Sometimes things don't go to plan and you may not progress, or be awarded your degree, as planned.
Read the advice under the most appropriate scenario for detailed advice about what to do next.
You have not been awarded as planned, but we have not confirmed a final fail
What this means
You have either deferred or failed at least one course, and thus are not eligible to be awarded this year. However, you still have attempts remaining in these course(s). The Regulations for Diplomas and Regulations for Taught Masters Degrees set out the maximum number of attempts you have at each course.
Supporting your wellbeing
Getting unexpected results can be a worrying experience. If you are finding these emotions difficult and you are concerned about their impact on your health or wellbeing, we encourage you to contact your doctor or other health services. Please check support during your studies for other possible sources of support.
Next steps
If you have deferred assessments, then you will be expecting this outcome and will probably have a plan in place. You will probably take the assessment during the second Postgraduate Resit and Deferral Period in Spring Term 2024 (RDAP2).
If you have unexpectedly failed a course, we understand that you may be worried about the implications of this but would like to reassure you that you do have another opportunity to do the assessments in that course again so long as you have attempts remaining. In the first instance, you will probably take the assessment during the second Postgraduate Resit and Deferral Period in Spring Term 2024 (RDAP2).
If you hold a student visa
You should contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team to discuss your circumstances and what you need to do.
Appealing your results
You can appeal your results based on the following grounds:
- You feel that the Exam Board did not follow the correct procedure such that there is reasonable doubt that the decision would have been the same if the correct procedure had been followed (‘Procedural error’); and/or
- There is new information about Exceptional Circumstances that affected the assessment outcome. Such circumstances would normally be sudden, unforeseen, out of your control and proximate to the assessment(s) in question. Where you submit an appeal in relation to new information , you must also provide a valid reason, with evidence, explaining why you did not submit this information on time.
If you would like to appeal you should do so as soon as possible, and no later than 10 working days after the publication of your results. For further information please read the detailed guidance about the School's appeal procedure on Challenging Results.
If you have any questions regarding the appeals process, you should contact the Student Regulations Team. The Student Regulations Team is unable to discuss the specifics of your case but can offer general guidance on the results and appeal processes and procedures.
You may also speak to the Students' Union Advice Service if you wish to discuss your specific case.
We have confirmed that your outcome is Final Fail
What this means
An outcome of Final Fail means it is no longer possible for you to complete your degree.
You have been given this outcome because you have not passed enough courses to be awarded and have exhausted the attempts in your failed courses. The Regulations for Diplomas and Regulations for Taught Masters Degrees set out the maximum number of attempts you have at each course.
Supporting your wellbeing
Getting unexpected results can be a worrying experience. If you are finding these emotions difficult and you are concerned about their impact on your health or wellbeing, we encourage you to contact your doctor or other health services. Please check support during your studies for other possible sources of support.
If you hold a student visa
LSE will inform UKVI that you have not completed your programme as expected. We will send you an email after this action has been taken. UKVI may proceed to curtail (cancel) your visa and provide a new end date. UKVI will contact you if/when they curtail your visa. You can find out more in the 'Receiving your Results section of When you have your visa. If you need immigration advice and guidance, please contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team.
Appealing your results
You can appeal your results based on the following grounds:
- You feel that the Exam Board did not follow the correct procedure such that there is reasonable doubt that the decision would have been the same if the correct procedure had been followed (‘Procedural error’); and/or
- There is new information about Exceptional Circumstances that affected the assessment outcome. Such circumstances would normally be sudden, unforeseen, out of your control and proximate to the assessment(s) in question. Where you submit an appeal in relation to new information , you must also provide a valid reason, with evidence, explaining why you did not submit this information on time.
If you would like to appeal you should do so as soon as possible, and no later than 10 working days after the publication of your results. For further information please read check the detailed guidance about the School's appeal procedure on Challenging Results.
If you have any questions regarding the appeals process, you should contact the Student Regulations Team. The Student Regulations Team is unable to discuss the specifics of your case but can offer general guidance on the results and appeal processes and procedures.
You may also speak to the Students' Union Advice Service if you wish to discuss your specific case.