Birkbeck University of London

Funding for an SpLD assessment

Can a student be referred for a Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) support with a Specialist teacher through the University?

Birkbeck offer funding for an SPlD assessment with an Educational Psychologist which will give the student a full diagnostic assessment. Funding for this is based on a student’s income. All students with an SPlD can access support through our Learning Development team and, where, eligible, can apply for the Disabled Student’s Allowance support.

Disability Adviser available

Are there specialist staff available to talk to within the service?  Is there a disability officer or a disability adviser for students to talk to?

Birkbeck has both a Disability and Dyslexia Service and a Mental Health Advisory Service with specialist advisors trained in supporting students. When a student enrols at Birkbeck they will be allocated a specific advisor who will support them throughout their course for any of their study support needs.

Support from academic staff

Is advice and support available from academic staff within the faculties of the University? How do students access this advice and support?

The majority of departments in Birkbeck have a Disability Lead or Learning Support Officer who can support students with study strategies and subject specific help. Students are also allocated an academic from their Department as a Personal Tutor who supports them throughout their course.

Staff continuity and understanding individual needs

Are the specialist disability staff in the team able to offer a personalised, bespoke response to a student’s needs? Where possible, is continuity provided for the student in meeting the same Disability Adviser and/or mentor so the student can get to know them over time?

A student will be allocated a Mental Health or Disability Advisor who will support them throughout their course. This advisor will be allocated based on both the student’s specific needs (i.e. their condition) and what subject they are studying. This ensures they are able to build a relationship with their advisor who specialises in providing bespoke and personalised adjustments. Students can discuss their needs and be provided with adjustments to their studies through the Study Support Plan.

One to one mentoring support

Are there any additional services available such as mentoring, counselling services or a buddy scheme to help a new student to settle in if needed?

Birkbeck has a Counselling Service which provides students with up to six sessions of therapeutic counselling each academic year. Birkbeck also offers a range of support schemes including Unibuddy where students can speak with student ambassadors, BBKchat, a first year buddy scheme where new students are matched with those in their final year, and Mentoring Pathways, a professional career supporting scheme.

One to one / group study skills

Does the institution provide support with arranging One to one/Group study skills sessions?

Subject-specific learning development tutors and co-ordinators are available to provide students with additional study skills guidance and support in their subject area. There is also a central study skills team who provide study skills workshops and one to one appointments, specialising in areas such as inclusive technology and academic writing styles.