Final 1819 PGT SML Handbook

2018/2019
School of Modern Languages

Postgraduate Taught Studies
Student Handbook
SCHOOL OF MODERN LANGUAGES POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK
Welcome from the Head of School and Graduate Officer 4
1 Key Information 5
1.1 Student Agreement 5
1.2 Key Dates 6
1.3 Student Support Office Opening Hours and Personnel 7
1.4 Use of School Facilities 8
1.5 Health and Safety 9
1.6 Points of contact and sources of Information 10
1.7 Personal Tutor 10
1.8 Student Representatives 11
1.9 Student Info - Change of Personal Details 11
1.10 Tuition Fees 11
1.11 Email 12
1.12 Research Ethics 12
1.13 International Students holding a Tier 4 Visa 13
1.14 About the Faculty of Arts 13
2. You and your MA in the School of Modern Languages 15

2.1 Programme of study – MA programme structures 15
2.2 MA Comparative Literatures 16
2.3 MA Black Humanities 16
2.4 MA in Chinese - English Translation 17
2.5 MA in Translation 18
2.6 Workload 18
2.7 Academic Information - Periods of study and word count for each degree 19
2.8 Assessment 19
2.9 Assessment methods 20
2.10 Moderation 20
2.11 Feedback 21
2.12 Taught element (coursework) 22
2.13 Taught component 22
2.14 Dissertation 23
2.15 Written dissertation 23
2.16 Other forms of dissertation 23
2.17 Penalties for late submission of coursework and dissertations 24
2.18 Word-length 24
2.19 Referencing 25
2.20 Assessment failure 25
2.21 Progression to the dissertation 26
2.22 Failure in the dissertation 26
2.23 Examination: External examining 26
2.24 Language tests and exams 26
2.25 Mark capping 27
2.26 MA marking criteria 27
2.27 Change of Mode of Study (e.g. from full-time to part-time) 36
2.28 Transferring programme 36
2.29 Working with other students as ‘critical friends’ 36
2.30 Plagiarism 36
2.31 Applying for a Research Degree 38
3. Extenuating Circumstances 38
4. Absence, Coursework Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances 39

4.1 Absence Due to Illness or Other Cause during Teaching or Exams 39
4.2 MA coursework extensions 40
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4.3 Suspensions and Extensions to the Maximum Period of Study 42
4.4 Withdrawal or Suspension of Studies 42
4.5 Extensions to the Maximum Period of study 43
5. Study support 43
5.1 IT Services 43
5.2 Blackboard 44
5.3 Library Services 44
5.4 Lecture Recording System 45
6 Sources of Help and Support 45

6.1 Pregnancy, Maternity and Paternity: Guidance for Students 45
6.2 Support for D/deaf or Disabled students and Dyslexia and Mental Health advice 45
6.3 Other Useful Services and Support 46
6.4 Specialist Advice for International Students 46
6.5 English Language Learning and Academic Skils 46
6.6 Code of Practice for Taught Students 46
7 Discipline, Appeals and Complaints 46

7.1 Student Rules and Regulations 46
7.2 Discipline 46
7.3 Appeals 47
7.4 Complaints 47
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WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF MODERN LANGUAGES
Dear Student,
A warm welcome to Bristol and to the School of Modern Languages! As you will already know, we are
one of the UK’s leading Schools of Modern Languages teaching, so warm congratulations on securing
a place to study with us.
As at the start of any new phase in our lives, there are not only lots of new people to meet, but also
many things to find out about, and we hope that this handbook will contain most of the answers. Please
keep it and refer to it during the year. Do refer regularly to the School’s websites for information about
your courses and progress. Do also keep in touch with us via email.
For many people, starting at university can be challenging: you may be settling into a hall of residence
and you will certainly be adapting to a very different style of learning, where great emphasis is placed
on independent study and on taking responsibility for your own intellectual and personal development.
If you feel you need to speak to anyone, whether about academic or personal difficulties, please do go
and see your personal tutor or the Senior Tutor at an early point, or indeed any other member of the
staff. We will do our very best to help you settle in and to give you the support you need to succeed in
your studies.
Your first year at University is a time to open your mind to new intellectual interests and possibilities.
During this year, you will probably be introduced to subjects which you have never studied before: be
ready to embrace these opportunities. Our aim is both to provide a broad overview, and to give you an
opportunity to develop fresh interests, so that you can make your option choices for later years on the
basis of enlightened experience. We will also aim to train you this year in generic skills such as
independent research, academic writing and time management. These will equip you for success in
your degree, and also develop the skills in demand by employers of all sorts.
The language elements of the courses will also represent a step-up from the learning you have done to
date, with great emphasis on accuracy, on the careful checking of your own work, and on independent
study. Whether you are taking a language beyond A-level or at ab initio level, there is a great deal of
learning to be done, and you should plan and pace your work over the whole year. High-level language
skills require steady investment of effort, and it is impossible to pack a year’s language acquisition into
an intensive revision session just prior to the exams.
There is of course far more to university life than academic work, and we hope you will take advantage
of the cultural and social opportunities offered by student clubs, sporting societies and the Students’
Union, as well as contributing to the life of the School and the wider university. Bristol and the
surrounding area also have a lot to offer. At the same time, do remember that in this first year you will
need to balance your other interests with the academic study required to prepare you for the necessary
exams and coursework assessment, and to ensure that you are ready to benefit from the more
advanced work expected of you in the second and subsequent years.
One of the School’s most important resources is the Multimedia Centre situated at the rear of 19
Woodland Road. It includes a cinema-style screening room (bookable by students), a Media Suite,
Social Learning Room, many foreign TV channels, over 1000 foreign-language DVDs, and much
besides. We hope you will take full advantage of its facilities for independent learning and enjoyment,
as well as for scheduled classes.
All my colleagues – academic and administrative – are here to help you succeed, and are looking
forward to the next four years. We feel sure that you will find the courses stimulating and that you will
enjoy working with us in the very integrated community that is the School of Modern Languages.
Welcome!
Professor Andreas Schonle

Head of School
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Dear Student,
As Postgraduate Teaching Officer (PGTO) for the School of Modern Languages, it’s a pleasure to
welcome you to the University of Bristol. On starting your postgraduate programme with us you
become a member of a vibrant, curious, engaged, and civilized intellectual community here at
Bristol and I wish you a richly rewarding time here.
Do take the time to familiarise yourself with this handbook, we have tried to use it to answer most
of those Frequently Asked Questions. At the same time, don’t hesitate to raise any questions you
have with your Programme Director, or your administrative contact in the School Office.
Finally, you are all more than welcome to contact me directly if you have concerns or questions
that have not been addressed elsewhere. I am always happy to meet and chat informally and to
offer what assistance I can to ensure that your experience here with us is as good as possible.
I hope to meet some you all during this year and all good wishes for your studies here at the
University of Bristol.
Best wishes,
Dr Damien Mooney
SML Postgraduate Teaching Officer
1. KEY INFORMATION
This Handbook provides the basic information relevant to your postgraduate studies in the School
of Modern Languages and you should familiarise yourself with its contents. It should be read in
conjunction with the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes which sets out in
detail the rules that govern your academic progress and the award of your degree. The Regulations
will be referred to throughout the handbook and the link to the University’s online version of the
code is here:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html
1.1 University Student Agreement
When you registered at University you agreed to be bound by the ‘Student Agreement’. This
Agreement forms the basis of the relationship between students and the University of Bristol and
was jointly developed by the University and the Students’ Union. It sets out what you can expect
from the University and what we expect from you in return. The Agreement forms part of our
ongoing commitment to students to provide the highest standards of teaching, research and
support.
You can find the Agreement here:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/secretary/documents/student-rules-and-regs/student-
agreement.pdf
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1.2 Key Dates
You are required to remain in residence in Bristol during term time. (This does not apply to
distance-learning students on the MA in Translation Programme).
Start Date End Date

Welcome Week 24 September 2017 28 September 2018
Teaching Block 1 1 October 2018 21 December 2018
TB1 Assessment Deadline 14 January 2019
Extenuating Circumstances Cttee 13 November 2018
School Exam Board 20 November 2018
Faculty Exam Board 5 December 2018
Teaching Block 2 28 January 2019 10 May 2019

Reading Week 28 January 2018 1 February 2019
TB2 Assessment Deadline 17 May 2019
Extenuating Circumstance Cttee 28 January 2019
School Progress Board 19 February 2019
Extenuating Circumstances Cttee 18 June 2019
School Exam Board 25 June 2019
Faculty Exam Board 10 July 2019
Dissertation Submission All PGT Sept starters: 9 Sept 2019
Deadlines in 2019:
MA Translation January starters:
3 years PT: 28 February 2019**
Full-time and 2 yrs PT: 29 April 2019
Vacations Start Date End Date

Christmas 24 December 2018 11 January 2019
Easter 8 April 2019 26 April 2019
Summer 17 June 2019 20 September 2019
School Staff/Student Liaison Committees:
4 Dec 2018 3pm
4 March 2019 3pm
For further information on University key dates please visit:

http://www.bris.ac.uk/university/dates/
** Exceptional date in 2019. Normally it is the 14th January or the following working day.
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1.3 Student Support Office Opening Hours and Key Personnel
Opening hours:
Term-time Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Vacation Monday to Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
SCHOOL PERSONNEL -
School Administration
Student Administration Manager

Mrs Rachel Reed
Programme Administrator for MA Translation and MA Chinese-
Valeria Fulop-Pochon
English Translation
Programme Administrator for Comparative Literatures, Black
Bethan Sperduty
Humanities and UWLP
Multimedia Centre
Nick Bartram Modern Languages Learning Technologist
CONTACTS: Help and advice
As a postgraduate student you will have most contact with the members of the Student Support
Team, who are there to help you with your enquiries and provide advice and guidance where
appropriate. They are based in the Student Support Office, which will be your first port of call in
many instances. Please help the administrative staff by ensuring that you have read fully any
information you are given in this Handbook or elsewhere.
The Student Support Office for postgraduate students is located in G79a, 17 Woodland Road.
Location: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/maps/google/
Postal address: School of Modern Languages, 17 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TE
Telephone: (0117) 331 8011
Fax: (0117) 331 8010
Email: sml-office@bristol.ac.uk
The Student Support Office is the place where you should:

• hand in medical notes
• make enquiries about any of the administrative procedures or sources of support described
below.
The staff of the Student Support Office are there to assist you, but you can also help yourself by
regularly checking:
• your University e-mail account (ensure you check this daily)
• the student notice boards for regular updates on unit changes, notices from staff etc.
School Senior Management

Andreas Schonle Head of School
Siobhan Shilton School Research Director
Rajendra Chitnis School Education Director
Amy Lewis Senior Tutor
Ian Foster Director of Foreign Language Teaching & Year Abroad Officer
Damien Mooney Postgraduate Teaching Officer (PGTO)
Edward King Recruitment & Widening Participation Officer
Anne Payne School Manager
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Translation
Carol O’ Sullivan Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies
Heads of Subject
Gino Raymond French
Robert Vilain German
Catherine O’Rawe Italian
Paco Romero Salvado (TB-1)
HiPLA
Sally-Ann Kitts (TB-2)
Ruth Coates Russian
Directors of Teaching
Rowan Tomlinson French
Debbie Pinfold German
Tristan Kay Italian
James Hawkey HiPLA
Connor Doak Russian
Languages Directors and Deputies

