I don't know what truth is. Truth is something unattainable. We can't think we're creating truth with a camera. But what we can do, is reveal something to viewers that allows them to discover their own truth. (Michel Brault)

I don't know what you thought when you approached this handbook, whether you are reading this in a dutiful way or out of genuine interest, but whatever you're doing, you should realise you're about to embark on a journey. The thing about journeys of course is that they often only make sense in retrospect and we realise what they were about afterwards. I would advise you not to worry too much about the destination - we will spend plenty of time discussing your expectations, hopes and fears - but to make sure you enjoy the journey.

The ethos of this course is about creativity - both on an individual basis but also a collaborative one, so that students can develop to the stage where they are able to contribute fully to a project. To document something is not only to represent it, but to interpret it and to transform it. This course offers you the chance to become better at telling stories, because stories are at the heart of what we do. We aim to encourage filmmakers here. If we all see this course as an opportunity for people to express themselves and their ideas creatively through documentary practice, then we may be on to something. Robert Coles wrote 'Doing Documentary Work' from the perspective of a child psychiatrist and he observed, "We notice what we notice in accordance with who we are.' - in order to represent others, a notion of who we are is essential.
In my experience of teaching and learning, students need time to breathe and to be able to gauge their own progress. Yes, you will develop at different rates, all of you come from very different places, and arrive with different skills and abilities but you all need to get to a point where you feel you are learning and contributing. It's my responsibility and the responsibility of the staff on this course to do that in the best possible way.

We will provide learning opportunities with the maximum concentration on ideas and creativity - the teaching of skills will take place within that context, because skills are useless without somewhere to apply them. Students will be expected to read, write and watch, to develop skills and practice them both individually and in small groups - and not always during workshop time.

Welcome to The Leeds School of Arts.

With a history that spans over 170 years, Leeds School of Arts is united by a common goal: to encourage individuality, to inspire creativity, and to create impact. Arts at Leeds Beckett University is an inspired laboratory where ideas are piloted, risks are taken, and equal emphasis is placed on the navigation of nourishing creative journeys and the realisation of formidable art works. There are around 3000 students in the Leeds School of the Arts, spread across over 40 courses, in subjects ranging from Architecture and Landscape, Creative Technology, Art, Design and Fashion, through to Film, Music and Performing Arts. Our aim is to instil in you the confidence, curiosity and commitment to thrive at University and beyond, and to give you the freedom and independence to both think, and to make.

We have an exciting and experimental approach to contemporary, creative practice - set in the heart of a culturally energised city. We draw artistic inspiration from the innumerable sources of university culture, including the research of our extraordinary academics and the energy, open-mindedness and intellect of our students. This is more than a School, it is a community of creators and collaborators; a united, artistic family, pushing boundaries with a variety of courses.

Our School's principle of learning through theory and practice is enabled by deep and meaningful links with industry, community and the professions. We have Leeds based, national and international partnerships to enable students learning to be enriched by industry collaboration. Our new Leeds School of Arts £80m building, state-of-the-art technical equipment, workshop support and studio spaces will allow you to immerse yourself in live design and development projects, supported by a team of experienced staff on hand to challenge, listen and encourage.

I wish you well and hope you have a rewarding, enjoyable and highly creative year with us.

Dr Lisa Stansbie, Dean of School

Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"

Contact LBSU at:

Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Phone: 0113 812 8400

Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk

1. Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
2. In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
3. In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.

Keith Dando

K.Dando@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 81 28014

Chris Brooke

C.J.Brooke@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 81 26783

Chris Brooke C.J.Brooke@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Brian Machin b.a.machin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Adnan Khanzada

a.khanzada@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 81 28035

The name and contact details of your Course Rep can be found on MyBeckett

The Academic Librarians for this course are Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Jennifer Winterburn, Maria Simoes and Ellie Clement.

Please contact them at: lsalibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.

The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.

Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)

Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.

We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be via your student email address and announcements on MyBeckett.

For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.

MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:

• Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
• Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
• Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
• Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions

Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.

Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.

The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.

Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.

Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31^st July and during induction week for new students via:

1. The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
2. The Leeds Beckett app

You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.

