Concerns and complaints
Appealing an assessment decision
During your time at university, you may want to appeal an assessment decision. Find out more about the appeal process.
Making an appeal
You may be able to appeal against an assessment decision. For example, you may request to set aside a mark or request an additional attempt if you have a good reason for failing to apply for Exceptional Circumstances at the time.
You can appeal against an assessment decision if you believe and have evidence of any of the following:
- There were relevant exceptional circumstances (for example, illness), and you have a good reason for failing to notify the Exceptional Circumstances Panel of these sooner. A 'good reason' means that circumstances are beyond your control and prevented you from disclosing the relevant circumstances at the appropriate time. Personal embarrassment or unwillingness to disclose personal circumstances are not considered 'good reason' for the purposes of an appeal.
- Where you did notify the Exceptional Circumstances Panel earlier about exceptional circumstances or some other disruption of the assessment process, but there is clear evidence that the exceptional circumstances procedure was not correctly followed. The fact that you disagree with the way in which your exceptional circumstances were considered is not in itself grounds for appeal.
- A procedural irregularity has occurred; the assessment was conducted unfairly or improperly.
You cannot appeal against the academic judgement of the examiners.
Before making an appeal we recommend that you speak to a member of staff from your course to clarify whether an appeal is the correct step. You may also find it useful to speak to the Students' Union.
If you do decide to make an appeal you will need to send an appeal form within 10 working days of the publication of the decision or result. A panel will review your appeal and the School's response.
If you wish to appeal an academic decision, please use the forms below.
You must submit all medical and other evidence with your appeal form. It is not sufficient to tell us that the evidence is available on request. The Exceptional Circumstances policy details suitable types of evidence that could be used for different scenarios.
If your appeal is upheld, the University will offer what it deems to be an appropriate remedy. This will be in line with the University regulations.
A full description of the appeals process can be found in our Code of Practice for Assessment.