Helpdesk

Like all universities in the UK, the University of Bedfordshire have several policies in place to protect you and the academic standards of the institution. Most student won’t ever need to refer to them, but it is important to know what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you are being referred to one of these policies.   Academic Discipline Academic concerns and other academic offences can have some very serious consequences, so it is important that you know how to avoid getting yourself into any difficult situations whilst studying. The University's Study Hub has lots of helpful information about this.   Academic Concerns occur if the university believes that the academic integrity of your work has been compromised, but without direct intent from you. Academic Offences occur if the university believes and it can be demonstrated on the balance of probabilities that the academic integrity of your work has been compromised, with deliberate intent from you, ...

The first thing to note is that although it sounds worrying, an academic concern may arise if the university believes the academic integrity of your work has been compromised, but without direct intent from you. Therefore, you will be invited to a meeting with your tutor to discuss the matter and to be given guidance about how to prevent this from happening again in the future.   You will be asked to sign a form at the meeting to show that you have received the guidance and have understood what is expected from your academic work.   It is worth noting that even after you attend this meeting, you might be required to resubmit your work as a resit to prove that you are able to meet the standards set out in the learning objectives.   Academic concerns are kept on record and if any further academic concerns are raised against you, the university might consider this to be a more serious academic offence. This is because you have signed to acknowledge that you have received guidanc...

If it is considered that your work contains an academic offence, you will be sent an email to both your student account and the personal account listed on your SITS record (it is important to keep this up to date).   The email will inform you of: the offence the evidence the university has obtained and to provide you with a form (AOF3)    You must complete the AOF3 to indicate how you wish to respond to the allegation. You will be asked to respond by a certain date, after which your case will be considered at an Academic Conduct Panel meeting.    Filling out an AOF3 form   Before completing the AOF3, it is important to consider your options because you cannot appeal the decision of the panel (unless you believe the process was not followed correctly), even if you feel that the outcome to be unfair.   You will be asked to tick one of the following options on the form: I accept the allegation I do not accept the allegation   If you accept the allegation, you are ...

A viva (short for "viva voce") is an oral examination that evaluates your understanding of your submitted work.  When Does a Viva Happen? A viva is usually scheduled if your work shows a high percentage of similarity to another source, suggests the use of AI, or appears to have been produced by someone else. Before the Viva Invitation: You will receive an email inviting you to attend a viva at least 5 days before the scheduled date. The email will explain why the viva is taking place. Attendance: You must attend the viva. If you don't attend, it will be assumed that you can't defend your work, and your assignment will be sent to the Academic Conduct Panel with an Academic Offence Form (AOF). Unable to Attend: If you can't attend, inform the panel at least 48 hours in advance, providing a valid reason and evidence. Special Considerations: If you have medical or other issues (e.g., a learning disability), inform the panel. You may need to pro...

Preparing for a Viva is important to ensure that...  Show off what you know  You can defend your work  Demonstrate your understanding Maintain academic honesty Here are some tips to help you prepare for the Viva:  Be Confident: Believe in yourself! You're the expert on your own assignment. This is your time to shine and convince the panel of your findings. Stay Calm: It's totally normal to feel nervous, but try to stay calm. Take deep breaths and take your time when answering questions from the panel Keep Hydrated: Have a bottle of water with you. Taking small sips can help keep you focused and refreshed during your Viva. Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand a question, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. It's better to be sure before you answer. Know Your Assignment: Make sure you understand everything in your assignment, from the content to the methodology. Revisit it to refresh your memory.  Practice,...