Student Handbook 2012-13
Welcome
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University. This is an exciting time for you as you embark upon your degree studies. You will encounter new challenges, meet new people and, for many of you, live in a new environment and maybe a new country. I hope that this will be exciting and enjoyable and that you will get as much as you can out of your Aberystwyth days.
Although my student days were some years ago, I remember that on occasions problems and difficulties arose, or there were things that I did not understand. I don’t think things are any different today. Sometimes a bit of simple advice and guidance is required, at other times more is needed. This booklet outlines what we have in place within the Department to provide you with help, guidance and support. This is not intended to be a bureaucratic system, rather it enables you to know what is available and how we might be able to help.
I hope you enjoy your time in the Department. Naturally, you will need to work hard, attend lectures and seminars, and keep to deadlines. However, I also hope that you will take advantage of many of the other opportunities that the Department, the University and the town have to offer. Enjoy the experience.
I look forward to meeting you.
Professor Noel Cox
Head of Department
(Download the full Handbook as a PDF file: Whilst correct at time of print, unlike the document below, the PDF will not be updated throughout the academic year)
FRESHERS’ SURVIVAL HANDBOOK
SESSION 2012/2013
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General Office
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Personal Tutors
Undergraduate Affairs
Teaching and Welfare
Year Tutors
Staff Student Consultative Committee
Library
Communication
Departmental Dates
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The dates of term (inc Departmental Reading Week)
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Level One Seminar and Essay Plan Semester One
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Career Talks Programme 2012/13
GENERAL OFFICE
| Staff: Amanda Jones and Jennifer Morgan | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D27 |
| Email: | law@aber.ac.uk |
The administrative staff in the General Office are very friendly and responsive. They are knowledgeable with regard to the structures and working practices of the department, and are a good starting point for most general queries – if they cannot deal with them, they will know who to send you to.
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Opening Hours: |
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| Monday-Thursday | 10:00am - 1:00pm | & | 2:00pm - 4:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am - 1:00pm | & | 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
PERSONAL TUTORS
All undergraduate students are allocated a personal tutor. If you have a problem which the General Office cannot deal with, which is private, or which does not relate to any specific module, you should take it to your Personal Tutor. For example, for support with problems that may affect your studies (long-term illness, bereavement, family problems, financial worries, etc.).
It is your Personal Tutor who will write your future references for job applications or for further training, so it is in your best interests to get to know your tutor and keep them informed of your progress. In the first instance, e-mail is probably the best way to contact your personal tutor. You can find a list of the e-mail addresses for all staff and post-graduate tutors on the Departmental website Staff Directory.
For help sorting out problems with a particular module you should contact the lecturers or seminar tutors who teach on the module.
If your personal tutor is unavailable please contact the Departmental Year Tutors.
If you have a personal problem that you need to discuss in privacy please see your Personal Tutor or, in their absence, please contact the Departmental Welfare and Disability Officer (Mary-Jane Horgan - email: mmh@aber.ac.uk)
Undergraduate affairs organises and monitors registration, student attendance and other activities, timetabling, organisation of modules, student evaluations of modules and degree schemes and student welfare. They plan and monitor undergraduate teaching and learning in the department.
You can see Sofia Cavandoli (email: sfc@aber.ac.uk) about any issues relating to teaching or welfare which have not been successfully resolved through talking to the individual lecturers, module co-ordinators or the Departmental Welfare and Disability Officer.
In the Department modules can be identified in the following manner:
- LA = English Language Law modules
- CR = English Language Criminology modules
- GF = Gyfraith (Welsh Language Law Modules)
- TR = Welsh Language Criminology Modules
Most of you will be studying Level I modules and your module identifiers will begin with LA1/GF1/CR1/TR1. However, students on the M101 degree scheme will be studying at Level III. Therefore, module identifiers will begin with LA3 or GF3.
Teaching is split into two semesters, one ending in January and the other in June. Assessments may have to be submitted at any time in the semester, most examinations take place at the end of the semester in which the module is taught (January or May/June). Some modules span both semesters and are assessed through the year and/or examined in May/June. Re-sits are in August/September.
There are also three terms. Students are REQUIRED to be in Aberystwyth during term time (weekdays only) unless they have written permission (in advance) from the Head of Department.
- Teaching is generally organised through lectures and seminars
- Lectures provide a basic framework to the module and it is important that you attend. They introduce the module subject matter and provide the backdrop to your independent reading and research. You are expected to attend all lectures in your modules.
