FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

BA MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

STUDENT PROGRAMME HANDBOOK2015/2016

ContentsWelcome to Canterbury Christ Church University..................................................4Student Charter.....................................................................................................5Programme Guide..................................................................................................6

Programme specification....................................................................................61 General introduction to the programme........................................................62 What are the aims of the programme?..........................................................73 What should you achieve at the end of the programme?..............................74 What will you study?......................................................................................75 How will you be taught?................................................................................86 How will you be assessed?............................................................................97 What are the entry requirements?................................................................98 How should you apply and how will you be selected?...................................99 Where will you be taught?.............................................................................910 How long will you normally need to study to complete this programme?.....911 What will you need to achieve to progress from one level or stage of the

programme to the next?...............................................................................912 What will you need to achieve to graduate and how will your overall grade

be calculated?.............................................................................................1013 Are there any external bodies involved in the development and approval of

the programme?.........................................................................................10Contact information.............................................................................................11Term dates..........................................................................................................11Assessment.........................................................................................................12Submission of work..............................................................................................12Tutorials/Personal Academic Tutors.....................................................................12Modules...............................................................................................................13

What modules am I doing at Level 4 (Year 1)?.................................................13For Combined Honours students the modules are:...........................................13Level 4 – Single and Combined Honours...........................................................13Module outlines Level 4....................................................................................14Level 5 – Single and Combined Honours...........................................................15Level 6 – Single and Combined Honours...........................................................18External Examiner............................................................................................21

Communication....................................................................................................22Attendance..........................................................................................................22University information to support your studies....................................................23

i-zone................................................................................................................23Students’ Union................................................................................................23Employability and Careers................................................................................23

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Student support................................................................................................24Attendance policy.............................................................................................24Extenuating circumstances requests procedures (formerly known as Concessions policy) ...........................................................................................

24 Plagiarism policy...............................................................................................24Academic referencing guidance.......................................................................25Disabled students.............................................................................................25Students studying at partner institutions.........................................................25International students......................................................................................25Feedback on your assessments........................................................................25Appeals policy..................................................................................................26Equality and diversity.......................................................................................26Dealing with bullying and harassment.............................................................26Disciplinary procedures and code of conduct...................................................26Assessment policy............................................................................................26Bribery..............................................................................................................26Student-Staff Liaison policy..............................................................................26Changing modules and programmes................................................................27Policies and procedures for the conferment of awards.....................................27Raising concerns and making complaints.........................................................27Learning resources...........................................................................................27Your Tuition Fee Liability in the event of interruption or early withdrawal from your studies......................................................................................................27

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Welcome to Canterbury Christ Church UniversityThis handbook sets out a range of information and points to a number of important documents to help support you through your studies at the University.

As well as providing details about your chosen programme of study, the handbook also contains links to important regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that apply to all students studying for a University award, whether studying on campus, at a partner organisation, or at a distance.

This information is designed to support you throughout your studies and it is important to familiarise yourself with all the contents of this handbook.

If you find that you have any queries after reading this guide, please contact either your Programme Director (for programme specific queries) or the i-zone for non-programme specific queries:

Canterbury - i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk or telephone: 01227 782222

If you have any suggestions for how this Handbook may be improved for future cohorts, please email your suggestion to: i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk

Contents:

Section 1: Your programme of studySection 2: Regulatory information to support your studiesSection 3: Information, support and guidance whilst studying at University

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Student Partnership Agreement

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Section 1: Your Programme of Study

This section of the handbook contains information that is specific to your programme of study.

Programme overviewWelcome to the long-established School of Media, Art and Design and to the BA Media and Communications in particular, a programme that is continually being developed in relation to innovations in the Media and Communications industries.

