Academic
While you study you may find that you come up against a range of academic problems or concerns. Below we have listed the main areas that may be of particular importance to you.
Exams
It is vital that you prepare and are aware of some important areas when you enter a critical period of your study.
If you study with Christ Church University you can view their Student Union support and information here.
Exam Preparation
Be aware of the guidance your university gives in relation to your exams:
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Exam Support
Be pro-active in getting academic support and guidance to help you with the assessment period:
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Drill Hall Library:
Extenuating Circumstances
If you are having difficulties that are causing a significant adverse effect on your academic performance or feel they will then you should consider submitting Extenuating Circumstances.
University of Kent:
University of Greenwich:
Wellbeing Support
If you are concerned or anxious over the exam period and feel you need professional support it is important you reach out to the resources that are available:
University of Kent:
Telephone: 01634 888474 (Monday to Friday 9:00 - 5:00)
Email: MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk
Emergency Support
University of Greenwich:
Telephone: 020 8331 9444 / 7875
Email: wellbeing@gre.ac.uk
Emergency Support
External Organisations:
- NHS
- Student Minds
Academic Appeals (Taught Awards)
During your time as a student the university will make decisions on your progress and performance in examinations and coursework and on your eligibility for the award of the qualification for which you are studying. If you are unhappy with that decision you may be able to appeal.
It is important before considering an appeal that you are aware of how the process works:
You should also view your university regulations:
Both universities, if you make a formal appeal, will require you to:
- Complete their appeal form.
- Clearly explain your appeal case and the grounds you are appealing under.
- Provide evidence to substantiate your grounds (where possible).
- Apply within the appeal deadline (or have a very good reason why you are appealing late).
If you require further guidance in this area or on how to write an appeal statement please Talk To Us.
Academic Discipline
You may find at some time in your studies that the university initiate academic discipline against you whether it be in relation to plagiarism, an examination offence, use of AI, or similar.
If you are accused of an offence then you should be notified by your university of the allegation and you should make yourself aware of the regulations. University of Greenwich students can access the main regulations here and University of Kent students can access the Kent regulations here.
It is important for you to clearly understand the case against you, what evidence is being used, and for you to consider whether you agree you have committed an offence (even if inadvertently) or not.
Any meeting you go to you should be prepared so you can explain your case clearly and concisely, i.e. the reasons why you feel no offence has been committed or why the offence was committed and any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your decision making. If you have evidence to support your case take it with you to the meeting.
If you need advice or support please Talk to Us.
University Complaints
We hope that while you study you have an amazing time. However, sometimes things go wrong and you may feel that you have not received the education or service that you can reasonably expect. In these cases it is important you understand your rights and options to get these concerns addressed.
It may be that you feel a staff member is not treating you fairly, that you are not getting the quality and time of teaching you are paying for, that a service or department has not dealt with your situation effectively, etc.
It is always best to try to informally resolve your concerns by speaking, where appropriate, to the person or department involved letting them know of your dissatisfaction.
However if that doesn’t resolve the issue then you can consider escalating your concerns to a formal complaint.
The Advice service can help guide you on these processes and in getting your complaint addressed.
Last Edited: June 2025