University of Aberdeen Exchange Programme Info

7/29/2019 University of Aberdeen Exchange Programme Info

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GUIDE FOR INCOMINGERASMUS STUDENTS

2012-2013

ERASMUS Unit

The Hub (2nd

Floor)University of AberdeenElphinstone Road

AberdeenAB24 3TU

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1224 [email protected]


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CONTENTS

Section 1: 1.1 Bilateral Agreements for Student Exchange

Applying to Study at the1.2 Language Requirements

University of Aberdeen 1.3 Application Procedures1.4 ERASMUS Application Deadlines1.5 Confirmation of Acceptance1.6 Contacting the ERASMUS Unit

Section 2: 2.1 CoursesChoosing your Courses 2.2 Catalogue of Courses

2.3 Converting Aberdeen Course Credits to ECTS Credits

2.4 Courses in English Literature and Linguistics 2.5 English Language Training2.6 Teaching Hours2.7 Academic Calendar 2012-2013

Section 3: 3.1 Structure of the UniversityStructure of the 3.2 Location of Subject AreasUniversity 3.3 Departmental ERASMUS Coordinators

Section 4: 4.1 University Accommodation: General InformationApplying for 4.2 Second Semester ArrivalsAccommodation 4.3 University Accommodation: Making an Application

4.4 Private Accommodation

Section 5: 5.1 Travel ArrangementsTravel Arrangements 5.2 Entering the UK

5.3 When to Arrive5.4 Travel by Air 5.5 Travel by Train

Section 6: 6.1 Electronic RegistrationRegistration Procedures 6.2 Where can you complete Electronic Registration?Before you Arrive 6.3 Do you need help with Electronic Registration?

6.4 Student Identity Card Photograph

6.5 Completing Registration


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Section 7: 7.1 Meet with your Adviser of StudiesYou and the University 7.2 Student Identity Cardof Aberdeen 7.3 Assessments/Exams

7.4 Extending Your Period of Study

Section 8: 8.1 Contacting the ERASMUS UnitCommunication and 8.2 Papers for SignatureInformation 8.3 E-mail Communication

8.4 Computer Facilities8.5 You and Your Data8.6 Address Details8.7 Library Facilities8.8 Student Advice Centre

Section 9: 9.1 Common Assessment Scale (CAS)Your Studies at the 9.2 MonitoringUniversity of Aberdeen 9.3 Absence from Classes

9.4 Assessments/Exams9.5 Assessments and Illness9.6 Plagiarism

Section 10: 10.1 Clubs and SocietiesLeisure Activities 10.2 Students Association (SA)

10.3 Freshers Week 10.4 International Society10.5 Things to do in the City of Aberdeen10.6 SNAPfax10.7 Lonely Planet Guide

Section 11: 11.1 Registration with a Medical PracticeHealth and Insurance 11.2 Dentist

11.3 Student Counselling Service11.4 Students with Disabilities11.5 Insurance

Section 12: 12.1 Cost of Living

Other Practical 12.2 Council TaxInformation 12.3 Banks


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12.4 Post Offices12.5 Travel

Section 13: 13.1 Examinations

Exams and the End of 13.2 Resit ExaminationsYour Stay 13.3 Exam Results13.4 Transcripts13.5 ERASMUS Student Diploma

Section 14: 14.1 Before Departure from HomePre-Departure and 14.2 On Arrival in AberdeenArrival Checks

Appendices I Standard Terms Governing Offers of Admission to theUniversity

II Electronic Registration: A brief step-by-step guideIII ERASMUS Student DiplomaIV Useful Contact Information


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WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the University of Aberdeen. Founded in 1495, Aberdeen is oneof the UK's most internationally distinguished universities. We have a student population of around16,000 and a large international community of students drawn from 120 different countries. Wehope that, by experiencing all the University has to offer, you will find your time in Aberdeenenriching both academically and personally.

This guide has been develope d with the support of the European Commissions Lifelong LearningProgramme and is designed to provide visiting students with information on all aspects of their time at the University of Aberdeen. You should read this guide carefully in advance of your arrivaland we hope that the following resources will also be of use:

- For further information on living and studying in Aberdeen please consult the ERASMUS

website http://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus.

- The University of Aberdeen website details all courses available at the University athttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses.

- Information for new students, including welcome events, will be available athttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/ and all new students should consult this websiteregularly in the month before they arrive in Aberdeen.

We hope you find this information useful and that you have a very enjoyable stay in Aberdeen. If you should have any further questions after reading this guide please do not hesitate to contactthe ERASMUS Unit by e-mail at [email protected]. Please ensure that you use only thisaddress for ERASMUS-related correspondence.

We look forward very much to welcoming you to the University of Aberdeen.

Dr Shona PottsInstitutional ERASMUS Coordinator

ERASMUS UnitThe Hub (2 nd Floor)

University of AberdeenElphinstone RoadKings College

Aberdeen, AB24 3TU, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1224 273664E-mail: [email protected]://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus

Information in this Guide is accurate at the time of printing and may be subject to change
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmushttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courseshttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmushttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmushttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courseshttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus


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Section 1: Applying to Study at the University of Aberdeen

1.1 Bilateral Agreements for Student Exchange

Before the exchange of ERASMUS students can take place, a Bilateral Agreement for

student exchange in the relevant subject area must be signed by your home universityand the University of Aberdeen. If you are interested in applying to the University of Aberdeen you must check with the Coordinator in your home university whether anagreement is in place. Please note that Bilateral Agreements cannot be signed at therequest of individual students. Bilateral agreements limit the number of students whocan be exchanged.

All incoming students must select at least 50% of their credits from courses inthe subject area of the bilateral agreement that has been signed. Entry to other courses will be subject to previous experience, availability and timetabling.

1.2 Language RequirementsVisiting students MUST have adequate English language proficiency prior to coming to

Aberdeen. There is no official English language requirement for the ERASMUSprogramme, however, students who do not have an adequate command of English willexperience great difficulty in understanding lectures, producing written work and sittingexaminations, as well as integrating into life in Aberdeen. If you are required toundertake work in a laboratory you may only be able to do so if you can communicateeffectively in English as it may be too dangerous if you have a poor command of English.

Please note that admission to Level 3 courses in English literature and linguisticsis subject to students passing a diagnostic test . This is held in the first week of eachsemester (please see section 2.4 for more details). There is no diagnostic test for admission to level 3 courses in other subjects. Admission to these courses will dependon your previous experience which will be judged, in a first instance, on the basis of thetranscript that you provide as part of your application to study at the University of

Aberdeen.

1.3 Application Procedures

All ERASMUS students wishing to apply to the University of Aberdeen must have thesupport of their home University who must nominate them by e-mail [email protected]. Once this nomination has been made, the ERASMUS Unit willsend current application information to all applicants.

In order to apply to the University of Aberdeen as an ERASMUS student, you mustcomplete an online application form which will be available atwww.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus. Paper application forms will not be accepted.

As part of the online application process, you will have to upload the followingdocuments which you must have ready before you begin the online application process:

ECTS Learning Agreement signed by home institution

Transcript of Records detailing your previous University study and results


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A blank ECTS Learning Agreement is available at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus under Downloadable Forms . You may provide the Learning Agreement of your homeuniversity.

The Transcript of Records is an official document available from your home institution.

Once you have completed the online application process, you must send the originalLearning Agreement only by post within 10 days to the ERASMUS Unit at:

ERASMUS Unit, The Hub (2 nd Floor), University of Aberdeen, Elphinstone Road,Kings College, Aberdeen, AB24 3TU, UK

Please note that your application will not be accepted if any of the necessarydocumentation is not submitted.

A signed ECTS Learning Agreement must be included as part of your application evenif you are not sure of your final choice of courses. The Learning Agreement must listyour provisional course choices and must include courses worth a total of 60 Aberdeencredits (30 ECTS credits) per semester. Applicants for the full academic year must listprovisional course choices for both semesters.