Contact information

Members of Administrative and Teaching Staff on the Programme:Tutor Room Email addressJoe Baxter-Webb TBA j.a.webb@canterbury.ac.ukProfessor Shane Blackman

Ef09 shane.blackman@canterbury.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Butler Ef19 andrew.butler@canterbury.ac.ukAsya Draganova TBA asya.draganova@canterbury.ac.ukDr Agnes Gulyas Ef12 agnes.gulyas@canterbury.ac.ukJill Mason (Programme Administrator)

Pf04 jill.mason@canterbury.ac.uk

Rob McPherson TBA r.mcpherson147@canterbury.ac.ukSarah O'Hara(Programme Director)

Es16 sarah.ohara@canterbury.ac.uk

Dr Ruth Sanz-Sabido Es10 ruth.sanz-sabido@canterbury.ac.ukDr Craig Smith Es19 craig.smith@canterbury.ac.ukDr Joanne Woodman(Year 1 co-ordinator)

Ef14 joanne.woodman@canterbury.ac.uk

Beyond the Programme:Julia Bennett(PA and Secretary to Professor David Bradshaw, Head of Department)

Pf02 julia.bennett@canterbury.ac.uk

For computing or non-programme specific queries please contact the i-zone:

Email: i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk Telephone: 01227 782222

Key datesMichaelmas/Autumn TermMonday 21st September – Friday 11th December 2015Lent/Spring TermTuesday 5th January 2016 – Friday 18th March 2016Trinity/Summer TermMonday 18th April 2016 – Friday 17th June 2016

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The resit period is normally during the first week of September.

Programme specification

Welcome to the long established Department of Media, Art and Design and to the BA Media and Communications in particular: a programme that is continually being developed in relation to innovations in the Media and Communications industries.

Faculty and Department(s) responsible

Faculty of Arts and HumanitiesDepartment of Media, Art and Design

Title of the programme award

BA Single Honours Degree in Media and CommunicationsBA Combined Honours Degree in Media and Communications

Primary Exit Point(s) Certificate of HE Media and Communications - Single or Combined (Level 4)Diploma HE Media and Communications – Single or Combined (Level 5)BA (Hons) Media and Communications – Single or Combined (Level 6)

Other Exit Points(s) N/AUCAS code P300 for combined codes go to

http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/StudyHere/HowToApply/UCAS/UCASCodes.aspx

Credit rating 120 credits per year; 360 credits in totalECTS 180Academic Framework Undergraduate Academic FrameworkScheme/Protocols General Modular SchemeProgramme Director Sarah O’HaraMode of attendance (full time/part time/blended learning/distance learning, etc)

3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

Target recruitment numbers

50 FTE

Subject Benchmark Statements

QAA Final statement, March 2008, in Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

Date at which this programme specification becomes effective (i.e. first intake under it)

September 2012

Version number 1Date and details of student cohort to which modified programme specification applies (if revision is sought)

September 2012

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Modules of studyAt Level 4, single honours students will study a core of six introductory modules to enable them to develop skills and understanding of what the media is and how to communicate effectively. These modules are: Introduction to Professional Communications; Contemporary Media Debates; Digital Media; Making Media Meanings and Messages; Media Consumption and Research Skills. Combined honours students study three core modules from this programme and three from their other subject. The core modules for Media and Communications are Introduction to Professional Communications, Contemporary Media Debates and Research Skills. The knowledge and skills gained at Level 4 in these core modules provide a broad foundation for successful progression.

In Level 5, single and combined honours students develop both their understanding of the Media and their skills in analysing and managing how communication is used. Single honours students take three core modules: Media and Society; Media and Creative Industries and Writing for Media Communications. Combined honours students take two: Media and Society and Media and Creative Industries. This allows students to make option choices in more specialist topics areas such as Social Media, Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Media, Popular Culture and Journalism Studies.

In Level 6, students can choose to continue studying specialist areas in more depth or follow a broader base of study. We also further prepare you for the world of work by requiring all Level 6 students to take a core module focussing on management and problem solving skills which can be applied in the media and communications industries as well as other areas of work. Single honours students are also required to take a work-related learning module (which offers the opportunity for work experience) and to conduct a piece of individual research, through either a single or double module. The core modules across the three levels of the degree will develop key practical, conceptual, research and critical thinking skills to improve student employability by the end of the degree. In Levels 5 and 6, module options reflect the broad range of disciplinary areas studied at Level 4 but student option choices in the final two years will ultimately be dependent on student career aspirations.

