PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

Creative Writing

Full-time/Part-time

2015-2016

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Contents WELCOME 3

Introduction 4

1. Programme Details and Calendar 4

1.1 Programme Overview ............................................................................................ 4

1.2 Programme Aims ....................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Programme Structure ................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Programme Calendar ............................................................................................. 8

1.5 Programme Timetable ................................................................................................ 9

1.6 Personal Development, Employability Skills Development and Professional Body Recognition ........................................................................................................................ 9

Knowledge & Understanding .........................................................................................10

Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills .........................................................................10

Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills ............................................................10

Transferable, Key or Personal Skills ..............................................................................10

2. Communications 11

2.1 Communication Systems ..........................................................................................11

2.2 Contacting Staff ........................................................................................................11

2.3 Attendance ................................................................................................................11

2.4 Opening Times of Offices ..........................................................................................12

2.4 Key Programme Staff ............................................................................................12

Key programme staff.........................................................................................................12

3. Student Support 17

3.1 Programme Support ..................................................................................................17

3.2 Other Student Support ..............................................................................................17

3.3 Support for Students with Disabilities, Learning Difficulties or Specific Needs ...........18

3.4 Support for Part-Time Students .................................................................................19

4. The Student Voice 19

4.1 Student-Staff Liaison Committees and Student Representatives ..............................19

4.2 Programme Feedback...............................................................................................19

4.3 Students’ Union.........................................................................................................19

5. Learning Resources .......................................20

5.1 Resources .................................................................................................................20

5.2 Library Support .........................................................................................................21

5.3 BISSTO – Bolton Interactive Study Skills Tutorial Online. .........................................21

6. Mitigating Circumstances, Appeals and Complaints .........................................................21

6.1 Mitigating Circumstances ..........................................................................................21

6.2 Appeals .....................................................................................................................22

6.3 Complaints ................................................................................................................22

7. Health and Safety 22

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7.1 First Aid ....................................................................................................................22

7.2 Accident Reporting ....................................................................................................23

7.3 Smoke Free Policy ....................................................................................................23

7.4 Fire Evacuation Procedure ........................................................................................23

8. The Role of the External Examiner 24

Frequent reference is made throughout this Programme Handbook to University of Bolton policies, procedures, regulations and guidance which apply to you. Parts of these are sometimes summarised here for your benefit. In all cases, these summaries are subject to the full University versions referred to. In the case of any conflict between the latter and any summaries presented here, it is the full University versions which apply.

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WELCOME On behalf of my colleagues in the Art, Design and Language Subject Group I would like to welcome you to your programme. I hope you find your time with us interesting, challenging and rewarding. This Programme Handbook contains information specific to your programme. You will also need to make use of the Handbook which contains important information for all students, located at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/Handbook/Home.aspx Our programmes are constantly evolving. We listen to the views of our students in, for example, programme committees, satisfaction surveys and module evaluations. We use this and other information to continuously improve our programmes, so please do help us by letting us know what has gone well and what we could do to improve. With best wishes for an enjoyable journey. Sam Johnson Head of School of the Arts

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Introduction Welcome to the 2015/16 academic year and the Creative Writing programme. This Programme Handbook is designed to ensure that you can find key information about your programme of study. It should be read in conjunction with Student Handbook webpages: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/Handbook/Home.aspx. These contain details of key information you may need as a student at the University of Bolton including links to policies, procedures and guidance. This undergraduate degree is delivered and assessed at levels FE3/HE4-6 and complies with the Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes. These are accessible via the Student Information-Policy Zone on the web: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx

1. Programme Details and Calendar

1.1 Programme Overview Welcome to Creative Writing

Words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think...

Lord Byron Welcome to the University of Bolton’s Creative Writing undergraduate programme! Bolton was one of the first universities in the UK to offer a degree in Creative Writing – our first module in the subject was offered in 1991. We use our twenty years of experience and expertise to provide an innovative, exciting and professionally- led programme of creative and critical study. All your tutors are professional writers, whose work has been published and performed in the UK and internationally. We bring our professional understanding and insights into the design of the degree course and in its methods of delivery. Our aim is to help you develop a profound understanding of the craft of writing that, harnessed to imagination, and a strong sense of readership or audience, will equip you to write (and, importantly, to rewrite) with confidence, insight and ambition. We place special emphasis on the way the course reflects contemporary practice in the world of the creative writer. We prepare our students for finding ways of having their work published and produced, in books, magazines and the many new digital forms that offer new opportunities and challenges for the creative artist. We equip our students also for finding employment in areas such as publishing, education or other literary activities – fields in which most professional writers supplement their income.

