Specific Learning Differences FAQ

With a diagnosis of a SpLD, you can apply for the DSA (Disabled Student Allowance). Your diagnostic report is used as evidence of your learning difference. The DSA process can be long, and so, if you have your report, do not wait until you arrive at university to apply for it.

If you are diagnosed with a SpLD while at university, we can help you with your DSA application, securing your exam recommendations and additional support. International students are not eligible for the DSA, but we can discuss further options with you.

Your evidence should be a full diagnostic report carried out by a qualified and registered Specialist Teacher/Assessor or Psychologist. At school or college, you may have been assessed for access arrangements and given a JCQ Access Arrangement (Form 8). While this provides useful information, universities do not accept this as sufficient evidence of your learning difference, as it does not contain a  formal diagnosis. 

Diagnostic reports must be in English. All evidence written in another language must be translated by a qualified transcription service and formally authenticated as such. If you have questions about the suitability of your evidence, please get in touch with us via Minerva.

If you think you could have a specific learning difficulty we can signpost and support you with an assessment. The process may vary depending on the campus at which you are studying. For example, at the Ipswich campus, we use a combination of in-house assessors and external assessors. At other campuses, there may be different arrangements. 

Please contact the disability team via Minerva for more information.

If you have previously received a diagnosis of an SpLD, you are encouraged to send a copy of the report to us via Minerva so that we can provide advice and guidance about organising support with your studies.

If you think you may have a SpLD, but have no formal diagnosis, we can help you to arrange an appointment with one of our assessors. For more information, please contact us via Minerva.

Please be aware that we are unable to offer an assessment until you have enrolled on the course. 

Our Specialist Teacher Assessors have experience in identifying a range of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). They can diagnose Dyslexia and identify characteristics of other common learning differences, such as Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Please be aware that students seeking a diagnostic assessment are asked to pay £100 towards its cost; the university heavily subsidises the remaining assessment fee on the student's behalf.

Our assessors can not diagnose ADHD clinically. They can, however, provide an ‘educational investigation’ into the common symptoms/characteristics of ADHD, and identify the impact this may be having on the individual. If ADHD characteristics are documented in the assessor’s report, then it can be used to request additional support through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and the University’s support services. In these instances, we encourage students to also seek a clinical assessment, either via their GP or privately.

In summer 2025, new guidance was released outlining measures that must be explored before a student can be considered for a diagnostic assessment. One of the main considerations relates to visual difficulties. A link to the new guidance can be found here. It is mandatory that all students seeking a diagnostic assessment have attended an eyesight test within the past two years and complete a visual-difficulties questionnaire prior to their assessment. The questions consider whether any visual difficulties/disturbances are being experienced. If visual difficulties are reported, it will be necessary for the student to arrange an appointment with an Optometrist to request advice/assessment. The university does not cover the cost of Optometry appointments, but we can support individuals to find a provider.  

If you have previously received a diagnosis of an SpLD, you are encouraged to send a copy of the report to us via Minerva so that we can provide advice and guidance about organising support with your studies.

If you think you may have a learning difference, please contact us via Minerva so that we can arrange an assessment of your learning needs.

All Apprenticeship students will complete a screening assessment during the pre-enrolment ‘onboarding’ phase. The screening does not provide any diagnosis, but may identify strengths and challenges within a person’s profile. The university use this information initially to identify any students who may require additional support. The screening assessment is not designed to identify all learning needs, so any student who feels they require support is encouraged to self-refer to the Disability and Wellbeing team for advice and support. They can do this at any point during their studies.

Some Apprenticeship students may be encouraged to attend a more in-depth assessment with a Specialist Teacher Assessor, which will look to enhance our understanding of their strengths and challenges through a more detailed assessment process. This assessment is free of charge, but is exploratory in nature so will not result in a SpLD diagnosis. Apprenticeship students are not eligible to request a diagnostic assessment.