AssessmentStudents will be assessed through a range of assessment methods, including individual and group presentations, individual and group projects, theoretical and work-related case studies, essays, examinations, reports, portfolios, creative work and reflective pieces on practical projects. Assessment procedures take account of not only the programme members’ newly-acquired knowledge and skills, but also the process of developing skills and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in the world of work. The majority of modules offer more than one type of assessment, being either a mixture of coursework and examination, or just coursework. With coursework, there is a range of assessments that includes more than the traditional essay or assignment. For many assessments, you collect authentic data for analysis and interpretation. Portfolios are a means of assessment in those modules concerned with the practical application of Media and Communications. Presentations occur in several modules because the ability to communicate ideas effectively to a live audience is a key communication skill and very much transferable to the workplace. Finally, examinations are not restricted to the traditional essay question, but are concerned with the analysis of examples of Media and Communications as well as problem-solving of case studies using Media and Communications theory, knowledge and skills.

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If you miss an assessment through illness or misfortune please refer to the Extenuating Circumstances Policy in Section 2 of this Handbook.

Submission of workNormally two copies of each piece of work should be submitted. All assignments must be submitted electronically via the links on the Virtual Learning Environment to be found under the assessment or assignment link (currently via Turnitin via CLIC Learn). However you are required to submit your work, you are reminded that you must keep a copy of the work that you submit.

Tutorial /personal tutoringStaff encourage you to come for academic support tutorials. Staff tutorial hours are posted on their office doors and also on the Virtual Learning Environment for each specific module. Some modules have tutorials built into the contact hours and you will be informed of the timetables for these via the Virtual Learning Environment and/or by email. If you need tutorial support outside a member of staff’s set tutorial hours you should contact them to arrange a convenient time. Remember that academic staff teach on more than one module so they are not always available. Tutorial feedback is also sometimes given by email and it is also sometimes possible to arrange a telephone tutorial or virtual tutorial.

All students are allocated with a personal academic tutor from amongst the academic staff with whom they come into contact. A Personal Academic Tutor is a member of the academic staff designated as a sustained and first point of reference for individual students on any personal, domestic or general academic matter. The Personal Academic Tutor can provide an initial source of advice for pastoral and welfare matters. Individual course tutors provide an initial reference point for specific academic matters. A list of Personal Academic Tutors can be found on the Media and Communications notice board.

Regulatory arrangements This programme operates within the Regulation and Credit Framework for the Conferment of Awards which provides the regulatory arrangements for the University’s programmes. You can access it here: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/policies-procedures

External ExaminerThe University appoints External Examiners to act as an independent check upon the academic standards of each programme. The details of the External Examiner(s) for this programme are given below.

Name of current External Examiner: Dr Ruth DellerPosition of current External Examiner: Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader, Communications Institution of current External Examiner: Sheffield Hallam University

Name of current External Examiner: Dr Ruxandra TrandafouiPosition of current External Examiner: Reader in CommunicationInstitution of current External Examiner: Edge Hill University

You should not make direct contact with the External Examiner(s).

In due course, you may be asked to meet the External Examiner(s). This meeting will be to enable the External Examiner to gather information on the

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quality and standards of the programme. Individual performance will not be assessed at this meeting. You should not, therefore, raise any issues regarding individual assessment outcomes with the External Examiner at this time. If you wish to make an academic or fitness-to practice appeal you should do so through the University's Academic or Fitness-to-Practice Appeals Process, details of which are given below. If you wish to make a complaint about the quality of your programme you should do so through the University’s Student Complaints Process, details of which are available below.

You can participate in the formal process through which External Examiner reports are considered and responded to through the programme’s student-staff liaison committee. A link to the University’s policy on student-staff liaison meetings is available below. Details of these meetings will be available from the Programme Director.

