Table of Contents

Welcome .......................................................................................................................... 3

College Vision Statement .................................................................................................. 3

FACULTY AND STAFF ......................................................................................................... 5

Faculty ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Staff ........................................................................................................................................ 6

General Information ......................................................................................................... 6

Programme Introduction .................................................................................................. 7

Contact, Support, and Communications ............................................................................ 8

External Examiner ............................................................................................................ 9

Programme and Module Specifications ............................................................................. 9

Programme Aims ................................................................................................................... 10

Programme Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................. 10

Modules ................................................................................................................................ 11

Induction ........................................................................................................................ 12

Paying Tuition Fees ................................................................................................................ 12

Semester Dates ...................................................................................................................... 12

Email and VLE ........................................................................................................................ 13

Programme Time ................................................................................................................... 13

The Gamble Library ........................................................................................................ 13

Teaching and Learning Approaches ................................................................................ 14

Teaching and Contact Hours ................................................................................................... 14

Learner support ..................................................................................................................... 14

Library Learning Resources ..................................................................................................... 15

Student Charter ..................................................................................................................... 15

Attendance Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 15

Support and Tutoring ..................................................................................................... 16

Disability Support ........................................................................................................... 16

Student Voice ................................................................................................................. 18

PG Certificate in Biblical Greek Programme Handbook 2020/21

2

Feedback Questionnaires ....................................................................................................... 18

Student Representatives ........................................................................................................ 18

Complaints and Appeals Procedures ............................................................................... 18

Complaints procedure for students on PTFI programmes ........................................................ 18

Grievance procedure for students on PTFI programmes .......................................................... 19

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS ............................................ 20

Assessment .................................................................................................................... 22

Guidance on Writings Assignments ......................................................................................... 22

Style Guide ............................................................................................................................ 22

Academic Integrity ................................................................................................................. 22

Anonymity ............................................................................................................................. 23

Word Limits ........................................................................................................................... 23

Assignment Deadlines ............................................................................................................ 23

Extensions and Penalties ................................................................................................ 24

Late submission of assignments and coursework .................................................................... 24

Absence from examinations or failure to submit assignments due to illness or emergency ...... 24

Exceptional circumstances ..................................................................................................... 24

Marking and Moderation ............................................................................................... 25

Feedback ........................................................................................................................ 25

Examination Boards ....................................................................................................... 26

Exceptional Circumstances .............................................................................................. 26

Graduation ..................................................................................................................... 27

Ensuring the Quality of your Degree ............................................................................... 27

Appendix A – Conceptual Equivalent Scale ...................................................................... 28

Appendix B – Exceptional Circumstances Form ................................................................ 29

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Welcome

Welcome to Union College! This handbook contains lots of information about College life and about your programme of study. As a new or returning student you will find information here that will be useful to you as you study at Union, including details about your module options, course requirements and assessment, as well as additional opportunities available to you so that you can develop all your gifts and abilities during your time at Union. In recent years, the facilities at Union College have been greatly enhanced in order to support students in their learning and personal development. Our website contains important up-to-date information on courses and events. Please check the website regularly for updates on classes, courses and College events. We also have a Facebook page which is a useful way of keeping in touch with news and events at the College. We are always eager to hear from our students about ways in which we might enhance and develop our provision of good learning experiences. Please feel free to be in touch with me or any member of faculty about any concerns or suggestions you might have. You can also make your views known through the student representatives on the Staff Student Consultative Committee, the General Student Committee or the Ministerial Students Council. In the past two years we have introduced a number of new degree programmes under the auspices of The Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI) and details of these can be found on the College website. This year there will also be a transition in terms of our administration. I will retire on 31 December 2020 and Professor Campbell will become College Principal. Professor Campbell will bring much experience and expertise as a theological educator to this position and we wish him well in this important leadership role. I trust this academic year will be an enriching and rewarding one for you. With every good wish,

Stafford Carson

College Vision Statement The Union Theological College, established by The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, seeks to

serve Christ and every branch of His Church. As part of the Christian community of faith, the

College provides teaching in Biblical, Theological, Historical, Pastoral and Mission Studies.

4

Union Theological College welcomes students from all backgrounds and perspectives to

study Christian theology in a community of faith and scholarship. We are committed to:

Preparing students to make effective and positive contributions in our society and

across the world;

Equipping students for effective ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland;

Providing research-informed teaching and innovative approaches to learning and

assessment.

