School of Arts and Creative

Industries
Screen Academy Scotland
MA Screenwriting

Programme Handbook 2008/09

2
Introduction and welcome

Welcome to the programme handbook for MA Screenwriting. The following pages

contain information relating to many aspects of your academic year in 2008/2009,
including your programme of study, the modules you will undertake, and services and
resources offered by the University to help you.

During the academic session 2007/2008 the University undertook some exciting
changes. An improved modular structure has been developed moving from a 15 to a 20
credit structure which aims to provide you with a deeper subject understanding.

The Student Charter sets out how, at each stage of your career as a student, the
University will help you and how you can help the University. The Student Charter can
be found by clicking on ‘University’ on the front page of the Student Portal.
Each section of the handbook also sets out your responsibilities as a student. This
handbook contains a range of information about what the University will do to help you,
but, you, too, have responsibilities.

Hang on to this handbook! It contains lots of information that you’ll need to refer to
throughout in the year, for example about assessments, or calendar dates. There is a
lot of information on the University’s webpages, and this handbook will also provide the
appropriate URLs to guide you to the information you need.

Please note:
There are a number of regulatory changes being implemented in September 2008.
Please ensure you make reference to all current (2008/2009) documentation in
relation to regulations, policies and procedures to make certain you are reading
the accurate information.

Whilst care has been taken to try to ensure that the information contained in this edition of the programme
handbook is correct, no guarantee can be given that it is completely free of errors or omissions.

3
Modular Scheme

All taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are modularised at Napier.

This means that all programmes are composed of modules, which are usually delivered
and assessed in a single trimester.

Modules

Each standard module contributes 20 credits towards your degree, and full-time
undergraduate programmes contain three standard modules per trimester, ie six
standard modules in each year of the programme (6 x 20 credits = 120 credits). An
undergraduate degree with honours comprises 480 credits.

Compulsory, Core and Option Modules

Compulsory Modules are modules which you must take within your programme of
study.

Core Modules are a group of modules from which you will choose one or more.

Option Modules are constrained within an option pool which you will choose from. Your
choices may include modules relating to your programme of study and/or modules from
other disciplines which are relevant to you.

The option pool may contain discipline specific modules which have not been
designated as being core or compulsory, modules from other disciplines which have
been identified as being acceptable option choices for your programme and will contain
a set of approved co – curricular modules.

Co – curricular modules are optional and part of the option pool. They are not
programme specific but will strengthen employability skills and boost confidence as they
relate to personal and professional development.

4
Academic Year

Changes have also been made to the structure of the academic year. The following
provides you with a brief overview as to what you should expect.

The Napier academic year is divided into three trimesters of 15 weeks.

Week Activity
One Week 1 will aim to provide you with an imaginative range of
activities to assist in establishing a beneficial and valuable
experience tailored to your level of study. It is anticipated that
during this week the University working together with NSA will
provide you with a thorough preparation of student life
comprising administrative, academic, co-curricular and social
activities which will enable you to embrace the University fellow
students and Edinburgh as your city.
Two - Twelve Teaching Weeks.
Thirteen Revision week with supported learning
Fourteen & Normally for examinations, with the exception of students on
Fifteen programmes with specific professional requirements.

Students entering trimester 1 in year 1 will not sit formal exams

at the end of that trimester *. Instead, you will be offered
alternative learning, teaching and assessment activities.

* With exception of students on programmes with specific professional

requirements

Trimester 1 runs from the end of September to the end of January, Trimester 2 runs from
February to the end of May and trimester 3 runs from the beginning of June to mid
September. The Christmas and Easter holidays fall within the first and second trimesters
respectively, but do not count towards the 15 weeks. There is a week between
trimesters 1 and 2 (the Inter-trimester Week) when support classes, workshops or
tutorials may be conducted to help develop knowledge and skills for trimester 2, or
students may use this as a supplementary reading week (it is not a holiday). There is no
break between the end of Trimester 2 and the beginning of Trimester 3. Check the
calendar in Section 3 of this handbook for further information.

The structure of the academic year may vary for postgraduate students. If you are a
postgraduate student you should refer to your Programme Leader about the academic
structure of your study.

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Contents

Section A: About your programme of study and the School of Creative

Industries

Your programme
1. Welcome from programme leader
2. Programme management, communication, and contact details
3. University calendar 2008/2009
4. Programme aims and objectives
5. Programme structure and other information
6. Personal Development Planning and Confident Futures
7. Academic regulations

Assessments
8. Assessment schedule
9. Coursework submission procedures
10. Style notes
11. Assessment criteria
12. Plagiarism
13. Academic support
14.Mitigating circumstances and student absence
15.Getting your results

School information
16. School facilities: equipment, computers,
17. School processes and forms: e.g. for equipment loans, locker keys, etc.
18. Health and safety

Section B: University information

1. Useful phone numbers and links to information about: libraries, computing

facilities, student affairs, NSA, finance, student accommodation, International
College, Customised Programmes, security/ porters

2. Links to: academic regulations, mitigating circumstances and student appeals

procedure, library regulations, student disciplinary regulations, IT policy, tuition
fee policy, SCQF, student strand of Quality Framework, the Data Protection Act,
and the University equal opportunities & disability statement.

6
 Agreement Form

Please complete this form and hand it in to your School Office within three weeks of
starting your course.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NAPIER UNIVERSITY, EDINBURGH

School of Creative Industries
Screen Academy Scotland

I have received and read the Programme Handbook. I have consulted and understand
the University’s Academic Regulations in relation to postgraduate programmes.

NAME (Please print):

PROGRAMME: MA SCREENWRITING

YEAR: 2008-9

SIGNED:

DATE:

7
Section A: About your programme of study and the School of Creative
Industries

1.Welcome from Robin MacPherson, Director Screen Academy

Scotland
On behalf of the staff in the School of Creative Industries it is with great pleasure that I
welcome you to the School, the University and your programme of study here at Napier.

