2–3 minutes
Read about the changes to student policies in 2026
With effect from January 2026, several student policies have been updated to make sure our processes are clear, fair and aligned with national expectations across higher education. These changes are part of our commitment to keeping you informed and supported throughout your studies.
While not all changes will affect every student, it’s important to understand what’s changed and what it means for you.
Key updates include:
- Clearer guidance on academic integrity, including the acceptable use of AI in assessments and how different types of academic misconduct are categorised
- Updated definitions and processes for mitigating circumstances, with clearer support for ongoing conditions and temporary issues
- Simplified and more consistent appeals and complaints procedures, with clearer timelines and grounds
- Streamlined disciplinary processes aligned with the Student Charter
- Strengthened commitments to inclusion, wellbeing, reasonable adjustments and support for student parents
Details of what’s changed
Click to read the detailed policy updates:
- Strengthened guidance on AI use: limited AI assistance (e.g., spelling/grammar) is acceptable, but generating ideas, analysis, or content is not permitted.
- Using AI beyond acceptable levels is now categorised as minor, serious or very serious misconduct depending on extent.
- Additional clarity has been added around contract cheating and external allegations.
- New definitions clarifying what counts as valid mitigating circumstances.
- Greater distinction between ongoing conditions (supported via a Support Plan) and temporary events requiring mitigation.
- Clarified that measures (e.g., extensions/deferrals) will not change marks or learning outcomes.
- Sections simplified and merged for improved clarity.
- Timelines standardised across awarding bodies.
- Updated grounds for appeal now include bias/improper conduct and issues relating to reasonable adjustments.
- Clearer wording for each stage of the complaints process.
- Added digital accessibility commitments and improved guidance on conciliation and panel procedures.
- Procedure streamlined into a single framework with clearly defined timelines.
- Aligned with the new Student Charter.
- Introduced Panel Terms of Reference, alongside strengthened Office for Students and QAA‑aligned reporting requirements.
- Updated for clarity and accuracy.
- Strengthened commitments to inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments.
- Updated guidance on support, entitlements and responsibilities.
- More detailed information about types of leave and health/safety considerations.
Read more about policies and regulations as a student at RCL. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact studentservices@rcl.ac.uk.
