unit
ValueCR3020 Risk Insecurity and Terrorism 1.0CR3021 Crime, Literature, and the Media 1.0CR3022 Critical Readings in Criminology
and Sociology 1.0
Note: CR3020 and CR3020 can also count as a Sociology course
SociologyCourse Code Course Title Unit
ValueCR3020 Risk Insecurity and Terrorism 1.0CR3022 Critical Readings in
Criminology and Sociology 1.0SO3017 Health, Medicine and Society 1.0SO3019 Youth and Society 1.0
In order to be considered for the BSc Criminology and Sociology (Hons) degree, students must pass, be allowed or be granted exemption from courses from the programme to the value of at least nine units (or their equivalent), at least three of which must be from the final year.
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In order for the department to run a specialist course at least 10 students must be registered to take the course.
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FACILITIESLibraryThe college has two library facilities on the Egham campus. The Founders Library and the Bedford Library. Further information about these can be found on the college website at http://www.rhul.ac.uk/Information-Services/Library/
Other University Libraries:Royal Holloway Criminology and Sociology students can also access a number of other university libraries. You will have borrowing privileges for the Federal Library of the University of London at Senate House, Malet St, WC1 (nearest tube stations: Russell Square and Goodge St). Please note that you will need to obtain a validated application form from any of the library enquiry desks on the campus. You also have reference access, with your Royal Holloway College Card, to other Colleges within the University of London.
You can also apply for borrowing access at the University of Surrey Library, provided you have your College Card as ID. Other University libraries such as Sussex and Reading are part of the UK Libraries plus Access Scheme; therefore you can also apply to your home library (Royal Holloway) for a reference access card (NB this card will not entitle you to borrow from these libraries). Please visit the following link for a list of other libraries within this scheme: http://www.uklibrariesplus.ac.uk/memarea.htm
Specialist Libraries:There are also specialist libraries relevant to Criminology and Sociology students. Specialist libraries in Britain are listed in the ASLIB Directory of information sources in the United Kingdom (Bedford Library, Quick Reference collection, shelf location (classmark): 026.0002542 ASL) listed by subject e.g. Prison Service.
Important: It is recommended that you phone each library before visiting or visit their web pages. You may have reference access only. In most cases your Royal Holloway College Card should act as valid ID but see the Departmental Administrator if a letter of verification of student status is required when visiting other libraries.
Photocopying, Printing and ComputingThe centre does not provide these facilities for the students. You should visit the computer centre where they are made available to you.
Student Accommodation:http://www.rhul.ac.uk/for-students/accommodation.html
Chaplaincy: http://www.rhul.ac.uk/chaplaincy/
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Health Centre: http://www.rhul.ac.uk/health-centre/ Appointments: 01784 443131
Student Counselling Services: http://www.rhul.ac.uk/counselling/Appointments: 01784 443128; by email: [email protected]
Student Financial Counselling: Student Financial AdviserFounder's West 150EghamSurreyTW20 0EX
Office Hours: 9:15 - 5.00 Mon - FriTel: 01784 414633Fax: 01784 470249Email: [email protected]
Student Educational Support Services:Contact: Educational Support Office Founder’s West FW151 Tel: 01784 443966Fax: 01784 470249 Email: [email protected]
Information Consultant: Paul Johnsonemail: [email protected] Johnson works with students and staff in the department regarding access to library resources. You can also find important information about library resources at RHUL by visiting the library web-page.
Other FacilitiesThe college website has an area for Students and this has a vast array of other faculties listed that are available for all students. You should take the time to familiarise yourself with these in the first few weeks of arrival. http://www.rhul.ac.uk/for-students/campus/
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COURSEWORK ESSAYS AND DISSERTATIONSAssessment The assessment regulations for students entering the BSc Criminology and Sociology are in accordance with the College’s Undergraduate Regulations and the programme specification.
Marking CriteriaThe aim of the assessments is to promote learning and measure student achievement of course learning outcomes in the following domains, consistent with QAA standards:
Knowledge and understanding of concepts and facts Application of theory/ empirical results Subject-specific and generic skills Reading of supplementary sources with appropriate referencing and
bibliography Clear presentation of information and ideas in a logical structure.
A multi-dimensional assessment strategy comprising both formative and summative assessment is utilised to complement the different teaching methods and styles employed during the course. This ensures:
the testing of the full range of learning skills required fair assessment provision through different styles of testing
The standard to be achieved is set according to the Honours degree descriptors in the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Marks are awarded on the basis of the generic Departmental marking criteria derived from College guidelines, together with a specific marking grid for essays and exam answers, which is designed to cover knowledge, content, structure and presentation. All lecturers are required to utilise these standardised marking criteria to ensure reliability of grading.
All essays are anonymised and single-marked with a second internal marker sampling the first marker’s results for moderating purposes. However, double marking is carried out for all fails, borderline fails, distinctions and Dissertations.
Any assessment over which the internal markers disagree on marks will be blind-marked by the Programme Director or another member of staff. Exceptionally the Visiting Examiner may be asked to take on this role.
The first marker will usually be the Course Leader or the person responsible for setting the essay title/exam question.
The first marker is also responsible for identifying the sample to be moderated which will include all fails, borderlines, distinctions and a random selection of at least 10% of the assessments from across the full range of marks.
