Glossary of Terms

Academic Reps

• Supported by Hull University Students' Union, academic reps gather feedback from students on their programme and raise issues with academic staff at student staff forums. University-wide issues are discussed at course rep forums.
• Click here to find out about becoming a course rep.

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Academic Standards

• The standards set by degree-awarding bodies for their courses (programmes and modules) and expected for their awards. See also threshold academic standard.
• Click here to find out more about academic standards.

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Academic Year

• The year running from September to June which is split into trimesters with the Christmas and Easter breaks in-between.Some exceptions apply as healthcare students will be taught over the summer months also.

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Accredited

• Where appropriate, courses with accreditation are endorsed by the appropriate professional body. For example, courses in accounting and finance are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

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Additional Consideration

• If a student is experiencing issues preventing them from completing an assessment, either at all or to the best of their abilities,they may request to retake the assessment at a later date. Evidence (such as self-certification) will be needed to support the request.
• Click here to view the Extension and Additional Consideration Request guidance.

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Advice Centre (HUSU)

• An independent advice service for students, managed by Hull University Students' Union. The Advice Centre can offer impartial guidance and support on a range of topics including finance, accommodation, employment and academic issues.
• For more information about the Advice Center, click here.

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Alumni

• Former students of the University.
• To find out more about the Alumni network, click here.

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Annual General Meeting (AGM)

• An open meeting of a society/sports team for all members to attend often used to elect the next committee for the next academic year and discuss any future development for the club.

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Annual Review

• PhD students are required to undertake both six-month and annual progress review meetings. Progression is dependent on successful completion of such assessments.

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Athena SWAN

• The University of Hull is committed to the ten key principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which promotes gender equality within the University.
• To find out more about the Athena SWAN Charter, click here.

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Athletic Union (AU)

• The body supporting the sports clubs as part of Hull University Students' Union.
• To find out more about the Athletic Union, click here.

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Award

• A qualification, or academic credit, conferred in formal recognition that a student has achieved the intended learning outcomes and passed the assessments required to meet the academic standards set for a programme or unit of study.

Bachelor Degree

• An undergraduate degree. Usually abbreviated to something like:
  • BA (Bachelor of Arts)
  • BSc (Bachelor of Science)
  • LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

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Bibliography

• List of materials used in the preparation of a written work often including sources used in the process of researching and writing your work.
• To learn how to produce one, click here.

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The British Universities and College Sport (BUCS)

• The governing body for university sport in The United Kingdom.
• To find out more about BUCS, click here.

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Bursary (or Scholarship)

• A sum of money paid to eligible students to fund their studies. Bursary and Scholarship payments are separate to student loans, and do not have to be repaid.
• To find out more about Bursaries and Scholarships, click here.

Campus

• The University's grounds and buildings.
• Map
• Campus Tour

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Canvas

• The University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Canvas is the online site where students can submit assignments, review lecture slides and other resources, and receive important messages about their teaching, such as changes to the timetable.
• Click here to access Canvas.

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Certificate Stage

• The first year of a degree, after which a Certificate of Higher Education may be awarded, subject to passing a sufficient number of credits.

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Citation

• A reference to a source used in your work.
• For guides on citations and referencing, click here.

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Credits

• Credits are awarded for passing each module; 20 credits are usually awarded for each module completed. Credits are required in order to progress onto the next level of study.

Dean

• The Dean is the head of faculty, providing academic and strategic leadership.

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Degree-Awarding Body

• A UK higher education provider (typically a university) with the power to award a degree. The University of Hull is a degree-awarding body.

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Diploma Stage

• The second year of a degree, after which a Diploma of Higher Education may be awarded, subject to passing a sufficient number of credits.

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Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

• Students can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs that may be incurred because of a mental-health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. Students can get the allowances on top of other student finance. Students will not need to repay DSAs.
• Click here to find out more about DSAs.

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Dissertation

• This is a large-scale project that is completed in a student’s final year of study. This project is based on a specific topic and is unique to the individual as the work and research is their own. Specifications vary by subject area. Further details can be acquired through your Personal Supervisor.

