If things go wrong with your studies

Repeating a period of study

If you haven’t passed part or all of your academic year, it doesn’t mean you have to leave university. You might be able to repeat some of your studies and continue your course.

What does this mean?

• The university may offer you the option to repeat a module or year, depending on your situation.
• This will be decided by your Course Examination Board.
• Your Personal Academic Tutor or course leader can explain what this means for you and help you understand your next steps.

What about funding? 

• Funding a repeat year isn’t always straightforward. Things like student loans, bursaries or other financial support may be affected.
• Before you decide to repeat some of your studies, speak to a Student Adviser who will help you understand your options and avoid unexpected costs.

Remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you move forward with the right support. 

Academic misconduct and poor academic practice

If you’ve received a letter about poor academic practice or academic misconduct, it’s understandable to feel worried or unsure about what to do next.

The university takes these matters seriously and there is a clear process to follow, but you don’t have to face the situation alone.

Your letter will explain:

• whether your case is poor academic practice or academic misconduct
• the date of your meeting with your Head of School or an investigating panel.

Get support

• Contact the Students’ Union Support Service as soon as possible. They can explain the process, support you at meetings and help make sure you’re treated fairly.

Placement issues

If something’s not going right during your placement, don’t wait – support is available. First, contact your placement officer. You can also speak to your Personal Academic Tutor, Course Leader or Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT). 

If you’re not sure who to contact, call the university switchboard on 01273 600900 and ask to be put through to someone in your school.

Fitness to Study

The University of Brighton welcomes a diverse student community and is committed to supporting the health, wellbeing and success of all students.

We understand that mental or physical health issues – whether short- or long-term – can sometimes affect your ability to study or fully take part in university life.

What is Fitness to Study?

Fitness to Study is about your ability to take part in your studies and university life safely and effectively – both for your own wellbeing and for those around you.

We may use this procedure if:

• continuing to study without the appropriate support could negatively affect your health
• your behaviour is unsafe and/or having a serious detrimental impact on yourself or others.

How does the university support you?

If there are concerns about your fitness to study, we’ll:

• treat you with fairness, sensitivity and respect
• give you every opportunity to engage with support and improve your situation
• talk with you about any support, adjustments or next steps that might help
• consider your individual circumstances, wellbeing and safety, as well as that of the wider community
• involve key staff (eg the Student Wellbeing Service and your course team) to make decisions based on the best information available
• if needed, review your situation under a different policy, such as student conduct or fitness to practise.

Why does this matter?

The goal is always to help you stay well, stay safe and, wherever possible, stay on track with your studies.

We want you to reach your full potential – and we’ll work with you to explore the most supportive way forward. 

Student disciplinary

At the University of Brighton, we expect all students to treat each other with respect and kindness – both on campus and beyond. Our goal is to create a supportive community where everyone feels welcome. These procedures exist to keep our community safe and respectful – not to punish unnecessarily. If you’re involved in a case, support and advice are available to help you throughout the process.

Why does this procedure exist?

This process reports, considers and, where appropriate, formally challenges behaviours that are deemed inappropriate.

It makes sure every student is treated fairly and has a chance to explain their side.

This procedure also applies if you bring guests to campus or university accommodation.

What can you expect?

If there’s a concern about your behaviour, you might be contacted by the university.

• You may be invited to talk with a Student Discipline Officer to discuss what’s happened as part of an investigation process.
• For more serious issues, the case could be passed to the Head of Student Discipline or a disciplinary panel.

Throughout the process, the university will:

• treat every case fairly and with respect
• be open and transparent
• look carefully at the evidence and make decisions based on what’s most likely to have happened
• liaise with the police if the issue is a criminal matter.

Other related procedures

Some concerns may be handled differently, for example:

• academic misconduct – issues like cheating are handled through academic rules
• fitness to practise – for courses leading to professional qualifications
• fitness to study – when health or wellbeing affect behaviour
• Students’ Union issues – usually managed by the Student’s Union unless the matter is very serious.