Faculty of Life Sciences and Education School of Health, Sport and Professional Practice
BSc (Hons) Police Sciences Foundation Year Course Handbook 2018/19
BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL As the Head of School for Health, Sport and Professional Practice, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the University of South Wales. We are all committed to ensuring that you have the highest possible student experience during your time with us and I know that your lecturers will provide strong support as you progress through your course. You will have some excellent opportunities to develop during your time with us and I urge you to take these. I sincerely hope that you not only learn and grow whilst you are with us but also enjoy the experience of learning and being in a University which cares very much about its students.
Dr James Gravelle
Head of Health, Sport and Science
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4.
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Introduction and Welcome from the Course Leader The Course/School Context Introduction to the course team Course Content and Description Course Aims and Learning Outcomes Course Map Your Learning Access to Materials Online – Unilearn The Learning Process Academic Misconduct Study Skills Assessment Types of Assessment Your Schedule of Assessments How to Submit Work Feedback on your Work How we Mark Referencing Extenuating Circumstances Reassessment Arrangements Your Progress Personal Coaching and Progress Monitoring Attendance Library Services How your Degree Classification is Calculated External Examiner Student Casework (Student Regulations) Your Feedback Student Representatives and Student Mentors Employability Careers and Employability Service Grad Edge (undergraduate courses only) Materials and Equipment for the Course Print Services Field Trips and Co Curricular Activity Timetable Term Dates Course Timetable Our expectations of you I.T. Regulations and Social Media Keeping in Touch Changes to Personal Details Welsh at University of South Wales / Cymraeg ym Mhrifysgol De Cymru Health, Safety and Wellbeing Student Support Services General information
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
1. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME FROM YOUR COURSE LEADER Welcome to the University of South Wales and to the Foundation Year for Police Sciences. This handbook will provide you with the information you need about your course and its organisation. It tells you about how the scheme operates and acts as a useful ‘Go To’ guide for information about the major sources of help available here at the University. It also outlines key assessment regulations and essential information about appeals and disciplinary procedures. Other information in this booklet includes details of some of the key staff connected with your course, and a calendar of important dates e.g. term dates, holidays, etc. Your programme of study will be based at the University’s Glyntaff Campus, both the Upper and Lower areas. This degree has been designed to meet the needs of those wishing to forge an exciting career within policing. Your employability is important to us, as is your overall student experience and the teaching team here are keen to ensure that you progress, develop and learn in an environment that is professional and challenging and makes full use of a wide range of assessment and learning methods. Enjoy your learning with us and make sure that you take every opportunity you are presented with. Make sure that you look back on your time with us at USW with fond memories and no regrets. This is your chance to shape your future career and get the knowledge, skills and experience you require to help you get that dream job in years to come. The efforts you put in now will pay dividends in the future. Policing is changing and it needs well qualified graduates who are equipped to deal with the challenges the future will no doubt bring. We are here to support you in your learning so if you need to locate a particular member of staff then please do this by either e-mailing or calling at their office(s) as shown on page three of this handbook. You will have access to your own personal copy of your student set timetable but you are strongly advised to check your student set timetable on Unilife on a regular basis, as updating will inevitably occur from time to time. We all wish you every success in your studies!
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Sharan Johnstone
Emily Scally
Foundation year – Course Leader sharan.johnstone@southwales.ac.uk
Foundation year – Course Tutor emily.scally@southwales.ac.uk
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
2. THE COURSE/SCHOOL CONTEXT The University of South Wales is situated in various locations across South Wales, including the town of Pontypridd and the cities of Cardiff and Newport. Your course is run by the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education and you will be studying within the Glyntaff Campus. However, you also have the opportunity to use facilities at campuses other than the one your course is based on.
Details of the facilities available at each of the campuses can be found on the Campus Facilities UniLife1 page, or by following this link: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3028-campuses-mapsand-facilities
Initially, the majority of you will not know where to go, or where your classrooms are. If you are unsure on where to go, please ask a member of staff or other students, or alternately, you can search for a room number using this link: FindARoom at the University of South Wales:
NB. Hyperlinks to key information are included throughout this document. To open the hyperlinks (usually shown in underlined coloured text) simply hold the Ctrl Key down and click the link with the right mouse button. Disclaimer: The information contained within this handbook is accurate at the time of publication, however it is subject to change. 1
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
3. INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE TEAM Details of the lecturers delivering on the foundation year of your BSc (Hons) Police Sciences are listed below. Some staff are based at the Glyntaff Campus and some specialists are brought in to teach on a part-time basis. Module Leaders for each module are identified bellows at (ML). Name
Role
Mrs Helen Martin
Module/s
Room
Phone
Head of Police Sciences
EM105
01443 654368 helen.martin@southwales.ac.uk
Miss Emily Scally
Part-Time Lecturer
Science for Law Enforcement Officers
EM104
01443 654260 emily.scally@southwales.ac.uk
Mrs Allison Turner
Part-Time Lecturer
Digital Literacy and Numeracy in Policing
allison.turner@southwales.ac.uk
Dr Hilary Miller
Part-Time Lecturer
Police Law and Crime Investigation; Careers in the Police Service; and Foundation Performance and Development
hilary.miller@southwales.ac.uk
Dr Dean Whitcome
Simulation Suite/ Hydra Operator
Hydra Minerva Activities EM114
01443 483046 dean.whitcombe@southwales.ac.uk
Mr Daniel Welch
Lecturer (ML)
Introduction to Critical Analysis in Police Sciences
01443 654260 daniel.welch@southwales.ac.uk
Dr Gareth Powell
Senior Lecturer (ML) Science for Law Enforcement Officers
AW117A 01443 482113 gareth.powell@southwales.ac.uk
Mr Mark Boulter
Senior Lecturer
AW119 01443 654393 mark.boulter@southwales.ac.uk
Police Law and Crime Investigation
EM104
If you have a query about a module which is taught by a Part Time Lecturer (Hourly Paid Lecturer HPL), please be aware that it may take a little longer to receive a response. If your query is urgent, please contact the relevant Module Leader. If you need to speak to a member of staff and you cannot find them in their base room then you can email them or phone them to arrange a convenient time. Please bear in mind that staff, when away from their desks, will probably be teaching or in meetings, but staff are always willing to help.
