Academic Advice

Here you will find some keys links to important information that will help you related to our service and the support that the Academic Advice Coordinator can provide.

The service is totally confidential and enables you to discuss issues including:

  • Extenuating Circumstances
  • Appeals against Plymouth Marjon University’s decisions relating to your academic progress
  • Complaining if you feel the Plymouth Marjon University has failed in its procedures
  • Self-certify in the case of illness

As well as advice and guidance with any problems you may encounter through your academic programme such as:

  • Long term illness.
  • Interruption, re-start or transferring
  • Module and programme changes
  • Mode of study from part-time to full-time or vice versa

To arrange an appointment with one of our Student Advisors please email academicadvice@marjon.ac.uk or call 01752 636891.

How do I apply for Extenuating Circumstances

The Extenuating Circumstances procedure allows students who are unable to attend an examination or to submit coursework on time due to exceptional reasons either: to submit coursework up to 14 calendar days late without a penalty; or to defer until a new assessment is set for the re-sit period.

Applying for Extenuating Circumstances:

  • Click this link to complete a Standard Claim form 
  • Or to submit a self-certification form, use this link. Please note self-certification will only allow submission within 10 working days. This can only be used once per term/semester.
  • Read Section 4 of Student Regulations Framework on Extenuating Circumstances to decide what category your circumstance falls under and what evidence you then need to support it
  • Make sure you know your module number/s of the work you want to apply for extenuating circumstances for and the assessment/exam date
  • Collect evidence to support your claim, as explained in Section 4 of the Student Regulations Framework
  • Submit the form and email your evidence (if required) to: extenuatingcircumstances@marjon.ac.uk

Students who have questions around their EC claim can request an appointment with a Student Advisor by emailing academicadvice@marjon.ac.uk

How do I transfer course

To transfer course you will need to:

  • Download a “Programme Transfer Request Form” from Learning Space.
  • Log on and follow this link: Transfer Request Form
  • Contact the Programme Leader of the course you want to be transferred onto.
  • Once they have approved your transfer and signed your form request you will need to speak to the Student Funding Advisor and Academic Advice Coordinator, email StudentSupport@marjon.ac.uk for an appointment

How do I withdraw

If you think you might need to withdraw from your course please follow the procedure laid out below:

  • If you are unsure about whether you want to withdraw, please arrange an appointment with your Personal Development Tutor to discuss your concerns with them. You may find it more appropriate to interrupt your studies. 
  • If you are certain about withdrawing: Download a “Withdrawal Form” from Learning Space 
  • Once your PDT or Programme Leader have approved your withdrawal and signed your form please contact StudentSupport@marjon.ac.uk. They will arrange for you to speak to the Student Funding Advisor, who will offer you guidance on what to do about stopping your Student Finance.

How do I Interrupt my Studies

We recognise that, due to reasons beyond your control, you may need to interrupt your studies.  When interrupting please follow the following procedure:

  • Download an “Interruption Form” from Learning Space
  • You will be asked to log in: You can then access the Interruption Form
  • Arrange to speak with your Programme Leader about your intentions to interrupt your studies
  • Once they have approved your interruption and signed your form email StudentSupport@marjon.ac.uk to request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator and Student Funding Adviser

How do I Re-take the Year

Once results are officially published students will be notified if they are eligible to re-take the year.  For initial guidance about whether you may be able to re-take your year please arrange an appointment with the Academic Advice Co-ordinator and Student Funding Adviser by emailing StudentSupport@marjon.ac.uk 

How do I Make an Appeal

Should you feel that you would like to request a review of a decision made by Marjon surrounding a mark, outcome or
decision you should follow the procedure set out below:

  • Firstly read Section 17 of the Student Regulations Framework on the Academic Appeals Procedure to decide if your circumstance gives you the grounds to appeal
  • If you wish to talk this through with someone you can speak with your Student Union or request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator
  • If you do not wish to speak with someone, or you are content you have the grounds to appeal, you should email the Academic Standards Officer, Norman Jope (njope@marjon.ac.uk) to request the official paperwork
  • Complete the paperwork that is sent to you and return it to him

N.B. That any student who wishes to make an appeal can not do so until the Boards have sat and marks officially released. Until this time you should just gather your evidence for your appeal until it is needed.  

How do I Make a Complaint

Students wishing to make a complaint should follow the procedure laid out below:

  • Firstly read Section 18 of the Student Regulations Framework on the Complaints Procedure to understand what is regarded as having the grounds to complain
  • If you are making a complaint against the University it is recommended you speak with the Student Union in the first instance, as they are a separate entity from the University. However, students can also request an appointment with the Academic Advice Coordinator or Head of Student Support. You can arrange an appointment by emailing StudentSupport@marjon.ac.uk
  • If you are certain of your wish to make a complaint email the Academic Standards Officer, Norman Jope (njope@marjon.ac.uk) to request the official paperwork.
  • Complete the paperwork that is sent to you and return it to him.