NOTE: this section has been updated as of 14.01.25 with content previously provided below being integrated into a new policy on reasonable adjustments.
12.1 The University has a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students, including for assessment. The purpose of the duty is to remove barriers so that disabled students are not disadvantaged in comparison with non-disabled students.
12.2 Information about the University’s arrangements for assessing the need for and implementing reasonable adjustments is provided in the University’s Policy on reasonable adjustments for teaching, learning and assessment (PDF, 146kB).
Reasonable adjustment to assessment because of any other protected characteristic
12.3 Schools will also consider making adjustments for students because of any other protected characteristic[1] or their association with someone who has a protected characteristic.
Religious observances
12.4 Where it is practicable, reasonable and fair to all students, assessment tasks should be designed to accommodate the religious observances of the students and staff involved. As far as it is practicable, the examination timetable will be arranged such that it does not conflict with the observance of religious festivals and other holy days.
12.5 It is the responsibility of the student to inform the faculty office about their religious beliefs where there is potential for conflict with the setting of assessment.
Student pregnancy or maternity/paternity
12.6 If it is likely that a student’s pregnancy might affect their ability to meet coursework deadlines or sit examinations, consideration must be given to implementing measures to support them in meeting the requirements of the programme.
12.7 If a student is due to give birth near to, or during assessment deadlines, or the examination period, but they wish to complete assessed work or sit examinations, the student should not be prevented from so doing. If the midwife or doctor, however, advises against sitting an examination or trying to meet the assessed work deadline, an alternative should be explored.
12.8 Otherwise, the school should make arrangements for the student to sit the examination, as a first attempt, at the earliest possible opportunity or agree to an extension to the deadline for the submission of coursework.
12.9 If a student is likely to be absent due to their partner giving birth, and where the due date conflicts with any scheduled assessments, staff should endeavour to offer flexibility wherever practicable so to do. However, in such circumstances automatic dispensation from examinations will not always be possible.
[1] The protected characteristics for higher education are: age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. More information on the protected characteristics.
