Answers to frequently-asked questions about academic results communications

Please take a look at the answers below if you have queries about the communications that you have received from Kingston University in regard to your academic results.

If you didn't pass all your modules in this academic year, these pages outline what the outcome(s) you have been offered mean and provide guidance on what you can do next.

If you need support, please get in touch.

Graduation and certificates

1. I have passed my degree. How can I find out about my graduation ceremony?

If you are eligible to attend a ceremony, you will receive an email from the graduations team advising you of your ceremony date and time and when you can book your place and guest tickets.

Visit the graduations webpage FAQs or contact graduations@kingston.ac.uk for further information.

2. When will I receive my award certificate?

You will receive your certificate at graduation. Certificates are not automatically posted out to students who do not attend – you will need to respond to your graduation invitation on OSIS and, if you are not attending, provide your preferred postal address.

3. When will I receive my Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)?

Access to the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) will be available via the Gradintelligence website shortly after you have received your formal outcomes.

You need to activate your HEAR before you can see your transcript. You should have received an email asking you to do this during your course. If you have not, or if you want any further information about the HEAR, please follow our guidance and FAQs.

4. What if I still have outstanding tuition fees?

Tuition fees need to have been paid in full:

  • before you can purchase tickets to attend your graduation ceremony, or
  • before any certificates or the Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) can be issued, or
  • before you can re-enrol (i.e. if you are a continuing student).

Should you have outstanding fees, you can make payment securely online at www.kingston.ac.uk/epay.

If you need to discuss fee payment, contact the Accounts Receivable team by calling 020 8417 3333 or submit your enquiry via the StudentHUB's 'My Fee Payments' section.

Understanding your results

All guidance should be read alongside the General and Academic regulations, including the Undergraduate regulations (AR2), Postgraduate regulations (AR3) and Degree Apprenticeships regulations (AR10).

5. Where can I see a breakdown of my marks?

A breakdown of your marks is available on OSIS. A transcript of your marks will also be made available to you via your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) shortly after you have received your formal outcomes. You can access your HEAR via the Gradintelligence website.

You need to activate your HEAR before you can see your transcript. You should have received an email asking you to do this during your course. If you have not, or if you want any further information about the HEAR, please follow our guidance.

6. How has my degree classification (1st, 2:1, 2: 2 etc) been calculated?

If you are on a standard undergraduate degree:

Standard bachelors honours degree classifications are calculated as follows:

  • average % of the best 105 credits at Level 5 which is given a weighting of 20% (multiplied by 0.2).

Plus:

  • average % of the best 105 credits at Level 6 which is given a weighting of 80% (multiplied by 0.8)

This means that your Level 6 modules are weighted more heavily than your Level 5 modules.

Where there are four 30-credit modules at each level, each module is treated as two blocks of 15 credits for the purposes of the calculation (or four blocks of 15 credits for a 60 credit module). Using the best 105 credits means that your lowest performing module counts for less, as you effectively "drop" one of the 15-credit blocks from your lowest performing module (this gives your best 105 credits).

Standard undergraduate awards will be classified using the following overall framework:

  • an overall result of 70 – 100% First Class honours
  • an overall result of 60 – 69% Upper Second Class honours
  • an overall result of 50 – 59% Lower Second Class honours
  • an overall result of 40 – 49% Third Class honours

If you are on one of our standard undergraduate degrees, you may be able to find out more about how your degree classification will be calculated by looking at the Award Predictor on OSIS.

If you are on a standard postgraduate degree:

Standard postgraduate degrees are classified by calculating the average score across all of the credit required for your qualification. Depending on your average score, your degree will be awarded with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

  • Pass: An average score of 50-59% across all of the credit required for the qualification
  • Merit: An average score of 60-69% across all of the credit required for the qualification
  • Distinction: An average score of 70% or above across all of the credit required for the qualification

Postgraduate Certificates will not be awarded with merit or distinction.