You will follow a programme of introductory studies which will equip you with essential skills and insights into writing creatively – the basic craft of writing drama, fiction and poetry. You will build on this with more advanced study and practice in the specialisms of your choice and will complete a significant creative project in your final year. You will learn about the

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importance of writing to deadline, of analysing and criticising your work and using your insights to rewrite effectively. You will share your work with other students and discuss it in detail with your tutors. You will meet professional writers, and others who work in the Writing Industry (publishers, editors, directors, producers, actors and others) as guest speakers in your classes. You will have the opportunity to attend readings of poetry and fiction and drama productions. You will be encouraged to follow a work-based placement in the professional world in your final year. These studies will be supported by a programme of critical and cultural studies which will place your imaginative work within the context of our broader culture. You will write, and you will think about writing. You will read, analyse and reflect upon imaginative writing from all over the world. We offer places to students we feel have the potential to develop their skills in producing engaging, original writing and who, through their writing, have something to give to the world. We look forward to working with you and helping you to fulfil your potential.

1.2 Programme Aims

The principal aims of the programme are to:

Enable the creation and exploration of original writing within a range of media and in a variety of forms.

Investigate the role of the writer over time, both as an individual artist and as a participant within a collaborative process.

Foster a critical and self-critical approach to creative writing via individual study and practice and collaborative workshops.

Promote the development of professional standards in creative writing and in the relevant aspects of presentation.

Locate original writing within artistic, professional, cultural, historical and theoretical contexts.

Nurture ability through a professional and vocational approach to creative writing underpinned by staff research and professional writing.

Give access to the world of the professional writer through exposure to contemporary practice in the writing industry.

Develop transferable skills such as creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem solving, working with other people, planning and time management, oral and written presentation, and computer and research skills.

Prepare students for further study and employment. Create an environment which engenders enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

1.3 Programme Structure Full time route (three years)

Level Semester 1 Semester 2

Click the link for the full module specification

HE4 Scholarship

Narrating the World

Inspirations

Understanding the Contemporary

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Introduction to Writing Fiction and Poetry

Introduction to Writing for Stage, Screen and Radio

HE5 Employability and Enterprise

Writing Drama: Study and Practice

Writing Fiction: Study and Practice

Cultural Theory

Critical Logbook

Writing Poetry: Study and Practice

HE6 Writing Drama Workshop

and/or

Writing Fiction Workshop

and/or

Writing Poetry Workshop

and/or

Writers on Writing

Writers at Work

Critique

Creative Project

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Part time route (4.5 years) Year Semester 1 Semester 2

Click the link for the full module specification

1

Scholarship

Introduction to Writing Fiction and Poetry

Inspirations

Introduction to Writing for Stage, Screen and Radio

2

Narrating the World

Writing Fiction: Study and Practice

Understanding the Contemporary

Critical Logbook

3

Employability and Enterprise

Writing Drama: Study and Practice

Cultural Theory

Writing Poetry: Study and Practice

4

Two of:

Writing Drama Workshop

and/or

Writing Fiction Workshop

and/or

Writing Poetry Workshop

and/or

Writers on Writing

Two of:

Writers at Work

and/or

Critique

and/or

Creative Project

4.5

Two of:

Writers at Work

and/or

Writers on Writing

and/or One of the Workshop modules, above

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1.4 Programme Calendar

Calendar 2015-2015

Wk No Begins Activities

14/09/2014 Enrolment New Full time students & Induction Activities

Sem. 1

1 21/09/2015 Induction and Transition activities. Teaching Sem. 1

2 28/09/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

3 05/10/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

4 12/10/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

5 19/10/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

6 26/10/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

7 02/11/2015 TIRI Global Learning Week Sem. 1

8 09/11/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

9 16/11/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

10 23/11/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

11 30/12/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

12 07/12/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

13 14/12/2015 Teaching Sem. 1

Xmas 23/12/2015

Xmas 30/12/2015

14 04/01/2016 Teaching Sem. 1

15 11/01/2016 Sem. 1. Assessment Sem. 1

16 18/01/2016 Transition and Teaching activities Sem. 1

1 25/01/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

2 01/02/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

3 08/02/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

4 15/02/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

5 22/02/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

6 29/02/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

7 07/03/2016 TIRI Employability Week Sem. 2

8 14/03/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

Easter 21/03/2016

Easter 28/03/2016

9 04/04/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

10 11/04/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

11 18/04/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

12 25/04/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

13 02/05/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

14 09/05/2016 Teaching Sem. 2

15 16/05/2016 Sem. 2. Assessment Sem. 2

16 23/05/2016 TIRI/Transition activities Sem. 2

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1.5 Programme Timetable Sem. 1: Year 1 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S1/G60401.pdf Year 2 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S1/G60402.pdf Year 3 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S1/G60403.pdf Sem. 2: Year 1 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S2/G60401.pdf Year 2 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S2/G60402.pdf Year 3 – http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/Timetable/celcat/CurrentYear/Groups_S2/G60403.pdf

1.6 Personal Development, Employability Skills Development and Professional Body Recognition Creative Writing at Bolton models professional practice and is taught by professional writers. From Level 1 (HE4) onwards you will be taught how to reflect upon, analyse, reconceive and rewrite your work to a brief. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to meet and engage with professionals from the writing industry including novelists, poets, writers for stage, screen and radio, directors, actors, producers, agents and publishers. At Level 3 (HE6) you take the Writers at Work module where you will gain experience as a working writer in a variety of placements including schools, libraries, hospices, theatres, publishers and production companies. At HE6 students will take responsibility for the organisation of the Creative Writing showcase held every year at the Bolton Octagon Theatre, or choose to co-edit an issue of the student-led creative writing magazine The

Bolton Review - http://boltonreview.wordpress.com/

Distinctive Features of the Programme

You will learn how to craft your own writing under the guidance of professional writers actively engaged in the writing industry.

The Creative Writing programme has a student centred ethos which is reflected in personal tutoring and pastoral care. You will benefit from joining a friendly and supportive intellectual community within which you will come to know your tutors and fellow students well.

Our programme features a core Employability module which is designed to equip you with a variety of skills to support you in your preparation for your future career.

The Creative Writing programme at Bolton offers a craft-based approach to creativity. We aim to harness your imagination to a high level of technique, to enable you to develop an understanding of how to communicate with an audience and to develop command of form within awareness of cultural and professional context.

As a student on the Creative Writing degree at the University of Bolton you will have the unique opportunity to benefit from our professional partnership with the nationally

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acclaimed Octagon Theatre. These benefits include work placements, participation in workshops with professional actors and free or low-price theatre tickets.

You will have the opportunity to take the Writers at Work module which involves placements in a wide variety of settings: libraries, art galleries, schools, theatres, publishers, the BBC, film companies, funding bodies and arts development agencies.

We host an annual Creative Writing degree show where final year students have a chance to showcase their creative achievements.

Knowledge & Understanding

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic

knowledge and understanding of:

Craft in contemporary writing. Technique in research, critical analysis, oral and written presentation and the

workshop discussion. Professional practices in writing, and knowledge of how to implement those practices

appropriately. The process of critique in contemporary creative writing, including the critique of their

own work. Student's own creative and learning process both as an individual and within a group.

Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability

to:

Offer critical and self-critical reading, analysis, reasoning and evaluation. Demonstrate aesthetic analysis and judgement. Articulate issues concerning the creative process.

Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability

to:

Write competently in a range of critical and creative forms. Critically evaluate their creative work. Present written work to acceptable professional standards. Relate their creative work to the context of writing in the wider world, particularly in

relation to further study, employment or publication.

Transferable, Key or Personal Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability

to:

Communicate with clarity in discussion, in writing and in presentation. Collaborate and engage in teamwork effectively. Plan and use time management effectively to meet deadlines. Research with purpose including the appropriate use of IT for retrieval and

presentation of material.

