Our service offers advice on academic matters
We want to ensure you get the right help for you. Please read the following instructions carefully so that you can get the support you need.
Should you require advice and guidance on a non-academic matter you can find the most appropriate resource below. University support services are those services provided by the University, whilst external services are charities and organisations external to the university that is available to you.
Our Independent Advice Service (Alkhemy) is here to suppport you with guidance under our academic policies, which include:
Appealing a Grade
You’ve received a grade or decision that doesn’t feel right, and you want it looked at again.
What you can do yourself
- Read the feedback you were given
- Note the deadline for making an appeal
- Gather any evidence that supports your case (e.g., errors, missing information, unfairness, circumstances that weren’t considered)
When to contact Alkhemy
- If you’re unsure whether you can appeal
- If you want help writing your appeal
- If you’re stressed or need help understanding the process
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain your options and the rules
- Help you check if you have valid grounds
- Support you to write a clear, strong appeal
- Make sure you meet the deadlines
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What is an appeal?
An appeal is an opportunity to inform the University of any circumstances that have impacted a submission and/or grade once confirmed by the University.
There are many reasons why you might submit an appeal; your unforeseen circumstance, an irregularity or information incorrect informed from the University such as submission portal wasn’t available to you, you weren’t informed of a deadline for the correct window
How does this work?
To submit an appeal, visit your student portal and provide evidence for the specific study period related to your appeal.
It’s important to note, this process is staged – the University always looks to explore through informal resolution first & foremost. But there are other opportunities for formal review as you progress and seek support.
Things to consider?
It’s important to be aware of the nature of appeals and the time length it can take to go through this. We always advocate for reaching out to the right teams as early as possible or exploring the range of support processes on offer.
To see a step by step guide on how to submit an appeal click below:
See the link below for Arden's policy on Academic Appeals:
Academic Misconduct (Plagiarism/Cheating)
You’ve been told you may have broken an academic rule, like plagiarism, copying, or unfair practice.
What you can do yourself
- Read the email or letter carefully
- Write down what happened in your own words
- Collect any evidence that shows your work is your own (drafts, notes, messages, Turnitin reports)
- Note the deadline for your response or meeting
When to contact Alkhemy
- As soon as you receive an email from the university about it
- If you’re not sure what the university is asking for
- If you’re worried about the possible outcome
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain the situation
- Help you prepare your response
- Support you before or after any meeting
- Make sure your side of the story is clearly understood
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Academic misconduct is the opposit of academic integrity (being honest, fair, and transparent in your work, making sure what you submit is genuinely your own). Unfortunately, you can be accused of academic misconduct even if it wasn’t intentional.
Examples include and are not limited to:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- An individual or agency completing a students work
- AI
A student may be accused of misconduct if they have done so unintentionally, such as not correctly referencing texts or not being transparent about their use of AI, like Grammarly or Chat GPT.
See the link below for Arden's policy on Academic Misconduct:
Requesting an Extension/Extra Time (Extenuating Circumstances)
Something unexpected; illness, personal issues, workload pressure is making it hard to finish your work on time.
What you can do yourself
- Check the deadline for the assignment
- Write down what’s affecting you
- Collect evidence (doctor’s note, death certificate, screenshot of medication, etc.)
- Check the university’s rules for extensions or extenuating circumstances
When to contact Alkhemy
- If you’re unsure what counts as a valid reason
- If you need help explaining your situation
- If you feel overwhelmed or worried about the impact on your studies
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain your options clearly
- Help you write the request
- Check your evidence so it meets the criteria
- Support you if your request is rejected or you need a follow-up
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These are events that are beyond your control and that can have a big impact on your studies. They can make it difficult to focus on your university work, attend classes, or complete assignments or exams.
Some examples include:
- Serious illness or injury to yourself or a close family member
- Bereavement
- Victim of crime or violence
- Mental health problems
- Financial difficulties
- Natural disasters
- Other unforeseen events that are beyond your control.
To see a step by step guide on how to raise an extenuating circumstances request click below:
To see Arden's policy on extenuating circumstances please click below:
Requesting a Break in Learning
You’re thinking about taking time out from your course, or the university has suggested a break in learning.
What you can do yourself
- Think about why you need a break and how long you might need
- Check your course or university rules about taking time out
- Gather any evidence that explains your situation (for example, medical or personal reasons)
When to contact Alkhemy
- If you’re not sure whether a break in learning is the right option
- If you’re worried about how it could affect your studies, funding, or visa
- If you need help explaining your situation to the university
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain what a break in learning means and your options
- Talk through the pros and cons with you
- Help you prepare what to say or write to the university
- Support you through the process step by step
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There may be times when you need a break from your studies, due to long-term unforeseen circumstances. In those instances, you can apply for a break in learning which is up to 12 months.
How does this work?
The University pauses your studies and pauses your access to any available systems and services provided by Arden.
Things to consider?
It’s important to note, if you are receiving a maintenance loan from Student Finance England, you will not receive funding for the period you are on a break in learning.
There are some circumstances where you might be eligible to receive specific hardship funding during your break in learning. You can find out more about that on our Wellbeing Portal.
If you are a Berlin student, there are some other factors to consider, so please speak with your Berlin Student Support team.
If successful, your break in learning will run from the start of the next study period and you will return at the start of a study period.
You will receive contact from the University to check how you are doing, prior to your return to the University so please keep an eye out for this communication.
To see a step by step guide on how to apply for a break in learning click below:
To see Arden's policy on breaks in learning please click below:
Fitness to Study
The university has raised concerns about your wellbeing and how it’s affecting your studies.
What you can do yourself
- Read carefully what the university has told you
- Think about what support you already have or might need
- Gather any relevant evidence (for example, from a doctor or support service)
When to contact Alkhemy
- If you don’t understand the process or what’s being asked of you
- If you’re worried about possible outcomes
- If you feel overwhelmed or unsure how to respond
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain the fitness to study process in clear terms
- Help you understand your rights and responsibilities
- Support you to prepare for meetings or write responses
- Help you think about support options going forward
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Making a Complaint to the University
You’re unhappy with something the university has done (or not done) and want to make a formal complaint.
What you can do yourself
- Be clear about what went wrong and how it affected you
- Check the university’s complaints procedure and deadlines
- Keep records, emails, and any evidence that supports your complaint
When to contact Alkhemy
- If you’re not sure whether your issue is a complaint
- If you’re unsure how to start or what to say
- If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing
How Alkhemy can help you
- Help you decide if a complaint is the right route
- Explain the complaints process and stages
- Support you to write a clear, well-structured complaint
- Help you focus on outcomes and next steps
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Withdrawal/Suspension Decisions
The university has decided to withdraw or suspend you from your course, or is considering doing so.
What you can do yourself
- Read the decision carefully and note any deadlines
- Check whether you can appeal or request a review
- Gather evidence that explains your situation or challenges the decision
When to contact Alkhemy
- As soon as you receive a withdrawal or suspension decision
- If you don’t understand why the decision was made
- If you want help responding or appealing
How Alkhemy can help you
- Explain the decision and what it means for you
- Check whether you can appeal and on what grounds
- Help you prepare an appeal or response
- Signpost you to mental health and wellbeing services