Fitness to Study

Welcome to the Fitness to Study page, designed to guide and support you in matters relating to the University’s Fitness to Study Policy.

The Fitness to Study policy is designed to support students who may be experiencing challenges that could affect their ability to successfully participate in their academic studies. This policy aims to:

Provide support for students struggling with physical or mental health issues
Support and enhance student wellbeing
Maintain academic standards
Create a clear pathway for addressing concerns about a student's ability to study

You’ll find information here on:

Getting advice
What happens if you have concerns about your fitness to study
What happens if the University has concerns about your fitness to study

Read the Fitness to Study Policy

Find out about the support you can access

What is covered by the policy?

The Fitness to Study Policy addresses situations where a student's physical or mental health, personal circumstances, or behaviour may significantly impact their ability to:

Participate effectively in academic studies
Meet academic requirements
Engage safely and productively in their educational program

The policy covers concerns such as:

Persistent mental health challenges
Chronic physical health conditions
Significant personal difficulties affecting academic performance
Behaviours that suggest a student is struggling to cope with academic or university life

Its primary purpose is to:

Provide a supportive framework for addressing student challenges
Ensure student wellbeing
Maintain academic standards
Offer a structured approach to helping students overcome obstacles to their academic success

The policy is not punitive but supportive, aiming to work collaboratively with students to find appropriate solutions and support mechanisms.

When might this policy apply?

The policy may be initiated if there are concerns about your ability to study if, as a result of a pre-existing condition:

Your actions or condition could potentially harm themselves or others
Your behaviour is disrupting or likely to disrupt the learning environment for other students, staff, or the broader University community
Your conduct is interfering with or could interfere with the normal operations of the University or any external placement settings

Concerns can be raised by:

Academic staff
Student support services
Personal tutors
You, as a student, can also self-refer

Step 1: support for study

If there are concerns about your fitness for study, your Faculty’s Fitness to Study Advisor will invite you to a supportive meeting with a member of your course team. You can bring a friend to support you at the meeting.

Initial discussions will focus on understanding your situation and support options may include:

Academic adjustments
Signposting to counseling services
Medical support referrals
Reasonable accommodations

We expect that most concerns can be resolved through open communication and collaboration and without the need for formal procedures. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the support process and take advantage of the University's support services or external resources.

After discussing the situation, the university will send a letter outlining the agreed-upon support plan. This ensures everyone understands the specific steps, expectations, and support measures that have been discussed. The letter will also confirm the review period and any other meetings that will take place.

Precautionary/emergency measures

The safety and well-being of all students is our top priority. In some situations, we may need to take immediate measures to protect everyone involved while the process is ongoing. These measures are not about assigning blame but ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the whole university community.

Examples of safeguarding measures include:

Asking you to temporarily stay away from campus and university activities
Restricting your access to specific areas of the university
Requiring you to move to a different room in university-managed housing
Asking you to temporarily leave university-managed accommodation
Temporarily suspending all university-related activities

Any decision to implement precautionary measures will be subject to a robust risk assessment process and the measures will only be kept in place for as long as necessary.

Step 2: formal process

If there is still a concern about your fitness after the supportive measures have been completed, or if you do not (or are not able to) engage with the measures in place, it may be necessary for the University to convene a Fitness to Study Panel.

If this happens, staff in the Student Casework team will appoint a Panel of senior staff and a Secretary, who have no previous involvement with the matter, to consider the case.

You will be invited to attend the Panel and answer any questions, and you will be given a copy of any information to be considered by the Panel.

What happens in the panel meeting?

This will be a formal review of your fitness to continue studying at the University.

Potential recommendations include:

Temporary suspension of studies
Alternative study arrangements
Academic program adjustment
In rare cases, exclusion from the University

You will receive the outcome of the Panel in writing and you have the right to appeal the outcome.

Your rights and responsibilities

Your rights

Confidential and supportive approach
Opportunity to explain your circumstances
Access to support services
Right to have a support person present in meetings

Your responsibilities

Engage openly with support processes
Provide relevant medical or supporting documentation when requested
Participate in recommended support interventions
Communicate proactively about your challenges

Seeking help

If you have any concerns about your fitness to study, or that of one of your classmates, you could speak to the following staff:

Personal Tutor or Course Leader
Student Support Services
Student Wellbeing Service

Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t wait to ask for help if you are struggling.

In an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are able, try to find a safe location and someone nearby who may be able to assist you.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need urgent medical or emotional support, please see our Urgent Support page.

The Fitness to Study policy exists to support you. It's a collaborative process designed to ensure you can overcome challenges and continue your academic journey successfully.

Understanding the Fitness to Study policy