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2. Communications

2.1 Communication Systems Communication to individual students is usually through e-mail. As a policy the University of Bolton will only respond to student communication sent via e-mail if the student University Outlook e-mail account is used. This is to ensure that data protection legislation is complied with. You can set up your University outlook account to forward emails to a personal email address. See:http://www.bolton.ac.uk/ITSupportServices/Managing-Your-Email.aspx Please note, however, you will need to respond to any University emails using the University outlook account. It is good practice to include your student number on the email. Most Module Tutors will post announcements through Moodle2, the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). It is important therefore that you familiarise yourself with how to access this electronic information. You will be given a password at the beginning of your programme. In some cases, letters may be sent to your local or home address. Please ensure that your student details are therefore kept up to date on your student record.

Useful web addresses:

University of Bolton website: www.bolton.ac.uk University of Bolton Student Portal: www.bolton.ac.uk/Students University of Bolton Student Record: https://evision.bolton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/SIW_LGN University of Bolton Library: www.bolton.ac.uk/library University of Bolton Moodle 2 Site: http://moodle2.bolton.ac.uk/

2.2 Contacting Staff The best way to contact staff is by email. Staff will endeavour to respond to your emails within 2 full working days. If face-to-face discussion is required, you may arrange a mutually convenient appointment with your Programme Leader, Module Tutor or Personal Tutor.

2.3 Attendance In order to progress and achieve the award for which you are registered, you must attend the classes for each individual module regularly and in accordance with any compulsory attendance requirements defined. The University attendance policy is located at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/Student%20Attendance%20Policy%202015-16.pdf Please contact your Module Tutor if you are absent from a session.

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2.4 Opening Times of Offices

Office Location Telephone No. Opening Hours

Student Services http://www.bolton.ac.uk/StudentServices

Chancellor’s Mall

01204 903733 Monday – Friday 8:45 – 17.00 Or email: studentadvisors@bolton.ac.uk

Peter Marsh Library http://www.bolton.ac.uk/library

Chancellor’s Mall via SLZ

01204 903094 The Library is open 24 hours a day during term-time. Please note hours are reduced during the summer vacation (Please check the website). Staffed opening hours (Semester 1 and 2): Mon to Thurs 8.45 - 21.00 Fri 8.45 - 17.00 Sat 9.00 - 12.30 Staffed opening hours (Summer Vacation): Mon to Fri 9.00 - 17.00

Careers Centre & Job Shop http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Careers/Home.aspx

Chancellor’s Mall

01204 903080

Refer to notice outside facility

Sport and Recreation Service http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Sport/Home.aspx facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltononesports?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

The University Of Bolton Sports Centre

01204 903172 Monday – Friday 9.00 – 22.00 Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday 10.00 – 20.00

Bolton Student Union http://www.boltonsu.com/

Chancellor’s Mall

01204 900850

Student Union Office Monday – Friday 9.00 – 17.00

2.4 Key Programme Staff

Key programme staff Creative Writing is one of several undergraduate programmes in the Art, Design and Language Subject Group, which is located on T4 in Eagle Tower. All Creative Writing specialist modules are taught by professional writers.

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Anne Caldwell, B.A. (University of East Anglia), M.A. (Manchester Metropolitan University) Lecturer in Creative Writing Anne is the author of three books of poetry and fiction. Her latest full length collection of poetry is Talking with the Dead (Cinnamon, 2011). Her latest book is ‘After Image’, produced for an arts festival in Berlin, 2013. Module leader for: HE4 Introduction to Writing Fiction and Poetry HE5 Writing Poetry: Study and Practice HE6 Writing Poetry Workshop Contact Details

A.Caldwell@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903247 Room T4 16 Mary Cooper, B.A. (Bradford), M.A. (Leeds) Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Creative Writing Mary is an award-winning playwright for stage, radio, television and film. Module Leader for: HE4 Introduction to Writing for Stage, Screen and Radio HE6 Writing Drama Workshop HE6 Writers at Work – with Ed Jones Contact Details

mc7@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903236 Room T4 46 Dr Simon Holloway, B.A. (University of Wales, Bangor), Ph.D. (Bangor) Lecturer in Creative Writing Simon is the author of three novels, countless poems, short stories and criticism. His latest novel is The Words We Use are Black and White (Safkhet Select, 2014). Module Leader for: HE5 Writing Fiction: Study and Practice HE5 Employability and Enterprise HE6 Critique HE6 Writing Fiction Workshop HE6 Creative Writing Major Project Contact Details

S.Holloway@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903247 Room T4 16

