SPIR handbook
Dear Student,
Welcome to the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary, University of London.
Whether you are studying a single honours programme of Politics or International Relations, taking the Politics and International Relations joint degree, or taking Politics modules as part of a joint degree with another subject, you are an integral part of our School during your undergraduate studies at Queen Mary.
In terms of the quality of our teaching, we have been officially recognised as delivering 'excellent' teaching in a friendly and supportive environment. Our modules cover a broad range of topics in politics and international relations: political theory, government, public policy, processes of democratisation, global development, globalisation, international security, US foreign policy and conflict management. We hope that you will find them informative, stimulating and enjoyable.
In the School of Politics and International Relations you will be part of a multicultural group of students, working alongside academic staff who are enthusiastic and innovative teachers, as well as active researchers. We will do our best to give you appropriate support and guidance throughout your undergraduate degree; it is also up to you to work hard to secure the maximum benefit from your time in the School.
Please take time to read through this Handbook which provides information relevant to your studies.
We hope that you will enjoy your time studying Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary.
Professor David Williams
Head of School
This handbook should be used together with the Academic Regulations. It provides information specific to the School of Politics and International Relations, while http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/ gives information common to all students at Queen Mary. The Academic Regulations provide detailed information on progression, award and classification requirements.
Nothing in this handbook overrides the Academic Regulations, which always take precedence.
You need to refer to the relevant Academic Regulations which are applicable to the year you started your undergraduate studies at Queen Mary. Additionally, the Assessment Handbook also provides important information on Queen Mary's assessment regulations.
The relevant Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook can be assessed via the following link:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/policy/
The information in this SPIR Student Handbook is correct as of September 2020. In the unlikely event of substantial amendments to the material, the School will inform you of the changes.
QM cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of information given in third party publications or websites referred to in this handbook.
SOME SECTIONS OF THIS HANDBOOK ARE SUBJECT TO FINAL REVISIONS, WHERE THIS IS THE CASE, IT IS INDICATED.
Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL
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Extenuating CircumstancesExtenuating circumstances - commonly referred to as ECs - are "circumstances that are outside a student's control which may have a negative impact on a student's ability to undertake or complete any assessment so as to cast doubt on the likely validity of the assessment as a measure of the student's achievement," (Academic Regulations 2020/21, 3.49). Students are strongly advised to read the Advice and Counselling Extenuating Circumstances Guide. https://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/guides/extenuating-circumstances/ Extenuating circumstances may include medical and personal circumstances such as bereavement, but do not include events such as holidays, mis-reading timetables, workload (academic work, and formal employment), computer problems, or not being aware of rules, regulations or procedures. Please note IT issues and submitting the wrong version of an assignment, are not acceptable grounds for applying for ECs. The core principle behind the extenuating circumstances policy is the 'fit to sit' rule. By taking an assessment, a student declares themselves fit to take it; any claim for extenuating circumstances relating to that assessment shall not normally be considered. The Extenuating Circumstances policy is to help students where circumstances are beyond their control. It is a short term measure and claims for extenuating circumstances are not automatically approved. Students need to explain the reason for the claim and provide appropriate documentary evidence. If you are experiencing any difficulties, you must tell someone at the time in order to get the appropriate advice and assistance. Normally this would be the student support officer or your academic advisor, however there are other sources of advice and support available to you which can be accessed through the Advice and Counselling Service. Anything that a student tells a member of staff will be treated as confidential. Please note: Unless students report their extenuating circumstances formally at the time then it is very difficult for QMUL to help them in terms of their studying. QMUL does not accept retrospective claims for extenuating circumstances so students need to tell someone about their problems as soon as possible.
