What evidence do you need about my disability/health condition?
It can be difficult for students when moving to university as evidence that has been acceptable in school or college does not always meet the criteria required to make adjustments at university. For example, the University is unable to accept reports from school support coordinators, SENs or exam board access arrangements as evidence of a disability or the need for specific adjustments.
Your medical evidence must be:
- Provided by a qualified medical professional (e.g. GP, consultant, specialist nurse) or other suitable professionals (such as Educational Psychologists, Audiologists etc.). See the expandable list below for details of what is acceptable.
- On headed paper with the professional's contact details
- As up-to-date as possible
- Clearly state that your diagnosis has a substantial and long-term negative impact on your ability to do normal daily activities
Please note: Normally we would expect that your medical evidence is written in English. Where a certified translation into English is required it is the student's responsibility for arranging this and for paying any associated costs.
In line with the UK General Medical Council's guidance, we would not normally accept medical evidence which is produced by a close relative, friend or work colleague, even if they are medically qualified.
Medical evidence is expected to cover the following points:
- Name of the condition or impairment
- Date of diagnosis and how long it has lasted/is likely to last
- The main effects (including the severity) of the impairment on studies and carrying out normal day-to-day activities including symptoms; this can include the side effects of any medication and also a description of the effect of the impairment without medication or auxiliary aids.
Please be aware that the University can only make adjustments based on a clear recommendation from the professional providing the evidence. The University is unable to make adjustments based solely on a student’s statement about the benefits of a particular adjustment previously in place.
You can download a copy of our Guidance for Medical Professionals and the Supporting Evidence form to help you get the evidence you need.
Most conditions can be evidenced by a doctor's note, but please see below to check what evidence is required for specific conditions.