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Ed Jones, BA (Manchester University) PG Dip (Manchester University) Lecturer in Creative Writing Ed has published two novels and a children’s book, written for Brookside, Holby City and The Bill, and has had short films broadcast on Channel 4 and BBC 2 as well as numerous plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Module Leader for: HE4 Inspirations HE5 Writing Drama: Study and Practice HE5 Critical Logbook HE6 Writers on Writing HE6 Writers at Work – with Mary Cooper Contact Details

Ed.Jones@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903247 Room T4 20

Because of the close co-operation between Art, Design and Language staff and the interrelationships of the subjects, many of the modules offered are common to two or more programmes. These ‘shared’ modules, known as Group or Cluster modules, will be taught by specialists in Theatre, English Literature and Screen Studies, as well as the Creative Writing team. Dr. Jill Marsden, B.A. (Hons.), M.A., Ph.D. (Essex) Senior Lecturer in English and Programme Leader Research interests include the novel, feminist criticism and literary theory. Jill is the author of After Nietzsche (Palgrave 2002) and a range of journal articles on philosophy and literature. Module leader for: HE4 Understanding the Contemporary HE5 Aspects of Prose Fiction HE5 The Literature of Love HE6 Gothic Narratives HE6 Ambivalent Intimacies HE6 Narrative Representations of Women’s Desire Contact Details

J.Marsden@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903238 Room T4 74

Dr Evan Jones, Ph.D. (Manchester) Lecturer in English Canadian poet Evan Jones’s research interests include contemporary poetry and fiction, literature in translation, and post-colonial literature. Module Leader for: HE4 Narrating the World HE5 Perspectives on Poetry HE5 The Literature of Love HE6 Romanticism Contact Details

E.Jones@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903241 Room T4 78

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Kristian Shaw B.A (The University of York, Hons.) Mphil (Durham University, Hons.) PhD (Keele University) Lecturer in English Research interests include twentieth and twenty-first century British and American fiction, specifically the effects of globalisation, transnationalism, and information technology. Kristian has published journal articles on contemporary British literature and has a book chapter in Teaching Post-Millennial Genre Fiction (Palgrave 2015). Module Leader for: HE4 Scholarship, HE5 Employability and Enterprise (English), HE5 Cultural Theory HE6 Dissertation and Research Skills, HE6 Children’s Literature Contact details KS10@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 90 3208 Room T4 74 Nicola Shaw B.A (Hons.) (MMU), Ph.D. (MMU) School of the Arts Co-ordinator, Standards, Enhancements & the Learner Experience Research interests include adaptation, drama/documentary, realism and the arts/media, and history on television. Nicola also teaches on the Performing Arts and Theatre programmes. Contact details

NS5@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903242 Room T4 078

While your Programme Leader is responsible for the day to day running of your programme, the management of the Art, Design and Language Subject Group as a whole, is the responsibility of the Head of School, Sam Johnson. Sam Johnson – Head of School

S.J. Johnson@bolton.ac.uk (01204) 903312 Room T4 - 036 In addition you will, at times, need to speak to Support Staff in the Student Centre on the ground floor of the Eagle Tower. The staff will do their best to help you with any queries about the administration of your programme and student status. You should always inform staff if you are ill or may be absent for other reasons, or if your contact details change.

Phone number - 01204 903733 For support in locating the books and learning resources necessary for your studies, and for guidance in the use of information systems and technology, you should contact our Subject Librarian, Steve Crimes.

Steve Crimes- Subject Librarian – sc5@bolton.ac.uk Library opening hours can be found at:

http://www.bolton.ac.uk/library/LibraryEssentials/OpeningTimes.aspx

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3. Student Support

3.1 Programme Support

Programme Leader Programme Leaders are responsible for the management of a programme. In doing so they oversee the scheduling and delivery of modules, support programme developments, co-ordinate marketing and recruitment activities, as well as ensure programme quality standards are maintained.

Module Tutor These are academics who are responsible for the organisation and delivery of a particular module. Module Tutors also design module assessments and mark these. If you have an academic problem with a specific module, the first point of contact should always be your Module Tutor. If your query is not resolved, you should contact the Programme Leader or Student Representative.

