Your MA at Norland is delivered primarily asynchronously, meaning that most interaction takes place through written communication on the VLE, email, and professional digital spaces, with some 1:1 tutor meetings.

This guide sets out expectations for respectful, professional, and effective online behaviour (netiquette). These expectations reflect:

  • Norland’s Code of Professional Responsibilities
  • Postgraduate terms and conditions
  • Norland’s Social Media Policy
  • Best practice in online postgraduate learning

Core values underpinning netiquette

All online communication at Norland should reflect the following professional principles:

1. Treat people as individuals

In line with Norland’s Code of Professional Responsibilities, you must:

  • Treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.
  • Avoid making assumptions about others’ backgrounds, experiences, or views.
  • Recognise and celebrate diversity and individual choice.
  • Uphold human rights, including dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence.

These expectations apply fully to online spaces.

2. Communicate clearly and thoughtfully

Written communication is the primary way others experience you online.

Good practice includes:

  • Writing clearly, calmly, and professionally.
  • Using respectful language at all times.
  • Structuring posts so they are easy to read.
  • Proofreading before posting.

Be mindful that tone can easily be misunderstood in text. Avoid:

  • Sarcasm or dismissive language.
  • Excessive CAPITAL LETTERS or punctuation.
  • Informal language that may be misinterpreted in an academic context.

3. Work cooperatively and professionally

Online learning at postgraduate level depends on mutual respect.

You are expected to:

  • Engage constructively with peers’ contributions.
  • Build on others’ ideas where possible.
  • Disagree professionally, using evidence and reasoned argument.
  • Respect differences of professional opinion.

Disagreement should always take the form of informed, respectful discussion, not personal criticism.

Netiquette in Norland’s asynchronous learning spaces

The VLE and discussion boards

Discussion boards are academic and professional spaces.

Good practice:

  • Stay relevant to the topic or task.
  • Support contributions with evidence, theory, or professional experience.
  • Acknowledge and respect others’ viewpoints.
  • Contribute regularly rather than posting at the last minute.
  • Keep posts focused and clearly written.

Expected standards of behaviour

You must not post or share content that:

  • Is illegal or breaches copyright.
  • Is offensive, abusive, threatening, or harassing.
  • Targets protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Breaches confidentiality or safeguarding expectations.
  • Contains inappropriate personal information about others.

Any content deemed offensive or inappropriate may be removed by the tutor.

Email and direct messaging with staff and peers

All written communication should be professional and respectful.

When emailing or messaging:

  • Use a clear subject line.
  • Address the recipient appropriately.
  • Keep messages concise and purposeful.
  • Use a polite closing and your name.

When contacting tutors or support staff:

  • Be courteous and considerate of workload.
  • Allow reasonable time for a response.
  • Direct queries to the most appropriate person.

Avoid sending messages when feeling upset or frustrated; pause, reflect, and review before sending.

1:1 online sessions with tutors

Although most learning is asynchronous, some communication occurs in scheduled 1:1 sessions.

Professional expectations apply, including:

  • Being prepared and punctual.
  • Engaging respectfully and constructively.
  • Maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Following up discussions through appropriate written communication if needed.

Professional digital presence and social media

Your online presence reflects you as a professional and Norland as an institution.

You must:

  • Act with professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Avoid any online communication that could damage Norland’s reputation.
  • Refrain from harassment, bullying, defamation, or impersonation.
  • Avoid expressing opinions on Norland’s behalf.

You must not:

  • Use your Norland email address for personal social media accounts.
  • Post false, misleading, or harmful statements.
  • Disparage Norland, its staff, students, or partners.

Important reminders

  • Privacy settings reduce risk but do not guarantee privacy.
  • Content shared online can be copied, shared, and made public.
  • You are personally responsible for what you publish.
  • Once something is online, it is difficult to remove entirely.

Whether you are already a Norlander or joining us for our MA, please ensure your social media reflects both you and Norland in a positive and professional manner.

Confidentiality, safeguarding, and boundaries

In all online spaces:

  • Respect confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Do not share identifiable information about children, families, or others.
  • Avoid oversharing personal experiences in academic forums.
  • Work within the limits of your competence.

If you are unsure whether something is appropriate to share, do not post it.

Supporting each other as postgraduate learners

You are part of a professional learning community. This involves:

  • Sharing knowledge and experience in a supportive way.
  • Offering constructive feedback.
  • Being receptive to feedback from others.
  • Contributing to peers’ professional learning and confidence.

If online engagement feels challenging or distressing, do not hesitate to seek support from:

  • Your tutor.
  • Student support services.
  • Wellbeing resources available via Norland.

Independent study and responsible online engagement

Effective netiquette supports good independent study. To engage well online:

  • Plan ahead and manage your time carefully.
  • Set clear goals and routines.
  • Stay organised with deadlines and assessments.
  • Participate regularly rather than sporadically.
  • Reach out early if you need academic or personal support.

If concerns arise

If you encounter online behaviour that feels:

  • Offensive
  • Discriminatory
  • Harassing
  • Unprofessional

Do not respond publicly. Report concerns to the module tutor or appropriate support service.

Breaches of online conduct may result in disciplinary action under Norland’s student policies.

TEF gold award ECSDN quality mark An award logo for Norland at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Award logo Heist silver award winner logo