Taught postgraduate issues
Frequently asked questions: :
I am a postgraduate student, can I visit Student Services?
My postgraduate experience isn't what I expected, is this normal?
Who should I tell about my difficulties with my studies?
I’m not able to study or work, but should I sit my exam?
I feel that I am not getting proper supervision/feedback, is there anything I can do?
What is academic misconduct?
I need to take a break from my studies. What are my options?
I didn’t achieve the required grades to continue to the dissertation, can I appeal?
Q: I am a postgraduate student, can I visit Student Services?
A: Of course! Student Services are available to all postgraduate students. Many postgraduate students can feel a little lost when they start at St Andrews, so popping in for a chat can often help. We are also there for you if you experience difficulties – whatever those might be - throughout your degree. Things don’t always go to plan, so whether it’s your health, finances, family, personal life or you just aren’t very happy about something come in and see us as soon as possible. It’s better to sort things out sooner rather than later.
Q: My postgraduate experience isn't what I expected, is this normal?
A: All postgraduate experiences are different. Many students take a little time to adjust to the level and independent learning required for postgraduate study. Postgraduate students also tend to be unsure of their role, and that of their supervisor. For more information, see the Policy for supervisors and students in taught postgraduate programmes.
Q: I am having a problem/personal difficulty/family problem/an illness which is affecting my ability to work or revise or sit an exam or test. Should I let anyone know?
A: Have a look at
As soon as you begin to have difficulties, you should contact:
- Student Services - your circumstances can be logged (and in some cases communicated to the School) and appropriate support and advice will be offered.
- Your School/s - staff can provide advice on academic matters.
- If you have been absent, view Absence reporting.
It is better to notify the University as soon as you experience difficulties. It may then be possible to arrange deferred or alternative assessment. It is much more difficult to arrange such allowances late in the module or after the module mark has been reported.
Q: I have an exam, but I am experiencing difficulties (illness, bereavement, personal circumstances) which are affecting my ability to revise, and I don't feel I will perform well in the exam. Should I sit the exam anyway?
A: This is entirely your choice, but there are several things you should be aware of. If you choose not to sit the exam, you may need to provide some evidence as to why you were unable to attend the exam. Deferred assessment is not automatically guaranteed, and you'll need to talk to your School about your options. However, if you choose to sit the exam (especially if the School offer you deferred assessment), it is much more difficult to make allowances for your circumstances at a later date. You should also bear in mind that if you pass a module, you cannot take the module again.
Q: I feel that I am not getting proper supervision/feedback, is there anything I can do?
A: Yes. If you feel you can, discuss this directly with your supervisor/adviser/module coordinator. If you cannot do this, you should attempt to consult one of the following people, as you feel appropriate:
- the School director of Postgraduate Studies, or programme organiser
- the Head of School
- the Postgraduate Pro Dean
- Student Services
Make sure you have read the relevant sections of the Policy for supervisors and students in taught postgraduate programmes, detailing the responsibilities of the supervisor and the student. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it is your postgraduate study, but the staff in your school are there to guide you through it.
Q: What is academic misconduct?
A: Academic misconduct, or plagiarism includes:
- the presentation of material as yours when it is not;
- the presentation of material whose origin is academically inappropriate;
- academically inappropriate behaviour in an examination or class test.
This includes not referring work correctly, or copying material. Some cases are picked up by staff, and others are identified by plagiarism detection software. The University has an Academic Misconduct Policy and all cases are treated severely. If you have been accused of academic misconduct, you should seek further guidance from Iain Cupples, Student Advocate, at the Students' Association.
There is also a student guide to avoiding academic misconduct allegations.
Q: I need to take a break from my studies. What are my options?
A: Have a look at the guidance on taking time out. Most taught postgraduate programmes are completed in 12 months, so you may need to take a full year out to get back to where you left your studies. To discuss this further, contact the Postgraduate Pro-Dean of the relevant Faculty and your supervisor/adviser.
Q: I didn’t achieve the required grades to continue to the dissertation, can I appeal?
A: Please see the relevant section of Appeals, complaints and academic complaints. This document will outline the accepted grounds and process involved in making an appeal. You may also want to seek further advice from Iain Cupples, Student Advocate. Bear in mind that you will need proper grounds for appeal, otherwise you will not be allowed to proceed to the dissertation and will instead graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.