Personal Tutor Not very many people arrive at university fully equipped and confidently prepared for university life and study. Most students (new and old) find that, at some point, they need assistance, guidance or reassurance. To meet this need, the University of Bolton operates a proactive Personal Tutoring scheme which aims to ensure that, throughout their time at the university, all students are given the opportunity to meet regularly with an assigned member of academic staff, their Personal Tutor, in order to discuss and improve their personal, academic and career development.

3.2 Other Student Support Student Services The Student Services Team is based in the Student Centre, Chancellor’s Mall. It is staffed by Student Advisors and specialist support staff who provide information, advice and guidance to students (current, past and prospective) and staff. Student Advisors are the first point of contact for the following services:

Academic Advice and Guidance - General academic advice, Mitigating Circumstances, timetable queries, module choices, appeals process, suspending studies, withdrawing from the University).

Documentation - Bank letters and official letters, Council Tax exemptions, Student ID Cards

Other services - Accommodation including the Halls of Residence, Chaplaincy, Counselling, Disability Service, Disclosure and Barring Service, Immigration and Welfare, Student Funding, Hardship Fund, Student Liaison Officers).

Student Liaison Officers (SLOs) The SLOs at the University provide:

impartial information, advice and guidance on a wide range of both academic and pastoral issues

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support opportunities to develop transferable skills for students via student mentoring opportunities

co-ordinate study skills sessions throughout the academic year to help students succeed academically.

The SLOs can also signpost to other key services as necessary. Please call into the Student Centre or email slo@bolton.ac.uk to make an appointment. Students’ Union (also see section 6.3) Bolton Students’ Union has its own independent Advice Centre. The Advice Centre offers free, impartial and confidential advice to all University of Bolton students on issues such as money concerns, problems with accommodation and housing, as well as academic issues, such as appeals, mitigating circumstances and academic misconduct. If you need somebody talk things through with then please call in at the SU Office in Chancellor’s Mall or email on info@boltonsu.com.

3.3 Support for Students with Disabilities, Learning Difficulties or Specific Needs The University of Bolton welcomes students with disabilities and/or additional support requirements and will make every effort to support your needs. The Disability Service will help you to develop strategies, discover skills and independence by a multi-team, student-centred approach. The service has contacts with local and UK external bodies concerned with inclusion, disability awareness and disability provision. Advice is provided on an individual, strictly confidential basis. If you would like to know more about the support available you can by following this link: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/AdviceAndSupport/ServicesForDisabledStudents/Home.aspx Financial support for full-time and part-time students may be available through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). More information is available from the following website: http://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/media/864997/sfe_dsa_guide_1516_d.pdf If you are not sure whether you qualify for DSA or wish to contact the Student Disability Service for any other matter, you can telephone 01204 903478 or send an email to disabilityinfo@bolton.ac.uk. Alternatively call into the Student Centre to make an appointment.

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3.4 Support for Part-Time Students If you are a part-time student, you can follow the programme in the same way as full-time students. However, your attendance is restricted to a maximum number of modules each academic year in order to maintain your part-time status. Please contact your Programme Leader or Personal Tutor to clarify your programme requirements. If you experience personal problems which interfere with your academic work, you should also talk to your Personal Tutor, who will help you resolve any difficulties. If you decide to change from part-time to full-time study, you may do so provided you can maintain yourself and find the fees, and provided you have successfully completed your studies to date. If you are thinking about going full-time, again you should discuss the move with your Personal Tutor first.

4. The Student Voice

4.1 Student-Staff Liaison Committees and Student Representatives In relation to the management of the programme, you will be represented by your year’s elected representative on the Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC). As well as student representatives, this committee comprises your Programme Leader, Module Leaders and Module Tutors and representatives from the Library and administration teams. The proceedings of the SSLC are reported to the School Board. Matters raised by student representatives are always an item of business on the agenda of the SSLC and School Board. Information on action being taken on issues raised by students may be found in these minutes and from feedback from Student Representatives. Elections for representatives are held early in the academic year.

4.2 Programme Feedback All students have the opportunity to contribute to the monitoring and enhancement of their course of study. You can approach your Student Representative, the Programme Leader or Module Tutor on an informal level to discuss issues. The SSLC is also an important forum at which elected Student Representatives can speak on behalf of their peers. In addition, you are asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire for each module in each semester. Furthermore, you will be requested to complete a programme questionnaire on an annual basis. Survey feedback is important as it is used by the programme team and other services to enhance the provision and improve the student learning experience. We would therefore be most grateful if you would complete student questionnaires when asked.