Academic standards and consistency of internal marking are scrutinised and verified by the Visiting Examiner, who examines a selection of
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examination scripts and coursework from all the marking bands together with all the assessments of borderline and failing candidates.
Formative CourseworkFormative coursework is written work which is a formal requirement of a course but which does not count towards the grade for that course. Formative course work is used particularly in the first year to gain an indication of a student’s ability and to aid that student by the marker providing developmental feedback. Completion of formative coursework is compulsory. Failing to submit any formative coursework or to not make a reasonable attempt at formative coursework, without acceptable extenuating circumstances will result in a course outcome of incomplete.
Summative CourseworkSummative coursework is written work which is a formal requirement of a course and does count towards the grade for that course. Summative coursework is used regularly in the 2nd and 3rd years of the degree programme. Students will receive written feedback on the written work. Completion of summative coursework is compulsory. Failing to submit summative coursework or to not make a reasonable attempt at summative coursework, without acceptable extenuating circumstances will result in a course outcome of incomplete.
GUIDLEINES FOR PRODUCING GOOD ACADEMIC WORK
You will see that there are different types of written assignments associated with the programme. In addition to exams, you will be expected to write essays and a dissertation. Here are some recommendations that we think may help you to frame your work well.
Essay WritingAn essay is a way of presenting the reader with an account of the ways in which you have found your learning engaging and meaningful – it’s a ‘know and show’ opportunity for you. It is a chance to both create a map of a particular territory of knowledge, as well as an invitation for the reader to take a guided walk through that territory. It should have a clear structure and style, content that is relevant, and a rhythm and momentum to the arguments presented that the reader experiences as credible. So it should say, “Look, here is my well informed, balanced, complex view of this particular world that I’m asking you to look at, and I hope you find my ways of seeing persuasive”. In all, try not to let the assignment become just a flat and dull summary of other people’s ideas and thoughts. Try to present it in a way that shows the following features:
that you have knowledge of a particular area of study including concepts, debates and issues, and research evidence that affect the issue;
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your systematic comprehension of what is known, by putting the knowledge in your own words in an intelligible way;
that you can analyse the material under consideration, dissecting arguments in a systematic and balanced way;
once you’ve taken apart other perspectives, you can synthesise those perspectives by putting them together again in a fresh way, looking at the connections and gaps between differing views;
finally that you can evaluate the material in terms of its internal coherence, its links with other perspectives and views, and in relation to your own experiences and views. This will help you to give an account of how you have weighed things up, and why you’ve done so in the ways that you have.
The stages of essay production could look like this. But remember, this is not a prescriptive list. You will find your own start to finish path for a written assignment and may already be familiar with these and other aspects of effective writing. Our invitation to you is to take charge of the structures, mechanisms and methods that work best for you, so long as the help you to reach your highest potential.
To summarise, a basic essay structure will often look like this:
Remember that it is important to start writing your essays well in advance of the deadline and to leave enough time for careful proofreading before submission.
Referencing and the Bibliography The reason for citing sources is to indicate to your reader where you obtained your information. Since the objective is to allow readers to locate the sources of your information, it is essential that your citations are accurate and specific. It is not enough to cite a book if the reader has to read every page to find the passage to which you are referring.
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Literature review: knowledge and comprehension of key concepts, debates, issues, research outcomes that you compare, analyse, synthesise
Introduction: Key definitions, giving the basic directions and structure: a map of the territory you’re asking the reader to enter
Conclusion: evaluate compare and weigh up the local to the general, drawing out key points
Referencing systemHere is the Harvard referencing system for all published material. This system does NOT include footnotes NOR ibid.
In the textAuthor’s name followed by date of publication: eg Jones (1981) argues that ....followed by a summary of his views in your own words.
or, if a short direct quotation is used it can be embedded in the text using quotation marks. The page number must be included:eg Jones (1981:82) states that ‘Crime is.................’
When longer direct quotations are used (two or more sentences), start on a new line and indent. Quotation marks are then unnecessary, e.g.
The concept of exclusion has come into ever-greater use with the deepening social crisis. Contrary to what occurred in the Industrial Revolution of the last century, the rich now have less and less need for the labour power of the poor. (Bessis 1995: 13)
If there are two authors, cite both: e.g. (Morris and Scott, 1996)
If there are more than two authors, use the et al form (Hill et al, 1988)
Quotations from journals follow the same format. The author and date of publication is enough to locate it in the bibliography, where details of journal name, volume number etc. will be given.
There are some specialist areas which need to be treated in particular ways. One suggestion is to look at the way in which the books themselves reference certain material. For example, references to pieces of legislation need to be specific as to date. References to case law have their own conventions eg R v Bedfordshire CC ex parte C [1987] 1 FLR 239. It is probably best to put the reference in the text in this form rather than try to identify it in a bibliography.
Citing sources that have not been read directlyTo cite Jones (1990) which has been read about in Smith (1997):... (Jones 1990, cited in Smith 1997) in the main text. In the bibliography you should provide the bibliographical details for ‘Smith’ only. Texts should only appear on the bibliography if you have read them directly. You should try to read the original source wherever possible as this will enhance your understanding of the subject area.
