What you can't complain about:
  • Requests for new or different services or facilities. This is usually considered as feedback as changes are not actioned immediately.

  • Matters of academic judgement. This could relate to the reasoning behind marks for an assessment, fitness to practise and/or research methodology. 

Who can complain?
  • Current students.

  • Students who withdrew from or completed their studies within the last 3 months.  

Timeline of a Complaint

You should submit an appeal as soon as possible and no later than 4 weeks from the date of the incident occurring.  

Stage 

Timescale of Response 

 

Early resolution 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

Submission of formal appeal 

 

 

Start of Complaint (within 4 weeks of the incident occurring) 

 

 

Formal Stage 

 

 

Up to 28 calendar days 

 

Submission of request for review of the original complaint 

 

Within 14 calendar days 

 

Review Stage 

 

Normally within 28 days but can be up to 42 calendar days 

 

Early Resolution

Before submitting a complaint, you should try and speak to members of your Department/University Service informally to gain clarification or further guidance on the issues you face. You should be seeking to understand the reasons behind the decision and the implications for you and your studies along with what options are open to you.  

There are many people you can speak to and these could include your Personal Tutor, Programme Director, Head of Department/School, Supervisor, Module Co-ordinator or Programme Administrator. 

If you do not know who your personal tutor is, please contact your Programme Administrator to check your MyBirkbeck Profile. 

Submission of a complaint:

Before submitting your complaint, ensure to cover the below key points. Do not forget to supply as much evidence as you can in order to support your claim.

Points to include:

  • Detailed description of the incident/ issue; 

  • How this has either affected you or other parties involved;

  • Why you feel it is important to make the complaint;

  • What your preferred resolution is (it is crucial that you carefully consider what resolution you are seeking and include as much detail on this as possible in your application).   

Where to complain?

You must submit your Complaint to studentcomplaints@bbk.ac.uk, or by post to: Academic Standards and Quality (Registry Services), Birkbeck, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX. 

This will be initially reviewed by staff within the Academic Standards and Quality Team and then investigated by the Academic Registrar or their nominee. 

The team will endeavour to provide confirmation of receipt within 7 calendar days and try and provide a date by which you should receive a formal outcome (usually 28 calendar days). 

Further Advice required:

If you need further information or to discuss your case then we can offer you an appointment with one of our advisors. Please complete our case consent form here and we will be in touch to arrange an appointment.

© Birkbeck Students' Union

Birkbeck Students’ Union is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales, charity number 1142614.

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