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Distance Learning

• A course of study that does not involve face-to-face contact between students and tutors but instead uses technology such as the internet and VLE.

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Doctoral College (aka The Graduate School)

• The Doctoral College (formerly the Graduate School) provides support to postgraduate research students. The Doctoral College also oversees the Postgraduate Training Scheme (PGTS).
• Click here to find out more about the Doctoral College.

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Dual or Double Award

• The granting of separate awards (and certificates) for the same programme by two degree-awarding bodies who have jointly delivered the programme of study leading to them. See also multiple award.

Enrolment

• The process of confirming that you'll be studying at the University, sharing your details with the University, and collecting your student card. There are 2 parts to enrolment:
  • Online - you will do this before you arrive, and will need to do this every year you are studying here
  • Face to Face - you will do this during your first few days at University, and will only need to be done once at the start of your course, not each year.

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Expectations

• Statements that set out what students can expect from the University, and vice versa.

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Extension Request

• If a student is unable to submit a piece of work by the deadline, they may apply for an extension. Detailed evidence must be provided to support the request. Click here to view the Extensions and Additional Consideration Request guidance.

Faculty

• A faculty represents a number of subject areas that are grouped together for administration and management. Each faculty is headed up by a Dean, who reports to the Vice Chancellor. We have 4 Faculties:
  • FACE - Faculty of Arts, Cultures, and Education
  • FOSE - Faculty Of Science and Engineering
  • FHS - Faculty of Health Sciences
  • FBLP - Faculty of Business, Law, and Politics

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First Degree

• Usually used to refer to a student's undergraduate degree, as it comes before a masters or PhD.

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Foundation Year

• Some students will undertake a foundation year before starting on their course, in-order to better prepare them for higher education. Foundation years are sometimes called PreCert years, or Year 0. Each Faculty has a dedicated Foundation Year tutor who is there to help ensure foundation year students are best supported with their learning. You can find out who your foundation year tutor is by contacting your Student Hub.

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Framework

• A published formal structure.

Good Practice

• A process or way of working that makes a particularly positive contribution to academic standards and the quality of educational provision. Sometimes called Best Practice.

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Grades

• University work is usually graded as follows:
  • First class honours (1^st) - 70% and higher
  • Second class honours, upper division (2:1)- between 60-69%
  • Second class honours, lower division (2:2)- between 50-59%
  • Third class honours- between 40-49%

Halls of Residence

• A place where students live, the university halls of residence are mostly on campus.
• You can see the different halls of residence by clicking here.

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Higher Education

• Used to refer to education at a university or similar. Universities are also called HEIs, or Higher Education Institutions.

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Honours Stage

• The final year of an undergraduate degree, after which a student may receive their award, subject to having passed enough credits.

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Hub

• Hubs provide administrative support and general advice as well as guidance for all student queries. Each faculty has a hub and Student Services have the Central Hub based within Student Central. A map of the Hubs can be found here.

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HUBS

• Short for the Hull University Business School, based within the Faculty of Business, Law, and Politics.

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Hull University Students' Union (HUSU)

• The students’ union provides opportunities for all students to get involved, connect, develop and help make change. They can also provide advice and support on a range of issues. HUSU are based in Student Central.
• Click here to visit HUSU's website.

Induction

• Induction is about familiarising yourself with the University and learning about the various systems, processes, and support available. There are 2 kinds of induction:
  • eInduction- you will do this on myJourney before you arrive. It will consist of interactive modules, and will allow you to get an overview of the University
  • Face to Face - this will happen throughout your first few weeks at University, and will consist of things like your Personal Supervisor and teaching staff, collecting any equipment you need for your course, and touring the campus. It will also give you a chance to get to know other students, both on and off your course.

Learning Opportunities

• Provision made for students’ learning, including planned study, teaching, assessment, academic and personal support, and resources.

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Learning Outcomes

• What a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completing a process of learning. There are currently being phased out at Hull in favour of competencies.

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Lecture

• Educational talk led by a lecturer to a group of students.