If you intend to undertake a project during your period of study in Aberdeen, this shouldbe clearly indicated on the ECTS Learning Agreement with a brief statement about thenature of the proposed project.

1.4 ERASMUS Application Deadlines

ERASMUS applications for study at the University of Aberdeen in the first semester must be submitted before 1 June and applications for the second semester must be

submitted before 1 November . It is strongly recommended that all applications besubmitted well in advance of both of these dates. Late applicants will have difficulty ingaining a place in University accommodation.

The University of Aberdeen will not consider applications submitted after thesedates.

1.5 Confirmation of Acceptance

Once your application has been received and processed by the ERASMUS Unit, it willbe sent to the relevant Departmental ERASMUS Coordinator in Aberdeen for approval.

The Departmental Coordinator will provide the ERASMUS Unit with feedback on your chosen programme of study.

The ERASMUS Unit will inform you by e-mail if your application has been successfuland, if appropriate, will convey the feedback from the Departmental Coordinator whowill also act as your Adviser of Studies during your period of study in Aberdeen. TheERASMUS Unit will also provide you with information about arrival in Aberdeen andapplying for University-managed accommodation.

You will not be able to apply for accommodation until official approval of youracceptance has been received from the Departmental Coordinator and you havereceived confirmation of your acceptance from the ERASMUS Unit.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmushttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmushttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus


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If your application to study at the University of Aberdeen is approved, you will receivean official letter of acceptance. This will be posted to the home address provided onyour application form. If your address changes, it is essential that you inform theERASMUS Unit by e-mail at [email protected].

1.6 Contacting the ERASMUS Unit

The ERASMUS Unit will be your main point of contact for general (non-academic or administrative) queries before your arrival and during your time in Aberdeen. Please e-mail the ERASMUS Unit with any queries you may have prior to or during your time in

Aberdeen (e-mail: [email protected]). Please understand that the ERASMUS Unitreceives a large volume of e-mail and staff will respond to enquiries as soon asreasonably possible. Please do not use any other e-mail address and please do notsend the same e-mail several times.

If you have any specific academic queries after you have been accepted as a student atthe University of Aberdeen, please contact your Adviser of Studies whose details will besent to you at the appropriate stage by the ERASMUS Unit.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Section 2: Choosing your Courses

2.1 Courses

The University of Aberdeens academic year is divided into two semesters. Most

courses last for one semester i.e. twelve teaching weeks followed by an examinationperiod. A small number of courses run for six weeks only or for the full academic year.

All courses at the University of Aberdeen are given codes which are normallycomposed of two letters and four digits: e.g. MS3034. Each letter and digit representsthe following:

COURSECODE

EXPLANATION OF SAMPLE COURSE CODE MS3034

MSThe first two letters refers to the subject area of the course.(In this case: MS = Management Studies)

3 The first digit indicates the level of the course i.e. year 1, 2, 3 or 4

0

The second digit indicates when the course starts :

0 = course starts at the beginning of Semester 1, normally for 12 weeks3 = course starts in week 7 of Semester 1, normally for 6 weeks5 = course starts at the beginning of Semester 2, normally for 12 weeks8 = course starts in week 7 of Semester 2, normally for 6 weeks

34The last two digits/letters identify individual courses and have nosignificance in making your course choice.

2.2 Catalogue of Courses

The Catalogue of Courses contains details of all undergraduate courses taught in theUniversity of Aberdeen. The Catalogue of Courses is available online and can be foundat: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses. The undergraduate degree at the Universityof Aberdeen is normally four years in length. Postgraduate (level 5) courses are notavailable to visiting students.

The following page contains an example of how a course would be displayed in theCatalogue of Courses. Please refer to the relevant text box for an explanation of eachsection of the course description.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courseshttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses


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COURSE CATALOGUE CASE STUDY: MS 3034 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MS3034 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 30 CREDIT POINTS

Course Coordinator: Dr L Batchelor

Pre-requisi te(s): Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above who havepassed 50 credit Points in Management Studies at Levels 1 and 2.

Note: Offered in alternate years, not available in 2010/11.

This course will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of businessdevelopment, from the start-up stages through growth and internationalisation. Acombination of case studies, group activities and lectures will be used. The case studies willinvolve looking at real business situations and how companies have developed, includinglocal firms and non-UK firms. Students will analyse these case studies interactively todevelop an understanding of the problems which were encountered and how these wereovercome. The importance of personal, cultural and environmental factors and their interactions will be assessed.

2 two-hour lectures per week

1st Attempt: Examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%).

Resit: 1 two hour written examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%). The in-course assessment grade will be carried forward.

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLECREDIT VALUECredit value of the course - please see section 3.3.

COURSECOORDINATORThis is the member of academic staff responsiblefor organising the course.

PRE-REQUISITEThe courses Aberdeenstudents must haveachieved to be allowedentry to the course(ERASMUS students will

need to demonstrateequivalent knowledge).

NOTEDetails of any particular circumstances or conditions attached to thecourse.

CO-REQUISITEStudents may berequired to register for a second, relatedcourse at the sametime as a chosencourse.

TEACHINGARRANGEMENTSThe number of lectures,seminars, tutorials,

practicals, laboratorysessions and other classes associated withthis course.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONBrief descriptionof the coursecontent.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENTIndicates how the course will be assessed (e.g. written examination, continuousassessment) followed by the proportion of each method of assessment.


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2.3 Converting Aberdeen Course Credits to ECTS Credits

The University of Aberdeen uses a credit system which is double the ECTS system i.e.20 Aberdeen credits = 10 ECTS credits. One Aberdeen credit represents what you areexpected to achieve in 10 notional hours of learning time. Notional hours refers to thetime that you will spend both in the classroom and in private study.

Students are expected to register for and pass courses worth 60 Aberdeen credits (30ECTS) per semester. You will be required to register for this number of credits.

The conversion between Aberdeen Credit Points and ECTS credits is as outlined below:

2.4 Courses in English Literature and Linguistics

Each year, many visiting students seek admission to advanced level courses in English

literature and linguistics. Please note that restrictions are placed on the number of students admitted to many Level 3 courses and preference is given to students whoare completing their degree programme at the University of Aberdeen.

Visiting students interested in taking courses in English literature and linguisticsat level 3, whose native language is not English, will be required to sit adiagnostic test. This will be held during the week before teaching begins in thefirst semester and in the first week of teaching in the second semester .

The diagnostic test is to determine a students language and literacy/criticalcompetence. Students who fail this test are not normally admitted to Level 3 courseswithin English. Further information regarding the Diagnostic Test and coursesavailable within English can be found on the School of Language and Literature webpages at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/international/erasmus.php.

Visiting students are never permitted to register for courses at Level 4 in Englishliterature and linguistics.

Students interested in taking courses at level 3 in other subjects will not be required tosit a diagnostic test. Entry to these courses will be subject to timetabling and theprevious experience of the individual concerned.

Aberdeen Credit Points(as stated in the Catalogue of Courses)

ECTS Credit Value

5 2.510 5.015 7.5

20 10.025 12.530 15.060 30.0

120 60.0


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2.5 English Language Training

ERASMUS students are not expected to require additional English language training.The University of Aberdeen does not offer any free English language courses.

If you do feel that it would be helpful to attend a language training course before theacademic year begins, a pre-semester Intensive Course in Academic English isavailable in August-September. ERASMUS students must pay a fee to attend thiscourse.

If you choose to attend the pre-semester language training course, please note thatyou will have to arrange your own accommodation during this period. You may be ableto arrange accommodation independently in a University Hall of Residence. Please beaware that you will not be able to register as a student of the University of Aberdeenduring this period.

The University Language Centre provides some English language training in bothsemesters. These courses are not credit-bearing and are not formally assessed. Thismeans that these courses will not appear on a students transcript and do not have arelated number of credits). They do not form part of a students normal curriculum of study. Attendance must be arranged directly via the Language Centre and ERASMUSstudents will be required to pay a fee.