The School of Creative Industries has an established track record in delivering high
quality education in the creative arts disciplines. We have over 1300 students in the
School studying subjects that include Design, Music, Photography, Film, Journalism,
Advertising, Publishing, Communication and Cultural and Media Studies. Much of his
activity stretches back over three decades and by joining us you will become part of that
tradition. Several of our degree programmes are amongst the longest established in the
University and have an enviable reputation in terms of student successes and
employment, with many of our alumni going on to become major figures in the fields that
we represent. The staff in the School join me in hoping that you will achieve the highest
possible success and that you will find your programme a challenging, stimulating and
exciting experience. But there is more to being a student than just academic work and
we hope that we can provide a supportive and caring atmosphere as well as an
intellectually invigorating one.

This Handbook contains information about your programme this year, and you will find
details of the programme structure, assessments, and other important information.
Whether this is the start of your first trimester at Napier, or the beginning of your final
year with us, we trust that this information will be helpful. If at any time during the coming
year you feel that we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact your Advisor
of Studies or your Programme Leader. Remember that individual tutors are also keen to
help, and many problems and queries can be sorted out by approaching them in the first
instance. And, of course, you are always welcome to come and see me if you have a
problem, which cannot be solved in any other way.

I hope very much that you will enjoy this coming year, and I wish you the best of luck in
all your studies.

ROBIN MACPHERSON
Director, Screen Academy Scotland
8
2. Programme management, communication, and contact details

Programme team
Each programme has a team to manage the day-to-day running of the programme. If
you have a query or problem then you should contact one of the following members of
staff. You should ensure that you know who the members of the programme team are
for your programme.

James Mavor Merchiston A42 0131 455 2432 j.mavor@napier.ac.uk

Programme Leader

Lecturers
Oscar Van Heek Merchiston A42 0131 455 2395 o.vanheek@napier.ac.uk
Dr Paul Sellors Marchmont 103 0131 455 5234 cp.sellors@napier.ac.uk

Academic conduct officer

Dr Paul Sellors Marchmont 103 0131 455 5234 cp.sellors@napier.ac.uk

School Administration Office

2A Merchiston Avenue
0131 455 2572

If you have a query or would like to meet with a member of staff in the Administration
Office please email the relevant person and we will be back in touch with you as soon as
possible to arrange a meeting or to answer your question. If your query is urgent and
you need to speak with a member of staff please drop in to the office between 9am –
10am and we will do our best to help you.

Anne Brown, Programme Administrator: a.brown2@napier.ac.uk

Room 1, Part-time (M, Th, Fri 9am – 5pm, Tues 9am – 2.30pm)
Responsible for all aspects of student administration

Carol Devlin, Project Administrator: c.devlin@napier.ac.uk

Room 1, Part-time (Mon – Thursday 9am – 1.30pm)
Coordination of student bursaries and living expenses

Tamara Van Strijthem, Engage Project Officer: t.van_strijthem@napier.ac.uk

Room 1, Part-time based at Napier 3 days per week
Coordination of the Engage Project and student film festival submissions

Karen O’Hare, Professional Practice/Continuing Professional Development

Coordinator: k.ohare@napier.ac.uk
Room 27, Full-time based at Napier and Edinburgh College of Art (eca)

9
Responsible for the development of student Professional Practice, training and CPD
opportunities

Michele Marcoux, Administration Manager: m.marcoux@napier.ac.uk

Room 27, Full-time
Management of the Administration office

Kate Edmonds, Partnership Manager: k.edmonds@napier.ac.uk

Room 27, Full-time based at Napier and Edinburgh College of Art (eca)
Building links with FE, HE and Industry

Technicians’ Office
2A Merchiston Avenue
Technicians: 455 2358
Stores: 455 2360

The Tech Office is open 9 – 5pm everyday and is closed for lunch between 1pm – 2pm

Rob Walker, Audio Technician: RJ.walker@napier.ac.uk

Room 2, Full-time

Alex McLaren, Editing Technician: a.mclaren@napier.ac.uk

Room 2, Full-time

Nick Gibbon, Film Store Technician: n.gibbon@napier.ac.uk

Room 2, Full-time
If you are using a phone from inside the university, you only need to dial the last four
digits.

Communication between you and your programme

Email
All students are allocated an e-mail address which can be used on all designated
computers.
Your Napier e-mail account will be the only recognised email account that will be used to
contact you.

It is your responsibility to check your Napier e – mail account regularly

Notice boards
You will be shown where your notice-boards are located during your Induction Week.
Many important notices will be placed on them.

It is your responsibility to check these notice-boards regularly.

Meetings with staff

Students are encouraged to contact staff if they have issues to discuss. Some members
10
of staff operate an ‘open door’ policy, which means that they are available for
consultation in their rooms whenever they are not teaching; other members of staff put
up a notice indicating the hours that they will be available. Within the School of
Creative Industries it is common practice to request an appointment should you
wish to see a member of staff to discuss personal or other matters.

Personal Development Tutors:

You will be assigned a Personal Development Tutor, who will be your first point of
contact if you are experiencing academic problems or personal problems which affect
your academic progress.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

Each programme or suite has an SSLC, which is a formal forum for the exchange of
feedback between staff and students on any matter relevant to a programme. It can
also be used as a forum for staff to discuss new ideas and to seek the views of students.
It is important to note that the SSLC deals with collective issues of concern and not
issues of a personal nature relating to the conduct of individual students or members of
staff.

Board of Studies
The Board of Studies is responsible for the development, planning, management,
operation and enhancement of the programme. Its members include staff and elected
student representatives, and it receives reports from the SSLC.

The University encourages students to engage with the management of their

programmes. At the beginning of your programme, NSA will issue programme leaders
with student programme representative recruitment packs. Elected representatives are
then trained by NSA and invited to attend five student senate meetings throughout the
year and up to four staff student liaison committees. They will have the opportunity to
liaise with their programme leader and other relevant staff about programme
management issues during these meetings.