One of Union Theological College’s main tasks is the preparation of ministers for the

Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). Our vision is to train effective ministers who will lead

Christ’s church by:

Walking humbly with God

Loving God’s people

Studying God’s Word and understanding the world

Communicating the Gospel accurately and effectively

Enabling the Church to fulfil its calling

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FACULTY AND STAFF

Faculty

PRINCIPAL

Very Rev Dr J Stafford Carson BSc MA MAR MTh DD

Professor of Ministry (until 31 Dec 2020)

DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Rev Professor Drew Gibson BSc BD MTh PhD FHEA

Professor of Practical Theology

Rev Dr David Allen BSc BD DMin

Director of Ministerial Studies and Development (until 31 Oct 2020)

DEPARTMENT OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY AND CHURCH HISTORY

Rev Professor Michael McClenahan MA MA MSt DPhil Cert Min

Professor of Systematic Theology

Rev Dr Martyn C Cowan BA MA MTh PhD FRHistS FHEA

Lecturer in Historical Theology

DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

Rev Professor W Gordon Campbell BA PGCE BD PhD

Professor of New Testament

Dr T Desmond Alexander BA PhD

Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies

Dr Zachary J Cole BA ThM PhD FHEA

Lecturer in Biblical Studies

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Staff

Head of Academic Administration Karen Henderson BA Hons MBA Grad Dip Theology

Operations Manager Vacant

Principal’s Secretary Angela McDowell

Senior Secretary Dale Wright

Receptionist Margaret McKee

Custodian John Pyper

Acting Librarian Joy Conkey BEd MSc, MCLIP

Library Assistant Margaret Ollivier BLS

General Information

Some History

The Union Theological College is a union of two nineteenth-century Irish Presbyterian

Colleges - the Presbyterian Theological College, Belfast (often known as the Assembly’s

College) and Magee Theological College, Londonderry. The Union College has thus inherited

a tradition of theological and academic excellence and of pastoral and practical training that

stretches back to the founding of the original Presbyterian College in 1853. The College in its

present form was constituted by Act of Parliament in 1978.

The Student Body in Union

The student community in Union is a wide and varied group. Some of our students have

come to the College as part of their training for the ordained ministry. We also have many

other students who have come to study Theology as an academic pursuit for a broad range

of reasons.

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Students range in age from school-leavers to retired. All the main denominations are

represented in the student community - and students are welcome from any (or no)

denominational background. Most of our students are from Ireland (North and South). We

also have a number of students from other parts of the UK as well as overseas.

Many of our students are enrolled for degrees or diplomas through the Institute of Theology

of Queen's University and/or through the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland. The

majority of our degree students are full-time, but we have a number of part-time

undergraduate students and a significant number of part-time online postgraduate students

from across the world.

Faculty and Staff

The teaching staff comprises a Faculty of four Professors – including one for each of the

main theological disciplines – plus a Senior Lecturer and a Lecturer in Biblical Studies and a

Lecturer in Historical Theology. They are assisted by a number of part-time experienced

lecturers. There is also a Dean of Ministerial Studies and Development. Other key members

of staff include the Acting Librarian and Library staff, the Head of Academic Administration,

the Head of Operations, the Administrative staff, and the Custodian.

Union College and the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland

The professorial members of the Union College staff also constitute The Presbyterian

Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI), which is empowered by Royal Charter to grant degrees in

Theology. This original Royal Charter was granted in 1881 and precedes the founding of

Queen’s University.

Students with Disabilities

Students are asked to ensure that the Head of Academic Administration is aware of any

special needs to enable us to support you through your studies. Students taking a Queen’s

degree should also register with Queen’s University Disability Services.

Programme Introduction Welcome to the online PG Certificate in Biblical Greek. We’re happy to welcome you to our

online learning community. This handbook has been designed for both new and continuing

students. In it you will find details of the structure of your programme, what is required of

you, and the support you can expect to receive as a student at Union College. Please do feel

free to contact me about any aspect of your programme.

Dr Zach Cole

Programme coordinator

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The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with information about their

programme of study. The material in this Handbook is as accurate as possible at the date of

publication (Sept 2020); however regulations and procedures may change during the

academic year. Students will be informed of any major changes in a timely manner and

consulted wherever appropriate.

The handbook should be read alongside the College’s various policies and procedures

available online under

https://www.union.ac.uk/support/policies-and-procedures

It is each student’s responsibility to make themselves familiar with the contents of this

handbook and also the College’s policies and regulations. Please do not hesitate to contact

the programme coordinator if you have any questions about this handbook.

Your comments concerning any improvements to this Handbook are welcome. Please email

them to the programme administrator.

Those students who will be using the College’s facilities in Belfast should also read the

College Users’ Handbook 2020/21 and important information about COVID-19 which will be

in the Student Support section of the website at

https://www.union.ac.uk/support/student-hub

Contact, Support, and Communications

Zach Cole

z.cole@union.ac.uk

Programme coordinator for PG Cert in Biblical Greek

Dale Wright

d.wright@union.ac.uk

Programme administrator

Joy Conkey

j.conkey@union.ac.uk

Acting librarian

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Our primary method of communication will be via email or through announcements on the

VLE. Please check both on a regular basis.

It is important that you contact the course administrator if your contact details change.

External Examiner The External Examiner for the programme is Dr Sean Adams from the University of Glasgow.

The External Examiner reviews the academic standards and confirms that they are

comparable with other universities in the UK and with relevant external reference points.

External examiners are asked to review programme and module aims and learning

objectives as well as assessment questions, and they review a sample of all marked work

and feedback.

External Examiners provide annual reports which will be included in the Student Resources

section of the VLE for your information.

Students must not contact any External Examiner directly.

