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Master's Degree

Novusalopian

Hello,

I have a BEng (Hons) degree in Aerospace Engineering, which I completed in 2012, and in October of 2018 decided to do a part-time distance learning Master's Degree to further my personal and professional development. So far it's been okay and I've averaged a distinction on the first two modules that I've taken.

However, I'm now on my third module and the instructions for the assessment of this module is extremely vague, the module tutor is new and has completely ignored my e-mails to the point where I've had to put a formal complaint in about him, and there is absolutely zero guidance on how to complete the assessment, nor any examples of previous answers or templates, etc. The reason I like maths / physics / engineering, etc. is because I like that there are [usually] clear instructions on what exactly is expected, but I've no idea how to do this assignment that is due to be submitted on the 13th January. I'm finding it extremely difficult and stressful, and as I'm not officially diagnosed with ASD yet, I can't go to the University and request additional support or guidance (I don't think).

I've spoken to other students who are also finding it extremely difficult, but I feel like my ASD is making it severely worse for me. I'm getting anxious and paranoid about it, losing sleep, frequently on the verge of panic attacks and still haven't actually started the assignment yet because I have no idea how to go about doing it.

Any advice please?

Parents

  • I would think that contacting the University and fully explaining the situation would be helpful, although be aware that its likely that they are completely shut down from now to the beginning of January (that was my experience back in the day) so don't necessarily panic if no-one gets back to you right away - there may simply be no-one around to communicate with.

    To my mind it is not unreasonable to expect to know what you are to be assessed on, like you I get very anxious when people don't make it clear what they want from you. I am on the waiting list for assessment so am currently un-diagnosed but it absolutely makes no difference to the very real difficulties you have that someone qualified has not yet come along and slapped an official label on it. I think I'm done with Christmas Cards is probably correct and that as long as you make it clear to the University that you have a difficulty they have to at least try and help make things more inclusive for you. I really struggle to think of an example where simply explaining the task in a way your brain can process it would be unreasonable.

    My advice: Get emails in asap but don't expect a rapid response, start chasing up when the place is due to re-open for staff. Make a continued effort to puzzle things out but DO NOT make yourself ill over it.

    I hope all gets resolved for you

Reply

  • I would think that contacting the University and fully explaining the situation would be helpful, although be aware that its likely that they are completely shut down from now to the beginning of January (that was my experience back in the day) so don't necessarily panic if no-one gets back to you right away - there may simply be no-one around to communicate with.

    To my mind it is not unreasonable to expect to know what you are to be assessed on, like you I get very anxious when people don't make it clear what they want from you. I am on the waiting list for assessment so am currently un-diagnosed but it absolutely makes no difference to the very real difficulties you have that someone qualified has not yet come along and slapped an official label on it. I think I'm done with Christmas Cards is probably correct and that as long as you make it clear to the University that you have a difficulty they have to at least try and help make things more inclusive for you. I really struggle to think of an example where simply explaining the task in a way your brain can process it would be unreasonable.

    My advice: Get emails in asap but don't expect a rapid response, start chasing up when the place is due to re-open for staff. Make a continued effort to puzzle things out but DO NOT make yourself ill over it.

    I hope all gets resolved for you

Children