The information below is also available in leaflet format to print. Please see Information on Special Exam Arrangements for disabled students/dyslexia| (PDF)
The London School of Economics is committed to working towards disability equality by carrying out the general and specific duties as required by the Disability Discrimination Act, 2005:
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to anticipate and make reasonable adjustments where disabled people may otherwise be placed at a substantial disadvantage
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to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and harassment on grounds of disability
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to actively promote equality of opportunity for disabled people, even if that means more favourable treatment
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to encourage and facilitate greater participation of disabled people in public life
The Disability & Well-being Service co-ordinates arrangements for individual students in an Individual Student Support Agreement (ISSA) and provides advice on disability-related issues across the School. Practical study and social support, such as note takers and readers for disabled students, long-term medical conditions or dyslexia, is provided by the LSE Circles Network.
Examination and Assessment: 'reasonable adjustments'
In almost all LSE degrees, students are examined at the end of each year in the courses taken in that year. Assessment is mostly by three hour, unseen examination; in many courses there is also a requirement to submit assignments or project reports as part of the assessment.
"Reasonable adjustments" are modifications, which can be made to LSE examinations and assessment for disabled students, without compromising academic standards and based on the provision of current, supporting medical evidence.
A doctor, counsellor, educational psychologist or other relevant professional should be asked to provide advice and recommendations for arrangements (see back page) which would ensure an equal opportunity to demonstrate achievement. The form overleaf can be used if preferred.
The following PDF can be printed and taken to a doctor to complete and sign. Please see Letter of professional advice and recommendations in support of an application for Special Exam Arrangements| (PDF). It should then be returned to:
The Disability & Well-being Service
Room G23
Old Building
Houghton Street, WC2A 2AE
Who is eligible for Special Exam Arrangements?
Students who have current medical or educational psychology reports which advise/recommend Special Exam Arrangements due to a disability, dyslexia or ongoing medical condition.
What Special Exam Arrangements can be made?
The following list provides some examples
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extra time for students who are dyslexic or dyspraxic to ensure they have time to read and understand the question, plan, proofread and edit their answers
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rest breaks for students who experience fatigue, RSI difficulties, attention deficit disorders or certain medical conditions
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amanuensis (scribe) for students unable to write or type for themselves
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use of word processor - for students with certain visual impairments and some dyslexic or dyspraxic students
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provision of question papers in alternative formats: ie enlarged, tape recorded, electronic or Braille
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smaller exam room and/or ergonomic furniture for a variety of conditions
How are Special Exam Arrangements applied for?
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students are encouraged to contact the Disability & Well-being Service as soon as possible, to obtain an Individual Student Support Agreement (ISSA)
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the ISSA records the Special Exam Arrangements applied for before Easter of the current year
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a letter from the Special Exam Panel will be sent out in the Lent term confirming the original arrangements
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if circumstances change, an updated medical letter should be provided and Special Exam Arrangements can then be reviewed