Programme and Module Specifications The PG Certificate in Biblical Greek is made up of modules totalling 60 credits. The study

time for each 10 credits of the programme is expected to amount to 100 hours, a total of

600 hours over the programme.

Programme and module specifications are available on the VLE. These contain a summary of

the aims of your programme of study and its learning outcomes, alongside details of its

teaching and learning methods, and means of assessment. Each module has its own

specification that formally records that module’s teaching and learning methods, intended

learning outcomes, assessment components, and their percentage weighting.

The aims explain the overall goal of the programme and relate to its structure and intended

outcomes.

The programme has a set of learning outcomes that specify the knowledge and skills that

students are expected to develop over the course of the programme. Modules also have

specific knowledge and skills outcomes which a student must demonstrate in order to pass

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the module. Identifying the outcomes for each module and the programme will help you to

recognise key skills that you can mention in interviews and in your CV.

Programme Aims

Building upon the competencies and skills of previous theological study, a PG Cert degree is awarded to students who, during the programme, have demonstrated.

1. A developed understanding of biblical Greek grammar and vocabulary;

2. A high degree of competence in reading and translating a number of selected texts

from the New Testament in its original language;

3. A developed ability to evaluate critically the techniques employed in the exegesis of

the Greek New Testament;

4. A high degree of independence and self-direction in learning; and

5. An appreciation of the vocation of the Christian minister.

Programme Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the programme students should have demonstrated:

A nuanced understanding of New Testament Greek grammar;

A knowledge of vocabulary occurring 25 times or more in the New Testament;

A comprehension of selected texts from the New Testament in its original language;

and

A mature understanding of techniques for New Testament exegesis.

2. Subject-specific Skills

By the end of the programme students should have demonstrated:

An ability to read, analyse and interpret selected texts from the New Testament

in its original language;

An ability to translate the New Testament into English;

An ability to employ a range of advanced exegetical techniques and defend

interpretive decisions;

An ability to evaluate critically current research in the field; and

An ability to develop original exegetical resources relevant to Christian ministry.

3. Generic Skills

By the end of the programme students should have demonstrated:

Competence in IT skills at an appropriate level

Ability to identify and analyse primary data

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Ability to work independently

Self-directed learning

Time management

Modules

Module Title Level/

stage

CATS Availability in 2020/21 Duration of teaching or

supervision

Core Assessment

S1 S2 S3

Coursework % Practical % Exam %

PTF111

Greek Reading 1

7 20 15 weeks 50% 50%

PTF112

Greek Reading 2

7 20 15 weeks 50% 50%

PTF113

Greek Reading 3

7 20

15 weeks 50% 50%

Greek Reading 1 (PTF 111)

Video lectures by Dr Mark Dubis, Dr Nicholas Ellis and more

Covers: Greek cases, gender, first and second declensions, adjectives, article,

prepositions, conjunctions, adverbs, verbal tense and aspect, active voice, indicative

mood, person and number and ειμι

Translation and exegesis of the Gospel of John chapters 1-3:

200 words of Greek vocabulary using Cerego

Development of lexical analysis using word analysis

5,000 word written exegetical assignment

Duration: 10 – 15 hours per week for 15 weeks

Greek Reading 2 (PTF 112)

Video lectures by Dr Mark Dubis, Dr Nicholas Ellis and more

Covers: pronouns, middle/passive voice, tense/aspect, mood, commands and

prohibitions, contract verbs, participles

Translation and exegesis of the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5-7:

125 words of Greek vocabulary using Cerego

Development of clausal analysis

5,000 word written exegetical assignment

Duration: 10 – 15 hours per week for 15 weeks

Greek Reading 1 (PTF 113)

Video lectures by Dr Mark Dubis, Dr Nicholas Ellis and more

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Covers: stative verbs, perfect tense, advanced participles, liquid verbs, μι-verbs,

conditional sentences, third declension, advanced cases, advanced pronouns, special

uses of the article

Translation and exegesis of 1 Thessalonians:

125 words of Greek vocabulary using Cerego

Development of textual criticism

5,000 word written exegetical assignment

Duration: 10 – 15 hours per week for 15 weeks

Induction Your tutor will be responsible for induction and orientation to the VLE.

Paying Tuition Fees

Full-time students are invoiced at the beginning of the programme and the College will

allow students to spread the payment of fees over an agreed period (up to 10 months).

Part-time students are invoiced each year and a schedule may be agreed in order to spread

the cost of payments.

Semester Dates

Autumn Semester 21 September 2020 – 8 January 2021

Spring Semester 18 January 2021 – 30 April 2021

Summer Semester 10 May 2021 – 20 August 2021

COLLEGE CLOSURES 2020-21

Christmas & New Year 21 December – 1 January 2021 (inclusive)

St Patrick's Day Wednesday 17 March 2021

Easter Good Friday, 2 April – 7 April (inclusive)

May Day Monday, 3 May 2021

July Monday, 12 July – Friday 16 July 2021 (inclusive)

August Monday, 30 August 2021

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Email and VLE

Students on PTFI programmes are provided with a @union.ac.uk email address:

Email URL: https://portal.union.ac.uk

Email Address: As provided by the College office

Default Password: Provided by Office

WiFi SSID: UTC Public

Passphrase: UnionCollege

Students on PTFI programmes also have access to resources via the Union Online virtual

learning environment (VLE) at https://institute.biblemesh.com/uniontheologicalcollege/

and login details will be provided by the College office.

