failed first uni assignment

What to Do if You Fail Your Essay, Assignment, Exam or Dissertation

One of the most difficult experiences for students in the UK is the receipt of a failing mark (usually anything marked 39 or below is a fail). It is important to understand that there are many reasons why this can happen to students, and there are usually several options to change the failing mark. Whether you fail an exam , coursework or even the dissertation itself, you have options available so it’s not necessarily the end of the world!

Common Reasons for Failure

Students fail elements of their degree for a number of reasons. The most common issues are not attending lectures, not keeping up with course reading, confusion or lack of understanding of course content, and personal problems that distract students.

How to Avoid Failure Before it Happens

With all of the problems noted above, students can usually avoid failing simply by taking pre-emptive action before the problem spirals out of control. There are several steps to take to ensure that small issues don’t become potential failures.

• Talk to your Academic Tutor. This is a member of the faculty assigned to you at the beginning of your degree programme, who you meet with regularly to discuss your progress. You can contact this person at any time and they can advise you on how to address any challenges you are facing.
• Don’t wait until problems become large. It is always best to be aware that a small issue can quickly become a crisis if you neglect to address it. For example, if you are struggling to understand the course material one week, you will be unlikely to follow along as the course progresses. It is far better to consult with your lecturer early to avoid falling seriously behind later.
• File for ‘Extenuating Circumstances’. Most UK universities understand that students will sometimes face unavoidable difficulties due to prolonged sickness, family problems or financial issues. If you experience one of these problems you can file an ‘Extenuating Circumstances’ form, which formally notifies the university about your problem. Your Academic Tutor will sign this form and together you will construct a plan to catch up on any missed coursework or exams, and you will possibly be granted extensions to normal coursework deadlines.

Re-Assessment Opportunities

If the worst happens and you do receive a failing mark, you have several options. First, you need to understand whether you have failed an element of a module, the entire module, or the dissertation.

Failed Module Element

If you’ve failed one piece of coursework or an exam, it may not be necessary to re-submit that element. If your marks for other module elements are high enough that your averaged course mark is 40 or above, you will pass the module overall regardless of the one failure. In other words, if you receive a mark of 35 on an essay that counts for 40% of your module mark, you can still pass the module if you receive an average mark of 45 on the remaining 60% of the module assessment. However, you may wish to re-submit anyway, in order to achieve a higher overall degree average. The opportunities to allow this vary among Universities, so check the regulations at your own institution.

Failed Module

If you fail an entire module you are usually required to re-sit the assessments, either by re-submitting the coursework or, in some cases, by resitting an exam. The form of the assessment will be decided according to the existing module guidelines, university regulations, and the decisions of the lecturer and board of examiners. The resulting mark is usually capped at a bare pass level, which is typically in the 40-50 range.

Failed Dissertation

If you fail a dissertation, you will usually be given an opportunity to re-submit it by an agreed-upon date. As with a module failure, the marks awarded for a re-submitted dissertation will usually be capped at a bare pass level. It is worth noting that a complete failure of a dissertation is rare at UK universities, and typically occurs only if a student has neglected to meet with their supervisor at regular intervals, or neglected to submit drafts in advance of the final submission.

A Note on Plagiarism

Although university regulations usually allow a student to re-sit exams and assessments, as described above, there are special procedures in place in cases of failure due to plagiarism. If a student is found to have copied work from another source or used the ideas of others without citing their sources appropriately, they may receive a failing mark. In serious cases the matter can be referred to a University Ethics Board, that will have the authority to take a range of measures against the student. In many cases, students found guilty of plagiarising will not be provided with an opportunity to improve their marks, though they could potentially appeal the decision. In short, don’t do it!

Appeal Procedures

In addition to re-submitting assessment elements, you may have grounds appeal the marks awarded to you. This can happen if your university has neglected to take your Extenuating Circumstances into account, or if you were unfairly disadvantaged in any way. Each university has its own procedures for student academic appeals, and in general, it requires a somewhat lengthy process. You must be certain to file the appropriate forms before the deadlines, and fully document the reasons you feel justified in appealing your marks. Your case will be considered by a university exam board, and if you are successful you will be offered options for re-sitting or re-submitting work without restrictions on the potential marks you can earn. Full details of your university’s appeal procedures will be given to you at the start of your degree programme.

While every student hopes to avoid failing or even coming close to failing, sometimes the unthinkable does happen and a failing mark results. These situations can seem terribly disheartening for students, but it is important to remember that universities do offer second chances for genuinely honest and hard-working students!

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What happens if you fail a uni subject?

March 08, 2024

Receiving a failing grade can feel like an overwhelming setback in your study journey. But help is available. Here’s what to do if your academic progress doesn’t go according to plan.     

What happens if you fail a subject at uni?

You’re likely full of disappointment right now, but there are plenty of understandable reasons you might find yourself in this situation. 

Maybe it’s your first time studying, and you struggled with the workload and time commitment. Or maybe something unexpected happened in your personal life, making study a lower priority. 

Whatever the case, it’s worth checking with your subject tutor to see if there’s anything you can do to change your grade, like re-sit an exam or submit an additional assessment. 

Otherwise, you have two options:

• If it’s a core subject: repeat the subject when it's next available.
• If it’s an elective subject: choose a different subject and complete that instead. 

Your university will email you after results are officially released to outline your options and the actions you need to take. If you’re a student through Open Universities Australia, our advisors can also offer guidance on what to do next . 

What’s the difference between failing a core subject and failing an elective?

"A core subject is a unit that the uni has determined to be of value and is necessary in your chosen field," explains Omkar, an Open Universities Australia student advisor who regularly supports online students facing academic challenges. 

“ If you fail a core subject, we recommend you repeat it as soon as possible because it might be a pre-requisite that you need before you can enrol in another core subject.”

Since core subjects are compulsory, you need to successfully complete them to graduate with your qualification.

Electives, on the other hand, aren't compulsory, which means you aren't required to repeat these subjects if you receive a failing grade—though you certainly can if you want to. Most students opt to take another elective instead to make up the credit points needed for graduating. You can pick something easier , or something that sparks more of your interest.

