Applying for Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) may give you extra time to submit an assessment or to be allowed to take an exam at a later date. ECs are not just for when you fall ill. They can apply to a wide range of cases, including events impacting others that have caused you stress or worry. Anything unexpected that is impacting your ability to be assessed might be considered. 

If you are unsure whether you are eligible contact the SU Helpzone for advice on when and how to apply for ECs. We can support you with this process. 

ECs are here to help you do your best, use them if you need them! 

For more information, read the Extenuating Circumstances Policy

If something impacted your performance during an assessment that you did not communicate through Extenuating Circumstances, or if there was an issue with how the assessment or the Board of Examiners was conducted you may be able to appeal. It won't change your mark but it may give you another chance to submit or sit an exam, as well as to remain registered at the university if you have been withdrawn from your course due to an assessment result. 

There are some rules about when and how an appeal must be submitted and on what grounds, for example they will not accept an appeal that simply disagrees with marking. You can find more information about it here  Student Guide to Academic Appeals and in our Academic Appeal Leaflet.  

If you are unsure whether you qualify, or if you would like help drafting your appeal get in touch with us at the Helpzone. See the top of this page for details on how to book. 

There might be times when you are dissatisfied with your experience at the University. Whether it concerns academic services, support services, facilities, or unfair treatment by a student or staff member, you should be able to have your say and be listened to. The Helpzone can support you in all stages from helping you seek an informal resolution, acting as intermediaries for you, and escalating matters to a formal complaint guiding you through the later stages of the process. A full complaints procedure can be very lengthy while it is being investigated, and we are here to support you so you don't navigate this alone. 

For more information, read our Complaints Leaflets  and the University Student Guide to complaints 

There are some issues which you may also be able to report anonymously via Report and Support.  We are also able to guide you in submitting this. 

If you would like support with any of the above, or simply to discuss a matter informally which you are unsure might be a complaint book an appointment with us and we will offer independent, non-judgemental and confidential advice. See the top of this page for details on how to book. 

We understand that being suspected of misconduct (academic or behaviour) is difficult and stressful, regardless of your circumstances. Your Students’ Union staff are here to advise you on the process and support you during the full procedure. We understand the rules surrounding disciplinary hearings can be complicated to understand, so we can help you make sense of them and discuss your options. We will also accompany you to your hearing and make sure you are treated fairly. Our advice is confidential, non-judgemental and independent.  Take a look at our Discilplinary Leaflet for more information

If you have been suspected on use of AI, or are unsure on how to use AI without falling into plagiarism, Check out the SU guidance on AI use in assessments

If you have been invited to a hearing, or just want to discuss disciplinary procedures, book an appointment with us. See the top of this page for details how to book. 

A Fitness to Study process may apply to any student at QMU if the University has concerns that your health is affecting your ability to study. If this happens, you may be invited to a meeting with University staff to discuss a support plan that can help you continue your studies. While The purpose of this procedure is to provide support , not to penalize you, it may lead to suspension of studies or similar consequences. 

In addition, students in certain courses, such as those in the School of Health Sciences or Primary and Secondary Education programs, may also need to meet Fitness to Practice criteria. These criteria ensure that students have the necessary skills, knowledge, health, and character to perform their professional roles safely and effectively.

If you’re asked to attend a meeting about either of these matters, you can contact our advisors in the Helpzone for guidance. We can support you through the process, attend hearings with you to ensure fair treatment, and help you prepare in advance. We’re also here to explain the rules in more detail and discuss your options after the outcomes.

For more information read the University Fitness to Practice Policy or Fitness to Study Policy

If you have been invited to a hearing, or just want to discuss these procedures, book an appointment with us. See the top of this page for details how to book. 

If you're dealing with any challenges related to your course or university life, don’t hesitate to come and talk to us without a need for a specific reason or issue. We’re here to listen without judgment and can guide you to any support or services that might be helpful.

We know student life is expensive, so we have partnered with the organisations mentioned below to provide QMU students with condoms and period products free of charge.  We also have links to external services that can offer help, advice, and support. 

C:CARD is a service provided by NHS Lothian which offers free condoms.

If you live in the EH postcode area you can also order condoms by post by following this link.**

Any QMU student can access the C:Card service in The Students’ Union Helpzone, based above Maggie’s Bar & Café (the stairs and lift are through the door beside the Café). The service is free and confidential, you don’t even need to give your name! All you need to do is to come to the Students' Union and ask for a C:Card. You will then be given a card which will allow you to get free condoms when you need them.

You can access the service Monday to Friday 9am-5pm in the Help Zone in your Students’ Union, just come to the Students’ Union desk and ask to use your C:Card! Don’t feel embarrassed to come in and see us, we are here to help! 

For more information on sexual health visit NHS Lothian Sexual Health website.

Any QMU student can access free period products from the SU. Just pop into Reception and ask. The products are supplied by Hey Girls who use only natural materials and prioritise sustainability. You can choose from pads, tampons or reusable pads and cups.

Police Scotland has prepared a useful Student Online Safety Guide to help you stay safe during your time at uni. You can find all the information on their website. 

Samaritans

116 123

Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.

Breathing Space

0800 83 85 87

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.

Advice on housing matters is beyond our capacity. We encourage students to get in touch with Citizens Advice or with Shelter who are able to offer independent advice on issues such as lease advice.

As QMU Students you have access to various services and resources. You can find more information in the following links 

Report and Support - You can report issues such as harrassment or bullying through this form, It can be done anonymously, or you can give your details if you wish to be contacted 

Counselling and Wellbeing  you can book a wellbeing appointment or a short course of counselling sessions through this service. We recommend you get in touch if you are feeling stress, low mood or are worried about anything. 

Disability Support - Not just for disability but a service that can support any students who are experiencing any chronic illness or ill-health related issues even without a formal diagnosis.

Financial Assistance- Financial support and supermarket vouchers are available for students in need 

Learning Resource Centre  The library can provide help with research resources and offers laptop loans

Effective Learning Service  offers guidance and support to students who wish to develop their academic writing and study skills. They can help with essay and assignment structuring.