Other options are available and, for further information, please consult the LanguageCentre web-pages at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/languagecentre/index.php?id=3.

2.6 Teaching Hours

You may find that the number of teaching hours in Aberdeen is less than you are used

to. This is because you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of privatestudy. 120 Credits (60 ECTS Credits) per academic year is the normal workload for

Aberdeen students and you will not normally be permitted to register for significantlymore or fewer credits than this. Should you wish to do so, you will require the writtenpermission of the Head of School/Discipline and the approval of the AcademicStandards Committee (Undergraduate). Any communication regarding such a requestmust be sent to the ERASMUS Unit at [email protected] and the request musthave the written support of your Adviser of Studies.


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2.7 Academic Calendar 2012-2013

First Semester

Freshers Week & Registration:Tuesday 18 September 2012 Friday 21 September 2012

Teaching:Monday 24 September 2012 Friday 14 December 2012

Vacation:Saturday 15 December 2012 Sunday 6 January 2013

Private Revision (no classes):Monday 7 January 2013 Friday 11 January 2013

Exams:Saturday 12 January 2013 Friday 25 January 2013

Second Semester

Registration for second semester arrivals & Teaching:Monday 28 January 2013 Friday 22 March 2013

Vacation:Saturday 23 March 2013 Sunday 14 April 2013

Teaching:Monday 15 April 2013 Friday 10 May 2013

Private Revision (no classes):Monday 13 May 2013 Friday 17 May 2013

Exams:Saturday 18 May 2013 Friday 7 June 2013

It is important to note that examinations for the first semester take place in January. If you are registered as a student at Aberdeen for the first semester only or for the fullacademic year, you will be expected to return to Aberdeen after the vacation period inorder to sit the January exams. You must be prepared for this and arrange your travel

and budget accordingly. You must not expect special assessment arrangements to bemade for you.

If you are coming to Aberdeen for the second semester only, please note that there is nogap between semester one and semester two. For this reason, University-managedaccommodation for the second semester cannot be made available until Sunday 27January 2013 and teaching begins on Monday 28 January 2013. It is therefore importantthat you see your Departmental Coordinator/Adviser of Studies as soon as possible after your arrival in order to complete the registration process and begin attending classeswithout any delay.


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Section 3: Structure of the University

3.1 Structure of the University

The University of Aberdeen has around 16,000 registered students and is based on

two main campuses; Kings College in Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill campus. TheForesterhill campus is home to Aberdeens main hospital , the Universitys School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Institute of Medical Sciences.

The University is structured in three Colleges, each of which contains a number of Schools. Many Schools contain several different academic disciplines as detailedbelow.

College School DisciplineCollege of Arts andSocial Sciences

School of Divinity, History and Philosophy Divinity/TheologyReligious StudiesHistoryHistory of ArtPhilosophy

School of EducationSchool of Language & Literature English

Film and Visual CultureLanguage and LinguisticsModern Languages

CelticFrenchGermanHispanic Studies

School of Law

School of Social Science AnthropologyGender StudiesPolitics and InternationalRelationsSociology

Business School Accountancy and FinanceEconomicsReal EstateManagement Studies

College of LifeSciences andMedicine

School of Biological Sciences BiologyConservation BiologyMarine BiologyTropical Environmental ScienceZoology

School of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine and DentistrySchool of Psychology

College of PhysicalSciences

School of Engineering

School of Natural & Computing Sciences ChemistryComputing ScienceMathematical SciencesPhysics

School of Geosciences ArchaeologyGeography and Environment

Geology and Petroleum Geology Planning
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/education/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sll/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sll/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/business/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sms/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/medicine/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/psychology/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/engineering/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sncs/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sncs/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/geosciences/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/geosciences/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sncs/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/engineering/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/psychology/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/medicine/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sms/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/business/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/socsci/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sll/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/education/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/


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3.2 Location of Subject Areas

Subject Building Accountancy Edward Wright Building Agriculture & Forestry 23 St Machar Drive Anthropology Edward Wright BuildingCeltic C Block,Taylor Building Chemistry Meston BuildingComputing Science Meston BuildingEconomics Edward Wright BuildingEngineering Fraser Noble BuildingEnglish A & B Blocks, Taylor Building French A Block, Taylor Building Geography St Marys German A Block, Taylor Building History Crombie Annexe, Meston WalkHistory of Art Kings College Information and Advice Centre Butchart CentreLanguage Centre Regent BuildingLaw C & D Blocks, Taylor Building Management Studies Edward Wright BuildingMathematical Sciences Meston BuildingMedicine and Therapeutics *IMS, ForesterhillMolecular and Cell Biology *IMS, ForesterhillPlant and Soil Science Cruickshank BuildingPolitics and International Relations Edward Wright BuildingPlanning St Marys Psychology William Guild BuildingSociology Edward Wright BuildingSpanish / Hispanic Studies A Block, Taylor Building Student Accommodation Office The HubStudents Association Butchart CentreZoology Zoology Building

*IMS = Institute of Medical Sciences

Downloadable maps of the campus can be found at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/maps/downloads.php
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/maps/downloads.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/maps/downloads.php


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3.3 Departmental ERASMUS Coordinators

Academic Subjects ERASMUS Coordinator E-mail Address

Accountancy To be confirmed

Agriculture & Forestry Dr Steve Woodward [email protected]

Anthropology Dr Arnar Arnason [email protected]

Celtic Dr Aideen OLeary [email protected]

Chemistry Prof Jrg Feldmann [email protected]

Computing Science Dr Roly Lishman [email protected]

Economics Dr Harminder Battu [email protected]

Education Mrs Mary Stephen [email protected]

Engineering Mrs Nina Nikora [email protected]

English Dr Mercedes Durham mercedes [email protected]

French Dr Margaret Jubb [email protected]

Geography Ms Gill Wall [email protected]

German Dr Gundula Sharman [email protected]

History Dr Christoph Dartmann [email protected]

History of Art Mr John Gash [email protected]

LawLaw (Germany)

Mr David LesselsProf Robin Evans-Jones

[email protected]@abdn.ac.uk

Management Studies Dr Julian Randall [email protected]

Mathematical Science Prof Rob Archbold [email protected]

Medicine & Therapeutics Dr Frank Thies [email protected]

Molecular and Cell Biology Dr Allison Carrington [email protected]

Philosophy Dr Bob Plant [email protected]

Planning Ms Gill Wall [email protected]

Politics & IR Dr Andrea Oelsner [email protected]

Psychology Dr Jasna Martinovic [email protected]

Sociology Dr Chris Kollmeyer [email protected]

Zoology Dr Alan Bowman [email protected]

Further information on individual subject areas is available on the University web pages at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/colleges-institutes.php

This information is subject to change. Your acceptance letter will contain the details of your Departmental ERASMUS Coordinator.You will be informed of any subsequent changes by e-mail.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:c,[email protected]:[email protected]://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/colleges-institutes.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/colleges-institutes.phpmailto:[email protected]:c,[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Section 4: Applying for Accommodation

4.1 University Accommodation: General Information

You will find information about University-managed accommodation on the University web-

pages at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/

University accommodation is normally available for all visiting students who submitan application by the deadline. You will not be able to apply for accommodation until your application to study at the University of Aberdeen has been approved.

Most visiting students are offered accommodation in Hillhead Halls of Residence, theUniversitys largest complex of student accommodation. Allocation of rooms is made on afirst-come, first-served basis and choice will be limited if your application is submitted late.

Hillhead Halls of Residence is within walking distan ce of Kings College and served by afrequent bus service. There is a 24 hour security presence on site and each Hall has a sub-warden who can be contacted if you are experiencing difficulties of a practical or personalnature.

Further details about accommodation at Hillhead Halls of Residence are available at thefollowing website:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/hillhead_student_village.php

Accommodation is self-catering (an apartment with a shared kitchen). Apartments arenormally allocated either to groups of male or female students. Double rooms are notavailable.

