Student academic appeals
What is a student academic appeal?
A student academic appeal is a formal request asking the University to review an academic decision that affects progression, assessment outcome, or final award. Appeals can only be made on specific, defined grounds as set out in the University’s Student Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure.
The University upholds the principle that students can raise academic appeals fairly and without fear of disadvantage. However, the appeal process cannot be used to challenge academic judgement. You cannot appeal simply because you believe you should have received a higher mark. The University has robust mechanisms to ensure that marking is fair, consistent, and appropriate.
If you are unsure why you received a particular result, you should first speak with your personal tutor, supervisor, or another relevant member of staff to seek clarification before considering an appeal.
Before you submit an appeal
You should consult the Student Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure to check whether you have sufficient grounds for appeal and consider seeking advice from the Student Union Advice Hub.
International students
If you are an international student, you will normally be permitted to continue with your studies while your appeal is being considered, provided this is possible within the period of your current visa.
The University will make every effort to resolve appeals before your visa expires, but this may not always be possible. If you have concerns, please seek advice from the Student Information Desk via the Ask HWU tile on the Student Portal.
Graduation
If you are appealing against an award decision, you will not be able to graduate until your appeal has been concluded or withdrawn. Even if your appeal is resolved before the next graduation ceremony, your graduation will likely to be postponed to a later ceremony to allow time for necessary academic and administrative processes.
How to submit an appeal
You must ensure that your appeal:
- meets one or more of the specific grounds for appeal and is supported by appropriate evidence.
- Evidence in a language other than English must include a certified translation.
- Evidence from parents or friends is not considered independent and cannot be used.
- is submitted within the required timescale:
- Stage 1 appeals: within 10 working days of the date you became aware of the issue forming the basis of your appeal.
- Stage 2 appeals: within 20 working days of the Stage 1 outcome being issued. Appeals submitted late without good reason will be rejected. Stage 2 appeals can only be submitted after you have received the official outcome of your Stage 1 appeal. If you have not completed Stage 1, you are not eligible to submit a Stage 2 appeal.
Appeal forms
All academic appeals must now be submitted using the University’s online appeal forms. There are two types of forms for each Stage of appeal and it is essential that you use the correct one.
- Closed Appeal Form (for students with HWU login)
This should be the most standard form used which requires you to log in using your Heriot‑Watt email address.
You must upload all supporting evidence when submitting the form. Appeals submitted without evidence will not be considered.
- Open Appeal Form for students without HWU login
This form should only be used if you do not currently have a Heriot‑Watt email address, or your University account is temporarily blocked.
This form does not allow you to upload evidence. After submitting the open form you will receive an automated email confirming your submission which you must reply to within 48 hours, attaching all supporting evidence. If evidence is not received within 48 hours, your appeal will be dismissed without consideration.
Stage 1 Appeal Forms
Stage 1 Closed Appeal Form (for students with HWU login) Use this form if you can access your Heriot‑Watt email account. You must upload your supporting evidence when submitting.
Stage 1 Open Appeal Form (for students without HWU login) Use this form only if you do not have access to your Heriot‑Watt email account. After submitting, you must reply to the automated confirmation email with your evidence within 48 hours.
Stage 2 Appeal Forms
You may only submit a Stage 2 appeal after you have received the formal outcome of your Stage 1 appeal. Stage 2 appeals submitted without a completed Stage 1 process will not be accepted.
Stage 2 Closed Appeal Form (for students with HWU login) Use this form if you can access your Heriot‑Watt email account. You must upload your supporting evidence when submitting.
Stage 2 Open Appeal Form (for students without HWU login) Use this form only if you do not have access to your Heriot‑Watt email account. After submitting, you must reply to the automated confirmation email with your evidence within 48 hours.
Who to contact
The University Appeals Team manages the academic appeals process on behalf of Schools. For queries about appeals, contact: appeals@hw.ac.uk.
The Appeals Team will liaise with your School as required throughout the process.
Please note that academic appeals can take time to resolve, as they may require detailed investigation.
More information
The Student Union Advice Hub offers free, impartial, and confidential advice on the appeals process. You can contact them at advice.hub@hw.ac.uk.