If you are on one of our standard postgraduate degrees, you may be able to find out more about how your degree classification will be calculated by looking at the Award Predictor on OSIS.

7. My transcript shows that I have received a compensated pass (PC). What does this mean?

If you have failed 30 credits with a mark of between 35% and 39% (for undergraduate courses) or between 45% and 49% (for postgraduate courses), the Assessment Board may decide to compensate this failure and allow you to progress to the next stage of your degree. This will be identified on your Record of Progress as a compensated pass with a module grade of PC.

Rules about compensation eligibility are explained in the relevant UG/PG/DA academic regulations. Some programmes have additional limits, or may not permit compensation, often for PSRB-accreditation requirements, which are explained in the relevant programme specification.

8. I applied for mitigating circumstances before I received my marks. How can I tell whether these have been accepted?

If your application for mitigating circumstances was successful, this will be indicated by a grade of "S" next to the relevant module in OSIS. This typically means that the assessment board has decided that you may defer your attempt at this/these assessment(s) until the next reassessment period. You should have received information about your deferred assessment alongside your results communication but if you have not, please contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see the details in the General Enquiries FAQ). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of all the arrangements for your deferred assessments.

If your mitigating circumstances claim was rejected and you did not attempt the assessment in question, this will be recorded as a failed attempt in OSIS. You may still be entitled to reassessment in that element of assessment and, if so, this will be indicated in your results communication.

You should note that approved claims for mitigating circumstances only apply to the specific assessment period that you applied for, and claims will not automatically be applied to any subsequent assessment periods.

For further advice and guidance about mitigating circumstances and your results, please contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see details in the General Enquiries FAQ).

9. I am on a masters ‘with Professional Placement' degree and I have failed taught credit. What does this mean?

If you have failed taught credit, this may mean that you are no longer able to continue with your professional placement. You will receive further information about this from your Faculty if this is the case. For further information you can contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see the details in the General Enquiries FAQ).

10. I am a postgraduate student and have a module grade of FF. What does this mean?

The FF grade means that you have failed the module at the final attempt and are not eligible for further reassessment (maximum two attempts at PG). Consequently, you may not be able to achieve your intended award (e.g. MSc/MA).

If you are part way through your course, you may continue to complete any remaining academic modules for an exit award (e.g. PGDip/PGCert).

If this final failure is on a taught module and you are on a masters degree 'with Professional Placement', you will be transferred onto the academic (non-placement) route and you will no longer be able to go on placement. If you are studying on a Student Route visa, the duration of your visa will be adjusted accordingly.

11. There has been a finding (or suspected finding) of academic misconduct against me (grade Z or ZU). How will this affect my results and reassessments?

The ZU grade means that a suspected case of academic misconduct is unconfirmed at the time of the assessment board. This is a temporary grade which indicates the case is being investigated in accordance with our academic misconduct procedures. You will have received a letter from your Faculty inviting you to a meeting/hearing to discuss the assessment in question.

The Z grade means that the case has been concluded. The letter that was sent to you after your Academic Misconduct hearing will have outlined the provisional outcome of the hearing and the penalty that will be recommended to the Programme Assessment Board, including what type of reassessment (if any) is permitted. The Z grade and your official results letter confirm the final outcome, as decided by the Programme Assessment board.

If you need any advice or support in relation to this, please contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see the details in the General Enquiries FAQ below), your personal tutor or the Union of Kingston Students as soon as possible. Refer also to our regulations on Academic Integrity.

If you are not permitted any further reassessment on the module for which you have academic misconduct, but you still have other credit or reassessment to undertake, you may still be allowed to undertake this. You should be aware, however, that this will still mean that you are unable to progress to the next stage of your course and/or achieve your intended award. Depending on the outcome of your other assessments, you may be entitled to an intermediate award or a certificate of credit.

