The appeals procedure is currently being redeveloped. Some new aspects are being brought in this year, and we are updating our guidance as things develop. If you're unclear about any part of the procedure, please email advice@luu.ac.uk or contact Student Cases at studentcases@leeds.ac.uk.

The usual academic appeals procedure can be used for academic appeals as a PGR, but there are some different things to consider. Like any other appeal, they are there to put right something that has gone wrong, so you cannot just challenge academic judgement.

If you remain dissatisfied following the final outcome, you can raise it further with the PVC or the OIA.

Read our related articles for more information on how to submit your appeal and how the process works.

FAQs

Which grounds can PGRs use?

• The assessment was conducted unfairly or improperly, or the assessment of your achievement was biased
• A procedural irregularity occurred in the processing of an assessment and this had an impact on the outcome
• The supervision of postgraduate research was unsatisfactory, and there is a good reason why this was not presented to the University sooner
• A decision to refuse a suspension or extension of study was unreasonable

The grounds relating to mitigating circumstances are marked ‘taught students’. This is because PGRs are expected to use suspensions, authorised absences or potentially extensions when mitigating circumstances disrupt your studies, rather than the Mitigating Circumstances procedure.

You can read more about taking time out of your research on the University website, or in our related articles.

Can I continue my research if I appeal?

It depends what you are appealing against. For example, if you are appealing against a decision to refer your thesis at the final examination stage, you may need to suspend to avoid losing study time.

That said, this can be complex and appeals can take a long time. Suspensions might impact your funding, so please speak to us for individual advice.

International students may need to seek advice on how a suspension could impact your visa. You would need to contact the Student Visa Advice Team at the University (studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk) as LUU Advice cannot advise on visas and immigration matters.

What can I appeal against?

You can appeal against any finalised academic decision:

• a decision to terminate studies, to require a researcher to withdraw from their candidature or to recommend transfer to MPhil candidature
• the outcome of an examination, assessment or placement
• a decision to refer a research degree submission
• the award received