Advice Centres/Zones Each campus has an Advice Centre/Zone. The University is currently moving from Centres to Zones so you may encounter either term. Advice Centre/Zone staff offer a friendly, impartial and nonjudgemental service, where you can talk openly in a confidential environment. They can work with you to find a resolution including guiding you towards any specialist support you may need. If you are experiencing difficulties or Extenuating Circumstances, whether these are personal or academic, and these are affecting your ability to study, please make the Advice Centre/Zone your first port of call. Details of each campus Advice Centre/Zone can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3235
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4. Course Content and Description The course aims and learning outcomes are focused upon students acquiring the knowledge and employability skills to gain employment within the police service and other sectors including management, security industry, Customs and Excise, Inland Revenue, immigration and boarder control, trading standards and the Military. The educational aims and learning outcomes reflect the standards stated by the College of Policing and local employers including Wales’s largest police service South Wales Police.
Course Aims and Outcomes Provide students with up-to-date knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviour which will give them an advantage in initial police training and promotion through the ranks in the police service. Equip students for further study in Criminology, Criminal Justice or Forensic Science. Foster the development of an enquiring, open-minded and reflective attitude, which encourages lifelong learning and training within and beyond the Police Service; Develop advanced critical and analytical powers in students through a detailed examination of contemporary issues in policing and supporting subjects; Encourage an appreciation of the ways in which technology, management and training can be best used and evaluated within the Police Service; Develop relevant personal and transferable skills to prepare the student for employment, particularly in the Police Service; Enable students to develop their understanding of the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of individuals, groups and organisations within the modern Police Service; Develop an ability in students to take an objective, innovative and realistic approach to problem solving. Encourage students to take into account issues of diversity and Human Rights in their careers within the Police Service. Develop an understanding of the complex inter-relationships between the Police Service, society and government agencies and the implications of such relationships to modern policing.
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
Course Map BSc (Hons) Police Sciences FOUNDATION YEAR Module Titles All Modules are 20 Credits
Module Codes (Hyperlinks to Full Module Descriptions)
Science for Law Enforcement OďŹƒcers
PC0S001
Introduction to Critical Analysis in Police Sciences
PC0S003
Careers in the Police Service
PC0S004
Foundation Performance and Development
PC0S005
Police Law and Crime Investigation
PC0S006
Digital Literacy and Numeracy in Policing
PC0S007
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Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
Your Learning The course is taught in a modular scheme through the medium of lectures, tutorials, and practical classes. The actual approach adopted varies from module to module. Tutorial classes are normally held with groups of up to 28 students, but lectures obviously larger still. For logistical reasons (e.g. laboratory work) you may find some practical groups will be much smaller, these are called Lab Sets. Within this course, tutorial classes tend to be a mix of both lecturer-led and student-led, depending on the topic. A wide variety of teaching methodologies are used in the presentation of lecture material in order to encourage and to foster your learning capabilities, to enable you to achieve the aims of the course. Formal lectures are used to impart a pool of knowledge particularly in the early stages and also to define the basic areas of study. The learning processes are then continued, developed and consolidated through other methods, but (most importantly and crucially) this all hinges on your own personal study through self-generated wider reading. Tutorials, project work, laboratory work, case studies etc. are all structured so as to promote maximum participation by all students. You will experience simulated learning in the Hydra Minerva suite run by Dr Dean Whitcombe. This suite enables learners to come together in teams to work on a particular issue in small rooms called ‘pods’ and these pods contain computer screens, keyboards, printers and CCTV cameras. This enables a facilitator or facilitators to observe team activity across five pods via a control room. Students have provided positive feedback on using the simulation suite because it gives them the opportunity to respond to situations in a safe environment where they can learn from their experience but there are no ‘real life’ consequences for their actions. Whatever the structure, however, the returns you will get will be a reflection of the effort you have personally put in, so your eventual success is firmly in your own hands throughout the course! The contact time for each module will vary, but will approximately average out at 2 hours per module per week. Remember that you will be expected to do an average of another 3 hours support study per module on your own. This is a vital part of study at university: You are ‘reading’ for a degree and to that end, we expect you to add to the basic framework we provide, through wider and more detailed study. We are encouraging you to be a self–sufficient, lifelong learner. Due to the nature of this course, combined with the logistics of: l l l l l
accommodating visiting speakers / lecturers, accommodating occasional timetable constraints staging Interactive Assessments staging practical exercises staging field trips
…plus ensuring all this occurs so that it provides maximum benefit for the large numbers of students on each year, there will sometimes be a need for a little flexibility by you. The timetable will be adhered to as closely as possible and deviations kept to a minimum with any changes advertised in advance, giving as much notice as possible. However, as the timetable ‘day’ runs from 8am until 9pm, be prepared to occasionally start early and work late outside of your weekly timetable! You will find your Year Tutor and teaching staff will always take that extra step to ensure you have quality input and support. We ask that, in return, you acknowledge that fact by being flexible should occasion arise. Teamwork applies to your relationship with University staff as well as with your peers
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
Access to Materials Online – Unilearn The University’s online learning environment, UniLearn, provides access to information about your course, through your Course Organisation, and materials and for each of your modules to support your learning as set out in the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Minimum Requirements Policy. Further details and help with using UniLearn can be found at: http://studentit.southwales.ac.uk/
Details of all your assessments are provided through UniLearn and short-notice changes will also be posted here, so it’s important to log in regularly.