Section 2: Regulatory information to support your studies This section of the handbook contains some important policies, procedures and guidance information that apply to all students studying Canterbury Christ Church University programmes. For details of all University quality procedures and/or any University regulations, please refer to the Quality Manual or Regulations, found here: www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/quality-and-standards-office/. Regulations and policies of particular interest to students include:

Academic and Fitness to Practise appealsAn Academic Appeal is defined as a request for a review of the decision-making of a body (such as a Board of Examiners, or panel established to investigate plagiarism or other academic misconduct) charged with making academic decisions on progression, assessment, academic conduct or awards. A Fitness to Practise Appeal is defined as a request for a review of the decision-making of a body (such as a fitness to practice panel) charged with making decisions relating to the student’s conduct, competence and capabilities in relation to professional practice, taking into account the requirements of any relevant regulatory or statutory body. Please be aware that you are able to seek the support and representation of the Student Union when making an appeal. The full policy is available from: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/appeals

Independent advice is available from Christ Church Students’ Union: ccsu.co.uk/advice/appeals

Academic referencing guidanceWithin the written work that you submit for assessment the University has agreed standards of citation and referencing. The University has adopted the Harvard style of bibliographical citation and referencing. The version of Harvard defined by the University is detailed in the Cite Them Right publication (Pears and Shields, 2010). This publication is available in the library or you can purchase your own copy from the Bookshop. The University recognises that some disciplines require alternative systems, e.g. to meet professional standards at a national level. Where this is the case you will be given clear guidance on using the alternative system equivalent to that provided for the University

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standard. The latest available electronic versions of guidance are available through the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment, under the Referencing tab.

Assessment principlesThe University has an agreed set of principles which underpin the assessment experience provided here. More information about these principles is available from:

www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/assessment-principles

Attendance policyThe student attendance policy is intended to assist the University in enabling you to achieve your learning potential. The University recognises the enormous investments that students make, both in time and money, in choosing to pursue a programme of Higher Education and, as a responsible institution, believes it has a duty to follow-up promptly on matters of student non-attendance so that students can be supported and given every opportunity to succeed. The policy is available from: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/student-attendance

BriberyIn line with the University Bribery Policy and Bribery Act 2010, it is not appropriate for students to give staff gifts and/or hospitality, particularly at recruitment or before a period of examination or assessment. The University Bribery Policy is available here: www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/university-solicitor/personal-conduct

Career developmentThe University’s Employability and Careers Services offer a wide range of co- and extra-curricular activities, giving you the opportunity to develop personally and gain valuable skills which will help you to stand out from the crowd and get yourself noticed by prospective employers. To find out more about our careers information, advice and guidance, to assist with your career planning opportunities and to develop essential employability skills, visit www.canterbury.ac.uk/careers

Register with our JobShop, where you will find hundreds of graduate, full-time, and part-time employment opportunities. Look out for our TempShop application calls, giving you the opportunity to work for your University on a part-time, temporary basis, whilst also providing you with valuable work experience and some extra money. To make the most of your time here become a volunteer and have your hard work accredited by us so you will have official certification of your activities, and something valuable to add to your CV.

Drop in sessions are available for CV checking and other careers advice. They are held on the ground floor of Augustine House, 1pm – 5pm, Monday to Friday. No appointment necessary.

For more information please visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/careers and find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Changing modules and programmesIf you wish to change: your mode of attendance (moving from part-time or full-time); your module(s) (if your programme allows this); your programme or pathway; to interrupt your studies; or withdraw, please complete a ‘Change of Academic Circumstances’ form, which is available at: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/change-of-circumstances

For interruption and withdrawal please see the important information at the end of this section.

ComplaintsIf you wish to make a complaint about the quality of your programme you should do so through the University’s Student Complaints Process, which is available at:www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/student-procedures

Dealing with bullying and harassmentThere is guidance available which can be used by students to help put a stop to all forms of bullying and harassment occurring within the context of their studentship, and involving allegations against other members of the University (students or staff). This, together with information about reporting crime (including ‘hate crime’) is available from: http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/student-support-services/counselling/bullying-and-harassment.asp

Disability adviceIf you are facing (or potentially facing) disabling barriers to higher education the Disability Team can provide support and advice.

In line with the Equality Act 2010, the University makes reasonable adjustments to support disabled students. Alongside invisible disabilities such as dyslexia and depression, this includes students who are disabled due to physical or mental impairment or a medical condition.