- Seminars consist of small group teaching. They give you the opportunity to gain a fuller understanding of the material you have been reading and they are compulsory and attendance is monitored. Non-attendance can carry penalties including being reported to the Dean and possibly even being excluded. Please refer to the Departmental Policy.
STUDENTS STUDYING MODULES THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF WELSH (GF)
- Lectures conducted in English
- Seminars conducted in Welsh
- Coursework/Exams: English or Welsh
Most GF modules have lectures in English and seminars in Welsh though there are some where either all or a section of the lectures are in Welsh. Of course any student has the right to choose to submit coursework and sit examinations in either English or Welsh. If you are registered for a CR or LA module and wish to submit coursework in Welsh or have the question translated into Welsh and/or if you wish to sit examinations in Welsh or require a Welsh version of the examination paper we will need to be informed in advance so that they can be translated (Please tell Kerry Bertenshaw – email: kkb@aber.ac.uk). Similarly, if you are registered on a GF module which is taught exclusively through Welsh and wish to submit coursework or examination answers in English or have the questions translated into English we will need to be informed in advance so that they can be translated (Please tell Kerry Bertenshaw – email: kkb@aber.ac.uk).
WEBSITES FOR TEACHING AND WELFARE
For information in relation to Teaching and Welfare please refer to the online handbook for:
Essential Information about Seminars and Attendance and the Seminar Rota (the rota is illustrated in the back of this booklet)
Learning Compact
Information about modules
WELFARE SERVICES
Anyone who has special needs (e.g. larger print handouts or handouts on coloured paper) please inform the General Office or the Welfare and Disability Officer. Please do not assume that because you have informed the University Disability Officer, we necessarily have the information. If we know, we can try to help you.
If there are any special circumstances relevant for examinations please let us know early by informing the Examinations and Assessment Secretary, Kerry Bertenshaw (Email: kkb@aber.ac.uk).
If you cannot find your personal tutor (see below), or have difficulties talking to them about things then you can see the Departmental Welfare and Disability Officer.
| Departmental Welfare and Disability Officer: | |
| Mary-Jane Horgan | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen E7 |
| Email: | mmh@aber.ac.uk |
LEARNING AND TEACHING
| Director of Learning and Teaching: | |
| Dr Glenys Williams | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D21 |
| Email: | gnw@aber.ac.uk |
The Director of Learning & Teaching monitors all taught programmes in the Department and ensures the smooth running of your teaching programme. If you have difficulties which cannot be resolved by other staff you should refer them to her.
TIMETABLING AND ORGANISATION OF MODULES & SCHEMES
Any issues in relation to seminar allocation please contact Fay Hollick. If you have a problem with your timetable please see Amanda or Jennifer in the General Office. If they cannot help or you have difficulties with the organisation of modules or with your degree scheme please see the Co-ordinator for the Delivery of Undergraduate Teaching (Sofia Cavandoli).
| Co-ordinator for Delivery of Undergraduate Teaching: | |
| Sofia Cavandoli | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen B41 |
| Email: | sfc@aber.ac.uk |
| Departmental Administrator: | |
| Fay Hollick | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D32 |
| Email: | ffh@aber.ac.uk |
The year tutors monitor attendance at seminars and contact students who have no valid reason for non-attendance. Attendance at ALL seminars is compulsory because they enhance and support your learning experience and you can gain greatly benefit from them.
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Year Tutor Semester 1 - all undergraduates Semester 2 - 2nd and 3rd year students only |
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| Dr Ola Olusanya | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D41 |
| Email: | ooo@aber.ac.uk |
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Year Tutor Semester two only - 1st year students |
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| Dr Jane Jones | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D22 |
| Email: | jnj@aber.ac.uk |
STAFF STUDENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
This committee is chaired by a student elected by the student members of the committee.
This committee furthers co-operation between staff and students studying within the Department of Law and Criminology. Each group of students elects representatives to sit on the committee. Your representative should ask you for any items you want discussed. We look at changes, suggestions for improvement, complaints of a general nature about the department or a degree scheme etc. If you have a complaint about a particular member of staff please see that person and / or contact the module co-ordinator or the Director of Undergraduate Affairs. You will be contacted in week 2 concerning the election of student members to this committee.
Any details regarding this committee please contact: Jennifer Morgan (Email: jye@aber.ac.uk)
| Employability and Careers Development: | |
| Mary-Jane Horgan | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen E7 |
| Email: | mmh@aber.ac.uk |
It is never too early to be thinking about your future career, and it is essential to remember that the best way to ensure a successful transition to a career is to make the most of your time studying with us. Developing study skills and managing academic work whilst also getting involved in other activities is something that leads to an enjoyable university life and a sound platform for achieving a good career when you finish your degree. Remember that employers are looking for able and involved employees.