The aims of the MA Documentary Filmmaking programme are designed to enable the students to:

a) develop and utilise Master's Level specialist documentary production skills and techniques. b) become an individual, collaborative, creative and distinctive documentary filmmaker through experimentation and speculative enquiry; c) develop intellectual independence and undertake independent study. d) develop a critical understanding of the documentary industry and the wide spectrum of filmmaking activities involved. e) build and develop an ethical framework and methodological plan for their own documentary practice by studying classic and contemporary documentaries, genres and key practitioners. f) create a documentary film project of originality with a marketing strategy for an intended audience. g) construct a personal and professional plan to continue as a documentary filmmaker, or to take up higher-level research, upon completion of their MA.

MA Documentary Filmmaking is part of the Leeds School of Arts and as such MA students are able to work with fellow students in Music and Performing Arts as well as working with other cohorts from the MA Filmmaking, and BA (Hons) Filmmaking within the Northern Film School. In addition, the School now has a number of researchers at doctoral level providing potential new pathways for MA students as well as ensuring a further engagement in experience at different levels.

At the end of the course, students will:

1) possess a high level of individual competence in and understanding of the relevant specialist skills and be able to fully deploy this knowledge in making original, experimental and creative work for an intended audience;
2) engage with and apply a critical awareness of, and responsibility for, the conceptual, contextual, historical, theoretical, ethical and legal dimensions of documentary practice, and relate this to contemporary debates that underpin and inform documentary practice;
3) demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others, through collaboration, collective endeavour and negotiation with an understanding of and respect for the filmmaking process;
4) employ self-knowledge and self-direction to demonstrate originality and cross disciplinary thinking in tackling and solving problems within documentary filmmaking, and apply this knowledge to the evolution of individual and collaborative projects;
5) demonstrate the development of Master's and industry level research skills and methodologies, and construct and apply an independent learning strategy that will enable continuing professional, creative and research development;
6) create a substantial Master's and industry level documentary project as an individual or co-collaborator that illustrates the abilities to: engage in investigation and speculative enquiry; generate creative ideas, concepts and proposals; and use complex and innovative thinking.

At the end of the course, students will:

1) possess a high level of individual competence in and understanding of the relevant specialist skills and be able to fully deploy this knowledge in making original, experimental and creative work for an intended audience;
2) engage with and apply a critical awareness of, and responsibility for, the conceptual, contextual, historical, theoretical, ethical and legal dimensions of documentary practice, and relate this to contemporary debates that underpin and inform documentary practice;
3) demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others, through collaboration, collective endeavour and negotiation with an understanding of and respect for the filmmaking process;
4) employ self-knowledge and self-direction to demonstrate originality and cross disciplinary thinking in tackling and solving problems within documentary filmmaking, and apply this knowledge to the evolution of individual and collaborative projects;
5) demonstrate the development of Master's and industry level research skills and methodologies, and construct and apply an independent learning strategy that will enable continuing professional, creative and research development;
6) create a substantial Master's and industry level documentary project as an individual or co-collaborator that illustrates the abilities to: engage in investigation and speculative enquiry; generate creative ideas, concepts and proposals; and use complex and innovative thinking.

On this course students will be assessed predominantly by Practical Assessment with some coursework
Practical filmmaking is to be maintained as a vital component of this course. However, the student needs to be mindful of the guidelines being put in place for the safe conduct of this activity.

Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.

Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:

Semester 1 - 10th November 2023

Semester 2 - 8th March 2024

Contact us:

Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Tel: 0113 812 5831

Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/

It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.

It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.

If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.

You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin

Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Ongoing, formative feedback is primarily given through tutorials and discussion, with the aim of assisting students in the development of their coursework, and their understanding of what it is to be a documentary-maker. Summative feedback at the end of an assignment is often supplied in written form or may be given verbally. There can be some delay between submission of final work and the feedback response, which is often down to the inherent nature of the academic process as a measured consideration of grading and assessment.

Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.

Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).

If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.

The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.

If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.

Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.

Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.