4.3 Students’ Union Bolton Students’ Union exists to help all students enjoy their time at the University. The Union will support you by welcoming you to the University at the start of each year, providing you with advice, support and key services, as well as creating a strong community of students who are just like you. You can get involved by:

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becoming a Student Representative to work with your lecturers to improve your course

getting advice and support through our student-friendly Advice Unit. We can help you with money concerns, housing concerns and any academic issues

joining one of our many clubs and societies (or creating your own!) standing for election to be the next SU President or NUS representative- we

elect these people in March every year.

The Students’ Union also runs the SU Shop and SU Bar. All University of Bolton students are automatically members of the Students’ Union, unless you choose to opt out. For more information please visit us at www.boltonsu.com, visit us in Chancellors’ Mall (opposite the Student Centre) or email us at info@boltonsu.com. You can also find us at https://twitter.com/Bolton_SU or https://www.facebook.com/BoltonStudentsUnion?fref=ts. Arthur Kaddu SU President 2015-16

5. Learning Resources

5.1 Resources The Library provides integrated library, computing and media facilities with access to a wide range of information and learning resources to support your studies. In addition to 119,800 books, access to over 32,000 print and electronic journals and over 12,000 electronic books, there is a full range of audio-visual material and electronic access to a variety of internet and on-line resources. To improve access to books, essential texts, journals & electronic resources, Discover@Bolton allows searching across multiple platforms and databases, including the library catalogue and eBooks. Additionally, the vast majority of modules have highly visible and dynamic Reading Lists Online accessed via moodle. Library management and specialist subject librarians liaise with teaching staff to ensure resources reflect current requirements and help provide users with the information they need. There are PCs available throughout the Library, as well as a self-service laptop-loan service for use in the Library and Social Learning Zone (SLZ). There are also open access computer facilities within the SLZ. The Library and SLZ are wireless enabled, together with other hotspots throughout the campus enabling you to connect your own mobile devices. Scanners, additional to the photocopiers, are also provided. In addition, assistive technology software is available on the network and, where appropriate, within specified rooms.

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Several multi-functional machines within the Library provide printing, photocopying and scanning facilities with A4, A3, colour and black and white output. You will not be able to use these facilities without your Student ID Card. You have an initial free quota each semester and this can be topped up online and at a dispenser within the Library.

5.2 Library Support When you enrol you are automatically allocated library and computing 'accounts'. New students should attend an induction to Library facilities within the first few weeks. The Library has extensive web pages available which provide information on library services, access to electronic resources and a wide range of help guides.

As well as delivering inductions, the subject librarian team provide support to students in the form of user education classes, workshops and a range of help guides such as crib-sheets and videos which show how to access electronic books, journals and databases. The videos are available via the following link:

http://www.bolton.ac.uk/library/Study-Skills/Video-Tutorials.aspx Please do not hesitate to approach any member of staff or the Library Help Desk for advice and support.

5.3 BISSTO – Bolton Interactive Study Skills Tutorial Online. This is a particularly helpful resource for information skills, study skills, basic skills and research skills and is located at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/Home.aspx. http://data.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/ Please note that BISSTO is an open resource and does not require a University login. Students registered with the University as having a need for additional learning support are able to benefit from a range of enhanced services, such as extended loans. The Library has an Assistive Technology room with specialist hardware and software to assist students with disabilities.

6. Mitigating Circumstances, Appeals and Complaints

6.1 Mitigating Circumstances A Mitigating Circumstances request is one in which a student makes a case that their performance in assessment has been significantly and adversely affected by circumstances that are exceptional, unforeseen and/or outside of their control.

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Mitigating Circumstances requests must be presented prior to the assessment board and before the deadline specified. If you believe you have grounds for Mitigating Circumstances, please contact your Programme Leader or Personal Tutor. For further details, see: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/MItigating-Circumstances-Regulations-and-Procedures-2015-16.pdf

6.2 Appeals Appeals are submitted following an assessment board (and before the deadline specified) if a student believes:

that circumstances have affected their performance which (for a good reason) the assessment board may not have been made aware of when an assessment decision was taken

that there was a material administrative error or procedural irregularity in the assessment process

that there is evidence of prejudice or bias or lack of proper assessment on the part of one or more of the assessors/examiners

For further details, see: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/Appeals-Regulations-and-Procedures-2015-16.pdf

Your Programme Leader, Student Services and/or the Students' Union can also advise you on an appeal submission.

