Academic Appeals

An academic appeal is a process by which you can appeal against an academic decision made by the University related to your studies. This could include decisions made by exam boards, such as the classification of a degree, penalties applied to exam results, or a notification for you to withdraw from the course. The appeals process is governed by the General Regulation VII which should be read in conjunction with these pages.

There are two formal stages of appeals, however we would always advise students to contact their department in the first instance to see if an informal resolution can be reached before proceeding to the formal process.

Some helpful FAQs relating to academic appeals can be found here.

If the informal approach has not resulted in a resolution, then the next step is to submit a Faculty Appeal.

Faculty Appeal Process

Once the Faculty Appeal process has been completed, then the next stage is the Senate Appeal. Note that if an appeal is upheld at the Faculty stage and send back to the Board of Examiners for consideration, then the end of the Faculty process is when the final outcome from the Board of Examiners has been notified.

Senate Appeal Process

Finally, Durham University subscribes to the independent scheme for the review of student complaints. If you are dissatisfied with the Senate Appeal outcome you may be able to apply for a review of your appeal to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA)

OIA Information

Help with your appeal at both Faculty and Senate Stage is available from your college and also from the Durham Student Union via their SU ASK service. There are also some helpful FAQs to be found here and a Flowchart for Academic Appeals.