How do I make an Extenuating Circumstances claim? The Extenuating Circumstances task on MySIS allows you to register extenuating circumstance claims against summative assessment elements/modules where it is felt that illness or other circumstances led to non-attendance or non-submission. The task can be found on MySIS under its own section entitled Extenuating Circumstances. Any student registered for assessments will automatically have access. To add a claim, log in to your MySIS account and click on Extenuating Circumstances in the menu bar at the top of the screen. This will bring up a summary showing your personal details, details of your programme and various headings denoting different stages of the claim process. To add a new claim, click on the New Claim button. To help you navigate the claim process there is a PDF 'Extenuating Circumstances Student Guide'. You can find this via the MySIS extenuating circumstances home page. QMUL requires students to submit appropriate documentary evidence to support claims for extenuating circumstances. The evidence must support the claim and the requested length of extension e.g. ‘fitness to work’ note, letter from a doctor or counsellor, copy of a death certificate, letter from a solicitor. QMUL will allow students to ‘self certify’ on three occasions during the academic year. This means that students are not required to submit evidence. However, the Senior Tutor will decide whether the claim is approved. 'Self certified' claims cannot be granted for a period longer than 7 days.
EC Coursework Applications: Students are expected to submit assignments by the stated deadlines. If you are experiencing difficulties, you should contact the Student Support Officer. If you miss a deadline, SPIR advises students to submit claims as soon as possible after the submission deadlines. This will allow SPIR to support students who are experiencing difficulties and minimise the risk to students falling behind with their studies and their assignments. All Coursework-related EC applications are considered by the Student Support Team and you will receive a decision notification email when your form has been processed. You should hear a decision within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application, this time may vary depending on the volume of applications received. We cannot grant immediate decisions, therefore you are advised to inform us immediately once you are aware of any problems outside of your control that will affect your ability to submit work on time. You must CONTINUE TO WORK on your coursework while you are awaiting a decision and submit your work as soon as it is complete to QMplus or via email to spir-assessments@qmul.ac.uk if you cannot submit via QMplus. Therefore any delays you experience in the EC application process cannot be used as a justification for further EC claims.
If you submitted your coursework late while awaiting a decision and your application becomes approved, then some or all of any late penalty you incurred may be removed.
It is possible to claim retrospectively for extenuating circumstances, where it was not possible for you to have submitted the claim at the time, and if your applications is received within the EC deadline (before the end of the relevant semester). If approved, some or all of any late penalty you incurred may be removed Exam related EC applications.
Exam related applications will be considered before the final meeting of the Subject Examination Board by the Extenuating Circumstances Sub-committee. All discussions on this committee are strictly confidential and student names are not used. You will receive a decision notification email from the Student Support Manager shortly after the Examination Board has met to consider your application. If you have taken any examination/s, Queen Mary considers you to have been fit to do so. Please note that we cannot accept any applications or additional documentation after examination boards have met. NOTE EC deadlines for
2021- 2022:
Joint Honours Students MUST refer to the Student Handbooks of their other School for guidance on policies and procedures. If you are unsure of any procedures speak to either School Office. | ||
Extra-curricular opportunitiesAt QMUL we have designed our courses, as well as many of the offerings provided to students through our Careers and Enterprise team, to broaden opportunities for you as a Queen Mary undergraduate, within and beyond higher education, so that you will be supported in planning and managing your ongoing professional development. Our approach is firmly grounded in the core Queen Mary values of respect for, and engagement with, the local area and communities, with a distinctive focus on enabling you to make a genuine societal impact through leadership in your chosen field. We have organised various modules and opportunities around the key themes of networking, multi- and inter-disciplinarity, international perspectives, and enterprising perspectives to assist you with fully realising your potential. There will be a menu of such modules available for you to choose from, together with a range of extra opportunities available to you through Careers and Enterprise (normally offered on Wednesday afternoons). All have been designed to offer you a wide range of experiences, and many can be included in the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). This allows you to demonstrate to employers the learning gained from your involvement in extra-curricular activities. Your academic adviser will work with you to support an