Further information on the student representative system can be found at the Napier
student union website http://www.napierstudents.com

11
3.University calendar 2008/2009
Please check the following links to find out about University-wide meetings and events.
http://staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/Secretariat/University+Calendar/

EVENT DATE
2008
University Undergraduate Open Day Thursday 4 September
Edinburgh Autumn Holiday Monday 15 September
Inter-trimester weeks Monday 15 September – Friday 26 September

Induction Week (new students) Saturday 27 September – Friday 3 October

International Students’ Welcome Sunday 28 September
Trimester 1 (weeks 1-12) Monday 29 September – Friday 19 December

NSA Freshers’ Fair Thursday 2 October

Careers Fair
University Open Day
Awards Ceremonies
External Examiner Induction Day
Christmas Carol Service
Christmas Academic Break
2009
Trimester 1 (weeks 13 -15)
Assessment weeks
Inter-trimester week
Trimester 2 (weeks 1-10)
Easter Academic Break
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Edinburgh Spring Holiday
Trimester 2 (weeks 11-15)
Assessment weeks
Mid Term break
Trimester 3 (weeks 1 -15)
Awards Ceremonies
Assessment Weeks (Session 2008/09)
Trimester 1, Session 2009/10 (weeks 1
-15)*
Edinburgh Autumn Holiday
Thursday 16 October
Saturday 1 November
Thursday 20 November
Thursday 4 December
Thursday 11 December
Monday 22 December – Friday 2 January
(inclusive)
Monday 5 January – Saturday 24 January
Monday 12 January – Saturday 24 January
Monday 26 January – Friday 30 January
Monday 2 February – Thursday 9 April
Friday 10 April – Friday 24 April (inclusive)
Friday 10 April
Monday 13 April
Monday 20 April
Monday 27 April – Saturday 30 May
Monday 18 May – Saturday 30 May
Monday 18 May – Tuesday 19 May
Monday 8 June – Saturday 19 September
Thursday 16 July – Friday 17 July
Monday 7 September – Saturday 19
September
Monday 7 September – Saturday 19
December
Monday 21 September

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4. Programme aims and objectives

The MA Screenwriting programme aims to equip participants with the creative,

professional and contextual knowledge and skills required to undertake screenwriting as
a career.

Participants will study the history of screenwriting and the cinema; the theory and
practice of story forms and structure; the craft of screenwriting for film, television and
interactive entertainment; and the professional skills and business contexts of writing in
the creative industries.

Successful graduates of the programme will be able to work autonomously and

collaboratively in a variety of contexts including short films, animation, cinema, television
and interactive media.

Although there is a substantial taught element the programme has a strong project-
based emphasis and participants are expected to write a number of scripts, in a variety
of genres and/or length, during the course of the programme.

Recognising that many potential participants may wish to combine study with continuing
employment, self-employment or other commitments the programme has been designed
to maximise flexibility of delivery through part-time participation and the potential for
future CPD-type delivery.

The philosophy of the programme is to help participants construct the mix of knowledge,
skills and understanding appropriate to the level and kind of screenwriting they aspire to
undertake, bearing in mind the growing diversity of markets and contexts for
screenwriting.

Diversity in the form and genre (cinema, television, interactive entertainment) of

participants’ projects is anticipated and indeed welcomed. The core of the programme is
common across genre and form i.e. facilitating the participants’ creative and personal
development, tailored to their specific needs. At the same time the professional,
business and market context of screenwriting is an integral part of the programme,
including modules shared with the MA Screen Project Development. Screenwriting
students are thus introduced not only to the business aspects of writing – issues of
copyright, contracts, development finance and so on, but also have the opportunity to
engage with aspiring producers and to build potentially productive and ongoing
professional and creative relationships.

Creativity and collaboration are indeed central elements of the programme philosophy
which assumes that successful screenwriting is rooted in successful collaboration.
Whether undertaking the programme as would-be professional screen writers or as
script-editors, development executives etc., all participants are encouraged and
expected to develop their capacity to engage creatively and professionally with each
other and with the needs of the respective audiences and markets for their work.

The programme recognises the rapidly changing nature of the technologies and
distribution contexts for screen works and the convergence of film, television, interactive
entertainment and networked communication. In addition to a dedicated module dealing
with interactivity and screenwriting the impact of new paradigms of storytelling and the

13
growing diversity of entertainment media is addressed across the programme and
students have the opportunity, particularly in the latter stages of the programme, to
pursue new as well as established forms of screenwriting.

The programme is designed on the basis that a significant proportion of participants may
undertake it on a part-time basis because of employment or other commitments.
Moreover because script development often requires a substantial amount of time (e.g.
feature scripts can easily take several years to secure production finance) the part-time
option will, for some participants, be a more appropriate mode of attendance from a
learning perspective. Equally some participants will wish to immerse themselves in the
screenwriting process on a full-time basis.

Collaboration with students undertaking the MA Screen Project Development is

encouraged and is facilitated through the shared modules undertaken in Trimester 1.

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to develop creative

screenplays and projects in film, television or interactive entertainment, progressing
from idea to script with the ability to present work professionally to agents, producers
and commissioners in their chosen medium and market.

14
5.Programme structure and other information

Outlined below is the general structure of your programme. For information about
specific modules (including key dates for hand-ins, coursework requirements and visiting
speakers), please refer to the relevant module handouts, which will be provided at the
beginning of each trimester.

MA Screenwriting – Full-time mode

Trimester 1
Week 1: Programme Induction Week
Weeks 2-15:
SCA11100 SCA11102 SCA11101
Writing and Script The Business of
Screen Project Workshop 1 Screen Project
Development Development

(20 credits) (20 credits) (20 credits)

Module Leader: Module Leader: Module Leader:

James Mavor James Mavor Oscar Van Heek

Trimester 2

Weeks 1 –15:
SCA11103 SCA11104 SCA11105
Developing Script to Screen Script Workshop 2
Interactive Media

(20 credits)
(20 credits) (20 credits)
Module Leader:
Module Leader: Module Leader:
Oscar Van Heek
Dr Paul Sellors James Mavor
Trimester 3
SCA11106 Major Project (60 credits)
Module Leader: James Mavor

15
 MA Screenwriting – Part-time mode
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Week 1: Programme Induction Week
Weeks 2-15:
SCA11100 SCA11102
Writing and
Screen Project Script
Development Workshop 1

