Student Protection Plan  Student Protection Plan 2025/26 to 2026/27

The University is committed to providing excellence in teaching and learning for all our students. We are cognisant of our duties under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and the Office for Students’ Conditions of Registration (C.3), which require higher education institutions to maintain and publish a Student Protection Plan. This plan sets out the University’s assessment of, and mitigation for, the risks that could prevent students from continuing with their studies.

As a principle, the University will always aim to ensure that there are no material changes which will adversely impact on students’ ability to continue with their studies. The term ‘students’ used within this Student Protection Plan refers to undergraduate, taught postgraduate students and postgraduate researchers. 

Where it is not possible to prevent changes, due to circumstances beyond the University’s control, the Student Protection Plan sets out the University’s assessment of, and mitigation for, the risks which could affect the continuation of study for its students. The protections in this plan align with consumer protection law and do not affect students’ consumer rights. 

As a principle the University is committed to ‘teaching out’ programmes so that students registered on those programmes can complete their studies. In normal circumstances the teaching out of a programme would not trigger the Student Protection Plan unless there is material disruption that would necessitate this.

Where ‘teaching-out’ is not possible the general principle will be to determine whether students can transfer to alternative programmes at the University of Leeds or, at an alternative institution, subject to availability and students meeting academic criteria.

In the highly unlikely event that the provisions of the Student Protection Plan are required, the University is committed to:

• Take all reasonable steps to minimise the disruption of studies to affected students
• Communicate changes to students as soon as possible, clearly articulating options and avenues for support to those students affected
• Undertake Equality Impact Assessments to understand the varying needs of our diverse student body. 

The University has robust risk management processes in place together with detailed business continuity plans. Additionally, programme reviews and broader processes assure the quality and standards of the University’s educational provision ensuring that any risks to students’ continuity of study are identified at the earliest opportunity. 

The University is not currently aware of any risks that may crystallise regarding the ultimate ability of our students to continue their studies over the period of this plan. 

The University of Leeds is committed to ensuring that all our registered students have the opportunity to succeed in their academic studies. This commitment is to all students studying for a formal qualification on any University of Leeds’ taught and research programmes including:

• The main University campus in Leeds
• Students on pathway and pre-sessional programmes delivered in partnership
• Online programmes of study
• Students on Apprenticeships
• Other collaborative arrangements which lead to a University of Leeds’ award.

The University is entitled to make reasonable changes to a programme of study, for example to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies and to update practices or areas of study providing the overall programme retains its academic coherence and covers the academic discipline(s) in an appropriate manner. These reasonable changes include: 

• adjustments to the content and syllabus of the programme to reflect updating practices or areas of study or responding to requirements of regulating bodies
• restructuring academic faculties or schools 
• changes to the timetable including teaching locations, provided the programme is still delivered on the same campus
• changes to course related opportunities such as placements and study abroad.

The provisions of the Student Protection Plan exclude those students:

• who terminate studies at their own request
• whose studies are terminated as a result of action taken by the University relating to their conduct, academic performance or non-payment of tuition fees
• who believe their course delivery significantly differs from expectations in terms of teaching. These students may use the University’s complaints procedures or subsequently escalate to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education
• graduates from a programme which has been closed after students have been taught out, and where there are no live applicants. 

The Student Protection Plan identifies ten potential risks to the continuation of study for students and an assessment of the likelihood that these risks will crystalise:

1. the University is no longer able, or no longer intends, to operate – very low 
2. the University is no longer able to award the qualifications for which its students are registered because the OfS has varied or revoked the provider’s degree awarding powers – very low
3. the University is no longer able to deliver courses to students in one or more subject areas and/or departments – low 
4. the University is no longer able to deliver material components of one or more courses, particularly if there are areas of vulnerability, such as single person dependencies – low
5. the University is no longer able to deliver one or more courses to students, particularly if course closures are likely in the next three years – low
6. one or more of the locations at which the University delivers courses to students is no longer available – very low
7. the University is no longer able to deliver one or more modes of study to students, particularly if withdrawal of a mode of study is likely – low
8. the University is no longer able to recruit or teach a particular type of student – very low
9. cyber-attack and loss of IT capability – moderate 
10. industrial action – moderate. 

