BSMS London Student Handbook Version 2.1
Table of Contents
1. Welcome and Introduction
- Welcome Message
- About BSMS
2. Joining BSMS
- Enrolment Requirements
- Induction Programme
- Tuition Fees and Payment Options
3. Learning at BSMS
- Commencing Your Studies
- Course Content and Regulations
- Assignments, Deadlines, and Extensions
- Plagiarism and Referencing Standards
4. Student Life and Support
- Student Union
- Student Support Services
- Equality and Diversity
- Student Code of Conduct
- Staff–Student Professional Relationships
- Fitness to Study
5. Assessments and Academic Progress
- Results and Outcomes
- What to Do if You Fail an Exam
- Academic Appeals>
6. College Policies and Procedures
- Complaints and Other College Matters
1. Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the British School of Management and Science (BSMS)
It is our pleasure to welcome you to BSMS, an innovative institution committed to academic excellence and comprehensive student support. Whether you are studying on campus, online, or through our blended learning model, you will find a stimulating environment designed to help you achieve your goals.
Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and aspirations. What unites them is the ambition to learn, grow, and prepare for successful futures.
At BSMS, we uphold Educational Equality, meaning that access to education is provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
We encourage open communication between students and staff, and our support services are always available to help you with both academic and personal matters.
This handbook is designed to help you make the most of the opportunities available during your time here.
We wish you every success in your studies and hope your time with us is both productive and enjoyable.
About BSMS
The British School of Management and Science is a UK-based private institution with a global reach. We are recognised for:
- Innovative teaching methodologies that integrate technology with traditional learning.
- Flexible pathways for mature learners and those without standard entry qualifications.
- Accelerated programmes enabling faster progression to higher education or the workplace.
- Courses fully accredited in the UK, awarding widely recognised qualifications.
What you can expect as a BSMS student:
- Comprehensive study materials for every module.
- Access to supportive academic and administrative staff.
- Opportunities for research and independent learning.
- A qualification respected by universities and employers worldwide.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, ensuring our students graduate prepared for the next stage of their journey.
2. Joining BSMS
Enrolment Requirements
All students must submit the required documents before beginning their studies. This includes:
- For international students: a valid passport.
- Original academic certificates that formed the basis of your admission.
These documents are reviewed in line with GDPR regulations and securely stored. Failure to provide them will prevent enrolment.
Induction Programme
Before classes begin, new students take part in an induction programme designed to:
- Familiarise you with BSMS facilities, policies, and services.
- Introduce you to your department, tutors, and peers.
- Provide guidance on academic expectations and support networks.
Continuing students receive a re-induction when progressing to a new diploma level.
Tuition Fees and Payment Options
Invoices are sent to your registered email after your admission is confirmed. Fees must be paid two weeks before the start of classes.
Payment options include:
- Bank transfer
- Card payment
- PayPal via our payment portal
Payment Plans:
- Initial payment of 50% of tuition fees.
- Remaining balance paid in up to two instalments.
Students receive both an Offer Letter and an Acceptance Letter outlining fees and payment details.
3. Learning at BSMS
Commencing Your Studies
Upon acceptance, you will be assigned to a department and tutor who will guide your academic progress. You will receive a course outline, including module schedules and deadlines, to help you manage your workload effectively.
Course Content and Regulations
Students are responsible for understanding both general college regulations and the specific requirements of their course, as detailed in the BSMS Assessment Regulations and your Module Guide.
Assignments, Deadlines, and Extensions
Deadlines for assignments, essays, theses, and projects are published in your course handbook.
To meet deadlines successfully:
- Start work early and manage your time effectively.
- Understand the submission process for your department.
If you need an extension:
Plagiarism and Referencing Standards
BSMS treats plagiarism as a serious offence. To avoid it:
- Use quotation marks and reference sources whenever you use someone else’s words, data, or ideas.
- Make clear distinctions between your work and that of others.