(20 credits) (20 credits)

Module Leader: Module Leader:

James Mavor James Mavor
Year 1 – Trimester 2
Weeks 1- 15:
SCA11103
Developing
Interactive Media

(20 credits)

Module Leader:
Oscar Van Heek
Year 2 – Trimester 1
Weeks 1- 15:
SCA11101 SCA11107
The Business of
Screen Project Script Workshop
Development 2a

(20 credits) (10 credits)

Module Leader: Module Leader:

Oscar Van Heek James Mavor

Year 2 – Trimester 2
Weeks 1- 15:

16
SCA11104 SCA11108
Script
Script to Screen Development
Workshop 2b
(20 credits) (10 credits)
Module Leader: Module Leader:
Dr Paul Sellors James Mavor
Year 2 – Trimester 3

SCA11106 Major Project (60 credits)

Module Leader: James Mavor

From September 2008 the University has moved to a modular structure of 20-credit
modules (previously modules were worth 15 credits).

17
6.Personal Development Planning and Confident Futures

Personal and Professional Development Planning

As a student at Napier, you will be asked to carry out a number of activities that, at first
glance, might not seem directly related to your academic studies. These will involve you
in thinking not only about what you are learning but how you are learning and what
implications this has for you both now and in the future. These activities are grouped
together and described by the term personal and professional development planning, or
PDP.
Effective PDP involves you in developing an understanding of yourself (that’s the
“personal” part) so you can operate more effectively – in your personal life, your studies,
or your career – that’s the “professional” part. It can also help you increase your chances
of getting to where you want to be.

Why personal and professional development planning?

1.Employers are looking for people who have relevant subject knowledge and skills
but who also have skills and attitudes that make them stand out from the crowd. They
know that such attributes are key to successful careers, promotion and progression.
In higher education, this is known as ‘employability’.
See Napier’s model at http://www2.napier.ac.uk/ed/eddev/ESAmodel.gif . You will see
that in the centre of the employability model is a range of ‘reflective skills’ – another
name for PDP. Employers are looking for people who know themselves, who are able
to identify their strengths and can show what and how they have learned over a
period of time. PDP is designed to encourage you to develop such skills and
attributes.
2.Research shows that learners who develop such employability skills and attributes,
including self-awareness and self-evaluation, are also more successful as students at
university. Personal and professional development planning is designed to help you to
achieve your potential.

What does personal and professional development planning involve?

Personal and professional development planning is a structured process that is
undertaken by you - as a student - and supported by us - your personal development
tutor, your lecturers and a wide range of other staff – to help you regularly:
• review your learning, performance and successes to date
• identify recent examples of your activities and achievements that illustrate both your
strengths and your areas for improvement
• analyse reasons for your successes and disappointments and how you can
overcome them in the future
• reflect on your increasing self-understanding (The Confident Futures programme
has designed specifically for this)
• plan for your personal, academic and professional development, and
• record these in a way that best suits you to use now and in the future. The WebCT
portfolio tool has been developed to help you with this process.

It really is true - the more you put into your own personal and professional development
planning, taking up the opportunities provided to you – the more you’ll get out of it.

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Confident Futures
Knowing yourself, what you are good at, and what you like, is an important part of
deciding on the career you want. Believing in yourself, being persistent, resilient and
focused, and learning from mistakes are also important skills in your job search – and in
managing your job and for your career progression.
Napier has designed Confident Futures to help you develop your self- knowledge and
awareness, along with subject knowledge. It’s an innovative programme of personal
development unique to higher education and
includes workshops designed to build well founded confidence and enhance the sort of
‘soft skills’ and attitudes demanded by employers.
For more information about Confident Futures visit www.napier.ac.uk/confidentfutures

19
7.Academic Regulations

The University has a set of approved regulations which apply to all programmes and set
out the criteria for gaining an award of the University, the criteria for progression on a
programme, and standards for assessment in a module.

You can find each of these regulations in full by visiting the Student Portal and selecting
University > Regulations

Section A: General Regulations

See especially:
A2 The University’s general regulatory principles
A7 Assessment regulations
A13 Student responsibilities

Section B: Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes

See especially:
B5 Assessment regulations
B6 Continuation of study regulations
B3 Undergraduate awards of the University

Section C Regulations for Taught Masters Programmes

See especially:
C3 Taught Masters awards of the University
C4 Admission regulations
C5 Assessment regulations
C6 Continuation of study regulations

It is your responsibility to know and abide by the University Regulations

20
8. Assessment schedule

At the beginning of each module you should receive an assessment brief. This will detail
your module, who is responsible for setting the assessment, a description of the
assessment, percentage weighting, and information on size and or time limits. You
should also be advised on when and where the assessment should be submitted.

Please refer to the relevant module handouts, which will be provided at the beginning of
each trimester, for information about the assessment schedule.

9. Coursework submission procedures

It is really important that you read and understand this section so that you are familiar
with the standards set for presentation and content of assessed work.

If you are taking a module from a different school than the one in which the majority of
your modules are taught, you must follow that school’s own submission procedures
- check what these are with the lecturer, the other school’s office, or the module
handbook.

Where to find the information

At the beginning of each module your tutor will hand you a module handout containing
all information regarding the module and associated coursework. It outlines the topic of
your coursework project(s), the date, time and venue of hand-in. The handout will also
be posted on WebCT Vista.

What to do if you cannot meet the deadline

You must inform the module leader in writing prior to the submission date, stating when
the work will be handed in and whether you will be applying for mitigating circumstances.
Failure to do so may result in non-assessment of your work.

Late Submission
Coursework submitted after the agreed deadline will be marked at a maximum of 40% or
P1. Coursework submitted over five working days after the agreed deadline will be given
0% or F5 (although formative feedback will be offered where requested)

If you know that you will not meet with a deadline due to exceptional circumstances you
may wish to contact the appropriate module leader to apply for an extension.

Mitigating circumstances procedure

Mitigating Circumstances are considered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and
Creative Industries, independently of the school office. It is the responsibility of the
student to apply for mitigating circumstances within the deadlines set by the University
(as detailed on Nimweb) and submit sufficient supporting documentation.