The likelihood of these risks crystallising and therefore triggering the Student Protection Plan have been assessed as ‘low’ to ‘very low’ over the period of this plan. A detailed analysis of these risks and our mitigating strategies is provided later in this section.

The most likely risk is to the continuation of specific programmes, and any such change would be managed in accordance with the University’s regulations and procedures. The University’s general policy is to ‘teach out’ programmes so that students registered on those programmes can complete their studies. In the unlikely event where this is not possible, the general principle will be to determine whether students can transfer to alternative programmes either within Leeds or at an alternative institution subject to availability and students meeting academic criteria.

Should a risk crystalise, equality impact assessments will be undertaken to assess how the approach to support students may differ based on students’ needs, characteristics and circumstances and whether any remedial or mitigation actions are required for particular cohorts or groups. The University would also ensure access to, and support for, affected students through wellbeing services and access independent advice through the Leeds University Union.

Risk 1 – The University is no longer able or no longer intends to operate

• The University of Leeds was established in 1904.Today, we remain well-established both locally, and internationally, and are ranked amongst the global top 100 higher education providers. Leeds is a world leading research-intensive university, with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to delivering value to our students. 
• Despite a changing operating context which has been impacted by over a decade of below inflation UK tuition fees, uncertainty in international student revenue and the growing cost of maintaining facilities and employment, the University remains a financially robust institution. The University’s financial sustainability is regularly and tightly monitored by the Senior Management Team, with frequent reports on the University’s financial sustainability provided to Council, our governing body. The risk that the University will be no longer able to operate during the period of this Plan is considered very low. In the unlikely case that a catastrophic event leading to institutional failure occurred, the University would protect students through a range of measures. For example, facilitating gradual closure to allow students to complete their programme of study. Where this was not possible, the University would work with appropriate institutions to place students on comparable programmes of study, consider merging with other organisations to maintain provision and work with the OfS to support continuity of study for students. In all cases the University would work to consult with and notify students in advance and would seek to ensure that every student has a clear pathway to complete their studies, including credit transfer where appropriate. In the instance of significant disruption and therefore non-completion of study, the Refund and Compensation (Student Protection Plan) Policy will be activated.

Risk 2 – The Provider is no longer able to award the qualifications for which its students are registered because the OfS has varied or revoked the provider’s degree awarding powers

The risk that the OfS will revoke the University’s degree awarding powers is considered very low. There are detailed regulations which cover the operation of teaching, examinations and other matters relating to students. The Risk that Department for Education or OFSTED revoke our Apprenticeship contract is considered very low as the University is currently exceeding metrics. Should the OfS, or another regulating body, revoke the University of Leeds’ degree awarding powers, the University will work with the Regulator to: 

• ensure all reasonable steps are taken to minimise the disruption to affected students; 
• support students to transfer to appropriate programmes at other providers and, where appropriate, refund a proportion of tuition fees as appropriate; 
• consider assistance for affected students by providing evidence/letters/statements in support of continuation of their studies; 
• ensure that, as far as possible, changes are made in a transitional manner. 

Risk 3 – The University is no longer able to deliver courses to students in one or more subject areas and/or departments

The risk to students should the University close a school or department due to non-viability is low. While there may be some restructuring of academic schools, our schools are mature and well-established and their academic and financial sustainability is reviewed through the University’s annual planning exercise. A school or department would not be closed or suspended until all students studying on its programmes had graduated. The University will continue to provide our students with the same level and quality of teaching and supervision until graduation. 

In the unlikely event where there is a proposed closure prior to students being taught out which requires activation of the Student Protection Plan, the University would seek to engage and consult with those students affected to determine a suitable course of action. This might include transferring to other University of Leeds programmes or working with other providers to transfer students to similar programmes where there is space available and the academic eligibility criteria is met.

Risk 4 – The University is no longer able to deliver material components of one or more courses, particularly if there are areas of vulnerability, such as single person dependencies

The risk that we will be unable to deliver taught programmes is low. As covered in our commitments section, the University is entitled to make some changes as required. Any material changes to taught programmes would not come into effect until the next intake of students. Although this risk might be more likely to affect postgraduate researchers; it is low impact due to the University’s mitigation measures set out below. 