4.2 Second Semester Arrivals

If you are coming to Aberdeen for the second semester only, please note that there is no gapbetween semester one and semester two. For this reason, University-managedaccommodation for the second semester cannot be made available until Sunday 27 January2013 and teaching begins on Monday 28 January 2013. If you are coming to Aberdeen for the second semester only, it is therefore important that you see your DepartmentalCoordinator/Adviser of Studies as soon as possible after your arrival in order to complete theregistration process and begin attending classes without any delay.

4.3 University Accommodation: Making an Application

Students wishing to apply for University accommodation are required to apply online at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/apply/index.php

You will only be able to do this once your application to study at the University of Aberdeenhas been approved. It is very important that you complete the application for accommodationas soon as possible after you receive notification of your acceptance. If you apply late thereis no guarantee that accommodation will be available. Please check the Student

Accommodation website for details of application deadlines.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/hillhead_student_village.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/apply/index.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/apply/index.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/hillhead_student_village.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation/choosing_accommodation/


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The ERASMUS Unit has no involvement with the allocation of accommodation. Allquestions regarding accommodation applications should be directed to the StudentAccommodation Office by e-mailing [email protected].

4.4 Private Accommodation

The University of Aberdeen cannot provide guidance on applying for accommodation in theprivate sector. Student accommodation is available in the private sector but can beexpensive. Short term contracts (leases) may not be possible as most leases will be for acalendar year. Should you be interested in looking for private accommodation, there aremany estate agents and solicitors offices which advertise property for rent and localnewspapers are also a good source of information. You may wish to consult the followingweb pages which contain information gathered from the individual websites of manycompanies: http://www.aspc.co.uk/.

The Student Advice Centre, based in the Butchart Centre, has details of accommodationavailable on a private basis. To view the database simply visit www.ausa.org.uk andselect the Accommodation tab on the left hand side of the page.

Many students also place adverts for rooms available in shared accommodation on noticeboards all over the University.

Before signing a lease on private accommodation, it is essential that you are fullyaware of the implications of the document which will be legally binding. TheERASMUS Unit will not be able to help if you experience difficulties or wish to leaveyour accommodation early.
mailto:[email protected]://www.ausa.org.uk/http://www.ausa.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]


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Section 5: Travelling to Aberdeen

5.1 Travel Arrangements

It is your responsibility to arrange your travel to Aberdeen. Detailed information on travelling

to Aberdeen can be found at the following website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/maps/travel.php

If your accommodation is in Hillhead Halls of Residence, it will be possible to gain access toyour room at any time as there is a 24 hour security presence. If your accommodation is notin Hillhead Halls of Residence and you intend to arrive outside working hours (normally 9.00a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday-Friday), it is advisable to make alternative arrangements for your first night in Aberdeen. You will find information about temporary hotel or bed and breakfastaccommodation on the following website: http://www.visitscotland.com/. Informationregarding the Aberdeen Youth Hostel can be found on the following website:http://www.syha.org.uk/hostels/highlands/aberdeen.aspx

5.2 Entering the UKStudents from any European Union Member State or the European Economic Area who areon a student exchange programme, will require a full passport or valid national ID card inorder to enter the UK. This will allow them to reside in the UK for up to one year. No other documentation is required.

Students who are nationals of non-EU countries must check in advance with the authoritiesof their home country what documentation is required. Bear in mind that it will take time toapply for a visa if that is necessary and that the UK is subject to very strict immigrationlegislation. For more information please consult the following web pages:http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/. Please be aware that your visa application is your responsibility. You must submit your application to the University of Aberdeen in sufficienttime for it to be processed. If your application is approved, you will receive an appropriateacceptance letter.

If you have applied to study at the University of Aberdeen for one semester only andrequire a visa to enter the UK, you must apply for a Student Visitor Visa. Please notethat you will not be permitted to work in the UK with this type of visa.

If you have applied to study in the UK for a full academic year and require a visa to enter theUK, the ERASMUS Unit will provide you with a CAS number in order to allow you to apply for a visa.

Please note that, even if your application to study has been accepted by the University of Aberdeen, you may not receive a visa to study here. This is the responsibility of theappropriate authorities.

5.3 When to Arrive

If you are staying in University accommodation, you will be informed by the Student Accommodation Office of the date when your accommodation is available.

First semester arrivals: Accommodation is usually available from the Saturday preceding the

first day of the semester.
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/


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Second semester arrivals: Accommodation is usually available from the Sunday precedingthe first day of the semester.

Should you wish to arrive before these dates, you must arrange additional vacationaccommodation by contacting Hillhead Halls of Residence directly ([email protected]) . The Student Accommodation Office and the ERASMUS Unit

cannot help you to arrange accommodation outside the semester dates.Please note that there is no need to arrive a week (or more) before the start of the semester,as all advising procedures are organised in the first week. You are expected to arrive in

Aberdeen in time for the first Monday of the semester.

5.4 Travel by Air

Aberdeen has excellent communications with other British cities - flying time from London is just over one hour. There are also direct flights from some continental European airports,including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Stavanger.

During the weekend preceding Freshers Week (see section 10.3) in the first semester, theStudents Association normally runs a frequent bus service from the Airport to Halls of Residence. If you arrive at another time, you will have to make your own way to your accommodation.

Aberdeen Airport is situated approximately 7 miles from the city centre. It is advisable totravel directly to your accommodation when you arrive. The city can be accessed by taxi or bus. Taxis and buses can be found directly in front of the airport terminal building. For further information, please see the following website:shttp://www.toandfromtheairport.com/aberdeen.html

A taxi from the airport to the city will take approximately 20 minutes (longer at peak times)and will cost approximately 15.00.

The Jet Service 727 bus will take you from the airport to the Bus Station which is situated inthe city centre. Other buses also cover the same route. The journey by bus will takeapproximately 30 minutes (longer at peak times) and will cost approximately 2.50. From theBus Station, it is advisable to take a taxi to your accommodation. This will cost approximately8.00.

5.5 Travel by Train

There are regular trains from London to Aberdeen - the travelling time is about seven hours. A Young Persons Railcard, which gives reductions on rail travel, can be purchased at railstations or online at: http://www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk/. You will be required to provideproof of full-time student status.

Taxis from Aberdeen railway station to the University cost around 8.00.


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Section 6: Registration Procedures Before you Arrive

6.1 Electronic Registration

As part of the registration process at the University of Aberdeen, you will need to

complete electronic registration. This should be completed before you arrive in Aberdeen. Electronic registration is a compulsory element of the registration processwhich must be completed before you will be fully registered as a student at theUniversity of Aberdeen.

Electronic Registration allows students to:-

Check and confirm their personal data e.g. postal addresses.Check and propose corrections to their Entrance Qualifications and AcademicRecord. (This is not relevant to ERASMUS students. You must simply enter the name of your home university.)

Check and confirm details of their tuition fees.(ERASMUS students are not personally responsible for the payment of tuitionfees to the University of Aberdeen. You will find that the information in the feessection of your electronic registration refers to an amount of money. For ERASMUS students, the fee indicates the amount of tuition fees which therelevant College in the University of Aberdeen will be charged for your periodof study in Aberdeen. This is entirely normal and you must agree to this. Youwill not be asked to pay tuition fees to the University of Aberdeen. If youdo not agree to the amount shown your Electronic Registration will notbe complete. )Register for a University computer account.

Please note that the Electronic Registration screen will show the dates of the entireacademic year during which you will study at the University of Aberdeen i.e. 19September 2012 to 30 September 2013. This appears automatically for all studentsand does not mean that you will be registered as a student for the entire academicyear. Your acceptance letter will contain the approximate period of study for which youwill be registered as a student of the University of Aberdeen. You must also consult thesemester dates which can be found in section 2.7 of this booklet.

You will normally be able to complete Electronic Registration from mid-August if youwill arrive for the first semester and mid-January if you will arrive in the secondsemester.