The Learning Process You will be involved in three types of learning: 1. Contact with your lecturer (supported hours). 2. Study outside class times as directed by your lecturer (directed learning). 3. Study at your own initiative (independent learning). Together, these make up the ‘total study hours’. A 20 credit module has 200 total study hours and you take 120 credits in an academic year (so you study 6 x 20 credit modules). Therefore in total, your course equates to 1200 study hours per year, which is the equivalent of a full time job during term time. The proportion of supported hours, directed learning and independent learning will change during your studies. For example, in your first year you may have more supported hours in comparison to your final year as by this stage you will be capable of advanced independent learning. While we understand that many students need to take on paid work to make ends meet, you must think very carefully before committing to time-consuming jobs or extracurricular activities as you don’t want your studies to suffer.
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
Academic Misconduct The 2018/19 University of South Wales Academic Misconduct Regulations define academic misconduct as: ‘any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other member(s) of the academic community’ Developing knowledge often requires us to consider the work of other scholars and practitioners. For example, if you were analysing a famous work of art, or piece of music it would make sense to find out what other scholars have written about the subject as well as developing your own opinions. Understanding how to use the work of other scholars and practitioners, including your peers, to develop your own insights into a subject is an important professional skill. It is not acceptable to use the work of others without explicit acknowledgement. In this context, ‘work’ means words, ideas or creative output. It doesn’t matter if this ‘work’ is published or unpublished, including material from the internet. This means that whenever you include the work of others in your own assessments, you must provide a reference. Referencing correctly allows you to give respect to the original creators of the work. During your course, you will be expected to follow professional academic conventions to acknowledge when you have referred to others’ work. If you fail to do so, this could be considered an academic offence, for which there are penalties which could affect your final results. The main categories of academic misconduct are: The main categories are as follows: l l l l l l l
Intention to break the regulations Plagiarism Cheating Contract Cheating Falsification Recycling Collusion
Click here to find out more about referencing and how to avoid plagiarism.
Study Skills A comprehensive list of helpful online resources and information related to study skills including writing, referencing and I.T. skills can be found at: http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
5. ASSESSMENT Types of Assessment The methods of assessment adopted within year one have been chosen to reflect the nature of the assessments expected of those entering the policing profession. There is a mixture of phase tests and examinations with practical and interactive exercises too as well as more traditional reports and essays. Assessment is both summative and formative. This means that some of your assessments will not generate a recorded mark but will be used to facilitate learning and give you and you tutor an idea of your progress. A schedule of summative (formally recorded after a period of learning has taken place) assessments for the foundation year can be seen below.
Assessment Schedule (September Start) BSc (Hons) Police Sciences FOUNDATION YEAR 2018 - 2019 Module Code
Module Title
Module Leader
Assessment 1 Method of Assessment Date of Submission
Assessment 2 Method of Assessment Date of Submission
PC0S001
Science for Law Enforcement OďŹƒcers
Helen Martin
Practical Assessment (50%) 22/11/18
Academic Poster (50%) 03/04/19
PC0S003
Introduction to Critical Analysis
Daniel Welch
Essay (50%) 11/12/18
Presentation (50%) 19/03/19
PC0S004
Careers in the Police Service
Helen Martin
VLE Task (50%) 11/01/19
In Class Test (50%) 05/04/19
PC0S005
Foundation Performance and Development
Helen Martin
In Class Test (50%) 18/01/19
Interactives (50%) Week 38
PC0S006
Police Law and Crime Investigation
Helen Martin
Presentation (50%) 04/12/18
In Class Test (50%) 19/03/19
PC0S007
Digital Literacy and Numeracy in Policing
Helen Martin
Portfolio (50%) 06/02/19
Report (50%) 10/04/19
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How to Submit Work Arrangements for the submission of your coursework will be confirmed by your individual module tutor(s). The University has a policy of online submission via the Turnitin® (which is accessed via Blackboard) and therefore the majority of your work will be submitted via this facility. However, you will be advised of alternative arrangements where online submission is impractical. For further information and guidance relating online submission please refer to the Turnitin Guide2 on UniLife. Please note that unless you are advised of a specific hand-in time, the following deadline times will apply: l l l l l
Online submissions – 11:59pm (23:59) Physical submissions at the Advice Zone (all submission of work should be electronic and submitted via Turnitin unless other instructions are expressed by your Module Tutor). You should keep electronic copies of all submissions. You should retain your copy of the electronic receipt generated when you submit work via Turnitin. If you experience IT difficulties when submitting work you should email an electronic copy BEFORE the deadline to the Module Tutor informing them of your difficulties. An electronic copy must still be submitted at a later date and must be identical to the one emailed to the Module Tutor with the document properties showing no further modifications.