How common is it to fail a uni subject?

It’s actually more common than you might think, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. 

In a large study of Australian undergraduate students, 40% revealed they’d failed at least one subject at the time they were surveyed. This was especially common in education, civil engineering, nursing and commerce. 

The reasons given varied from too many family responsibilities to a lack of self-confidence and difficulty with the subject matter. Many students just weren’t aware of the support services available to help them turn things around.    

What if you have a valid reason for failing? 

You can make a case to your university (or us) if external circumstances affected your ability to study, and apply for Special Circumstances  to have your failing grade overturned.

Mental or physical health issues, a bereavement in your family, natural disasters and changes in your employment circumstances are all valid reasons to get in touch.  

So what happens when you repeat a subject?

As frustrating as it is, you can’t receive credit  for the work you’ve already completed. You’ll need to start the subject from scratch, and approach your assessments with a fresh eye. 

But think of it this way—you have a leg-up on your classmates because you already know what the subject tutor wants. You can seek out help with that in mind.   

On the financial side, you will have to re-pay the subject fees. For most people, this means it’s added onto their HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan . 

What can you do to get yourself back on track?

Setbacks are part of life, so you shouldn’t feel too disheartened (as hard as it is to tell yourself that).

“Even Albert Einstein failed an entrance exam for a Swiss uni as a teenager, but we all know what he went on to achieve later on,” Omkar notes. 

The student advisor has five tips for dusting yourself off and trying again.

1. Take a moment to reflect on why you failed the subject

“Was it due to lack of understanding, poor study habits, personal issues, or other factors?” he prompts. “Understanding the root cause can help you address your challenges more effectively.”

2. Keep a line of communication open with your subject tutor

Your subject tutors want you to succeed. “Don't hesitate to reach out to them if you need clarification, feedback or additional support,” Omkar says. “They can help you understand the task at hand and what’s expected of you.”

3. Take advantage of your university’s (many!) support services

One of Omkar’s favourite support tools is Studiosity , a tutoring service that is available for free to students from most universities. “You can request to have your assignments assessed by [an impartial] tutor, and then get feedback to incorporate before your due date,” he explains.

Other resources available include study skills workshops and peer tutoring services, as well as disability support services. Plus, you can always book a call with an Open Universities Australia student advisor if you want advice about reducing your study load. 

4. Take care of yourself

While the pressure of studying can feel like having the weight of the world on your shoulders, there’s nothing more important than your self-care.

“Maintain a healthy balance between your academic responsibilities, personal life and relaxation,” says Omkar. That means recognising the signs of burnout  and finding ways to overcome it. You can also access free mental health and counselling appointments through your university whenever you need.

5. Celebrate the little wins 

“The best way to keep yourself motivated is to set small, realistic goals and celebrate your wins ,” Omkar says. 

Your failure doesn’t have to define you—if anything, it can make you more resilient. “Think of it this way," he says. "We all once fell down when we were learning to ride a bike. It hurt in the moment, but what did we do next? We got up and tried again until we learnt how to ride the bike.”

Links and services that may help if you feel at risk of failing

• Tutoring advice
• Study preparation short courses
• Disability support contacts
• Natural disaster support and counselling contacts

Looking for one-on-one advice? Book a study check-in with a student advisor at a time of your choosing.  

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Book a study check-in to ask a student advisor questions about your course, study planning or university admin.

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Tricks And Hacks For A Failed Assignment, Essay Or Exam

21 Oct 2022

Dealing with failure of any kind can be hard but experiencing failure at university can leave students feeling upset, unmotivated or doubting their abilities.

Whether you’ve failed an assignment, essay or exam, there are things you can do so don’t get yourself too down.

Carry on reading to find out reasons why students may fail at university, and the tricks and hacks to help you out if you’ve not done as well as you hoped on a piece of work!

Common Causes of Failure At University

There are several factors that can come into play when it comes to reasons why a student may have failed an assignment, essay or exam.

It may be that they didn’t understand the subject topic of the specific piece of work, or they may have a lack of confidence in their ability.

It could even be that their quality of teaching wasn’t beneficial to their learning, or they could be an international student who is facing language challenges.

More often than not, a student’s circumstances and mental and physical health is the cause of failure at university.

Such as, they may be worried about their financial circumstances, they may be feeling anxious about being away from home or they could be feeling lonely.

Which in turn, is distracting them from focusing on their degree and their learning.

It’s no surprise that this can lead to failing elements of their course, as there are so many things to think about whilst at university.

Of course, there are other reasons why a student may fail like missing lectures or seminars, as well as a lack of preparation and revision for the assignment, essay of exam.

It could also be that they lacked motivation or interest in the piece of work, so they didn’t put any effort in.

Tricks & Hacks For Dealing With Failure At Uni

If you find yourself experiencing failure at university, there are things that can be done to prevent this from happening again, and to deal with the current situation you’re faced with.

Find out with our 8 tricks and hacks below!

1. Put Things Into Perspective

If you have failed an assignment, essay or exam try to remember to keep things in perspective.

It can be hard to stop yourself from overthinking and presuming the worst, but chances are you will be able to do something about your situation.

If you start to think that that there’s nothing that can be done to change your position or that there’s no use in trying again, try and reframe your negative thoughts into positive ones.

Yes, you may have not done as well on this piece of work, but you can learn from your mistakes and improve for the future.

At the end of the day, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be the only one to have failed a piece of work on your course, so try not to get yourself too worked up.

So, stop and consider whether it’s worth letting yourself get super upset over something that can be changed!

2. Allow Yourself To Feel Your Feelings

Whilst it is important to reframe your negative thoughts and stop yourself from getting too stressed out when dealing with failure at uni, it’s also necessary to allow yourself to feel your feelings.

When experiencing failure, most people experience a range of negative feelings such as sadness, frustration, embarrassment and shame.

Rather than bottling up your emotions, try to get everything out into the open and allow yourself to face failure head on, it’s a key to success after all!

