If you fail part of your course, you may need to re-take an assessment, module, or year to get back on track.
SU Advice can help you understand your options and any implications.
Full details can be found in the University's Standard Assessment Regulations.
Generally, you are entitled to receive the teaching for a module once and you can have two attempts at each assessment within the module.
If you fail the first attempt, you will be offered a further attempt at the assessment, but your mark will be capped at the minimum pass mark.
If the second valid attempt is failed, you will be offered a re-take opportunity for the module. You will receive the teaching again and two further attempts at the work, but this will all be capped at the minimum pass mark. You may have to pay extra to re-take the module.
Some courses are covered by their own regulations regarding re-takes, particularly professional courses such as Nursing. You should contact your course team directly regarding this.
Courses and modules with different rules are also detailed in the University's Exemptions from the Standard Assessment Regulations.
You are only allowed to progress to the next level of your course if you have passed enough modules. If you have failed several modules, you may need to re-take the year. This may have financial and funding implications and could affect your visa (if applicable). You also need to consider the regulations around 'maximum duration of study' - see the University's Standard Assessment Regulations for more information about this and how progression options are calculated.
Things to consider
If you have failed some work due to experiencing health problems or other difficult circumstances at the time of assessment, you could consider submitting a late Exceptional Circumstances Request. Our team at SU Advice can support you with understanding this process, and you can also find general information on our Personal Circumstances Affecting Your Studies page.
We can also advise you on whether you may be able to apply for repeat tuition fee funding on the grounds of Compelling Personal Reasons, if you have to repeat the year, and how your funding for living costs may be affected. View our money guidance for more information.
If you feel there has been an error in the marking, assessment, or administration process then you might consider submitting an appeal - however, it's important to remember that you cannot appeal academic judgement and disagreeing with the mark itself is not adequate grounds for an appeal. SU Advice can advise you on this process and help you understand if you have grounds to appeal or not.
It is important to discuss your progression with your Student Support Adviser or Course Leader.
At SU Advice we can discuss your options with you, and will outline the implications for your current and future funding entitlement and other considerations such as your housing/tenancy commitments. If you need visa advice, please contact the University's International Experience Team.
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The information in this guide and on our web pages is given in good faith and has been carefully checked. However, SU Advice cannot accept responsibility for any action you take based on the information provided.
If you require the information in a different format, please contact SU Advice.