Student Administration

Extensions and Special Circumstances Service

The extensions and special circumstances (ESC) service helps students who need additional support with assessments. Support is available to students who have an existing schedule of adjustments, or those facing unforeseen, challenging circumstances. Help can range from additional time to complete coursework to special consideration regarding late penalties or marks.

Planned system downtime

Please note that the Assessment Support Tool will be unavailable due to maintenance as follows:

  • Monday 1st April 2024 from 08:00-14:00
  • Friday 26th April at 14:00 until Monday 29th April at 09:00

It will not be possible to create or view any extension or special circumstances applications during this time.

Processing update

We have a turnaround of:

  • 2 working days for extensions 
  • 5 working days for special circumstances applications.

Please do not email us to ask for a decision on your application sooner than this; applications are processed in the order they are received, to ensure fairness.

Student guidance on technical issues during an online exam

Please read the attached guidance on what to do if you experience a technical issue during your online exam. The guidance outlines the steps you need to take, and what evidence you will need to submit if you decide to apply for special circumstances.

What support do you need with your assessment?

Extensions                                      Special Circumstances                     Extra time learning adjustments 
If something unexpected has happened that is preventing you from meeting an assessment deadline, you can apply for an extension.  If your studies have been affected by an unforeseen situation, you may be eligible for  special circumstances.   Students registered with the Disability Learning Support Service with a Schedule of Adjustments can apply the extra time to their assessments.  

Extensions are available for:

+ most coursework  

Extensions are not available for:

- exams 

- coursework where the deadline has passed 

 

Extensions

Special circumstances are available for:

+ coursework where an extension is not available 

+ coursework where you can’t meet the extension deadline 

+ coursework where the deadline has passed 

+ exams you cannot attend 

+ exams that you have missed 

+ assessments where you feel you have underperformed 

 

Special circumstances

Extra time learning adjustments are available for:

 + most coursework    

+ a proofreader

+ an interpreter 

 

Extra time learning adjustments

 

 

Applying for support

Girl on computer in house
Applications for extensions and special circumstances are made using the Assessment Support tool. Extension applications have 2 steps. Special circumstance applications require an additional impact statement and evidence, 4 steps in total. Explore our step-by-step guide to completing your application.

Special circumstances deadlines

Schools have deadlines for special circumstances applications. Applications made after the school deadline will not be considered unless there is an exceptional reason. Each semester has a final cutoff date for applications. Talk to your Student Support Team before submitting your application to get support and a faster decision.

Useful Contacts

Contact your local student support team, university pastoral services, or external helplines.

Meet the Team

Meet the Extensions and Special Circumstances Team. If you would like to get in touch with us, please email escteam@ed.ac.uk.