12. My letter says that my registration has been terminated on academic grounds. Can I apply for re-admission?

If your registration has been terminated on academic grounds you will not normally be able to apply for readmission to the same or a related course. You may apply for readmission to a new course with Kingston University.

13. Can I request that my work is re-marked?

No, you cannot challenge the academic judgement of the assessment board. However, there are other grounds on which you can appeal. Find out more about the grounds and process for appeals by reading the Academic Appeals Regulations (AR8 or AR9) and speaking to your personal tutor or to the Union of Kingston Students.

Reassessment scenarios

We allow further assessment opportunities to pass your modules so you can achieve your intended award, or progress to your next level of study in the next academic year with your fellow students.

‘Reassessments' is the generic term that refers to the occasions when a student, who has failed, or not yet passed, a module can take an assessment or module again (i.e. as a resit or as a deferred attempt due to an agreed mitigating circumstances claim).

The following sections explain the different potential forms of reassessment offered by the University in your results letter. This may include one or a combination of: retake, trail*, repeat or continue for an alternative award (*UG only). They also provide important information on how you can manage your reassessment and understand any bearing on your eligibility to graduate or progress on your course.

14. Key facts about reassessments

We do not limit the amount of credits that students can be reassessed in during an academic year and this normally includes up to two attempts, per academic year. Marks from all years of study, including level 3 and 4, will appear on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), as will any failed credits.

It is very important to ‘do something' at this point in your studies – you need to demonstrate engagement with your reassessment (or apply for mitigation) to be considered for eligibility to continue on the course in the next academic year.

We have academic achievement criteria dependent on the level of study and engagement with assessment during an academic year cycle, and some of our PSRB-accredited courses apply stricter criteria. However, if you exhaust all your assessment attempts at a module (normally four attempts at undergraduate level, two attempts at postgraduate level), your registration with the University will be discontinued. See FAQ 15: Who can I talk to for advice?

All guidance should be read alongside the General and Academic regulations, including the Undergraduate regulations (AR2), Postgraduate regulations (AR3) and Degree Apprenticeships regulations AR10).

15. Who can I talk to for advice?

We understand that results time can be difficult or disappointing. If you are concerned about your reassessments or want to get further advice about your individual situation and specific course requirements, we would strongly advise you to speak with someone.

There are several avenues of support available across the university at any time, and especially during the reassessment period:

These are also referred to under specific scenarios elsewhere in these FAQs.

Continue reading below for sections relevant to your form of reassessment:

  • Retake, Trailing, Repeat
  • Managing your Reassessments: How can I approach this?, What can I do?, I am experiencing difficult circumstances. What should I do?

Retake assessment

16. My letter says I have to 'retake' one or more assessments. What does this mean?

A retake is a type of assessment where you attempt the element of assessment that you have not yet passed, usually during the retake period. ‘Retake' includes a deferred attempt due to previously agreed mitigation. There is no charge for this.

The retake period for most courses starts from when your results are released and concludes a few weeks later.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully aware of all retake arrangements.

If you have retake coursework

Please refer to Canvas modules for reassessment information or contact your module leader or course team for further information.

To submit your retake materials please log in to Canvas, using your Kingston ID and password. You will then see boxes in your dashboard for each of the modules you are enrolled on. Click on each box to access the module and follow the assignment link which should have the retake submission link where you can submit your materials.

If you are unable to access Canvas for any reason you should contact the Help desk immediately on 63355 or +44 (0)20 8417 3355.

If you have retake examinations

Please see the Retake Examinations Schedule which is available on My Kingston.

PLEASE NOTE: Your exam timetable will not be available for July 2024 retakes in MyTimetable or Outlook. We apologise for any inconvenience. (This information may be available directly from your place of study if you are studying at a partner institution).

If you are in doubt or have any questions about the arrangements for your retake(s) you must contact your Course Support and Administration team as soon as possible.