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Level

• Levels are a national framework that represent the complexity of the work. There are 9 levels in total, and University qualifications typically start at Level 4. Progressing onto the next year of your course typically means moving up a level.
  • Level 4 - this is typically the first year of your course, or the certificate stage
  • Level 5 - this is typically the second year of your course, or the diploma stage
  • Level 6 - this is typically the third year of your course, or the final stage.
  • Level 7 - this is typically a masters year, either as a standalone MA or MSc, or as an integrated MEng, MChem, or MSci.
  • Level 8 - this is typically a PhD or DPhil qualification.

Maintenance Loan

• Loan given to students to help with living costs.
• You can apply and access information about your maintenance loan through Student Finance.

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Master's Degree

• A postgraduate degree. Usually abbreviated to something like:
  • MA (Master of Arts)
  • MSc (Master of Science)
  • LLM (Master of Laws)

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Methodology

• A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

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Module

• Each year of your course will contain discrete modules that make up a year's worth of learning. Modules are usually themed around one particular topic, and in some cases you are able to pick your modules. Undergraduate modules are usually worth 20 credits each, and so by sitting 6 modules in a year, you achieve the 120 credits required to progress to the next year of your (honours) degree.

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Module Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ)

• An anonymous survey carried out at the end of each module, allowing students to provide feedback on what worked well and what could be improved. MEQs are carried out electronically, and accessed through Canvas.

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Module Leader

• A module leader is the academic member of staff who is responsible for the running and management of a module. They will usually teach at least part of the content and are likely to have been involved in the design of the module content. They are a point of contact for any queries about the module. Sometimes referred to as ML by Faculty staff. 
• You can find out who the module leader is for any module from your Student Hub.

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MRes

• An MRes postgraduate Master's by research degree typically undertaken in preparation of a PhD. An MRes may be awarded in cases where a student has not achieved the required level to be awarded a PhD.

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myHull (aka The Portal)

• myHull is the University's Student Information System. You might hear this being referred to as SITS. You can access myHull through any internet browser (including on your phone), by going to my.hull.ac.uk. myHull has recently replaced myAdmin. Some of the things you can do on the myHull portal are:
  • Update your personal details such as phone number, address, and preferred name
  • Apply for new courses (such as a Master's or PhD)
  • View your academic results
  • See your Individual Learning Support Adjustments
  • Check your tuition and accommodation fees, set up direct debits, and make payments
  • Ask a question to be answered by your hub or Student Services (you might hear this being referred to as SID)
  • View and cancel appointments with Student Services.

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myJourney

• An eLearning portal containing information and guidance around a number of processes and policies that the University has. It is also where you can complete your eInduction, and is used to keep students in the know about various changes. myJourney can be accessed by clicking the home button above, or by going to myjourney.hull.ac.uk.

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myVoice

• myVoice allows you share feedback, ideas, and compliments with the university. To share your feedback, just visit myvoice.hull.ac.uk.

Office for Students (OfS)

• The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education (including universities) in England. The OfS can provide information as well as advice and guidance to students.
• Click here to learn more about the OfS.

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Ordinary Degree

• An ordinary degree is awarded when a student has completed their course, but has not passed enough credits for an hours degree.
• Click here for more information about award regulations.

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OSCE

An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical assessment used on medical courses. An OSCE is designed to assess your ability to competently apply your professional skills and knowledge in a simulated clinical environment.

Panopto

• Panopto is a system that records teaching such as lectures, and allows you to watch them back at a later date. Panopto can be access through Canvas, by visiting the module site for the lecture you want to rewatch.

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Pebblepad

• Used as an alternative to Canvas by some subjects.
• Click here to access Pebblepad.

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Personal Supervisor

• Personal Supervisor's are academic members of staff who offer encouragement and guidance to help each student achieve and succeed. All students are assigned a Personal Supervisor as a first point of contact for any academic or personal concerns or support.
• If you're unsure who your Personal Supervisor is, you can find out under the ‘My Details’ tab on the myHull portal.

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PhD

• The highest level of qualification you can achieve at University. It typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete, and is awarded based on unique, individual research. Some PhDs are funded, and others are self-funded. You may be eligible for a doctoral loan to help fund your studies.
• To find out more about the University's current PhD scholarships, click here.

