Academic

An academic appeal is a request for the University to review an academic decision. Appeals can normally only be made on specific grounds, such as a procedural irregularity in the assessment or decision-making process. You cannot appeal a mark simply because you disagree with it.

An appeal can normally only be submitted after the relevant assessment board has met. The current deadline stated for submitting an appeal is within ten working days of being notified of the board’s decision.

You can speak to an adviser before the assessment board meets. We can explain the process, help you understand the permitted grounds and discuss the evidence you may need.

Academic Appeals information and policy

Academic misconduct can include plagiarism, collusion, cheating, impersonation, contract cheating and the unauthorised use of artificial intelligence.

Receiving an allegation does not mean that a final decision has already been made. You should read the allegation carefully and respond within any deadline you have been given. An adviser can explain the procedure, help you understand the allegation, discuss relevant evidence and help you prepare for a meeting. Where appropriate, an adviser may also be able to attend an eligible meeting with you.

Academic Integrity and Misconduct information and policy.

You have the right to raise a complaint with the University and have your concerns considered fairly. A complaint may relate to:

• the standard of a service
• a service not being provided
• course delivery, teaching or supervision
• unfair treatment
• bullying or harassment
• discrimination
• the way an earlier concern was handled
   

Concerns should normally be raised within 20 working days of the issue occurring. Check the current University procedure for the deadline that applies to your circumstances. The Advice Centre can explain the complaints process and help you organise your concerns clearly.

Complaints information and policy

Fitness to Practise procedures apply to students on some courses linked to professional standards. Being contacted about a concern can feel worrying, but you do not have to prepare your response alone.

Our advisers can:

• explain the stages of the Fitness to Practise procedure
• help you understand the concerns that have been raised
• help you prepare a written response
• discuss evidence that may be relevant
• help you prepare for an investigation meeting or hearing
• attend eligible meetings as a supporter or representative, where appropriate.

You can still contact us if the process has already started or a meeting is approaching.

Fitness to Practise information and policy

You may be able to apply for mitigating circumstances when a serious, unexpected situation has affected your ability to complete an assessment, sit an examination, attend a placement or engage with your studies.

Examples may include:

• serious illness or injury
• bereavement
• significant mental health difficulties
• an unexpected caring emergency
• serious personal or family circumstances.

The Advice Centre can help you understand the process, discuss possible evidence and review how you have explained the impact of your circumstances.

Mitigating Circumstances information and policy

You may be referred to the University’s disciplinary procedure if it is alleged that your behaviour breached a University policy, regulation or expected standard of conduct. Receiving an allegation does not mean that a final decision has already been made.

An adviser can explain the procedure, help you prepare a response, discuss relevant evidence and help you prepare for a meeting or hearing.

Student disciplinary information and policy