6.2 Where can you complete Electronic Registration?

If you have not arrived in Aberdeen, by following the link:www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg

Once you arrive in Aberdeen, in any computer classroom:-to log on, click ctrl + alt + delete, then click ok. In the login window, type registerin the username box, leave password empty and then click ok.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/ereghttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/ereghttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg


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6.3 Do you need help with Electronic Registration?

If you need help and have not yet arrived in Aberdeen, please [email protected]. If you need help and are in Aberdeen, please go to theComputing Centre Help Desk on the ground floor in the Edward Wright Building wherestaff will be available to help you.

Useful links:

Step by Step Guide to Electronic Registration www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/ Frequently Asked Questions www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faq

More information can be found in Annex II in this booklet: A Brief Step-by-Step Guide toElectronic Registration for ERASMUS students.

6.4 Student Identity Card Photograph

Before you come to Aberdeen, you must upload a passport-sized photograph for your student ID card. This should be done at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/photoupload where fullinstructions will be given. You will be able to do this from mid-July onwards and it should bedone at least two weeks before the start of your studies for your ID card to be available for collection at registration.

6.5 Completing Registration

Once your application has been approved, in order to be a fully registered student of theUniversity of Aberdeen you must:

Before you Arrive

a) upload an ID photograph at www.abdn.ac.uk/photouploadb) complete all four sections of electronic registration

After you Arrive

c) agree your academic curriculum with your Adviser of Studies (see next section)d) finalise your registration with a member of the ERASMUS Unit staff

You will receive information in advance of your arrival about where to finalise your

registration and collect your student ID card.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faqhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faqhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faqhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/photouploadhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/photouploadhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faqhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/


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Section 7: You and the University of Aberdeen

7.1 Meet with Your Adviser of Studies

Once you arrive in Aberdeen, you must meet with your Departmental ERASMUS

Coordinator, who is also your Adviser of Studies. The details of your DepartmentalCoordinator/Adviser of Studies will be included in your acceptance letter. They arethe first person you should make contact with when you arrive and will remain your main academic contact throughout your period of study in Aberdeen. They will beable to discuss your final course choice with you. This is known as Advising. Beforeyour arrival you should contact your Departmental Coordinator to arrange anappointment.

7.2 Student Identity Card

Once you have completed all four sections of Electronic Registration in full and have

been registered for courses by your Departmental ERASMUS Coordinator/Adviser of Studies, you will meet with ERASMUS Unit staff to complete the registration processand to collect your student identity (ID) card which is required for borrowing Librarybooks, using computer facilities etc. You will be able to collect your ID card onlyafter you have completed electronic registration in full and have met with yourDepartmental ERASMUS Coordinator/Adviser of Studies . You will receiveinformation about where to collect your ID card in advance of your arrival in Aberdeen.

7.3 Assessments/Exams

Courses may be assessed either by course-work or examination or a combination of both. Examinations take place in January for first semester courses and in May/Junefor second semester courses. The examination period is an integral element of thesemester. You will be expected to be available for the exam periods and you mustbudget and make your travel plans accordingly. It is NOT appropriate to ask tutors toprepare special assessments to avoid you having to be in Aberdeen for theexamination periods. If you are in Aberdeen for the first semester, you must arrange tobe in Aberdeen for the January exam period.

Students are not permitted to sit University of Aberdeen assessments/exams outsidethe University and you should not request such arrangements.

7.4 Extending Your Period of Study

We regret to inform you that, due to the exceptionally high student numbers it will notbe possible for the ERASMUS Unit to consider applications from students who haveapplied to study at Aberdeen for the first semester and wish to extend their stay for theentire academic year. In the interests of fair treatment, no exceptions to this can beconsidered.


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Section 8: Communication and Information

8.1 Contacting the ERASMUS Unit

The ERASMUS Unit will be your main point of contact for general (non-academic or

administrative) queries before your arrival and during your time in Aberdeen. Please e-mail the ERASMUS Unit with any queries you may have prior to or during your time in

Aberdeen (e-mail: [email protected]). Please understand that the ERASMUS Unitreceives a large volume of e-mail and staff will respond to enquiries as soon asreasonably possible. Please do not use any other e-mail address and please do notsend the same e-mail several times.

If you have any specific academic queries, please contact your Adviser of Studies.

After your arrival in Aberdeen, if you have a serious or difficult problem which you wishto discuss, please visit the ERASMUS Unit during the office hours. You will be asked to

respect the published times of the office hours unless your situation is a genuineemergency. If you are not available during these office hours, please make anappointment by e-mailing [email protected].

8.2 Papers for Signature

Once you arrive in Aberdeen, you may have paperwork to be signed or require a letter confirming your status as an ERASMUS student or a copy of your ECTS Learning

Agreement. If this is the case, you can request this when you attend the welcomemeeting for ERASMUS students or meet with ERASMUS Unit staff to completeregistration. You will be told where to collect the documentation when it has beenprepared.

After Freshers Week, y ou must submit papers for signature to the receptiondesk on the second floor of the Hub (turn left at the top of the stairs, enter theopen area and the reception desk is on your right).

Please note that you do not need to see the Institutional Coordinator in personto obtain a signature and must ensure that you leave sufficient time fordocumentation to be handed in to be completed.

8.3 E-mail Communication

You must register for computer access as part of the Electronic Registration process.You will receive a University e-mail account as part of this procedure. The Universitywill normally use e-mail to communicate with you during the semester. These e-mailswill be sent to your University e-mail account.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis,every day See http://www.abdn.ac.uk/diss/email/mailquota.hti for guidance onmanaging your mail quota.

We strongly recommend that you use your University e-mail account for all Universityof Aberdeen communication. Please ensure that you read University communications

carefully and respond promptly where necessary. If you already have a non-Universitye-mail account that you use for personal correspondence, it is possible to set up


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automatic forwarding of messages from your University e-mail account to your personal e-mail address (see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/local/mail.forward/). It is your responsibility to ensure that this is done correctly. The University takes noresponsibility for the delivery of e-mails to non-University accounts.

Failure to check your e-mail or failure to receive e-mail due to being over-quota or due

to non-delivery of an e-mail forwarded to a non-University e-mail account will not beaccepted as grounds for appeal (for further information on the appeals procedures,please refer to the Guidance Note on Academic Appeals at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x18b.pdf).

8.4 Computer Facilities

There are many computers available for student use on campus and in Hillhead Hallsof Residence. The University campus and all student-managed accommodation is alsoenabled for free wireless access and there are areas where you can plug in your laptop. For more information, please consult the web pages at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/wireless/

Please be aware that you will not have computer access when you first arrive inAberdeen. This will not be available until at least the day after you havecompleted the entire registration process.

You will find a great deal of useful information to help you get started with computingfacilities at the University of Aberdeen on a fact sheet available at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/documents/factsheets/fsgc02.pdf. A range of other usefulcomputing fact sheets can be found at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/staff/docu/facts.php.

8.5 You and Your Data

The University of Aberdeen holds personal information about you on its electronicStudent Record System. This information comes from your application form and theinformation you complete as part of the e-registration process. You have access to thisinformation via your Student Portal which will normally be available 24 hours after youcomplete the entire registration process or on Monday if you complete the registrationprocess on Friday. You can access your Student Portal from the University homepageby clicking on Students and then Student Portals. Your login and password will bethe same as your computer login. You should use your Portal to check theinformation held on you and amend anything that is incorrect or missing.