Programme Time

Programme time is always Belfast time. This means British Summer Time (BST) until 25

October 2020 when the clocks change to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The clocks change

back to BST on 28 March 2021.

Please use the time calculator below to calculate the difference between Belfast and your

local time:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

The Gamble Library

PTFI students will have online access to e-resources through the Gamble Library which is

situated in the College. The Library is the largest theological library in Northern Ireland and

is an outstanding resource for theological study and research. If students are in Belfast they

can use the College and should consult the College Users’ Handbook for information on

library rules and regulations.

A Library Users' Forum consisting of academic staff representatives, student

representatives, and Management Committee representatives meets each semester.

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Teaching and Learning Approaches

Teaching and Contact Hours

The modules are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) that include typical

VLE features (discussion forums, reflective exercises et al.) and a number of innovative

features. Tutors provide additional scanned resources within the VLE (in line with licensing

requirements) and e-books are also available through the Gamble Library. All online

students are also members of the Gamble Library which provides further e-book resources.

Learner support

The model of online education adopted by the college seeks to strengthen the connection

between tutor and student and between students. Each student is assigned a dedicated

personal academic tutor and the College aims to provide each online student with access to

a personal tutor that at least equals or exceeds the level offered by campus education. The

tutor guides the student through the orientation process and provides constructive

feedback on academic performance and authoritative guidance on academic progression.

This is facilitated by email, telephone or video-conferencing.

New students are provided with orientation and support for working in a digital

environment and full technical support is available through the platform provider.

Students are made aware of the resources available to support their study and about the

availability of their tutor. The programme style guide with subject-specific guidance on

conventions of style, presentation, and referencing is included in the module documents

within each module on the platform. The Gamble Library also provides orientation and

advice, primarily about the resources which are available remotely (and also locally).

Student responsibility is emphasised in terms of requesting information and advice and for

participation in the individual and group activities which will facilitate learning in the digital

space. In order to enhance the student voice, students are encouraged to make use of the

relevant discussion board in order to ask questions or raise issues and are assured that

these will be responded to in a prompt manner.

In order to ensure that online students are successfully engaging with the VLE there is

enhanced monitoring of new students during the first two weeks of the programme

reviewing key indicators from the analytics about engagement with the learning resources

on the platform. Students should be aware that data analytics are used to monitor the

overall programme delivery and for student support. Tutors and programme conveners will

be supplied with learning analytics from the VLE in order to track and assess the progress of

students and identify those students in need of support and intervention.

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The College is committed to layering appropriate enhancements across online programmes

to encourage student participation and to motivate student achievement. These

enhancements include virtual café conversations with the programme convener(s) and

tutors which facilitate student conversation about the programme, the specific learning

items, the assessments, and next steps after study. This social presence from academic staff

among the students is important for student formation in addition to formal learning. While

the college recognises that discussion forums within the modules should facilitate student

conversations, it is also important to provide an appropriate environment for more informal

conversations including academic staff. The College uses video conferencing to facilitate

these events.

Regular Expectations and Responsibilities for communication

1. Weekly communication (at least)—via email or the VLE

a. Personalised when possible

b. Including:

i. Awareness of where student is in the course

ii. Expectations for what is upcoming in the course

iii. Encouragement regarding progress

2. 48-hour email response time to student emails (Mon-Fri)

3. Pro-active engagement in online forums e.g. tips for study and recommended helps

and material

4. Live Events

a. Availability for live dialogue; can be communal or individual

b. At least once per month (if desired by the student)

c. Not to exceed once per week, unless desired by the coordinator.

Wherever possible, modules should include opportunities for collaborative learning since

this enhances student support.

Library Learning Resources

Further guidance on the use of library resources are available via the relevant Gamble Guide

which are available via the college website and the library blog.

Student Charter

The College aims to provide a high standard of teaching and rich environment for learning.

The Student Charter which outlines the College’s commitment to students can be accessed

at https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Support/Student.Charter.2019.2020_A4.pdf

Attendance Monitoring

Your attendance is monitored by details of your use of the VLE. This is to ensure the welfare

of our students and to support your academic progress.

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Support and Tutoring Please do let us know if you have any concerns about the course and your performance. You

should contact either your personal tutor, the programme coordinator, or the principal.

They will do their best to help and advise you. For more details of the personal tutoring

scheme see:

https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Support/PersonalTutoringHandbookForPublication20200

625.pdf

Your Personal Tutor is available for you to discuss any personal or academic matters. The

personal tutor scheme depends upon you and your tutor both contributing to the

relationship. You need to be open and honest with your tutor in order to receive the best

advice. Bear in mind that a tutor needs to know you well enough to be able to write a

reference for you should that be desired. You can be assured of confidentiality in any

discussions with your personal tutor.