By submitting a piece of work you are declaring that you are ‘fit to sit’ the assignment. This is still the case even if you have submitted and been accepted as having extenuating circumstances. If you meet the submission deadline, you will be awarded the full mark that your work is worth. If for some reason you fail to meet the deadline, then you have FIVE working days in which to submit your work but the maximum mark you can be awarded for this piece of work is 40% as this work will then be ‘capped’ at 40%. If you hand in your work later than FIVE working days past the deadline, or if you do not hand in the work at all, you will receive a mark of 0. Please note that all assignments should be submitted online unless your faculty has formally approved an exception for other forms of submission. The Advice Zone should be used for physical submissions, unless you have arranged assignment submission/receipting with the Advice Zone. Please note that the Advice Zone can only receipt assignments that have been formally approved as being exempt – for further information see the Assignment Submission Required Process: http://celt.southwales.ac.uk/documents/download/285/
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http://studentit.southwales.ac.uk/assessment/tii-guide/
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How we Mark and Feedback There are several safeguards in place to give you confidence that your work is being marked fairly, and that your marks are equitable with other courses at the University and across the UK. After your lecturer has marked your work, a double marking and moderation process takes place, whereby coursework is checked by a second marker. This ensures that the marks which have been awarded are fair. Finally, an External Examiner from another University also checks the work and verifies that the grades awarded are on a par with those at other Universities. Further details are viewable on these websites: http://asaqs.southwales.ac.uk/media/files/documents/2017-0327/Regulations_for_Taught_Courses_1617.pdf The purpose of feedback is to help you understand how you can improve your work in future. Feedback doesn’t just happen at the end of the module, or when you have submitted a piece of assessment. It happens continuously throughout your course – and in a variety of ways. Feedback can be very informal, such as a verbal comment from your lecturer on how you well you have done in a class-based activity. This is called formative feedback. It doesn’t contribute to your module mark, but this feedback helps you to understand what you need to do to succeed in your assessed work. You’ll get more formal written or verbal feedback on your assessed work – called summative feedback - within 20 working days of submission (this is often referred to as ‘the 20 Day Rule’.
20 days may seem like a long time to wait, but please remember that your lecturers have lots of other duties as well as marking, such as teaching other modules, research and administration. When you receive feedback, whether it is formal or informal, written or verbal, you should always consider it very carefully as it will help you to achieve even better results next time.
S.A.F.E Assessment and Feedback System In September 2018, we will be introducing a new assessment marking and feedback system called SAFE. Your assessments will be created in the SAFE system which will produce a grade rubric which will highlight how many marks are allocated to each section and a grading rationale for fail, pass, merit and distinction. When your submission has been marked and second marked, your grades will be released and you will receive a PDF document which will outline your submission by section and highlight where you have performed well and areas for development. This will be supported by feedback from your lecturer. It’s important that you familiarise yourself with the grading rubric before commencing your assessment.
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An example of a grading rubric can be see below:
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Referencing Students are required to follow the USW Harvard referencing guidelines. These guidelines are for all in text citation as well as reference lists to be placed at the end of pieces of work. Don’t panic, you will be taught how to do this during some teaching sessions. However, please become familiar with how to references, further guidance can be found this hyperlink: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/referencing/
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Extenuating Circumstances We recognise that there are certain times when you may not perform as well in an examination or assessment as you might have expected to do. In order to ensure that all students are treated fairly, and to make sure that students with genuine reasons for poor performance are not disadvantaged, the University has implemented an extenuating circumstances procedure. Further information on the procedure and how to submit a claim are available from the Extenuating Circumstances page on Unilife http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3018extenuating-circumstances
And the FAQ section on Advice Zone Online: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3370-advicezone-online?locale=en If you are experiencing diďŹƒculties or Extenuating Circumstances, whether these are personal or academic, and these are aecting your ability to study, please make the campus Advice Centre/Zone your first port of call.
Details of each campus advice centre/zone can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3235
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
Reassessment Arrangements The examination boards will determine whether you have passed your ‘modules’ and then whether you can progress to the next level of your course or receive your award. If you fail some of your modules, the board may decide to offer you re-sits and these usually take place in August. Please make sure that you do not arrange holidays during a re-sit period – these dates are available at the start of each year. You should assume that in order to pass the module at re-sit you will need to get 40% in every part you resubmit or re-sit. If you fail any module overall or an element of a module assessment which has been identified as a passing requirement you may retrieve the failure through a re-sit. A re-sit is defined as an opportunity to pass a module without further teaching input. Only failed elements of assessment may be retaken, marks for passed elements of assessment are carried forward. If you do not re-sit a failed element, a mark of 0% will be given for that element. You must take the re-sit at the earliest available opportunity3. However, where a subject assessment board determines that this is not possible, for example because the assessment requires studio facilities or involves group work, they are held in the following academic session. Re-sits are only allowable in cases of failure. Examiners cannot require you to re-sit any passed modules and you cannot choose to re-sit a passed module in order to improve a grade.
The overall module mark for any re-sit module will be capped at 40%. Please note that if you have to re-submit an assessment it is your responsibility to find out the date of resubmission (on UniLife) and seek supervision prior to the resubmission. Information on results and re-submission is not sent to you via a letter through the post; it is only available via your student online account.
What Happens Next…? First of all: 1. Check your results - do you understand them? l Check out the section - ‘What does it all mean?’ 2. Identify which elements of the module(s) you need to re-sit – is it coursework, Assignments, examination, clinical learning/practice outcomes or a combination of these? l Check the module recommendation codes in ‘What does it all mean?’ 3. Put the re-sit / resubmission date in your diary, this detail will be attached to your results letter. 4. Utilise the support available to help prepare for your re-sit / resubmission. l Check out the section – ‘What to do next’ 3 Most re-sits are held during the re-sit period, usually in August. Consequently you may wish to ensure that any holidays you arrange do not coincide with the re-sit period.