Applications may be submitted to the Faculty office by students who consider that their
circumstances may allow them a first diet reassessment opportunity. Mitigating
circumstances application forms are available from the Registry services website:

21
http://www.napier.ac.uk/registry/regulations.htm. Please also see section 14 below.

End of trimester deadlines

All module submission deadlines are detailed within module handouts.

Reassessments arrangements
Will be advised.

If you do not know how your submission should be presented, please turn to the
next page for information on coursework presentation and style notes.

Please Note:

All your work must be handed in either in person, by recorded mail or via WebCT
Vista /Turnitin® if appropriate, as advised.

Do not fax or e-mail your work to a tutor or the administrative offices – it will not
be marked.

Keep a copy of all your submitted work as we will not return your work to you.

For further guidelines refer to your module handouts, which you will receive from your
module leaders.

It is your responsibility to check when your assessments are due and plan your work
accordingly. Late assessments will be penalised.

22
10. Style notes

Guide to presentation

All your written work must be typed in 12 point font, double-spaced, proof-read, spell-
checked, paginated and formatted to a recognised style sheet and stapled well.

All your practical work must be kept together as one unit in a folder, holder, case etc.

All your work must be labelled appropriately making reference to the following:
• Your name
• Your matriculation number
• Date of Submission
• Name of the respective tutor
• Module No
• Module Name
• Title of Submission
• If handing in more than one item for a project, mention number of items handed in
• Make sure all items of a project are appropriately labelled.

Please complete the form provided in section 16 and include as a cover page for each
item of coursework handed in.

Guide to referencing
This should be read in conjunction with the Information Skills, Bibliographies and
References. Whether you are preparing a report or an essay it is important that you
show clearly the sources you use and adopt a common format. You should always show
the author(s), title of the work and publication date. In addition several other identifiers
are necessary, as follows:

Books
Always show:
Author (surname, initials)
Title (main and subtitles - underlined or in bold print)
Edition (eg 2nd)
Place of Publication (town)
Publisher (unabbreviated form)
Year of Publication
example: Junkin, C J. An Elementary Treatise on Pickling
4th edition, Edinburgh: Rock and Bun, 1973
(Where two authors list both, alphabetically; where three or more list the
first,
as above and add et al.)

Journals
Always show:
Author (surname, initials)
Title of Article (in inverted commas)
Title of Journal (underlined or in bold print)
Volume, issue or part, date of journal

23
Pages occupied by the article
example: Brown, S B et al ‘Developments in Onion Research’
Foodstuffs Review, Vol XXI (6), July 1988: 172-201

The wealth of information contained in the above system need not be shown within the
body of your essay or report. You will have to ensure that the reader is guided to the full
reference in a clear manner. You may for instance wish to reference by numbers
example: As Brown (1988) (1) stated in his recent article ...........
where (1) would appear with full details in a list of references at the end of
the article.
Another method would be to simply name the author in the body of the text and insert
full publication details in a bibliography at the report/essay’s conclusion,
example: In order to understand problems involved in pickling eggs properly it is
helpful to refer to Junkin’s (1977) treatise on the subject

24
11. Assessment criteria

Taught Masters Programmes

Taught Masters programmes are assessed on a 15-point grading scale with three overall
grades of performance, Distinction, Pass and Fail, each sub-divided into five. This 15-
point scale defines all standards of performance in modules and awards. The standard
required for a Pass, Distinction or Fail is consistent across all disciplines.

The following table shows the possible grades at Masters level:

Overall grade Grade

D5
D4
D3
D2
Distinction – D1

P5
P4
P3
P2
Pass – P1

Fail – F1
F2
F3
F4
F5

See Section C of the university’s regulations for full information.

http://www.napier.ac.uk/registry/regulations.htm.

You may also find the characteristic outcomes of a Masters degree, as defined by The Quality
Assurance Agency for Higher Education (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/
SCQF/2001/frameworkAnnex.asp), helpful in your understanding of the overall academic remit
of the programme:)
i. A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic
discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
ii. A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or
advanced scholarship.
iii. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline.
iv. Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
o to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the
discipline; and
o to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate,
to propose new hypotheses.

25
The programme is based on a process of continuous formative assessment based
on:
• seminar and tutorial feedback between students and tutors
• regular reflective reports (oral or written) by students on their evolving project
• summative assessment by tutors and external examiners based on the completed
project associated reflective report.
The assessment instruments (i.e. what we ask you to submit which evidences your
learning) include:
Learning Contract , Written case studies, Personal Development Plan, Pitch, Production
File, Oral Presentations, Self-assessment, Seminars.

Students are assessed on the degree to which they and their work evidence, at a level
appropriate to an MFA award:

• Ability in terms of professional, technical, creative and critical skills in writing,

directing or producing
• Originality in terms of ideas and innovation in terms of approach
• A knowledge of the creative, institutional and market contexts in which films are
developed and produced
• Self-motivation, direction and involvement with the project
• Ability in terms of research, problem solving and the development of a professional
focus OR personal themes and issues (Screenwriting)
• An identification of the audience to whom the work is aimed
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally
• Ability to complete work within set deadlines (time management)
• Self-reliance and the ability to pursue independent study and professional
development

Most written assessment instruments are graded against the following general criteria in
order that you can identify areas which are exceeding, meeting or failing to meet our
expectations:
• Evidence of appropriate research and contextualisation
• Quality of analysis and evaluation
• Effective presentation
More detailed feedback will be provided in the form of a written commentary.

26
12. Plagiarism

Take the time to read thoroughly the guidance in ‘Be Wise, Don’t Plagiarise’ at http://
www2.napier.ac.uk/ed/plagiarism/infoStudents.htm.
Plagiarism at Napier is defined as the “unacknowledged incorporation in a student’s
work either in an examination or assessment of material derived from the work
(published or unpublished) of another." This means that you may not use work from
others and call it your own. Work in this context applies to any form of work, not only
written work. It applies to music, art, audio and drama.
Plagiarism is considered a breach of academic conduct regulations and is considered a
serious offence and is dealt with according to the University’s Student disciplinary
regulations and Academic conduct: Code of practice for staff and students.
Good referencing practice is the best way to avoid unintentional plagiarism and you will
find help and resources about this on the Be Wise, Don’t Plagiarise website.

