Needs Assessment Process
What We Do
The Needs Assessment Centre is here to support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) by providing a personalised needs assessment. Our experienced assessors will work with you to understand your individual circumstances and recommend the tools, support, and adjustments that will help you succeed at university.
We’ve supported thousands of students with a wide range of needs, and we’re here to make sure your university experience gets off to the best possible start.
Who Can Use the Service?
Our service is open to students who are eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), including those studying nursing who may be entitled to Student Bursaries.
You can use our service whether you’re coming to Queen’s or heading to another university in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. We can carry out your needs assessment and help make sure your support is in place before you start.
If you’re a student from the Republic of Ireland, you might also be eligible for similar support through the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD).
Your needs assessment is an informal meeting that lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. It will take place in one of our fully equipped assessment rooms in the One Elmwood Student Centre, or online, whichever you prefer.
You don’t have to pay for the assessment — it’s fully funded — and our experienced assessors will guide you through the process step by step.
During the session, your assessor will:
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Review your medical evidence
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Chat to you about how your condition might impact your studies
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Ask about any support you’ve used in the past that worked well
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Demonstrate software, technology, and specialist equipment you can try out
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Explore possible solutions tailored to your individual needs
They may also recommend one-to-one support such as:
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Academic or specialist tutoring
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Mental health mentoring
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Note taking or campus assistance
After your assessment:
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A personalised report will be written and shared with you for review
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Once approved, it will be sent to your funding body
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Your funder (like Student Finance or the EA) will then send you a DSA2 letter confirming what support has been approved and how to arrange it
It’s a good idea to keep a copy of this letter — it outlines what you’re entitled to and what steps to take next.
Please note: the full DSA process can take up to 14 weeks, so it’s worth starting early. If you have any questions, big or small, the Needs Assessment Centre team is always happy to help: nac@qub.ac.uk
The flowchart below provides a detailed breakdown of the full DSA needs assessment process — from your initial application through to receiving your support. It’s designed to give you a comprehensive view of each step involved.
If anything feels unclear or you have questions about your own situation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Needs Assessment Centre team at nac@qub.ac.uk
Click on the below link to download:
Needs Assessment Process Flow Chart