Final-year Psychology students at the University of Sussex are raising urgent concerns after their module grades were significantly reduced without a clear explanation, jeopardising degree outcomes, mental wellbeing, and future plans.
The dispute centres on two core modules: Advanced Topics in Psychology and Drugs, Brain and Behaviour. Students were initially issued higher, unmoderated marks, some of which were well into the first-class range, only to receive much lower moderated grades later. Many report seeing their marks drop by over 10 percentage points after moderation, with little transparency about the process.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has had their Advanced Topics grade reduced by double digits,” one student told The Badger. “The changes weren’t minor, and worse, they weren’t consistent. Some dropped by 13%, while others by only a few points. There was no explanation.”
While the average grade in Advanced Topics fell from 75% to 71.5%, students say this masks the severity of individual losses, some of which pushed final degree classifications down a level, directly affecting postgraduate offers, employment prospects, and mental health. In Drugs, Brain and Behaviour, reductions have also been reported, though moderate grades were still unreleased at the time of writing, leaving many students in prolonged uncertainty.
“It Felt Like a Wall Had Gone Up”
Equally alarming to students has been the university’s lack of communication throughout the ordeal.
“There was no guidance, no named contact, we were just left in the dark,” said one affected student. “Most emails weren’t answered. It felt like they were waiting us out.”
Following growing pressure, students secured a Zoom meeting with Professor Alison Pike, Head of the School of Psychology. But attendees described it as disheartening and unproductive.
“She wasn’t even aware that neuroscience students had been impacted by both modules,” one student reported. “We asked about inconsistencies, how moderation decisions were made, and why only certain modules were targeted. We got no real answers.”
According to a transcript of the meeting seen by The Badger, Professor Pike described the outcome as “horrendous,” but stated that “no formal appeal or complaint will change anything,” and that “nothing can be done to change the grades.” Students say they left the meeting feeling dismissed and demoralised.
A Call for Accountability
Students are now demanding that the university disclose the full moderation process, provide direct responses to questions, and escalate the issue to faculty leadership. They also want the university to conduct a risk assessment into the academic and mental health impacts of the changes, and to ensure that future moderation decisions are transparent and accountable. Many say the institution has failed to uphold its own values of fairness and integrity.
“We’re not asking for special treatment,” one student said. “We just want fairness and to be treated with the respect we’ve earned.”
In a joint closing statement, students wrote:
“We need to feel listened to, not passed from person to person. These sudden changes have resulted in classification drops, damaging our futures and mental wellbeing. Sussex must do better. The university has a duty to protect and support students, not hide behind opaque systems. We ask for more than grade adjustments, we ask for honesty, clarity, and action.”
Sussex University’s Response
A University of Sussex spokesperson said:
“The University is committed to academic integrity and maintaining the value of our degrees. All marks are provisional until confirmed by exam boards. On this occasion, the Board identified discrepancies and took steps to ensure fairness and compliance with our regulations. Failing to adjust grades would have disadvantaged students in other modules.
These changes will not impact final classifications. However, we recognise the frustration these adjustments can cause and are working with affected students to support them and ensure transparency.”
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