Appeals
You can only submit an appeal at specific times during the academic year.
Appeals are made against the decision of the Programme Assessment Board, not individual module results. This means an appeal cannot:
- increase an individual module mark
- change a failed module to a pass
- change a degree classification, e.g. changing an undergraduate 2:2 degree to a 2:1; or a Masters to a Masters with Distinction. This applies even if the difference between your result and the next classification is less than 1%
However, a successful appeal may result in an additional uncapped first attempt or reassessment opportunity for a failed module. Depending on the outcome and your individual circumstances, this could result in a different award.
Submitting an appeal
Before you submit an appeal, it's important to read the academic appeals regulations to check your circumstances meet the grounds for appeal. You may able to appeal if there is evidence that:
- The Programme Assessment Board or the Academic Committee of the Doctoral College made a decision which is not consistent with the University regulations or procedures.
- There was an error in the recording, transcription or reporting of assessment results, the programme delivery or the assessment process.
If you have checked your results and believe you have grounds for appeal, email appeals@napier.ac.uk as soon as possible with the grounds for your appeal and the outcome you are seeking. If you don't do this, it could lead to any appeal you make being rejected.
The appeals team will then advise you whether your appeal meets the grounds for consideration and give an honest assessment of the chances of your appeal being successful.
If you wish to proceed, complete the Appeal form AP1 (Word, 64kB) and email it with supporting evidence to appeals@napier.ac.uk by the published deadline in the drop-down menu below ('When can appeals be submitted?')
Once you have submitted your appeal form, you will receive an emailing confirming this and explaining the next steps of the process. Appeal outcomes are sent to your University email address within five weeks of the appeal deadline, though we aim to process most appeals within 2-3 weeks.
Understanding the appeals process
When can appeals be submitted?
You can only submit an appeal after the Programme Assessment Board has published their decision on your progression or award.
| Trimester | Publication of Programme Assessment Boards | Appeals deadline (all deadlines 2pm) |
|---|---|---|
| ENUIC | Thursday 18 December 2025 | Tuesday 6 January 2025 |
| Early visa boards | Wednesday 21 January 2026 |
Wednesday 28 January 2026 |
| Trimester 1 | Monday 9 February 2026 | Monday 16 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | Tuesday 30 June 2026 |
Tuesday 7 July 2025 |
| ENUIC | Monday 13 July 2026 | Monday 20 July 2026 |
| Resits | Monday 31 August 2026 | Monday 7 September 2026 |
| ENUIC | Thursday 3 September 2026 | Thursday 10 September 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | Monday 12 October 2026 | Monday 19 October 2026 |
| ENUIC | Thursday 17 December 2026 | Wednesday 6 January 2027 |
Once your results have been published and you have checked them online, you have five working days to submit an academic appeal. Usually, only issues relating to the most recent trimester will be considered as part of the process.
If your results have been delayed, e.g. while an academic integrity case is being processed, your five working days will start from the date your results are released.
If you're unsure about the appeal deadline, please contact appeals@napier.ac.uk.
More information on publication dates
All dates are subject to change. Please check this page regularly for notice of any changes.
The above dates refer to programmes taught at our Edinburgh campuses. If you are studying at one of our overseas partners' campuses, an online or distance learning programme, or are a research degree student, alternative dates may apply to you. Please check with your programme administrator, programme leader, personal development tutor or Doctoral College to understand which dates apply to you.
How do I submit supporting evidence?
You should submit any supporting evidence by the published appeal deadline. If this isn't possible, you have up to five working days after the deadline to send additional evidence to appeals@napier.ac.uk.
Do not delay submitting your AP1 form if you are waiting for evidence to support your appeal. Your appeal form must still be submitted by the published deadline.
Examples of supporting evidence include:
- documentary evidence or advice/comments from any member of staff
- letters from academic members of staff
- letters from an ENSA Advice advisor
What happens if my appeal is upheld?
If your appeal is upheld, the decision will be referred back to the Chair of the Programme Assessment Board for reconsideration.
The Appeals team will let you know that your appeal was successful, and your School will also contact you to make sure you're aware of the new decision.
What happens if my appeal is not upheld?
If your appeal is not upheld, the original decision of the Programme Assessment Board will remain unchanged.
Invalid appeals
You cannot make an appeal solely based on academic judgement. For example, you can't appeal just because you believe you should have received a better mark.
Fit to Sit and extenuating circumstances are not part of the academic appeals process, which means you cannot submit an appeal on the grounds of extenuating circumstances.
Before you submit an appeal, make sure you read the Academic Appeal Regulations, AA1.3 which fully explains the grounds that cannot be used for an appeal.
Debt sanctions
If you have debt sanctions due to a breach of the University's fees policy, you cannot submit an academic appeal on the basis that those sanctions affected your academic performance or progression.
The Academic Appeals Regulations (AA1.3) state that an appeal cannot be based on "disruption to performance and/or progression brought about by restrictions to, or withdrawal of, services and/or facilities due to non-payment of any fees or other matter which leaves the student not in good financial standing with the University."
If you have debt sanctions and are unsure how they may affect an academic appeal, email appeals@napier.ac.uk for advice. International students can also contact the International Office for advice on how debt sanctions may affect appeals or assessment attempts.
Where can I get support or find out more?
If you have questions about the appeals process, email appeals@napier.ac.uk.
If you're looking for support and advice, you can access this through our University wellbeing services as well as the Edinburgh Napier Students Association (ENSA).
Learn about our wellbeing support services Contact the ENSA advice team