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Plagiarism

• Plagiarism is taking the work of others and passing it off as your own (even unintentionally). This may result in failure or expulsion. It’s easy to avoid if you follow referencing guidelines.
• Click here to access more information about referencing and plagiarism.

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Postgraduate

• A postgraduate is a student who has completed their first (undergraduate) degree, who has continued their study with either a Master's or PhD.

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Postgraduate Training Scheme (PGTS)

• The PGTS is a free, accredited training scheme specifically for postgraduate research students. On completion, students receive a specific qualification in research training.
• Click here to access information about the PGTS.

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Professional Services

• The term used to describe all non-academic employees of a University. Examples of Professional Services Staff (PSS) include:
  • Staff in your Student Hub
  • Staff in Student Services
  • Staff in departments such as Estates, Human Resources, and Payroll amongst many others.

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Programme Director

• A programme director is the academic member of staff in charge of a programme (commonly called a course). They are the point of contact for queries about the programme of study itself. Sometimes referred to as PD by Faculty staff. 

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Programme (of Study)

• The term used to describe the subject or course being studied by a student, such as Human Biology or Accounting and Finance.

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Programme Specification

• A document containing all the information about a particular programme or group of programmes. Information about teaching and learning methods, course content, module choices and assessment methods will be included in the document. If you cannot find your programme specification on Canvas, please contact your Student Hub.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

• The agency safeguarding standards and quality of UK higher education.
• Click here to learn more about the QAA.

Referencing

• The method of providing sources for facts, quotes, and opinions used from other people’s work, and for giving them due credit.
• The library has guides and workshops on how to use the different types appropriately.

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Research Excellence Framework (REF)

• The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national body that assesses the quality of research in UK higher education. The University submits evidence to fulfil a specific range of criteria in research output and performance, which is then ranked globally. The next REF assessment will take place in 2028.

Scholarship (or Bursary)

• A sum of money paid to eligible students to fund their studies. Bursary and Scholarship payments are separate to student loans, and do not have to be repaid.
• To find out more about Bursaries and Scholarships, click here.

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SEAtS (Student Tap-In)

• The University uses a digital attendance monitoring system in order to identify students who might be having issues engaging with their course, in-order to offer them support and ensure they are getting the most out of their course. You can check your attendance record and log any notified absences through the website at hull.seats.cloud.
• To watch a video explaining the system, please click here.

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Semester

• An old term to describe how the University splits its year up. The period from September to December was referred to as Semester 1, and from January to May as Semester 2. This term was superseded by Trimester.

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Seminar

• Smaller group of people to that of a lecture, where the lecturer and students can discuss topics, materials and reading.

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Skills Team

• A team based in the Library who support students with study skills and similar issues.
• Click here to learn more about the Skills Team.

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Specific Learning Difference (SpLD)

• SpLDs are diagnosable conditions that causes someone to have a difference or difficulty in their learning. Common SpLDs are Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, and Attention Deficit related conditions.
• The University provides support for students with SpLDs through its Learning Support​ and To undertake the screener, please click here..

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Student/Staff Forum (SSF)

• A regular meeting where academic reps can discuss issues with staff from the University to come up with solutions and improve the student experience.

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Student Card

• Your student card identifies you as a student at the University. It will have a photo of you on it, along with your name and student number. You will receive your student card at Face-to-Face enrolment. If you lose your student card, you can purchase a replacement from the Central Hub​ (1st Floor - Student Central​ ), or online. You can use your student card to:
  • Tap-In to teaching to record your attendance
  • Access the library and take books out
  • Access certain rooms and buildings on campus if you have permission
  • Use it to get discounts on buses and in some shops

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Student Life​ Team

• The Student Life​ Team provide support around non-academic issues. They offer advice and guidance on dealing with life events that may impact on your study, can help with workload and prioritisation skills, issues within your accommodation or simply be a helpful ear to help you discover what support is available. The team can be contacted through the myHull portal portal and can offer both in-person and telephone appointments, as well as advice over email.

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Students' Union

• The Students' Union (Hull University Students' Union, or HUSU)provides opportunities for all students to get involved, connect, develop and help make change. They can also provide advice and support on a range of issues. HUSU are based in Student Central.
• Click here to visit HUSU's website.

