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Appeals

If you think an academic decision has been made unfairly, you may be able to submit an Academic Appeal to the University of Stirling. An appeal is a request for the University to review an academic decision. It is not a way to challenge academic judgement simply because you disagree with a mark or outcome.

Academic Appeals: A Student-Friendly Guide

What can I appeal?

You may be able to appeal decisions about:

Progression to the next stage of your course
Reassessment opportunities
Academic failure decisions
Transfer to a different qualification
Decisions that affect your academic standing
Academic decisions that may not have been made correctly under University procedures

What can't I appeal?

You cannot appeal:

A mark or grade simply because you think it should be higher
Academic judgement that has been reached properly through University procedures
Admissions decisions, complaints, disciplinary decisions, fitness to practise decisions, or other matters covered by separate University procedures

What are the grounds for appeal?

You must show at least one of the following:

Exceptional circumstances affected your academic performance and, for a valid reason, you could not tell the University about them earlier.
The decision was not made in line with University procedures.
New information has become available that was not known at the time of the decision and could have affected the outcome.

When do I need to submit my appeal?

You must submit your appeal within one calendar month of being formally notified of the decision you wish to appeal.

Submit your appeal

What evidence do I need?

You should provide:

A completed Academic Appeal Form
Clear details explaining why you meet the grounds for appeal
Relevant supporting evidence, such as medical or other independent documentation where appropriate

What happens after I submit?

Initial Review – Academic Registry considers whether:
1. You have a right of appeal.
2. You have demonstrated valid grounds.
3. More information is needed.
Full Consideration – If the appeal meets the requirements, it is considered by an Academic Panel, which will decide whether the appeal is:
1. Upheld (successful), or
2. Not upheld (unsuccessful).
Further Appeal – If you believe the Academic Panel's decision was procedurally incorrect, unreasonable, or made without considering all relevant information, you can request a final review by the Academic Appeals Board within 10 days of receiving the Panel's decision.

Support Available

Before submitting an appeal, it is a good idea to speak with your:

Personal Tutor
Adviser of Studies
Programme Director
Faculty staff

You can also get advice from:

Top Tips

Submit your appeal as early as possible.
Focus on the appeal grounds and provide evidence.
Explain clearly what outcome you are seeking.
Keep copies of all documents you submit.

Don't base an appeal only on disagreement with a mark or grade

Remember: An appeal is about whether there were exceptional circumstances, new information, or procedural issues that affected an academic decision—not about asking for your work to be remarked because you are unhappy with the result.

Unsure whether we can help? Get in touch.

We'd rather hear from you early and help you find the right support than have you face a difficult situation alone.

If you’d like to get in touch with a member of the Union’s Advice team, please email advice.union@stir.ac.uk or call 01786 467166