BibliographySources cited in the main text should be documented in the bibliography, which should be in alphabetical order and in date order for each author. Publications by a single author should precede joint publications by the same author. Do not use the shortened et al form in the bibliography. If
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there are two books by the same author in the same year, give them a, and b.
The bibliography should be single-spaced within titles and double-spaced between authors. Titles of books and journals should be emphasised in italics. Do NOT use numbers or bullet points – the simpler the better.
Examples:Single author:Denney, D. (2005) Risk and Society. London: Sage Publications.
Joint authors:Crawford, A. and Newburn, T. (2003) Youth Offending and Restorative Justice. Cullompton: Willan.
Edited book: Lee, R. and Stanko, E. (eds) (2003) Researching Violence. London: Routledge.
Normally, edited books should not be included in the bibliography under the editors’ names, but be included under the names of the cited authors who wrote the chapters, e.g.:
Chapter in an edited book:Bury, M. and Gabe, J. (2006) ‘Television and Medicine: Medical Dominance or Trial by Media?’ In D. Kelleher, J. Gabe and G. Williams (eds) Challenging Medicine. London: Routledge.
Journal article:Beck, U. (2000) ‘The cosmopolitan position: Sociology of the second age of modernity’. British Journal of Sociology 51: 1: 79-107.(Note it is not necessary to write Volume 12, Number 3, pages 55-66).
How to Cite Websites Using HarvardWhen citing websites in your essays, it is important to give enough information in the body of your essay to identify the source using the Harvard system of referencing, and then to support this with a full reference in your bibliography. Be aware that some information you obtain from websites may come from published sources (such as the reference to the Youth Justice Annual Statistics below). In these cases, it is better to cite the source as a normal text and include it in the ‘Text’ section of your bibliography.
Citing Websites
In the essay itself, identify the website in brackets, eg: (YJB website). If you cite different pages from the same website, distinguish them
by adding a lower case [a], [b], [c], etc after the reference to the website in your essay, and then match this lettering in the full reference in your bibliography.
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In your bibliography, give full details, including the URL of the website and the date it was accessed in an alphabetical list.
The bibliography should be split into separate sections, eg: Cases, Texts, Websites.
Example TextThe following example text demonstrates how to cite references within the body of your essay using the Harvard system of referencing:
In England and Wales, over 300,000 offences resulted in an order or other disposal through the youth courts in 2005-2006 (Home Office, 2006: 7). Young offenders may receive a range of court orders if they are convicted, from referral orders as a first court disposal, through to custody under a detention and training order (YJB website [a]). Currently, 2,821 young offenders are being held in custody in young offender institutions (YJB website [b]). The use of custody for young offenders is subject to considerable academic concern (Newburn, 2007; Morgan and Newburn, 2007). Twenty-seven children have died in custody since 1990, an average of two per year (Howard League website).
Example Bibliography
Adams, J. (1995) Risk, London: UCL Press.
Albrow, M. (1996) The Global Age, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Becker, G. and Nachtigall, R. (1994) `”Born to be a mother”: The cultural construction of risk in infertility in the US’. Social Science and Medicine 39: 4: 507-18.
Home Office (2006) Youth Justice Annual Statistics 2005/06, London: HMSO
Morgan, R. and Newburn, T. (2007) ‘Youth Justice’ in Maguire, M. Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Newburn, T. (2007) Criminology, Cullompton: Willan Publishing.
WebsitesHoward League website, accessed 14.11.08http://www.howardleague.org/index.php?id=213
YJB website [a], accessed 14.11.08http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/yjs/SentencesOrdersandAgreements/DTO/
YJB website [b], accessed 14.11.08http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/yjb/Whatwedo/Custody/
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It is worth spending the time in earlier pieces of written work getting this system right. Once you get into the habit of always using the same style of referencing, it will feel automatic and quite straightforward.
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DISSERTATION STRUCTUREYour dissertation is one of the final pieces of work leading to the award of a BSc. It is important to think about its structure, so that you have a relatively clear idea of the ways in which your topic can be housed within it.
As a general rule it will be easier for you to engage with a topic that interests you intellectually and harder to manage one that is so remote that you find it boring, or so close emotionally that you find it overwhelming. Balance is not everything, but it is a key component of showing that you are the fulcrum for a topic that is considered by you in a poised way.
You can choose to undertake a research-based or literature-based dissertation.
The Front PageThis should be similar to the one for essays, namely
The Programme title Your candidate number The course code for the dissertation The title of the dissertation The exact word length
An AbstractSummarise your dissertation here in 300 words or less. Try to distil the content and shape for the reader that gives an accurate idea of what the key issues, themes and debates are that you are considering, and the ways in which you’ve considered them, and any core findings that have emerged through your enquiry.
Contents PageA clear neatly laid out list of the contents really signals a well-organised product. Take time to ensure that each chapter is listed, and where possible any sub-divisions within chapters.
The Chapters in a Research–Based DissertationUsually you will want to include (as a minimum) the following:
Introduction: As for essays, this introduction will give the reader a beginning account of what you have chosen to examine and why you’ve chosen to do so. It also states how you intend to proceed, and what the rest of the chapters basically contain.