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Student Handbook

• Sometimes referred to as Module Handbooks or Programme Handbooks, these digital resources contain everything you need to know about your programme/course/module, from assessments, to contact time, to lecture content. They can be found on Canvas. If you cannot find the handbook you are looking for, please contact your student hub through the myHull portal

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Student Number

• This a unique number used to identify you as a student. It it on your student card, and will usually begin with your year of entry, such as 202012345. It is different to your 6 digit user ID.

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Student Services

• Student Services manage all aspects of the student journey, from arrival and enrolment through to graduation. Student Services are here to support your success, and have a number of different services available, including:
  • Student Life​ Team
  • Learning Support​ Team
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing Team Team
  • Disability Inclusion Team
  • Student Futures (Careers) Team
  • Student Billing & Financial Support Team
  • and the Central Hub​.
• All teams in Student Services can be access through the Central Hub​ on the 1st Floor - Student Central​ , via telephone on 01482462222, or through the Talk to Us tab on the myHull portal portal.

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Student Societies

• Student societies are clubs and organisations set up and run by students, they cover a wide range of interests and can be a good way to meet new people and try new things.
• To find out more, click here.

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Student Support

• This is the area of Student Services responsible for providing support to students across a range of issues such as mental and physical health, SpLD support, and Student Life​.

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Supervisor (or Supervisory Panel)

• Research students are allocated a supervisor or supervisory panel to assist the student and to monitor progress. Supervisors provide guidance and support, organise regular meetings and report on the student's progress to the Doctoral College. This is a different role to a Personal Supervisor.

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Surety

• This is a document used as a guarantee that you have enough finances for your year abroad and you will be self-sufficient and not dependent on the state. It can be provided in forms of bank statements, or savings accounts that will be shown to the embassy when you apply for a visa.

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Suspension (of studies)

• The process that allows a student to 'pause' their studies for a defined period of time, and allows them to resume their studies at the same point at a later date.
• To view the guidance on the suspension process, click here.

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

• The standard by which a university’s teaching quality is measured and assessed.
• Click hear to learn more about the TEF.

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Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)

• Learning that is delivered or supported through the use of technology, such as with interactive quizzes.

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Thesis

• An independent and original research essay, normally produced by a PhD candidate.

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Threshold Academic Standard

• The minimum acceptable level of achievement that a student has to demonstrate to be eligible for an academic award.

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Trimester

• The university's year is split into three separate trimesters:
  • Trimester 1 runs from September to January;
  • Trimester 2 from January to June;
  • Trimester 3 from June to September.
• Most undergraduate courses are taught in Trimesters 1 and 2, with 3 modules being taught in each trimester.

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Tuition Loan

• This loan is paid directly to the university to cover your course costs through Student Finance.
• You can apply for and access information about your loan through Student Finance.

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TurnItIn

• TurnItIn is used by most universities to detect plagiarism in work submitted by students.
• You can find out more about TurnItIn here.

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Tutor

• Typically used to refer to a member of teaching staff, and is used interchangeable with lecturer. It is a different role to that of a Personal Supervisor.

Undergraduate

• An undergraduate is someone who is studying for a degree, but has not yet graduated, i.e. is undertaking their first degree.

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User ID

• This is a 6 digit number that you use to log-on to the University's systems, such as Email, Canvas, or myJourney.

Vice Chancellor

• The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer and senior academic officer of the University, and is responsible to the University Council for maintaining and promoting the efficiency and good order of the University. The Vice-Chancellor chairs the University Leadership Team and Senate.
• The University's Vice Chancellor is Professor Dave Petley

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Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

• A virtual learning environment is a piece of software used to access learning resources, submit assignments, and receive feedback. The University uses Canvas as its VLE, which you can access at canvas.hull.ac.uk or by downloading the app.

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Viva

• A viva is an oral examination of a piece of work. Most commonly, viva's are used to assess PhD students on their thesis following submission to ensure it is their own work, however some Master's programmes will also include a viva.Once the student has passed the viva and any corrections and amendments have been made, the student is deemed to have completed their degree.