The same goes for preventing failure, you need to allow yourself to accept any small issues that do arise.

For example, if you’re not understanding a section of your course material and you’re beginning to feel stressed, you need to be honest about what’s going on and speak up about this before the problem becomes larger.

You could do this by talking to your course leader or tutor.

3. Accept A Level Of Responsibility

If you’ve flopped on an assignment, essay or exam at uni, one vital thing that you need to do is to accept a level of responsibility and practice some self reflection.

Whilst there may be some contributing factors to why you didn’t do so well on a piece of work like as discussed earlier, you also need to learn from your mistakes.

Try to accept maybe there was things you didn’t do successfully that you can improve upon within the future.

This isn’t an opportunity to blame yourself and be harsh to yourself, but rather a way to identify what needs to change.

Such as, if you didn’t revise as much as you should have or if you stopped going to your lectures and seminars, you need to accept a level of blame for why you failed.

By doing this you will prevent yourself from making the same mistakes in the future, and it means you’ll take accountability for your actions.

4. Be Kind To Yourself

Being kind to yourself is an important step of dealing with failure.

There can be many negative impacts on your self-esteem when you fail a piece of work or fail within other aspects of life.

However, there’s no point in punishing yourself when this happens, you won’t gain anything good from doing this.

Instead, treat your failure the same way you would if a friend came to you for advice.

You wouldn’t criticise them for it, would you?

You would provide them with some non-judgmental advice and support them, so make sure you do the same for yourself.

It’s hard to stop yourself from experiencing feelings of imposter syndrome whilst at uni, you may doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud, but you’re not!

A good way to try and prevent these feelings from intensifying is to not compare yourself to others.

For example, if you’ve failed a piece of work that your friend did really well on, don’t start spiralling into self-doubt.

Instead, focus on the things you did well and the things you can improve on.

Be kind to yourself because at the end of the day, no-one succeeds at everything in life (or uni).

Failure is inevitable and it’s an essential part of growing!

5. Practice Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Hearing that you’ve failed a piece of work can be difficult to hear, however, one of the worst things you can do is go into self-destruct mode.

Whilst university and succeeding academically is an important aspect of your life, try not to practice unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with your feelings of failure.

One of the most common unhealthy coping mechanisms is avoiding the problem altogether and refusing to confront the situation.

Such as, you may avoid your failed assignment, essay or exam and think that because it’s out of sight and out of mind, it will go away.

Or you may think that there’s nothing you can do about it so you give up hope.

Another negative coping mechanism is going out and getting drunk to distract yourself from your problems.

Instead of practicing behaviours such as these, try and practice healthy coping mechanisms such as spending time with friends, watching your favourite films or TV shows, going for walks to relax or even spending time focusing on your hobbies or interests.

Everyone has different coping mechanisms which work for them, so try and find yours.

6. Explore Your Options

Most of the time if you do receive a failed mark, there are several options for you to explore and try to remember that your university do want you to succeed too!

The best thing to do is firstly speak to your module tutor or department for feedback and the best cause of action.

Such options include re-sitting an exam, assignment or essay with a second attempt, although this could be at a capped grade it’s still another chance for you to improve.

There are other options too like re-taking an entire module if it’s necessary.

Although, it’s important to remember that just because you’ve failed one piece of work, it doesn’t mean you can’t receive a good grade overall.

Grades will vary from university and courses, but most of the time you don’t have to re-sit an assignment to end up passing the module or even the year.

Such as, if your averaged course mark is 40 or above, you can pass the module overall regardless of the failed piece of work.

As we said, it’s best to speak to your specific course department about this as some do require you to pass all elements!

7. Applying For Extenuating Circumstances

If you have failed at uni because of a problem out of your control such as an illness or an unexpected passing of a family member, you could look into applying for Extenuating Circumstances at your university.

These are determined on a case-by-case basis so it’s best to speak to your university about this and make a claim.

You may need to provide proof that you’ve experienced something out of your control which has impacted your assessed studies.

If your claim is accepted, you could be given a reassessment opportunity or be able to defer a future exam, assignment or essay.

Another option you could look into if you’ve failed is to make an appeal, which is a way of asking your university to review a mark within your academic studies if you believe it was incorrect or graded unfairly.

8. Set Future Goals

Our final tip and trick to take away is to create a plan to help you move forward and smash your next assignment, essay or exam and all the future ones after that.

Have a think about what you are going to do differently next time and think very clearly about what it is you want to achieve at uni.

It could be that you set realistic goals like attending all your lectures and seminars which you previously skipped last semester.

Additionally, it could be that you dedicate more time to studying within the library or an appropriate amount of time working at home each week to ensure that you receive a good grade.

The best way to do this is to write down the things you’re aiming towards and what you’re going to put into practice, this way you can refer back to them and these tasks will seem more manageable.

We’d recommend setting goals for each term, so that you can review them and see if you’re making progress.

Doing this will assist in your overall academic performance and motivate you to keep improving on your assignments!

Failures can have a big impact on our mental health, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support from a professional if you’re really struggling.

You could speak to the student support services at your university about what mental health and wellbeing help is available, or make an appointment with your GP.

We hope we’ve helped you with what to do when things go wrong and ways to avoid failure with our tips and tricks.

Remember, most students fail at some point and there’s always ways to pick yourself back up. You’ve got this!

If you want to improve your sleeping pattern whilst staying in student accommodation , have a read of our guide on Tips and Tricks For Students To Get A Good Nights Sleep.

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How to appeal if you fail at university

W hat do you do if you fail a university exam, or worse still, get thrown off your course completely? Usually you accept the verdict and admit that the work you produced wasn't up to scratch. But what if you are convinced you have a really good reason why you shouldn't have failed?

Here are my top tips, gleaned from first-hand experience as a barrister, for students who want to appeal without getting professional assistance.

1 Act quickly

Appeals must be submitted within a time period – and that can be as short as 10 working days. It's usually mentioned in that dreaded letter telling you that you failed the exam or have been removed from the course. Before the deadline, you need to research the rules and regulations, draft an appeal letter, and obtain evidence.