The Data Protection Act protects your data. This means that access to your data withinthe University is restricted to those who need it and we will not release any informationabout you to anyone outside the University of Aberdeen and your home university(including your family/friends) without your permission. We can, however, be requiredto provide information to the Police or other government organisations for theprevention or detection of crime. Please also note that we shall release all relevantinformation regarding your conduct, registration and progress at the University of

Aberdeen, including exam results, directly to your home university when deemedappropriate.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/wireless/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/documents/factsheets/fsgc02.pdfhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/staff/docu/facts.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/staff/docu/facts.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/documents/factsheets/fsgc02.pdfhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/wireless/


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The Student Portal also has the following information/facilities:

Course enrolment Teaching/exam timetablesOverall course results Update addressesFinancial information Print budget payment

Disclosure of disabilities .. and much more

8.6 Address Details

The University will use the postal address information you provide through your Student Portal to contact you outside the teaching semester. It is essential that youensure that this information is correct and that you keep it up to date. If you do not doso, important correspondence may be sent to the wrong address. It is particularlyimportant that, at the end of your period of study in Aberdeen, you ensure that your home address is current and accurate. Your Transcript of Records detailing the resultsyou have obtained at the University of Aberdeen will be sent to the home address

which is listed on the Student Portal.8.7 Library Facilities

Registered students are automatically members of the University Library. Tours of theLibrary are arranged at the beginning of the academic year. Further information onLibrary services can be found at:- http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/

8.8 Student Advice Centre

The Student Advice Centre is part of the Students Association and can be found in theButchart Centre. The Centre provides general information for all students on a drop-inbasis (no appointment needed) on everything from bus timetables to sexual health.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/


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Section 9: Your studies at the University of Aberdeen

9.1 Common Assessment Scale (CAS)

All coursework, class assessments and end of semester examinations at the University

of Aberdeen are graded using the Common Assessment Scale (CAS).

PLEASE NOTE: CAS marks indicate levels of performance and do not corresponddirectly to percentages.

The Common Assessment Scale is comprised of 21 discrete points: 0 to 20, which aregrouped into seven bands. A CAS mark of 9 or above is required to Pass a courseand gain credit. The table below shows how Aberdeen CAS grades convert to therelevant ECTS grades.

Aberdeen

CAS Mark

Equivalent

ECTS GradeECTS Definition

18-20 A EXCELLENT : outstanding performance with onlyminor errors

15-17 B VERY GOOD : above the average standard but withsome errors

13-14 C GOOD : generally sound work with a number of notableerrors11-12 D SATISFACTORY : fair but with significant shortcomings9-10 E SUFFICIENT : performance meets the minimum criteria

7-8 FX FAIL : some more work is required before the creditcan be awarded

0-6 F FAIL : considerable further work is required

9.2 Monitoring

The University operates a Monitoring system to identify students who may beexperiencing difficulties with their studies. If a coordinator for one of your courses isconcerned about your performance or attendance they will inform the Registry, theUniversitys central administration office. If you are re ported to the Registry, you will becontacted directly via your Aberdeen University e-mail address. You must read verycarefully all e- mail communication from the Monitoring e -mail address and you must

respond to the e-mail you have received. This is essential. If you do not respond to monitoring e-mails from the Registry, staff will assume thatyou no longer wish to be registered for the course concerned and you will bewithdrawn from the course. Please be aware that attendance at tutorials is alsocompulsory and non-attendance will be reported.

If you are withdrawn from a course which you do in fact wish to take, you will berequired to meet with the Convener of the Students Progress Committee and mustmake a case to the Convener in order to receive permission to be re-registered for thecourse.

If your attendance is poor and/or you do not submit written work, you may bewithdrawn from the course concerned directly by the relevant School. This is known as


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having your Class Certificate refused. In the past, a Class Certificate used to be apaper document, now it is simply the right to remain registered for a course and to takethe related assessment. If your Class Certificate is refused, only the relevant Head of School has the authority to reinstate you on the course and you must make a casedirectly to the Head of School.

If you are not registered for a course because you have been withdrawn from it by theRegistry or by the relevant School, you will not be able to receive the results of assessments for that course until your position is resolved and you have beenpermitted to re-register for the course.

If you no longer wish to be registered for a course, it is essential that you see your Adviser of Studies/Departmental Coordinator to withdraw from the course officially.Please be aware that all course changes must be made before the end of week 2of teaching in each semester in consultation with your Adviser of Studies.

9.3 Absence from Classes

Unless you are ill, or have another good reason, you must attend all your classes,including tutorials . If you are unable to attend classes for medical reasons, or youfeel that your academic performance has been adversely affected by your health, youmust submit relevant medical certificates. If you are absent from class for healthreasons for between six and eleven weekdays, you should submit a medical certificatefrom a doctor or a self-certificate to the Infohub on the ground floor of the Hub,Elphinstone Road. A self-certificate should be a brief statement with your name, IDnumber and a brief explanation of the circumstances. If you are absent for more thaneleven working days (i.e. Monday-Friday), you must submit a medical certificate from adoctor.

9.4 Assessments/Exams

Courses can be assessed either by course-work or examination or a combination of both. Examinations take place in January for first semester courses and in May/Junefor second semester courses. The examination period is an integral element of thesemester. You will be expected to be available for the exam periods and you mustbudget and make your travel plans accordingly. It is NOT appropriate to ask tutors toprepare special assessments to avoid you having to be in Aberdeen for theexamination periods. If you are in Aberdeen for the first semester, you mustarrange to be in Aberdeen for the January exam period.

If you do have very genuine reasons why you cannot attend the examination period,your home university must submit a request to the ERASMUS Unit by [email protected]. The ERASMUS Unit will liaise with the relevant academicdiscipline(s) regarding the request. Approval of such requests is not guaranteed andyou must be aware that approval is very rarely granted. Requests based on financialconsiderations or personal convenience will not be approved as the dates of theexamination period are made very clear at a sufficiently early stage for arrangementsto be made accordingly.

Students are not permitted to sit University of Aberdeen assessments/exams outside

the University and you should not request such arrangements.


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9.5 Assessments and Illness

It is essential that you submit a medical certificate from a doctor in the followingcircumstances:

where illness has prevented you attending an exam

where you believe that your performance in an assessed piece of work hasbeen affected by illnesswhere illness has prevented you submitting a piece of assessed coursework bythe required deadline

The medical certificate should be submitted to the Infohub on the ground floor of theHub, Elphinstone Road. In addition, it is advisable to submit a copy to the relevantSchool(s).

The requirements for certification for absence for medical reasons or other good causeare detailed online at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x5.pdf

9.6 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use, without adequate acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of another person in work for assessment.

Please be aware that the University of Aberdeen has strict rules regarding plagiarism,with which all students are expected to comply.

When you prepare a piece of written work for assessment, it is expected that you willread books on the subject and consult relevant websites. When you write your piece of work, you may wish to use some of the ideas contained in what you have read or youmay want to include a quotation to illustrate a point you are making. When you do so, itis essential that you acknowledge the source of the idea or the quotation by usingcorrect referencing. If you do not do so, you may be accused of breaking the rulesregarding plagiarism.

You may also discuss a piece of written work with a friend. It is essential that the workyou submit is different. If you submit the same work, in part, or as a whole, you will beaccused of collusion i.e. not preparing work independently.

For more information on plagiarism, please see the webpages of the UniversitysStudent Learning Service: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism/.

Even if you will not be a student in the School of Language and Literature, their information on avoiding plagiarism is particularly helpful for visiting students and canbe found on their web pages at:http://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/international/erasmus.php.

Students accused of plagiarism or collusion will be subject to the Universitysdisciplinary procedures. The Code of Practice on Student Discipline can be found at:http://abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x15.pdf.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/international/erasmus.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/international/erasmus.phphttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism/


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Section 10: Leisure Activities

10.1 Clubs and Societies

The University of Aberdeen has a very active student social life. There are clubs and

societies which cover all interests from music-making to extreme sports. Aberdeen iswell situated for visiting other parts of Scotland and there is easy access to thecountryside with the possibility for hill-walking, climbing and skiing. Many academicsubjects have societies run by students which organise meetings, visits and manyother activities. Many of the sports clubs use the magnificent facilities available in thenew Aberdeen Sports Village which is located next to the university campus. You canfind more information at: http://www.aberdeensportsvillage.com/. There is a swimmingpool in the Kings Pavilion and outdoor tennis courts are also located t here.

Joining a society is a good way of meeting a wide range of other students. Informationcan be obtained through the Students Association in the Butchart Building.