Literature Review: Again, as for an essay, but with greater depth and breadth, you will tell the reader what the key issues are that you are addressing, and why it is from your point of view that they are addressed
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in the way that they are here. You will map out what is known, what is emerging, and any areas that remain unknown or under explored in relation to the issues you have identified. You will need to demonstrate your ability to compare, analyse and or critically synthesise the current literature. Don’t just list all the different studies and their findings in your area of interest. Let the reader know which ones are important to your research and how you can use the knowledge gained from past research to help you with your study. Because of the relatively short word length for a BSc dissertation, try and be precise about your focus. Shine your light brightly on a small area of your interest, rather than attempting to cast a more diffuse light over a bigger area. Summarise the chapter by identifying the key issues, and by briefly pointing to how they connect to the next chapter.
Methodology: Here you are making a credible case for the methods you will employ to examine the issues that emerged during the literature review. Begin the chapter with a statement of what kind of research design you will be using and then follow this up with an explanation for choosing this design. Then go on to do the same for the methods, including the reasons for discarding other methodological approaches in favour of the one(s) you chose. Describe your sample of respondents and their contexts. Give an account of any ethical issues you encountered and how you responded to these. Say how your research design helped or obstructed the process of gathering data, and any ways in which expected and unexpected things happened during the enquiry. Similarly, give an account of how you analysed the data, and any ways in which you think this was fruitful or limited (ending on a positive note).
Results: Begin by summarising the results briefly, so that it creates a foundation for what you are about to lay out in more detail. Then you can begin to systematically compare and contrast your local findings with the key issues identified in the literature review. You may find it helpful to structure the results using the key issues as sub-headings.
Data Analysis: When collecting data, data analysis is a separate section. In this section you explain your findings. Say what your results confirmed, and how they differed from the literature. Synthesise and evaluate, adding
your own balanced views, and drawing the chapter down to a comprehensive set of statements that make a bridge between the
literature and your own findings.
Conclusion: Say what your findings are and why you think they are of significance. Give an honest appraisal of the strengths and limitations of the methods of enquiry, once again trying to end on a positive note. Always try to let the reader know that you are aware that your research has some limitations, but that it also adds to the existing body of knowledge in whatever field you decide to research. And finally, state where you or other researchers should go from here. Point the way.
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For a literature review-based dissertation the points made under the headings `literature, review’ and `conclusion’ apply. Under methodology you should discuss how you went about your literature search, what data bases you searched and what key words you used and how you narrowed down your focus to make your review manageable.
Finally: An accurate bibliography that lists all the reference to other work made in the body of the dissertation should be followed by a list of appendices.
RESEARCH ETHICSStudents undertaking empirical work involving data collection directly from research participants (observations, interviews, questionnaires, group discussions, recordings, videos, etc) must receive ethical clearance before proceeding with their research. It is the joint responsibility of the student and supervisor(s) to ensure that such clearance has been obtained. The first step in this process is completion of an Ethical Review Form, which can be obtained from the admin office. These forms provide the basis for a decision to proceed to any or all of the following: departmental ethical review; review by Royal Holloway Ethics Committee; review by a Local or Multiregional Research Ethics Committee (LREC or MREC)
Dissertation SupervisorOnce you have decided on a dissertation topic you will be allocated a member of staff as a supervisor. Supervisors are allocated on the basis of their expertise and their other workload commitments.
The role of dissertation supervisor is to give advice about the suitability of a topic; about appropriate reading; about the structure and organisation of the dissertation; and about the way in which it should be presented. Dissertation Supervisors are available to meet with students a maximum of 2 hours per term in prearranged meetings.
Dissertation Supervisors are responsible for keeping a record of meetings with their students. If a student has not appeared for supervisory sessions, the supervisor will inform the student's personal adviser at the end of term. The supervisor can look at a draft of a dissertation, provided that it is handed in 4 weeks prior to its final submission date to the college. The supervisor will not pre-grade the dissertation draft.
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MARKING CRITERIA
Undergraduate Marking Criteria / Descriptors for Honours Assessment
90 – 100% Outstanding work of publishable quality; well structured, correct use of grammar and spelling. Demonstrating not only an exceptional degree of knowledge about Criminology and Sociology, but originality and creativity and / or exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. Shows critical understanding of relevant research papers and reviews.
80 – 89% Outstanding work which displays a well developed logical theme using correct grammar and spelling. Demonstrating a high level of knowledge about Criminology and Sociology, originality and creativity. Evidence of wide reading which includes recent research papers and reviews and an ability to use relevant examples.
70 – 79% Excellent work displaying a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subject together with the ability to evaluate critically selected aspects of current knowledge. Evidence of wide reading which includes research papers and reviews. A well structured piece of work, few spelling errors and sound knowledge of syntax.
60 – 69% Shows a good knowledge and understanding of the subject with no major gaps or omissions. Displays ability to analyse, interpret and organise information to produce coherent accounts. Evidence of wide reading beyond lecture notes and standard texts. The ability to formulate a coherent theme using proper grammar and spelling.
50 – 59% Shows a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the essentials of the subject with an ability to integrate information into a clear, well-structured account, but lacking in breadth or depth, or with some significant aspects omitted. Evidence that sources other than lecture notes and set texts have been consulted.
40 – 49% Shows a general knowledge and understanding of the subject but very limited in depth or breadth. Little or no evidence of reading around the subject. Work displaying deficiencies and omissions but not serious enough to warrant a failure.