6.3 Complaints The University welcomes comments and suggestions about how things might be improved, we also recognise that students and others with a legitimate interest have a right to complain if they feel that something is wrong. Student Services, the Students' Union and the Academic Quality Manager in the Standards and Enhancement Office can help advise you on the procedure for making a formal complaint, including whether other procedures are more appropriate. Further details can also be found at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/Student-Complaints-Procedure-2015-16-v2.pdf

7. Health and Safety

7.1 First Aid If you require first aid within the University, or you are seeking first aid help for somebody else, please tell any member of staff known to you what you need. Either they or you should request a first aider by dialling the University emergency number:

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First Aid 666 (any internal phone) or 01204 903666 (any phone). Alternatively, dial 0 from an internal phone to contact reception to ask for a first aider. If for some reason there is no immediate reply on the University emergency number, and you think the incident is serious, you should call for an ambulance by dialling 999 directly yourself. In all cases of collapse where the person seems unresponsive, or where the person is unwell and suffering central chest pain, you should make this clear so that an AED (defibrillator) and AED responder can also be sent to your location.

7.2 Accident Reporting Always report all accidents, no matter how minor, and make sure that an accident report form is filled in. You should report all accidents as soon as possible to your Module Tutor (if in class), or otherwise a relevant member of University Staff e.g. a site supervisor, a library supervisor etc. You can contact a site supervisors by ringing the emergency contact number (666 - internal phone or 01204 903666 - any phone). You should also report accidents which occur off-site when undertaking an activity sanctioned by the University e.g. a field trip.

7.3 Smoke Free Policy It is the policy of the University that all its workplaces are smoke free, and all students and employees have a right to work and study in a smoke free environment. Smoking is therefore not allowed in all University buildings and around their entrances and open windows. This ensures that smoke does not enter a building from outside and that people entering or exiting the premises are not exposed to second-hand smoke. Should someone become exposed to second-hand smoke in this way, they have the right to request that the smoker moves and the smoker is expected to respect that request.

7.4 Fire Evacuation Procedure The emergency evacuation alarm is a siren. If the alarm sounds, you should evacuate the buildings following the procedures set out below. 1. As directed by staff, when the alarm sounds close windows and switch off all

machines, gas valves, equipment and electrical appliances (other than LSS computer installations).

2. Leave the building by the nearest designated emergency exit in accordance with the instructions given by staff, closing doors as directed.

3. Assist disabled students as required. In the event that any disabled student is unable to be evacuated, you should assist the member of staff to ensure the Controller is aware of the location of the disabled student, and any other relevant information which may assist in the evacuation of that student.

4. Do not re-enter unless advised by a member of staff known to you. 5. On no account use lifts. 6. Do not take holdalls, briefcases or any other bulky items which would impede

evacuation. Do not go searching for personal belongings. 7. Report to the designated assembly point irrespective of the exit by which the

building was evacuated. Do not leave the assembly point unless authorised by a recognised member of staff.

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8. If concerned that another student has not been able evacuate the building, advise a member of staff of that person's last known location.

8. The Role of the External Examiner All University degree programmes have at least one External Examiner. As the title implies, External Examiners come from other institutions and play a key role in ensuring that marking and the standard of our programmes are in line with other UK Universities. External Examiners are involved in the assessment of student work and are key members of Assessment Boards. They will write an annual report to the University outlining their findings. You can view copies of reports for each programme via the link below: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Quality/EEE/ExternalExaminersReports/Home.aspx The External Examiners for this programme are: Name: Seamus Finnegan Position: Senior Lecturer, School of Communications and Marketing University: Southampton Solent University Name: Dr Paul Hardwick Position: Leader for English and Writing University: Leeds Trinity University

Name: Dr Jeremy Scott Position: Senior Lecturer in English Language and Literature University: University of Kent Please note that the External Examiner details are provided for information only. If you have any comments or issues relating to your programme, please contact your Personal Tutor or Programme Leader