Step one: Review your feedback

Start by carefully reading through your marked work and any feedback provided. Make sure you:

• Re read the assessment brief and marking criteria
• Compare the feedback against the criteria
• Check whether comments explain how the grade was reached

Assessment criteria can usually be found in your module guide or obtained from your lecturer.

Step two: Speak to your tutor

If you are still unsure after reviewing your feedback, you should discuss the matter with the relevant tutor, usually the marker of the work.

This conversation should happen as soon as possible. You normally have 20 working days from receiving your feedback or exam results to submit an academic appeal, so it’s important not to delay.

In many cases, this discussion resolves concerns quickly. If there has been an administrative issue such as:

• A marking calculation error
• Part of the assessment being missed
• An error in recording the mark

These issues can often be corrected straight away without the need for a formal process.

Academic judgement

You cannot challenge academic judgement. This means you cannot appeal simply because you disagree with a lecturer’s professional judgement about your academic performance.

Universities use moderation and quality assurance processes to ensure marking is fair and consistent.

When an academic appeal may apply

If, after speaking to your tutor, you believe your grade has been affected by a procedural error or irregularity, you may be able to use the academic appeals process.

Find out more about academic appeals here:
Academic appeals information

The Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre can help you understand whether an appeal is appropriate and guide you through the process.