individualised approach, to assist you realise your ambition and full
potential. Additionally, within SPIR there is the Politics and International Relations Society: https://www.qmsu.org/groups/politics/ Regular 'Coffee and Politics' events are organised; students will be notifed of these events in advance of the date. | ||
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Faith at QMULQMUL welcomes over 25,000 staff and students on its campuses in London and is committed to encouraging religious understanding, freedom of speech and open social interaction. QMUL is proud of its diverse multicultural population. With a variety of faiths among staff and students, our facilities are designed to be places where people of all faiths are welcome to use the spaces for contemplation, reflection, meditation and worship. Please, visit Faith at QMUL for further information, including facilities and services, policies and guidelines and other useful information. | ||
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Glossary of TermsThis section explains some of the main terms that you are likely to encounter in this handbook and in your studies. Academic credit: An indicator of the amount and level of learning. Given in multiples of 15. Academic level: The relative complexity, depth of study, and learner autonomy required in relation to a module in the context of its discipline. Each module shall be assigned a level from the following scale:
· Level 3: Foundation or pre-degree level (previously level 0) · Level 4: Introductory (previously level 1) · Level 5: Intermediate (previously level 2) · Level 6: Final (previously level 3) · Level 7: Masters (previously level M) · Level 8: Research level
Academic year: A period running from September to August. The developmental years of most undergraduate programmes follow academic years, and policies and regulations are normally written by academic year. See also developmental year, and calendar year. Advanced standing: Prior, certificated study from another institution deemed equivalent to QM modules from which exemption is sought. Assessed coursework: Coursework that students are required to complete and submit, and which contributes in whole or in part to module marks and awards. Award: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate certificates, diplomas, bachelors degrees (with and without honours), and undergraduate and postgraduate masters degrees. The awards offered by QM are detailed in the Ordinances and the Academic Regulations. Calendar year: A twelve month period. Many masters programmes run for a full calendar year, which may cross two academic years. See also academic year; developmental year. Classification Mark: The weighted average of a student’s performance, calculated in accordance with the regulations for the award, on which the classification of the award is based. Component of assessment: See Element of assessment. Compulsory module: A module that must be taken to meet requirements for progression or award. Core module: A module that must be taken and passed to meet requirements for progression or award. Core modules cannot be condoned. Co-requisite module: A module that must be taken at the same time as another, specified, module. Course, course unit: See Module. The terms course and course unit are no longer used. Delegated authority: Where the authority invested in an individual or body is delegated to another individual or body for a specified purpose. Developmental year: A year of a programme. Normally one academic year of full time study, during which a student is normally required to be registered for 120 credits of modules. Developmental years for part time students normally last two years. See also academic year and calendar year. Dissertation, project, research project: An extended piece of independent study assessed by an output report or extended essay. The dissertation or project comprises a significant part of most masters programmes. In these regulations, the term ‘dissertation’ also refers to projects and research projects.Element of assessment: An individual item of assessment. The assessment for a module may comprise several elements of assessment. Enrolment: A process by which individuals with offers of places to study become students of QM. New students must pre-enrol before enrolment, and returning students must re-enrol each year. Extenuating circumstances: Circumstances that are outside a student’s control which may have a negative impact on a student’s ability to undertake or complete any assessment so as to cast doubt on the likely validity of the assessment as a measure of the student’s achievement. External examiner: A senior professional academic from outside QM who monitors the assessment process for fairness and academic standards. Field of study: The description of the modules passed by a student. Represented in the title of the award conferred upon a student.
