Students with a disability, learning difficulty, long-term medical or mental health condition which affects performance in timed exams may be entitled to special arrangements, such as extra time.
Students who believe they may be eligible for exam arrangements, such as extra time, must follow the right steps to ensure this is agreed in advance. Please note that the Student Wellbeing Service are not automatically notified of student exam arrangement eligibility, students must meet with the service.
There are deadlines to apply for exam arrangements. The deadline dates to apply for exam arrangements for Academic Year 2024/2025 are:
For January 2025 Exam Period:
- September 2024 new starters and continuing students: Monday 4th November 2024 5pm
For May 2025 Exam Period:
- January 2025 new starters and continuing students: Monday 24th February 2025 5pm
For July 2025 Resit Exam Period:
- Monday 23rd June 2025 5pm
It is important that contact is made with us by these dates. Failure to do so may result in exam arrangements not being in place for exams.
Students requiring temporary arrangements due to a temporary condition e.g. broken arm, pregnancy, will need to speak with their faculty examination office.
What you need to do
1. Meet a Student Wellbeing Service Coordinator (Disability & Dyslexia)
If you believe you are eligible, contact the Student Wellbeing Service to arrange a meeting with a Student Wellbeing Service Coordinator (Disability & Dyslexia).
2. Share your evidence with us
Evidence of need will need to be provided before exam arrangement applications can be made. Please upload this when completing your self referral form. We will review this evidence, check it meets university regulations, and discuss any recommendations with you.
3. Checking your Exam Arrangements
You can track your exam arrangements on the Student Portal to ensure they are correct.
- Select 'My Learning' | 'View my student profile'
- Select a term
- Submit
The record will show what you have applied for and if it is pending (PE), service confirmed (CO), or rejected (REJ). It can take a few days for the record to be updated. If the record is not what you expected, contact the Student Wellbeing Service via the Digital Student Centre
What evidence do you need?
For specific learning difficulties, the following evidence can be accepted:
- Dyslexia screening undertaken by a Student Wellbeing Service Coordinator (Disability and Dyslexia)
- JCQ Form 8 from previous educational establishment to show history of need and provision.
- A full diagnostic assessment report from a Chartered Educational Psychologist or specialist teacher with a recognised dyslexia qualification.
- A current DSA Study Needs Assessment Report.
- In the case of students with dyspraxia, a full report from an occupational therapist is also acceptable.
- Assessment report or letter of confirmation from a relevant, independent professional or specialist agency e.g. Education Health Care Plans (EHCP), GP, Medical Consultant, Community Care Assessor, Rehabilitation Officers, Occupational Therapists, RNID, RNIB, or Centre for Independent Living.
- A current DSA Study Needs Assessment Report.
For other disabilities, the following evidence can be accepted:
Your documentation must be relevant to the condition and the arrangement you have requested.
Any recommendations made in the evidence or needs assessment must conform to university examination regulations. We will check this when you meet with the service.
Evidence in languages other than English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
Our policies
Student & Academic Services Examination & Assessment Regulations for Students with Disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties, Mental Health Difficulties & Long-term Medical Conditions
If there are circumstances beyond your control that may have affected your performance or prevented you attending an exam or submitting coursework, you may be able to claim extenuating circumstances.