30 – 39% Marginal Failure – knowledge and understanding of the subject are fragmentary, some aspects showing a very basic level of understanding but other aspects displaying fundamental errors and omissions. An Unstructured piece of writing demonstrating problems with syntax to the point where sentences become devoid of meaning. Paper demonstrates significant spelling and grammar lapses.
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20 – 29% Very limited range of knowledge with many important gaps and omissions. Shows incomplete understanding with numerous errors of interpretation.
10 – 19% Shows only the most limited and fragmentary knowledge of the subject with little or no understanding of essential principles and concepts.
0 – 9% Virtually devoid of any evidence of knowledge or understanding of the subject.
N.B.These descriptors are intended to apply to all assessed student work that contributes to the final degree award, and to be adapted by Departments to reflect the specific requirements of the particular subject discipline, including published subject benchmark statements.
Honours Classification
Class Overall Average1st 70-100%2i 60-69.99%2ii 50-59.99%3rd 40-49.99%Non-honours degree 35-39.99%
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ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Deadlines for submissions of academic work
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
First Year – Autumn Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
SO1014 Week 6 – Mon 25/10/10
Introduction to Sociology - Essay 1
1400-1600
CR1011 Week 8 – Tues 9/11/10
Introduction to Criminology
1400-1600
CR1013 Week 9 - Tues 16/11/10
Criminal Justice System - Essay 1
1400-1600
SO1015 Week 11 – Mon 29/11/10
Social Problems and Social Policy - Essay 1
1400-1600
First Year – Spring Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
CR1013 Week 5 – Tues 8/02/11
Criminal Justice System
1400-1600
CR1012 Week 7– Wed 23/02/11
Psychology of Morality and Behaviour
1400-1600
SO1014 Week 8 – Mon 28/02/11
Introduction to Sociology – Essay 2
1400-1600
SO1015 Week 10 –Wed 16/03/11
Social Problems and Social Policy – Essay 2
1400-1600
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Second Year – Autumn Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
SO2011 Week 8 – Mon 8/11/10
Research Methods 2500-3000
CR2013 Week 9 – Mon 15/11/10
Key Perspectives and Debates in Criminology
1400-1600
CR2016 Week 10 – Tue 23/11/10
Crime and the Law 1800-2000
SO2014 Week 10 – Tue 23/11/10
Sociology of Contemporary Society – Essay 1
2500-3000
SO2018 Week 11- Wed1/12/10
Lost in Music 2500-3000
Second Year – Spring Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
SO2014 Week 4 – Tue1/2/11
Sociology of Contemporary Society - Essay 2
2500-3000
SO2012 Week 5 – Mon 7/2/11
Data Analysis for Social Scientists - 1
2500-3000
SO2019 Week 5 – Wed 9/02/11
Sociology of the Family
1800-2000
CR2015 Week 7 – Tue 22/02/11
Violent Crime 1800-2000
SO2014 Week 9 -– Tue 8/03/11
Sociology of Contemporary Society – Essay 3
2500-3000
SO2012 Week 10 - Tue 15/3/11
Data Analysis for Social Scientists - 2
2500-3000
CR2013 Week 11 – Mon 21/03/11
Key Perspectives and Debates in Criminology
1400-1600
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Third Year – Autumn Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
SO3019 Week 6 – Wed 27/10/10
Youth and Society – Essay 1
2500-3000
CR3021 Week 8 – Wed 10/11/10
Crime, Literature, and the Media – Essay 1
1000 - 1500
CR3022 Week 10 – Wed 24/11/10
Critical Readings in Criminology and Sociology – Essay 1
2500-3000
SO3017 Week 11 – Tue 30/11/10
Health, Medicine and Society – Essay 1
2500-3000
CR3020 Week 12 – Tue 7/12/10
Risk Insecurity and Terrorism – Essay 1
2500-3000
Third Year – Spring Term
Course Code
Submission Date
Course Title Word Length
SO3019 Week 2 – Wed 19/1/11
Youth and Society – Exercise 1
1000-1500
SO3017 Week 3 – Wed 26/1/11
Health, Medicine and Society – Essay 2
2500-3000
SO3019 Week 5 – Wed 9/2/11
Youth and Society – Essay 2
2500-3000
CR3022 Week 8 – Wed 2/3/11
Critical Readings in Criminology and Sociology – Essay 2
2500-3000
SO3017 Week 9 – Wed 9/3/11
Health, Medicine and Society – Essay 3
2500-3000
CR3020 Week 10 – Mon 14/3/11
Risk Insecurity and Terrorism – Essay 2
2500-3000
CR3021 Week 10 – Wed 16/3/11
Crime, Literature, and the Media –Essay 2
2000-3500
CR3011 Week 11 – Wed 23/3/11
Dissertation 10,000 – 12,000
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Note that CR3021 also has a 15 min presentation to be completed in the Spring term that is worth 10% of the overall unit mark.
