University Breach of Contract and Negligence Claims

Many students feel frustrated, uncertain and let down when their course falls short of expectations. Whether it’s changes to teaching, loss of facilities or poor support, these issues can affect your academic performance, wellbeing and future prospects.

When a university may be in breach of contract

A contract is formed between you and your university when you accept an offer based on the information provided before enrolment. If the course delivered differs significantly from what was promised, this may amount to a breach of contract.

The pre-contract information supplied by the university must include clear information on the course content, where the student will study, and the total cost. University services must also be delivered with reasonable care and skill and in line with information given about the service.

In some situations, a university’s conduct may also be negligent. This depends on whether it owed you a duty of care, whether that duty was breached, and whether that breach caused you loss.

The consequences can include disrupted studies, lost opportunities, financial costs and, in some cases, serious impact on mental health or progression.

Breach of contract may include:

• Changes from in-person teaching to online delivery without good reason or proper explanation
• Significant shortfalls in contact hours compared with what was represented by the university
• Loss of essential facilities such as laboratories, studios or clinics without meaningful alternatives.

Negligence may include:

• Failure to deliver a course as promised or provide appropriately skilled lecturers
• Failure to respond to known concerns around mental health
• Poor advice about visa status that is reasonably relied on by the student, and which causes loss
• Failure to intercede when the university is made aware of student misbehaviour causing distress to another student.

Challenging a university breach or negligence

• Internal processes: Most cases begin with the university’s internal complaints or appeals process. These processes must be accessible and fair.
• Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA): If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal process, you may be able to take your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).
• Court claims: In some cases, such as breach of contract claims with quantifiable losses, court proceedings may also be appropriate. However, litigation should always be seen as a last resort.

Each route has strict time limits, and acting promptly strengthens your position.

How can we help you?

We advise students facing university breach of contract and negligence issues with clear, strategic advice so that you can identify the strongest route forward and protect your future.

We take a pragmatic approach to these claims to reach a favourable outcome without recourse to legal action, and in the quickest time possible.

We frequently assist students with disputes involving:

• Significant changes to course delivery, including reduced contact time or shift to online learning
• Loss of essential facilities such as labs, studios or specialist equipment
• Misleading or unclear pre-enrolment information
• Inadequate teaching or lack of appropriately qualified staff
• Failure to respond appropriately to student welfare or mental health concerns
• Poor or incorrect advice, including issues affecting visa status
• Complaints to the OIA and escalation beyond internal university processes
• Claims for tuition fee refunds, compensation or reassessment opportunities
• Negotiation and early resolution with universities
• Court claims for breach of contract or negligence where necessary.

We offer a fixed fee initial online consultation so you can understand your legal position and take the next steps with confidence, whether on your own or with our assistance.