Criteria for a pass in the academic award stream for all modules

In order to gain academic credit for a course module, students will have to be satisfactory in both contribution to the Discussion Forums and in the Assignment

1.Contribution to the Discussion Forums. This is an essential part of the course for those who want to gain academic credit. Each of the Modules has five Topics, each covering a different aspect of the subject that you are studying. Each of the Topics has a discussion forum where you are asked a question related to the resources and the focus of the Topic. Taking part in this discussion is an important aspect of your learning on this Topic. You will find that sharing your thoughts with other participants will deepen your understanding about the Topic. Try to think of this discussion as a face to face meeting. Be prepared to make an active contribution and offer your ideas but also comment on the messages that other participants have made All students who wish to gain academic credit are required to contribute to the discussions. These contributions will be assessed. For students who are not studying for an award, you will find it useful and interesting to read the discussions and are encouraged to contribute (you will need to do so once to gain a certificate of participation - see below). The conversations are more interesting when more students join in. The Topics are run over 2 weeks which should give you time to visit each discussion at least once to contribute. Contribution to at least 3 of the Discussion forums (that is in 3 of the 5 Topics) is required, and the contributions will be assessed according to the level of contribution. Your contribution should be relevant and reflect thought about the topic and the contribution of others, and specifically draw on the recommended resources being studied in the Topic when contributing to the discussions. You may also identify and present relevant case studies or journal articles to add to the resources we have presented.

2.Final Assignment. Each module has a final assignment, found in Topic 5. Full instructions are given in each one, and you are referred to the Student Handbook at http://www.peoples-uni.org/content/student-handbook where there is much information about the assignment, including the importance of making sure to avoid plagiarism. The grading of the assignment will require a Masters level of achievement and will cover the following criteria: a) The assignment should be satisfactory in covering at least 3 of the 5 headline competencies which are identified at the start of each Topic (the assessment criteria are clearly shown under each headline competence in each Topic) (again, at a Master's level) b) The assignment should be satisfactory in its structure, evidence of critical thinking, and use of references c) There should be no evidence of plagiarism

Notes: in some modules there are 'progress assignments' and quizzes – these are to help you gauge progress and are not for credit. In some modules, there are two assignments for credit. We have identified an 'assignment tutor' who will help with guidance about general issues relating to assignments – this will take place on the Student Corner. The Biostatistics course module has two assignments, you have to pass both.

Criteria for gaining a 'certificate of participation' for those taking part in the Continuing Professional Development stream. You should have accessed the resources, taken part in each of the quiz questions where they are present, and contributed in any way to at least one of the discussion forums.