Academic Regulations (2026–27): Student Consultation Q&A

We’re updating our Academic Regulations based on student feedback and evidence, to make them fairer, clearer, and more supportive.

Why are we making changes?

We are updating our Academic Regulations in response to what students have told us about their courses, alongside evidence from student outcomes and progression data.

Students have asked for clearer expectations, more consistent decisions, and better support earlier in their course. These changes are designed to respond directly to that feedback and to make the system fairer, clearer, and more supportive.

What are Academic Regulations?

Academic Regulations are the rules that explain how your course works. They cover how you progress through your studies, how assessments are managed, and how decisions about your results are made.

They exist to ensure that all students are treated fairly and that academic standards are applied consistently across the University.

What is changing?

We are simplifying and clarifying the regulations to make them easier to understand and apply. This includes changes to how you progress through your course, how reassessments are offered, and how decisions about your results are made. For some students, this will mean firmer expectations around progression and reassessment, supported by earlier and more targeted help to keep them on track.

How do these changes improve fairness?

These changes are designed to make the system more transparent and consistent for all students. They are based on evidence about what helps students succeed. For example, we know that carrying lots of unfinished work into the next stage of study can make it harder to progress, and that repeated resits do not always improve outcomes, particularly in earlier years.

The updated approach focuses on helping you successfully complete each stage of your course, with clearer expectations and earlier support so that issues do not build up over time. This helps ensure that decisions are applied consistently and fairly across all students.

Will this make things harder?

No. The intention is not to make things harder, but to better support your success. By setting clearer expectations and providing support earlier, the changes are designed to help you stay on track and avoid difficulties later in your course.

What does this mean for current students?

For most students, there will be no immediate change to your day-to-day experience.

You will not be disadvantaged by these changes. A transition period will be in place to protect your current position, and the work you have already completed or started will remain under the existing regulations. Any changes will be introduced gradually and with support.

Where there is any uncertainty about how the regulations apply, decisions will be taken in a way that does not disadvantage you. Your right to raise concerns or appeal decisions will not change.

What about new students?

Most students starting their course in 2026–27 (for example, at Foundation Year, Level 4 or postgraduate entry points) will follow the updated regulations from the beginning of their studies.

Students moving into Level 4 in 2026–27, including those completing a Foundation Year, will also be subject to the full updated regulations at that point. This reflects the transition into subject-specific undergraduate study and ensures that all students studying at the same level are treated consistently and fairly.

Any studies you have already completed will continue to be governed by the regulations in place at the time. This means that previous work and outcomes will not be affected by these changes.

What support is available?

You will continue to be supported by your course team, your personal tutor, and University support services throughout your studies. The updated approach places greater emphasis on early support to help you stay on track from the start.

I have a question about my course

If you have a question about your specific course or individual situation, contact your programme team or personal tutor in the first instance. For general questions about the Academic Regulations or these changes, you can use the consultation form below.

Can I give feedback?

Yes. We want to hear your views as part of this consultation. Your feedback will help us make sure the changes are clearly explained, identify where further guidance is needed, and improve how the regulations are implemented.

The consultation form will remain open until 29 May 2026.

Why does this matter?

These changes are designed to ensure that all students are treated fairly, that expectations are clear, and that you are supported to succeed throughout your course. They also help maintain the long-term value and credibility of your degree.