Academic Reviews and Review Appraisals
The Academic Review process has changed, please ensure that you read the following information before submitting a request for an academic review and seek advice from AWARE. You no longer have to write a letter to the Dean of Faculty (Head of School for Management/Health), instead you are required to complete a form (available to download below) and write a written statment explaining why you believe you have grounds for an academic review and submit both of these items to your Dean of Faculty (Head of School for Management/Health).
Not happy with your results?
If you feel that there were circumstances that affected your performance; feel that there there has been some kind of procedural irregularity how the exams were conducted or how your marks were added up; or if you have evidence that there has been prejudice or bias, it may be possible to get a review of your results by using the Academic Review process.
We advise that you contact AWARE by using our online query form (log in to complete) or coming to AWARE in person (see opening hours on homepage) to discuss your grounds for review and your options. AWARE can also provide advice on the review process and look through drafts of your written statement and make suggestions or comments.
Grounds for an Academic Review
There are specific grounds for review under the University regulations. These do not include dissatisfaction with the academic judgements of an examiner, or the decision of the Board of Examiners.
There are three grounds for review for Undergraduate students:
- That there exist circumstances affecting the performance of the candidate of which the Board of Examiners have not been made aware and which the candidate could not reasonably have been expected to have disclosed to the Director of Studies in accordance with Regulation 15.3(d);
- That there were procedural irregularities in the conduct of the examinations or formal course assessments (including administrative error) of such a nature as to cause reasonable doubt whether the Board of Examiners would have reached their decision had the irregularities not occured;
- That there is positive evidence of prejudice, bias or inadequate assessment on the part of one or more of the examiners.
There is an additional ground for review for Postgraduate Research students only:
- That there were genuine academic differences in philosophical approach or paradigms which had not been apparent when examiners were appointed on the recommendation of the Board of Studies.
Academic Review Procedure
If you decide you would like to request an Academic Review you will need to follow these steps:
- Contact AWARE for advice and information on the Academic Review process as soon as possible after you get your results
- Start drafting your written statement to send to your Dean of Faculty (Head of School for School for Health and School of Management). This statement and the accompanying form (available to download below) needs to be sent within 14 days of receiving your results or the decision from your department which you want to review.
- Start collecting any additional information (e.g. medical notes, supporting letters etc) where appropriate
- Bring draft written statement to AWARE for staff or Sabbaticals to read through and make suggestions or comments
- Submit written statement and form together with any additional information to the Dean or Head of School within the 14 day deadline
- You will receive a decision within 4 weeks (during term time) or 8 weeks (during vacation periods)
Outcomes of an Academic Review
There are 3 different possible outcomes to a request for an Academic Review. The Dean can:
- Take executive action (a decision will be made by the Dean without the need for any further action by you). This cannot happen if the review is related to a final award
- Invite you to attend a review hearing to present your case in person. You can take a Sabbatical, friend, or partner with you if you wish or request a Sabbatical to represent you if you are unable to attend in person
- Decline the request for an Academic Review.
Review Appraisal Process
If your request for an Academic Review is refused you can appeal to the Academic Registrar by completing the Review Appraisal process. This is similar to the Academic Review process in that the same time restrictions apply and you will be required to send a copy of your academic review form and written statement and additionally explain why you feel the reason why your review was rejected was wrong. It is also an opportunity to put forward any further information not included in the original request for an Academic Review and explain why this information was not disclosed earlier.
Downloads
Academic Review Form (word doc)
Academic Review Form (pdf)
Useful Links
University's webpage on Academic Reviews and Review Appraisals
AWARE's online query form (log in to complete)