What we offer

We will work with you to help you make informed decisions about any support that might help you with your studies
What we offer
We are here to help with your study support requirements if you have a disability. Whether you're a prospective student, applicant, current student or member of staff supporting students, our team can help.
Contact us early to find out about the support available for study and living on campus. 

UK applicants

Thinking of choosing the University of Plymouth?
Don’t wait until you have arrived at Plymouth – contact Disability Services at studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk early to find out about the support available for study and living on campus.
Coming to an open day?
If you are attending one of our open days come and talk to one of the Disability Advisors in the Student Hub located in the library.
Unsure about your choice of course?
Does your course have fieldwork, placements, practicals and professional body requirements which you would like to discuss before you arrive? We can support you to liaise with the admissions tutor to answer any questions that you may have. For further information about our courses please refer to our 'study' page.
Already applied and disclosed a disability?
We may contact you asking for more information, please reply when we do. If you prefer, you can send us your information now.
We may invite you to an information meeting. This is an opportunity for new students to meet with a member of their academic team as well as a Disability Advisor.
Applied and not yet disclosed a disability?
It’s never too late you can still send us your information. Take a look at our Disability Disclosure Information for further advice. 
What accommodation arrangements are available for students with disabilities?
If you feel that you have additional accommodation costs due to a disability e.g. you require a studio flat (self-contained bathroom and kitchen) or en suite provision, you may be eligible for a disability subsidy for the difference between the average accommodation costs and your accommodation. 
If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia)
We can provide advice regarding diagnosis if you think you may have dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty (e.g. DCD (dyspraxia), ADHD etc). If you have told us that you have a specific learning difficulty, we may contact you to ask for more information. If you prefer, you can send us your information now.
Pre-induction programme for applicants with autism
If you have an Autistic Spectrum condition then Disability Services are able to offer you a pre-induction programme to help you get to know the University and the local area before you start your course. We'll contact you with further information once you have a place at University and have told us about your disability.
Pre-induction Experience days for applicants with anxiety conditions
If you have an anxiety condition, you may be interested in our experience days to help you get to know the University before you start your course. Contact Disability Services at studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.
What support can I expect when I am a student?
We have listed the support available to our students below in the 'For all current students' section. Additional information can be found on our Student Hub pages.
Is support the same as at school or college?
For many students who have received support or adjustments at school or college, the transition to university can be confusing and hard to navigate, often because the language and terminology used about Special Educational Needs (SEN), disability and support is very different.  This can prevent some students from accessing the support they need. This is a very helpful report produced by Harriet Cannon with the NADP School vs University – a glossary and explainer.
What is Disabled Students’ Allowance?
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a UK government fund to cover the study-related costs you have because of a specific learning difficulty, for example dyslexia or ADHD; mental health condition, for example anxiety or depression; physical disability, for example if you have to use crutches, a wheelchair or a special keyboard; sensory disability, for example if you’re visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing impairment; long-term health condition, for example cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV.
You have to prove you are eligible for DSA and there is more information on our Disabled Students' Allowance webpage. For further Information, please view the Government website: Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability.
Where can I learn more about what to expect when I start at University?

Additional information for students progressing from our partner colleges 

If you are progressing from a partner college to complete your degree with us we will be pleased to help with any disability related queries or help you put existing support in place.
If you are already in receipt of the Disabled Students’ Allowances you'll need to reapply through your funding body.

Additional information for international and EU applicants

Thinking of choosing the University of Plymouth?
Don’t wait until you have arrived at Plymouth – contact Disability Services on +44 1752 587676 or email Disability Services at studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk early to find out about the support available for study and living on campus. Please send us your information. 
Although international and EU students are not eligible for the UK government funded Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), contact us to talk about any individual support requirements and reasonable adjustments
We can provide advice and guidance and arrange meetings with academic staff and a Disability Advisor prior to your arrival via video conference or telephone.

Additional information for international and EU students progressing from our partner colleges

If you are progressing from a partner college to complete your degree with us we will be pleased to help with any disability-related queries, individual support requirements and reasonable adjustments.

For staff

Find out more about supporting students with specific conditions and creating an inclusive learning environment.

For all current students 

  • Individual appointments with a Disability Advisor - contact the Student Services Hub on +44 1752 587676 or email studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk.
  • Guidance on disclosing a disability
  • Advice regarding diagnosis if you think you may have dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty (e.g. DCD (dyspraxia), ADHD, autism)
  • A Student Support Document (SSD) reflecting your study requirements and reasonable adjustments
  • Modified Assessment Provision (e.g. extra time in exams)
  • Help with getting support from the Disabled Students’ Allowances. (UK students only, international and EU students please contact Disability Services about support)
  • Liaison with support workers
  • Liaison with tutors and other University staff, services and external services where appropriate
  • Autism Support group
  • Information resources

Important admission documents

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