Disability Support Union Theological College is committed to facilitating people with disabilities as an integral

part of the Union community.

The principles that underlie this commitment are:

1. Equality to physical access, to information and to safety, as far as is practically

possible.

2. The responsibility to promote informed and constructive attitudes to disability.

3. The responsibility to adjust customs and practices if they create inequality of

opportunity for disabled people.

4. The responsibility to accommodate, in so far as is practicable, all qualified applicants

irrespective of disability.

There are many definitions of disability but the following is useful as a means of

clarification.

A student is disabled if he or she requires a facility which is not part of the

mainstream provision of the college concerned, to enable participation in the college

to the full extent of his or her capabilities, and without which he or she would be

educationally disadvantaged in comparison with peers.

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(Association of Higher Education Access and Disability – AHEAD)

Students should contact the Head of Academic Administration, who also acts as the College

Disability Contact Person.

The Head of Academic Administration will endeavour to:

provide support and advice to students and prospective students with disabilities;

provide advice and assistance on administrative matters such as examinations and

prior registration;

provide advice and support to those students who may be experiencing academic

difficulties as a result of their disability;

provide assistance with any non-academic problems which may arise;

provide assistance with applying for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) and other

sources of external funding.

It will be necessary for staff to be informed of the nature of any disability in order for them

to provide additional support. You will be asked for your consent before this information is

released to any other third party.

Exam support

The College is committed to ensuring that the examination system is geared, as far as

possible, to meet individual requirements and will endeavour to ensure that examination

procedures are effective in assessing abilities and knowledge.

If special examination facilities are needed, students should contact the Head of Academic

Administration early in the academic year to discuss such arrangements.

The information will be communicated in writing to course tutors, who will be responsible

for ensuring that satisfactory arrangements are made.

Students will be asked to indicate formally that the arrangements proposed are acceptable

for the purposes of the assessment.

Each student will be treated on an individual basis to ensure that the facilities arranged

meet his or her specific needs.

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Student Voice

Feedback Questionnaires

The College values your opinion very highly – we want to know when things are going well

and when you think things can be improved. To enable us to receive adequate feedback,

you will be asked to complete module and tutor feedback forms.

Student Representatives

All students are members of the General Student Body, which elects a General Student

Committee each year. This Committee represents the views of students to the Faculty and

also organises social events and sport. These student representatives are a crucial link

between the student body and staff and they play a significant role in helping to improve

the student experience. The minutes of the General Student Council are available for all

students to consult via the College Office.

Student representatives are also involved in programme and module review.

Complaints and Appeals Procedures

Complaints procedure for students on PTFI programmes

1. Academic and Teaching Matters

(a) If you have a complaint about any matter to do with teaching or related academic

matters, you should first discuss the problem with the lecturer concerned.

(b) If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, you should raise the matter with the Head

of Department concerned. If you are still not satisfied that your complaint has been

satisfactorily dealt with, you should bring the matter to the attention of the Principal.

(c) If you are still not satisfied then you may invoke the grievance procedure that is set-out

below.

2. Other Matters

(a) If your complaint is about other matters to do with College life, then you should raise the

matter in the first instance with your personal tutor (in the case of PCI ministry students the

DMSD and in the case of matters pertaining to the Gibson Residence the Bursar-Registrar),

who will discuss the matter as appropriate with any other members of College staff who are

involved, or who may refer the matter to the Principal. If you are not satisfied with the

outcome of this initial discussion, you may raise the matter with the Principal yourself.

(b) If you are still not satisfied, then you may invoke the formal grievance procedure as

detailed below.

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3. Harassment

(a) If you feel that any other member of the College community has spoken or behaved to

you in a manner that is inappropriate or offensive to you, and you do not feel able to take

the matter up directly with the person concerned, then you should approach the Professor

designated by the Faculty to handle such matters (or in the case of PCI ministry students the

DMSD). He will attempt to resolve the matter on your behalf or may refer the matter to

someone more appropriate to deal with the matter. He will not, however, divulge any

confidential information to anyone else unless he has first obtained your permission to do

so.

(b) If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then you may invoke the formal grievance

procedure as detailed below.

Grievance procedure for students on PTFI programmes

1.General

(a) If you have a complaint/grievance that cannot be resolved by the informal procedures

outlined above, then you may invoke the formal grievance procedure.

(b) Only in exceptional circumstances may you invoke the grievance procedure unless you

have first attempted to resolve the matter through the informal complaints procedure

outlined above.

2. The Procedure

(a) If you wish to invoke the formal grievance procedure, you should do so by writing to the

Principal (or in the case of PCI ministry students the DMSD), indicating that you wish to

invoke the grievance procedure, and giving a summary of the nature of your complaint or

grievance.

(b) Within three days, the Principal or other member of the Faculty acting on his behalf will

meet with you to hear fuller details from you verbally. At this interview you may be

accompanied by a fellow student if you so wish. The Principal or his representative may also

be accompanied by another member of staff.

