How the school works within the University

The University of Surrey is an international university with a worldwide reputation for excellence in teaching and research. It offers students a unique combination of high academic standards, employment success and a prime location in beautiful surroundings, yet with ease of access to London. Our undergraduate and postgraduate students experience a first-rate working environment and a lively social life.

The University is lead by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Sir Christopher Snowden  and a team of officers. 

The university policies and regulation, published in the academic standards guidelines ensure that we maintain high standards and that students are treated fairly.

The School of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, the Dean is Professor Philip Powrie.

The head of the School of Psychology is Dr Peter Hegarty.

Dr Emily Glorney is the course director for the BSc Honours programme in psychology, and Dr Katharine Tyler is the course director for the BSc in Applied Psychology and Sociology.

The school Examination Board meets to discuss and ratify exam results at school level. Once these have been agreed in Psychology they are subject to ratification by the central university board which is called SPACE.

The school issues yearly interim transcripts. Final exit transcripts are produced and sent out by the Registry.

Policy on communication with parents

We understand that parents and guardians may want to take an active role in their son’s or daughter’s education during their time in the school.

As our students are adults and the University’s contractual relationship is with them as individuals, all communication is with the student directly. We cannot disclose results or personal information to third parties, this includes parents or guardians, as we have to comply with the Data Protection Act (1998). In our communication with third parties we are guided by certain principles which can be summarised as follows:

1. We treat students as autonomous adults.
   
2. We have a legal relationship solely with the student. Generally, we will only liaise directly with students and not via a third party. The disclosure of personal information, without a student’s consent, breaches their legal right to confidentiality.
   
3. Our primary concern is the interests, welfare and right to privacy of our students. While we recognise that most third party contact is motivated by a genuine desire to protect students’ interests, we should be mindful that in rare instances this may not be the case.
   
4. Our responsibilities regarding confidentiality relate to the release of information.
   
5. We are committed to compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you have specific queries about the programme, further comprehensive information can be found in the programme handbook. The academic calendar is published on the university’s web-site. We can also provide you with information in very general terms, such as what the procedure is if a student fails an exam or needs to take some time out from study.

Enrolment and attendance

It would help us if you could remind your son or daughter that it is crucial that students read and keep any information sent to them by the school or the University. Where they need to complete and return any forms, it is important that they do so as and when required.

Enrolment is solely the student’s responsibility, and it is up to the student to inform the university about any relevant changes, such as a change of address.

Frequently asked questions

Full list of general and student support FAQs for parents and guardians.

Fees and Funding

Full details for fees and funding
Failure to pay fees will result in the debts being formally recovered by the university and may affect student’s studies.

Accommodation

Full details about accommodation
 

And finally....

Going to University is a big step in anyone’s life. We recognise that there will be times for most of our students that are challenging or pressured. We will do our best however, as a school and a University to support our students through the entire degree process. Above all, we hope that your daughter or son thoroughly enjoys their experience at the University of Surrey.