10.2 Students Association (SA)

The SA is a group of elected students who represent student interests at theUniversity. It supports the activities of a wide range of student societies - academic,sporting, social, cultural - and also runs a range of services. The Student AdviceCentre can also help students find part-time employment and information onvolunteering possibilities.

The SAs function is to ensure that students enjoy their time at University, whether it befrom enjoying a drink with friends, to getting involved in one of the many clubs or societies. All students are welcome to come in to the SA offices in the Butchart

Building, University Road, for advice or visit http://www.ausa.org.uk/ for moreinformation.

10.3 Freshers Week

The SA also organises Freshers Week which takes pl ace in the first week of the firstsemester and in a smaller form at the beginning of the second semester (new studentsstarting university for the first time are traditionally known as Freshers). DuringFreshers Week, there is a Societies and Sports Clubs Fair , at which most studentclubs and societies are represented. Freshers Week is very informal and aims towelcome all new students to the University. There is no need for you to plan inadvance as information will be available when you arrive in Aberdeen. No teachingtakes place during Freshers Week in the first semester. You must ensure that you seeyour Departmental Coordinator/Adviser of Studies to finalise your registration with theUniversity. Apart from this requirement, you are free to participate in all welcomeevents, some of which will be organised specifically for visiting students. Moreimportant information will be available nearer the beginning of each semester athttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/. You will find details of specific events for newstudents, including welcome meetings for ERASMUS students, on these pages.

10.4 International Society

If you want to make the most of your stay in Scotland and to meet people from manydifferent countries, the International Society is for you. The Societys aim is to promoteintercultural understanding through social and cultural activities and to give students
http://www.aberdeensportsvillage.com/http://www.ausa.org.uk/http://www.ausa.org.uk/http://www.aberdeensportsvillage.com/


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the opportunity to experience Scottish life and tradition. Membership is open to allstudents at the University. The Societys program me of social events often includes ashopping trip to Glasgow, hunting the Loch Ness monster and weekend trips toEdinburgh, a haunted castle and islands on the West Coast.

Further details can be found either by e-mailing the Society at: [email protected]

(term- time only), by attending the Societies and Sports Clubs Fair in Freshers Weekor by visiting the Students Association in the Butchart Building.

10.5 Things to do in the City of Aberdeen

The city of Aberdeen has many opportunities for cultural and social activities includingcinemas, theatres, museums, music, dancing, eating and sports. The Union Squareshopping centre has a cinema and many places to eat as well as good shoppingopportunities. Many bars and nightclubs have special promotions for students andthere is a lively local music scene. Information is available through the localnewspapers, the Press and Journal and the Evening Express and also through thestudent newspaper Gaudie .

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will be able to go for walks on the beach which is easilyaccessible from Hillhead Halls of Residence. Remember to wrap up warm! Aberdeenalso has a number of lovely parks.

More information and contact details for leisure activities in Aberdeen can be found in Appendix IV in this booklet.

10.6 SNAPfax

If you enjoy shopping and going out, it may be a good idea to order an AberdeenSNAPFax. You pay a small fee (currently 3) and receive a SNAPfax full of discountvouchers for shops, restaurants, nightclubs etc. See http://www.snapfax.co.uk/ for more information.

10.7 Lonely Planet Guide

The University of Aberdeen has teamed up with the Lonely Planet to create anexclusive travel guide showcasing what Aberdeen has to offer students. You candownload the guide at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/documents/lonely-planet.pdf


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Section 11: Health and Insurance

11.1 Registration with a Medical Practice

Students who are studying full-time courses of any duration in Scotland are eligible

for National Health Service (NHS) treatment, that is, even if they are only planning tobe in the UK for a short time. This is automatic and you do not have to apply inadvance.

You may register with any local doctor General Practitioner or GP , however, if youwill be in Aberdeen for one semester only, registration will be at the discretion of theindividual medical practice. If you have an ongoing medical condition, you will beable to register, even if you will be in Aberdeen only for a short time. In this case, itis essential that you bring full documentation with you and register with a MedicalPractice as soon as possible after your arrival. It is recommended that all visitingstudents register with a Medical Practice if they will be in Aberdeen for a full

academic year. If you need to consult a doctor, you will be able to obtain anappointment more quickly if you are already a member of the Practice. You mayregister with any Medical Practice in the city. These are listed at http://www.yell.com.Search under Doctors and Aberdeen City Council. The contact details of allMedical Practices can be found at http://www.nhsgrampian.org/ . See GPs under Local Services and Clinics.

11.2 Dentist

Unfortunately, the UK is currently experiencing a shortage of NHS dentists,therefore it is normally only possible to register with a private dental practice whichis more costly. It is recommended that you see your dentist in your home countrybefore you come to Aberdeen and arrange to have treatment done there. Please beaware that emergency dental treatment in the UK will be expensive and it isadvisable to ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover this.

11.3 Student Counselling Service

In addition to medical services, there is also a Student Counselling Service whichprovides confidential guidance on matters which may trouble students. This serviceis freely available to all students and is located at 5 Dunbar Street, Old Aberdeen(e-mail: [email protected]). You may wish to consult the Counselling webpages at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/counselling.

11.4 Students with Disabilities

The University of Aberdeen welcomes applications from students with disabilities. If you have a disability such as deafness, visual impairment, dyslexia or other medicalproblems which may impair your performance in continuously assessed work and inexaminations you must ensure that you provide the necessary information on theDisclosure of Disabilities section of the application form. You will find information onthe support available at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/disabilities/.

To discuss your individual options and the support available, in confidence, please

e-mail the Disability Advisers at [email protected]. Once you arrive in Aberdeen you can make an appointment to see one of the Advisers at the Student Advice and Support Office, The Hub, Elphinstone Road.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/counsellinghttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/counselling


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Documentary evidence of any disability/medical condition will be required beforethe University can make any specific arrangements to support you in your studies.

Any medical evidence you provide must be in English or have an English translationattached. It will be filed confidentially in Student Support Services. A form indicatingwhich provisions you require will be sent to the Disabilities Coordinator in theSchool(s) in which you will be studying but will also be treated confidentially.

It is University policy to take specific disabilities into account when assessingstudents performance. It is, however, your responsibility to notify the University of such difficulties at the earliest opportunity and it is therefore important that youcontact a Disability Adviser as soon as possible.

11.5 Insurance

You are strongly advised to take out adequate personal accident and belongingsinsurance, preferably before departure to the UK, including cover for any items sentby air. Personal accident insurance and the insurance of your personal belongingsis your responsibility and the University of Aberdeen accepts no responsibility for this. If you intend to bring a car with you to the UK, you must ensure that you haveadequate motor insurance.


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For the purposes of the electronic Student Record System, the official dates of registration with the University are 18 September for the first semester and 28January for the second semester.

Should you have difficulty with Council Tax demands, please contact theERASMUS Unit at [email protected], however, it may not always be possible

for the ERASMUS Unit to help you and it is likely that you will still have to pay theCouncil Tax bill you have received.

12.3 Banks

On arrival in Aberdeen, you may wish to exchange money and this can be done atmost banks. If you choose to open a bank account in Aberdeen, it is advisable tochoose a bank which is reasonably close to the University campus or hall of residence. You will need to take along the following documents: student ID card,passport and an official letter from the University . If you are living in Halls of Residence and wish to open a bank account with one of the banks with which theUniversity has made special arrangements, this letter will be sent to your Universityof Aberdeen e-mail account the day after you have completed the registrationprocess in full.

Banks are normally open from 9.15 a.m. to 5.00 / 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.Some are open on Saturday mornings, normally until 12.30 p.m. The bank listedbelow is located within the Old Aberdeen University campus:

Bank of Scotland, University Branch, 91 High Street, Old Aberdeen

12.4 Post Offices

The nearest Post Office to Kings College is in the Spar shop on the corner of KingStreet and St. Machar Drive. Post Offices are open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pmMonday to Friday and on Saturday mornings between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm.

In the centre of town Post Offices are located in the basement of WH Smith in theSt Nicholas Shopping Centre and at 489 Union Street.

