Appeals Policy
Appeals
This policy relates to QQI accredited level 5and 6 programmes only. Learners are entitled to appeal the outcome of any assessment process or assessment result. It is QQI’s directive that appeals should be considered by the provider in three contexts.
All appeal requests will be considered in accordance with Section 5.4.9 of The Open College’s QA Procedures.
These procedures are subject to internal review and modification by the Academic Manager for The Open College. Learners who wish to appeal a provisional or final assessment score/process may do so in accordance with each of the following stages.
The Open College Appeals Procedures
Stage 1: A review of the provisional module score by the module tutor
If any learner wishes to proceed with Stage (1) which involves a recheck of all assessment evidence (provisional results only) by the relevant module tutor, they can do so by submitting their request in writing to results@theopencollege.com, no later than 10 days after the original provisional score has been communicated to them.
After this 10-day period has lapsed – Stage (1) of the appeals request can no longer be considered. The written request must clearly outline the reasons for the appeal with reference to where any learner feels that marks have been lost or where it is felt that a submission of work has been marked unfairly.
Please note that any ‘recheck requests’ will not be considered unless the reason for the recheck is clearly justified. All applications will be reviewed firstly by the Results Coordinator and where necessary by the Academic Manager. Learners will be notified of the outcome of their request in writing by the college within 4 weeks.
Stage 2: A review of the assessment evidence during the external authentication process
Pending the outcome of Stage (1) all assessment evidence may also undergo a recheck of the learner evidence, assessment scores and associated marking documentation by the appointed External Authenticator (EA) during the external review process.
During this process, the learner’s assessment evidence will be reviewed outside of the colleges’ sampling policy for the review of learner scripts. Feedback will be sought from the nominated EA as to determine an independent evaluation regarding the assessment outcome in line with the evidence presented.
The Certification Manager will communicate final scores and feedback pending the outcome of Stage (2) to all learners. It is important to recognise that assessment scores may increase or decrease during this process which will be considered for review by the Academic Board prior to submitting final results to QQI.
If any learner wishes to proceed with Stage (2) which involves a recheck of all assessment evidence (provisional results only) by the externally appointed subject matter expert, they can do so by submitting their request in writing to certification@theopencollege.com no later than 10 days after the outcome of Stage (1) has been communicated to them. After this 10-day period has lapsed, Stage (2) of the appeals request can no longer be considered.
The written request must clearly outline the reasons for the request with reference to where any learner feels that marks have been lost or where it is felt that a submission of work has been marked unfairly.
All appeals requests should clearly indicate if the appeal is with regards to:
- Academic judgement – grade and feedback received are not consistent with the information on marking criteria shared.
- Procedural irregularities – the administration or communication of assessment tasks was unclear in some way.
Please note that any ‘recheck requests’ will not be considered unless the reason for the recheck is clearly justified. All applications will be reviewed firstly by the Certification Manager and where necessary by the Academic Manager. Learners will be notified of the outcome of their request in writing by the college within 4 weeks.
Stage 3: A review of the assessment evidence from Stages (1) and (2) by an independent subject matter expert (Final grades)
Stage 3 of the process which involves a re-check of all learner evidence, marking documentation and additional feedback emerging from Stages (1) and (2) of the appeals process by an additional independently appointed subject matter expert.
The Certification Manager will inform learners (by email) of this process. Each learner will have 10 days to submit their request for an appeal under the terms of Stage (3) and any requests received outside of this time will not be considered.
Additional fees maybe applicable for this stage of the appeals process and as with all previous stages, all requests must be submitted in writing via the online appeals form clearly outlining the reasons leading to Stage (3).
The independently appointed subject matter expert will compile a report of their findings, and the outcome will be communicated in writing to the learner within 4 weeks.
During all Stages (1-3) it is essential that learners present a clear argument justifying the reason(s) surrounding the nature of their request, otherwise applications cannot be considered.
Should you wish to discuss this process further you can contact us below at:
The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown Business Centre,
Ballyogan Road,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Email: info@theopencollege.com
Tel: + 353 (1) 206 1828 or 01 206 1829 – Our advice lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5.00pm.
May 2025 – Version 7