Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Differences

On this page you will find information about how the School of the Arts supports students with Student Support summaries from the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS). It is in your own interest to let your Advisor and your teachers know if you have a disability or a Specific Learning Difficulty, such as dyslexia. The College has a statutory duty to make reasonable adjustments for you according to that disability, but we have to rely on you to make it known to us in the first instance. Examples of such adjustments may include: extra time or use of a computer when sitting exams, provision of module material in alternative formats, e.g. large print, alternative forms of assessment, or other campus academic support.

Specialist support

If you would like more information on accessing specialist support (including relating to mental health or specific learning differences), please get in touch with Queen Mary's Disability and Dyslexia (DDS) Webpages. In addition to the specialist study support and advice offered by DDS and Advice and Counselling services (ACS), STA provides the following:

  • If a student is given a Student Support Summary it will be circulated to relevant staff: if you have any queries or concerns about how the recommendations in your summary are being met, please get in touch with the student support team on sta-studentsupport@qmul.ac.uk.
  • Your Advisor or the Director of Student Support can also signpost you to relevant services.
  • If you are absent from classes due to illness or an ongoing health condition, please notify your seminar leaders: as well as documenting your absence, they can also make sure you have access to relevant teaching materials.
 Assessment support

For general advice on assignment and degree issues, please get in touch with your Advisor or the STA Student Support Team.

Please note that disabilities and Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) are not normally an accepted reason for late submission of coursework. If you submit an assignment late, please make sure that you follow the Extenuating Circumstances - Late Submission application process.

If you are feeling unwell it’s important to get in touch with your Advisor and Disability Officer for advice on what to do.

 Examinations

If recommended in your Student Support Plan, you can apply for Examination Access Arrangements: for further information please liaise with your DDS Student Support officer.

Coursework

The School encourages all students to make use of the specialist support available and to submit coursework on time.

  • There is no automatic extension for coursework: instead, the School operates a 'Fit to Sit' policy, which means that if you submit a piece of coursework you declare yourself well: if you are unwell, you should wait until your health has improved and you are able to work on and submit your assignment
  • Work that is submitted late is subject to penalties, unless an Extenuating Circumstances - Late Submission application is accepted with relevant evidence
  • In some modules there are in-class tests during the semester for which special arrangements may need to be made, and you would be well advised to ensure that we are aware of your requirements in good time, as allowances cannot be made at the last minute, or retrospectively.
  • For drama students: if you are absent from a group performance due to illness, you will be offered an alternative assessment (relevant evidence is required)
  • Students with SpLDs can also expect a reasonable adjustments (detailed in the Student Support Summary) in the way in which their coursework is assessed.
Disability

If you have a disability relating to your physical or mental health, or a specific learning difficulty, you are advised to consult with the Disability and Dyslexia Service  as early as possible in the academic year, to ensure all appropriate support has been considered and can be put into place early on.