Administration
How attendance is taken, combining work and study, and roles within the school.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all your classes to the best of your ability. We collect attendance to check that you are engaging fully with your studies in order to provide support promptly in case of any problems. Additionally, if you are an international student on a sponsored visa, UKVI require us to monitor your attendance regularly. More details on attendance for international students can be found on the international students' page.
International students rights and responsibilities
In classes, you will use your own wifi-enabled device (phone, tablet or laptop) to register your attendance. You will be guided on how to do this using a platform called WooClap.
Absence
If you will be absent for less than a week there is no need to inform the School unless you are going to miss a deadline, in which case contact the couse administrator. You can find out who this is from the Course Contacts section on your course Learn page, or on the DPRS entry for the course. If you require an extension for a deadline, please check your course Learn page to see if extensions are permitted. More information on how to apply for an extension can be found on the Extensions and Special Circumstances page.
Extensions and Special Circumstances Service
If you will be absent for more than a week from lectures for medical, personal, or other reasons, then contact your Student Adviser and you can to discuss if you should apply for Special Circumstances.
Combining Work and Study
It should be stressed that the programme is full-time. It is not recommended that students take any employment. The University recommends a full time student not to work more than 16 hours per week during term or during the summer months when the MSc dissertation is prepared. You can take a part-time job only under the condition that such an activity will not adversely affect your performance on the MSc. Any part-time job which would exceed 16 hours per week needs special permission from the Programme Director. If you are a visa sponsored student you must ensure any part-time work is compliant with the stipulations of your visa.
Programme Director
The Programme Director is responsible for the smooth running of the programme, including promotion and admission, plus coordination of teaching delivery, examinations, programme evaluation, and curriculum development. It is also the Programme Director's role to act as arbitrator in the case of academic issues relating to individual courses which cannot be resolved between the student and the course lecturer.
Student Advisers
Each student will be assigned a Student Adviser. Your Student Adviser is available as a first line of advice for any issues which may arise whilst you are on the Programme. They are charged with facilitating your orientation and smooth progression through the degree, from initial induction to successful completion. They are also available to provide first line pastoral support. You are strongly advised to inform your Student Adviser immediately of any problems that are interfering with your coursework or progress through the Programme, including any religious or medical requirements that might affect your participation in any aspect of the Programme.
Academic Cohort Leads
Each student will have a lead academic to offer support and advice about their particular programme called Cohort Leads. They are responsible for facilitating student relationships within the academic environment. They are available to provide academic advice regarding your course choices. They will also facilitate group-based welcome and transition activities.
Representation and feedback
Student feedback and evaluation is a valued input to curriculum and programme review and development of the University of Edinburgh. Formally, students are asked to complete evaluation forms for each course they take, and to attend (or select representatives for) staff-student meetings. Representatives are also welcome to participate in the Edinburgh University Students' Association. Informal feedback is welcome at any time.