(c) The Principal or his representative will then attempt to resolve the matter. He will notify

any person who is the subject of your complaint. He may discuss the matter with others

involved or with anyone who may be able to help resolve the situation. However,

confidential information you have given will not be passed on without your permission.

(d) If the Principal is unable to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of all concerned, then

you may appeal to the Faculty (or in the case of PCI ministry students the Ministerial Studies

and Development Committee). You will be invited to a hearing with a panel within seven

days of your request. At this hearing you may be accompanied by a fellow student if you so

wish.

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(e) Any person against whom you have made a complaint, or from whom you are seeking a

redress of grievance, will also be entitled to meet with the panel. Any such third party will

also be entitled to be accompanied by a fellow student or staff colleague as appropriate.

(f) The panel will report to the Faculty (or in the case of PCI ministerial students the Council

for Training in Ministry), which may refer the matter to the College Management

Committee if it is likely to involve disciplinary action against a member of staff. The Faculty’s

decision will be communicated in writing.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS 1. It is hoped that most matters of a disciplinary nature can be resolved informally.

However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to invoke the formal disciplinary

procedure.

2. Minor matters may be dealt with by means of an informal meeting with the Principal (or

his representative). The Principal (or his representative) may proceed by way of a verbal

warning – which will be recorded on your file for a period of six months.

3. In the case of serious misconduct and/or gross misconduct, the Principal will write to the

student or resident, arrange for a formal hearing, and then issue a decision.

4. Examples of serious misconduct that will normally lead to formal disciplinary procedures

are:

Cheating or plagiarism in assessment or examinations.

Harassment or inappropriate behaviour towards another member of the College

community.

Tampering with fire safety equipment.

Breaches of the rules for the College premises - e.g., consumption of alcohol,

unauthorised guests.

Breaches of Library rules.

Any conduct which unreasonably affects another member of the College community

in an adverse manner.

This list contains examples only – and is not exhaustive. Repeated offences of a minor

nature may also be deemed to be serious misconduct.

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5. If a formal disciplinary procedure is necessary, then the matter will be heard in the first

instance by the Principal (or his representative), accompanied by another member of staff.

Witnesses may be called. Any other evidence that is to be taken into account will be made

known to you. You will be given full opportunity to state your case. You may call witnesses if

you so wish. You may be accompanied at the hearing by a fellow student or resident if you

wish.

6. The Principal (or his representative) may proceed by way of a verbal warning or by way of

a formal written warning. Any such warning will be recorded on your personal file for a

period of 12 months after which it will be removed from your file provided there has been

no need for further disciplinary action. The Principal (or his representative) may also

suspend you from certain privileges (such as Library use) for a period of up to one semester.

Alternatively, the Principal (or his representative) may recommend to the Faculty that you

be suspended from the College for a fixed period or required to withdraw altogether from

the College. In the case of Ministry students, the Principal may refer the matter to the

supervising Presbytery. Any such action will be recorded on your personal file and notified

to you in writing.

7. In the case of residents, the Principal may require you to leave the College residence;

alternatively he may impose a fine of up to £50. He may also require that the cost of any

damage to property be paid for. Any such decision will be notified to you in writing.

8. In the case of repeated cases of serious misconduct and/or in the case of gross

misconduct (which would include theft, use of drugs, violent behaviour, harassment of

another member of the College community, conduct which puts the safety of others at risk,

malicious damage to property, drunkenness, or any serious or repeated breach of the rules

of the College or of the College Residence), then the Principal (or his representative) may

recommend to the Faculty that you be required to leave the College and/or the College

residence forthwith and without notice. The Principal will notify the student or resident in

writing of such a decision.

9. You will have a right of appeal to the Faculty against any penalty that is imposed by the

Principal. You should give notice in writing of your appeal to the Secretary of Faculty, within

three days. The Faculty will normally hear your appeal within seven days. At the hearing, the

Faculty shall hear such evidence as it sees fit. You will be given a full opportunity to state

your case and to call witnesses on your behalf. You may be accompanied at the hearing by a

fellow student if you wish. The decision of the Faculty on any such appeal will be final and

binding.

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Assessment

Guidance on Writings Assignments

Preparing and writing assignments can be a daunting task. The College has prepared a Ten

Steps to Planning and Writing an Excellent Assignment to assist in this. It is available at:

https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Student-hub/Ten-Steps-to-Planning-and-Writing-an-

Excellent-Assignment.pdf

Writing clearly and cogently is an important skill which you can develop during your course

at Union College. Whatever you are writing, your aim should be to make your text as clear

as possible – to present your ideas clearly and concisely and to avoid ambiguity or

redundancy. Failure to express yourself clearly will result in a lower mark for your

assignment or exam answer.

If this is an area where you have some problems, you could adopt these very basic rules of

good writing:

Avoid excessively long sentences

Do not use a difficult word where a simple one will do

Use punctuation correctly to aid the sense of your writing

Use paragraphs to break your text into logically self-contained units

It is important that you pay attention to the basic rules for good written English – accurate

spelling and the correct use of grammar and punctuation. Errors of spelling are best avoided

by careful proof reading. Do not expect your tutors to do your proof reading for you.