For more information visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/disability-advice

Disciplinary procedures and code of conductThe Student Disciplinary Procedures provide a framework for the regulation of students’ behaviour, as students of the University, in order to secure the proper working of the University in the broadest sense. A definition of misconduct and an outline of the student disciplinary process are given in the link from: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/student-procedures

Equality and diversityThe University is committed to providing a fair environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We take a proactive approach to promoting equality and are committed to a range of actions intended to create a welcoming and positive environment for all students, staff and stakeholders. The Equality and Diversity Unit represents and supports students, both Home and International, as well as staff. We work closely with Christ Church Students' Union and Student Health and Wellbeing to promote equality and diversity. For more information or to get involved visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/equality

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Examination procedures General information on Examination Procedures can be found at: www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/registry/RecordsandExaminations/records-and-exams.asp

Extenuating circumstances As a student, you are expected to complete your assessments, including examinations and other time-constrained assessments, on time. However, there are occasions when there might be a short-term disruption to your studies because of an unexpected occurrence or event outside your control that arose through your illness or through misfortune. This unexpected occurrence or event is one that either prevented you from completing an assessment or impaired (that is affected) your performance in a specific assessment. If you have problems that are likely to affect you for a longer period of time, which lasts for several weeks or more, you should talk to your Programme Director as soon as you are able.

If you need to make an extenuating circumstances request, you must put the request in writing to your Programme Director following the procedures which are set out at:www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/extenuating-circumstances

On this webpage you will find a form to complete, and you will also have to make a personal statement about the circumstances. Sometimes, you may need to provide supporting independent evidence to accompany your request. There is a list of the circumstances that are considered acceptable for extenuating circumstances and when you may need to provide supporting evidence.

Please note there are strict timeframes within which you are permitted to submit an Extenuating Circumstance form. These timeframes are set out on the aforementioned webpage and it is your responsibility to ensure you understand and abide by these deadlines.

Independent advice is available from Christ Church Students’ Union: ccsu.ac.uk/advice/extenuating-circumstances

Feedback on your assessmentsIn support of assessment, which supports your learning, all programmes are working towards a set of principles which should provide you with timely and useful feedback on your assessed work. One of the principles sets a target of 15 working days, after the submission date, for tutors to provide you with feedback on formal assessments. However, the responsibility to receive and act on the feedback they provide rests firmly with you as the learner. For more information visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/assessment-feedback

International studentsWe have students from over 80 countries worldwide studying with us and contributing to our exciting and vibrant international student community. We offer support every step of the way - from help with Visas and language, to just making sure you feel safe and settled studying with us. For more information please visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/international-students

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Online submissions (Turnitin)Through the Blackboard virtual learning environment you will be asked to routinely submit your coursework (with occasional exceptions) through an online service called Turnitin. By comparing your work with information on the Internet, with databases of journal articles and other published work, the service can help you and your tutors to identify where your writing needs to be refined to acknowledge the work of others.  You will have the opportunity to submit at least one draft, and check the results from Turnitin yourself, for each piece of work you submit.  To help you check your own work, your tutors will give you advice on what to look for.  Your tutors will also explain how Turnitin will be used to help detect plagiarism in your assessed work (which is referred to as ‘Originality Checking’). For more information and guidance please see: www.canterbury.ac.uk/turnitin

Placement and Work based learning - Policy and Guidance

Plagiarism policyThe University is committed to fair assessment procedures for all students. Our Plagiarism Policy is designed to help you in understanding what plagiarism is and how to avoid it in your work. For the policy and guidance on avoiding plagiarism, and the tutorial support you will receive, please see: www.canterbury.ac.uk/plagiarism

Independent advice is available from Christ Church Students’ Union: ccsu.ac.uk/advice/plagiarism

Regulations for the Conferment of Awards, and the Assessment Procedures ManualThe University has a range of regulations, policies and procedures in place covering areas such as examinations, extenuating circumstances, plagiarism, student discipline, appeals, the accreditation of prior learning, and general procedures regarding assessment. These are to help ensure that all students are treated fairly. A full range of these policies and procedures can be accessed at: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/policies-procedures

Supporting student successTo ensure you get make the most of your time at Canterbury Christ Church University the following support is available:

Academic Learning Development offers guidance to enable you to develop your IT and academic skills. www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/academic-learning-development

The Accommodation team provides advice around securing both university and privately rented accommodation during your studies.http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/accommodation

