► Academic Issues
Studying at University is very different from any other education you might have received. You are now an independent learner and your learning is now your responsibility.
You will be given handbooks for your course which contain all the important information needed to help you, make sure you keep it safe and please read it! If you are not sure about something then ask a member of staff, your Personal Tutor, in your school or someone in the Students' Union Advice Centre.
The Students’ Union Advice Centre can offer academic advice for students who need support and guidance; we have an academic advisor whose role it is to support students on a range of issues that may be affecting them on their course. We mainly deal with academic appeals, disciplinary action, personal mitigating circumstances (PMC's), complaints and changing course. However please pop in or contact us if you have a question that doesn’t fit one of these categories and we will try our best to help or refer you to the appropriate department/organisation. If it is appropriate our Academic Adviser can support you at hearings and meetings.
Please find below links to our leaflets and information:
Academic Appeals
Any student has the right to appeal against the decision of the Board of Examiners; however you need to have grounds of appeal. Please note that you can not appeal against academic judgement. Click here for more information on academic appeals.
Complaints
At times students encounter problems at University, there is a procedure dedicated to ensuring that students have the right to complain. The Students’ Union can offer independent support and advice to individuals and groups of students who wish to complain.
Discipline Action
(Unfair means - plagiarism, collusion etc)
If you do not adhere to good academic conduct rules you will be investigated and if found guilty you will be disciplined. The panalties for unfair means vary according to your level of study but will affect your marks. Make sure that you read the rules and panalties. The Advice Centre can offer independent support and advice to students involved in the disciplinary procedure.
PMC form (Personal Mitigating Circumstances)
If a personal situation is having an effect on your studies then you need to submit a PMC form with your work or to explain why you are not attending/submitting an assessment. You will need to provide evidence to confirm your situation. It is important to seek advice regarding your PMC submission.
Changing Course
Choosing your course is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make. Many students find that when they start their course they feel that they have chosen the wrong one, if you are in this situation don’t panic-help is at hand.