With documentary evidence of a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD), we can help you to access reasonable adjustments including exam arrangements. Please see our page 'I have an SpLD' for more information.
If you think that you may have an SpLD such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia but do not currently have a Pre-16 or Post- 16 Full Diagnostic Assessment report, we can guide you through the process - from arranging a screening to accessing further support.
For more information, please see the three-step process below.
Please contact our team who would be happy to help you with this process and discuss any other support that may be available to you, including:
Step one: Screening
If you think you may have an SpLD such as Dyslexia, you can request a screening questionnaire from us. Once you have completed the questionnaire it will be reviewed by a specialist practitioner who will advise if you show any signs of an SpLD and recommend if a Post-16 Full Diagnostic Assessment is appropriate.
To request a screening, get in contact with us in one of the following ways:
- Telephone: +44 (0)2380 599 599.
- Email: studenthub@soton.ac.uk
Step two: Post-16 Full Diagnostic Assessment
If it is recommended that you take a Post-16 Full Diagnostic Assessment you will be given information on how to find an assessor. Please note, assessments must be carried out by a specialist teacher/assessor with a current Assessing Practising Certificate (APC) or psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).
If you would like some support in arranging a private assessment, meet with one of our specialist practitioners at our Specialist Study Skills Support Drop-in and they can guide you through the process.
How long will the assessment take and how much will it cost?
Diagnostic assessments take around three hours to complete. The cost can range between £400 and £600. We can provide diagnostic assessments free of charge to current students with a household income below £30,000.
Please note that if you are a final year undergraduate student, free diagnostic assessments are not available if you are in the last semester of your studies. For final year postgraduate students, free diagnostic assessments are not available if you have less than 12 weeks of your programme remaining.
Please contact us for more information if you think you are eligible for a free assessment.
Step three: Student Support Appointment
Once your assessor has written up your full diagnostic assessment report, please complete our request for support form where you will be able to upload a copy of your report. We will then arrange an appointment for you, in order to discuss your support recommendations.
If the University is funding your diagnostic assessment, then we will share this report with you.
For information on what to expect in your student support appointment, please explore our Student Support Information Sheet in the Useful Downloads section below.