The Chaplaincy is accessible to all and can provide spiritual, emotional and practical support; no matter who you are, where you come from or what you believe. http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/about/chaplaincy

Student Support, Health and Wellbeing offers support and advice alongside access to counselling, financial information, advice for

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international students and general welfare support. www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/support

Christ Church Students’ Union Advice Caseworker is on hand to assist students who are wishing to make an academic appeal, extenuating circumstances request or formal complaint or who have been called to a plagiarism panel, disciplinary hearing or fitness to practise/professional suitability panel. All students are entitled to be supported by the Students’ Union in these cases; ccsu.co.uk/advice/

Student-Staff Liaison Meetings (SSLMs)The University is keen to hear your views on your programme of study and programme delivery, and one of the ways this takes place is through SSLMs. Meetings normally take place once per term, and provide a chance for you to feedback programme issues to allow staff to improve the quality of the student experience. A student representative(s) will be elected to attend these meetings, to raise the views of fellow students and report back to their peer group on the outcomes. Matters relating to individual students are not discussed at SSLMs. The full policy can be accessed here: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/sslm

Students studying at partner institutionsFor students studying at a Partner College or Partner Organisation, the University would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your studies and to inform you of the many facilities available to you as a student on a Canterbury Christ Church University collaborative programme. The web page www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/distance-learning will be a useful reference for information on a range of learning, support, careers and development services available to you throughout the duration of your programme. Please do not hesitate to access the support and advice available to ensure you achieve your aims. We hope that you enjoy your studies and your association with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you have any general concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your programme manager, who will be able to help. If you have any queries about Canterbury Christ Church University, its services or procedures then please contact the i-zone by email on i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk or by phone on 01227 782222, or use the online service: Ask the i-zone.

Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is an electronic document issued by higher education institutions to students on graduation. It provides a detailed record of a student's academic and extra-curricular achievements to supplement the traditional degree classification and, as such, students are encouraged to participate in additional activities which can be approved for inclusion in their HEAR. Further information is available from: www.canterbury.ac.uk/HEAR

Replacement Degree Certificates or TranscriptsCurrent or former students may request duplicate or replacement copies of degree transcripts (previously known as Diploma Supplements) and/or degree certificates via the Online Shop. Further information is available from: www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/transcripts

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Interrupting or Withdrawing

Your Tuition Fee Liability in the event of interruption or early withdrawal from your studiesThe University recognises the investment that students are making in their higher education and appreciates that there are times when, with good reason, some may choose to withdraw early from their studies. It is extremely important that you make any decision on withdrawal in a timely fashion so as to avoid incurring any unnecessary fee debt. At the same time, deciding to withdraw early is a major decision with potentially far-reaching consequences for your future personal development, as well as career and employment aspirations.

Seek advice before deciding to seek to interrupt or withdraw early

This is not a decision that you should take in haste, nor without proper discussion with your academic tutors and central professional services staff, as well as with your family if necessary. We would strongly advise you to consider this before following the necessary procedures to formally seek to interrupt or withdraw from the University, so that you can be offered appropriate advice and guidance.

If you have any concerns regarding your finances, you should attend a financial support drop-in session at Augustine House, Canterbury (Monday to Friday from 1000-1100 and 1400-1500) or at other campus locations by arrangement, or otherwise contact the Student Financial Support Team via the i-zone.

Once you have decided that you wish to interrupt or withdraw from your studies prior to the stated programme end date, then the following applies.

Your Tuition Fee Liability (for Home and EU students only)1

In the First TermIf you interrupt/withdraw within the first two weeks of your Course/Programme’s start date2, then the University waives the tuition fees and you are not liable for any tuition fee (loan) debt. [NB this does NOT apply to returning students who are liable for 25% of the annual tuition fee amount immediately from the Course/Programme’s start date].

If you interrupt/withdraw after two weeks from your Course/Programme’s start date, then you are liable for 25% of the annual tuition fee amount, which will be paid to the University by the Student Loans Company (SLC) for SLC-funded students or which will otherwise be a debt that you personally accrue (e.g. if you are self-funding).

