School of Literatures, Languages and CulturesSchool of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Studying within LLC

Over the course of your studies you may find that you wish to make changes to the administration or organisation of your undergraduate studies.

If this is the case, please contact the Student Support Team as soon as possible so that we can help you to sort out any problems.

What should I do if …

I miss/will miss a tutorial?

Tutorials are an integral part of your study and you should make every effort to attend these as failure to do so may result in penalisation.

If you have missed a tutorial, you MUST contact your tutor and the course/subject area secretary to account for your absence and find out what preparation is required for the next tutorial. Similarly, if you know in advance of any good reason why you will not be able to attend a tutorial, you should inform your tutor at the earliest opportunity and be prepared to catch up on any missed coursework.

I miss/will miss a deadline?

If you cannot complete your coursework in the allotted time-frame, you should contact the relevant Course Organiser at the earliest opportunity to request an extension.

Extensions are only given in cases of severe or unforeseeable difficulty and requests must be accompanied by a medical certificate and/or letter from your Personal Tutor. Any course-work submitted late without an extension having been agreed will be penalised and may not be assessed. Please note that computer problems are not accepted as an excuse for late submission.

I have failed an examination?

It is your responsibilty to ensure you are aware of the re-sit examination time-table. Please contact the Student Support Office if you have concerns about re-sit examinations or progression to Honours.

Re-sit timetables can be found at:

I have failed to progress to Honours?

You should speak to your Personal Tutor as soon as possible to discuss the options available to you, or please contact the Student Support Team. Further support and guidance on academic appeals can be obtained from The EUSA Advice Place.

I am struggling with coursework?

Please speak to your course organiser or tutor as soon as you know you are having problems. The Institute for Academic Development offers advice and documentation on effective learning and also runs Study Skills workshops throughout the year.

If you are experiencing personal issues which are affecting your studies, you should discuss the possibility of a special circumstances submission with either your Personal Tutor or the Student Support Team.

I wish to withdraw permanently from the University?

Please contact the Student Support Office as soon as possible.

I am absent through illness?

You should contact the Student Support Team as soon as possible to record non-attendance of classes. For absences of 3 days or more you may be required to submit a medical certificate. Absences of up to three weeks duration are permitted if you can provide medical certificates. It is your responsibility to ensure that you catch-up with your coursework.

If illness has significantly affected your progress, you can apply for consideration of special circumstances. If your illness prevents you from dealing personally with your academic affairs, you may nominate someone (e.g. a parent) to act on your behalf however we must receive confirmation from you in writing before we can communicate with a third party.

I wish to take an Authorised Interruption of Study?

Students who require a leave of absence exceeding three weeks in duration need to apply for an authorised interruption of study (AIS). An AIS will not normally exceed one academic year and supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) must be provided.

If you wish to apply for an AIS you should contact the Student Support Team as soon as possible. The application will then be sent to the Associate Dean (Academic Progress), who will contact you directly to confirm the outcome. Interruptions cannot be granted retrospectively. If you are struggling with personal and/or academic issues, it is vital that you contact the student support team as soon as possible.

During the period of absence it is your responsibility to provide a current postal contact address and to ensure that any legal requirements imposed by your funding or grant authority are met. You must also check your University email account regularly for communications from the University.

I am an international student. Can I take an AIS?

International students can take an AIS BUT, as per the terms of their Visa, should not remain in the UK when not studying. The Visa will be withdrawn and you would need to re-apply for a Visa before returning to your studies in the next academic session. Please refer any questions to the student support team or the International Office.

I have computer problems?

You can find the helpdesk on the ground floor, Main Library, George Square - they have variable hours, usually 5pm - 8pm Monday to Thursday and 10am - 1pm Saturday.

You can contact the helpline on 0131 651 5151 from 9am - 8am (available 23 hours) every day or e-mail is.helpline@ed.ac.uk

I am an international student?

The International Office offers a central point for all non-UK students to go to for assistance, advice and support. The team runs an immigration clinic each morning (Monday to Friday) which provides advice on visa extensions, working in the UK during and after study and other matters. They are also the main contact for the UK Border Agency (Home Office) and the UK Council for International Student Affairs. http://www.international.ed.ac.uk/

The International Student Centre is managed by international student volunteers and provides a resource for international students in the central University area. http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/student-life/isc

If your question has not been answered, please check our other sections:

Contact details

Or e-mail the Student Support Team who will be happy to help:

Room 5.05, David Hume Tower

Tel: 0131 650 3647/ 0131 650 3673

Email:


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