If you claim you were ill during the exam, you will need a note from your GP or hospital. If you claim your parents were divorcing, you might need a letter from a lawyer to confirm this. If you cannot obtain the evidence in time, say it's on its way and will be forwarded to the university in the next few days.

2 Get advice

Many universities offer help through the student union. The quality of the advice is variable, but there is little harm in asking for guidance. The adviser may raise new arguments, help you find the relevant guidelines and regulations, and evaluate your chances of success.

The saddest cases are those where the student only seeks help after exhausting the internal appeals process. This significantly lowers the chances of a successful appeal.

3 Read the regulations carefully

Often students don't bother reading the regulations at all and write a letter that fails to state their grounds of appeal. Find out what the acceptable grounds of appeal are and organise your arguments to match.

Unless you suspect something went catastrophically wrong in the marking, you cannot appeal on the grounds that the examiners were too harsh. If you obtain 45% and the pass mark is 50%, you cannot appeal on the grounds that you were awfully close.

One of my clients automatically won because the dean of the university failed to respond within two weeks, as required by university rules. This is another good reason to familiarise yourself with the regulations.

4 Spend time on your appeal statement

The stakes are high, especially if you have been kicked off a course. Find out which form you need to use, and do not feel constrained by the size of the boxes. If you need more space, simply continue on a separate page and say "please see attached sheet".

Have a clear structure, present the facts chronologically, don't waffle, and regularly refer back to the regulations. The average length of an appeal letter at Alpha Academic Appeals , an organisation I work for that helps students through this process, is five pages. It sets out the facts of the case, the relevant rules and regulations, and the arguments for why the appeal should be upheld.

5 Focus on your strong points

Remember that your statement must persuade the panel that your case satisfies one of the grounds of appeal. A document is far more persuasive if it contains only strong points, so don't dilute your good arguments by including weak ones.

If you write that you were feeling unwell at the time of the exam but have no medical evidence to support this and you did nothing about it at the time, do not argue the point.

Put yourself in the position of the university. The panel will just say: "The candidate alleges they were sick but there is no shred of evidence to support it. Without a requirement to provide evidence, all candidates could just say that they were ill at the time."

6 Address your weak points head on

It's always a temptation is to ignore the weak points of your argument, but this only gives the panel a reason to dismiss your appeal. If, for example, you failed to complete a mitigation form in time, then you must explain why.

7 Have realistic expectations

As a general rule, the chances of a successful appeal are slim. Outcomes are also unpredictable, as the decision-makers are not legally trained judges. However, the chances increase with a well-drafted and persuasive appeal form that refers to the relevant university regulations.

Some students have unrealistic expectations about what will happen if they win. In most cases, a successful appeal will mean that you can resit the exam or repeat the year. It rarely leads to an immediate pass.

8 If the appeal is unsuccessful, think about your next steps

The appeal structure in some institutions can be quite complicated, with various opportunities for students to appeal after a first unsuccessful attempt. If you have exhausted the internal remedies, you can appeal to an external body, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

With each successive appeal, however, the chances generally decrease, so make sure you submit a strong appeal from the outset.

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A Complete Guide to Failed Assignments, Resubmissions and Appeals

As once noted by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm”. While this statement is true in many situations, there exist many spheres where poor results can substantially disrupt your movement towards your goals or even stop you in your tracks completely. In academia, students are usually focused on the things they need to do to secure future success. However, all of these measures do not necessarily protect you from failures since the educational process is a path of trial and error and you will surely face both ups and downs.

In this article, we will analyse the steps you need to take in the case of failed examinations, coursework assignments , dissertations, resit exams, and resubmissions. While most students prefer to not talk about such topics, shutting your eyes and fears to ignore some threats is the worst type of risk management. The following sections will help you develop a Plan B for any academic failure in order to minimise possible damage and get you back on the right track as soon as possible.

Dissertation and Coursework Failures

What happens if you fail your dissertation.

Many students are extremely concerned with a threatening question they frequently ask their tutors, “What happens if I fail my dissertation?”. If your thesis has failed to be unique and strong enough to earn a pass mark, you will be given a second chance to resubmit it. While dissertation failures are rarer than essay or coursework failures, they are more devastating for the affected students. If you feel lost and overwhelmed at the moment, the following ‘to-do’ list can help you regain control over your academic progress and prepare for the new submission more effectively.

Observe the Formalities

Most universities require you to get a 12-month extension for the resubmission of a failed dissertation and to pay applicable re-submission fees. Complete these procedures as soon as possible to ensure that your Time Limit Extension form has been approved. Do not proceed with re-writing your dissertation before you have obtained explicit permission to proceed with these activities.

Find the Key Failure Antecedents

In many cases, the examiners’ report reveals many problems in your work that you were not aware of (hence, the failure). While the scope of the required changes may seem overwhelming, you need to pinpoint the most critical issues. For example, your dissertation may have had a high Turnitin percentage showing its similarity to some prior works, your research questions were not addressed properly or your whole work was too descriptive.

Collect Feedback

If possible, contact your supervisor or the examiners to receive additional feedback in person. Preferably, this step should be taken after the previous one to make your meeting more informative. This way, you can discuss specific problems of your work, offer multiple improvement strategies, and get a confirmation of your overall re-submission course from the assessors.

Plan Your Progress

Any complex project requires thorough planning and students avoiding this step frequently make two popular mistakes. Some of them think that 12 months is a very long time and procrastinate as a result. Others start early but focus too much on some problematic elements of their dissertations ignoring the remaining ones until it is too late. In both cases, the resulting theses do not demonstrate a radical improvement in all areas of criticism and have high risks of failure.

Do Not Ignore Your Problems

If you have made some of the mistakes described in the previous step, you may realise that you are falling behind the earlier designed schedule. The key principle of success is to not ignore such problems. They will not simply go away and you will not be able to catch up later since the pre-submission phase usually brings even more force majeure factors.