Illness or other extenuating circumstancesIf you are taken ill or there are other extenuating circumstances that you believe have adversely affected your performance at any point during the academic year, you must inform your centre/department(s)/school(s) in writing, and provide the appropriate evidence. Additionally, if you feel you need to make a further statement on how you consider your circumstances have had an impact on your work, you should submit this to the Chair of the Sub-board of Examiners in your centre/department(s)/school(s). The Sub-board of Examiners will review all evidence of extenuating circumstances submitted during the year; however, it is at the Sub-board’s discretion whether to take any circumstances into account. There is no guarantee that any allowance will be made. The main points to note are:
(a) It is your responsibility to notify your department(s)/school(s) and Chair of the Sub-board of Examiners, if appropriate, in writing of any extenuating circumstances. Do not assume that if you have discussed your circumstances with the College Health Centre or Counselling Service, or informally with a member of staff in your department/school, that the information will be passed on to the Sub-board of Examiners on your behalf. Members of staff are not permitted to divulge personal information about students in this way; you must inform your department(s)/school(s) in writing if you wish your circumstances to be considered.
(b) It is your responsibility to submit the supporting evidence of your circumstances (see below). For medical or psychological circumstances, this will need to be a note from a suitably qualified medical practitioner (normally a GP or hospital specialist), psychologist or educational psychiatrist as appropriate who has seen you during the period of the condition and is not a close friend or relative and can attest to the impact of your circumstances on your studies. For other personal circumstances (e.g. divorce, or the death of a family member), a written statement of the circumstances from you should be sufficient.
(c) If you are an Undergraduate student, you must submit your written statement and supporting evidence, where appropriate, before 12pm, Wednesday 1st June 2011 (but should also check with your department/school regarding specific assessment/exam related submissions). If you are a Postgraduate taught student, you should notify your department/school by the date set by the department/school, which must be before the Sub-board of Examiners meets to agree marks.
(d) It is recommended that you submit your request and evidence as soon as possible, even if you are unsure whether your circumstances have affected your performance, or you feel that your circumstances are very private or confidential (see below). Do not wait until you receive your marks. Requests for special consideration will not be considered
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retrospectively and the private or confidential nature of circumstances will not later be accepted as grounds for appeal.
You should submit your statement and relevant supporting evidence to the Senior Faculty Administrator in all departments/schools in which you have taken courses, in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ and addressed to the Chair of the Sub-board of Examiners. The request must state clearly how you consider your circumstances have affected your academic performance whether this relates to absence from classes, non-submission of work, and/or the impact on your ability to study and on the quality of your work.
If you have circumstances with long-term implications you should register with the Educational Support Office so that they can assess any needs you might have and arrange for appropriate support to be provided for you. If you have circumstances which continue to affect you in subsequent years and for which it would not be appropriate to register with the ESO you should notify your Sub-Board of Examiners each year.
Please note that it is not possible for Sub-boards of examiners to make accurate and consistent assumptions about the standard of work which a student may have achieved and therefore examiners will not raise individual marks on the grounds of extenuating circumstances. Furthermore, please note the statement ‘that it is at the academic judgement of the examiners whether to take any circumstances into account’.
All evidence must be written in English, or as an official translation obtained by you. Blank forms for completion by medical practitioners can be obtained from the Examinations and Research Degree Office in Registry or downloaded and printed off from: http://www.rhul.ac.uk/registry/examinations/special_arrangements.html
All evidence must include the following information: (a) your name; (b) the name, position and official stamp of the person providing the evidence; (c) the date on which the document is produced;
(d) a description of the nature and severity of the circumstances [NB Please note that if you have a condition which is under investigation, it is not necessary to have this diagnosed before submitting details. The supporting evidence should stipulate the effect of the condition on your work and performance and the relevant information must be submitted before the deadline];
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(e) an exact indication of the period during which you were affected by the circumstances;
(f) an assessment of the effect, if any, which the condition may have had on your work and performance.
If you are an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught student, your statement and relevant supporting evidence will be considered by only a small panel of examiners, including the Chair of the Sub-board of Examiners, the Head of Department/School and at least one of the Visiting Examiners, in a closed meeting to protect your privacy.
Absence from an examination / failure to submit coursework If you miss an examination or fail to submit a piece of assessed coursework without acceptable cause, you will normally be given an outcome of ‘Incomplete’. If you miss an examination or fail to submit a piece of assessed coursework through illness, or other acceptable cause for which adequate documentation is provided in accordance with section 6 above, the Sub-board of Examiners may take this into account when considering your results.Please also note the guidance given above in (a), (b) and (d) and about disclosure of extenuating circumstances.Special arrangements for examinations for students with special needs
For students with special needs there is a process to apply for special arrangements for your examinations and other forms of assessment. Such requests should be made to the Educational Support Office (ESO) which will carry out an assessment of your needs. Please see section 8.1 Students in need of support (including students with special needs) for further guidance about registering with the Educational Support Office.
Submission of written workStudents are given an overall assessment schedule at the beginning of each year, so that they know well in advance when a piece of assessed work is due. This will also enable staff to provide students with clear and concise feedback in a timely fashion (approximately 4 weeks).
All work is submitted anonymously in hard copy attached to a feedback form obtainable from the Centre administration at the start of term. All work must be submitted electronically via the plagiarism detection software Turnitin at www.submit.ac.uk , which is set up by the administrator at the start of the year. You will be issued with course ID’s and passwords before the first submission date.
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Please read the section on plagiarism to ensure that your work abides by college regulations; work that has been deemed to show evidence of plagiarism may result in a course mark of zero and may possibly lead to disciplinary action.