17. What if I have questions about the content of my retakes?

If you have questions about the content of your retakes then please:

  • check Canvas for your reassessment brief and materials;
  • email your module leader (from your KU email address) as soon as possible for help. They may not be available throughout all of the retake period. If you don't hear back from them after five working days, you should contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see the details in the General Enquiries FAQs).

18. I need to retake one or more assessments. Where can I find help with my academic skills to complete them?

Kingston has lots to offer when it comes to supporting your academic skills. From one to one support with our Academic Success Centres to structured programmes and online resources, have a look at how we can help you to be better on My Kingston > My Skills.

19. What happens if I do not attempt my retakes?

You will be awarded a mark of 0 (Fail) for any retake elements that you do not attend or submit.

See further guidance:

20. What happens after my retakes?

The results from your retakes will be considered by a Reassessment Board.

  • Undergraduate courses – typically held in August
  • Postgraduate courses – typically held in March, June and November
  • Some non-standard courses – typically held outside these time periods

You will get another communication after the Reassessment Board confirming your results and explaining what will happen next.

If you are retaking a module due to failure, the final module mark will be aggregated on the basis of the best marks achieved at element level at either your first sit or your retake. If you pass the module on aggregate the module will be capped at the minimum pass mark for that module.

  • For undergraduate courses (Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6) the standard pass mark is 40%
  • For taught postgraduate courses (Level 7) the standard pass mark is 50%

There are exceptional circumstances where retakes will not be capped at the pass mark at module level. For example:

  • If you have submitted a claim for mitigating circumstances which has been approved, your mark for the retake will not be capped.

21. What if I fail my retakes?

If you are on an undergraduate course

The Reassessment Board will review your overall academic profile of results achieved at that level in the current academic year to consider whether you are eligible for:

  • compensation for failure in up to 30 credits (including 15 credit modules); or
  • an opportunity to progress to the next level trailing the module(s) (maximum 30 credits); or
  • an opportunity for a special retake (maximum 30 credits, only if you have passed 90 credits and are on your final level); or
  • an opportunity to repeat the module(s) in the following academic year; or
  • transfer to a non-accredited programme*; or
  • discontinuation of your registration and any potential intermediate award.

*This is dependent on your level of study and results achieved, the number of assessment attempts you have had at the module(s) and your engagement throughout the academic year and your course registration period.

If you are on a postgraduate course

The Reassessment Board will review your overall academic profile of results achieved in the current academic year to consider whether you are eligible for:

  • compensation for failure in up to 30 credits (including 15 credit modules); or
  • a further retake opportunity (maximum of two attempts for PG); or
  • an opportunity to repeat the module(s) in the following academic year or transfer to a non-accredited programme*; or
  • an opportunity to continue for an exit award; or
  • discontinuation of your registration and any potential exit award

*This is dependent on your level of study and results achieved, the number of assessment attempts you have had at the module(s) and your engagement throughout the academic year and your course registration period.

Depending on the structure of your course, you may be permitted to continue with other modules on your course for an exit award (e.g. PGDip/PGCert), or it may be necessary to discontinue your registration on your course.

Trailing assessment

22. What does 'trailing credit'* mean?

*Trailing credit only applies at undergraduate level.

Trailing credit is where you are permitted to retake a module that you have not yet passed at the same time as progressing into the next level of your course. For example, if at the end of the 2023/24 academic year you have passed 90 credits and have only one 30-credit module or two 15 credit modules still to pass, you may still be allowed to progress to the next level of study in the 2024/25 academic year and undertake reassessment in the module(s) you have not yet passed at the same time as engaging with your new modules.

When eligible, the possibility of trailing credit is the default decision of the Reassessment board as an alternative to repeat (or replace) study. If you want to consider undertaking reassessment by repeat (or replace) instead of trailing, please see guidance below in FAQ 32 ‘Can I opt out of trailing, and what should I consider?'

23. Does my course permit trailing?

Most courses allow trailing. However, if your course doesn't permit trailing, this will be stated in the relevant programme specification.

