Academic Support

If you cannot submit your work by the deadline, due to unforeseen circumstances, then you may be eligible to apply for an extension. You must be able to provide a valid reason, with appropriate and contemporaneous evidence.

Before applying, we strongly recommend that you read the University’s Guidance on the Extension process.

You can only request ONE extension at a time through this form. You must submit a new form for each assessment extension request. Until you hear back from the Wellbeing team, you should work to the original deadline.

Please see extension request forms for each School:

• Biosciences
• GEES
• Psychology
• SportExR

If you have experienced unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances that affected your ability to perform well in assessments (including essays, class tests and final examinations), then you may be eligible to apply for Extenuating Circumstances.

Before applying, we strongly advise you to read the University’s guidance on Extenuating Circumstances, which gives information on the process and the outcomes.

Evidence is required for all EC requests, including for students who have a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP). For information on what to provide, please read the guidance document linked above. 

• Biosciences
• GEES
• Psychology
• SportExR

Deferrals, Further First Sit and Waive Late Penalties

where possible your request will be dealt with by the Wellbeing Team within 5 working days of submission. If there are multiple deferral or further first sit requests, these may need to be discussed with the EC Panel, which takes place prior to the next Exam Board.

All other Extenuating Circumstances Requests

These will be considered by an Extenuating Circumstances Panel, which takes place before the next Board of Examiners. This means that you will receive your EC outcome once the ratified marks have been released to you. 

Students can request to defer exams due to Extenuating Circumstances. If approved, the exam will be taken at the next available opportunity, which is usually during the Supplementary Assessment Period.

To request a deferral, please submit an Extenuating Circumstances form within 10 working days of the exam timetable being released.

Before deferring, please note:

• The Supplementary Exam Period is shorter, so exams may be closer together.
• You must pass at least 100 credits to progress to the next year.
• Final-year deferrals may delay graduation (e.g. July to December).
• Deferrals may affect placements or Year Abroad programmes.

See Section 4.3 of the Code of Practice for full details.
Make sure you are aware of scheduled exam periods: Exam dates and timetable

Students can submit an appeal to request a change to a decision made by the Board of Examiners based on their academic performance. Appeals must be submitted within 10 University working days of the results release date.

Grounds for appeal and full guidance are available on the Academic Appeals page.

If you would like to get help and advice on Academic Appeals, please contact the Guild Advice team.