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What does it all mean? If you have not successfully completed all of your modules your results will indicate the reason(s) in the form of a module recommendation code. This will begin with either: Fail = referral – this means you have been unsuccessful at passing course work and/or an exam or you have failed to achieve your clinical learning/practice outcomes. You will need to re-sit / resubmit as a second attempt. FA = first attempt - which means previous attempts can be discarded. You will be allowed to sit an exam or hand in coursework as if it were for the first time. This is usually the case when you have been granted Extenuating Circumstances.
What to do next l l l l l l
Read your failed assignment including the markers comment sheets – these should give you a clear idea of why you were unsuccessful in your assessment. Make an appointment to discuss your assignment / examination paper with the first marker. You will find their name at the bottom of the markers comments section. Ensure you are clear about why you were unsuccessful and what you need to do to pass the next time. Seek supervision for your re-sit / resubmission from your original supervising tutor. Discuss your progress with your Personal Tutor. They will be able to help you draw up a study plan for you re-sit / resubmission and your ongoing assessment workload. Make use of the additional support systems available
Glyntaff Advice Zone (Student Advice) Tel. 01443 654355
www.southwales.ac.uk
Student Development and Study Skills Service Tel. 01443 482080
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BSc (Hons) Police Sciences | Course Handbook
6. YOUR PROGRESS Personal Coaching and Progress Monitoring The Year Tutor will have regular contact with you. Your Year Tutor will also be your Personal Tutor, whom you are also encouraged to approach at any time to discuss any issues or ask for help or advice. Your Year Tutor will change from one year to the next. Please make yourself known to your personal tutor within the first few weeks of the first term. You may not need your personal tutor - (most students never do) - but if you do, that first contact will already have been made. As well as your teaching staff there may also be other staff that can provide help on various non-academic matters with whom you feel comfortable discussing matters and you may wish to use the services and advice offered by the Advice Zone (The Elaine Morgan Building)(see below). All matters discussed will be treated confidentially. Advice Zones are your first point of contact for advice and information regarding university life. Friendly Advice Assistants will be able to answer and advise on your queries, questions or concerns and can book appointments and make referrals to specialist teams and services such as Counselling, Disability and Dyslexia, Money Advice and Student Progression. Details of Advice Zones can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3235
If you are being taught at a Partner College e.g. through a franchise course, please contact your college in the first instance if you have queries.
Advice Zone Online is the University’s online student support system. It is one central place where you can access support Advice Zone Online lets students view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and ask new questions, which will connect them with the right team at the University to get help. Appointments with a range of support services can also be booked here. Miss Emily Scally, Foundation Year Tutor, BSc (Hons.) Police Science EM 104 Elaine Morgan building, Lower Glyntaff E-mail emily.scally@southwales.ac.uk
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Attendance Attendance is crucial to your academic and personal success. Students who attend lectures regularly often achieve the highest grades. We know that there is proven link between your engagement through attending classes, good use of the Virtual Learning Environment (UniLearn), frequent library usage and your success. In some classes your attendance may be formally monitored. Your personal academic coach is also likely to discuss your attendance and engagement in your one-to-one coaching sessions. If you are studying on an international study visa, you will be required to report regularly to the University in order that the University can confirm you are actively engaged in your studies. Sta on your campus and course will advise you of their particular requirements for reporting. Click here to find out more about the University’s attendance requirements and your obligations if you are an international student on a Tier 4 study visa.
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Library Services You can visit any of the University libraries for help with finding information, to access a PC or to find a place to study. There is much more to your library than books on shelves. You have access to a library collection that includes a wide range of ebooks, DVDs and CDs, journals, newspapers, theses, specialist collections, statistics and maps. Your online experience is well supported through extensive access to ejournals, ebooks and other electronic resources. Each library oers a range of study spaces to suit your needs. The friendly and knowledgeable sta are on hand to provide guidance and support in person, online or via telephone. Further information can be found at: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/
How your Degree Classification is Calculated Information regarding how your degree is classified can be found within the University Regulations for Taught Courses listed under section A.2.9.5: http://asaqs.southwales.ac.uk/regulationstaughtcourses/
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External Examiner The External Examiner is an independent academic from another institution who reviews a sample of work from your course to assure the University that marking is fair, that we have applied our regulations properly, and that standards are comparable to other Universities. All Universities have an External Examining system and their role gives further assurance, beyond the marking and double marking that your tutors already do in-house, that marking is sound. The External Examiner for Police Sciences is Jackie Roberts, a retired Chief Constable.
Can I contact my External Examiner? No. External Examiners are required to remain impartial at all times and they do not participate in determining marks for individual students. Students should not attempt to contact any External Examiner, and External Examiners are not permitted to respond to contacts made by students or anyone on behalf of a student. They will refer the contact back to the University. If you wish to see a report written about your course or a part of your course you should email the Academic Standards and Quality Service at extexam@southwales.ac.uk
Student Casework (Student Regulations) Student casework is the term that the University uses to group the following sets of regulations: l Academic Appeals l Academic Misconduct (including plagiarism) l Extenuating Circumstances l Fitness to Practise l Fitness to Study l Student Conduct l Student Complaints Further information can be found at: http://uso.southwales.ac.uk/StudentCasework/
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7. YOUR FEEDBACK As students of the University of South Wales, we expect you to be committed to enhancing the reputation of the University for your own benefit as well as that of future students. For this reason, we provide many ways in which you can tell us about your experiences. You can do this through one of the following ways: l
l l l
You can give feedback about your modules and courses at any time via Loop (https://loop.southwales.ac.uk). Your feedback is reported anonymously.