The MA Documentary Filmmaking encompasses a number of key activities including scheduled lectures, seminars, practical workshops, individual and group tutorials, supervision throughout project development, as well as guided independent study. In the Documentary production module practical skills workshops and exercises provide the backbone of essential professional skills that equip the students to achieve the creation, development and production of documentary projects to a high standard. Throughout the Documentary Development module seminars and presentations encourage and develop an understanding of contemporary documentary theories and debates that stimulate students to explore possibilities within their own evolving practice. The combination of these modules enable students to make an informed choice about the type of documentary practice they wish to pursue. The learning and teaching approach of the Creative Concepts and Creative Practice modules is to encourage students to find their own filmmaking voice and vision through experimentation and reflection. Film exercises or sketches driven by the students' ideas are designed to experience and develop creative filmmaking and collaboration skills through the combination of; play, risk, experimentation, mistakes, and reflection on the processes to arrive at a greater understanding of their own creativity. The development of the Master's Projects follows best industry practice. Once the ideas have been developed through workshops and tutorials, the students pitch to a panel, work with conditions and move into production with budgets receiving continual tutor support from development to completion. Throughout the course students are required to be active learners, whether through the development of their documentary projects, through their presentations of critical theory, where students are expected to present to their fellow students and to engage in discussion about the ideas and concepts raised, or through the process of applying their individual understanding to the documentary projects.

The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.

We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.

The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.

Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.

Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.

Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.

Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.

You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.

Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.

If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.

If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.

You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.

If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.

For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.

Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.

Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.

For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.

If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.

Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.

For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students

Postgraduate students are expected to develop a high degree of autonomy in learning on the course, and the ability to think conceptually takes centre stage. But the nature of filmmaking is collaborative, so the skills of team-working, role-taking and co-operation are highly relevant, as are research, critical thinking and evaluation, presentation and independent learning. Importantly, students will learn to communicate concepts clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences as well as: structure and generate projects in a commercial perspective, work effectively, flexibly and professionally to deadlines, understand and prepare professional briefs/treatments and pitches.

You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.

By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!

Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.

We are developing this aspect of our work on the MA and while there are no formal course links with the TV and film industry in Leeds, an increasing amount of production takes place here and in the north generally. The advent of Channel 4's base in Leeds will increase opportunities greatly and the presence of companies such as True North, True Vision and the fact that 25% of the TV and film output in the UK takes place within a radius of 50 miles means Leeds will only assume greater importance as a production base in the future. Our proximity and links with the Sheffield Documentary Festival means that we are able to take advantage of a wide range of commercial expertise in the area of fundraising, finance, distribution and exhibition. We have seen a range of visiting lecturers to the course; filmmakers, executive producers, self-shooters, film archivists, intellectual property lawyers and will be developing this programme to provide as much relevant contact as we can.

The Course Specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates. The main accent of the MA Documentary is to develop a film/programme that students can use as a showreel/entry film into the world of employment. However, making a film is an intellectual as well as a practical activity and students should not forget the range of transferrable and employable skills that work of this kind brings.

If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.

Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.

If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.

Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.

If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.

To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.

The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.

We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.

Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:

- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice

You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.

In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.

Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.

What should I do next?

Register with us

• We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
• Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
• We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.

Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.

Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.

What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?

DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.

Contact Us:

Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Tel: 0113 812 5831

Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/

The Library

The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.

Library Academic Support

The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.

The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:

• In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
• On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
• LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
• The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.

Library and Student IT Advice Service

The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:

• online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
• face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available

They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:

1. Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
2. Your login details are:

Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Password: your normal university password

*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2

Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.

Microsoft Office 365

You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.

OneDrive

OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.

Leeds Beckett RemoteApp

The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.

Media Equipment - free loans

You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.

University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.

The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.

The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.

We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.

Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.

MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:

• access to your modules and timetables;

• your reading lists and email account;

• your personal storage area on our University IT servers;

• information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);

• information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)

• access to Library and student IT advice

Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.

Specialist equipment and space is an important part of the running of this course. This can be accessed via the School's Connect2 system and a system of Health & Safety management, production management and workshop/individual learning.

https://nfsbookings.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/

In addition, the University Virtual Learning Environment, MyBeckett is available to all students; this is where you will find all handbooks and assignment briefs. We have a specialised media librarian and a vast range of audio-visual material available either physically or online. We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and develop innovative ways to disseminate information and encourage discussion. We cannot emphasise enough that learning is not simply teaching - and each student should take responsibility for their own learning.

We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.

We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.

Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.

Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.

In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.

LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.

Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:

• Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
• Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
• Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
• Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
• Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
• Being an ambassador for your course.

Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:

• The Students web pages
• Leeds Beckett Students' Union
• The University Academic Regulations

We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.

We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.

If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.

Leeds Beckett University

Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.

Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:

For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:

• Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
• The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
• The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)

Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page

You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.

For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.

The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.

The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
-Colin Pons
-Course Leader
-Sheffield Hallam University