If Lost, Prioritise

When you have to complete more work than it is humanly possible without a set timeline, you need to change your overall strategy or your priorities. The first option is to ask for extensions (most universities can grant you up to 3 additional months to complete your re-submission draft). The second one is to identify the most crucial problems and focus on them while ignoring minor corrections. Ask yourself a question, “How bad does a dissertation have to be to fail?”. This will allow you to define a ‘minimum viable product’ for future submission and prioritise the most crucial spheres.

Failed Coursework: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a fail mark on your university coursework can be devastating. If you have put a lot of effort into your submission, this information can leave you overwhelmed and senseless. However, most universities allow you to resubmit a failed coursework, which is exactly what you should concentrate your attention on right now. By reacting to this situation immediately, you will immensely increase your chances of fixing the problem and avoiding harsh penalties.

Here is everything you need to know about resubmitting coursework at university

Is retaking a coursework really your best option.

Resitting coursework may seem like a minor inconvenience to some students. However, this activity is associated with a lot of extra work that needs to be performed with some ultimate purpose in mind. If you have problems with multiple failures within your current course and your course grades do not seem bright, retaking your coursework may not magically solve all of these problems. In these circumstances, retaking the whole year may be a better option for some students.

Therefore, consider what is best for your study and the possible grades you can achieve. You should also account for the extra workloads associated with coursework rewriting . If they will interfere with your new academic workloads or personal obligations, retaking the whole year may be a better option.

When Should You Resubmit Your Coursework?

Each university has different policies surrounding resubmissions. Generally, they can take place during the summer period or during your next academic year. The first option may be preferable due to the aforementioned issue of overlapping academic workloads. However, you may not always have a choice in this matter since these provisions are determined by your university.

If you retake during your next year, make sure that you are managing your time and attending all extra classes to improve your grade as much as possible.

Will You Encounter Capped Grade Issues?

The majority of resits (usually excluding those with mitigating circumstances) will have a capped grade of 40%. Yes, this means you will only achieve a pass for that coursework (but you should still not take it as a sign to only put minimal work into it).

Learn more about this cap (of the lack thereof) to ensure that the resulting number of credits substantiates the extra effort and actually allows you to continue your academic journey afterwards.

Appraise the Costs of Resubmitting Your Coursework

Do not forget that resubmitting your coursework is never free. Usually, there is a fee that you must pay for the remarking and additional academic work associated with the resubmission of your coursework. Make sure that you pay it right after learning about your failure to win more time.

What if I Plagiarised?

Unfortunately, plagiarism can have serious consequences such as your suspension or a ban from your course. If you are permitted to resubmit your coursework in these circumstances, take this as a rare chance. This still involves creating a new and 100% original piece, which may be extremely challenging for many students.

Ultimately, the best thing to do is to put your all into your work from the beginning. A failed coursework is usually a result of many prior strategic issues such as not seeking external help when needed. In addition to resubmission, there also exists an appeal option that we will discuss in the following section.

University Appeals for failed work

How to appeal a grade if you didn’t achieve the grade you hoped for.

The day of exam results is a mix of happy smiles and disappointed faces. While some students fail in their attempts to get a pass, others are devastated by not acing their grades and getting maximum scores. In both situations, you usually have two possible solutions. While resubmission discussed earlier allows you to retake your coursework while getting penalised in terms of capped grades, you also have a second option that may not have these limitations. If you believe that there has been a mistake in marking your work, you can appeal to the examination board. This allows you to review the decision or awarded mark on the basis of personal circumstances influencing your performance or your claims of biased or inaccurate appraisal of your submission.

The process of applying for an appeal can be separated into four steps

Identify the appeal deadline.

Firstly, you should ascertain the time frame to submit an appeal. This will vary depending on the universities’ procedures, which you will find on their website. In most cases, the countdown for appeal deadlines starts from the date of the publication of the results.

Should You File a Complaint or an Appeal?

Next, you should differentiate between whether you want to appeal against a result or make a complaint against it. The procedures for the second option range from an informal conciliation to a formal investigation with a hearing. Complaints usually target some aspects of academic procedures such as teaching methods or examination organisation. It may be reasonable to consult with your university student services to identify whether your claims match the criteria for an appeal or a complaint.

Submit the Appeal

As soon as you have clarified your line of argument, you need to write and submit the appeal. Attach any evidence backing your claims and try to describe the events in chronological order to increase your chances of success.

Obtain an Appeal Completion Letter

The final step is to obtain a receipt or a procedure completion document, signed by the University authority, regarding the appeal. Be sure to check that you’ve filled in all the details accurately.

Depending on the outcomes of your appeal consideration, you may get a grade adjustment reflected in your final report card or get a formal rejection. In the second case, you may need to discuss potential further actions with the Head of the Office of Student Services of your university.

Most Common Reasons Why Your Academic Appeal Might Be Rejected  

While academic appeal letters are accepted by most universities, a large share of them gets rejected by appeal committees. Knowing the most common causes for this outcome is a good way to minimise the possibility of its occurrence. Below you will find five primary factors leading to the non-acceptance of academic appeals.

Lack of Validation

If you claim that your academic performance was affected by some circumstances of personal nature or force majeure circumstances, your best option is to provide substantial evidence confirming your statements. Documents from hospitals, official authorities or other reliable third parties may convince the committee to give you a second chance. However, you need to prove that you could not provide this evidence earlier within the scope of the Exceptional Circumstances procedure.

Wrong Focus

In most cases, you cannot appeal against the judgement of the examiners. Submitted coursework assignments, examination papers, and essays are usually revised by multiple markers to minimise the possibility of biased or unfair appraisals. Your letter of appeal must only focus on the circumstances that can be appealed in accordance with university regulations. Other non-appealable factors include employment-related factors, financial problems, housing issues, visa-related issues, and family problems.

Failure to Meet the Deadlines

Most universities have established deadlines specifying the earliest and latest dates for submitting academic appeals. The general rule of thumb is to not submit one before the results of an examination have been announced even if you expect failure. Consult academic staff members or a lawyer specialising in this sphere to make your letter of appeal conformant to all best practices and regulatory provisions.

