We know the deal – studying and getting your degree or qualification is what you’re really at university for. We’re here to make sure that you’re being treated fairly by the University and have access to everything that you need to do your best.

Academic appeals

Academic appeals are one of the main reasons that students contact us. There are strict rules around who can appeal, so if you think you might need to go through this process, get in touch with us. We can help you decide, as well as support you throughout the process. 

Who can appeal? 

• Those who have failed to progress to their next year of study, or
• Have failed to qualify for the award of degree for which they registered, or 
• Wish to challenge their final degree classification, or 
• Have been judged by a Standing Academic Committee to have committed academic malpractice 

Grounds for appeal: 

• Material administrative error or irregularity in assessment 
• Exceptional Circumstances 
• Unfair treatment or discrimination 

How can the Advice Service help? 

• Clarify if you have the right to appeal 
• Explain the appeals process 
• Help you to complete the necessary forms, including writing a statement 
• Provide advice on evidence you could submit to support your appeal
• Come along to any appeal meetings to provide support/representation

Plagiarism or academic misconduct

If you’ve been accused of plagiarism, academic misconduct, or cheating in an exam, we’re here to help you. We can help you submit statements and be by your side at any meetings in your department or with the Standing Academic Committee with you.

Exceptional Circumstances

Your exams, assessments or attendance can sometimes be badly affected by circumstances outside of your control. If these circumstances are not already being addressed through extensions or other procedures, you may have what is known as exceptional circumstances. The University has a process for letting your department and your teachers know about what’s happening to you so that they may be taken into account by your examiners. We can give you more information on exceptional circumstances, and help you to let your department know about them.

Postgraduate Research

As a postgraduate research student, we know that you will likely be well established within your student and academic life. However, we also know that there may still be times where you may need to turn to someone for help or support when times get tough, and that is where your students’ union comes in. If you are dissatisfied with your supervision arrangements or your access to resources, lab facilities and so on, you can turn to us and we can help support you with raising these matters with the university.