Accessing support
If you declared your dyslexia/SpLD/disability/condition on your application form, our team will be in touch to let you know more about the support we offer. In advance of commencing your studies with us, you will be invited to attend a meeting with a member of our team to discuss your support and reasonable adjustments at University.
If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student you will also be given advice and guidance about the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), including eligibility and how to apply. If you have already been allocated DSA support - we can help you set up your one-to-one support meetings. See below for more information on Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
Support by level of study
The Academic Support team can give specialist advice and support if you have, or think you might have, dyslexia or another SpLD/disability/condition.
We offer:
Information, advice and guidance on applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), funded 1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support
Interim 1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support for students who have received a diagnosis but are waiting for DSA-funded support to be put in place.
1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support for disabled students who are not eligible to apply for DSA-funded support for a number of specific reasons (e.g. international students)
Online academic support materials, available on eStudio
Bookable group workshops on academic writing
Shorter general study skills sessions, which are available for all undergraduate students on a limited number per academic year basis.
Our one-to-one support and workshops include support with:
Interpreting briefs
Written work and presentations
Group work
Reading and making notes
Citing and referencing
Organisation and time management skills
Developing critical thinking
Reducing stress at potentially busier times of the academic year (e.g. around assessment deadlines)
Applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
Disabled Students' Allowance provides extra help for students who have a disability, mental health condition or specific learning difference (SpLD) like dyslexia.
You can find out more and watch a video about how and when to apply at the following webpage:
Don’t worry, our team are here to help you with this process, including:
Guidance on whether you are eligible
Support making your application
Advice on providing the required evidence
Assistance arranging your Needs Assessment
Supporting you through the DSA process
Answering questions you may have
If you haven’t applied for DSA yet, but are eligible, our specialist staff will provide you with support until DSA support can be put in place (we call this interim support).
Please don’t worry – we get in touch with every student who has told us that they need support, so that together we can work out what kind of support will suit you best. We will also arrange for any reasonable adjustments you might need to be put in place. We do this by creating a personalised Learning Support Plan with eligible students.
For further details about DSA, interim support, reasonable adjustments and Learning Support Plans, please contact us at academicsupport@leeds-art.ac.uk.
Dyslexia screening
If you think that you may have a Specific Learning Difference, such as dyslexia, but have not previously had a diagnosis or adjustments for this at your previous college or school, then we can help.
We provide:
Confidential and informal discussions about dyslexia and other SpLD/disabilities/conditions
Initial screening to identify indicators of dyslexia for all incoming students
If appropriate, signposting and help arranging a full diagnostic assessment for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students
Support applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students
Funding
Leeds Arts University supports eligible students with funding for the diagnostic assessment. We ask students for a contribution of £100 towards the diagnostic assessment cost.