Study and assessment support
When you tell us about a disability, you will be offered support based on your specific needs.
Reasonable adjustments
If you are at a disadvantage due to a disability, tell us. We can make recommendations to the way you are taught and assessed through a study support plan. These recommendations are personal to you.
We call these 'reasonable adjustments'.
Reasonable adjustments can include:
- alternative exam arrangements, such as extra time, rest breaks, or using a PC
- teaching materials and exams in large print or an electronic format
- support workers, such as study assistants, readers, scribes, and sign language interpreters
- changes to field trips and work placements (where possible and appropriate)
- changes to buildings, teaching venues, labs, or your accommodation (where possible and appropriate)
- hearing loops (audio induction loops).
Contact us to discuss any requirements not on this list.
Reasonable adjustments do not include:
- adjustments to academic standards
- changes to the learning outcomes you must achieve, which must be the same as other students, even if we make changes to how we teach and assess you
- changes to the standards set by your profession, if your degree programme leads to a professional qualification
- changes in cases where there would be a health and safety risk to you or others.
- changes in circumstances when something unforeseen happens, such as if you are unexpectedly ill or injured. In this situation, you will need to apply for exceptional circumstances. You should also let your school know about any unexpected events that could adversely affect your coursework or exam performance.
Alternative exam arrangements
Find out about the deadlines to apply and what to expect in our guide to alternative exam arrangements.
Check your exam timetable
If you have extra time and/or use of a PC, your timetable will differ from your peers. Make sure you check it carefully. If you have additional arrangements, these will be confirmed by email.
Coursework extensions
As part of your study support plan, we may recommend that your school responds sympathetically to coursework extensions. Your school makes the final decision about any extension.
Follow your school’s procedures to request a coursework extension.
Library support
We have a dedicated Library Support team who can help ensure that all library services are accessible to you.
Careers support
- Explore the mycareer pathway for further resources, advice, and support for to disabled and neurodivergent students.
- Register with EmployAbility to get advice about adjustments in the recruitment process or the workplace, and advocacy support. Email them once you have registered to start the conversation. Learn more about how EmployAbility could support you.
- Access one-to-one guidance appointments tailored to your needs. Talk to the Careers Service on their Live Chat for more information or to book.
Assistive technology advice and support
We have a dedicated team to provide support and guidance on how to use assistive technology you have available to you for your studies.
Monthly drop ins are available for you to ask specific questions on how the assistive technology works or if you need support setting it up.
A member of staff can be found in the Arts and Social Sciences Library on the following dates:
- Tuesday 10 October, 10am to 3pm.
- Wednesday 11 October, 10am to 3pm.
- Tuesday 14 Nov, 10am to 3pm.
- Wednesday 15 Nov, 10am to 3pm.
If you are an international student or research council student, you can find out what assistive technology is available to you by dropping in to our demonstration workshops.
UK students can apply to get assistive technology through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) funding.
The Technology for learning page gives information on assistive technology built into the systems that all students can access.