The Religion, Belief and Study Policy for students has been designed with reference to the Equality Act 2010 and ensures recognition of the diversity of belief in the University community. The University celebrates and values the diversity of its community and through its equality, diversity and inclusion policies and procedures, seeks to foster academic and creative freedom and ensure that all students, irrespective of their religious or belief system, including no religion or belief, are treated in accordance with the University's values and core principles.
Although the University of Westminster does not have any religious affiliation and is not aligned with any denomination or faith, we recognise the freedom of individuals and groups to express their religious or non-religious beliefs, without being subject to bullying, discrimination or harassment.
The policy covers the following areas:
- Breaches of the policy
- Dress and facilities
- Religious societies
- Religious Observance Calendar
- Teaching and assessment
Religious Observance and Assessment Form
The University aims to avoid scheduling formal examinations on religious observance dates as identified in the Religious Observance Calendar. However, this may not always be possible due to the changing dates of religious calendars. There may also be other religious commitments (such as observance of the Sabbath) which may prevent you from attending scheduled assessments at certain times. If your attendance at an examination and/or scheduled assessment may be affected, please complete the Religious Observance and Assessment Form below.
Exams and some scheduled assessments happen during the designated Exam Weeks set out in the Term dates. Other scheduled assessments are timetabled during the semester in Teaching Weeks. Scheduled assessments include in-class tests, lab tests, presentations, practicals, vivas, performances etc.
- Scheduled Assessments in Teaching Weeks: Complete the form and submit it to your module leaders as soon as the assessment dates are published for your module.
- Exams or Scheduled Assessments in Exam Periods: Complete the form and submit it to the Student Centre. Please note that for exams, the form must be submitted by the end of Teaching Week 4 in the semester in which your assessment is scheduled.
Religious observance dates
The Religious Observance Calendar is produced annually by the University’s Faith and Spirituality team. The calendar identifies the principal religious festivals and includes a list of specific observance dates and times of day (where appropriate) on which certain University activities shall be avoided where possible.
Further information
Further information can be found on the Faith and spirituality page.