The member of staff in your School responsible for managing plagiarism is Paul Sellors,
Academic Conduct Officer – cp.sellors@napier.ac.uk or 0131 455 5218.

It is your responsibility not to cheat or plagiarise

If you are found to have cheated or gained an unfair advantage, you may fail part or all
of your assessment and you may not be permitted to be re-assessed.

13. Academic support

For further information and advice about studying or assessments, there is a range of
resources available to you.
− See Get Ready for University Study at - www.napier.ac.uk/getready
− The Library contains many books on a range of study skills topics. See http://
staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/Library/Information/Study+Skills/ for full details. This
website also contains information on Maths Plus, Communication Plus, the
student mentor system, and academic support advisers.
− Your faculty’s Academic Support Adviser is Kendall Richards - 0131 455 2654.
− ‘Study Support’ on the Student Portal

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14. Mitigating circumstances and student absence

Student absence due to illness or other personal circumstances

Any absence due to illness or other personal circumstances should be reported to your
programme leader as soon as possible by email or phone, especially if you are missing
classes or assessments as a result.

A medical certificate from your doctor is required for an absence due to illness of one
week (5 days) or longer. This should be handed in to the school on your first day back.

It is your responsibility to inform us if you are absent by contacting your Personal

Development Tutor and the school office.

Mitigating Circumstances
If, for good reason, such as illness, you are unable to submit work for assessment or sit
an exam, or you feel your performance during an assessment has been affected due to
personal circumstances, you must complete a Mitigating Circumstances form (MC1).
This allows you to explain the particular circumstances and without it mitigating
circumstances cannot be granted.
You should note that Mitigating Circumstances will not increase your individual marks
and if you pass an assessment you have submitted an MC1 form for that mark will
stand.
Speak to your programme leader or personal development tutor to get help completing
the MC1 form.
You can get the MC1 form by clicking on ‘Forms’ on the Student Portal, or from the
Registry Services reception or webpage at http://www.napier.ac.uk/depts/registry/
examitcirc.html. This page also gives the final submission dates for the form.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your Mitigating Circumstances form is

submitted by the required deadline.

28
15. Boards of Examiners and getting your results

Boards of Examiners
Boards of Examiners are responsible for making decisions about students' performance
including decisions about progression and award. Within the modular scheme there are
two types of Boards, Module Boards and Programme Boards.

Module Board of Examiners

The Module Boards of Examiners considers the module marks and submits
confirmed marks to the relevant Programme Boards of Examiners.
Recommendations are made regarding whether a student should be awarded a
pass or fail in any module and the mechanisms for re-assessment.

Module Boards of Examiners meet up to four times in each session to consider

module performance. These boards normally occur in February, June, September
and potentially at the end of the third trimester if required.

Programme Board of Examiners

The Programme Board receives confirmed module marks and recommendations

on pass and fail and information from Mitigating Circumstances Boards. The Board
reviews the students' whole performance across all the modules and makes
decisions.

A Programme Board of Examiners will normally meet at the end of each of the
three trimesters in the University’s academic calendar. You school office should be
able to provide you with specific dates.

Results

Your results can be accessed via the student portal. The publication dates of your results
will normally be made available via the student portal.

The module results will be displayed on NIMWEB at the end of each trimester, however
you should note that these results will be provisional pending the decisions of the
Programme Boards of Examiners.

Module Boards of Examiners do not take account of mitigating circumstances, these will
be reported to the Programme Board of Examiners.

29
Following the programme board of examiners you will received a letter which will detail
the outcome of the board together with any reassessment information. If you do not
receive this information within two weeks following the programme boards of examiners
you should contact your relevant School.

16. School facilities: equipment and computers

There are no photocopying or printing facilities available to students at 2a Merchiston

Avenue. Please use photocopiers in the main Merchiston campus – payment details
can be obtained from the library.

The nearest PC and printing facilities are located in the Jack Kilby Centre, in the main
Merchiston campus (see below). Wireless access is available throughout the Screen
Academy Scotland Production Centre. To configure your laptop for access, you must
contact C&IT services – instructions are available from Nimweb.

Enquiries about access to filmmaking equipment or technical facilities should be

addressed, in the first instance, to Gary Hall (g.hall@napier.ac.uk – 0131 455 2354).
Equipment borrowing rules and regulations are stated below.

Computing & Information Technology Services (C&IT)

The University aims to ensure that all students (and staff) make full use of
communications and information technology to support their studies. At Napier, you can
access our network resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week from home – or
anywhere with an internet connection. Within the University we provide access to over
1250 PCs and 150 Apple Macs on seven campuses. Opening hours vary, but the 500-
seat Jack Kilby Computing Centre at Merchiston, is open 24/7.

You can use the University’s personalised student web portal remotely wherever you are
in the world for access to:

• WebCT Vista – the Virtual Learning Environment

• The Napier Intranet
• Your own Napier email account
• Secure areas for you to store your files on the Napier network
• The library system for checking catalogues and reserving books
• Your own student records to matriculate on subsequent years, update your
records and see your results
• Support by email and telephone from the central C&ITS Support Desk (email:
c&it.support@napier.ac.uk external telephone: 0131 455 3000 internal telephone:
3000)

On campus, you can also enjoy access to:

30
 • PCs 24/7
• WiFi network connections for your laptop
• Microsoft Office applications and the internet
• Specialised software packages including CAD, project management, statistics,
mathematics, computer programming and many others to support your study
• Mono, colour and acetate printers
• Scanners and other specialist peripherals
• Face-to-face user support for over 70 hours per week in the Jack Kilby
Computing Centre (Merchiston Campus) and at published times on other
campuses
• Convenient vending machines sell other IT essentials
• Special low-priced purchase schemes for software for your own PC.

