An academic appeal is when you ask the university to review a formal decision about your assessments, progression, or awards.

You cannot appeal the academic judgement of the exam board, including dissatisfaction with a decision. Appeals are not a way to challenge disappointing results.  

Note: This guidance applies to decisions made at our UK campus. Different procedures apply to the University of Nottingham Ningbo China and the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

To submit an appeal, follow these steps:

• Complete the Form: Fill out the form linked on our appeals webpage.

• Read the Code of Practice: Ensure you have read and understood our Code of Practice on Academic Appeals.
• State the Facts: Clearly state the facts of your case and provide relevant evidence.
• Submission Deadline: Appeals must be submitted within 30 working days of the decision. Late submissions are unlikely to be accepted.
• Provide Evidence: Include evidence of what you are appealing, such as the letter or email you received notifying you of the decision.

Detail in the appeals form:

• Basis for Appeal: Indicate the basis (or right) for your appeal from the provided list.
• Reasons for Appeal: Specify the reasons (or grounds) for your appeal.
• Summary: Provide a summary (up to 1200 words) explaining your reasons for appealing, including a summary of what has happened. Remember, the reviewer will not have background knowledge of your circumstances.  A chronological timeline is useful to provide if possible including how you have sought advice or tried to resolve your issues informally before submitting an appeal
• Desired Outcome: Indicate your desired outcome.
• Submit the Form: Email the completed form to Academic appeals

After Submission of the appeals form:

• You will receive an email acknowledgement once your appeal is submitted.

We will require formal notification of the decision you are appealing – often this is an outcome letter or email confirming the decision.  A Bluecastle screenshot will be accepted if you are appealing a classification decision.  You can submit other evidence if it substantiates the grounds under which you are appealing.  Evidence should be factual not just opinions or assertions. 

Evidence that is signed, dated from the relevant period (or refer to the circumstances that occurred from that time) and from a professional source can be helpful.  Evidence should be provided in English and if that is not possible, a certified translation should be submitted.  If you have a support plan and your appeal relates to certain aspects; then please provide full details assist in handling your appeal.

Types of evidence which might be relevant to support your appeal

• Medical letters / GP records relating to your health
• Official documents from the Government or other bodies
• Emails from academics or support services
• Police reports
• Link to standards of evidence in the EC policy