‘In-Course’ Support

These are supports or reasonable adjustments that you may require within the teaching and learning environment.  The support that is recommended will be tailored to meet your individual needs and will depend on your medical evidence and the type of course you are studying. Support will be discussed and agreed with you at your registration appointment with a Disability Officer and will be communicated to your Academic School via an Individual Student Support Agreement (ISSA).

Below are some examples of the types of in course support which may be available:

• Lecture notes available in advance
• Flexibility with coursework deadlines
• Exam support
• Materials made available in alternative format where appropriate
• Permission to record lectures
• Support for tutorials, field trips, group work, oral presentations and placements
• Library support

Exam Support (including class tests)

This will be discussed and agreed at your registration appointment. It will then be shared with your Academic School and the Examinations Office.  

Most formal end of year examinations are arranged centrally by the Exams Office who will make the necessary adjustments and communicate your exam timetable to you. Please note that there is a cut-off date by which you must register with Disability Services in order for exam support to be guaranteed.  Cut-off dates will be advertised to all students during semester 2.

Exams or class tests may take place throughout the academic year and are often arranged by your Academic School. Your School will use the information contained within your Individual Student Support Agreement (ISSA) to make the necessary adjustments required for you to sit the assessment or class test.

Exam adjustments are dependent on individual student need. Find below some examples of exam support, but note that this is not an exhaustive list: 

• Additional time
• Smaller venue
• Rest breaks
• Consideration for spelling, grammar and handwriting
• Papers in an alternative format
• Specialist furniture 

Flexibility with Examinations  

Some students may require flexibility with examinations as a result of a fluctuating medical or health condition. If applicable, the recommendation will be made within your ISSA.
 
This adjustment should only be requested if you are unable to sit an exam due to disability-related reasons. Guidance on how to request flexibility with examinations will be detailed within your ISSA.

Alternative assessments

For a small number of students, the completion of formal examinations may present considerable challenges due to the nature and impact of their disability or long-term condition. Disability Services will explore appropriate reasonable adjustments with the individual student regarding examinations. If, having put all reasonable adjustments in place, the student is still deemed unable to undertake the standard examination as a result of his/her disability or long-term condition, alternative assessment may be considered.  This is subject to the maintenance of academic standards and may not be appropriate for all courses.

How to register

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) 

Students from Great Britain and Northern Ireland may be entitled to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). DSA assists students who require additional support in order to access their course as a direct result of their disability, health condition or Specific Learning Difficulty.

DSA may help fund specialist equipment, one-to-one support, consumables and travel. Funding will depend on your disability and supporting medical evidence.  Specific funded supports will be determined at a Needs Assessment appointment. The fund is not means tested and usually any equipment you receive will be yours to keep after you graduate. The fund is managed and approved by Student Finance in the region you reside (home address). You can apply at any time during your course, but we would advise applying before you start your course. The process can take around 12-14 weeks to complete so please start this process as soon as you can. 

 Application forms and guidance notes are available on each respective Student Finance website:

• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Finance England - Please check the DSA guidelines to ensure that you complete the appropriate form.
• Student Finance Wales (new students) | Student Finance Wales (returning students)

Students from the Republic of Ireland and Scotland, and those who receive funding through a Research Council or a Healthcare bursary, should contact Disability Services for assistance with their disability funding application. Please do this as soon as possible as there may be a cut-off date for applications. You can read about the support offered by your funders using the links below:

• Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) /
• Higher Education Authority (ROI)
• Research Council
• Nursing Students will receive DSA through BSO

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

While international students are not eligible for DSA, Disability Services can advise on possible alternative funding available.  Your Disability Officer will discuss this with you during your registration appointment. 

Check out our additional information pages for further information on assistive technology available on campus and other support services available to students. 

• Assistive Technology
• Learning and Development Service
• Needs Assessment Centre