12.5 Travel

The following travel service can advise you on cheap travel (e.g. Student RailCards) and can book journeys and vacations world-wide:

STA Travel, 30 Upperkirkgate, AberdeenTel: 0871 702 9801

Other useful contacts can be found in Appendix IV of this booklet.


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Section 13: Exams and the End of Your Stay

13.1 Examinations

If you are registered for and attending a course for the first time, you will

automatically be entered for the exam in that course and there is no fee. Examdates and times will appear in your Student Portal when the timetable has beenfinalised. The ERASMUS Unit cannot provide information on the exam timetable. If you have lost your Class Certificate for non-attendance or non-submission of written work, the timetable for the exam concerned will not appear in your StudentPortal. Please see section 9.2 for further information.

Please note that you must not request special assessment arrangements in order toallow you to leave Aberdeen early or avoid returning to Aberdeen to sit exams. Allstudents are expected to sit exams at the end of each semester, in January and inMay/June and you must arrange to be in Aberdeen for the exam period.

13.2 Resit Examinations

If you have to resit an exam, you must formally register for that exam. You willhave to apply for the resit exam and pay the appropriate exam fee. All students,including visiting students, are required to pay a resit fee unless the result for thefirst attempt has been entered by the School as MC (Medical Certificate) or GC(Good Cause).

If you have a valid class certificate, you will be able to resit examinations in the August exam period or in the following January or May/June, depending on whether the course ran in the first or second semester. You will have a final attempt to passthe exam in the following August. After this, your class certificate will no longer bevalid and you would require special permission to resit the exam.

You can apply to take resit exams via your Student Portal and information onapplying for resit exams can also be found online at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/examinations.shtml

Please note that no special assessment arrangements will be made forvisiting students who fail an exam. You will be required to return to Aberdeento take the resit exam at the scheduled time. Exams may not be taken outsideAberdeen.

13.3 Exam Results

You will be able to access your exam results as soon as they become available viayour Student Portal by clicking on Exam Results.

You should note that appeals against exam/assessment results must reach the Academic Registrar by 4.00 p.m. on the fourteenth day after the result is accessiblevia your Student Portal. The Universitys Policy on Academic Appeals can beaccessed at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x18a.pdf


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13.4 Transcripts

When you have completed your period of study in Aberdeen and the results youhave obtained have been processed, a Transcript of Records detailing these resultswill be sent to your home address automatically. It is your responsibility toensure prior to your departure from Aberdeen that your home address as

listed on the Student Portal is accurate. Please note that Transcripts will beprinted only once the exam results for all students have been processed. You willnormally receive your Transcript 4-6 weeks after the end of the semester. You willbe able to see your results in your Student Portal as soon as they are available.Please note that transcripts can be delayed if academic departments submit examresults late.

The Transcript is an official document which explains how your results can beconverted to the ECTS Grading Scale. It is your responsibility to pass a copy of your Transcript on to your home institution, however, please note that theERASMUS Unit will send a copy of the transcript directly to the home university if arequest is received from that institution. You may also request this by e-mail [email protected].

If you have had to take resit exams, please note that a transcript will not be sent toyou automatically as the ERASMUS Unit does not have a record of students whohave applied for resits. Once your resit result is available, you may request that arevised transcript be sent to you by e-mailing [email protected].

13.5 ERASMUS Student Diploma

If you are registered as an ERASMUS student at the University of Aberdeen for anentire academic year and achieve a minimum of 120 Aberdeen credit points duringyour period of registration, you have the right to apply for an ERASMUS StudentDiploma. Should you wish to do so, please ask your Adviser of Studies to inform theERASMUS Unit or e-mail [email protected] directly. When we receive thisrequest, the ERASMUS Unit will complete an application for the award of theERASMUS Student Diploma on your behalf and your name will be submitted to thenext meeting of the University Senate, the governing body of the University, whohave the authority to award Diplomas and Degrees in absentia i.e. without thecandidate being present. The diploma certificate will be sent to the home addresswhich is listed on your Student Portal as soon as possible after the meeting of theUniversity Senate. Please note that there will be a delay in sending your Diploma if the University Senate is not due to meet at the time of your application for the

award.Please see Appendix III of this booklet for the regulations governing the award of the ERASMUS Student Diploma.


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Section 14: Pre-Departure and Arrival Checklists

14.1 Before Departure from Home

A checklist to ensure that you have done everything before your departure

CHECKLIST TICK

Complete online applicationSend your signed ECTS Learning Agreement to theERASMUS Unit of the University of AberdeenReceive a Letter of Acceptance from the ERASMUS Unit, withcontact details of your Departmental ERASMUS Coordinator

Applied for University (or alternative) accommodation?Receive details from the Accommodation Office?

Apply for a visa, if relevant

Upload a photograph for your ID cardComplete all four parts of electronic registrationContact your Departmental ERASMUS Coordinator to arrange

an advising/registration appointmentCheck that your passport/national ID card validCheck if you have any other documents you might need?(eg Birth Certificate, Driving licence )

Arrange financial support ( e.g. ERASMUS grant )Make your travel arrangementsCheck that you know how to reach your accommodation

Have you chec ked the New Students website for last -minuteinformation (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/)

14.2 On Arrival in Aberdeen

CHECKLIST TICK

Complete e-registration if you have not already done so.Meet with your Adviser of Studies/Departmental ERASMUSCoordinator to register formally with the University.Collect your student ID card (

after registering with your

Adviser of Studies).Collect your student information pack (Freshers Pack) fromthe Students Association.

Attend any welcome meetings as detailed on the NewStudents website at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/Register with a Medical Practice if appropriateVisit the Departments where you will study and identify whereyour first classes will be held

Arrange for Confirmation of Arrival/Changes to Learning Agreement forms to be signed


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Appendices

I Standard Terms Governing Offers of Admission

to the University

II Electronic Registration: A brief step-by-step guide

III ERASMUS Student Diploma

IV Useful Contact Information


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Appendix I

Office of External AffairsStudent Recruitment & Admissions Service

University Office, King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FXTel: +44 (0) 1224 273504; email [email protected]

www.abdn.ac.uk/sras

STANDARD TERMS GOVERNING OFFERS OF ADMISSIONTO THE UNIVERSITY

Acceptance of an offer of admission is subject to the following terms andconditions. You must read these before you accept.

a) Any offer of admission to the University is made on the understanding that inaccepting it you will undertake to observe the Ordinances and Resolutions of theUniversity Court and to abide by the rules and regulations which the Universitymakes for its students from time to time, and also to observe the terms andconditions contained in the latest edition of the relevant University Prospectus. Any

offer is contingent upon the acceptance of these terms and conditions by you andtherefore you must read them before you accept it.

b) Any offer of admission is made without prejudice to the right of the University tovary or withdraw it if information of a serious nature comes to the notice of theuniversity (whether relating to events occurring before or after the date of the offer)which could reasonably have influenced the Universitys decision if known at thetime the offer was made.

c) Any offer of admission does not imply that any financial assistance will beavailable from the University.

d) Admission to individual courses within any degree, diploma or certificateprogramme is subject to the satisfaction of academic prerequisites and, wherecourse numbers are restricted, to the availability of places. ERASMUS and other full-time non-graduating students whose native language is not English wishing toregister for courses at Level 3 in English may be required to sit a diagnostic testbefore being permitted to register for such courses.

e) With the exception of ERASMUS and other students admitted under reciprocalexchange agreements and of staff under a contract of employment to the University,all students are required to pay tuition fees annually. Details of these fees can befound at www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/tuitionfees Estimates of the other expenses whichmay be incurred by students taking courses in specified subjects are contained inthe University Calendar, available at www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar If youreceive an award from a source which carries with it payment of all or part of your
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/tuitionfeeshttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendarhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendarhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/tuitionfeeshttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/mailto:[email protected]


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tuition fees direct to the University, these fees will be claimed from the award-givingbody, and you will be invoiced for any balance, once the amount of their contributionis known. Otherwise you will be responsible for ensuring th

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