Fitness to Study
What is Fitness to Study?
The Fitness to Study process is a staged procedure designed to support students when health, wellbeing, or behaviour may be affecting their studies. It may be invoked where a student does not recognise that they are not fit to study and could be causing distress, disruption, or concern to themselves and others. This is intended as a supportive measure, not a punitive one.
It may also relate to situations where adjustments and support for disabling conditions or long-term mental or physical health issues are not sufficient or appropriate, or where a student is unable or unwilling to engage with the support offered.
For more information, please see the Fitness to Study Policy , or get in touch with us for advice and support.
Stage 1 – You may be approached by a member of staff in a supportive manner to discuss concerns that have been reported or observed. You may be encouraged to seek support from the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team (SAW) and given advice on options for support. If you do not respond positively or refuse to co-operate, you may be progressed to Stage 2 or Stage 3.
Stage 2 – If concerns continue, staff may refer you to SAW under Stage 2 of the process. On review of the referral, SAW may arrange an initial assessment to discuss the issues, assess your understanding, and agree a Support Action Plan. This could also include advice on options such as deferring, pausing, or leaving the course.
Stage 3 – This stage is invoked when concerns are immediate and serious, or when Support Action Plans agreed at Stage 2 have not been followed. It involves a referral to Student Governance, who may implement precautionary measures such as suspension or referral to Occupational Health.
Case Conference – This can be arranged at any stage with the relevant staff members. You will be given the opportunity to provide written evidence before the meeting, and in some cases may be asked to attend. The conference will consider all factors relevant to your case to determine an outcome, which may be one of the following: Fit to Study and Engage, Not Fit to Study, or Not Fit to Study and/or Engage with the University Experience.