Fabienne Vailes French Language Director
Stephanie Demont French Deputy Language Director
Mandy Pot German Language Director
Ruth Winter German Deputy Language Director
Andrea Zhok Italian Language Director
Vera Castiglione Italian Deputy Language Director
Marga Menendez-Lopez HiPLA Language Director
Carmen Brauning HiPLA Deputy Language Director (Spanish)
Madalena Pires HiPLA Deputy Language Director (Portuguese)
Elena McNeilly Russian Language Director
Jana Nahodilova Russian Deputy Language Director
1.4 Use of School Facilities
The School of Modern Languages Multimedia Centre
The Multimedia Centre offers a range of facilities and technologies designed to support
independent learning. It is restricted to Modern Languages students and is an important part of the
life of the school. Study spaces for individuals and groups in the MMC and 19 Woodland Rd contain
about 100 computers and provide printing, photocopying and scanning. We have a library of 2300
DVDs, for viewing either at PCs, on large-screen TVs or in our 18-seater student cinema. There
is a selection of current newspapers and magazines from a range of countries. A drop-in Media
Suite contains PCs and reference books such as dictionaries and grammar guides. Semi-
professional voice recorders and high definition video cameras are available to be used in
conjunction with an editing studio. All PCs have headsets with microphones and can access
foreign language satellite channels.
The School strongly recommends that students take every chance to expose themselves to
authentic cultural experiences in all the languages they are studying. Reading the foreign
press, exploring foreign language web sites, and watching foreign films are excellent
practice.
During term-time the centre is open Mon-Fri 8am-8.45pm and at weekends 9am-5pm; during
vacations the MMC is open weekdays 9am-5pm. During normal working hours you are supported
by the Learning Technologist, Nick Bartram.
For more information please see the Modern Languages Multimedia Centre site on Blackboard
or the MMC webpage: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sml/about/mmc/
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1.5 Health and Safety
The Head of School has a responsibility for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for
their staff, students, visitors and others who may be affected by the work and activities of the
School. The Head of School must ensure that the University health and safety policy and key
objectives are met which are outlined in the University Statement of Health and Safety Policy.
The School Manager has a responsibility to ensure that high degrees of professional and quality
service standards are reached including in relation to health and safety. The School Manager is
responsible for managing the School Safety Advisor (SSA), Katie Black, monitoring health and
safety performance and outlining an action plan to address any identified health and safety
concerns.
In compliance with the University’s Health and Safety Policy, there are local rules which outline
how health and safety is managed within the School. The local rules are reviewed annually and
amended as necessary and are available online at:
https://www.bris.ac.uk/sml/media/localrules.pdf
Regular inspections of the buildings 15-21 Woodland Road are carried out which cover issues
including fire safety, housekeeping, electrical safety, signage and first-aid.
Fire Safety
Estates are responsible for providing and maintaining safe buildings. Students should be aware of
the following:
• Be familiar with the sound of the fire alarm. Fire Alarm testing is carried out every Friday at 8.00am
• All permanent support staff are trained Fire Wardens
• It is the responsibility of all teaching staff to evacuate students via the nearest fire exit and lead
them to a safe assembly point.
• Fire Evacuation procedures are displayed in teaching rooms. Evacuation must be via the nearest
exit. You should activate the green break glass box if necessary
• Fire assembly points are to be found in car parks to the front of the buildings, these are clearly
marked with appropriate signs
First Aid
First Aid notices listing the School’s trained first aiders and the location of the First Aid box are
displayed in all School buildings.
• First Aid personnel: Mrs Rachel Reed G88 17WR, extn 17969
Mr Sam Carey G88, 17WR extn 11182
Mrs Valeria Fulop-Pochon G79a 17WR, extn 17968
When dealing with an incident please go to the Student Support Office (G88 17WR), School
Manager (G78, 17WR), or the SSA (G79a, 17WR).
Risk Assessments for student events
The SSA is responsible for maintaining the risk assessments in the School that cover general
activities. Any student who wishes to organise an event on School/University premises should
contact the SSA in the first instance to ensure that the event complies with health and safety rules.
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1.6 Points of Contact and Sources of Information
The first point of contact for academic matters is your Personal Tutor.
For administrative matters, queries about your programme structure, assessment requirements,
your academic progress or change of circumstances you should email your Programme
Administrator in the first instance:
MA Translation
MA Chinese-English Translation Valeria Fulop-Pochon translation-pgadmin@bristol.ac.uk
MA Comparative Literatures
MA Black Humanities Bethan Sperduty modl-pgcomplit@bristol.ac.uk
Executive Team:
For any queries about PG funding support, inter library loan vouchers, student representation, room
booking or hospitality you should contact Louise Basey, ext: 11292, email:
louise.basey@bristol.ac.uk
Taught postgraduate students may apply for aid to support activities which directly relate to their
programme studies eg research expenses connected with their dissertation project.
Any queries related to the use of Blackboard and online submission of coursework should be
directed to your Programme Administrator.
Another important source of information is the student section of the Arts Faculty web pages at:
www.bris.ac.uk/arts/current/postgraduates/. You will undoubtedly refer to these web pages at
different points throughout your study and they will be the key reference area for any questions you
have on procedures and regulations.
The University’s ‘Current Students’ pages also contain a great deal of useful and helpful guidance
and you are advised to have a look at these as you begin your studies:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students
1.7 Personal Tutor
In the School of Modern Languages every student is allocated an academic Personal Tutor who
is your principal point of contact for reviewing and discussing your academic progress throughout
your studies. They will provide:
• A stable point of academic contact

• Help in terms of managing transition to, from and within the University
• Academic feedback and developmental support so that you understand what is expected
of you academically
• Support in planning your academic development
• Personal and academic references
Each School has a ‘Taught Postgraduate Officer’ (PGTO). The role of the PGTO is to act as a
liaison between the School and the Faculty regarding postgraduate study, but they are also
responsible for ensuring that taught postgraduate students are fully and appropriately supported.
You should contact the School’s PGTO if you have a concern or feel unable to discuss the issue
with the programme director. The PGTO for the School of Modern Languages is Dr Damien
Mooney.
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In addition to your Programme Director and PGTO, you may wish to contact the relevant
Programme Administrator for your programme for either academic or welfare issues if you wish.
1.8 Student Representation
Student Representation at School and Faculty level is operated in partnership between the
University and the Students’ Union (SU) and is organised to ensure that every taught student at
the University is effectively represented to the University and to the SU by their peers. The structure
means that you have the opportunity to pass on feedback through a representative, or the
opportunity to work closely with academic staff on behalf of those studying on your programme. An
on-going dialogue about how we can improve your time studying at Bristol is enormously important
to us.
If this interests you, the Students’ Union runs elections in the autumn to recruit Course Reps. The
elected Course Reps are then trained by the SU and so that they can represent their colleagues at
meetings and committees where teaching, education and the student experience are discussed.
These include School and Faculty Student-Staff Liaison Committees where students can feed their
views and concerns up from Schools to institution-level and vice-versa, and the Faculty’s Graduate
Studies Committee.
Being a Course Rep allows you to get fully involved in making sure that your studies at Bristol are
of the highest quality and standard. Being a Course Rep also helps you develop skills that will
benefit you beyond University such as negotiation, problem-solving, leadership and teamwork.
Further details regarding the process for electing Student representatives can be found at
www.bristolsu.org.uk/representation
1.9 Student Info – Choose, Check, Change your Academic and Personal Info
You are responsible for ensuring that your personal information, including current address and
contact details, is kept up to date. You are expected to update your personal information yourself
using ‘Student Info’ at https://www.bris.ac.uk/studentinfo/
This section of the ‘Current Students’ area of the University webpage is where you can also check
your unit registration, your teaching timetable, your exam timetable and your fee details via the
‘MyBristol’ portal. If you find any errors, or if you are uncertain that your timetable is complete, you
should contact the School Office as soon as possible. In particular, you should cross check the
teaching programme set out in this handbook against your unit registrations as they appear in
‘MyBristol’.
1.10 Tuition Fees
Details of tuition fees for 2018/19 can be found at:

www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/tuition-fees/prospective-pg/
If you find yourself getting into financial difficulties or unable to pay your fees you should contact
the Student Finance Office as soon as possible.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/
If you are in debt to the University in respect of tuition or other fees or fines you will not be permitted
to register or be admitted to any programme of study at the start of any academic year, unless
specific arrangements have been agreed with the University for the settlement of the debt. Tuition
fees left unpaid at the completion of your studies may result in you being barred from graduation.
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1.11 Email
Email messages will be sent to your University of Bristol email account, and you are expected
to check your emails on a daily basis. Your unit leaders or programme director, and the School
and Faculty will all expect you to have received and read their mails.
If you choose to re-direct mail from your University email address, you are expected to do so to an
account that will give a reasonable level of service, and to continue regular checks.
Please note: Any appeal against an academic decision citing non-receipt of information distributed
by electronic means is unlikely to succeed if you have elected to have your email redirected.
Please remember that the University is both a professional and public environment and your use
of email should take account of this context. Electronic correspondence should always employ the
proper standards of courtesy.
Email Conduct
• Before sending an email, please consider whether it is necessary. Can you find the answer
more quickly on Blackboard or the University website, by contacting another student, by
calling into the School Office or by seeing a member of staff in their next office hour?
• Please check that you are directing the message to the person best placed to help you, and
do not unnecessarily include multiple recipients.
• Please write your email in a suitably polite and professional style.
• If you are unsure how to address a member of staff, use their title and surname, which can
be found in the University’s contact directory.
• Please keep your e-mail brief. Give no more background than is strictly necessary and
come to the point quickly. A matter that requires longer explanation and discussion is better
dealt with face-to-face, wherever possible. Students abroad or away from Bristol can
arrange to talk with colleagues on Skype.
• Do not use angry, accusatory or abusive language that you would not use face-to-face and
that might later cause you embarrassment or, in serious cases, invite disciplinary action
from the university.
1.12 Research Ethics
Students are expected to undertake their research in an ethical manner which should be embedded
from the planning stage, through any fieldwork and library work, to writing up and publication. Key
issues relating to ethics in research within the arts and humanities include:
• always working with permission

• respecting copyright
• fair representation
• data protection
• working within the law
• respecting places, people, traditions, customs, and objects, including human remains
Special procedures are in place if your research involves working outside these areas, or if you
intend to:
• work with living human informants (such as in anthropology or collecting oral historical
information)
• use personal data collected from living people (such as questionnaires)
• work with human tissue (material less than 100 years old)
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In these cases, the Faculty Ethics Committee will need to consider a proposal that sets out the
purpose of the research, why this information needs to be collected, and what safeguards are in
place to ensure confidentiality. This does not mean that such research is not possible, but that we
wish to ensure that it is conducted in an ethical manner to protect you and the University. You
should consult your Programme Director in the first instance. Information and forms are available
at: www.bris.ac.uk/arts/research/intranet/information/research-ethics.html
1.13 International Students holding a Tier 4 Visa
The University has a number of legal obligations to the UK Borders Agency when sponsoring a
student under Tier 4 of the Points Based system.
This means that in addition to our basic responsibility to support the progress and welfare of our
students, the University now has a specific legal responsibility for monitoring the engagement of
international students with their studies.
Engagement monitoring will be carried out on a monthly basis by the School and information such
as your lecture, seminar or tutorial attendance and your submission of work or exam attendance
will be considered.
If we find that there are concerns about your engagement you will be asked to meet with the Faculty
Education Manager. The intention is to help you engage fully with your studies and help you
overcome any difficulties. We will assist you in obtaining the relevant support necessary. If our
concerns are not addressed, or you do not meet with us as requested, there may be implications
for your visa status. In extreme cases this may result in the withdrawal of sponsorship if we cannot
satisfy ourselves that you are appropriately engaged with your studies.
We are also required to report some changes in your circumstances to the Government Home
Office. This includes students who have transferred to another programme, who withdraw from
their programme or who suspend or finish their studies earlier or later than expected. In most cases
this will not affect your visa. However, if your visa is affected the International Student Advisors in
the International Office are there to help you.
It is very important that you keep the School Office informed of any absences or difficulties you
may be having. You must also keep your contact details up to date, check your University email
account regularly and respond promptly to any communications from University staff.
You can find further details about studying on a visa at the International Office website:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/international-office/
If you have any specific questions or concerns about your visa please contact the
International Student Advisors on international-office@bristol.ac.uk
1.14 About the Faculty of Arts
Your School Office may refer you to a member of staff in the Faculty Office which is located in
Room B11 at 3-5 Woodland Road. Among other things the Faculty Office provides transcripts of
marks, council tax certificates, bank letters and student status letters. As a postgraduate student
you are a member of the Faculty of Arts and the School of Modern Languages.
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The Faculty of Arts consists of three Schools:
• Arts: Archaeology and Anthropology, Theatre, Film and Television, Music, and Philosophy
• Humanities: Classics and Ancient History, Religion and Theology, English, and Historical
Studies (including History of Art).
• Modern Languages: French, German, Hispanic and Latin American Studies, Italian, and
Russian.
• The Faculty also houses the Centre for English Language and Foundation studies, and the
Centre for Innovation.
Each School has a Head of School supported by Academic Officers, an administration team and a
School Manager. The Faculty is governed by the Faculty Board chaired by the Dean. There are a
number of other Faculty Officers, with responsibility for different areas of activity (graduate and
undergraduate education, research and quality assurance) and a Faculty Office that contains the
Faculty Office that contains the Faculty Manager, the Faculty Education Manager and a small
administrative team which includes postgraduate admissions staff.
Subject to the overriding authority of Senate, the supreme academic body of the University, the
Faculty is responsible for approving curricula, recommending changes to ordinances and
regulations, determining the progress of students, appointing examiners, regulating the conduct of
examinations and assessment of students and bringing to the attention of the University any
matters of concern in the Faculty.
Key Faculty Staff