Extensions to deadlinesExtensions for assessed work must be applied for in advance so that work submitted late but with good reason and in line with College Regulations (e.g. certified illness, serious personal difficulty or family bereavement) and within the agreed extension deadline, will not be penalised. An 'Application for Extension' form can be downloaded from the department website. Except in emergencies extensions must be submitted to the Chair of the Sub-Board of Examiners with satisfactory supporting documentary evidence where appropriate no later than one week prior to the original deadline.
Penalties for over length workThe following is the College policy and applies to all students on taught programmes of study:
All over-length work submitted on undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes will be penalised as follows.
For work which exceeds the upper word limit by at least 10% and by less than 20%, the mark will be reduced by ten percentage marks*, subject to a minimum mark of a minimum pass.
For work which exceeds the upper word limit by 20% or more, the maximum mark will be zero.
*eg: a mark of 65% awarded would be reduced to 55%
In addition to the text the word count should include quotations and footnotes. Please note that the following are excluded from the word count: candidate number, title, course title, preliminary pages, bibliography and appendices.
Penalties for late submission of workThe following is the College policy and applies to all students on taught programmes of study:
All coursework should be submitted by the specified deadline. Please ensure that you are aware of the deadlines set by your department(s). Work that is submitted after the deadline will be penalised as follows:
For work submitted up to 24 hours late, the mark will be reduced by ten percentage marks* subject to a minimum mark of a minimum pass;
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For work submitted more than 24 hours late, the maximum mark will be zero.
*eg: a mark of 65% awarded would be reduced to 55%
If you have had extenuating circumstances which have affected your ability to submit work by the deadline these should be submitted in writing, accompanied by any relevant documentary evidence, to your department(s). As with all extenuating circumstances it is the discretion of the examiners whether to accept these as a reason for having not submitted work on time. Please see the section on applying for an extension to the deadlines set, and the section for details on submitting requests for extenuating circumstances to be considered.
PlagiarismDefinition of plagiarism
'Plagiarism' means the presentation of another person's work in any quantity without adequately identifying it and citing its source in a way which is consistent with good scholarly practice in the discipline and commensurate with the level of professional conduct expected from the student. The source which is plagiarised may take any form (including words, graphs and images, musical texts, data, source code, ideas or judgements) and may exist in any published or unpublished medium, including the internet.
Plagiarism may occur in any piece of work presented by a student, including examination scripts, although standards for citation of sources may vary dependent on the method of assessment. Group working would constitute plagiarism where the discipline or the method of assessment emphasises independent study and collective ideas are presented as uniquely those of the individual submitting the work.
An allegation of plagiarism does not necessarily imply an allegation of intent on the part of the student to cheat. Situations which may, however, imply cheating in this context include: the use of sources which would not normally be available to the student, such as work submitted by others in previous years; an attempt to dismiss the plagiarism when presented with material evidence; collusion with another person; a repeat offence.To identify plagiarism is an academic judgement, based on a comparison across the student's work in general, and/or on knowledge of the sources, of practice in the discipline and of expectations for professional conduct. Academic staff may therefore determine that plagiarism has taken place even if the source has not been identified.
Assessment offencesThe College has regulations governing assessment offences which can found on the following website:
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http://www.rhul.ac.uk/Registry/academic_regulations/Examination_Assessment_Offences.html#Plagiarism.
Offences include plagiarism, duplication of work, falsification, collusion, failure to comply with the rules governing assessment (including those set out in the ‘Instructions to candidates’). The regulations set out the procedures for investigation into allegations of an offence and the penalties for such offences.
Marking illegible scriptsIt is College policy not to mark scripts which are illegible. If you anticipate that you may have difficulty in handwriting scripts which would lead to your scripts being illegible you should contact the Educational Support Office.
Progression and award requirementsThe regulations governing progression and award requirements are set out in your Programme Specification and also more generally in the Undergraduate Regulations
If you do not pass a course unit at a first attempt you may be given an opportunity to resit or repeat the course unit.
Resit of a failed unit - Normally the opportunity to resit any failed parts of a course unit not passed will be during the following academic session.
Repeat – If you are given the opportunity to repeat a course unit you will need to register for the course unit for the next academic session and satisfy afresh the coursework and attendance requirements.
Please note that it is not possible to resit or repeat a course which you have passed.
September Resits for First Year Students OnlyFor Undergraduate First-Year students only resits may be made available in September prior to the next academic session. To qualify the following criteria, which are set out in the Undergraduate Regulations, must be met:
(a) the student must already have passed, been allowed, or been granted exemption from courses to a value of at least two units;
(b) the student may only resit the assessment from courses in which s/he has achieved a mark of at least 30% on the first attempt, except where his/her performance was affected by documented extenuating circumstances deemed acceptable by the Sub-board of Examiners.
This opportunity will be offered only to students who would be in a position to satisfy all the criteria to progress onto the second stage prior to the start of the next academic year.
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Outcomes of course unit assessment The Undergraduate Regulations require that for a student to qualify for final consideration in a course unit by the Sub-board of Examiners, a candidate must first:
(a) have satisfied the attendance requirements specified for the course;
(b) have completed and presented for assessment all work specified for the course within specified deadlines.