Style Guide

The style guide for the PG Certificate in Biblical Greek is included in all the module

documents available on the VLE and it should be followed for all written work. These are

based upon the New Oxford Style Manual. Please contact the programme coordinator with

any formatting issues which are not addressed in the style guide.

Academic Integrity

The views academic integrity as a virtue to be pursued and treats academic dishonesty as a

serious offence.

Plagiarism is defined as follows:

To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

This existing source may be the work of others submitted without appropriate

acknowledgement, or the writer’s own previously submitted work. This includes

auto-plagiarism (to use excerpts from your own previous work without

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acknowledgement) and self-plagiarism (to submit a piece of work more than once,

for example, one which had been previously submitted for a different assignment).

Plagiarism is regarded by the College as a serious offence.

If you do not understand the details of the academic misconduct policy you must ask in

advance of submission. Ignorance of our regulations will not be seen as defence.

Each module on the VLE contains a document which lays out the College’s Academic

Integrity Policy and explains what is required from students in academic assessments.

Anonymity

All work is marked anonymously unless there are sound educational reasons for not doing

so, or the type of assessment makes anonymous marking impractical e.g. for an essay in

which discussion with the tutor on the topic identifies the student.

Word Limits

Word limits are important for several reasons. First academic and professional writing

typically requires work of a specified length, and so this is an important way to develop such

skills. Secondly, a standard word limited ensures fairness between students. There are

penalties for exceeding these limits.

The word-count for written assignments includes text and notes but excludes bibliography.

Submitted work that exceeds the word limit can be penalised by the examiners. Some

leeway is granted for work up to 10% over the word limit. But examiners are authorised to

subtract five marks from the mark awarded for every 500 words that follow.

For example, for assignments with a word-limit of 1,500 words, students submitting essays

with these sample word totals will be penalised as follows:

Up to 1,500 words – no penalty

Up to 1,650 words – no penalty (the total is just within the permitted leeway)

1,651 words or more (up to 2,150) – five-mark penalty

2,151 words or more – ten-mark penalty

Assignment Deadlines

Written work must be submitted electronically via the VLE by the appropriate deadlines

published in each module outline.

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Extensions and Penalties Students are expected to monitor their workload and organise themselves in preparation

for all deadlines.

Late submission of assignments and coursework

It is College policy that students be penalised for the late submission of assessed

coursework. Assessed work handed in after the published submission deadline will be

automatically penalised by the deduction of five of the marks awarded for each day or part

of a day for the work is overdue, up to a maximum of five working days, after which a mark

of zero will be awarded.

Students seeking exemption from the penalty on the grounds of extenuating circumstances

must do so in writing, using the standard application form. This must be submitted within

three days of the deadline for submitting the assessed coursework concerned.

Absence from examinations or failure to submit assignments due to illness or

emergency

Failure on medical grounds to meet assignment/coursework deadlines or absence for

medical reasons from any examination or class test counting towards a course mark must be

covered by a completed form explaining the circumstances. Where a student is absent from

College for a period of more than seven days, or where a student repeatedly asks for

coursework extensions, a formal medical certificate signed by a registered medical

practitioner will be required.

Students are responsible for ensuring that medical certificates are submitted to the College

Office within 3 days of the date of their last examination. Regarding assignments and

coursework, the medical certificate should be submitted to the professor/lecturer

concerned, also within three days.

Evidence of extenuating circumstances other than illness which caused a student to miss an

examination or a deadline for submitting assessed coursework must be submitted in the

same way.

The Faculty is not obliged to consider a medical certificate presented outside the three-day

deadline.

Exceptional circumstances

Occasionally circumstances can arise which are outside a student’s control and can prevent

him or her from performing to their full potential in assessments and examinations.

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Examples of such circumstances include significant illness or injury, serious illness affecting a

close family member, bereavement, or unforeseeable or unpreventable events including a

family crisis or major financial problems leading to acute stress.

The PTFI will consider cases of students who have presented evidence of exceptional

circumstances that may have affected their academic progress. Evidence of exceptional

circumstances must be submitted to the Principal on the appropriate form (see Appendix B)

within three working days of returning to study, or in the case of emergencies that arose

during examinations, by the College’s published deadline.

Marking and Moderation Your work will be marked and moderated according to the assessment policy and

procedures:

https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Support/AssessmentPolicyForPublication20200625.pdf

All marks remain provisional until ratified by the examination board.

The marks you are given reflect a range of considerations. Tutors use a scale known as the

“conceptual-equivalents scale” when marking assignments and examination scripts. It

encourages them to use the full range of marks available to them, and to provide guidance

on the relationship between mark and performance. This scale includes descriptors which

indicate why a particular mark was assigned. The College’s conceptual equivalents scale may

be found in appendix A.

Feedback One of the most important ways to learn during your programme of study is by the

feedback which is given on your work. Feedback comes via informal remarks and advice

(from both tutors and peers), formal marks, and written comments on assessed work.