Speak to lecturers and other teaching sta. You can raise issues with Course Reps and Student Voice Reps, who are there to help improve the courses they represent. Also, you can apply to become a Course Rep or Student Voice Rep yourself! In your final year, you will be asked to fill in the National Student Survey (NSS), which benchmarks the University against other UK Universities.
This helps us to improve your experience for the benefit of future students. In addition, all final year students are invited to take part in the National Student Survey, which benchmarks the University against other UK Universities. Each course has Course Representatives, who meet regularly with the teaching team and Faculty managers to feed back on the progress of the course. If you are unhappy, or particularly pleased, with any aspect of your course, you can feed this back to the teaching team via your Course Representative. If you would like to become a Course Representative, please mention this to your Course Leader.
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Student Representatives and Student Mentors The Course Rep and Student Voice Rep schemes are run by the Students Union and have been set up to ensure that students are involved in decision making at University and Faculty level. The role of Course Representatives is to attend meetings and give feedback to Course Management Teams, propose solutions to problems and actively engage in the organisation and running of a course. Elections for Course Reps are held in class during the first weeks of term. Further information about the role and current course representatives can be found at: http://www.uswsu.com/course-reps Student Voice Representatives are appointed at the start of the academic year and are a useful link between students, course representatives, faculty staff and the Students’ Union. For further information about the role and current representatives, ask your course leader or go to: http://www.uswsu.com/student-voice-reps
The University’s Student Mentoring scheme enables students joining the University to receive support on practical issues from more experienced USW students. Further information can be found at: http://studentmentoring.southwales.ac.uk/
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8. EMPLOYABILITY In the second year of BSc(Hons) Police Sciences you will be able to take advantages of the many opportunities available to you to gain recognised work experience. Many of our BSc (Hons) Police Science students become Special Constables or Police Volunteers, for example.
Careers and Employability Service The Careers and Employability Service help students and graduates explore, develop and implement their career plans. Services range from professional individual guidance, sessions on job hunting and application techniques, placement support, and advice on starting your own business. We provide access to national and local employers through on campus events such as the Opportunities Fair, and can help you find a graduate, student or work experience opportunity through our online careers system, Unilife Connect, where you will also find a comprehensive range of interactive tools to help you with your applications. More details of all our services can be found on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/careers Start to think about your career development plans using the My Future Success Tool, which can be found at: http://careers.southwales.ac.uk/my-future
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Grad Edge Supporting your career development at the University of South Wales is the Grad Edge Award. This award is highly regarded by graduate employers. It allows you to highlight the types of skills you have developed whilst undertaking work experience. Many kinds of work experience can lead to a Grad Edge Award, such as part time paid jobs, work tasters or placements, volunteering, work shadowing and ‘live’ projects undertaken as part of your course. To achieve the Grad Edge Award you need to: 1. Reflect on your employability skills and set goals for improvement 2. Engage with a period of work experience 3. Undertake an assessment that looks at how you market yourself to graduate employers via application, CV and interview There is opportunity throughout all years of the course to undertake voluntary work with police forces as Special Constables or Police Student Volunteers. Also, the second year module, Professional Practice and Employability provides time and support to organize and complete 70 hours of work experience. Outside of this, if you wish to undertake the Grad Edge award, this can be discussed in your personal tutor sessions and advice can also be found on the USW Careers website. Further information about Grad Edge is available at: http://careers.southwales.ac.uk/gradedge/
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9. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE COURSE You will be required to purchase selected text books for the course. Although they are widely available from most suppliers, they can be quite costly, so it is advisable to check where you can purchase them most economically before rushing off and spending more than you need to. A word of caution - It is always a risky business to try to utilise law books from the previous year (however much of a bargain they may seem). Legislative changes occur frequently and the only way you can be certain that what you are studying is accurate and up-to-date is to purchase a current set of books. For example, the new edition of Blackstone’s Police Manuals relevant for 2018/2019 will be dated '2019' on the cover. (They usually become available for purchase during August/September of the previous year).
Laboratory work, fieldwork and safety, in relation to Criminalistics Each student must ensure that they receive a copy of the Health and Safety information. It is vital that you study this before you go into any laboratory. You will also require a lab coat and protective glasses. You will not be allowed into a laboratory unless: a qualified member of staff is present l you have a lab coat and safety glasses l
A register will be taken in all laboratory practical classes. Marks are awarded for safely carrying out practical work and write-ups. You cannot gain marks for a write-up if you did not carry out the practical. In order to pass the module, you must complete the practical element. Non-attendance at practical classes will result in failure that will not be able to be remedied until the following academic year. For modules with a practical (laboratory) component, you must have attended and completed at least 80% of the laboratory based programme in order for you to be eligible to pass the module. Library facilities are available on all campuses and these are open to all USW students. As well as books and journals, the library is your gateway to online resources such as ebooks, databases and subject guides. You can book any specialist equipment you need for practical modules and access technical support when you need it. Technical support can be accessed online, by calling 82882 from any University telephone, or from your mobile/landline on 01443 482882.
Print Services The University Print and Design team offer a range of print, design, copy and binding services for students. Further information can be found at: http://uswprintanddesign.co.uk/
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10. FIELD TRIPS AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY Students have the opportunity to take part in organised trips (for example the Law Courts) and numerous specialist guest speakers are invited in during the year to give talks on different topics (for example West Mercia Police to talk to students about joining the ‘Specials’). Students have the opportunity to take part in an International Police Summer School. The venue for the Summer School changes every year. In previous years the venue for the Summer School has been the National Police University in Munster, Germany, and also the Politieacademie in the Netherlands. Both institutes train and educate police officers. During the week, students work in mixed groups to produce presentations based upon a central theme. A theme used previously has been that of ‘Prevention’ and has included road traffic accident prevention, domestic abuse, safety and security as well as learning about the different policing structures and police work from each country.
