Appeals

Appeals

During your time as a student, your university will make decisions based upon your coursework or exam performance, which relate to your overall grade. If you think that their decision is wrong, and that you have been treated unfairly, you may have the right to appeal against it.

Here are some basic guidelines on when (or not!) you are entitled to appeal:

Here’s when you CAN appeal:

• *      A severe illness which caused you to miss or adversely affected your performance in an examination, or which prevented you from submitting work by a required deadline.

   

• *      Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been administrative, procedural, or clerical error which has resulted in incorrect marks being recorded; failure to provide feedback on your previous coursework or late return of coursework. These claims must be supported by objective evidence.

But you CAN’T appeal:

• *      Any illness or distressing event that can be classed as a normal part of life e.g.  a minor illness;  losing work not backed up onto a computer disk; normal employment commitments; failing to read an examination timetable correctly; failure to make alternative travel plans in the face of known disruptions; completing coursework too late and missing deadlines because of computer or transport difficulties, etc.

• *      If you disagree with the academic judgement of the examiners.

Each school/faculty has its own appeals application forms and procedures.  Contact your faculty office for further details on the procedure and rules governing appeals.

Please take note that appeals are subject to strict time limits.  It is important to submit appeals on the correct forms by the specified deadline and with all relevant documents. A Student Adviser can help ensure you get all paperwork in on time and/or help you present your case. 

If your appeal is turned down you have further rights of appeal if you still wish to challenge a decision.