First take: The repeat of a module following failure at a previous attempt. This involves attendance and completion of all elements of the module, and submission of all assignments, whether assessed or not. First takes count towards the value of academic credit for which a student must normally be registered in an academic or developmental year. Module marks for first takes are not capped. First takes incur pro rata tuition fees. Intercollegiate examiner: An external examiner from within the University of London. Invigilated examination: A timetabled summative examination that contributes in whole or in part to the module mark. Level: See Academic level. Module assessment: Assessment of the performance of a student on a module. This may include a variety of elements and forms, including coursework, dissertations, and practical assignments. Module: An approved block of teaching and learning leading to the award of academic credit and forming part of a programme of study. ‘Module’ also refers to course, course unit, subject, or any equivalent approved unit of assessed teaching. Module mark: The overall module result. This may be an aggregate of marks from several elements of assessment, which may be weighted. It is held to one decimal place. Notional study hours: The number of hours required to complete an academic credit, module, or programme. Pathway: A specific combination of modules within a programme leading to a named award. Prerequisite module: A specified module that must be taken before a second specified module can be taken. Programme regulations: The regulations for an individual programme of study, approved by Senate, or its delegated authority. Programme of study (programme): A package of modules approved by Senate, or its delegated authority, and leading to an award of QM or the University of London. Progression: The process of moving from one developmental year to the next, or from the taught element to the project element of a programme. Project: See Dissertation QMACF: Queen Mary Academic Credit Framework. The structure of academic credits and levels applied to all modules and programmes leading to awards of QM or the University of London (introduced in 2008). Qualifying mark: A specified minimum mark that must be obtained in one or more elements of assessment in order to pass a module. This is in addition to, and distinct from, the requirement to achieve a pass in the module mark to pass the module. For example: ‘Students must obtain a minimum aggregated and weighted coursework average of 30.0, and a minimum module mark of 40.0, in order to pass the module.’ Registration: A process by which a student signs up for modules of a programme of study. Required assessment: Assessment that students are required to complete to a prescribed standard and to submit, but which does not contribute to the module mark. Research students: Students registered for a programme of study specifically designated as a research programme. Research programmes have separate Academic Regulations. Resit: The repeat of all or part of a module’s assessments, following failure at a previous attempt. Resits do not involve the repeat of attendance for the module. They do not count towards the value of academic credit for which students must normally be registered in an academic or developmental year. Retake: The repeat of a module following failure at a previous attempt. Retakes involve attendance and completion of all elements of the module, and the submission of all assessments (summative and formative). They count towards the value of academic credit for which students must normally be registered in an academic or developmental year. Retakes incur pro rata tuition fees. Special regulations: Programme regulations that diverge from the general Academic Regulations for good reason, and which are approved by Senate or its delegated authority. The special regulations are detailed in Sections 6 and 7 of the Academic Regulations. Students: Students of QM. Ordinance C1 describes ‘those persons who are students of QM and associate students of QM’. The Academic Regulations apply to all students undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate study at QM, and to any persons whom Senate declares to be students of QM. Subject: The term by which modules (see Module) are known for the LLB and other programmes that operate under the LLB regulations. Where the term ‘module’ is used in these regulations it also refers to subjects, unless otherwise stated. Taught component: The parts of a programme delivered as taught modules, as opposed to dissertations or projects. The term is generally used in relation to postgraduate programmes. Total credit value: The total amount of academic credit required for an award. Threshold requirement: A progression requirement for MSci and MEng programmes. Students must achieve a year - or aggregate - average (threshold) to progress to the next developmental year. This is in addition to the credit requirements for progression. Assessment types definitions Invigilated examination (short code EXM): A formal, timed and invigilated assessment that takes place under the regulations for invigilated examinations. To include but not limited to: seen and unseen examinations (including on-line examinations) that take place in QML’s formal examination periods. Coursework (short code CWK): An assessment that takes place during the module. To include but not limited to: essays, reports, presentations, poster presentations, seminar/tutorial work, in- class or in-semester tests, mid-sessional examinations, project proposals, gobbet exercises and homework sheets. Practical (short code PRA): An assessment that requires the application or demonstration of knowledge and/or skills/competencies in a practical context. To include: laboratory work, computer work, performances, fieldwork, Organised Structured Clinical Examinations and oral assessments in languages. Dissertation/project (short code DIS): An extended piece of independent study that is assessed by the output report or long essay. To include but not limited to: dissertations, research projects and project reports. Professional capability (short code CAP): An assessment of a student’s professional attitude and conduct to meet the requirements of a Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body. To include but not limited to: assessment of behaviour and conduct (primarily for primary qualifying medical and dental qualifications but may be appropriate in other programmes). Grades used in MySis