- Do not reuse previously submitted work without permission (self-plagiarism).
We recommend the MLA referencing style for most courses. Guidance is available here: Mendeley MLA Guide
4. Student Life and Support
Student Union
Enrolled students automatically become members of the BSMS Student Union (BSMS SU) unless they choose to opt out. The SU:
- Represents student interests in academic, social, and welfare matters.
- Organises events and networking opportunities.
- Operates as a non-profit organisation in line with the Education Act 1994.
Student Support Services
The Student Support team offers:
- Academic guidance and mentoring.
- Advice on personal and practical issues.
- Connections to external services when needed.
Support is available both in person and online, depending on your mode of study and public health guidelines.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to a culture that promotes equality, respects diversity, and ensures that all members of the BSMS community are treated with dignity. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
Student Code of Conduct
All students must:
- Comply with college rules and regulations.
- Treat others with respect and courtesy.
- Maintain at least 65% attendance.
- Submit work on time and uphold academic integrity.
- Attend classes ready to learn, with devices set to silent.
- Take responsibility for seeking help when needed.
Staff–Student Professional Relationships
Professional boundaries between staff and students are essential for fairness and trust. Staff should avoid close personal relationships with students under their academic supervision. If such a relationship develops, it must be reported to the relevant department immediately.
Fitness to Study
Fitness to Study means you are able to:
- Start, continue, or return to your course.
- Meet academic and behavioural expectations.
- Participate in college life without negatively impacting your own or others’ wellbeing.
Where concerns arise, BSMS may offer support, adapt study arrangements, or, in complex cases, refer the matter to the Fitness to Study Panel.
5. Assessments and Academic Progress
Results and Outcomes
You will be notified of your results by email after examiners confirm them. Final grades are based on your cumulative performance.
What to Do if You Fail an Exam
If you fail, seek guidance from your tutor immediately. Most courses allow one additional attempt, usually within a year, though specific rules are outlined in the Examination Regulations.
Academic Appeals
You may appeal an academic decision if you believe there has been a procedural error, bias, or other irregularity.
- Appeals must be lodged within 20 working days of notification.
- Appeals cannot challenge academic judgement (expert opinion on your work).
- The Academic Appeals Procedure is available from Student Support.
6. College Policies and Procedures
Complaints and Other College Matters
If you have a complaint:
- First speak to your tutor, senior tutor, or the Student Union representative.
- If unresolved, follow the formal Complaints Procedure, available from Student Support.
Complaints about teaching quality or staff conduct are handled through official college channels; disciplinary procedures apply only to certain matters and may not cover all complaints.
BSMS London Malpractice Policy and Procedures
Policy Reference: BSMSPP208192025
Date of Policy: 02/04/2025
Next Review Date: 02/04/2026
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Safeguard the integrity, validity, and reliability of BSMS London’s assessment processes.
- Protect the reputation of BSMS London and the awarding organisations with which it works.
- Ensure learners, staff, and stakeholders understand what constitutes malpractice and how it is managed.
- Provide clear procedures for the prevention, identification, investigation, and resolution of malpractice cases.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
- Learners: Full-time, part-time, online, and blended learning students.
- Staff: Tutors, assessors, internal quality assurers (IQAs), administrators, invigilators, and management.
- Programmes and assessments: All courses and qualifications offered by BSMS London, regardless of awarding body.
3. Definition of Malpractice
Malpractice is any deliberate act, omission, or conduct — by a learner, staff member, or other individual involved in assessment — that compromises the integrity and fairness of the teaching, learning, and assessment process.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
3.1 Learner Malpractice
- Plagiarism (using another’s work or ideas without correct acknowledgment).
- Collusion (working with others without permission to produce submitted work).
- Copying work from another learner.
- Fabrication or falsification of data or evidence.
- Use of unauthorised materials during controlled assessments or exams.
- Impersonation (submitting work or sitting an exam on behalf of another person).
- Submitting work generated by Artificial Intelligence without declaration or tutor approval.