In Term 2If you interrupt/withdraw at any point in Term 2, then you are liable for 50% of the annual tuition fee amount, which will be paid to the University by the SLC for SLC-funded students or which will otherwise be a debt that you personally accrue (e.g. if you are self-funding).

In Term 3

1 The fee liability for international students other than EU students is set out in the document “Your Fees, Your Responsibilities” for overseas students.

2 Term dates are available at: www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/student-support-and-guidance/term-dates/

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If you interrupt/withdraw at any point in Term 3, then you are liable for 100% of the annual tuition fee amount, which will be paid to the University by the SLC for SLC-funded students or which will otherwise be a debt that you personally accrue (e.g. if you are self-funding).

NB You should note that the SLC will use the date of interruption/withdrawal to reassess your entitlement to loan/grants (see below regarding the definition of date of interruption/withdrawal). A new notification letter will be sent to you by the SLC once the reassessment has taken place.

What You Must Do

If you wish to interrupt or withdraw early, you MUST act in a timely fashion and follow the correct University procedures if you are to ensure that you are liable for the correct amount of tuition fee debt for your studies. To help in this process, and to ensure you make the correct informed decisions, the following guidance is provided:

1. If you are considering interrupting or withdrawing early from your studies, you are advised to first consider your options in discussion with your programme staff, and discuss the financial implications of any decision you make with the Student Financial Support Team (www.canterbury.ac.uk/financial-support). If you are in University accommodation, you will also need advice from the Accommodation team on negotiating a release from your licence agreement. If you are a Tier 4 student, you will need advice on visa implications from the International Student Adviser. You may also wish to seek advice from the Careers Development team (www.canterbury.ac.uk/careers). All of these services are contactable by email via the i-zone.

2. If you do decide to go ahead then you MUST complete in advance of your withdrawal/interruption a Change of Academic Circumstances (CoAC) Form, available from www.canterbury.ac.uk/handbook/change-of-circumstances

3. When you have completed your sections of the form, you MUST submit it by email (or online, when this service is available) to your Programme Director, who then completes their section and sends it on to the Registry. When sending the CoAC Form via email, you should mark your message as ‘High Importance’ and put ‘VERY URGENT REQUEST TO INTERRUPT / WITHDRAW’ as the subject title. In addition, you MUST copy your email to i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk. Please note that the date you submit your request by email (or online) will be regarded as the date of your withdrawal for the purposes of fee liability (unless you are giving notice of your intention to withdraw at a future date; any variation to this arrangement will need the approval of the Academic Registrar.

Failure to accurately follow these instructions could affect the amount of fee liability you incur.

What Happens Next

Once the Registry receives the fully completed CoAC Form the following will happen:

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1. The Registry will update your University record to show your interruption/withdrawal with effect from either the future date you indicate on your form, or the submission date of your request.

2. The Registry will send you formal confirmation of your interruption/withdrawal.

3. The University’s Finance Department will calculate how much tuition fees you owe according to the interruption/withdrawal date shown on your record.

4. If you are SLC funded, the Registry will inform the SLC of your interruption/withdrawal, together with the date of leaving and details of any change of fee liability.

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Section 3: Information, support and guidance whilst studying at University

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First Line Academic Guidance

Your academic department will be able to provide you with first line support and guidance related to your programme of study. The names and details of your departmental contacts can be found within Section 1.

CLIC Portal: http://clic.canterbury.ac.ukLibrary Services: www.canterbury.ac.uk/library Book Shop: www.canterbury.ac.uk/bookshop

i-zone is the University’s one stop shop enquiry service for students, for all your enquiries about University services and the first point of contact if you need any information. If we are unable to help we will put you in touch with someone who can.

Email: i-zone@canterbury.ac.uk

Telephone: 01227 782222

Web: www.canterbury.ac.uk/faq (access to 24 hours ‘ask the i-zone’ facility)

In person: i-zone desks are located at Canterbury, Broadstairs & Medway campuses

The Students’ Union represents your voice to the University and offers a range of opportunities to make the best of your student life. It is led by the Leadership team made up of four full time elected officers and supported by specialist staff including an Advice Caseworker offering independent academic advice.

Find us at ccsu.co.uk Christchurchsuchristchurchsu