About the academic appeals process

The academic appeals process can only be used in relation to the outcome of an Assessment Offence Panel, or to raise concerns regarding irregularity in the assessment process once the official results have been published – see the publication dates.

If your circumstances relate to an assessment offence or exam board result, you can find out more about submitting an appeal.

The grounds on which you can appeal, as set out in the Academic Appeals Policy, are limited to instances where there has been material and significant administrative error or other material irregularity.

What could be included

• Marks or feedback that have been recorded wrongly (for example, the mark on MYUWE differs to that on Blackboard, or the feedback does not align with the marking criteria for the module)
• Assessments not conducted or calculated in the way described in the module specification or guide
• Assessments not conducted in accordance with the approved regulations for the module/award
• Assessment procedures have not been applied or interpreted correctly, including the Assessment Offence procedure
• Lack of agreed reasonable adjustments
• A rejected application for personal circumstances which you feel has not been considered properly
• Instances where you believe the University has done something wrong

Not covered by the appeal procedure

You cannot use the appeal procedure in the below scenarios:

Complaining about a mark or other properly exercised academic judgement, simply because you have worked hard and feel you deserve better

'Academic Judgement' is a conclusion reached by an academic expert and should always be applied in line with the University’s regulations, policies and procedures.

Academic judgement is used when marking your assessments, calculating your degree classification, determining whether assessment feedback is correct and adequate, and creating the content and learning outcomes of a module or programme.

Asking for a remark of your assignment

The University has a mark moderation and external examiner approval process to ensure the validity of marks awarded. We would only consider an appeal where it can be demonstrated this procedure hadn't been followed correctly. Students should speak to the relevant module leader about this process.

Submitting an application for one of the University's assessment support processes

The University's assessment support processes are in place to help you if you encounter significant personal difficulties or circumstances which impact on your ability to complete, submit or attend a specific assessment, and are significantly disruptive matters outside of your control. You can find out more about them on the assessment support options processes page. 

Reporting personal circumstances retrospectively

You can use the University's assessment support processes if you have a valid reason for making a late application,

Complaining retrospectively about dissatisfaction with teaching or service-related provision, including supervision

You need to use the University’s Complaints Procedure to raise issues at the time they are occurring so that the University has the opportunity to put measures in place.

Appealing an admissions decision

If your appeal relates to a decision regarding an application to study at UWE Bristol, you are required to submit the application to the Head of Admissions as per our Admissions Policy.

Appealing a decision to withdraw sponsorship if you are an international student

If your appeal relates to a decision regarding the withdrawal of sponsorship to study at the University, you are required to submit the application to the Student Casework Team Manager.

Appealing in relation to the Student Conduct/Professional Suitability Policy and Procedure

If your appeal relates to a sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Policy, the Fitness to Study Policy or by the Professional Suitability Policy and Procedure, the appeal should be made in writing and sent directly to the Student Casework Team Manager. All three policies are now contained within the Behaviour and health framework (PDF). 

You can still view previous versions of these policies.

It is preferable for you to handle your application for an appeal yourself but, if you are not able to do so, you may appoint a third party to act as your agent or representative.

To submit an appeal application with someone acting on your behalf you must:

• complete a Third Party Consent form, ensuring the required information is included. The original copy of this form will need to be posted to the Student Casework Team at the address below along with the Nominee Application form. Both forms must be received within ten working days from the official publication date of your results.

The Nominee Application Form can be completed electronically but must be printed and signed and forwarded to:

Student Casework Team
Student and Academic Services
Frenchay Campus
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol BS16 1QY

You will need to brief your representative, and it is their responsibility to keep you fully informed. The Student Casework Team must have the written authorisation to communicate with someone on your behalf and will liaise solely with your designated representative. The team will not correspond with both the representative and the student.

Once the application has been processed, the nominee will be sent an acknowledgement email with a copy of the appeal form. They must check the copy of the application and save a copy for their records.

Resources to support you with making an appeal:

• Stage One appeal flowchart
• Stage Two appeal flowchart
• Academic Appeals Policy

If you wish to make an appeal please find out more about submitting an appeal.