Check your grounds
The published policy covers procedural error, bias or unfair treatment, and significant new evidence.
Quality and learner support
Appeals Policy
Check the grounds and deadlines for raising an appeal, and find out which policy applies to your programme.
At a glance
Check the deadline before submitting
The published eStudyQuals policy gives 5 working days for an informal query and 10 for a formal appeal. The published summary does not specify when either period starts. Contact the Quality Lead promptly to confirm your deadline. Check the partner rules if a partner delivers or awards your programme.
Fair, transparent route to challenge decisions on clear grounds and timelines.
Effective: 13 October 2025 · Next review: October 2026
Purpose & Scope
- Provide a clear process for learners to challenge decisions where they believe an error has occurred.
- Applies to assessment decisions, admissions outcomes, and procedural matters for Estudyquals‑facilitated provision.
- Where a programme is delivered/awarded by a partner institution, their appeal rules and timelines take precedence.
Grounds for Appeal
- Procedural error: the published policy or process was not followed.
- Bias or unfair treatment: evidence of prejudice or conflict of interest.
- New material evidence: significant information not reasonably available at the time, which could affect the outcome.
Disagreement with academic judgement alone is not a ground for appeal.
Stages & Timelines
- Informal query (within 5 working days)
Raise the issue with your assessor or Admissions for clarification. - Formal appeal (within 10 working days)
Submit a written appeal with grounds and evidence to the Quality Lead. - Review panel (within 15 working days)
Independent panel reviews documentation and may invite a meeting. - Outcome issued (normally within 5 working days of panel)
Decision communicated in writing with reasons and any actions. - Further route (if applicable)
For partner‑awarded programmes, external routes (e.g., awarding body) may be available.
Working days exclude weekends and public holidays. Timelines may be adjusted for complexity or availability; you will be informed.
Submitting an Appeal
- State the ground(s) you are appealing under and the decision you seek.
- Attach supporting evidence (emails, policies, medical/official notes, marked work, reports).
- Use the subject line “Appeal – [Your Name] – [Programme/Module]”.
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Appeal upheld | Decision amended; re‑marking or process rerun; result updated as appropriate. |
| Appeal partially upheld | Specific aspect corrected; limited adjustments applied. |
| Appeal not upheld | Original decision stands; reasons provided and next steps (if any) indicated. |
All decisions are recorded; actions are monitored to completion.
Record‑keeping & Reporting
- Appeal cases are logged securely with outcomes and actions.
- Trends inform quality enhancement and staff development.
- Anonymised summaries may be shared with partners/awarding bodies as required.
Related Policies
Version Control
Owner: Quality Lead · Effective: 13 October 2025 · Next review: October 2026