Disabled Students - History

Support for Disabled Students

The Department of History is committed to ensuring that every student can take part in all aspects of department life, and can succeed in their studies.

If you are a disabled student, or have a long-term health condition, we strongly encourage you to contact Disability ServicesLink opens in a new window to discuss Reasonable Adjustments. These are changes or supports designed to ensure you have equal access to your education and learning environment.

This page provides more information about the kind of support available to you while you study with History.

FAQs: Reasonable Adjustments

Browse these frequently asked questions about the modifications or accommodations that can be made to ensure you have equal access to your studies.

What are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable Adjustments are changes made to help you access your education equally and learn in an inclusive environment. These are tailored to your individual needs and designed to mitigate the impact of your condition, so you can succeed in your studies.

Reasonable Adjustments might include support with:

Accessing lectures, seminars and associated materials
Understanding marking feedback
Sitting exams and delivering assignments

You'll find lots of information on Disability Services' Reasonable Adjustments page.Link opens in a new window

How do I get Reasonable Adjustments?

If you don't have Reasonable Adjustments in place, or you feel that they need updating, contact Disability Services to book an appointment with a Disability AdvisorLink opens in a new window. They鈥檒l talk through your individual needs and contact the department on your behalf to help put the right support in place.

It's important to note that any adjustments you had with your previous school, college or university won't be communicated to us automatically. That's why it is important to book an appointment with a Disability Advisor.

What kind of information do I need to provide?

When you meet with the Disability Advisor, they will make recommendations on an individual basis with information you share about your disability or condition. This can include recent, relevant medical or other professional evidence.

Even if you don't have any documentation, you should still make an appointmentLink opens in a new window to speak to a Disability Advisor, as there may be other options available to you.

What happens if my condition or disability changes?

If there is a significant deterioration of your condition, or your Reasonable Adjustments don't fully support you, you can reach out to Disability Services for another appointment to update your recommendations.

You can also apply for Mitigating CircumstancesLink opens in a new window. This is a process designed to support you if you experience exceptional, unforeseen circumstances which have a detrimental impact on your studies. This can include late diagnosis of a specific learning need or disability. For more information, check the relevant section in the History Student Hub

I have needs that aren't covered here. What do I do?

If your support needs are not covered here, or if there's anything else you feel your tutors should know, it is best to speak with your seminar tutors. Staff may contact students with Reasonable Adjustments to discuss specific needs, but you can reach out at any time.

If you're unsure how to start the conversation, or would prefer someone else to contact your tutors for you, speak to your personal tutor or the department鈥檚 Disabled Student ChampionLink opens in a new window.

I'm a PGR student, can I get Reasonable Adjustments?

Yes!
Any students who had reasonable adjustment during their UG or Masters courses, or those have not had adjustments in the past, but feel that they may need further support, should book a meeting with a Disability Advisor so that they can review what support can be provided.

Though PGR students do not normally have to complete scheduled/marked essays or timed exams, that doesn't mean that the University cannot support you.

For PGR students, adjustments make take such forms as: accommodating rest breaks in the upgrade, annual review or Viva Voce meetings, publishing key questions in advance of a meeting, informing staff panel members in advance that additional time, or rephrasing of questions may be required.

Inclusive access to teaching and learning

When you study History at 果冻传媒, you can expect to find an inclusive learning environment. To support disabled students, we follow the University鈥檚 guidance and use a range of approaches.

Lectures

Access to materials in advance

You鈥檒l often find lecture slides or handouts uploaded 24 hours before your lecture. This gives you time to look through the content ahead of the lecture. Check Moodle or your module website regularly for updates.

If you have Reasonable Adjustments that say you should receive materials in advance, and they aren鈥檛 being uploaded, contact your module tutor to request them.

Keep in mind

Some lecturers don鈥檛 use full transcripts or detailed notes, especially if their lectures are unscripted. This means the materials available before the lecture may be limited.
Remember, having your materials early is meant to support your learning, not replace attending the lecture.
Lectures are updated each year, so materials are not usually available more than 24 hours in advance.

Recorded lectures

Most History modules use EchoVideo lecture captureLink opens in a new window, so you can watch recordings after your lectures. You鈥檒l find these recordings on your module鈥檚 Moodle or website.

Some lecturers don鈥檛 use lecture capture because their sessions include sensitive or confidential content. If that鈥檚 the case, you may be allowed to record the lecture yourself under the University鈥檚 Policy on Lecture RecordingsLink opens in a new window. If you want to record a lecture, you must ask the lecturer for permission in advance, unless your Reasonable Adjustments say you can record without asking.