In order to support you in building your employability the University provides an electronic PDP system (found in Blackboard). The system allows you to record your achievements as well as indicating aspects of your skills and achievements you might usefully think of looking at. Used properly it can help you to understand your learning and make the most from it, improve your study skills and understand your strengths and weaknesses. The PDP system is run by the careers service and they are also always willing to help and advise you; it is never too early to visit them to discuss your future. See their web pages at:
http://careers.aber.ac.uk/cas_web/interface/view_content.php
The Department also provides support for your careers.
Firstly, your personal tutor will be able to help advise you as to how you might enhance your skills and you can discuss your PDP with them.
A Personal Development Plan (PDP) will:
- increase your awareness of the skills you are acquiring;
- help you identify the skills you need and how to acquire them;
- encourage you to both reflect and build on your achievements;
- develop your awareness of employers' needs and how to meet them;
- help you construct an impressive CV that reflects your graduate level skills.
Secondly, the department organises careers talks and will inform you of any University careers opportunities that arise (See the 2012-13 programme of talks on page 14).
Finally, the department is working with local organisations such as the police, social services, Relate and the local Youth Offending Team to provide experience for students to work as volunteers or in other capacities in or along-side these organisations. As opportunities arise students will be informed and provided with more information
| Co-ordinator and Chair of Examination Boards: | |
| Professor Chris Harding | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D25 |
| Email: | csh@aber.ac.uk |
| Examinations and Assessment Secretary: | |
| Kerry Bertenshaw | |
| Room: | Hugh Owen D30 |
| Email: | kkb@aber.ac.uk |
This team organises all Departmental examinations and assessments. If you have any questions about anything to do with these matters and cannot find answers on the internet please speak to Kerry. If she is unable to help she will refer your enquiry to Professor Chris Harding.
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ESSAY EXTENSION PROCEDURE
All requests for essay extensions are dealt with by the Head of Department, Professor Noel Cox. For appointments to discuss extensions please contact his secretary, Ms Pam Davies (pmw@aber.ac.uk).
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PENALTIES FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS
Deadlines for written work are taken seriously.
- Assessments must be submitted to the Department according to departmental requirements and published deadlines.
- Work submitted after the deadline will be awarded a zero mark.
- A re-sit will be allowed in Part One if the module is failed overall, but will not be allowed in Part Two.
- PROBLEMS DURING EXAMS
Problems during examinations (affecting your ability to take the examinations or your performance in the examinations) should be reported immediately to Kerry Bertenshaw (Email: kkb@aber.ac.uk). You should also have a word with your personal tutor.
If there are any special circumstances relevant for examinations please let us know early by informing the Examinations and Assessment Secretary, Kerry Bertenshaw (Email: kkb@aber.ac.uk).
Please note that all work which you submit as any part of an assessment or examination must be your own. Whilst you can and should use academic sources and even quote from them you must attribute ALL ideas or information you get from anyone but yourself. Any copying from sources, or from each other, is cheating and will be dealt with severely; it may even result in your being excluded from University. To see the rules on plagiarism and for help on how to avoid it see the Departmental website or refer to the online handbook.
INDIVIDUAL EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS
Shall be made for those students who, for reason of medical condition, disability, or special circumstances, require them in order to be able to perform on an equal basis with other students http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/student/ug-issues/exam-assess/exam/
Unless individual examination arrangements have been agreed, unlike assignments, exams are usually handwritten, and the answers must be legibly written. The Examiners can either ignore illegible script or have it typed and any expense incurred will be charged to the student.
USEFUL WEBSITES FOR EXAMINATIONS
First Year Examination conventions
Submission of Written Work and the Essay Rota
Consultation with teaching staff on questions set for assessment
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Much of your work will involve using the Library. You should learn to find your way around it as soon as possible. Most of the books which are relevant to law students are in the law library but you will need to find different types of books and materials such as statutes and cases and will need to learn how to interpret the contents. Your personal tutor and the Legal Systems and Skills or Foundations of Law modules should help with this. Criminology students will need to find their way around the law library and other sections in the main library as well. Again, you will need to learn how to interpret different materials; your personal tutor and modules such as Readings in Criminology and Criminology Research Skills should help with this endeavour.
For all groups our Librarian, Lillian Stevenson (Email: lis@aber.ac.uk), will be giving an introductory lecture and a tour of the library. However, all the library staff should be able to help you to locate materials, please do not hesitate to ask them.
BOOKS
Before purchasing any text books students are advised to please wait until your module lecturer has told you which ones they are using this session.
