If you’re unhappy with an exam result, assessment outcome, or placement failure, you may have the right to submit an academic appeal where there are valid grounds to do so. Grounds for appeal include administrative or factual errors, exceptional circumstances affecting performance, or procedural issues in the assessment process.

The Academic Advice Service can review draft appeals before submission and will support you throughout the process, from understanding University responses and outcomes, to guiding you through the review stage where appropriate. If you remain dissatisfied after completing the University’s internal procedures, we can also advise you on escalating your case to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

If you’re dissatisfied with your course or a service provided by the University, you can raise your concerns through the Student Complaints Procedure. We’ll talk through your situation with you, explain your options, and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

Where possible, concerns should first be raised informally with the relevant staff member, tutor, or service area. If the issue is not resolved, we can support you in submitting a formal written complaint to the Head of School or Service. We’ll help you structure your complaint, gather supporting evidence, review drafts, and understand the process and possible outcomes.

If you remain dissatisfied following the initial response, we can guide you through the formal review stages, including escalation to senior University management. Once the University’s internal procedures are complete, we can also advise you on taking your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator if appropriate.

If you are alleged to have breached the University’s Code of Conduct, you may be referred to the Student Discipline process. We can support and guide you throughout the procedure, helping you understand the allegations, prepare your response, and navigate the process with confidence.

We can also attend formal interviews or disciplinary panels with you, provide advice on possible outcomes, and ensure you understand your rights and options at every stage.

If the University has concerns that submitted work may not be your own, you may be referred to the Academic Integrity process. This can include plagiarism, collusion, inappropriate use of artificial intelligence, or other forms of academic misconduct.

We can help you understand the allegations made against you, explain the procedure, and support you in preparing your response. We can also attend meetings with you and guide you through every stage of the process to ensure you understand your rights, options, and possible outcomes.

We understand that students may experience unexpected personal circumstances that can affect academic performance or attendance. If this happens, it’s important to let your personal tutor (and any other relevant staff) know as soon as possible so the University can offer appropriate support.

Reporting issues early helps ensure you receive the right guidance and adjustments going forward, enabling the University to support your academic progress effectively.

If you are studying a professional course with a placement element, such as Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, or Teaching, concerns about your conduct, behaviour, or professional suitability may lead to a referral to the Fitness to Practise process.

If this happens, we can support and guide you throughout every stage of the procedure. We’ll meet with you to discuss the concerns raised, help you prepare your responses and statements, and ensure you understand the process and possible outcomes. We can also help you prepare for meetings and panels by explaining how they work and discussing the types of questions or topics that may arise.

The process usually begins with a fact-finding meeting with staff from your School, where you will have the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised. An advisor from the Students’ Union can attend meetings with you and provide support throughout the process. Following this stage, the school will decide whether further action is required or whether supportive actions can be put in place to help you continue on your course.