For information about the opening times and location of all computer suites, where to
find further help and other useful information about C&IT Services please visit http://
staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/citservices/Information+for+Students/

17.School processes and forms

Please see the Equipment and Resources and Stores Booking Rules and Regulations
handouts that were included in your Induction Packs for information on processes and
forms.

18.Health and safety

School first aid officers

If you are in need of urgent first aid treatment while in the school, please contact the
following trained first aid staff:

Tamara Van Merchiston Ave Rm 1 0131 455 2615 t.van_strijthem@napier.ac.

Strijthem uk

There are also First Aid rooms located at various point throughout the University:
− Sighthill, Room 33
− Merchiston, Room C80
− Craiglockhart, Room 1/44
− Craighouse, New Craig, Room 383 (west wing)

Health & Safety Arrangements

Adherence to the safety practices laid down by the University and your school is
required by all students.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A STUDENT

It is important that all students make every effort to avoid risks to themselves and to
others by acting in a safe and responsible manner. In particular you must:
• pay attention to instructions from staff with regard to safety at work, for your own
safety and that of others
• take care as you go about the University

31
• report any accident and get First Aid treatment at once
• report any hazard you spot to a member of staff
• learn what to do in the event of a fire
• respect the University NO SMOKING Policy
• think before you act - carelessness causes many accidents
• take care and ask staff for advice with lifting any heavy objects
• do not carry food or drinks out of the Refectory - if spilled they present a risk of
slipping, for all users of the building
• on no account should food be eaten in a laboratory environment.

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ILLNESS OR INJURY

• In the event of any illness or injury contact a trained First Aider via the Control Room
(Ext 4444).
• Give the following information to the Controller:
•Location of the injured or ill person (Department and Room Number).
•Details of any injury or illness (eg. faint, chest pain, broken bone).
•Extension Number from which the call is being made and name of caller. Person
making the request must remain with the patient until assistance arrives.
• All injuries no matter how trivial and Dangerous Occurrences must be reported on
the official Accident Form and sent to the University Safety Adviser, Craiglockhart.
These forms are available in each department and in the Control Room on each
campus.
• Wheelchair and ambulance chair are located at Room B73 Merchiston, Room 033
Sighthill, Room G18 Craiglockhart and Room 383 New Craig. Access to these items
can be arranged via the Control Room (ext 4444).

WHAT TO DO IN EVENT OF A FIRE OR EMERGENCY SITUATION

• Students must familiarise themselves with the fire action instructions printed on a
blue and white notice in each classroom / workplace that they use in their timetable.
Check the green and white directional arrows to the fire exits from your classrooms/
workplace. If you have any doubts please ask your Supervisor / Lecturer.
• If You Discover A Fire:
•Immediately operate nearest alarm call point.
•Attack fire, if possible, with appliances provided but without taking personal risk.
• On Hearing The Alarm:
•Leave the area immediately making sure doors are closed as you leave.
•Follow arrows to nearest escape exit.
•Do not use lifts.
•Keep well clear of the building until further instructions are issued by University staff.
•Student or staff with mobility difficulties should not use stairways but should proceed
to the nearest place of safety and their whereabouts reported to the Control
Room (ext 4444).

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment should only be worn in the work area which requires
it. You may require extra personal protective equipment if you have any skin
complaint which could be irritated by chemicals/substances. Please indicate any
problems to your tutor.
32
ELECTRICITY AT WORK
• If someone suffers from electric shock switch off the current and pull out the plug
before touching the casualty.
• If this is not possible, use something dry and wooden, such as a broom handle or a
wooden chair to move the casualty away from the power source.
• Check the casualty's breathing and pulse. If unconscious, place in the recovery
position.
• Send for first aid/medical help immediately.
• Never touch the casualty until the power source has been turned off.
• Never apply water to a burn from an electric shock while the casualty is still
attached to the electricity source.
The following Do's and Don't are essential for safe working with electricity:
Do:
•Report to your tutor any equipment, leads, plug tops that are damaged or
overheating.
•Report to your tutor any equipment that is in an unsafe condition or situation

Don't:
•swap leads between machines as the fuse ratings may vary.
•use power leads that are damaged or frayed.
•use equipment if the plug is damaged.
•use leads that are not correctly clamped at the plug or socket.
•use a damaged socket.
•place papers, cups, plants on equipment.

Lifts
It is important that you do not:
• Abuse lifts
• Overcrowd lifts
• Interfere with the doors or electrics
• Carry hot drinks in the lift

Corridors
You should take considerable care going about the University. Accidents happen in the
corridors through general carelessness. You can be injured through tripping. Walk, don't
run and take care.

33
Section B: University information

1. Useful phone numbers and links

You can get to most of the resources described here through the Student Portal, too.
You can also go to MyHelp on the Student Portal for an A – Z of student help.

Libraries and Learning Information Services (LIS)

The university library will be central to your studies, and time spent finding out how to
use its resources will be time well-invested! The library website contains information
and guidance on resources and services including locating and borrowing books and or
journals, electronic resources, and study space.
Visit http://www2.napier.ac.uk/inform/learning.html or follow the links to ‘Library
Catalogue’ or ‘Library Resources’ from the Student Portal.

Campus Library phone numbers

Craighouse 0131 455 6020 (Creative Industries)
Merchiston 0131 455 2582 (Science, Computing, Engineering and Creative
Industries – mainly Lens Media, Design & Media Arts)

Computing Facilities

For opening times and location of all computer suites, and other useful information,
follow the link to MyHelp and then C&IT Services from the Student Portal, or visit http://
staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/citservices/Information+for+Students/.
Opening hours vary, but the 500-seat Jack Kilby Computing Centre at Merchiston is
open 24/7.

Student Affairs

Student Affairs aims to provide high quality and effective professional services to support
and enhance your University experience from initial enquiry through to graduation and
beyond.