Poor Past Performance

If your performance throughout the semesters preceding the academic failure had been mediocre and you have a history of academic misconduct, substance abuse or violations of applicable codes of conduct, the committee may choose to decline your appeal. Your best option in this situation is to write a quality letter of appeal where you accept the responsibility for your past mistakes and provide a clear plan for future improvement. However, you must provide a well-defined strategy for remedying your underperformance to convince committee members.

Unsupported Claims

Your letter of appeal must never contain any false or misleading information that cannot be supported by trustworthy evidence. This is especially important for situations where you refer to procedural errors or biased judgements of the examiners. If you cannot support these statements with appropriate evidence, it may be better to refer to your own faults and minimise potential points of conflict. You need to be extremely polite and respectful in your letter and only use the relevant grounds for appeal if you want to succeed.

The best way to avoid rejection is to write your letter of appeal in the most professional manner. Our appeals and re-submission service experts can help you to maximise the chances of a positive outcome in the case of appealing your marks. We have already helped hundreds of students from multiple universities in re-writing their failed works and maintaining their academic progress.

How to Plan and Write a Re-Sit Assignment or Re-Submission

So, the results of your coursework or examination have been announced and they turned out to be worse than you expected. While this can make you feel depressed and lost, right now you need to concentrate on building a response plan. Most universities allow you to revert this failure and resubmit or resit your assignment if you act promptly and comply with their university resubmission policy. One of the most popular questions asked to our appeals and resubmission experts is, “Can you appeal if you failed your dissertation?”. Here are some tips on how to maximise your chances of success when planning and writing a re-sit assignment or re-submission.   

Discuss the Situation with Your Tutor

Your primary goal is to learn why you failed a particular assignment and what exactly should be done to eliminate its deficiencies. Many students adhere to the guesswork approach due to personal fears and fail for the second time due to not understanding existing dissertation resubmission policies. Keep in mind that your tutor may be the only person possessing the relevant information in this situation. They can also inform you about the scope of your problems and the key knowledge gaps that you need to eliminate.

Act Promptly

Make a plan of action and do not waste time. Some staff members involved in the appeal, re-sit, and re-submission procedures have non-matching office hours. Tutors suddenly fall ill. The sooner you understand what needs to be done and submit all the required documentation, the sooner you can start your preparation. You must also identify if your university has any restrictions on the marks you can get when re-submitting your work. These factors will directly influence your choice of preparation strategies.

Make Reasonable Estimations

Overconfidence is the second most popular reason for academic failure after guesswork. As soon as you have clarified the key deficiencies of your failed assignment, you need to appraise your capabilities to realise them within the set deadlines. If you are nervous about the risk of a second failure, you can contact our professional appeals and re-submission service to see how you can improve the quality of your re-submission. We can also create examination notes based on your course materials to speed up your preparation for resitting your exam.

Use Networking

In many cases, the discussion of your assignment with students may reveal additional facts that were not mentioned by your tutor. You can also cooperate in making new notes, discussing your findings, and simply supporting each other to minimise fears and self-doubts. Also, try to get help from your family and roommates so that you could prepare for your re-sit assignment or re-submission without distractions.

Stick to the Plan

To succeed with your re-sit or re-submission, you must strictly follow the earlier developed plan. Many students are distracted by other academic goals or excessively focus on specific parts of lecture materials ignoring the overall perspective. You need to maintain a balanced approach in order to succeed and improve your mark.

What to Do If Your Appeal Is Rejected

As noted earlier, many appeals are rejected by universities, which leads to the need for re-submissions or restarting your annual course. Below, we will consider 5 main recommendations related to this outcome.

Do Not Panic

The first thing to keep in mind is the fact that this is a regular situation that should not cause panic. While this is an exhausting experience, your focus should be shifted towards your further response strategy rather than your feelings in the moment.

An unsuccessful appeal should be followed by new ones as soon as possible to maximise your chances of getting a positive outcome. Learn more about the available procedures in terms of internal university procedures as well as external escalation options.

Define Your Expectations

Unrealistic expectations frequently cause appeal rejections. While your claims may be extremely persuasive, asking your university to resit an exam or resubmit your assignment for the second time may be against its official policies. Make sure that your demands are substantiated and reasonable.

Identify Your Dispute Escalation Readiness

If your university does not consider your appeal well-substantiated and you are 100% certain that your claims are valid, you can escalate your appeal to a higher external agency such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator in the UK.

Get a Second Opinion

If your first attempt to protect your rights failed, you need to really invest in your second one to succeed. Contacting an external lawyer or a quality appeals and re-submission service may be a good idea to get professional recommendations and increase your chances.

What to Do If You Fail a Resubmission

While most students tend to ‘ignore the negative possibilities’, we always advise them to investigate all possible outcomes. Knowing what to do when the whole world around you fails gives you a sense of inner strength since you are aware of the options before you and maintain control over the situation. If you do not know what happens if you fail a resubmission, here are 5 things you need to do if you fail a coursework resubmission or dissertation resubmission.

Assess the Situation

In most cases, a second failure leads to the need to retake a whole academic year. However, a failure in some elective courses may still allow you to progress with your studies if you have a lot of credit points from other subjects. Try to keep your head cool and assess the situation realistically.

Appraise Your Plans

Any failure inevitably disrupts your well-laid plans. As soon as you have appraised the situation you got into, you need to evaluate how these new changes affect your long-term goals. If you have to retake a whole year, this usually requires additional funding and a number of difficult conversations. Outline the steps you need to take and potential adjustments to your academic and career plans.

Think about the Reasons

If you failed at something as major as a coursework assignment resubmission or a dissertation resubmission, this outcome was clearly determined by some major antecedents. Before you criticise yourself for being lazy or untalented, make sure that you perform an accurate revision of all factors that led to this situation. If you do not realise why you failed twice, you may be missing some crucial systemic issues that must be eliminated before you choose to make another attempt.