Please note that there may be specific modules on your course which cannot be trailed due to professional body restrictions (PSRB) or because they are pre-requisites for modules at the next level of study. This will be detailed in the relevant programme specification and module documentation available from Canvas.

If you are unsure if your course permits trailing, or if a particular module can be trailed, you can ask your personal tutor, your Course Support and Administration team or your course leader for more information.

24. How will I know if I can trail credit?

Following your course's Reassessment Board, you will be sent a communication notifying you of the Board's decision which may include the opportunity for you to trail credit into the next level in the following academic year.

25. How many credits can I trail?

You can only trail up to 30 credits into the next level of study. To be eligible to trail 30 credits, you must have passed all other 90 credits at that level.

You are not permitted to trail Level 4 credit into Level 6, or level 6 credit into Level 7. See also FAQ 23: 'Does my course permit trailing?'.

26. If I trail, will I have reassessment in all elements of assessment for the trailed module?

No, you will only be required to undertake reassessment in those elements of assessment that you have not yet passed. You must engage with these assessments to ensure you don't put your future progression (if you are trailing a Level 4 module) or your final award (if you are trailing a Level 5 module) at risk.

27. Will trailed modules be capped?

Yes, trailed modules will be capped in line with our regulations for retake reassessment. This means that the overall module result will be capped at the minimum pass mark (unless it was a deferred 1st attempt due to mitigation).

28. Will I be able to attend learning and teaching activities for the trailed module?

No, you will not have timetabled learning and teaching activities for the trailed module, although you can attend timetabled activities with agreement from the module leader if they fit into your existing timetable. No changes to your timetable will be made to accommodate this.

29. Will I have access to learning and teaching materials on Canvas for the trailed module?

Yes, you will continue to have access to the learning and teaching materials for your trailed module in Canvas. If for any reason you cannot access your Canvas module, this should be discussed directly with the Student and Course office, your personal tutor or the relevant module leader.

30. What support will I get?

You will be contacted at the start of the academic year by your module leader to discuss the arrangements for trailing and to ensure that you understand what is expected of you and when you will need to submit assessments or attend assessment events such as examinations. Your module leader will also discuss how you can access support during the year. You will be able to access learning and teaching materials for the trailed module via Canvas (see also FAQ 29: ‘Will I have access to learning and teaching materials on Canvas for the trailed module?').

31. What are the costs?

There will be no additional costs to you for trailing credit.

If you opt to undertake a repeat module you will pay an additional fee which is usually a quarter of the normal full-time fee.

32. Can I opt out of trailing and what should I consider?

The default decision at the Reassessment board is to offer trailing. However, yes you can opt out and choose to repeat (or replace) instead. You will need to carefully consider which option suits you best. Further information on the options available to you and actions required by you are outlined below. You can also discuss this further with your personal tutor or the Union of Kingston Students.

Key facts about trailing

  • You will progress directly into the next level in the next academic year.
  • If you pass the modules from the next level and your trailed module during the next academic year, you still have the opportunity to complete your intended award by the date planned.
  • You will be required to undertake reassessment in only those elements of assessment that you have not yet passed in the trailed module.
  • Your trailed module will be undertaken in retake mode and will therefore be capped at the minimum pass mark for the module.
  • You will not have to pay for an extra year of repeat study.
  • You will remain with your original student cohort.

Key facts about repeating

  • You will only be undertaking one 30-credit module in the next academic year.
  • Repeating the failed module means that this module will not be capped
  • You will NOT complete your intended award by the date planned.
  • You will have to pay for an extra year of repeat study unless you have approved mitigation in the module.
  • You will be required to undertake reassessment in all elements of assessment for the module again – even those that you have already passed this academic year.
  • You will NOT remain with your original student cohort.

See FAQ 33: ‘When do I need to make a decision, and what action do I need to take next?'

