Brunel University 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?

Brunel provides funding for diagnostic assessments. Students who do not have a SpLD diagnosis  need to have an appointment with one of our SpLD advisors who will carry out a screening and depending on the outcome, they will be referred to an assessor. Brunel pays the full cost of these assessments for enrolled students.

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?

We have a range of specialism in our Student Services and most specifically in our Student Wellbeing team. SpLD advisers (dyslexia for example), disability advisers and mental health advisers. Our advisors are also trained to support students with sensory impairments, ASD and ADHD.

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?

All academic programmes of studies have their personal tutors who are responsible for a specific number of students. They would be the first point of contact for students requesting any academic support and they will be able to refer the student to other lecturers or other staff as needed.  Administrators in each programme of studies also play a very important role in supporting the students within their own academic area.

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?

All students are regarded as individuals and responses and recommendations are based on their specific needs. Students have the option to see the same disability adviser, however the service is designed so that students may be supported by any disability adviser to ensure needs are met quickly and not solely based on availability.  Students are scheduled with the same Mentor or Study Skills Tutor throughout the term in order to provide the best continuous support.

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?

Brunel University London has their own support scheme team that includes a coordinator and support staff such as study skills tutors, mentors and notetakers. 

Brunel also has a team of specialists in mental health that include mental health advisors and counsellors.

The Brunel Buddies scheme supports new students through their first weeks at Brunel. Buddies are trained Brunel students who use their own personal experience of being a new student to answer your questions and let you know about available support services at Brunel.

One to one / group study skills

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

Individual study skills sessions are available for students with disabilities and there is also another department outside Student Wellbeing who arranges study support session for any students who identify themselves as needing additional academic support.