Choose the Optimal Course

The first three points should provide you with sufficient insights to build a realistic ‘escape plan’. Write down specific steps you need to take such as discussing the need to retake a year with your university officials and family members. Preferably, try to also account for all resources you will require as well as specific documents, conversations or expenses associated with these activities.

Take a Break

If you fail a resubmission, chances are you have run out of options for the time being. Any major steps you have to take will probably occur several weeks from now. When you have completed all official arrangements, you may need to give yourself a break. Even if you have not succeeded in realising your academic goals, you are still exhausted by these attempts and need to take care of yourself.

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What to do if you fail an assignment

rhiannonparry

Failing an assignment is always an awful feeling. Whether you just didn’t understand the work, or for some reason completely misunderstood the task, it’s never easy seeing that low mark on your screen. If you’re wondering what to do and where to go for help, here’s some advice on what to do if you fail an assignment!

What counts as a fail?

A failed assignment usually means that it scores under 40%. This also goes for the overall module mark as well. If you score less than 40% in the overall module, then you will fail that module too. It’s important to check the weighting of the assignment, because even if it is a fail, you may still have a chance to pass the module overall.

It’s not the end of the world

Don’t panic! Failing an assignment doesn’t mean you’re going to fail university and have to drop out! First of all, it’s worth checking what percentage of the module the assignment. If you fail one assignment, but do well in the others, you can still pass the module without having to worry! This obviously means you probably won’t get a first, but passing is always the most important bit. You can find out more about how the overall UK uni grading system works here.

If you fail the module

If your assignment was a huge chunk of the module, then you will most probably fail the module. When this happens, it’s important to get in touch with your lecturer to see what the next steps are. You may be able to resit an exam if that contributed to the failure of the module, or you may be able to pass anyway. However, you do need a certain amount of credits (usually 120) to pass the year, and if you don’t achieve this, then you will have to resit the whole year.

Why you failed the assignment

If you failed the assignment due to sickness or ongoing issues, then you should definitely tell your lecturer to see if something can be done. Obviously, you should apply for extenuating circumstances before you submit your assignment, but if you haven’t, then email your lecturer to see if anything can be changed. If you failed because of plagiarism, check your sources and referencing to ensure that you did it right. If you can’t find any mistakes, tell your lecturer who can help you sort out an appeal.

You can still save your grade

If it’s only your first assignment, then don’t worry too much. You can still do really well in other assignments in the module, giving you a pass overall! If you don’t understand the work you’re doing or just need help writing essays in general, your university should have someone who can offer support to you. This can include services within the university who offer meetings on essay writing. Discussing your feedback with your lecturer will make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes in your next assignment.

You can appeal

If you disagree with a grade you’ve been given, then appeal! Essay writing can be subjective, so if you think you were scored lower than you deserved, email your lecturer about getting your work re-marked. If you disagree with the feedback you’ve been given, it’s always worth asking your lecturer about it, as they may have made a mistake whilst marking your work. If you do email your lecturer, it’s always best to be nice about it, since everyone can make mistakes.

Talk to your lecturer!

Your lecturer or academic tutor will be able to offer you the best advice. Depending on your university, you might be able to resit. They can also direct you towards who to talk to if you would like your work to be re-marked. If you do end up failing the module or the year, they can offer the best advice on what to do next. You’re not the first person to have failed an assignment,  so they will definitely know what to do to help.

Failing an assignment is never the end of the world, and whatever happens everything will be alright. If you do think you’re going to fail the year, then read our article on what happens if you fail your first year of university .

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What to Do If You Fail University: A Guide

Facing the reality of failing university can be tough, but it’s not the end of the road. As the saying goes, “ Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street .” Let’s be real: flunking out of university is a setback. But it’s also an opportunity for growth and resilience. 

In this blog, we’ll navigate the twists and turns, outlining practical steps to get you back on track. Whether it’s academic challenges or personal struggles that led you here, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Your Academic Standing

In university, your progress is measured by credits. Each year typically consists of 120 credits. To move forward, you must earn 120 credits in your first year . If you fail a module worth a certain number of credits, it affects your ability to accumulate these credits. Failing one module means you haven’t met the yearly credit requirement.

When you fail a module, don’t panic. Reach out to your professors or academic support for guidance. Most universities offer options for resitting the module, either during the summer or in the following year. 1-on-1 tutoring can be a valuable resource to help you pass the resit . Understanding the credit system and your options is key to getting back on track after failing a module.

What to Do If You Fail in Your First Year

Failing your first year of university can be disheartening, but it doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey. Here are some constructive steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Reflect and Analyse: 

First and foremost, take a deep breath and reflect on what went wrong. Identify the specific subjects or areas where you struggled. Was it a lack of time management, study skills, or understanding of the coursework ? Understanding the root causes is crucial.

2. Seek Academic Guidance: 

Reach out to your professors or academic advisors . They can provide insights into your academic performance and suggest strategies for improvement. They may also recommend additional resources or support services .

3. Consider Retaking Courses: 

Depending on your institution’s policies, you may be able to retake the courses you failed. This can help you improve your grades and solidify your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Utilise Campus Resources: 

Most colleges offer resources such as tutoring centres , study groups , and writing labs . Take advantage of these resources to enhance your academic skills.

5. Review Your Study Habits: 

It’s essential to evaluate your study habits. Are you putting in enough effort? Are you organised and consistent in your approach to learning? Make necessary adjustments to improve your study routine .

6. Set Realistic Goals: 

Establish achievable academic goals for yourself. This can help you stay motivated and track your progress.

7. Stay Positive and Persistent: 

Failing your first year is a setback, but it doesn’t define your future. Stay positive , be persistent, and maintain your enthusiasm for learning. Success often comes through resilience and determination.

8. Consider Support Services: 

If you face challenges beyond academics, such as personal or mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from your college’s counselling or support services. Your well-being is crucial for academic success.

9. Learn from Your Mistakes: 

Failing your first year can be a valuable learning experience. Use it to grow and develop as a student. Identify your weaknesses and work on turning them into strengths.