Dean of the Faculty of Arts: Professor Karla Pollmann
Graduate Education Director: Dr Catherine Hindson
Undergraduate Education Director: Dr Mark Allinson
Faculty Manager: Ms Michelle Coupland
Faculty Education Manager: Ms Jayne Brown
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2. You and your MA in the School of Modern Languages
2.1 Programme Structure
MA degree programmes comprise 180 credits, consisting of a taught component (120 credit points)
and a dissertation (60 credit points) which may take one of several forms, depending on your
programme. A student must obtain the full 180 credits in order to be awarded the MA degree.
A student must successfully complete the taught component of the programme with an overall
average of 50% and 120 credits in order to progress to the dissertation stage.
The pass mark for work at MA level is 50%.
If you choose to take a designated undergraduate unit as part of your programme you should be
aware that the unit pass mark is 40%. This may have implications for progression to the dissertation
if you are required to re-submit failed work for a capped unit mark.
In the Faculty of Arts the classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as
follows:
• MA with Distinction:
180 credits and no less than 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and no less
than 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. Candidates who achieve less than 70 for their
dissertation cannot be awarded a Distinction.
• MA with Merit:
180 credits with no less than 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and no less
than 65 out of 100 for the dissertation. Candidates who achieve less than 65 for their
dissertation cannot be awarded a Merit.
• Pass:
180 credits and no less than 50 out of 100 for the taught component overall and no less
than 50 out of 100 for the dissertation.
• Fail:
49 or below out of 100 for the taught component overall or, where relevant, 49 or below
out of 100 for the dissertation.
To be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma, 120 credit points are required. These credit points must
be obtained from the taught component only and not from the dissertation.
To be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, 60 credit points are required. These credit points must
be obtained from the taught component only and not from the dissertation.
For full-time or part-time students whose period of study has not been extended or interrupted by
a period of suspension, the Graduate Examination Board is convened in December of the year in
which the dissertation has been submitted; informal communication of the outcome of the Board
will normally be issued following the Board; formal notification of the outcome will be given by the
University in December or January. For students with dissertation extensions, this process will be
considerably delayed, thus potentially delaying graduation, depending on the length of the
extension.
Part time students must complete 60 credit points of the taught element in the first year of study
and 120 credit points in the second year, comprising 60 for the taught elements and 60 for the
dissertation. (MA in Translation part-time 3 years students must complete 60 credits in year 1, 60
credits in year 2, and 60 credits for the dissertation in year 3. Part-time variable students, who had
previous study suspension will normally submit their dissertation by the maximum study date.)
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If you withdraw from your programme prior to completion of the dissertation you may eligible for
the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (which requires 120 credit-points achieved) or a
Postgraduate Certificate (which requires 60 credit-points achieved).
2.2 MA Comparative Literatures
This programme gives you the opportunity to study the encounters and exchanges between
literatures and cultures across Europe and beyond. You will become acquainted with the theory
and practice of comparative cultural study and consider how concepts of national cultures cross
borders and interact with ideas of the global and transnational. You will gain a thorough grounding
in cultural theory, critical reading and research skills, and put this theoretical knowledge into
practice by studying topics and themes that span the disciplines, national contexts and time periods
taught by experts in the School of Modern Languages.
Full Time Students

If you study full time, you are required to take 120 credits over the two Teaching Blocks which will
be made up of mandatory and optional units. You will take the remaining 60 credits as the
Dissertation in Teaching Block 2, providing you meet the criteria for progression.
Part Time Students

If you choose to study part time over two years, you are required to take 60 credits in your first
year, followed by 60 credits and the Dissertation (60 credits) in your second year.Progression to
the second year will depend on meeting the criteria for the units you’ve taken in the first year.
Mandatory Units:
For the 2018/19 period the mandatory units are as follows:
• Institutions of Culture (TB1)
• Cultural Encounters (TB2)
• Research Skills (TB2)
Optional Units:
For full details of the units offered, please visit the programme catalogue:
https://www.bris.ac.uk/unit-programme-
catalogue/RouteStructure.jsa?byCohort=N&ayrCode=18%2F19&programmeCode=1MODL009T
We also offer a number of units run by the Department of English which will be subject to availability.
2.3 MA Black Humanities
This unique interdisciplinary MA programme offers you the opportunity to study Black humanities
through a critical engagement with histories, philosophies, literature and the arts relating to local
and global Black and diasporic communities. It provides an opportunity to study the legacies of
Atlantic slavery, using Bristol as a case study, alongside broader enquires into current debates in
Black histories, philosophy, anthropology, modern languages, film, literature, music and art history.
Full Time Students

Part Time Students

year, followed by 60 credits and the Dissertation (60 credits) in your second year.
Progression to the second year will depend on meeting the criteria for the units you’ve taken in the
first year.
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Mandatory Units:
• The Histories and Legacies of Slavery: Bristol and the World

• Black Humanities: What, Why and How?
• Black Humanities: Arts, Texts and Contexts
• Black Humanities: Research Skills
Optional Units:
catalogue/RouteStructure.jsa;jsessionid=8B40539153E78D8D20F30E25BE7A5F95?byCohort=N
&ayrCode=18%2F19&programmeCode=1MODL010T
The units offered by the Departments of History of Art and History will be subject to availability.
2.4 MA in Chinese - English Translation
Our Chinese-English Translation MA programme will increase your understanding of the field of
translation and interpreting. You will explore how practical translation is informed by theory, develop
your verbal and written communication skills, and build your IT literacy to help you produce
translation of the highest quality. Students graduate from the programme equipped with specialist
skills in interpreting and localisation, as well as transferable skills such as analytical thinking,
research and collaboration, which are essential to today's increasingly global market.
Full Time Students

Part Time Students

Progression to the second year will depend on meeting the criteria for the units you’ve taken in the
first year.
Mandatory Units:
• Theories of Translation
• Applied Translation (Mandarin)
• Introduction to Specialized Translation (Mandarin)
• Advanced English for Translation Skills
• Introduction to Liaison Interpreting
Optional Units:
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2.5 MA in Translation – Distance Learning Course
This is a distance-learning master's programme for aspiring or practising translators. It is suitable

for graduates in any discipline offering one or two of the following languages in addition to English:
Czech, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. The MA
combines language-specific practice with training in translation theory and translation technologies.
You will study interactively, as part of an online group led by a tutor. The programme is taught
entirely online and you are not required to come to campus. Our library has an excellent stock of
e-books and e-journals on translation. However, you are just as much a member of the University
as any other student and we are delighted to welcome you to Bristol if you visit. We organise a
programme of talks and seminars each year.
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in, and knowledge and understanding of,
the theory and practice of translation. Students following this programme will have at least a good
degree-level knowledge of the languages concerned, usually (though not necessarily) with native-
speaker competence in English. The principal aim is to equip them with the skills and knowledge
to proceed to work as a professional translator. The research-based dissertation may prepare
students for a research degree in translation studies.
Full Time Students

Part Time Students

If you choose to study part time over three years, you are either required to take 60 credits in your
first year, followed by 60 credits in the second year and the Dissertation (60 credits) in your third
year, OR, you may opt for the part-time variable option when you take 40 credits in the first year,
40 credits in the second year, 40 credits and the 60 credit dissertation in the third year.
The programme consists of three core 20-credit taught units, three optional 20-credit taught units
and the dissertation, which is 60 credits.
The core units are:

• Theories of Translation
• Applied Translation
• Introduction to Specialised Translation
Optional Units:
2.6 Workload
In common with the rest of the University, units in the Faculty of Arts adhere to the credit framework
which sets out that 20 credits normally equates to some 200 hours of student input. Some of this
time will be spent in class, with the remainder divided between preparation for classes and
preparation for, and completion of, the assessment tasks. Some of this activity may occur over the
vacations, and some within the University’s online learning environment, Blackboard, which you
may use to prepare wikis, to interact with other students, to download tutorials or to receive
feedback.
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2.7 Academic Information - Periods of study and words count for each degree
Full details about the period of study for each degree programme are specified in the Regulations
and Code of Practice (www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html) and form
part of the admissions requirements. You are expected to complete your degree within the
maximum period of study unless you have been granted an extension or suspension. If you exceed
the maximum period of study without a formal extension or suspension you are liable to be deemed
out of time for submission. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the
requirements of your programme and to keep the School Programme Administrator informed about
any circumstances which may affect your ability to meet those requirements.
Minimum Maximum
Mode of Submission
Degree period of period of Max. word count
study date
study study
MA Comparative 15,000 excluding

Literatures and FT 12 months 12 months 8 Sept* notes, bibliography and
Cultures appendices
15,000 excluding
MA Black
FT 12 months 12 months 8 Sept* notes, bibliography and
Humanities
appendices
MA in Chinese- 15,000 excluding

English FT 12 months 12 months 8 Sept* notes, bibliography and
Translation appendices
FT 15,000 excluding
MA in Translation September 12 months 12 months 8 Sept* notes, bibliography and
starters appendices
First
FT Monday 15,000 excluding
MA in Translation January 12 months 12 months following notes, bibliography and
starters Easter appendices
Vacation**
* or next working day if this falls on a weekend. Same applies to both 2 and 3 Years Part-time MA
in Translation September starters.
** Part-time 2 years January starters: First Monday following Easter Vacation.
Part-time 3 years January starters: 14th January of the third year or the following working day if
this falls on a weekend.
Part-time variable students (who had previous study suspension) on all Programmes, will
normally submit their dissertation by their maximum study end date.
2.8 Assessment
The full assessment rules for the degree of MA can be found at:
www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html
Please ensure that you consult them and are aware of them. They are complex, and set out what
happens if you fail an assignment, or the dissertation.
19
The amount and type of both assessment and feedback within the units that you study will vary
and the details given here are general guidelines only. You should be informed of the format and
weighting of all assessment methods used in a unit at the start of the unit. This information is usually
made available in the Blackboard site for the unit. If you are uncertain about the assessment
requirements, please consult your unit director well in advance of the submission deadline.
Assessment is often termed either ‘summative’ or ‘formative’
Summative assessments contribute to your unit mark, and thus to your degree, and are designed
to test achievement of the unit learning outcomes. In most cases you will be assessed by a variety
of formats during your programme and within individual units.
Formative tasks allow you to gauge your own progress towards meeting the intended learning
outcomes in each unit. They are also an opportunity for you to receive feedback while the unit is
still in progress.
Alongside formal methods, there is a range of ways for you to assess your progress. Please see
the notes under Feedback below.
A simplified summary of the summative assessments for each unit is also available in the Unit
Catalogue at: www.bris.ac.uk/unit-programme-catalogue/
The Faculty takes care to ensure a broad parity of requirements for student input across the
diversity of activity in the various disciplines and units. Where units are summatively assessed by
written coursework, essays are normally 5,000 words for a 20-credit unit, and other assignments
are intended to be of roughly equivalent scope. The Faculty intends that the workload associated
with discipline-specific assessment types (e.g. performance, film production, translations,
fieldwork, etc.) is comparable with student activity in other disciplines.
2.9 Assessment methods
Assessment methods across and within units may vary considerably, depending on the nature of
the work and the outcomes being assessed. For example, these may take the form of written or
oral examinations or tests, portfolios, reports, analytical reflections, as well as samples of practical
work, projects, performances or presentations. Some assessments may be conducted online.
2.10 Moderation
Moderation is a review of the assessment process. It is not second-marking of the coursework.