11. TIMETABLE Term Dates The University term dates can be found at the following link: http://uso.southwales.ac.uk/university-key-dates/
Course Timetable Here is a link to Timetable information for your course. In addition, your Module Leaders will provide you with further information on module content and student groups. Please note that your timetable is subject to change throughout the year. You must check it regularly.
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12. OUR EXPECTATIONS OF YOU What We Expect of You - The Student Charter The Student Charter has been developed jointly by the University of South Wales and its Students’ Union to enable its students to understand what will be expected of them during their studies, and what they can expect of the University. Further information can be found at: https://www.uswsu.com/the-student-charter
I.T. Regulations and Social Media Information around the I.T. and social media regulations of the University can be found at the following links: http://its.southwales.ac.uk/it-regulations/ http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3219-social-networking-facebook-twitter-and-more
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Keeping in Touch, Email and Online Resources The University provides a web portal, UniLife, through which you can access e-mail (University email account), programme materials, library resources, study skills, news and events. You can also browse and reserve library books and equipment online as well as access your personal file storage space. You should check your University email address regularly as although some students prefer to use their own personal accounts, the University will only communicate with you through your University account.
Changes to Personal Details We understand that the personal information you provide to the University at enrolment may change but it is vital that we have accurate contact details for you. We also need your accurate full name as it will be used for formal documentation such as your Transcripts and Certificates. 1. Changes such as your phone number or address can be updated immediately using the online service. By selecting “my account” on the Unlife homepage, and clicking the “update your details” link”. 2. Changes to personal information that is normally permanent can also be made by raising a new question in Advice Zone Online or in person at an Advice Centre/Zone. Details are explained here, please note you will be asked for some evidence to confirm the changes.
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Changes to Module Registration If you decide to make changes to your course or modules, please discuss this with your Course Leader in the first instance. Module amendments can be requested through Advice Zone Online. https://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/
Communication Please ensure that you communicate in a respectful, professional manner with each other, with members of sta and external organisations/individuals. In email correspondence, please be polite and avoid text language. Do not expect sta to answer emails immediately, particularly if you have sent them outside the normal working day. If you have not received a response within two working days, send a polite reminder.
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13. WELSH AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES/ CYMRAEG YM MHRIFYSGOL DE CYMRU Any students who wish to submit work through the medium of Welsh can do so, regardless of whether or not they are studying in Welsh. Please contact your course leader at the start of the module to state if you wish to submit your assessments in Welsh. There are also some opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh, or bilingually. Please contact the Welsh Unit by e-mail cymraeg@decymru.ac.uk for further information. There are opportunities to socialise across the University and with other universities across Wales with the University’s Welsh Society. There is also a Welsh Language Officer on the Students’ Union Student Council, a bursary attached role that allows a student to represent Welsh speaking students in USW. Welsh language classes are available for non-Welsh speakers. Full details are available at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3083welsh-at-university-of-south-walescymraeg-ym-mhrifysgol-de-cymru
14. HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING Fire: If you discover a fire please activate the nearest fire alarm and leave the building via the nearest available fire exit. If the fire alarm sounds, do not stop to collect personal belongings, leave the building immediately via the nearest fire exit. Do not use the lifts. First Aid: If you require first aid please speak to a member of staff who will contact a first aider for you. Alternatively posters are displayed throughout the university with contact numbers for the nearest first aiders. Have you registered with a local Doctor’s surgery? GP surgeries are held at Treforest and Cardiff campuses throughout the weeks. Specialist Nurse Advisers are available on all campuses at various times during the week. Please take a look at the range of support they offer on Unilife http://health.southwales.ac.uk/ Matters of concern: If you are concerned about a health and safety related mater please raise it through faculty staff or your course representative.
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GENERAL INFORMATION INDEX 1.1 Student Support Services There is a variety of specialist student support and facilities available to help you achieve in reaching your academic and career potential: l Accommodation Services l Careers and Employability Service l Chaplaincy l Childcare l Disability and Dyslexia Service l Grad Edge – Developing Employability l Health Service l Immigration and International Student Advice l Resident Tutors in Halls l Sport Centre l Student Mentoring l Student Money Advice Team l Study Skills Service l The Wellbeing Service Further information can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3235
1.2 Campus Maps Some University courses may be delivered upon more than one campus. All campus maps can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3028-campuses-maps-and-facilities
1.3 Find a Room This service provides a room number search facility: FindARoom at the University of South Wales
1.4 Term Dates This service provides a room number search facility: FindARoom at the University of South Wales
1.5 Health, Safety and Wellbeing Fire: If you discover a fire please activate the nearest fire alarm and leave the building via the nearest available fire exit. If the fire alarm sounds, do not stop to collect personal belongings, leave the building immediately via the nearest fire exit. Do not use the lifts. First Aid: If you require first aid please speak to a member of staff who will contact a first aider for you. Alternatively posters are displayed throughout the university with contact numbers for the nearest first aiders. Have you registered with a local Doctor’s surgery? GP surgeries are held at Treforest and Cardiff campuses throughout the weeks. Specialist Nurse Advisers are available on all campuses at various times during the week. Please take a look at the range of support they offer on Unilife - http://health.southwales.ac.uk/ Matters of concern: If you are concerned about a health and safety related mater please raise it through faculty staff or your course representative.