STUDENT SOCIETIES
There are two student societies in the department: the Law Society and the Criminology Society. Each is open to all student, most of the social events are jointly organised and differences are mostly found in any academic/ careers events which are organised. Both societies have noticeboards on D Floor of the Hugh Owen Building
The Department uses three main means of communicating with students:
- Email: All University related communication will be sent to your Aberystwyth University e-mail address. Please check your e-mail at least once a day during term-time.
- Pigeon-holes: These are located outside the General Office. Please check your pigeon-hole daily in term-time. Personal mail should be forwarded to your accommodation address and NOT the Department of Law and Criminology. We also use pigeon-holes to distribute seminar topics and coursework titles as well as other important information about modules. Each module has its own pigeon-hole and you should check the ones relating to your modules daily.
- Notice-boards: These are located opposite the General Office and important information concerning your degree schemes will be posted on these, please check them regularly.
Departmental Dates
The dates of term are available online http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/dates-of-term/
We also have a Departmental Reading Week which will take place during the week commencing Monday 5th November 2012
Level One Seminar and Essay Plan Semester One
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Week Beginning |
Part 1 Seminars |
Part 1 Essay Submission Dates |
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Week 1 24/09/2012 |
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Week 2 01/10/2012 |
CR10410 Readings in Criminology |
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Week 3 08/10/2012 |
LA15710 Foundations of Law; LA/GF14720 Legal Systems and Skills for BA; LA/GF14230 Legal Systems and Skills |
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Week 4 15/10/2012 |
CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; LA/GF15830 Law of Contract; CR10410 Readings in Criminology |
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Week 5 |
LA/GF15930 Criminal Law; CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; CR12430 Elements of Criminology; LA/GF14030 European Law; CR12320 Foundations of Psychology |
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Week 6 |
CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; CR10410 Readings in Criminology; LA15710 Foundations of Law; LA/GF15830 Law of Contract; LA/GF14720 Legal Systems and Skills for BA; LA/GF14230 Legal Systems and Skills |
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Week 7 |
READING WEEK |
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Week 8 |
LA/GF15930 Criminal Law; CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; LA/GF14030 European Law; CR10410 Readings in Criminology |
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Week 9 |
CR12320 Foundations of Psychology; LA/GF15830 Law of Contract |
CR12430 Elements of Criminology |
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Week 10 |
LA/GF15930 Criminal Law; CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; LA/GF14030 European Law; LA/GF14720 Legal Systems and Skills for BA; LA/GF14230 Legal Systems and Skills ; CR10410 Readings in Criminology |
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Week 11 |
CR12130 Criminology Research Skills I; LA15710 Foundations of Law; CR12320 Foundations of Psychology; LA/GF15830 Law of Contract |
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Week 12 |
LA/GF15930 Criminal Law; CR/TR12220 Criminal Law for Criminologists; LA/GF14030 European Law; LA/GF14230 Legal Systems and Skills |
CR10410 Readings in Criminology; CR12320 Foundations of Psychology |
Career Talks Programme 2012/13
It is never too early to start to think about internships, volunteering and careers. All students are invited and encouraged to attend the Career Talks Programme where you will be able to discover such opportunities and begin to network for the future.
Wednesday 17th October, 1:10pm in the Law Seminar Room
Major Hannah Giles, Recruiting and Training, Army Legal Services “How to Join the Army Legal Service”
Wednesday 24th October, 1:10pm in D54, Hugh Owen Building
Richard John, Alun Thomas & John Solicitors of Aberystwyth “What it is Really Like to be a High Street Solicitor”
Wednesday 31st October, 1:10pm in the Law Seminar Room
Dr. Paul Hutchinson, Hutchinson Legal & Associates Limited, Bristol “How to Run Your Own Law Firm: Rewards and Mistakes to Avoid”
Wednesday 14th November, 1:10pm in the Law Seminar Room
Alastair Kelly, Programme Coordinator, AMAR Foundation, London “A How to Guide: Careers and Internships with NGOs and Charities”
Wednesday 21st November, 1:10pm in the Law Seminar Room
Kate Bisset, Barrister, No. 6 Barristers, Leeds “What it is Really Like to be a Barrister: A Young Barrister’s Perspective”
Wednesday 28th November, 1:10pm in the Law Seminar Room
Henrietta Hawxwell, Department for International Development, London “In the Loop: A Guide to Joining the Civil Service”
Wednesday 5th December, 1:10pm in the Law Conference Room
Alan Collins, Solicitor-Advocate and Partner, Pannone, London “Working in Personal Injury Law: Child Abuse and Its Victims”