Moderators are asked to confirm that the range of marks given is suitable for the range of work
submitted. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the marking criteria are being fairly and
evenly applied by their colleagues. The moderator must read and have reviewed the marking for:
an appropriate sample of first class items of work; all failed items of work; all borderline items of
work (69 for coursework and dissertations, and, for dissertations only, 64); and a sample from mid-
class work (i.e., mid-60s, mid-50s). The total sample should not normally equate to more than 6-8
individual items of work or 10% of the total. However, where the total amount of work is small e.g.
a group of 12, it may be more practical to review all work.
If the review of the sample reveals any anomaly the moderator should in the first instance refer to
the marker themselves to discuss them. If they consider the marks awarded are not well justified
they should invite the marker to re-evaluate them. If a moderator is concerned, through
consideration of the sample, about the marking of the coursework, they should consider whether
this is a single occurrence or a systemic issue by reviewing the remainder of the work for that
coursework submission. If they consider that the variance applies to the entire marking spread,
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moderators may raise or lower marks for all students, or increase or decrease the spread of marks
across the unit as a whole. But an individual mark may only be changed following review of the
whole of the unit. Moderators should always attempt to resolve any disagreement with the marker.
All marks are subject to confirmation by moderators, external examiners and Progress/Exam
Boards, and should be considered provisional until confirmation by the relevant Board (Progress
for Coursework and Examinations for Dissertations.)
2.11 Feedback
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in many different ways, and the informal
responses you get, and your own developing sense of your strengths and ambitions, are as
important as the formal comments and marks for assignments.
Among the forms of feedback you will get are:
• Informal comments and guidance from tutors and supervisors on the practical or written
work you are undertaking at each stage of the programme, whether individually or in a
group.
• Responses in class to your presentations – these will be from your peers as well as tutors.
• Responses to your ideas and contributions from your fellow students while you are working
in groups.
• Written comments and marks on assignments submitted for assessment. The comments
will refer to the criteria and also offer a brief summative response. The relevant assignments
and their criteria will be identified in each unit.
Where work is submitted for marking and credit, our aim is to return marks and comments within
three weeks. If this proves to be impossible for a particular assignment, your programme director
will inform you of the expected return date.
You are encouraged to make regular use of your personal tutor by arranging a discussion to
consider your plans and progress.
Dissertation feedback is not automatically provided. However, you may request a copy of the
consolidated examiners’ report on your dissertation. Such requests must be made via your School
Office. You may also approach your Programme Director for verbal feedback on your programme
performance.
As important as the feedback you get from others is your own reflection, so you can develop your
own ambitions and values. This is embodied in the critical analyses associated with some units,
but you should develop your self-reflection at all stages.
While the marks you receive are an indication of the way your work meets the criteria set out for
the assignment, they are no more than that. So you should always remember the deeper learning
objectives of the programme, and think about your own personal, professional, social and
intellectual growth. None of these can or will be fully measured or reflected in marks or written
feedback.
Further information on assessments can be found in the Regulations and Code of Practice for
Taught Programmes (see www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html)
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2.12 Taught element (coursework)
A variety of coursework submission is used within the faculty including, but not limited to, essays,
reports, dissertations, reflective journals, and oral presentations. Where appropriate, units will set
a word limit length for written pieces of coursework and you should be aware of the penalties for
exceeding the work limits and for producing work which is too brief (these are set out below).
You should be aware that coursework may be submitted via ‘Turnitin’, for plagiarism detection
and/or for the use of its rubrics and/or comment facilities.
You may also be asked to produce formative (non-assessed) work for many of the units you take
in your MA programme. Please refer to the course and unit pages on Blackboard for further
information on your course.
Submission of assessed coursework must take place by the specified deadlines for each Teaching
Block, no later than 12 midday (or 12 midnight for MA Translation):
Teaching Block 1: Monday 14 January 2019

Teaching Block 2: Monday 13 May 2019
Note: These are the final deadlines for all MA programmes in the Faculty. However, some
assignments will have earlier deadlines, and these will be specified by your Unit Director. If you are
in any doubt about deadlines, please see your course pages on Blackboard and consult the School
Office.
It is your responsibility to meet assignment deadlines or to communicate with the Student Support
Office prior to the deadline as appropriate. Non-submissions will not be chased by the Student
Support Office.
2.13 Taught component
The taught component comprises core (or mandatory) units, and optional units. Most units are
worth 20 credit points, with some being worth 40 credit points. These may be taught through
lectures, seminars, practical instruction (in the case of practice-based units) or may take the form
of participation in a conference, or industrial placements, or, in some subjects, may have a strong
collaborative and creative focus. On some MA courses, you may also choose to enrol in Supervised
Individual Study Units, where, in consultation with a specialist supervisor, you may choose to
substitute for one 20-credit unit a project/essay of equivalent weight to a 5,000-word essay, on a
relevant subject approved by the supervisor.
All units are taught in either Teaching Block 1 (autumn) or Teaching Block 2 (spring) and assessed
at the end of the block. Many students will already have received a list of all the mandatory and
optional units available and made unit choices prior to arriving at Bristol. For further information on
units and timetabling, please see your course pages on Blackboard.
Part-time students will normally take 60 credit points of taught units in the first year and another 60
in the second year. The dissertation (60 credit points) will be due for submission at the end of the
second year (or later for the MA in Translation)
In order to be awarded the credit for a unit, students must achieve the pass mark for the unit (40
out of a 100 at undergraduate levels 4-6, or 50 out of a 100 at postgraduate level 7) and meet any
additional criteria (such as completion of practical work) as stated in the unit specification.
22
2.14 Dissertation:
The deadline for dissertation submissions in all programmes is 8 September (or if the 8th falls on a
weekend or closure day, by midday of the first working day thereafter).
If your dissertation is in the form of an essay, you must submit an electronic copy via Blackboard
together with the signed submission form. Please note that the deadline is absolute and that the
copy of the dissertation that will be examined is the copy submitted by the deadline. Submissions
will not be returned so you might wish to keep a copy for your own records.
For information about assessment of practice-based or other forms of dissertations, please see
your course and unit pages on Blackboard, and if in doubt speak to your Programme Director.
Your dissertation will be assessed by two internal examiners. Their assessment is subject to the
oversight of an external examiner. Once the marking process is completed and the results have
been considered, overall recommendations are then sent to the Faculty Graduate Exam Board
which meets in December. Marks are published thereafter via Student Info. You will also receive
official notification of the result from the University, and, depending on a successful result, you will
be invited to attend a graduation ceremony.
Please note: Students who have been granted an extension beyond the maximum period of
study should be aware that extensions will also extend the examination process, and this
may mean that it is not completed in time for your degree to be awarded in the winter
graduation ceremony.
For a general guide on the format for written dissertations please see:
www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/annex/dissertations-pgt/
2.15 Written dissertation
If this is the option provided by your programme, you will write a dissertation of up to 15,000 words,
excluding footnotes, bibliography and appendices. Core units, optional units and coursework are
usually almost wholly completed by the end of the second Teaching Block, so that the period after
the Spring Vacation can be mainly devoted to researching and writing the dissertation.
A successful MA dissertation requires a continuous period of research and writing over a period of
approximately 4 months (i.e. between May and early September). The greater part of the
supervision of the dissertation is likely to be provided before the end of the academic year (end of
June).
You should start thinking about possible topics early. Normally, you will work with your Programme
Director to identify a suitable topic and a dissertation adviser (or advisers). Supervisors will offer
detailed feedback on an introduction and one chapter of the dissertation.
2.16 Other forms of dissertation
There are several variants of the dissertation for some programmes. They may be a portfolio of
compositions, individual or collaborative screen work, documentation of practice or an industrial
placement. These may be combined with written work. For further information on the various
options available, please see your programme pages on Blackboard.
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2.17 Penalties for late submission of coursework and dissertations
Deadlines for coursework are specified above.
Extensions to these deadlines will normally be agreed in advance but may in exceptional
circumstances be granted retrospectively.
For work submitted up to 24 hours after the agreed submission deadline, a penalty of 10 marks out
of 100 (or 3 marks out of 20) from the mark the student would have received applies (eg coursework
that is marked at 60/100 would become 50/100 or a mark of 10/20 would become 7/20) once the
penalty is applied).
For work submitted after 24 hours and up to, and including, 7 days from the original submission
deadline the maximum mark awarded will be the pass mark (50%).
For work submitted 8 or more calendar days after the submission deadline the student will
receive a mark of 0, although you may still be required to submit work of a satisfactory standard
in order for credit to be awarded.
Please note that the deadline for dissertation submission is absolute and that the above
penalties apply only to other pieces of coursework; dissertations submitted late will be awarded a
mark of 0. Students who require an extension to the dissertation submission deadline should
request an extension using the appropriate form, before the deadline.
Failure to submit work or failure through late submission is treated in the same way as academic
failure for the purposes of awarding credit and mark capping. See the section on ‘Assessment
Failure’ below for more information.
2.18 Word-length
Students must declare an exact word count on the appropriate coversheet when submitting written
assignments (such as essays and dissertations).
The word limit on all assessments excludes footnotes, front matter, appendices and bibliography,
as specified in the University’s Dissertation Guidelines for Taught Postgraduate Programmes
(Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes, Annexe 14).
There will be a penalty of 5 marks for any coursework that exceeds the prescribed length.
The dissertation has an absolute maximum length of 15,000 words and, whilst there is no mark
penalty for over-length, examiners have the discretion to decline to examine an over-long
submission. There is no fixed penalty for under-length submissions, and they will be marked
according to their intellectual quality. However, a submission that is considerably shorter than
15,000 words is unlikely to be of sufficient intellectual weight and scope to meet requirements.
The University regards your MA dissertation as a project of research, akin to the research
dissertation of a higher research degree (e.g. MPhil, PhD). The main focus of your effort should be
the main text of the dissertation in which you display your analytical and critical skills. This text
should be well-supported with a scholarly apparatus, underpinned with a bibliography; you may opt
to include appendices. However, no element of this supporting apparatus will be counted towards
the word-limit.
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2.19 Referencing
For reasons of consistency, only the Harvard or MHRA referencing systems should be used within
the Faculty. Please consult with your Programme Director for the referencing system preferred in
your subject.
2.20 Assessment failure
A student must achieve the pass mark for the unit and meet any additional criteria (if applicable) to
be awarded the associated credit. Any additional criteria will be set out in the unit specification. A
student who is not awarded the credit for a unit may be permitted a second attempt to achieve a
satisfactory standard to progress. This is either through the ‘re-sit’ of an exam or the ‘re-submission’
of work. A second attempt will be capped at the unit pass mark unless the initial failure was due to
accepted extenuating circumstances, in which case the mark for the second attempt will be
uncapped.
In order to be permitted a second attempt (i.e. re-sit) in any failed unit(s), taught postgraduate
students must gain at least half of the credit points in the taught component by achieving the pass
mark at the first attempt AND must have satisfied any additional criteria at the time they are
considered by the progression board, or equivalent.
Please see the regulations concerning student assessment and progression at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/regulations-and-code-of-practice-for-
taught-programmes/student-progression-pgt/
The following is a brief guide to processes in the Faculty:
If the Faculty Examination Board permits you to resubmit, the resubmission must normally be a
revised version of the original piece of work, i.e. an essay or an equivalent that meets the unit
requirements. In some cases, it will need to be a new piece of work: for example in the MA
Translation where the feedback on the original submission contains a “model” answer. The
Examination Board will inform you in writing of the deadline for re-submission. In the Faculty of Arts
this is normally six weeks from the date of notification of the re-submission.
In case of failure of an element of a unit, there is no provision for re-submission unless the failure
of the element leads to an overall fail on the unit with a mark of 49 or below. In such cases you will
normally be required to re-submit the failed element in the same manner as for a failed unit
assessment. Please note, some units have must-pass elements, and regardless of the overall unit
mark, you must pass each of these elements with a mark of 50 or above.
If the unit assessment mark at the first attempt is in the range 45-49% and the overall average of
unit marks for the taught component is at least 50 out of 100, you will be permitted to progress
carrying a single failed unit, and continue to the dissertation stage, providing you have met all other
requirements prescribed for credit and completed any additional work. This is called a
‘compensated pass’.
Exceptionally, the Faculty Board of Examiners may permit a student to take a Supplementary Year
if the student does not have sufficient credit points to progress because of academic failure (of no
more than 30 credit points) or extenuating circumstances. See Section 7 of the Regulations and
Code of Practice for Taught Students for details:
www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/regulations-and-code-of-practice-for-taught-
programmes/supplementary-year/
25
2.21 Progression to the dissertation
A pass in all coursework (i.e. 120 credits) is required for progression to the dissertation. However,
you will normally begin work on the dissertation before you know the outcome of your TB2
assignments, as is permitted in the relevant section of the Code of Practice. Should you pass all
coursework, progression to the dissertation will be confirmed by the Faculty Examination Board. If
you fail one or more assignments and are permitted by the Examination Board to re-submit,
progression to the dissertation will be conditional on passing the re-submission(s). In that case
you will be expected to continue with your work on the dissertation while preparing and
submitting the resubmission(s). Should the resubmission(s) pass, progression will be confirmed,
and you will submit the dissertation in the normal way by the normal deadline. Should the
resubmission(s) fail, the conditions for progression to the dissertation will not have been met, and
the dissertation will therefore not be accepted for assessment.
2.22 Failure in the dissertation
The following is an extract from www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html

