Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Come to the Additional Learning Support office and speak with an ALS Student Coordinator as soon as possible. The adviser will offer information, advice and guidance on what to do next.

The assessment is a two-hour meeting with an Educational Psychologist who will take you through a number of cognitive timed tests on reading, writing, spelling, memory, puzzles and visual images. The purpose of these tests is to get a clear indication of whether or not you have a specific learning difference and what form it takes. The outcome will determine areas of strengths and weaknesses in your cognitive profile that may be affecting your learning.

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) are non-means tested grants provided by the UK government on top of your other student finance. They are only available to UK students and you don’t have to repay them. You may be eligible for funding if you fulfil the criteria. A disability for funding purposes is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, which includes studying and attending lectures. Any impairment will be considered long-term if:

• It has lasted for at least 12 months
• It is likely to last for at least 12 months
• It is likely to last for the rest of the person's life.

The amount you receive will depend on your individual needs and is determined by a DSA Needs Assessor in the form of support hours and resources.

No, you will have to reapply for DSA as a Master's is considered to be a new course.

You will be in a different room from the main exam hall but with other students who require extra time or other adjustments. If you have been allocated a room alone you will be in a different room. The rooms will usually be on Talbot Campus in the main exam periods and you'll receive an email for each exam stating which room to go to.

Adjustments usually apply to all assessments, but there will be concessions. During in-class tests your faculty will normally provide the room and invigilator but if a reader/scribe is requested, ALS will provide them.

ALS Marking Guidelines can be applied to on-line assessments by stating it in the header and footer. You must also state ‘ALS Marking Guidelines’ in the comments box when you submit your assignment, this is for word documents and all non-word based documents so that the marker knows you have this adjustment.

Marking Guidelines do not apply for group work. However, it may be appropriate to attach Marking Guidelines to any work completed only by yourself within the group work.

There is no legal obligation to disclose a disability, but it is always best to follow a policy of transparency with your practice/placement mentor or employer. Under Health & Safety legislation, you are obliged to disclose a disability if you are working with children, vulnerable adults, chemicals, dangerous equipment or where there are other health and safety implications.

No, we don't. Sometimes the DSA will pay for these services if your disability warrants it, but you'll need to source a proof reading service.

Check that the laptop is under warranty and contact the company who supplied it. If it is out of warranty, you should contact the Assessment Centre, where you had your needs assessment, for an update.

If you have a medical condition, sensory impairment, disability or mental health difficulty we will need a letter from your GP or Consultant explaining how your condition affects you in your studies.

If you have a specific learning difference (SpLD) you will need to provide an Educational Psychology Assessment Report.