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1.6 Students’ Union The Students’ Union is all about representing you, so if there is something you need from advice on casework to helping you settle in to university life, we will be there. Every student is a member of the Union, regardless of whether you are a full-time, part-time, undergrad or postgrad student. From activities, events and venues to volunteering and skill-development, we strive to make sure you have the chance to enrich every aspect of your student life. We support over 100 clubs, teams and societies, 700 SVR and Course Reps and annually hold over 150 events at our venues. So whether you want to develop your skills, become a representative on your course or socialise with friends, we’ve got it all. And because we’re for students, not for profit, we make sure every investment you make at your SU is put back into the things you care about most. Further information is available on the SU website: http://su.southwales.ac.uk/
1.7 Peer Support – Student Representatives and Student Mentors The Course Rep and Student Voice Rep schemes are run by the Students Union and have been set up to ensure that students are involved in decision making at University and Faculty level. The role of Course Representatives is to attend meetings and give feedback to Course Management Teams, propose solutions to problems and actively engage in the organisation and running of a course. Elections for Course Reps are held in class during the first weeks of term. Further information about the role and current course representatives can be found at: http://www.uswsu.com/course-reps Student Voice Representatives are appointed at the start of the academic year and are a useful link between students, course representatives, faculty staff and the Students’ Union. For further information about the role and current representatives, ask your course leader or go to: http://www.uswsu.com/student-voice-reps The University’s Student Mentoring scheme enables students joining the University to receive support on practical issues from more experienced USW students. Further information can be found at: http://studentmentoring.southwales.ac.uk/
1.8 Study Skills A comprehensive list of helpful online resources and information related to study skills including writing, referencing and I.T. skills can be found at: http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/
1.9 Library Services You can visit any of the University libraries for help with finding information, to access a PC or to find a place to study. There is much more to your library than books on shelves. You have access to a library collection that includes a wide range of ebooks, DVDs and CDs, journals, newspapers, theses, specialist collections, statistics and maps. Your online experience is well supported through extensive access to ejournals, ebooks and other electronic resources. Each library offers a range of study spaces to suit your needs. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide guidance and support in person, online or via telephone. Further information can be found at: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/
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1.10 Print Services The University Print and Design team offer a range of print, design, copy and binding services for students. Further information can be found at: http://uswprintanddesign.co.uk/
1.11 Course Structure and Module Content (ICIS Database) The Integrated Curriculum Information System (ICIS) database provides details of your course structure and module content. You are able to search for module and course specifications to provide you with the necessary detail around your studies. The link to the database can be found at: https://icis.southwales.ac.uk/
1.12 What We Expect of You - The Student Charter The Student Charter has been developed jointly by the University of South Wales and its Students’ Union to enable its students to understand what will be expected of them during their studies, and what they can expect of the University. Further information can be found at: https://www.uswsu.com/the-student-charter
1.13 Student Casework (Student Regulations) Student casework is the term that the University uses to group the following sets of regulations: l Academic Appeals l Academic Integrity (including plagiarism) l Extenuating Circumstances l Fitness to Practise l Fitness to Study l Student Conduct l Student Complaints Further information can be found at: http://uso.southwales.ac.uk/StudentCasework/
1.14 I.T. Regulations and Social Media Information around the I.T. and social media regulations of the University can be found at the following links: http://its.southwales.ac.uk/it-regulations/ http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3219-social-networking-facebook-twitter-and-more
1.15 Access to Materials Online – Unilearn The University’s online learning environment, Unilearn, provides access to materials and resources to support your learning as set out in the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Minimum Requirement Policy. Further details can be found at:
1.16 Examinations Examination information can be found at: http://sasstudent.southwales.ac.uk/examinations/
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1.17 Results Results information can be found at: http://sasstudent.southwales.ac.uk/onlineresults/grade/results/ Result can be accessed on the following link: http://results.southwales.ac.uk Information regarding how your degree is classified can be found within the University Regulations for Taught Courses listed under section A.2.9.5: http://asaqs.southwales.ac.uk/regulationstaughtcourses/
1.18 Careers and Employability Service The Careers and Employability Service help students and graduates explore, develop and implement their career plans. Services range from professional individual guidance, sessions on job hunting and application techniques, placement support, and advice on starting your own business. We provide access to national and local employers through on campus events such as the Opportunities Fair, and can help you find a graduate, student or work experience opportunity through our online careers system, Unilife Connect, where you will also find a comprehensive range of interactive tools to help you with your applications. More details of all our services can be found on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/careers
1.29 Graduation Graduation information can be found at: http://sasstudent.southwales.ac.uk/graduation/ If you are in your final year and expecting to graduate this year, please note that invitations to the graduation ceremonies are sent in the Spring Term via email to your university email address and any personal email address that is held on your student record. Please ensure that these are accurate and up to date. You can update your personal details online using Advice Zone Online, which can be accessed via the Unilife homepage: https://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/ To guarantee a place for you and your guests, please respond to the invitation as soon as possible and by the appropriate deadline. If you have not received an invitation by the Easter vacation, please contact the graduation oďŹƒce - do NOT wait until after your results. Students are invited 'in potentia’ so any student who is deemed ineligible to attend the ceremony following the publication of results will be re-invited to attend the next appropriate graduation ceremony.
1.20 Thank You Thank you for taking your time to read through this course handbook. We sincerely hope that you enjoy your time here at the University of South Wales, and more so, on the Police Sciences course. We all wish you the best of luck throughout your time here, and we look forward to sharing this experience with you all.
Police Sciences Team
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