3.2 Staff Malpractice
- Improper assistance to learners beyond permitted levels.
- Misrepresentation of learner achievement.
- Breach of confidentiality regarding assessment materials.
- Failure to follow agreed assessment and verification procedures.
- Falsification of assessment or internal verification records.
4. Policy Statement
BSMS London will:
- Promote a culture of academic integrity through guidance, training, and clear communication.
- Require all written submissions to be checked through approved plagiarism detection software before marking.
- Require all learners to complete a signed Declaration of Authenticity for each assessment.
- Investigate all alleged malpractice fairly, objectively, and without bias.
- Apply proportionate sanctions based on the seriousness of the offence.
- Maintain full records of malpractice cases for quality assurance and awarding body requirements.
5. Prevention of Malpractice
5.1 Learner Induction and Support
- Learners receive mandatory induction on academic integrity, referencing, and avoiding plagiarism.
- Guidance materials (including referencing guides and examples) are available on the BSMS London Learning Platform.
- Tutors provide ongoing formative feedback to help learners improve referencing and academic writing.
5.2 Plagiarism Detection
- BSMS London uses recognised plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin or equivalent).
- All assignments must be submitted electronically via the learning platform.
- A plagiarism similarity report is generated for each submission and reviewed by the assessor.
- Acceptable similarity thresholds are defined in programme-specific guidelines; exceeding these thresholds will trigger further review.
5.3 Learner Declarations
- For each piece of assessed work, learners must submit a signed or electronically agreed Declaration of Authenticity confirming:
- The work is entirely their own.
- All sources have been correctly acknowledged.
- No unauthorised assistance was received.
- Work without a declaration will not be marked.
6. Malpractice Procedures
6.1 Reporting Suspected Malpractice
- Staff: Must complete a Malpractice Incident Report Form and submit it to the Centre Manager within 2 working days of suspicion.
- Learners: Can report suspected malpractice by speaking to their tutor, emailing the Centre Manager, or using the anonymous reporting channel on the learning platform.
- Where awarding body regulations require, suspected malpractice will also be reported to them immediately.
6.2 Investigation Process
Step 1 – Initial Review
- Centre Manager assesses the nature and seriousness of the allegation.
- For suspected plagiarism, plagiarism reports and original submissions are examined.
Step 2 – Appointment of Investigating Officer
- An impartial senior staff member, not directly involved in the assessment, is appointed to investigate.
Step 3 – Evidence Gathering
- Collection of relevant documents, reports, and statements.
- Interviews with staff and/or learners involved (conducted fairly and confidentially).
Step 4 – Learner/Staff Response
- The accused party is provided with details of the allegation in writing.
- They have the right to respond and present evidence within 5 working days.
Step 5 – Decision
- Based on evidence, the Investigating Officer recommends an outcome to the Centre Manager.
- Decision and sanctions are recorded in the Malpractice Log.
6.3 Possible Outcomes & Sanctions
For learners:
- No case to answer (work marked as normal).
- Written warning recorded in learner file.
- Requirement to re-submit work.
- Reduced grade or mark.
- Disqualification from the specific assessment.
- Permanent removal from the course (in serious or repeated cases).
For staff:
- Formal warning.
- Mandatory retraining.
- Suspension or termination of employment (depending on severity).
6.4 Appeals
- Learners and staff have the right to appeal within 10 working days of receiving the decision.
- Appeals are reviewed by a panel independent of the original decision makers.
- Final decisions are documented and communicated in writing.
7. Record Keeping
- All documents relating to malpractice cases (reports, investigation notes, decisions, appeals) are stored securely for at least 3 years.
- Plagiarism detection reports are stored alongside assessment evidence.
- Records are made available to awarding bodies upon request.
8. Monitoring and Review
- The Centre Manager and Quality Assurance Team review malpractice incidents annually to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
- The policy is reviewed every 12 months or sooner if awarding body regulations change.