Postgraduate research programmes carry risk of single person dependencies as they may relate to the expertise of a small group of, or in some cases an individual member, of academic staff. In the event of that individual not being available, bespoke arrangements will be made for their research students. Should a member of staff leave the University and a postgraduate researcher experiences loss of continuity of supervision due to this departure, then the University would make every reasonable effort to make alternative suitable supervision arrangements. This would include a discussion with the student and supervisor about the best way to proceed. Options include:

• where the student has more than one supervisor, the other member(s) of the supervisory team will continue to provide supervisory support
• the student transferring to the supervisor’s new institution or supervision continuing online  
• finding an alternative supervisor from the University of Leeds; or, arranging for the student to receive other external expert supervision, where appropriate
• in cases where we are unable to offer adequate supervision or satisfactory alternative arrangements, the University would offer the student the opportunity to withdraw from their studies and/ or a proportionate refund of their tuition fees paid if applicable.

It is highly unlikely that the University would be unable to deliver a taught programme or part of a programme because of the departure of one member of staff. Any material changes to a taught programme would not come into effect until the next intake of students. In the unlikely event of this risk crystalising the University would: 

• make every reasonable effort to consult with and notify current registered students in advance of any changes
• aim to minimise any necessary changes
• for applicants to a programme that will be affected by major or material changes, the University of Leeds will inform applicants during the application cycle and advise them of alternative options available
• where a current student is dissatisfied with proposed major or material changes to a programme, the University will offer them the opportunity to transfer to another appropriate programme offered by the University (where there are available places and the student meets any academic requirements)
• provide reasonable support to any student wishing to transfer their studies to another provider
• where none of these previously listed options are suitable for the student, the University will offer them the opportunity to withdraw from the programme. Students who choose to withdraw from their programme under these circumstances will be entitled to a proportionate refund of their tuition fees.

Risk 5 – the University is no longer able to deliver one or more courses to students, particularly if course closures are likely in the next three years

There may be times where, for academic, pedagogic or business reasons, the University may need to close, materially change or alter its programmes. While these risks are more likely than institutional failure, the risk of this impacting on students’ ability to continue their studies remains very low and any changes will be managed in accordance with the University’s regulations and procedures. 

The University has experience of managing programme closure on a systematic basis. The University’s policy position is to ‘teach out’ programmes so that students registered on those programmes can continue and complete their studies. In the highly unlikely event that this approach is not possible, the University will look to give students early notification and minimise the impact of change through offering alternative programmes of study at Leeds or providing support to transfer to similar programmes at other institutions. 

Risk 6 – one or more of the locations at which the University delivers courses to students is no longer available

As a campus University, the closure of campus is synonymous with University closure, the crystallisation of which is analysed within risk 1. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown demonstrates the University’s ability to navigate location closures with agility and to limit disruption to students.

The University of Leeds has a joint faculty at Southwest Jiao Tong University. A full risk register is in place with strong mitigation plans covering this location. As such, the risk of this location becoming unavailable is low.

If the University were to experience the loss of a major facility, utility or service (including a major building or IT infrastructure), we would follow the provisions set out in the relevant Business Continuity Plan to ensure that we were able to continue to offer programmes of study and educational resources for students. This may include the temporary relocation of services or facilities to another location within the University or, if necessary, work with other local higher education providers. Where this temporary change would cause particular access or financial difficulty for individual students, the University will seek to provide additional support. 

Where temporary IT changes are necessary due to planned refurbishments, a key part of the planning approval process is the ability of the University to provide alternative arrangements without any detriment to students.  

External factors such as business environments and geopolitics can impact upon the University’s placement and study abroad provisions. Where possible, the University will always seek to limit changes to those activities which are defined as a compulsory element of the programme. Where placements or field trips are disrupted, solutions will be explored with the students to offer an appropriate similar alternative to ensure that the intended learning outcomes of the programme are met. As a result of these mitigations the risks the students completing their studies is low. 

Risk 7 – the University is no longer able to deliver one or more modes of study to students, particularly if withdrawal of a mode of study is likely

The risk that the University is no longer able to deliver one or more modes of study to students is largely classed as low. This is unlikely to crystallise for most student groups, although there is a higher likelihood that it may crystallise for taught postgraduate programmes where this is medium risk, the impact is low due to mitigation strategies.