which you should read for further information.
Where a student has achieved a near-pass mark (45 or over but less than 50 out of 100) for the
dissertation and, in addition, the examiners recommend that it is suitable for re-assessment, the
relevant Board of Examiners may decide to permit the student to re-submit the dissertation, or
equivalent. The recorded mark for any re-submitted dissertation will be capped at the minimum
pass mark (50 out of 100) even if the student achieves a higher level of attainment in the re-
assessment.
If a student has extenuating circumstances which have been accepted, the Board of Examiners
may, depending on the categorised impact of the circumstance, permit re-submission of a failed
dissertation without penalty. See Section 17 of the Code of Practice:
programmes/extenuating-circumstances/
Re-submission of the dissertation must normally be made within 3 months of the student being
notified by the faculty Board of Examiners of its decision (and within 6 months for part-time students
and 12 months for part-time variable students).
Where re-assessment of the dissertation is not permitted the student may be awarded a
postgraduate diploma, if appropriate, by the relevant Board of Examiners, subject to the satisfactory
accumulation of credit points.
2.23 Examination: External examining
The function of the External Examiner is essentially similar to that of the moderator: External
Examining acts as a further layer of quality assurance for our assessment processes. In addition
External Examiners are invited to consider and comment on the quality of the programme, all
aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, and the performance of the cohort of students in
the year in question. The faculty considers their comments carefully and they form an important
part of unit and programme development and quality assurance.
2.24 Language tests and exams
Some language units (for example Ancient Greek and Latin units in the MA in Classics and Ancient
History) are assessed by a series of formal class tests and are subject to University examination
regulations. Failure to attend a class test without reasonable cause will result in the award of no
26
marks for that test. It is your responsibility to be aware of the details of the test timetable and to
arrive at the venue in good time for the examination. No candidate may enter the room after the
test has been in progress for more than 15 minutes. The regulations governing the absence of
students for medical or other reasons are detailed here:
programmes/student-absence/
Language units within the School of Modern Languages are also assessed by means of language
exams.
2.25 Mark capping
The following system is used as a means of ‘capping’ marks at the higher end of the scale in
language units where this has been identified as a necessary procedure:
The number of marks above 70 should be reduced by one third.
For example, in a ‘raw’ mark of 85 the number of marks above 70 is 15. Reduced by one third, this
becomes 10. The final mark is therefore 80.
If you have any questions about mark capping, please contact your School Office.
2.26 MA marking criteria
Marking criteria are available for each type of assessment, and you are advised to take account of
these in preparing your work. Markers will base their assessment of your work on these marking
criteria and refer to them when they prepare your feedback.
In the School of Modern Languages, two sets of marking criteria are used for MA programmes: (i)
Faculty marking criteria for essays and dissertations (see Section 2.26.1 below); (ii) School marking
criteria for practice-based dissertations involving extended translation (see Section 2.26.2 below)
For summative assessments you will receive a numerical mark. Markers will provide feedback for
each piece of summative coursework you submit and, in some cases, also for summative exams
where these are used. Feedback should reflect your performance and should also be read as
advice on how to improve further, so that summative assessment is accompanied by formative
feedback. You are encouraged to approach the unit tutor for further guidance and feedback once
the results are released.
Your overall unit mark is calculated from the marks received for summative assessments,
according to weightings published in the unit catalogue. These should also be on the Blackboard
site for the unit.
Many units include some formative assessments or other tasks. These assignments are normally
detailed in the unit documentation, and their completion may be a requirement for the award of
credit in the unit.
Some elements of assessment depend on group work (for example a performance or a

collaborative project), and in these cases the group mark may form a part of your overall unit mark.
Your own contribution to the group work may also be factored into your mark.
There is no mechanism for appeal against academic judgment in assessment, so students who are
unsure of the criteria for any assignment should ensure that they seek clarity from the relevant
teacher/supervisor in advance of submission. Please ensure that you consult your programme and
unit information in Blackboard for the criteria for specific assignments.
27
2.26.1 Faculty marking criteria for essays and research-based dissertations
The scale below is a Faculty adaptation of the generic University Criteria on the 100 point scale,
designed to take account of the particular thresholds operative in all MA programmes within the
School of Modern Languages. These marking criteria are applied to coursework essays and
research-based dissertations on all MA programmes.
M-level
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied to the very highest standard with no
areas of weakness.
Very extensive and detailed knowledge with impressive conceptual understanding.
Extensive evidence of coherence, creativity, originality, autonomy, imagination and the
ability to deal with complexity, contradictions or gaps in the knowledge base and ability
to synthesise appropriate principles by reference to primary sources and knowledge at
the forefront of the discipline.
Work would be worthy of dissemination under appropriate conditions.
Mastery of advanced methods and techniques at a level beyond that explicitly taught.
90-100
Ability to synthesise and employ in an original way ideas from across the subject.
In group work, there is evidence of an outstanding individual contribution. Outstanding
command of critical analysis and judgment.
Work would be worthy of dissemination under appropriate conditions.
Mastery of advanced methods and techniques at a level beyond that explicitly taught.
Ability to synthesise and employ in an original way ideas from across the subject.
In group work, there is evidence of an outstanding individual contribution. Excellent
presentation.
Outstanding command of critical analysis and judgment
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied to a high standard with no areas of
weakness. Excellent knowledge and understanding; clear evidence of coherence,
creativity, originality and the ability to deal with complexity, contradictions or gaps in the
knowledge base and ability to synthesise appropriate principles by reference to primary
sources.
Answer very well organised, accurate and very well presented; may be close to
70-89 publishable standard.
Excellent range and depth of attainment of intended learning outcomes. Mastery of a
wide range of methods and techniques.
Evidence of study and originality clearly beyond the bounds of what has been taught.
In group work, there is evidence of an excellent individual contribution.
Excellent presentation.
Able to display a command of critical analysis and judgment.
28
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied to a high standard with very few areas
of weakness.
Demonstrates very good knowledge and understanding; clear evidence of analysis,
coherence, creativity, originality and the ability to synthesise appropriate principles by
reference, where appropriate, to primary sources and knowledge at the forefront of the
discipline.
Answer very well organised, accurate and very well presented. Attained all the intended
65-69 learning outcomes for a unit.
Able to use well a range of methods and techniques to come to conclusions. Evidence
of study, comprehension, and synthesis beyond the bounds of what has been explicitly
taught.
Very good presentation of material.
Able to employ critical analysis and judgment.
Where group work is involved there is evidence of a productive individual contribution.
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied to a good standard with few areas of
weakness. Displays good knowledge and understanding with clear evidence of
analysis, coherence, and the ability to synthesise materials from other modules, from
primary sources and knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.
Answer well organised, accurate and very well presented. Attained all the intended
learning outcomes for a unit.
60-64
Able to use well a range of methods and techniques to come to conclusions. Evidence
of study, comprehension, and synthesis beyond the bounds of what has been explicitly
taught.
Very good presentation of material.
Able to employ critical analysis and judgement.
Where group work is involved there is evidence of a productive individual contribution.
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied with few errors.

Displays good knowledge and understanding with few errors and some evidence of
analysis and the ability to synthesise material from the teaching programme and from
wider reading, including primary reference sources, and /or from practical experience.
Answer well organised, accurate and well presented.
55-59 Some limitations in attainment of learning objectives, but has managed to grasp most
of them.
Able to use most of the methods and techniques taught. Evidence of study and
comprehension of what has been taught Adequate presentation of material.
Some grasp of issues and concepts underlying the techniques and material taught.
Where group work is involved there is evidence of a positive individual contribution.
29
Subject specific assessment criteria are satisfied with no significant errors.
Good knowledge and understanding, with no significant errors and evidence of the
ability to select, apply and analyse information from teaching programme and
information gained from wider reading which includes primary reference sources and/or
from practical experience. Demonstration of independent study should be informed by
primary sources and knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.
50-54
Some limitations in attainment of learning objectives, but has managed to grasp most
of them.
Able to use most of the methods and techniques taught. Evidence of study and
comprehension of what has been taught Adequate presentation of material.
Some grasp of issues and concepts underlying the techniques and material taught.
Where group work is involved there is evidence of a positive individual contribution.
Reasonable knowledge and understanding of key concepts, no major fundamental

errors but significant subject specific criteria are omitted.
Demonstrates some ability to select, apply and analyse information derived from
45-49
teaching programme, but fails to demonstrate evidence of independent study.
Limited attainment of intended learning outcomes.
Able to use a proportion of the basic methods and techniques taught.
Shows knowledge of most of the important elements and some understanding, but
patchy and contains some major errors and omissions and little evidence of critical
analysis.
40-44 Answer is organised and presented just about satisfactorily.
Evidence of study and comprehension of what has been taught, but grasp insecure.
Some grasp of the issues and concepts underlying the techniques and material taught,
but weak and incomplete.
Some relevant knowledge of more important elements, but limited understanding.

Attainment of only a minority of the learning outcomes.
Able to demonstrate limited use of some of the basic methods and techniques taught.
35-39 Poorly presented.
Weak and incomplete grasp of what has been taught.
Deficient understanding of the issues and concepts underlying the techniques and
material taught.
Deficient attainment of intended learning outcomes.

Inadequate knowledge and understanding and major misconceptions, but at least basic
awareness of some aspects of the area.
25-34 Answer incomplete, poorly organised and presented.
Attainment of nearly all the intended learning outcomes deficient. Lack of ability to use
at all or the right methods and techniques taught. Inadequately and incoherently
presented.
30
Appreciably deficient attainment of intended learning outcomes for the required level of
study. Serious lack of any relevant knowledge and understanding of fundamental
aspects of subject. Answer incomplete, poorly organised and presented.
15-24
Wholly deficient grasp of what has been taught.
Lack of understanding of the issues and concepts underlying the techniques and
material taught.
Seriously deficient attainment of intended learning outcomes.

Poor quality work well below the appropriate standards required for the level of study.
10-14
Very minimal knowledge; no understanding; fundamental misconceptions,
unacceptable presentation.
No understanding or any relevant knowledge, fundamental misconceptions.

Fails in all respects to provide any assessable answer to the question. Work not worthy
0-10 of marking or not submitted.
No significant assessable material, absent, or assessment missing a "must pass"
component.
2.26.2 School of Modern Languages marking criteria for practice-based translation

dissertations
The marking criteria for the practice-based translation model of dissertation are specific to
the School of Modern Languages are are used primiarly for dissertations submitted for the
degress of MA Translation and MA Chinese-English Translation..
For this dissertation model, students will receive a mark for the translation itself (60% of
the final mark) and a mark for the accompanying analystic commentary (40% of the final
mark). There are separate marking criteria for each of these components:
Marking Criteria for Translation (60% of final mark)
90%+ Translation is wholly consistent with the strategy outlined in the methodological
framework and demonstrates flawless understanding of the grammatical and syntactic
structures of the source text throughout. The translator shows an outstanding command of
the target language and the text is wholly appropriate for the reader posited in the textual
analysis. Difficulties of cultural and linguistic transfer are resolved with exceptional creative
skill and awareness. The translation requires virtually no editing to be fit for purpose.
Presentation is excellent throughout and the translation very carefully proofread.
80-89 Translation is wholly consistent with the strategy outlined in the methodological
framework and demonstrates complete understanding of the grammatical and syntactic
structures of the source text throughout. The translator shows an extremely good
command of the target language and the text is wholly appropriate for the reader posited
in the textual analysis. Difficulties of cultural and linguistic transfer are resolved in a very
imaginative and creative way. Presentation is excellent throughout and the translation very
carefully proofread. The translation requires only very minor editing to be fit for purpose.
31
70-79 Translation is consistent with the strategy outlined in the methodological framework
and is of a very high standard, showing near perfect understanding of the grammatical and
syntactic structures of the source text throughout. The translation is appropriate for the
reader posited in the textual analysis and requires little editing to be fit for purpose.
Difficulties of linguistic and cultural transfer are solved very skilfully with only very minor
awkwardness. Presentation is very good throughout and the translation carefully
proofread.
65-69 Translation broadly matches the strategy outlined in the methodological analysis
and shows very good understanding of the grammatical and syntactic structures of the
source text throughout. With very minor exceptions, it meets the needs of the reader
posited in the textual analysis. The text may require a little editing to be fit for purpose.
There may be some very minor distortions of the message, but none of a serious nature.
There may be minor errors in the choice of appropriate TL lexis. Overall, the translator
shows a good command of the target language and the ability to restructure the original
syntax where appropriate, though there may be a few awkward passages. There may be
minor inaccuracies in presentation and proofreading.
60-64 Translation broadly matches the strategy outlined in the methodological analysis
and shows good understanding of the grammatical and syntactic structures of the source
text throughout. With only minor exceptions, it meets the needs of the reader posited in the
textual analysis. The text may require some editing to be fit for purpose. There may be
some distortions of the message, but none of a serious nature. There may be errors in the
choice of appropriate lexis in the TL. Overall, he translator shows a good command of the
target language and the ability to restructure the original syntax where appropriate, though
there may be awkward passages. There may be minor inaccuracies in presentation and
proofreading.
50-59 A good attempt has been made to apply the translation strategy identified as
appropriate in the methodological framework. Broad understanding of the grammatical and
syntactic structures of the source text throughout though there may be occasional
mistranslations. The text requires a few significant editorial changes to meet the needs of
the reader posited in the source text analysis. There may be some inaccuracies in
presentation and proofreading. There may be one or two significant distortions of the
message and several minor distortions. There may be a number of errors in the use of
appropriate lexis in the TL. Grammatical and syntactic structures used in the TL version
are mostly acceptable, but there may be a few awkward or unacceptable renderings. There
may be minor inaccuracies in presentation and proofreading.
45-49 The translator shows a limited capacity to apply a coherent strategy to the
translation which would require significant editorial changes to be fit for purpose. There are
likely to be a number of significant distortions of the message and many minor distortions.
There are a significant number of errors in the use of appropriate lexis in TL. There are
some acceptable grammatical and syntactic structures used in the TL version, but a
number of unacceptable ones also used. Attempts to solve linguistic and cultural difficulties
are quite often unsuccessful. There may be significant inaccuracies in presentation and
proofreading.
32
40-44 The translator shows a very limited capacity to apply a coherent strategy to the
translation which would require substantial editorial changes to be fit for purpose. There
are likely to be many major and minor significant distortions of the message. There are a
significant number of errors in the use of appropriate lexis in TL. There are some
acceptable grammatical and syntactic structures used in the TL version, but many
unacceptable ones also used. Attempts to solve linguistic and cultural difficulties are largely
unsuccessful. There are significant inaccuracies in presentation and proofreading.
30-39 There is little or no evidence of a coherent translation strategy and serious

