QMU Commonly Used Terms
At QMU you may hear a variety of terms for different areas of the university. The following is a helpful guide to get to grips with the terms you'll hear around campus and in correspondence during your study at the university.
If you have any questions relating to the below or guidance on which apps you need to have ready in order to get started at QMU, please contact Registry@qmu.ac.uk or speak to us at the Registry Information Point desk on campus.
We will start with an easy one, the university is commonly referred to as QMU when speaking about where you study. Find out more about the university HERE.
This is how attendance is monitored at QMU and using the SEAtS app on your mobile device is how you check-in to each scheduled, on-campus class. Find out more about SEAtS HERE.
Your PAT is a member of staff from your programme of study at QMU and they are there to support you with both your learning life at QMU but also to provide direction for any personal issues that may be affecting your study. Learn more about PATs HERE.
The LRC or "Library" at QMU is both the physical space on campus where you can access learning materials such as books, journals and PCs as well use as a quiet study space but also the online area in which you can find useful information to support your study at QMU. More information on using the LRC can be found HERE.
PALS sessions are ran by student mentors, also known as PALS Leaders, and the purpose of these sessions are to complement teaching and to offer a more relaxed and collaborative space to learn alongside your peers. Find out more on how to get involved with a PALS session HERE.
The ELS team are on hand to support you build your academic skills and become a better independent learner at QMU. More information on ELS, including how to book a session or join a workshop, can be found HERE.
The Students' Union offers support to students and by giving you a voice both at the university and as part of the wider community. Find out more, including information on joining a sport or society, HERE.
The Student Central is the area for students to access information and book appointments with members of the Student Services team including; Effective Learning Service (ELS), Student Funding Service, Disability Service, Counselling and Wellbeing Service, and our Careers and Employability service. Login to the Student Central HERE.
You may hear more about ILPs around exam time, these are tailored study plans to help students with some form of disability that requires them to have additional support for in class, during exams/assessments or on campus. Further information on the use of ILPs can be found HERE.
ECs are “circumstances beyond a student’s control that have had a genuine and demonstrably negative impact on their ability to be assessed..." Further information on what can be classed as an EC and how to apply for an EC for an assessment or exam, can be found HERE.
Sometimes also referred to as APL or Accreditation of Prior Learning this is the process in which you can explore the option to claim academic credit from previous learning. Full detail on the RPL process, including how RPL is assessed and how to apply for this can be found HERE.
Often referred to as PL & MC, these members of the academic staff from your programme of study at QMU can provide guidance in the following areas:
- If you have questions regarding your module including scheduled classes, examinations or module content, including reading lists & curriculum then contact your Module Coordinator.
- If your question relates to withdrawal or deferring from the programme, the structure of the programme as a whole or if you feel anything needs escalated beyond the MC, they are the best person to contact.
NB: You can also speak to your PAT if you feel you need somewhere to get these conversations started.
You can find detail of who your Programme Leader and Module Coordinator's are on QMU Canvas. Furthermore, information of staff from your programme can be found here: Staff | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
This is the term used for formally registering as a student at the university. This online process is important as it allows you to both agree to the university's terms & conditions but also confirm your details with the university. All new students will be asked to matriculate when they start and all continuing students will be asked to matriculate at the start of the new academic year. More information can be found HERE.
Induction will be your chance to learn more about your course, the university and meet fellow students and academic staff. The majority of inductions take place during the dedicated Induction Week, both in September and January, but some programmes may have online inductions, material and correspondence outwith this period. Further information on Induction can be found HERE.
You may hear the following terms used for the university's catering outlets, click on each one to find out more.
Find out more about the university's food and drink outlets, including how to order using the app and how the university offers sustainability in catering HERE.
The ResLife, or Residence Life, team at QMU offer help and support to students staying in accommodation at the university. As well as this, they host social and educational events that help students connect with each other. Find out more HERE.
