Academic Appeal
Introduction
We understand how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you feel you have not achieved the grade that you feel you should have. This guide is here to help you understand what the appeals process is, why it exists, and how it can support you if you believe something hasn’t gone as it should. Knowing what to expect can make everything feel more manageable and help you approach the situation with confidence.
If you’re considering submitting an appeal, this guide will walk you through each stage, explain your options, and offer advice to help you prepare and put your case forward clearly.
What is an academic appeal?
An academic appeal is a formal request to review a decision made about an assessment or module result.
Academic appeals are not about disagreeing with academic judgement (for example, thinking your mark should be higher). Instead, there are set grounds under which you may be able to submit an appeal. If you have grounds to appeal, it will initiate an investigation which could result a resolution offered.
Who can make an academic appeal?
You can only submit an academic appeal if it falls under one or more of the University’s four valid grounds:
- Your performance in assessment was affected by illness or other compelling circumstances that could not have been reported earlier
- The assessment was not carried out in line with the programme or module regulations
- Administrative procedures were not followed correctly
- Circumstances you had already reported were not properly considered by assessors, the assessment board, or another relevant body
If your situation does not fit one of these grounds, the University is unlikely to accept your appeal.
How do I make an academic appeal?
If you believe your appeal meets one of the valid grounds, you have 10 working days from receiving your formal grade to begin the appeals process. Follow the below steps:
Seek local resolution first
Raise your concerns with your module or programme leader (or your supervision team if you are a research student). Many issues can be resolved at this stage.
Gather evidence
Collect any documents that support your appeal, such as medical evidence, emails, or relevant correspondence.
Get advice before submitting
Once you have completed the above steps, you can then book an appointment with an advisor to discuss your appeal. The advisor can review your appeal form and ensure that you have included all necessary information. We recommend sending your appeal form before your appointment with an advisor so they can review it ahead of time. There will be a link at the bottom of this page to book your appointment.
Submit your appeal
The form can then be sent to appeals@derby.ac.uk, alongside your evidence. The appeals team will acknowledge receipt of your appeal.
What happens once I have submitted my completed appeal?
Once submitted:
- The University may reject an appeal without investigation if it does not meet one or more of the valid grounds
- The Appeals team will contact you, usually within five working days, to confirm whether your appeal has been accepted. They will decide whether it could be accepted into formal investigation or whether they believe it could be resolved at a local level
- If accepted into formal investigation, the investigation usually takes around 20 working days
Possible outcomes
Following the investigation, your appeal may be:
- Not justified– the original decision stands
- Justified – your appeal is successful and the investigator will decide a reasonable solution
Can I appeal the outcome of the appeal investigation?
In some cases, you may be able to appeal the outcome. We strongly recommend speaking to a Union advisor if you are considering this. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they may request that the matter be referred to Appeals Review. This must be done within 10 working days of notification of the outcome.
The request for Appeals Review will be assessed by the Student Policy and Regulations team. If accepted, the PVC Dean for the College, or nominee, will review the Academic Appeal. The decision of the Appeals Review is final.
If the Appeals Review request is accepted in line with the requirements of K7.1, the PVC Dean for the College, or nominee, will review the Academic Appeal. The decision of the Appeals Review is final. If you are still unhappy, you will be issued with a Completions Of Procedure letter that can be taken to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator to request for the process to be reviewed.
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