33. When do I need to make a decision and what action do I need to take next?

If you decide to trail credit:

If you are accepting the decision to trail you simply need to complete your re-enrolment at the start of the next academic year.

Your module leader will make an appointment with you to discuss the arrangements for the trailed reassessment in more detail, including when you will need to submit assessments or attend assessment events such as examinations. See also FAQ 30, ‘What Support will I get?'.

If you decide to undertake a repeat of study:

If you wish to repeat instead of trail, you must let your Course Support and Administration team know as soon as possible after you receive your results communication. You should NOT re-enrol until the Course Support and Administration team has let you know that your record has been updated to reflect your decision to repeat.

If you have confirmed your decision to undertake a repeat year of study, you will receive the timetable and access to Canvas for the module you are due to repeat. See the next FAQ section, ‘Repeat assessment'.

34. What if I fail my trailing assessment?

  • If you don't pass your trailed module during the next academic year, you may be offered one further reassessment in the retake period but if you have not passed the module by then, you will be removed from your course as you will have no further assessment attempts.
  • Even if you have passed all the modules for the next level of study and only have failure in the trailed module, you will not be able to progress any further on your course. The highest exit award the assessment board could offer you would be a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) if you did not ultimately pass the level 4 trailed module and passed at least one of your level 5 modules or a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) if you did not ultimately pass the level 5 trailed module and passed at least one of your level 6 modules.
  • Your trailed module will be undertaken in retake mode and will therefore be capped at the minimum pass mark for the module.

Repeat assessment

35. My letter says I have to 'repeat' one or more assessments. What does this mean?

A repeat is a type of module delivery and assessment where you have to engage with the learning and teaching of the module and attempt all of the elements of assessment for that module again. You will have to a pay a fee to repeat a module, unless you have mitigating circumstances which have been approved.

If you are repeating a module, neither the module nor the element mark will be capped. However, repeating a module does mean it will take you longer to complete your course.

For advice and guidance on the financial implications of repeating a module, please contact our Student Money Advisers and log an enquiry on the StudentHUB or by emailing kuquery@kingston.ac.uk.

36. I am on a Student Visa and have been told I must repeat a module. How does this affect my visa?

Repeating a module will have an impact on your Student Visa. If you are on a Student Visa and have been told you must repeat a module, you must seek advice as soon as possible by logging an enquiry on the StudentHUB or by emailing immigrationadvice@kingston.ac.uk.

Managing your reassessments

Reassessment provides students with the best opportunity to still progress and achieve their intended award within the minimum period of time. The reassessments you have been offered are dependent on your own individual results so this guidance may help you work through your own situation and plan how to prioritise your study time and energy.

37. I have more reassessment than I expected. How can I approach this?

ScenarioRefer to these sections in the FAQs for full guidance
I feel able to attempt all my reassessment but I want support to make sure I can pass all the credit.
If I pass more credit now, there may be less fees to pay and less delay.
I have a module with a QF grade. My course is professionally accredited, so I will prioritise any assessments identified with the qualified fail.

The ‘qualified fail' QF grade indicates specific pass criteria for one or more elements in a module, often for PSRB courses. This is usually a core module which couldn't be compensated, while another non-QF module potentially could. If unsuccessful at retake there may be stricter limits about continuing for the accredited course award.

Check your module and/or programme specification, or with your course team.

If I pass at least 90 credits now, I may be eligible for compensation in 30 credits.

Check if you may be eligible first.

If I pass at least 90 credits now, I may be able to trail* a module and progress to the next level.

For PSRB-accredited courses, check whether there are any pre-requisite modules which must be passed in order to progress, or co-requisite option modules to allow you to continue on a chosen specialism pathway.

I passed a module even though I deferred an assessment (due to agreed mitigation), so do I need to do the retake ?

If you attempt the deferred assessment you may improve your module mark, and this could improve your overall degree classification.