Making good use of the various sources of feedback available to you is an important

academic skill. Receiving comments made by tutors on your work is a vital part of your

educational experience at Union. Assessments and tutor comments are an invitation to

reflect upon your strengths and weaknesses and they are designed to help you improve

your performance. This is not a passive process. What your tutors have to say about your

26

work may prompt you to have further questions. Your tutors are available to expand on

comments made and to answer questions you may have about your work. Discussions

arising out of feedback sessions can save you valuable time by alerting you to important

issues as well as to the resources available in the College.

Please contact your tutor if you have questions relating to your performance in the

programme.

Examination Boards Examination boards take place at the end of each semester and as deemed necessary. The

board ratifies the results of coursework assessments, confirms progression to the

dissertation stage of the programme, and confirms the final degree awarded when a

student completes the programme.

The pass mark for each taught module is 50%. A re-sit will be available for any taught

module, the pass mark to be capped at 50% for classification purposes. The examiners may,

at their discretion, request an oral examination in any aspect of the work submitted by the

candidate.

In order to be awarded a PG Certificate in Biblical Greek, a student must pass all modules

(60 credits at level 7).

Details of the consequences of failure and of module resits and reassessment may be found

in the assessment policy.

https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Support/AssessmentPolicyForPublication20200625.pdf

Exceptional Circumstances Students are required to submit medical evidence, or any other paperwork, in support of

any special circumstance that may have affected their studies. The examination board will

ensure that circumstances are considered when considering progression or degree awarding

criteria.

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Graduation Students can attend the graduation ceremony in person, however attendance is not

required.

Ensuring the Quality of your Degree The College is responsible for ensuring the quality and standards of all PTFI awards. The

programme and its modules are reviewed in a variety of ways to ensure that the teaching,

learning, assessment, and student experience is of the highest standards. There is annual

programme and module review and periodic review of the College and all its provision.

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Appendix A – Conceptual Equivalent Scale

Conceptual Equivalents Scale Postgraduate

Module Descriptor

Mark Band

Criteria Determinator within grade band

A (Outstanding)

80–100

Thorough and systematic knowledge and understanding of module content

Clear grasp of issues involved, with evidence of innovative and original use of learning resources

Knowledge beyond module content

Clear evidence of independence of thought and originality

Methodological rigour

High critical judgement and confident grasp of complex issues

Originality of argument

A (Clear)

70–79

Methodological rigour

Originality

Critical judgement

Use of additional learning resources

Methodological rigour

B 60–69

Very good knowledge and understanding of module content

Well argued answer

Some evidence of originality and critical judgement

Sound methodology

Critical judgement and some grasp of complex issues

Extent of use of additional or non-core learning resources

C 50–59

Good knowledge and understanding of the module content

Reasonably well argued

Largely descriptive or narrative in focus

Methodological application is not consistent or thorough

Understanding of the main issues

Marginal Fail 40–49

Lacking methodological application

Adequately argued

Basic understanding and knowledge

Gaps or inaccuracies but not damaging

Relevance of knowledge displayed

Weak Fail 0–39

Little relevant material and/or inaccurate answer or incomplete

Disorganised

Largely irrelevant material and misunderstanding

No evidence of methodology

Minimal or no relevant material

Weakness of argument

Module content should be interpreted as the topic or area of research being undertaken in the study in keeping with

the learning outcomes for the module. The above criteria can be applied to both taught modules at M-level and

the M-level dissertation (ignoring reference to module content)

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Appendix B – Exceptional Circumstances Form

Union Theological College

Presbyterian Theological Faculty Ireland

EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES FORM

To be completed by the student and submitted to the College Principal. All information

provided will be respected by the College and treated in confidence.

To be completed by student:

Student name:

Course and year:

Module title:

Reason why the Form is being completed:

Please indicate by ticking the appropriate box or boxes:

Explanation for absence from an examination or assessment (delete as appropriate).

Specific details as follows:

Stated Date of Assignment or Exam:

Proposed New Date for Assignment:

This date is normally within five working days of the original submission date:

Claim for exceptional circumstances to be taken into account when an assessment has

been attempted.

Request for extension to coursework deadline beyond the end of the stage in which it is

due.

Request for extension to dissertation/project deadline.

Nature of circumstances: Forms which are not fully completed and without the required

documentary evidence will not be considered.

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Illness/ Hospitalisation. Please supply appropriate medical evidence.

Bereavement (death of close relative or friend). Please supply supporting letter

from an independent source.

Family illness. Please supply appropriate medical evidence

Victim of crime. A crime reference number plus any written evidence available

from the police must be supplied.

Acute emotional/personal circumstances. Please supply appropriate evidence

to support your request

Other. Please supply appropriate evidence to support your request.

Please contact the College if you require clarification on the type and quality of evidence

required.

Signature of student: ............................................................... Date: ..........................

Signature of tutor: .................................................................... Date: ..........................

To confirm that I have seen the above-named student regarding exceptional circumstances.

FOR COMPLETION BY THE PRINCIPAL

Date Received:

Considered on: by:

Decision (with reasons)

Penalty (if any)

Signed:

Date decision communicated to student:

Additional comments: