You can submit an appeal if you’d like the University to review a decision relating to your studies. You might feel that the University’s decision is wrong, and you’d like this to be reviewed. It could be a decision relating to the outcome of your exam or something else.
We’ve provided some useful information below relating to academic appeals, but you can read the full Academic Appeals Procedure which details the full process.
If you need any help during the appeals process, our Individual Representation Service can offer support and advice with Stage 2 and above complaint/appeals.
What is an academic appeal?
The University defines an academic appeal as ‘a request for a review of a decision of an academic body charged with making decisions on admission, assessment, student progression and awards’.
Decisions about entry requirements, reasonable adjustments for teaching and assessment for students with disabilities, progression rules, academic misconduct, assignment marks, module results, thesis submission and the award and classification of qualifications would be covered by the Academic Appeals Procedure.
When can’t I make an appeal?
It’s important to say that you can’t just appeal a decision if you simply don’t agree with the ‘academic judgement’. So, if your concern is about the marks you received on your assessment and they are simply not what you hoped for, which we understand can be extremely disappointing, this wouldn’t be grounds for an appeal. When making an appeal, you must make a case with evidence that the decision wasn’t made in accordance with the relevant policies, procedures or regulations.
What’s the first step? Stage 1
If you want to appeal a decision, then we’d recommend letting the University know as soon as possible. You could either submit an online form or raise your concern over the phone if you prefer. You’ll need to read the full list of the decisions you can appeal in the Academic Appeal Regulations first as there are set grounds on decisions you can appeal against.
Remember that you must submit an appeal within 28 days of the decision. So, if it’s a results letter, it would be 28 working days from the date on the letter. You should expect to receive the outcome letter confirming the stage 1 response within 10 working days.
Making a formal academic appeal. Stage 2
If you believe there was procedural error in the decision reached at stage 1, you can make a formal appeal by writing to the Student Casework Office or by completing the online form specifying the grounds under which you are requesting further consideration of your appeal. This has to be done within 28 days of the decision letter. If accepted, you should expect to receive the decision letter confirming the formal stage outcome within 15 working days.
What if I’m still not happy? Stage 3
If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can request a review of your appeal at the third and final stage of the appeals procedure. You will need to evidence that there was a procedural error in the decision reached at the preceding stage of the process. Thix would need to be done within 28 days.
If you remain unhappy with the University’s final decision regarding your appeal, you can refer your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) to apply for an independent review of the handling of your appeal. Contact details for the OIA can be found on their website.