Additionally, we uphold a commitment to teaching out programmes that have enrolled registered students as a point of principle. Many programmes are offered on a full-time basis; several programmes are offered part-time or off campus via online/blended learning. Programmes of study often use more than one mode of study and students are successfully integrated on either full or part-time modes of study. Using multiple differing modes of delivery reduces the likelihood that the University will become unable to provide one or more modes of study, meaning that the risk is unlikely to crystallise.

Where we cannot continue online as a mode of study, we have a range of options for continuing the delivery of teaching online. Programmes have clear exit arrangements and the University’s commitment to the principle of ‘teaching-out’ remains. 

Risk 8 – the University is no longer able to recruit or teach a particular type of student

There are no concerns about the University’s ability to continue to recruit or be able to teach students from a particular group, including home/international, mature, from a widening participation background, etc. As such, this risk is considered to be low.

Potential circumstances under which the University would fail to recruit or teach a particular type of student are: 1) if the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) revoke the University’s student sponsor licence or otherwise apply regulatory sanctions to reduce or pause the University’s ability to sponsor students 2) if the University fails to uphold an approved access and participation plan (APP) and 3. loss of professional body accreditation. These are addressed as follows:

Loss of student sponsor licence

Although the risk that the University’s student sponsor licence will be revoked is low, should this risk crystallise, the University would be unable to recruit international students.

If the University was at risk of losing its licence, we would proactively work with Student route visa sponsored students to advise them whether they could continue their studies under existing sponsorship arrangements or advise them that alternative arrangements would need to be made.

Where Student route visa regulations permit, the University would provide support to any affected students to enable them to transfer to an alternative appropriate programme with an alternative sponsor. 

Loss of professional body accreditation

The University has a range of programmes which are accredited by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs). These programmes are subject to the University’s quality assurance framework, where risk to continuation of accreditation is closely monitored.

Schools and teaching units are also required to provide the reports and any action plans arising from accreditation visits to the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Team, allowing central oversight of any possible changes to accredited programmes.

Additionally, the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Team maintains an archive of all accreditation reports to identify any issues of institutional significance. The likelihood of this crystallising is very low.

In the unlikely event that programme accreditation is lost, the University will mitigate the effects of this by working with the accrediting bodies to ensure that enrolled students complete their year of study/programme and given the opportunity to achieve accredited status if at all possible. Affected students would be supported with transferring to a different provider holding the relevant accreditation or offer a proportionate refund of tuition fees.

Risk 9 – Loss of IT Infrastructure 

We consider this risk to be moderate. Whilst maintaining cyber security is a key priority for the University, cyber security attacks are increasing globally across a spectrum of sectors. The University has robust IT mitigation plans and backup system to protect IT infrastructure. 

The University has made significant investments in IT security measures and has established a dedicated Security Operations Centre to mitigate the likelihood of this risk crystallising.

Additionally, we continue to establish improved business continuity plans for each faculty and service which includes recovery times for key systems. The University will ensure that programme learning outcomes will still be met, and make adjustments for deadlines, alternative teaching methods and provide additional academic support where it is required due to IT disruption. Therefore, we expect that any loss of IT infrastructure supporting study at the University would be rapidly remedied. 

Risk 10 – Industrial Action

The likelihood of industrial action occurring is moderate, however the risk that this will disrupt continuity of study is low. There is recent precedent for industrial action occurring. The University’s current operating context and the recent Employment Rights Act (2025) are likely to increase the recurrence of this within the lifetime of this plan. 

The University is committed to maintaining effective relations with the trade unions to reach solutions when situations arise to mitigate disruption to teaching, learning and assessment, including through industrial action. These plans set out measures ensuring that missed learning and teaching is rescheduled or delivered in alternate formats, and that assessments are adjusted to ensure that they are fair while appropriately assessing specified learning outcomes. The University remains aware that disruption to individual students, particularly research students, can vary considerably and this is considered in how the University engages with student groups during these periods.

The University will maintain a link to the Student Protection Plan on its external webpages at all times. The rights provided through Student Projection Plan are enshrined in the University’s Student Contract. The Student Contract is sent to all students during the admissions process and referred to in broader University literature. There is a link to the student contract alongside the relevant paragraph in every offer letter to students. 

As part of the registration process for continuing students, and during induction sessions for new starters, students will be reminded about the Student Protection Plan as part of their Student Contract. 

The Student Protection Plan will be shared with key staff including research supervisors.