Student Affairs covers a variety of areas across the University, some of which are
detailed below for your information:

Student Administration Services

Student Administration is based at the Merchiston Campus and organises major student
administrative events including matriculation, examinations and graduation ceremonies.
It is also responsible for updating and amending your student record.
To keep your personal record up to date, or to find out more about any of these services,
please follow the appropriate links on the Student Portal.
Alternatively, Student Administration Services can be contacted on 0131 455 2535, by
email on the following addresses, or by visiting the Merchiston Campus reception.
34
idcards@napier.ac.uk – for all queries about matriculation cards
exams@napier.ac.uk – for all examination related queries
records@napier.ac.uk - for all student record related queries
graduation@napier.ac.uk - for all graduation related queries
appeals@napier.ac.uk – for all academic appeal related queries
enquiries@napier.ac.uk - for any other enquiries

Student Loan Company 0800 40 50 10 (free phone)

Student Awards Agency Scotland 0845 111 1711

It is your responsibility to notify promptly any change of address or change of name.

This can be done by following the link to Personal Record from the Student Portal.

Student Advice and Sport Services

Student Advice and Sport Services provides a wide range of counselling, advisory and
guidance services. This area also administers hardship and childcare funds, provides
information on student funding and manages the Fitness Suite at Craiglockhart.

The counsellors have drop-in individual guidance sessions every lunchtime, and provide
various therapies, workshops and self-help strategies as well as counselling.

Diversity and Special Needs Services

Diversity and Special Needs Services supports you if you have special needs, and
provides advice on facilities, grants, the Disabled Student’s Allowance and assessment
for dyslexia and other learning needs.

You can find out more information on any of the above services by visiting the Student
Portal and following the links for Study Support or Personal Support (including details
of regular drop-in sessions).

Alternatively, you can call 0131 455 2929, email support@napier.ac.uk, or visit them at
the Merchiston Campus.

Sports Services can be contacted separately on sports&fitness@napier.ac.uk

Wider Access and Retention Services

Wider Access and Retention Services offer a variety of activities designed to help
support you in your studies:

 one to one sessions on study skills, for example academic writing, and small
group workshops provided by a team of Academic Support Advisers

35
 academicadvisers@napier.ac.uk

 impartial guidance that can help you if you are considering changing your course
or withdrawing from university

sar@napier.ac.uk

 a student mentoring programme where you can be matched with an experienced

student who can help you get to grips with studying at university

studentmentoring@napier.ac.uk

 www.napier.ac.uk/getready - a very useful website called Get Ready for

University Studies which provides lots of advice from Napier students about
studying at university.

Employability Services

Employability Services provides job vacancies, careers information and individual

careers guidance to students. It is committed to helping all students develop their
personal and professional development planning (PDP) skills. It also delivers the
Confident Futures programme which is aimed at maximising your employment prospects
and employability potential.

More information on Employability Services can be found by following the Future link on
the Student Portal and at www.napier.ac.uk/confidentfutures

It is your responsibility to speak to someone if you run into difficulties or have

personal problems. There are many ways to get help, including NSA’s ISAs, or your
PDT.

Napier Students’ Association

All Napier students, part time or full time, are members of the Napier Students’
Association, which provides student activities and student representation. There are
three elected Sabbatical Officers as well as a system of student reps from individual
schools and programmes. There are also student advisers (ISAs) who can offer you
independent advice on a range of issues.
For further information visit http://www.napierstudents.com or the NSA Area from the
Student Portal. You can also phone 0131 229 8791.

Finance
For finance advice, follow ‘Money’ on the Student Portal.
To pay fees, follow the Online Payments link from the Student Portal or visit
www.napier.ac.uk/epay

It is your responsibility to ensure that all fees are paid.

36
Fee liability remains with the student even if you expect your fees to be paid by a third-
party. For Scottish and EU domiciled students it is your responsibility to apply to the
Student Awards Agency for Scotland for payment of your fees each year. http://
www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/
If you anticipate any financial difficulty, then you should immediately contact the finance
office:
− Faculty of Engineering, Computing, & Creative Industries,
0131 455 6036
− Napier University Business School, 0131 455 6186
− Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, 0131 455 6197
You can also get advice from NSA's Education and Welfare Unit, 0131 229 8791.

Student Accommodation Service

The Accommodation Service, based at Sighthill Campus, manages the five main city
centre student accommodation developments. You can find further information on http://
www.napier.ac.uk/accommodation, or phone 0131 455 3713, or follow ‘University’ on the
Student Portal to ‘Accommodation’.

International College
Napier International College 0131 455 6331

Customised Programmes
Centre for Customised Programmes 0131 455 6800

Security offices
− Craighouse 0131 455 6119
− Craiglockhart 0131 455 4578
− Merchiston 0131 455 2591
− Sighthill 0131 455 3395
− Night security 0131 455 6119

− Marchmont Caretaker 0131 455 5222

− Canaan Lane Caretaker 0131 455 5619
− Comely Bank Reception 0131 455 5364

37
2. Links to regulations and policies

Student regulations and policies:

Visit the Student Portal and click on ‘University’ for a range of regulations and polices:
click on ‘Rules and Regulations’ for the Information Security Policy and the Computer
Suites Acceptable Use Policy.

You can find each of these policies in full by visiting the Student Portal and selecting
University > Regulations.
− Academic Regulations

− Mitigating Circumstances and Academic Appeals Regulations

These apply to undergraduate and taught masters students
− Learning Information Services Regulations
These apply to all users of the Library Service
− Student Disciplinary Regulations
These apply to all students
− Tuition Fee Policy
The policy applies to all students
− Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF)

The University’s Student Complaints policy.

Visit http://staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/Secretariat/Complaints/ or the Public Folders:
‘Information’, ‘Student Complaints’.

The University’s smoking policy

http://www2.napier.ac.uk/newsnew/upload/foi/foi_Smoking_Policy_ver.
3.1_24032006143836.pdf

The Data Protection Act (1988): http://www2.napier.ac.uk/deptsmas/sms/publications/

DataProtection.pdf

Disability statement
http://www2.napier.ac.uk/depts/sss/SpecialNeeds/dis_statement.htm

It is your responsibility to know and abide by the relevant legislative Acts,

University Regulations and
Procedures

Napier University is a registered Scottish charity. Registration number SC018373

38