10. Plan for the Future: 

Finally, plan for the future with a positive mindset . Your first-year setback doesn’t determine your entire academic journey. Use this as an opportunity to build a strong foundation for success in the coming years.

What to Do If You Fail in Your Second Year?

Entering your second year of university can bring a unique set of challenges. It’s a time when the initial excitement of being a first year has faded, and the pressure to excel academically may be mounting. Here’s how to navigate these second-year struggles.

Increased Academic Demands: 

Second-year courses tend to be more specialized and challenging. To cope with this, refine your study habits and time management skills . Seek help from professors and academic support services when needed.

Social Adjustments: 

Friendships and social circles can evolve during your second year. Some might drift apart while new connections form. Embrace these changes and remember that it’s normal to grow and develop different social bonds. You also need to consider that while friendships are an important part of university life, you may need to balance social pressures against the reality of your course load. Your friends will understand if you can’t make a night out, especially if they are studying the same course as you. Don’t give in to peer pressure and remember that your friends will still be there when the holidays arrive or you’ve got a break in your study commitments.

Internship and Career Pressure: 

You might start thinking about internships and future career paths . This can be overwhelming, but remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Career centres and alumni networks are excellent resources for guidance.

Financial Considerations: 

As you progress through university, financial responsibilities may increase. Monitor your budget, explore scholarship opportunities , and consider part-time jobs to ease the financial burden.

Mental Health Awareness: 

Second-year struggles can impact your mental health. Be mindful of stress and anxiety . Universities often offer counselling services – take advantage of them. Additionally, engage in self-care practices and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Explore Interests: 

Use this time to explore your academic interests and extracurricular activities. Join clubs, attend events, and find your passion. It’s an essential part of personal growth.

Remember, everyone faces second-year challenges. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and keep an open mind. Your second year can be a time of growth and self-discovery as you move closer to achieving your academic and personal goals.

Bottom Line

In the academic journey, facing failure is a test of resilience . But remember, it’s not the end; it’s a chance to rise. Embrace challenges, seek support, and refine your approach. As you navigate through failures, you’ll discover the path to success. 

Failing is a part of learning , not the conclusion. Let it be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Your determination will define your story. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep thriving.

Can I still succeed in my career if I have a degree without honors?

Absolutely. Many successful individuals have ordinary degrees. Employers often prioritize skills, practical experience, and attitude over your degree classification. Pursue internships, personal projects, and real-world knowledge to complement your degree.

How will failing my final year affect my job prospects?

Failing your final year may result in a capped grade, impacting your degree classification. While this can influence job opportunities, practical experience, internships, and your skills will play a vital role. Employers often value hands-on experience and a positive attitude.

Can I switch to a different course or university if I fail my first year?

Switching courses or universities is possible, but it depends on the specific institution and the timing of your decision. Consult your academic adviser and research transfer options, ensuring a smooth transition.

Is it worth repeating my first year if I’ve failed multiple modules?

Repeating your first year can provide a strong foundation and a chance to achieve the necessary credits. However, consider your reasons and whether you meet mitigating circumstances. Discuss your options with your university.

How can I make studying fun and more engaging?

To make studying enjoyable, try using flashcards, creating study games with friends, or exploring various study techniques. Experiment with interactive learning methods and discover what resonates with you.

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Academic Manual

• 9. Consequences of Failure

Section 9: Consequences of Failure

Published for 2023-24

9.1 Overarching Principles

9.2 failure at the first attempt, 9.3 failure at the second attempt, 9.4 resitting a module, 9.5 repeating a module, 9.6 non-modular programmes, 9.6.1 ba (hons) english, 9.6.2 ba (hons) fine art , 9.6.3 bfa (hons) fine art , 9.6.4 mbbs (bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery) , 9.6.5 ma fine art, 9.6.6 mfa fine art in the slade school of fine art, advice for students.

Further information and advice for students about assessment is available on the  Examinations & Awards webpages .

Recent Changes

A guide to changes to the regulations are available from the  Recent Changes  page.

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Failed an Assignment or Course?

What if I am struggling academically, or facing preclusion from University due to poor academic progress? 

If you have failed an assignment, remember to keep things in perspective. Chances are you can still pass your course. You might need to put special effort into passing your exam, but this can be done. If you take the time to talk through your failed assignment with your tutor, and discuss a good strategy for approaching the rest of your assessments, then you will stand yourself in good stead.

If you have failed a course, again it is worth keeping things in perspective. Your academic transcript is important, and from time to time in life employers will ask to view it (although probably less often than you’d think). If your transcript shows a pattern of failure it might be a bit hard to explain away, but a one-off failure is probably unlikely to put off a future employer. A single failure is generally explainable, especially if it is out of step with your other results.

Keep doors open

Low course grades, whether you fail or not, will impact your grade point average. This may be important for you if you want to keep the door open to Honours or postgraduate study, or even if you enrol in a different undergraduate degree later in life. If in the future, for example, you decide to apply for a Masters degree, not only at UniSA but at any university, your grade point average will be one of the factors considered.

Some professions may also take more notice of grades than others; competitive fields such as law, for example. If you are worried about your grades it would be worth doing some research into your industry to work out just how important your academic transcript will be.

Be realistic in your assessment of your failure. Don’t beat yourself up: instead take positive action to learn and improve. Don’t let fear of failure stop you trying again.

If you would like to discuss your progress at uni, or your personal experience of failure, you might like to come in and  speak with a counsellor .

Need further assistance?

Contact campus central.

Your one-stop-shop for student services. UniSA general enquiries: 1300 301 703.

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What to do when you fail an assignment

Amy dopson posted 18 november 2020 - 09:36.

Failing a university assignment is disappointing and frustrating. But what should you do next? And how can you overcome this feedback?

In this video, tutor and nurse Amy Dopson explains the steps you should take including:

• Recognise but avoid acting on your emotions.
• Carefully consider the feedback using assignment criteria.
• Think about possible ‘quick wins’ to regain lost marks.
• Speak to your tutor.
• See if you’re entitled to extra time and support if needed.

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