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In-Course AssessmentTo be eligible
for a Queen Mary degree you must
complete an approved programme of
study. Your programme of study is comprised
of a selection of modules, and it is
the final mark achieved in these
modules that is used to calculate your overall classification mark/final classification. Coursework Submission You are expected to submit all elements of assessments for each of your modules, by the advertised deadlines. Failure to do so may result in your failing the module and will affect your final classification. You must submit one electronic copy of all assignments. Your electronic copy must be submitted via Queen Mary’s Virtual Learning Environment (QMPlus). The School has a policy of anonymous marking. Your name must NOT appear anywhere on your work, only your student number. Your electronic copy must be submitted by 11.55 pm on the deadline date, and will be retained and screened by anti-plagiarism software (Turnitin) You must ensure that you include the coursework feedback and cover sheet as the first page of your assignment. Coversheets are available alongside assignment links on QMPlus. REMEMBER:
It is your responsibility to make sure that the assignment has been uploaded successfully. Make sure that you have uploaded the right file. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your essay. The email will be sent to your QMUL account (please check your junk mail folder if the email does not arrive to your inbox). It is important that you give yourself sufficient time to check your submission has been successful; this is another good reason for submitting well ahead of the deadline. If you are having problems uploading your assignment, please contact Helen Murray (spir-assessments@qmul.ac.uk) in the School Office. Participation in Formative Assessments Formative assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. It does not contribute to your final module mark, but it is an integral part of the learning process. You are expected to participate in these assessments which can be subject related quizzes, or exercises linked to module materials on QMPlus. Your seminar
tutor is available to give
assistance and guidance on what is expected
with regards to module assessment and they
are a vital source of feedback. Although they
can recommend specific reading and discuss
essay plans they cannot read and comment
on complete rough drafts of essays. Each piece of work that you submit will be subject to a strict deadline. It is important that you meet all deadlines. Extensions will not be given just because you have to submit multiple assessments on the same day. It is your responsibility to ensure you manage your time efficiently to meet the demands for all of your modules. If
you are unable to meet any of your
deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances,
such as medical problems or a family tragedy,
you must contact the Undergraduate Student
Support and Timetabling Manager immediately
who will advise you to complete an extenuating circumstances form.
You will need to submit this,
complete with supporting
documentation, to the Office.
NOTE: Coursework submitted late, will be penalised at the rate of 5 marks for each 24 hour period, or part thereof, after the set submission date. An assignment handed in 7 days or more late will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero (0FL) to indicate it was received too late. College academic regulations state that students must complete all components of a module i.e. coursework and examination to pass that module. If you do not submit an item of coursework and do not have extenuating circumstances you may fail the module. | ||
Interruption and Withdrawal of StudiesInformation on interruption & withdrawal of studies, including links to the relevant forms, found here: http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/study/interrupting/index.html http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/study/withdrawing/index.html Please note that the Registry deadlines are as follows: Interruption/withdrawal before Jan 2022 exams - 5 January 2022 Interruption/withdrawal before May 2021 exams - 4 May 2022 | ||
IT ServicesIT Services Our services to support students range from email and internet access, to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and high performance computing in support of research. There are a number of rooms around the campus that contain computers which students can use. You sign in using your Queen Mary username and password. In general, any computer you use will have all the applications that you need for your course available to you. Your IT Account: Details of your Queen Mary username and password will be emailed to your personal address before you enrol. The IT Service Desk is the first point of contact for all IT help, support and advice You can Live Chat with the Service Desk 24/7 http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/contact/, call on 020 7882 8888 or raise a ticket via the Self Service portal https://servicedesk.qmul.ac.uk/. Visit us in the Queens' Building on the Mile End Campus. