The University expects the highest standards of behaviour from students on courses leading to a professionally recognised qualification.
Fitness to Practise regulations ensure that students meet professional standards of conduct for awards that lead to a professionally recognised qualification, for example Medicine, Initial Teacher Training and Dentistry.
When you register for a programme of study subject to Fitness to Practise regulations, you will have to sign and abide by a programme-specific Code of Professional Conduct.
Each programme subject to Fitness to Practise has a code of conduct which is specific to the profession involved. If you need a copy of your Code of Conduct, you will need to contact your School or Department.
Fitness to Practice concerns will arise if you breach your programme-specific code of conduct or if you breach general University student conduct regulations.
Initial procedure
An independent Investigating Officer will investigate each Fitness to Practise concern. You will have an interview with the Officer, who will make a decision, based on the evidence, about how to proceed. If the allegations against you are proven, you may be given a sanction by the Officer; or, if your case is considered serious, it can be passed on to a College Fitness to Practise Committee.
Section 8.3 of the University Regulations (PDF, 55KB, opens new window) outlines the official process.
Referral to College Fitness to Practise Committee
If, based on the evidence, the Officer considers your case serious, it will be referred to a College Fitness to Practise Committee. This committee will hear your case in strict accordance with the code of practice below, to ensure fairness. You should read carefully through the code of practice so that you know what to expect.
A range of sanctions can be applied if you are found, based on evidence, to have breached University regulations:
Instances of proven Fitness to Practise breaches may result in your being unable to pursue your chosen profession.
You may appeal in writing within five working days against the decision of the College committee, specifying the grounds of appeal, by using the following form:
Help and support during the investigation
We understand that this may be a very stressful time for you. Use our sources of help and support to find the help you need, whether it is advice on the process or simply someone to talk to.
