Academic Appeals

What is an Academic Appeal?

 

An Academic Appeal is a formal process that allows you to ask the University to review an academic decision if you believe there has been a problem with the way the decision was made.

An appeal is not an opportunity to ask for more marks because you are unhappy with your grade. The University will not remark your work simply because you disagree with the academic judgement of the marker.

Instead, you must show that there are valid grounds for the University to reconsider the decision.

You can submit an Academic Appeal within 15 working days of receiving your official results letter (not your results on blackboard).

Please note that the deadline starts from the date your official results are released by the University, not when you see your marks on Blackboard or Canvas.

You cannot submit an Academic Appeal until you have received your official results letter.

 

Understanding your results letter

 

The university have more information online regarding results letters.

Before deciding whether to appeal, it is important to understand your official results letter. Your results letter will tell you:

• Your confirmed assessment results
• Whether you have passed or failed
• Whether you are eligible for reassessment
• Whether your progression or award has been affected

You should base your appeal on the information in your official results letter rather than the marks shown on Blackboard or Canvas.

You can only appeal once you have received your results letter you have a deadline of 15 working days if you feel you will not be able to submit the in time then you will need to provided evidence as to why.

 

What are the grounds for an Academic Appeal?

 

Exceptional Circumstances
You experienced unforeseen circumstances that significantly affected your performance, and you were unable to submit an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) request at the time for good reason; or your circumstances were not fully considered when the original decision was made. You will need to explain why the circumstances were not raised earlier.

Procedural Irregularity
There was an error in the way the University's regulations or procedures were followed, and this may have affected the outcome of your assessment. Examples could include: University procedures not being followed correctly, relevant information not being considered or an administrative error that affected the decision.

 

What are not grounds for an appeal?

• You are unhappy with your mark
• You think you deserved a higher grade
• Another student received a different mark
• You disagree with the academic judgement of the marker

This means the University will not reconsider your mark simply because you disagree with the marker’s opinion or believe your work deserved a higher grade.

 

How do I submit an Academic Appeal?

 

Academic Appeals are submitted using the University's Academic Appeal Form. The form can be found on the University's website and has recently been updated. Before completing the form, make sure you have:

• Received your official results letter.
• Checked that you are within the 15-working-day deadline.
• Identified which appeal ground applies to your circumstances.
• Gathered all relevant supporting evidence.

Your statement for explaining your grounds for appeal should clearly explain the following:

• What decision you are appealing
• Which ground(s) for appeal apply.
• What happened
• Why you believe the decision should be reviewed
• How your evidence supports your appeal

Try to explain the impact of the issue rather than simply listing events. For example, if you are appealing because of exceptional circumstances that could not previously be disclosed, explain why you were unable to submit an EC at the time and how those circumstances affected your academic performance.

 

Evidence is key when submitting an academic appeal!

 

Your evidence should clearly support what you are saying and relate to the period or decision you are appealing.

 

What happens after I submit my appeal?

 

The University will acknowledge your appeal and review the information you have provided. You may be contacted if further information or evidence is required. Once a decision has been made, you will receive the outcome by your University email.

If your appeal is successful, the outcome will depend on your individual circumstances. Possible outcomes may include:

• A fresh assessment opportunity.
• Reconsideration of your case.
• Another appropriate remedy in line with University regulations.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, the University will explain why the appeal was not upheld and will provide information about any further review process that may be available.

Academic Appeals can be complex, and the strongest appeals clearly explain the grounds for appeal and include appropriate evidence.

The Students' Union Advice Centre can:

• Help you identify whether you have grounds for appeal
• Explain the University regulations
• Review your appeal statement
• Advise you on the evidence you should include
• Answer any questions you have before you submit your appeal