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Exam adjustments can be put in place to help adapt your examination to be accessible to you and your disability. They can either be for a specified period or throughout your degree, depending on your disability. 

What type of adjustments are available?

The exact adjustments you will receive are dependent on your disability and the evidence you are able to provide of their need. Typical adjustments are: 

  • • Extra time 
  • • To type a handwritten exam
  • • To handwrite a typed exam
  • • Work be marked using the Inclusive Marking Guidelines
  • • Sit in-person exams in college
  • • Enlarged font papers
  • • Written instructions (rather than verbal)
  • • Ergonomic or other seating arrangements
  • • Scheduling exams at a specific time of day or only one exam scheduled per day
  • • Permission to bring food and drink into an exam

If you need an adjustment not listed above, then you can discuss with your college office to see if it can be accommodated. 

You can apply for adjustments via your college office or disability adviser. The advice below is general, and you should consult your college's guidance for specific information on how to access support.

Find your college adviser

Step one: Contact your college office or disability adviser

They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and what information you will need to provide to support an application for adjustments. We'd recommend going into this conversation prepared to explain: 

  • • What disabilities you have
  • • The impact of them on your studies
  • • What adjustments you feel would be beneficial

Step two: Liaise with Disability Advisory Service (DAS)

You are advised to register with the Disability Advisory Service, who are a central University support service who help advise the collegiate University on disability. They can create a Student Support Plan (SSP) for you (if you haven't already got one), and help you access reasonable adjustments, including exam adjustments.

If you have already got an SSP but it doesn't mention your need for exam adjustments, then you should get back in touch with DAS to discuss making changes to your SSP. You may need to provide additional evidence to DAS where a medical professional comments specifically on your need for the exam adjustment. 

If you have provided the evidence for your need for exam adjustments and DAS are refusing to recommend them, you could consider submitting a complaint using the Universities Complaints Procedure.

Step three: Provide evidence to college office

Once you have your SSP, this should be sufficient evidence for your college to proceed with your application. They may require additional assessments to help to understand your needs, and will be able to discuss this with you.

Step four: Application submitted

Your college office will submit the application for consideration on your behalf. This should be done by week 4 of the term prior to the term which your exam is within. Scheduling requests should be done by week 4 of Michaelmas Term. In some circumstances, late requests can be accepted; you should discuss with your college at the earliest opportunity if you feel you need adjustments even if you've met the deadline.

Step five: Adjustments approved

Your college and course will be notified that your adjustments have been accepted. They will also be visible to you in self service and on your exam timetable.

If your adjustments are not accepted, then you could consider making a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure.

You may also need to apply for adjustments to any college exams, such as collections. You should consult your college's policy on this and discuss with your college's disability adviser.

 

If you have a question not answered by the above then read our Advice Agreement then Contact Us and we'd be happy to help.

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