You may be able to ‘bank' this module and not attempt the deferred assessment. Check if there are any specific pass criteria for the deferred element of assessment (i.e. indicated by QF grade on some PSRB-accredited courses).

Check your module and/or programme specification, or ask your module or course leader.

You must tell the Course Support and Administration team of your decision prior to the deferred submission deadline for the mitigated element, otherwise non-attempts will be recorded as fail.

38. I feel that the reassessment load is too much for me. What can I do?

ScenarioRefer to these sections in the FAQs for full guidance
I've read some of the guidance provided in the FAQs, but I need help to understand the information relevant to my own situation.

I would like some support, who shall I approach?

To find out how to contact Student Wellbeing, the Academic Skills Centre, the Union of Kingston Students or your personal tutor or course team:

I am experiencing significant difficult circumstances at this time; I could attempt some but not all the reassessments. What can I do?
  • 'I am experiencing difficult circumstances. I am not sure I will be able to engage with my reassessment as well as I wish. What should I do?' in the Managing your reassessment section
If I don't pass enough reassessment I may not be able to afford to extend my studies.

39. I am experiencing difficult circumstances. I am not sure I will be able to engage with my reassessment as well as I wish. What should I do?

If you are experiencing difficulties, we recommend that you get some advice from your personal tutor or another member of your course team and the Union of Kingston Students. They can help you to consider your situation in the scenarios detailed above in the FAQs: Managing your reassessments.

If you experience significant, sudden or unforeseen difficulties during or in the run-up to your retakes you may be eligible to claim for mitigating circumstances, for an agreed extension or to defer an assessment.

You should consult our full page of guidance on grounds for mitigating circumstances and how to apply for this through the OSIS system.

You should be aware of the University's Fit to Sit policy which means that if you submit work or attend an examination, you will have declared yourself fit to undertake the assessment and that there have been no mitigating circumstances affecting you. If you submit a claim for mitigating circumstances and then engage with an assessment, your mitigating circumstances claim will be annulled.

Please note that previously approved claims for mitigating circumstances ONLY apply to the specific assessment period that you applied for, and claims will NOT be applied automatically to the retake period. If you have any questions about this, please contact your Course Support and Administration team for advice (see the details in the General Enquiries FAQs).

Degree Apprenticeships

40. What happens if I do not attempt my retakes?

As a student enrolled on a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you are not permitted to repeat a module(s). It is therefore important that you clear your credit during the academic year to ensure that your course progression or award is not impacted.

If you choose not to attempt your retakes, you will be awarded a mark of 0 (F0) for any assessment you were required to undertake in the reassessment period and your registration may be terminated.

41. What if I fail my retakes?

The Reassessment Board will review your overall academic profile of results achieved at that level in the current academic year to consider whether you are eligible for:

  • compensation for failure in up to 30 credits (including 15 credit modules); or
  • an opportunity to progress to the next level trailing the module(s) (maximum 30 credits); or
  • an opportunity for a special retake (maximum 30 credits, only if you have passed 90 credits and are in your final level); or
  • transfer to a non-Degree Apprenticeship course*; or
  • discontinuation of your registration and any potential intermediate award.

*You should speak to the Course and Student Administration team or your Personal Tutor if you wish to apply to a non-Degree Apprenticeship course.

 

Appeals and complaints

42. Can I appeal against my marks?

Yes, provided that you have legitimate grounds to do so. You cannot appeal against the academic judgement of the assessment board, including grades or award classifications. Find out more about the grounds and process for appeals by reading the Academic Appeals Regulations (AR8 or AR9).

You are strongly advised to contact the Union of Kingston Students for advice before submitting an appeal. You must submit an appeal within 15 working days of the date that your results were published on OSIS.

43. Can I make a complaint?

Yes, provided that your complaint is submitted in the required timeframe and falls under specific grounds. Find out more about the grounds and process for submitting a complaint by reading the Student Complaints Procedure (GR2).

