Fitness to Practise

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Fitness to Practise

You’ll need to know about Fitness to Practise if:

You’ve been told that the fitness to practice procedure is being used in relation to you, and you need to understand what happens next.
You’re worried about another Ulster student’s behaviour or actions in a professional setting and think it needs to be reported.

In these cases, SAAT can help you work through the policy and the process and ensure that you are signposted to the most appropriate support to help you.

Some professional courses at university don’t just lead to a degree – they will also allow you to prepare and register for a career where you need to meet professional and ethical standards set out by your professional body. If you are studying one of these courses, you need to be aware of the Fitness to Practise procedure.

If you are involved in a Fitness to Practise case, your Programme Director or Student Academic Affairs Team (SAAT) can to guide you through the procedure, explain the process, and connect you with the right support.

What is Fitness to Practise?

Fitness to Practise is a process the University uses to make sure students on specified courses are meeting the standards expected by their profession.

These courses are linked to a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB). A PSRB sets:

The professional and ethical rules you must follow.
The requirements for registering as a qualified professional.

So, your degree is only one part of becoming fully qualified — the other part is being registered with the relevant PSRB.

Why does this matter?

Even if you complete your course successfully, a PSRB can refuse to register you if you have breached their professional or ethical standards. That means you may not be able to practise in your chosen field, even with the degree.

When is Fitness to Practise used?

The process is used if a student is accused of behaviour or practice that breaks a standard of the relevant Professional and Statutory Body.

The University then investigates what happened and considers:

The standards of the relevant PSRB.
The University’s own expectations of student conduct.

If a breach is confirmed, outcomes can range from a warning to permanent exclusion from the programme.

Which courses does it apply to?

Fitness to Practise is usually linked to courses where students work directly with patients, clients, or vulnerable people. Examples include:

Health and Social Care programmes
Social Work
Architecture
Youth and Community Work
Other professional qualifications with PSRB requirements

Not sure if your course is covered? Ask your course team or check your programme handbook.

Who can raise a Fitness to Practise concern?

A concern can be reported by:

University staff
Placement supervisors and providers
Employers
Other students
Members of the public
The PSRB itself

**What does Fitness to Practise not cover?**

This process is separate from other University procedures:

Student Misconduct (though some cases may fall under both)
Fitness to Study
Academic Misconduct (though this can sometimes overlap)

If you’re on a PSRB course, it’s important to remember that you’re preparing for professional practice as well as your degree. Fitness to Practise ensures students meet the standards of their future profession, protecting both you and the people you will work with.