The Sub-board of Examiners will determine an outcome and a percentage mark recorded as an integer between 0% and 100% inclusive for each candidate who qualifies for final consideration, as follows:
(a) an outcome of Pass (P) with a percentage mark will be returned where the candidate has gained a mark of 40% or above overall and in all elements of the assessment which carry an individual pass requirement;
(b) an outcome of Fail (F) with a percentage mark will be returned where the candidate has gained a mark of 39% or below overall or in any element of the assessment which carries an individual pass requirement.
The assessment of a candidate who does not qualify for final consideration will be marked Incomplete (IN) without a percentage mark.
The Sub-board of Examiners may return an outcome of Allowed (AL) without a percentage mark where a candidate has satisfied them in the course, but it is their opinion that the candidate's capacity to qualify for final consideration, or his/her performance in the assessment was compromised by illness and/or other adequately documented cause judged sufficient. A student may be granted an outcome of Allowed in courses to a value of no more than three units across the programme, and no more than two units within any one stage.
Students entered to resit an examination will normally not receive an overall percentage mark greater than 50% for that course unit.
For details on the requirements for degree classification please see the section on the Consideration for the Award in the Undergraduate Regulations.
Examination resultsPlease see the Examinations and Timetabling Office website for details of how you will be issued with your results.
The Examinations website is the place where you can access the “Instructions to Candidates” and details of the examinations appeals procedures.
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STUDENT SUPPORTYour first point of reference for advice within the Centre is the administrator in the admin office. Inevitably, problems will sometimes arise that they are not qualified to deal with. The College offers a high level of Student Welfare Support which includes a comprehensive Health Centre, a highly regarded Counselling Service, dedicated educational and disability support, as well as a wealth of financial, career and other advice. Further details of each service can be found on the College web at http://www.rhul.ac.uk/for-students/student-support/
Students with Special NeedsIf you have a disability or special educational need, it is important that you bring it to our attention as soon as possible. The departmental Education Support Office (ESO) representative is Dr Alex Newbury. You must also contact the ESO (Founders East 151; tel: 01784 443966; email: [email protected]) who will arrange for an assessment of needs to be carried out and will advise on appropriate sources of help. Further information is available in the Handbook for Students with Special Needs that can be found on the website.
Student-Staff CommitteeThere is Student-Staff committee on which taught students from all years are represented. The committee meets three times each year and plays an important role in the Centre as a forum for airing student views. You can use the committee to raise any issues which concern you. Notices will appear on the student notice boards giving details of forthcoming elections or the names of current representatives.
Careers InformationThe College has a careers advisory service, housed in the Horton Building, which is open to any student during normal College hours.
Non-academic InformationPlease see the On-line Student Handbook which includes information on non-academic policies, regulations, and codes of practice as well as the Student Charter.
Complaints procedureIf you have a complaint relating to any aspect of the Department or its staff or to any academic or College matter, you should first discuss it informally with your Personal Advisor or with another member of staff in the Department. We would hope that the majority of issues of this kind can be resolved by informal discussion. There are, however, procedures that can be invoked in serious cases. These are set out in the College Complaints Procedures for Students. You should raise your complaint as soon as possible.
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If the complaint concerns an academic decision, there is an academic appeals process. Please note that an academic appeal can only be submitted once you have received your results. Details of the appeals procedures and permitted grounds for appeal can be found on the Examinations Website.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Harassment PolicyThe College regards harassment seriously both in relation to its student and its staff. There is a very clear Code of Practice to be found on the college Health and Safety website.
College Smoking PolicyIn line with British Law, there is no smoking allowed in any of the buildings or within 5 metres of any building. It is the responsibility of the smoker to ensure that smoke does not enter any building. For further information on the university’s smoking policy and procedures please visit the Health and Safety website.
Lone working policy and procedureThe College has a Lone Working Policy and Procedure that can be found on the Health and Safety Web pages Lone working is defined as working during either normal working hours at an isolated location within the normal workplace or when working outside of normal hours. The type of work conducted by Criminology and Sociology students is classified as a low risk activity within College and as such the following advice is relevant:
Lone working is permitted, but it is good practice to ensure that a second person is aware of the first person’s location and that they have access to means of communication.
It is recommended that the second person could be a relative/friend who knows where the first person is located and approximate time of return. Relevant details should be exchanged (e.g. campus number and security telephone number).
Inspections/risk assessments of the work area are by the Departmental Health and Safety Co-ordinator to ensure that hazards have been identified, risks controlled and provisions for emergencies are in place (e.g. escape routes open, fire fighting equipment, first aid etc.).
Any health and safety concerns should be brought to the attention of the departmental administrator or the college Health and Safety office.
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It is likely that most activities will take place on College premises. However, the principles contained in the above section will apply to students undertaking duties outside of campus.
Equal Opportunities"The University of London was established to provide education on the basis of merit above and without regard to race, creed or political belief and was the first university in the United Kingdom to admit women to its degrees.
Royal Holloway is proud to continue this tradition, and to commit itself to equality of opportunity. Specifically, the College’s policy in relation to the admission of students is as follows:
’All persons of the requisite academic standard, whether resident in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, are eligible for consideration for admission as registered students of the College. Royal Holloway does not discriminate against any applicant on grounds of race, gender, age, marital status, details of dependants, the nature of any disability, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs or social origins’.
The College’s Equal Opportunities Statement can be found on the Human Resources website.
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