You are strongly advised to contact the Union of Kingston Students for advice before submitting a complaint.

General queries and further support

44. I am considering taking a break from my studies, or withdrawing from the University.

If you have concerns about your ability to continue on your course, or if you are thinking of taking a break (also known as an interruption) in studies, please speak to your Personal Tutor or Course Leader in the first instance.

If you are considering withdrawing for financial reasons, please contact the Student Money Advisers who will be able to advise on funding your studies, money management, dealing with debt, bursaries, accommodation etc. Email them at studentfunding@kingston.ac.uk.

If you are struggling with your assessments and would like further support with study skills, academic writing, referencing etc, your Faculty Academic Success Centre may be able to help.

There is also further information on this page about the process for requesting a break or an interruption or withdrawing from your studies.

45. What if I have questions about my student finance?

Please contact the University's Student Money Advisers by logging an enquiry on the StudentHUB or by emailing studentfunding@kingston.ac.uk.

46. What if I have a general query that is not answered here?

f you have any academic queries, please contact your module leader or personal tutor.

You can use the Information Centre throughout your time at Kingston to get advice and guidance on many aspects of student life. For further information about what the centre can help with and how to get in touch, visit the Information Centre webpages.

You may also wish to contact the Union of Kingston Students for advice and support.

Any other questions about your results or reassessments must be put in writing. Please contact your course administrator, or email the relevant Course Support and Administration team noticeboard:

Kingston School of Art

Business and Social Sciences

Health, Science, Social Care and Education

Engineering, Computing and the Environment

47. I need help from more than one support service and I would like help navigating my way through the services available to me.

You can use the Information Centre throughout your time at Kingston to get advice and guidance on many aspects of student life. For further information about what the centre can help with and how to get in touch, visit the Information Centre webpages.

48. Is there anyone I can talk to confidentially about my personal wellbeing or emotions?

Our Student Health and Wellbeing Hub is here to support you, and has created a health and wellbeing guide with information on support, services and how you can look after yourself during this time. The University offers a range of services such as confidential drop-in sessions, counselling, listening, stress and time management sessions. For more information, visit the Wellbeing and Counselling section.

49. I have been withdrawn from the University due to non-enrolment. Is there anything I can do?

If you have not enrolled by the deadline for enrolment that has been stipulated by the University, you will be considered as out of time to enrol. Soon after the deadline for enrolling has past, we will withdraw all non-enrolled students who are studying directly with us. For more information, refer to the paragraphs on ‘Enrolment' in the University's General Student Regulations (GR1).

If you have been withdrawn, you may submit a request for a review of this decision by emailing your Course Support and Administration team (see contact details provided in FAQ 46 on this page). For students who were due to enrol in September 2023, you will need to submit your review request by 15 November 2023 stating your name, student ID and a brief explanation of why you have not completed enrolment. Following receipt of your request, you will be reinstated and will be given ten additional working days to complete enrolment. If you have not completed enrolment by the end of this period, you will once again be withdrawn.

If you fail to complete enrolment after this window you will not be able to request a review of your withdrawal unless you have evidence that the University has made an error which has prevented you from enrolment (for example; you did, in fact, provide documentation that we requested by the specific deadline for doing so). If you have such evidence, you should bring this to the attention of your Course Support and Administration team (see contact details provided in FAQ 46 on this page) making sure that you provide evidence that corroborates your claims.

The Faculty will consider your case and if they determine that you have evidence of an error on the part of the University, they will write to the Academic Registrar to request that you are reinstated. If the Faculty or the Academic Registrar decide that you do not have compelling extenuating circumstances your status will remain withdrawn. This decision is final and is not eligible for academic appeal or complaint.

If you have been withdrawn due to non-enrolment you can reapply to commence or recommence your studies at a future enrolment date, normally the next academic year.

*The enrolment period is the period of time between enrolment opening and the date that you were withdrawn.