misunderstanding of the grammatical and syntactic structures of the source text
throughout. The text would require complete revision to be fit for purpose. There are many
major and minor distortions of the message. There are a substantial number of errors in
the use of appropriate lexis. There may be some acceptable grammatical and syntactic
structures used in the TL version, but a substantial number of unacceptable ones also
used. Difficulties of linguistic and cultural transfer are largely unresolved. There may be
serious inaccuracies in presentation and proofreading.
20-29 Little understanding of the grammatical and syntactic structures of the source text
throughout, making a strategic approach to translation impossible. The text would require
radical revision to be fit for purpose. There are a substantial number of major and minor
distortions of the message. There is very little use of appropriate lexis in TL. There is little
attempt to solve difficulties of linguistic or cultural transfer. There are a few acceptable
grammatical and syntactic structures used in the TL version, but a substantial number of
unacceptable ones also used. There may be very serious inaccuracies in presentation and
proofreading
0-19 Almost complete failure to understand the grammatical and syntactic structures of
the source text and to approach the translation strategically. The text would require
retranslation to be fit for purpose. There may be unacceptable inaccuracies in presentation
and proofreading. The message is very substantially distorted in many places. There is
persistent use of inappropriate lexis in TL. There are many unacceptable grammatical and
syntactic structures used in the TL version. There is virtually no stylistic equivalence or
cultural transfer between the TL version and the source text. Presentation and proofreading
may also be exceptionally poor.
Marking Criteria for Analytical commentary (40% of final mark)
90%+ The level of critical analysis demonstrated would meet the standard required for
publication in an academic journal with virtually no revision. The source text and context
has been expertly researched and documented. The material has been structured and
organised in a professional manner. The analysis shows a comprehensive knowledge and
critical appreciation of relevant theoretical approaches and an outstanding ability to apply
theory to practice. A coherent and entirely persuasive translation strategy has been
developed. Annotations within the translation itself show an outstandingly good
understanding of translation techniques appropriate for the language pair: they relate
clearly to the strategy, which has been proposed. Presentation of analysis, bibliography
and appendices (if applicable) fully meet the standard required for publication.
33
80-89 The level of critical analysis demonstrated would meet the standard required for
publication in an academic journal with only minor revisions. The source text and context
has been extremely well researched and documented. The material has been structured
and organised in a near professional manner. The analysis shows a comprehensive
knowledge and critical appreciation of relevant theoretical approaches and a very skilful
application of theory to practice. A coherent and entirely appropriate translation strategy
has been developed. Annotations within the translation itself show an exceptionally good
and appendices (if applicable) would meet the standard required for publication with only
minor revisions.
70-79 The level of critical analysis demonstrated is of a very high standard. The source
text and context has been thoroughly researched and documented. The material has been
carefully and logically structured and organised. The analysis shows an excellent
knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and ability to evaluate these critically. Theory
is very successfully applied to practice and a coherent and appropriate translation strategy
has been developed. Annotations within the translation itself show an excellent
and appendices (if applicable) are of a very high standard with only a few minor slips.
65-69 The level of critical analysis demonstrated is of a consistently good standard. The
source text and context has been well researched and documented. The analysis shows a
thorough knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and good ability to evaluate these
critically. The material has been well structured and organised. Theory is successfully
applied to practice and a coherent and appropriate translation strategy is developed.
Annotations within the translation itself show a good understanding of translation
techniques appropriate for the language pair: they relate well overall to the strategy, which
has been proposed. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and appendices (if applicable)
are of a very good standard overall though there may be some errors of a minor kind.
60-64 The level of critical analysis demonstrated is of a consistently good standard. The
source text and context has been well researched and documented. The analysis shows a
thorough knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and reasonably good ability to
evaluate these critically. The material has been well structured and organised. Theory is
successfully applied to practice and a coherent and appropriate translation strategy is
developed. Annotations within the translation itself show a good understanding of
translation techniques appropriate for the language pair: they relate well overall to the
strategy, which has been proposed. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and appendices
(if applicable) are of a good standard overall though there may be some errors of a minor
kind.
34
50-59 The level of critical analysis is fairly good. The source text and context has been
researched and documented, though further research might have been desirable. The
material has on the whole been well structured and organised, though the articulation of
the discussion may be somewhat loose. The analysis shows knowledge of relevant
theoretical approaches and some ability to evaluate these critically and apply them to
practice. There is an attempt to develop a clear translation strategy. Annotations within the
translation itself show an understanding of translation techniques appropriate for the
language pair, though these may not always be very well explained or related to the
strategy, which has been proposed. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and appendices
(if applicable) will be of a reasonably good standard though there may be a few minor
lapses.
45-49 The level of critical analysis is very limited and rarely rises above a descriptive level.
Research around the text and context is limited. The analysis shows relatively little
knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and little ability to evaluate these critically
and apply them to practice. The material is poorly organised and lacks clear and logical
structure. There is little attempt to develop a clear translation strategy. Annotations within
the translation itself do not adequately account for translation choices and are poorly
related to any strategy, which has been proposed. Presentation of analysis, bibliography
and appendices (if applicable) may not be complete and there may be some errors or
omissions.
40-44 The level of critical analysis is very limited, probably stopping short with a descriptive
account of the source text. Research around the text and context is perfunctory. The
analysis shows little knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and little ability to
evaluate these critically and apply them to practice. The material is poorly organised and
lacks clear and logical structure. There is very little attempt to develop a clear translation
strategy. Annotations within the translation itself do not adequately account for translation
choices and are poorly related to any strategy, which has been proposed. Presentation of
analysis, bibliography and appendices (if applicable) may not be complete and there are
likely to be errors or omissions.
30-39 There is little or no attempt to go beyond a descriptive account of the source text.
Research around the text and context is very limited. The account shows little knowledge
of relevant theoretical approaches and little or no ability to evaluate these critically or apply
them to practice. The discussion is largely unstructured and the material is badly organised.
There is virtually no attempt to develop a clear translation strategy. Annotations within the
translation itself do not adequately account for translation choices or relate to any overall
strategy. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and appendices (if applicable) may be
faulty with frequent errors or omissions.
20-29 There is no attempt to go beyond a descriptive account of the source text or to

research text and context. There is no real knowledge and understanding of relevant
theoretical approaches and consequently no evidence of a strategic approach to the
translation or a structured and organised discussion. Annotations within the translation
itself may be very sparse and demonstrate little or no knowledge of appropriate
terminology. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and appendices (if applicable) is likely
to be very poor with frequent errors or omissions.
35
0-19 There is no attempt to go beyond a perfunctory account of the source text and no
research into text and context. There is virtually no knowledge and understanding of
relevant theoretical approaches and consequently no evidence of a strategic approach to
the translation or an attempt to engage in a logical discussion. Annotations within the
translation itself may be very sparse and are likely to be purely descriptive with little or no
knowledge of appropriate terminology. Presentation of analysis, bibliography and
appendices (if applicable) is likely to be extremely poor with gross errors or omissions.
2.27 Change of Mode of study (e.g. from full-time to part-time)
Whether you can change your mode of study depends on the programme (some do not
offer part-time study). Normally, you must not have completed more than 60 credit-points
of your programme prior to the submission for a change in the mode of study. There is a
form to be completed and approved by your supervisor, Head of Subject and School and
the Graduate Education Director. The form can be found here:
www.bris.ac.uk/arts/current/postgraduates/forms/
2.28 Transferring Programme
Students may be permitted to transfer between programmes subject to approval but there is no
automatic right of transfer between programmes. Transfer is subject to sufficient space being
available and the applicant meeting the academic criteria and requirements for the new
programme.
Permission to transfer to a new programme will not normally be granted after the first two weeks of
the first teaching block as it becomes increasingly difficult to catch up on the content of a new
programme, especially where practical work is concerned.
If a student is transferring to a different Faculty, they will need to allow time to be released from
their ‘exisiting’ Faculty before confirmation of being accepted onto the ‘new’ programme of study in
the Faculty of Arts. During this period, should a temporary timetable be required, one will be
provided by School Office .
2.29 Working with others as ‘critical friends’
You are encouraged to contact other students to ask what they think. If you have time, you can
arrange to read one another’s work informally as ‘critical friends’. A critical friend – even one
working on a very different topic from yours – can tell you whether you are writing clearly, explaining
yourself, referencing your work properly and so on. Using the track and change function in Word,
you can help one another to proof-read picking up all those slips in presentation which it’s so easy
to overlook when you are writing. This can be a great help and make you feel less lonely. If English
is not your first language, you may, and should, get appropriate help with writing fluently and
grammatically in English, as long as there is no doubt at all that the actual substance of the ideas
and the argument are yours alone.
2.30 Plagiarism
One of the key points about university work is that, especially in written exercises like essays and
research projects, you are expected to conform to the standard conventions of academic
publication in your discipline, in approach, style, and format. One of the key things you will be
learning is how to conduct yourself as a proper researcher; in how you research a topic, how you
36
develop your arguments and how you present your findings. You will be given guidance on the
particulars of format and style, e.g. how to present your bibliography.
For work to meet academic and ethical standards it requires complete and consistent
acknowledgement of your sources. Plagiarism, which covers any case where someone passes off
someone else’s work as their own, is one of the most serious forms of academic misconduct.
Plagiarism is the unacknowledged inclusion in any assignment submitted for assessment of

material – whether it is a quotation, an idea or concept, a line of argument, or data - derived from
another source, published or unpublished. This constitutes plagiarism whether it is intentional or
unintentional. By ‘source’ you should understand not only academic and non-academic printed
books and journals but also unprinted papers and essays (including the essays, projects and
dissertations of other students) and any material accessed from the internet whether or not on open
access sites, including general encyclopaedic directories (e.g. Wikipedia); it also extends to essays
or research materials commissioned or purchased from a third party.
Examples of plagiarism include:

• Quoting another’s work “word for word” without placing the phrase(s), sentence(s) or
paragraph(s) in quotation marks and providing a reference for the source.
• Using statistics, tables, figures, formulae, data, diagrams, questionnaires, images, musical
notation, computer code, etc., created by others without acknowledging and referencing the
original source.
• Summarising, or paraphrasing the work or ideas of another without acknowledging and
referencing the original source. “Paraphrasing” means re-stating another author’s ideas,
meaning or information in a student’s own words.
• Copying the work of another student, with or without that student’s agreement
• Collaborating with another student, even where the initial collaboration is legitimate, e.g.,
joint project work, and then presenting the resulting work as one’s own. If students are
unclear about the extent of collaboration which is permitted in joint work they should consult
the relevant tutor.
• Submitting, in whole or in part, work which has previously been submitted for assessment
at the University or Bristol or elsewhere, without fully referencing the earlier work. The
includes unacknowledged reuse of the student’s own submitted work.
• Buying or commissioning an essay or other piece of work and presenting it as a student’s
own.
• Buying or commissioning an essay or other piece of work and presenting it as a student’s
own.
• Unauthorised joint or group working on a piece of work that is to be assessed individually.
Knowingly allowing your work to be copied by another student will be treated with equal seriousness
to the student by whom the work is copied.
Most cases of plagiarism identified in the Faculty result from careless note-taking and/or
inadequate referencing (often when using material from the Internet). However, even this sort of
‘poor academic practice’ is still treated as a serious matter and is likely to lead to a mark penalty or
a requirement to resubmit the work. If the plagiarism is more extensive, the possible penalties
include receiving no marks for the piece of work, no marks for the entire unit, a lower class of
degree or even, in the most serious cases, exclusion from the award of any degree. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you do not fall under any suspicion of plagiarism, by ensuring that all
your sources are properly referenced and that you do not make illegitimate use of the ideas or work
of other students.
If you are unsure that you have understood the definition of plagiarism in these terms or require
guidance on strategies to ensure you avoid it in the preparation of your assignments, you should
consult your Programme Director or supervisor immediately.
37
The University Library also provides in-depth information about plagiarism and how to avoid it. It
can be found here: www.bristol.ac.uk/library/support/findinginfo/plagiarism
The University takes plagiarism very seriously and penalties can be severe.
For details of the University’s procedures for dealing with plagiarism see the University’s Exam
Regulations (Section 7) here: www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/student-rules-regs/
2.31 Applying for a Research Degree
If you are thinking of going on to study for a research degree after your MA, it is a good idea to start
investigating the possibilities early in the academic year. It is most important to have a well-
formulated project when applying for a place or, most especially, when applying for funding.
Competition for funding is high. If you apply for funding you will normally be expected to have a
first-class honours BA degree or equivalent and/or a distinction (or predicted distinction) in the MA.
You should arrange an appointment to discuss the possibility of undertaking a research degree
and of appropriate funding for such a course with the MA Programme Director well in advance of
the Christmas break. If you are a potential candidate for funding you will need to be in the position
to write a detailed proposal for a research project during the autumn term.
You cannot be considered by funding bodies unless you have first applied and been accepted by
a University. This is therefore your first priority. Application information for the University of Bristol
is available on the Postgraduate Admissions website.
3 Extenuating Circumstances
If you have any extenuating circumstances (medical or personal) which you believe may have
affected your performance in assessment, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Exam Board
is provided with the relevant information. You must therefore submit an Extenuating Circumstances
form along with medical or other supporting evidence to the School Office prior to the meeting of
the relevant Extenuating Circumstances Committee which meets in advance of the Exam Board.
The dates of the ECC and Board meetings are listed in the ‘Key information’ section of this
Handbook.
The Students’ Union advice team (JustAsk) provide a guide about what you should do in relation
to Extenuating Circumstances here: https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/justask/academic
The full University Regulations relating to Extenuating Circumstances can be found at:
taught-programmes/extenuating-circumstances/
As referenced above, if an extenuating circumstance has meant that you are unable to submit a
summative coursework assignment by the agreed deadline, you should request an extension
before the assignment deadline and may need to complete and submit an extenuating
circumstances form. Schools may ask for evidence of the circumstance before agreeing to an
extension.
An Extenuating Circumstances submission may be made in advance of an assessment but, in any

case, must always be made within 2 working days following the end of the period of absence,
except in cases of absence from an examination where the form should be submitted as soon as
possible, but no later than the relevant meeting of the Board of Examiners.
Extenuating circumstances that could have been raised before the relevant meeting of the Exam
Board, but were not raised without a good reason, will not be considered in the event of an appeal.
38
A small Extenuating Circumstances Committee considers and evaluates the extenuating
circumstances submitted. The information is treated with the strictest confidence. No personal
details are made known to the Faculty Exam Board or any other individuals within or outside of the
University except the members of the Committee, unless the student refers to them in the process
of an Appeal, in which case they are made available to the Local and University-level appeal
panels. If students have concerns about confidentiality in relation to their extenuating
circumstances submission or the evidence they should discuss this with the Faculty Student
Administration Manager or the Faculty Education Manager.
REMEMBER:
If you wish extenuating circumstances to be taken into account, you must submit an extenuating
circumstances form to the School Office before the meeting of the Board of Examiners which
considers your performance in assessment.
Apart from very exceptional cases, there are very few good reasons for not formally declaring
extenuating circumstances where they exist. Being unaware of the extenuating circumstances
procedure or students deciding that they did not wish to, or need to, declare problems using this
procedure, will not be considered a valid reason for failing to declare them in good time.
Some students may feel that for cultural reasons it is not appropriate for them to declare their
extenuating circumstances. Students are reminded that all extenuating circumstances
submissions are treated with respect and in the strictest confidence and that we expect all students
to follow Faculty and University regulations.
Please also be aware that if during the appeal process students are prepared to disclose personal
or family problems, their reasons for not disclosing this same information using the extenuating
circumstances procedure may be questioned.
Even if students have informed a member of staff (such as a teacher, a clinician or any other
University staff member) of extenuating circumstances they may be experiencing, students must
still complete an Extenuating Circumstances form and submit it as described above if they wish the
issues to be taken into account by the Faculty Examination Board.
Any evidence submitted for extenuating circumstances which cites a new or previously undisclosed
health issue or disability will remain confidential. Therefore, if this is likely to affect your studies
you must also inform your programme director and the School of the development separately. You
do not have to disclose more information than you wish to.
Students should expect a rigorous approach by the Faculty in the application of the rules of the
procedure.
4. Absence, Coursework Extensions and Extenuating circumstances
4.1 Absence Due to Illness or Other Cause during Teaching or Exams
If you are unable to attend any class it is your responsibility to inform the class tutor and to make
up any work missed. In addition, you should follow the appropriate course of action set out in the
following Student Guide to Academic Practice (GAP) also available from the JustAsk team in the
Students Union: https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/justask/extenuating-circumstances
The full regulations relating to absence and illness can be found here
taught-programmes/student-absence/
39
Please note: any Self-Certification of Absence form must be submitted to the School Office within
TWO working days of the end of the period of absence.
4.2 MA Coursework Extensions
If something happens that directly and substantially affects your ability to complete a piece of
assessed coursework by the deadline, you can apply for an extension to the deadline. If you wish
to request an extension to a coursework deadline a formal request must be submitted to your
programme administration team in the School Office by email.
You should contact the School Office and request an extension before the assignment deadline as
well as completing an extenuating circumstances form. Under normal circumstances, retrospective
extensions cannot be approved. Forms should be submitted in the five days ahead of the deadline.
If you are not able to submit your evidence at the time of your request, you may provide evidence
within seven days of you submitting your request, in order to confirm your extension.
Extensions will be granted (and support will be offered) in circumstances where your studies have
been significantly disrupted for a sustained period of time (as a proportion of time between the
coursework being set and the submission deadline). However, extensions will not be granted where
the impact has clearly been minor and brief (see the examples below).
Extensions will be granted in the following circumstances (where accompanying evidence is

provided):
• Sustained common illness, such as a lower respiratory tract infection, close to the
submission date;
• Acute medical condition with long-term effects, such as a bone fracture, that impairs the
student’s ability to study;
• Chronic medical condition, such as glandular fever, for which a reasonable adjustment has
yet to be applied or which has recently worsened;
• Physical trauma where a student has been admitted to hospital;
• Emerging mental health difficulties, such as generalised anxiety disorder or clinical

depression, which are yet to be controlled by professional support;
• Being the victim of a crime, which is likely to have a significant emotional impact;
• Recent bereavement or serious illness of a person with whom the student has a close
relationship;
• Interruption to or unexpected changes in caring responsibilities;
• Jury service.
Extensions will not be granted in the following circumstances:
• Common (or ‘day-to-day’) illnesses such as a common cold, headache or migraine;
• Acute medical episode that does not have any long-term effects, such as gastroenteritis;
• Involvement in minor incidents that do not cause any injury;
• Circumstances that are foreseeable or preventable, such as travel or personal computer

problems;
40
• Paid or voluntary employment commitments;
• Proximity to other assessment deadlines;
• Non-diagnosed occasional anxiety or stress;
• Chronic conditions, including mental health, for which a reasonable adjustment has already
been made, unless the condition has worsened, or the adjustment is considered insufficient.
Please note that submission deadlines are set well in advance and are sufficiently generous to
allow for the possibility of short interruptions; you will not, therefore, be granted an extension for a
minor illness of short duration falling under the category of self-certification.
You are strongly encouraged therefore to prepare your coursework submissions well in advance
so that you can aim to comfortably meet your deadlines. Do allow margin for inevitable minor
disruptions and build this into your planning. Deadlines are published at the start of each Teaching
Block to enable you to plan your overall workload, and already allow for/build in the possibility of
illness and/or minor difficulties in the days preceding your due submission of work. This approach
will assist you in building effective and stress-reducing time-management skills. Time-management
and completion according to deadline are crucial to the overall process of submitting academic
work and completing your degree programme. These important skills also effectively prepare you
for the future expectations of employers.
If you are finding managing your workload tricky, please let us know before the crisis of an
imminent deadline:
• If your difficulties relate to completing a particular piece of coursework, please see the relevant
unit tutor in their office hours or by appointment. They can talk you through the task, help you
over any blocks and help you make a plan for completing the work. They can also advise you
on whether you should apply for an extension.
• If your difficulties relate to managing all the coursework you have been set, please see your
personal tutor in their office hours or by appointment. They can help you set priorities and
develop a plan for completing your commitments and avoiding pile-ups in future. They can also
advise you on whether you should apply for an extension for any piece of work.
• In both cases, you can also seek similar help from the School’s senior tutor, Amy Lewis (sml-
seniortutor@bris.ac.uk).
If you are enrolled as a current student (i.e. not on suspension of studies) we take this as a good
indication that you are well and able to attend your classes and submit assessments. If this is not
the case, please see a Senior Tutor for help and advice.
If you are a disabled student, your disability support statement (DSS) will typically set out the
normal expectations for the submission of coursework. We will normally grant extensions if you can
evidence a worsening of your condition or if you are additionally affected by another circumstance
with significant impact. If you believe you have a disability which is not already being managed,
please contact the Senior Tutors or the Wellbeing Advisers for further advice.
Supporting evidence
Supporting Evidence may take various forms, but must be independent and sufficiently detailed to
support the narrative you provide on your form. An illness should have been observed by a
Doctor (not simply reported to a Doctor retrospectively) and all evidence should be
contemporaneous. Bear in mind that Doctors will not normally issue medical certificates for
illnesses of less than a week's duration. However, you may refer to previously submitted evidence
of chronic conditions or persistent circumstances and/or submit ‘non-contemporaneous’ evidence
41
where it is still relevant to the reason for the extension request. Please ask the senior tutor for
support and advice if you have any questions or concerns about providing suitable evidence.
Length of extension
If you are granted an extension, the length of the extension will broadly be commensurate with the
period of time that you were impacted by the circumstance. If you are granted an extension, this
will normally be of a period of up to seven days, to ensure that your learning is not held up. Where
a circumstance has had a serious impact upon you, then a longer extension of up to a maximum
of 21 days may be granted. This is to prevent negative knock-on effects on your future work
and submissions. Where a circumstance demands an extension beyond 21 days, we may
recommend that you consider suspending studies.
4.3 Suspensions and Extensions to the Maximum Period of Study
It is expected that you will complete your programme of study within the normal period of study
which, for the MA, is 12 months on a full-time basis and 24 months on a part-time basis. The period
of study is calculated from the date at which you are first registered for the degree.
The maximum permitted period of study for the MA is 24 months for a full-time student and 36
months for a part-time basis. These periods include extensions but exclude suspensions of study.
The University recognises that circumstances may arise which require you to interrupt or extend
the period of study. However, these provisions are to cover exceptional circumstances only.
Please refer to the relevant sections in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught
Programmes: www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html
4.4 Withdrawal or Suspension of Studies
Where circumstances prevent you from engaging in academic work you should request a
Suspension of Studies. A Suspension of Studies for a period of up to 12 months may be requested
from the Graduate Education Director.
Requests for withdrawal, extension or suspension must be submitted in writing using the
appropriate form, which can be obtained from the School Office.
You should note that all requests require:

• written support from your Programme Director
• appropriate documentary evidence of the reasons for the request
• a full account of your progress thus far, endorsed by the programme director
• your plan for further progress towards completion of your studies, also approved by your
programme director.
All requests are subject to the approval of the Graduate Education Director, and requests that are
incomplete will not be considered.
A request for a period of more than 12 months, or a second or subsequent request which
cumulatively exceeds this maximum is subject to the approval of the University Academic Director
for Postgraduate Studies on behalf of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education.
All suspensions should be regarded as exceptional, as registration implies that you are ready and
able to undertake your study in a single continuous period (part- or full-time).
42
4.5 Extensions to the Maximum Period of study
Where you are engaged in a continuous pattern of academic work but circumstances beyond your
own control have hampered your progress, you may submit a request for an extension to the
maximum period of study. An extension implies that a student is in a position to continue working
continuously, but at a slower than normal pace.
Taught postgraduates normally will be eligible for a maximum extension of one month to the
final dissertation submission deadline. If a student is unable to complete their dissertation after
an additional month’s extension (25% of the prescribed study period for the taught- programme
dissertation), working continuously, then further time in continuous study is unlikely to be the right
solution. Circumstances requiring greater flexibility should be addressed by means of a request
for a Suspension of Studies (see above).
There is no automatic entitlement either to a suspension or an extension and requests will only be
considered if submitted on the correct form, appropriately authorised and well supported with
information and (e.g. in the case of medical circumstances) documentation. If the request is for a
period of longer than one month, a plan of further study will be required. All requests need to be
supported by a written case from the programme director attesting to your progress.
If you are unsure of your position, in the first instance refer to the School Office; you may also wish
to speak to the Senior Tutor, and/or your Personal Tutor. You may also make an appointment to
see the Graduate Education Director. All such requests will be treated in the strictest confidence.
It is important that if you are experiencing problems with your study you seek advice as soon as
possible.You are strongly advised to submit requests for extensions at least one month before
your expected submission date. Last-minute or late requests may not be considered.
Extensions to study (i.e. toward the end of the period of study) cover the overall length of the
programme. This is different to essay extensions for PGT students; details for essay extensions
can be found in the ‘Absence, Coursework and Extenuating Circumstances’ section of this
handbook.
Please note: Students who have been granted an extension beyond the maximum period of
study should be aware that extensions will also extend the examination process, and this
may mean that it is not completed in time for your degree to be awarded in the winter
graduation ceremony.
5. Study support
5.1 IT Services
The IT Services webpage for students contains everything you’ll need to get started:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/new-undergraduates/it-services/
There are a number of computer centres available around the University precinct, a number of
which are open on a 24-hour basis; full details of these facilities can be found at
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/locations/
Information Services (IS) provides IT and Library services and support for teaching and learning,
research and administration across the University. Information about getting started with library and
computing services, locations, self-help materials and documentation, and ‘MyBristol’ (the
University information portal), is available at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/info/students.html
43
5.2 Blackboard
Information about the content of your programme will be communicated to you via ‘Blackboard’,
the University of Bristol’s online learning environment. Please ensure that you check your
programme and unit sites and ask your Personal Tutor if you have any uncertainty. Details about
how to use ‘Blackboard’ can be found on the Technology Enhanced Learning website at:
www.bristol.ac.uk/tel/support/tools/blackboard/
5.3 Library Services
The University Library provides access to millions of information resources, and a range of services
to support your education and research at Bristol, including:
• Nine libraries, plus study centres across campus

• Over 1.4 million volumes of printed books and journals
• Over 700,000 eBooks and thousands of peer-reviewed e-Journals
• Databases and reference management tools to support a literature search
• Wireless access, PCs, lap-tops, and power sockets for your own IT devices
• Subject Librarians and research support for specialist training and advice
• Access to other UK university libraries, and to materials from libraries worldwide
The majority of the resources you will need to use are located at the Arts and Social
Sciences Library (ASSL) on Tyndall Avenue: http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/locations-opening/arts-
social-sciences/
The ASSL provides a range of study areas to support different preferences, such as silent study
rooms, computer rooms, multimedia viewing facilities, social learning areas and group study rooms.
The Library website www.bristol.ac.uk/library provides all the tools and information you need to
make good use of University Library services.
Subject support:
More detailed information on the library support available for your subject can be found here.
http://www.bris.ac.uk/library/subject-support/
• Your Subject Librarian: Feel free to email your Subject Librarian, Damien McManus, with any
enquiries relating to using the Library or finding information for your coursework or research.
• Suggest a book purchase: use the online form to suggest any new purchases for the Library
and/or to suggest extra copies of existing stock:
https://www.bris.ac.uk/library/resources/recommend/assl/uobonly/booksuggestions.html
Finding books and articles:

www.bris.ac.uk/library/find/
• Library Search: this provides details of print books, ebooks, print journals, e-journals, articles,
reports, and other materials. Library Search will tell you where to find print items and whether
they are on loan. You can also reserve a book if it is out on loan to someone else.
• Recommended databases: an A-Z list of all the databases the Library subscribes to. You can
filter by subject to see which databases your Subject Librarian recommends.
• Help accessing e-resources: Guidance on using the library's electronic resources both on-
site and outside of the University.
44
Study spaces:
Remember that you can use study spaces throughout the University, not just in the ASSL, many of
them in the evening and at weekends. The Beacon House Study Centre, the Senate House Study,
the Richmond Building (Students’ Union) and the Hawthorns Study Lounge are popular venues
with many hundreds of additional spaces in a variety of learning environments. Addresses and
details of these and other venues provided by the University Library are available at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/study-spaces/
5.4 Lecture Recording System
Mediasite is the University’s lecture recording system which captures audio and slide content of
formal lectures, and has the capability for lecturing staff to record additional material either pre- or
post lectures to enhance online learning materials. The aim is to help students engage more fully
during lectures, review lectures to improve comprehension of key and/or complex concepts and
provide an additional revision tool.
6 Sources of Help and Support
6.1 Pregnancy, Maternity and Paternity: Guidance for Students
The University is committed to supporting student parents appropriately through pregnancy and
maternity, although the level of support that can be provided will very much depend on the nature
and structure of the programme of study, as well as individual circumstances. Guidance has been
produced about the steps that should be taken should a student become pregnant during the
course of their studies, as well as indicating the support that can be expected from staff in the
school. It also includes guidance for students on issues connected to paternity. The full policy can
be found at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/equalityanddiversity/act/protected/pregandmat/
6.2 Support for D/deaf or Disabled students and Dyslexia and Mental Health Advice
Disability Services provides a confidential advice, information and guidance service to current
disabled students and supports students with a range of disabilities including but not limited to:
Autism Spectrum Disorders/Asperger's Syndrome

Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other specific learning difficulties
Mental health difficulties
Mobility impairments
Sensory impairments
Unseen disabilities like Epilepsy/HIV/AIDS/Chronic Fatigue
Full information is available on their website at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/disability-services/
In addition to exploring the pages above, you can also find out about other University services that
offer help and advice including the Student Health Service and the Student Counselling Service.
Disability Services work closely with students on an individual basis and you are strongly
encouraged to contact them if you have any questions or concerns about accessing your course.
They are there to help.
45
6.3 Other Useful Services and Support
You can find most of the information you’ll need on the University’s web page for current students:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/
There’s information about the Student Portal, Blackboard, timetables, email, the Library, fees,
finances, health, welfare and much more.
The Students’ Union is another source of advice and support: http://www.bristolsu.org.uk/
6.4 Specialist Advice for International Students
The University’s International Office is the place which can offer specialist advice to International
Students on a wide range of issues from visas and accommodation to local Council Tax payments
and obtaining a television licence. You can visit their website at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/international-office/ or call in to the Office located in the Students’ Union
building in Queen’s Road, Clifton.
6.5 English Language Learning and Academic Skills
The University’s Centre for English Language and Foundation Studies: www.bristol.ac.uk/english-
language gives details of all the courses and resources they offer, to support the study of English
as a Foreign Language.
6.6 Code of Practice for Taught Students
Codes of Practice applying to both taught and research postgraduates can be found at
www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/pg/. These documents are the definitive guide to University
procedures and regulations.
7. Discipline, Appeals and Complaints
7.1 Student Rules and Regulations
Full details of the rights and responsibilities of students, and the various regulations governing your
life whilst a student at Bristol University, can be found on the webpage of the University Secretary’s
Office: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/student-rules-regs/
Your attention is particularly drawn to the Student Agreement which sets out what the University
expects of you as a student, and what you can expect of the University.
7.2 Discipline
The power to discipline a student on academic matters is vested in the Board of the Faculty, which
delegates the day-to-day monitoring of student progress to individual Schools. Most cases are dealt
with locally and informally; the Faculty becomes involved only in serious cases of misconduct or
unsatisfactory performance, and the University is involved only in the most serious disciplinary
offences.
If your performance is judged to be unsatisfactory in the course of the year, for example as a result
of failure to submit required work, failure to attend classes which are a requirement for credit, or
46
failure to respond to letters from the personal tutor, you will be given a formal warning; first by the
School and thereafter, if performance does not improve, by the Faculty. Sustained unsatisfactory
performance could result in a requirement that you withdraw from your programme of study.
7.3 Appeals
If you wish to appeal against a requirement to withdraw or the imposition of any other sanctions
related to your academic progress, or if you wish to appeal against a decision of the Board of
Examiners, you may find it useful in the first instance to discuss this either with your Academic
Personal Tutor or the Senior Tutor. You may then be referred to the School Education Director. If,
thereafter, you still wish to pursue an appeal you must follow the University’s procedures. Details
on the full appeals process can be found under item 7 at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/student-rules-regs/
7.4 Complaints
If you have a complaint about any aspect of University life, you should raise it with an appropriate
person in your School at the earliest possible opportunity, as complaints that are dealt with
informally at an early stage have the best chance of being resolved effectively.
If the problem or query remains unresolved, or has not been answered to your satisfaction, then
you should contact the Graduate Education Director, Dr Catherine Hindson, by email:
catherine.hindson@bristol.ac.uk
In addition to being contactable by email, during term time Dr Hindson will usually be available to
meet with postgraduates by appointment. To make an appointment contact Sarah Greenaway:
sarah.greenaway@bristol.ac.uk
If you are unable to resolve the complaint informally or are dissatisfied with the outcome you should
follow the complaints procedure. This can be found under item 4 at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/student-rules-regs/
Here you can also find advice on who you might usefully approach in the early stages of a
complaint.
47

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2018/2019

School of Modern Languages

Welcome from the Head of School and Graduate Officer 4

2. You and your MA in the School of Modern Languages 15

4. Absence, Coursework Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances 39

6 Sources of Help and Support 45

7 Discipline, Appeals and Complaints 46

Professor Andreas Schonle

1.1 University Student Agreement

You can find the Agreement here:

Start Date End Date

Teaching Block 2 28 January 2019 10 May 2019

Vacations Start Date End Date

For further information on University key dates please visit:

Student Administration Manager

Nick Bartram Modern Languages Learning Technologist

CONTACTS: Help and advice

The Student Support Office is the place where you should:

School Senior Management

Languages Directors and Deputies

1.4 Use of School Facilities

The School of Modern Languages Multimedia Centre

1.7 Personal Tutor

• A stable point of academic contact

1.8 Student Representation

1.10 Tuition Fees

Details of tuition fees for 2018/19 can be found at:

1.12 Research Ethics

• always working with permission

1.13 International Students holding a Tier 4 Visa

1.14 About the Faculty of Arts

Key Faculty Staff

2.1 Programme Structure

The pass mark for work at MA level is 50%.

2.2 MA Comparative Literatures

Full Time Students

Part Time Students

2.3 MA Black Humanities

Full Time Students

Part Time Students

• The Histories and Legacies of Slavery: Bristol and the World

2.4 MA in Chinese - English Translation

Full Time Students

Part Time Students

This is a distance-learning master's programme for aspiring or practising translators. It is suitable

Full Time Students

Part Time Students

The core units are:

MA Comparative 15,000 excluding

MA in Chinese- 15,000 excluding

Assessment is often termed either ‘summative’ or ‘formative’

2.9 Assessment methods

Moderation is a review of the assessment process. It is not second-marking of the coursework.

Among the forms of feedback you will get are:

Teaching Block 1: Monday 14 January 2019

2.13 Taught component

2.15 Written dissertation

2.16 Other forms of dissertation

Deadlines for coursework are specified above.

2.20 Assessment failure

The following is a brief guide to processes in the Faculty:

2.22 Failure in the dissertation

The following is an extract from www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/codeonline.html

2.23 Examination: External examining