Academic Appeals Procedure

Purpose

For appeals against the decisions of the Boards of Examiners (excepting those relating to assessment irregularities), Personal Extenuating Circumstance (PEC) Committees, and sanctions imposed under Unsatisfactory Progress procedures.

Grounds

There are only three possible grounds for appeal.

  • You were adversely affected by illness or other relevant factors, of which you were previously unaware, or which for a good cause you were unable to disclose to the examiners in advance.
  • Procedural irregularity on the part of the examiners.
  • Bias or prejudice on the part of an examiner or examiners.

Note: an appeal relates to the decision of the examiners and should not be used to raise general complaints about tuition or support over the length of the programme.

Process

Completed appeal forms (with accompanying statements and evidence) should be submitted to Student Progress within 21 calendar days of the examiners’ decision.

The appellant will be kept informed of the progress of the appeal in writing by the appeal officer. A progress report (or outcome if decided) will normally be provided to the appellant no later than 28 days following receipt of the complete appeal. Further progress reports will normally be provided at intervals of no longer than 28 days.

Advice

Impartial advice on the academic appeal procedure may be sought from Student Progress Service.  Assistance with submitting an academic appeal may be sought from the appropriate Officers of the Students’ Union, from the Student Advice Centre (Students’ Union – www.unionsociety.co.uk/sac) or from a Personal Tutor.