What happens if I’m accused of cheating?

If you try to get an unfair advantage in your exam, or break any of the University's Exam conduct rules then this is classed as cheating. There is a list of the types of cheating in the Taught Student Guide page on Cheating in Exams.

The University takes cheating very seriously. If you’re found guilty of cheating the penalties are very severe and will most likely mean exclusion from the University.

If you’ve been accused of cheating in an exam, you should receive a letter or an Examinations Officer’s report outlining the accusation with evidence. You should receive this within 14 days. This report will be sent to your School and the Student Cases Team.

The letter will ask you to submit a statement to the Student Cases Team within 14 days of the date of the letter. Your statement should:

Accept or deny the allegation
If accepting, explain any mitigating circumstances
If denying, explain your defence
Include any relevant evidence (e.g. of mitigating circumstances)

LUU Advice can assist with writing your statement.

Your statement is sent from the Student Cases Team to the University's Investigating Officer. If the Investigating Officer determines there is a case to be heard you will be invited to appear before the University’s Committee on Applications. You can bring someone with you for support, including someone from LUU Advice. You are advised to prepare a statement to present at the hearing.

LUU Advice are happy to be your supporter, help you prepare your statement and talk through any questions you might be asked, although we’re not usually able to speak on your behalf at the hearing.

The final decision will be made at the committee, and they will write to you within seven working days to let you know the result of your hearing.

There are usually two types of cheating penalty that you could face.

Exclusion from the University
Or either of the below options:

Repeat the exam to pass standard as an external student for a mark of 0
Repeat all the exams in the semester/year as an external student for a mark of 0

The Committee on Applications can take other action in exceptional cases.

We strongly recommend that you read the Taught Student Guide to make sure you understand the rules and regulations (see section 11 of the Guide).

The University's Cheating, Plagiarism, Fraudulent or Fabricated Coursework and Malpractice Procedure is used in cases where any of those offences are suspected.