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Find an available PC on campus: an interactive map showing which rooms have empty seats http://availability.stu.qmul.ac.uk/ Print, Copy, Scan: There are printers in the computer rooms and in the Library. The larger devices in the Library also offer copying and scanning facilities alongside printing. We also offer a wireless printing service. You are charged for printing and copying by clicks (one click = one side of paper). The cost of a single side is 4p but drops to 3.5p when you print double-sided. All students get £10 each year through your iPay account for printing and copying. The CopyShop: A quick, professional and cost-effective photocopying and printing service. We can print a range of items for you, including: Theses/Dissertations, Lecture notes, Posters and much more. Book Scanning Service: The CopyShop offers students a professional scanning service. If you wish to retain a section of a publication for study use, the CopyShop produce a clear image without fingers tips, black areas and poor results for you. We can also scan materials you wish to include in your research materials in the correct format you need, for example Research Posters. Wi-Fi: The wireless network you use to connect your devices is eduroam. Halls of residence are fully networked with Wi-Fi and a wired socket in each study bedroom. Access to e-mail, QMplus the online learning environment and other services relevant to your study at Queen Mary is available from the internet as a whole. Mobile app: Queen Mary’s mobile app is available as a native app for Android (version 2.3.3 or higher) and iOS (version 6.0 and above) devices. The app allows you to do a number of things on the move, including: check your course timetables, log into QMplus and your Queen Mary email, search for and renew library books directly from your phone. Policies: The use of IT facilities is covered by University regulations prohibiting, among other things, software piracy and unauthorised computer use. IT Services policies are published here: http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/governance/policies/index.html The IT Services website contains information on a number of our services and includes a range of self-help guides http://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/support/index.html Contact the IT Service Desk Telephone: 020 7882 8888 (24/7) Self Service: https://servicedesk.qmul.ac.uk IT Services on the web: www.its.qmul.ac.uk | ||
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Late Submission PenaltiesCoursework submitted late (and
there are no extenuating circumstances), will be penalised at the rate
of 5 marks for each 24 hour period, or part thereof, after the set submission date. An
assignment handed in 7 days (168 hours) or more late will not be marked
and awarded a mark of zero (0FL) to indicate it was received too late.
The provisional grade you see on QMPlus is before any late penalty is
applied; adjusted marks after the application of late penalties can be
seen on MySIS. Where a student fails a module as a consequence of late penalties
in an assessment, the original mark prior to the deduction of penalties
for late submission will be automatically used for the resit attempt.
Please refer to further information on resits. | ||
Libary ServicesLibrary Services Library Services at Queen Mary provide the study environments, resources and staff to support your learning during your time at the university. For 2020 we are providing as many ebooks and other eresources as we can, so you can gain access to online readings from wherever you are. Also we have a team answering emails at library@qmul.ac.uk who we will help you use the eresources and answer any questions you may have. For subject support please see the Library Subject Guides available from the Library Website. For support with finding, using and evaluating information and information about the academic skills services, please see our Find it! Use it! Reference it! module on QMPlus [https://test.qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6819] You will find more detailed information for new students on the library’s welcome page. The online services are backed up by some socially distanced service points who will provide drop-in help. We will be offering socially distanced study space in our 3 libraries at Mile End, Whitechapel and West Smtihfield, each with a character and ambience of their own. As this is such an unusual year, we will be offering some click and collect borrowing services, and some self-service borrowing. You will find up to date details of the library services for the new academic year on the library website [https://www.library.qmul.ac.uk/]Archives & Special Collections Archives & Special Collections manage institutional and personal archives dating from the 18th Century to the present day, as well as collections of rare or special materials. Digital Archives are accessible via our website. To get started exploring the collections, try searching the archives catalogue: http://archives-catalogue.library.qmul.ac.uk/CalmView/default.aspx. Visits to the Archives Reading Room on the 2nd floor, Mile End Library, are by appointment in advance; these appointments are limited for the start of 2020/21 due to social distancing in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, but this will be reviewed and updated during the course of the year. The Archives Reading Room provides silent individual study space in which to access and research using these collections. For more information, see the Archives website: http://www.library.qmul.ac.uk/archives. Other libraries As a college of the federal University of London, Queen Mary students have access and borrowing rights at Senate House Library: https://www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk/ Contacts General: Telephone: 020 7882 8800 Email: library@qmul.ac.uk Website: www.library.qmul.ac.uk Twitter: QMUL Library (@QMLibrary) Humanities and Social Sciences: Email: library-hss@qmul.ac.uk Twitter: QMUL Library HSS (@HssQmul) Medicine and Dentistry Email: library-smd@qmul.ac.uk Science and Engineering Email: library-sande@qmul.ac.uk Twitter: QMUL Lib Sci&Eng (@QMULLibSciEng) Information about current research, developments and events within the disciplines of Science and Engineering. S&E Library Update (@seqmullibupdate) Sister feed to @QMULLibSciEng. Provides the latest news about your favourite databases and search tools. | ||