Keep in mind:

You must not share or upload lecture recordings (including your own) anywhere online, including into AI tools. Doing so is considered misconductLink opens in a new window and will be reported to the University.
Never record lectures that include confidential content without the lecturer鈥檚 permission.
You must not record seminars unless you have written consent from all students and staff in the group. Recording without permission is considered misconductLink opens in a new window and will be reported to the University.

Seminars

Access to materials in advance

You鈥檒l find seminar readings and questions on your module鈥檚 Moodle or webpage. Most History modules use Talis Aspire Reading Lists to help you access essential texts. If you're unsure what to read or prepare for a seminar, contact your seminar tutor.

Sometimes tutors plan activities where you respond to a source you haven鈥檛 seen before. If your Reasonable Adjustments say you should get materials early or in a different format, speak to your tutor.

Attendance

You are usually expected to attend all seminars. If your Reasonable Adjustments say you may miss sessions due to a disability, your tutor will know this. But you should still let them know if you鈥檙e absent; these will be marked as 鈥榓uthorised鈥� and won鈥檛 affect your marks for seminar contribution, participation, or engagement. If you miss lots of seminars or have concerns about attendance, contact your personal tutor.

Breaks

Tutors often include a break in longer seminars. If you need extra breaks, feel free to step out and return when ready. You don鈥檛 need permission, and it won鈥檛 affect your marks for seminar contribution, participation, or engagement.

Participation

Staff understand that speaking in seminars can be difficult for some students. They will use a range of activities to help you join in. Staff also know that asking direct questions to students can induce anxiety. If your Reasonable Adjustments say you need to contribute in another way, talk to your tutor. They may also speak with the Director of Teaching and Learning to find the best approach.

Recording seminars

You must not record seminars unless you have written consent from all students and staff in the group. Recording without permission is considered misconduct and will be reported to the University.

Assessment

Extensions

If your Reasonable Adjustments include flexibility with deadlines, you may be entitled to an extension of up to five working days. Follow the steps in the History Student HubLink opens in a new window to request an extension. If you don鈥檛 have Reasonable Adjustments in place, you鈥檒l need to provide evidence for extension requests (except for self-certification).

Presentations

Staff understand that presentations can be challenging for some students. If your module includes a presentation, your tutor will offer you support. If you鈥檙e concerned, you may be able to present one-to-one or in a smaller group; talk to your module tutor or supervisor. If your Reasonable Adjustments allow for an alternative to presenting, discuss this with your module tutor or supervisor. They may consult the Director of Teaching and Learning to discuss an appropriate alternative. If you do not have such an adjustment in place but believe it is necessary, contact Disability Services.

Group work

We understand that group work can be difficult for some students. If it鈥檚 part of your assessment, staff will offer you support. If you鈥檙e worried, speak to your module tutor or supervisor, as an individual alternative may be possible. If your Reasonable Adjustments allow for alternatives to group work, your tutor may consult the Director of Teaching and Learning for guidance. If you do not have such an adjustment in place but believe it is necessary, contact Disability Services.

Considerate marking

If your disability affects your written work, contact Disability Services to put Reasonable Adjustments in place. You鈥檒l be given a coversheet to attach to all of your assignments, so markers are aware of your needs. Find out more on Disability Services' page about Considerate Marking AdjustmentLink opens in a new window.

Exams

History UG modules use 7-day Take-home AssessmentsLink opens in a new window, so you can manage your time in a way that works for you. If you鈥檙e taking modules outside History, you may have in-person exams or other types of time-limited assessments. If you need alternative exam arrangements, it's best to contact Disability Services to discuss Alternative Exam ArrangementsLink opens in a new window as part of your Reasonable Adjustments.

Guidance

Staff will always try to explain tasks and assessments clearly in teaching sessions and will provide guidance both in class and on Moodle or the module webpage. You鈥檙e encouraged to attend office hours, book meetings (in-person or online), or email staff if you have questions or need clarification.

Code of Practice
for Disabled Students

The Department of History's approach to supporting disabled students aligns with the university鈥檚 Code of Practice for Disabled StudentsLink opens in a new window.

This code follows the which notes that people are 鈥榙is-abled鈥� by their environment and barriers present in society, not by their impairment or condition.

Our focus is on making our classrooms and departmental spaces as accessible as possible for students with a range of disabilities.

Code of Practice for Disabled Students

Disabled Student Champion 2026/27

The department's Disabled Student Champion for 2026/27 is Jennifer Whittam (Academic Administrator). Her role is to advocate for, and support, disabled students.

Disabled Student Champions work closely with Personal Tutors, the Senior Tutor team, Directors of 果冻传媒, professional services colleagues and others to support you at all stages of your academic journey.

Email:

Jennifer.Whittam@warwick.ac.uk

Disabled Student Champions Network