The University will seek to communicate any changes to students as early as possible, with clear information and options, and will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to services and to affected students. The University is in a strong position to deliver high-quality education and learning for its students and will continually review the risks around its provision and the plans in place to protect students. This will be done in conjunction with our student representatives through Taught Student Education Board and other routes. 

The University’s obligations to our students under Consumer Law are embedded into all relevant policies and procedures. 

In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to implement the protections within this Student Protection Plan and the University has been unable to teach-out at an acceptable quality of provision, the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Education and Experience will inform the University’s Secretary and Registrar who is responsible for triggering the Plan through the University’s Executive Group. Activation of the provisions of the Student Protection Plan is through the appropriate Faculty Executive Committee and the Graduate Board or relevant group Taught Student Education Board. The process is set out as follows:

1. Where a risk crystalises that has been assessed as potentially triggering the Student Protection Plan this will be reported via the Executive Dean/DEan of the Doctoral College to the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Education.
2. University Secretary and Registrar triggers the Student Protection Plan through the University Executive Group supported by Governance and Compliance.
3. Implementation of Plan overseen by relevant Faculty Executive Committee Taught Student Education Board or Graduate Board
4. Equality Impact Assessments to understand impact on diverse student groups. Affected students are communicated with in writing.
5. Measure to a) protect continuity and b) provide options advice for students are implemented.

Student Communications and Support in the event of the Plan being triggered

Applicants: Where situations arise which result in the implementation of the Student Protection Plan, and where any proposed changes affect a programme of study for applicants or prospective students, the University will take all reasonable measures to inform relevant applicant of such changes at the earliest opportunity.

The University may offer an alternative programme of study to applicants and will update course listings once changes have been confirmed. Applicants for programmes which are to be discontinued may withdraw their application at any time if they do not wish to accept an alternative option. In such cases, the University will refund deposits paid.

Undergraduate applicants who have applied through the UCAS system will have the opportunity to make another UCAS choice at another institution if they do not wish to be considered for an alternative programme at the University of Leeds.

Registered students: Where risks to student continuation of study crystalises for students currently registered at the University, the University will give as much notice as possible of such changes. Unless prevented by circumstances outside of the University’s control. This will usually be at least three months’ formal written notice where a material or major change to a programme is proposed. Students will be notified and informed about the procedures for consultation, the timescales for any proposed changes, and the options available. Equality Impact Assessments will be undertaken to determine the impact of changes of a diverse student cohort.

The University will ensure that students are directed to independent advice through the Leeds University Union’s Advice and Wellbeing Service and our Student Health and Wellbeing Services if they need support arising from circumstances which have triggered the Student Protection Plan. 

Leeds University Union has been involved in the development of this Student Protection Plan directly and via membership of Taught Student Education Board and Graduate Board, where the plan was reviewed.

Where students remain with the University of Leeds under teaching out arrangements, and their programme learning outcomes are met, compensation would not normally apply. Normally students who stay with the University of Leeds under teaching out will not be entitled to compensation as their learning outcomes will have been met. In the unlikely event that the University was unable to facilitate continuation of study or students are entitled to redress for another specific circumstance, the Refund and Compensation (Student Protection Plan) Policy would apply. The Policy clearly states instances where refund and compensation can be applied. 

Any registered student dissatisfied with the arrangements offered in the unlikely event that the Student Protection Plan has been triggered can make a compliant through the University's Students Complaints Procedure. Under this procedure, complaints are investigated fairly and thoroughly. Should this be unsatisfactory, complaints regarding the Student Protection Plan can be made to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

• Owner: University Secretary and Registrar, Deputy Secretary
• Function Lead: Governance and Compliance
• Summary: Registered higher education providers must have a Student Protection Plan in place as part of Condition of Registration C.3 and approved by the Office for Students (OfS). The plan sets out the University’s assessment of risks and mitigation measures in place in the event of a risk to continuation of study.
• Approved by: First approved by University Executive Group in 2018. Revised Plan approved by University Council
• Approval date: Council 27th November 2025
• Consultation Route
  • Taught Student Education Board 1October 2025
  • Regulatory Oversight Group 3 October 2025
  • Graduate Board 13 October 2025
  • Senate 12 November 2025 
• Related Policies: Policy on Refunds Fees for Leavers, Student Contract
• Review date: July 2028