Special circumstances
Dealing with personal issues that interfere with your studies
Reporting special circumstances
Special Circumstances will be considered where there are mitigating circumstances that are exceptional for the individual student, beyond their control, and where there is evidence that they have negatively affected their performance in assessment.
We’ve changed how you can apply for Extensions and Special Circumstances so that it’s easier for you to get the support you need, when you need it! We are committed to supporting you during your studies and want to make sure there’s nothing preventing you from succeeding in your assessments.
Applications for special circumstances will open in October 2020, and you will be able to submit your application via MyEd. The system will allow you to select a single coursework, or to select several assignments across different courses, all in one application.
The Extensions and Special Circumstances team are here to help, and you can contact them directly with any questions about your application. The team aim to respond to your completed special circumstances applications within 5 working days to let you know if it’s valid. Valid cases are then considered by the relevant PPLS Special Circumstances Committee and Board of Examiners who will decide what action can be taken. These committees meet three times a year (January, June and August) to consider undergraduate Special Circumstances cases.
Extensions and Special Circumstances Service
Some examples include (but are not limited to):
- Significant short-term physical illness or injury;
- Significant short-term mental ill-health;
- A long-term or chronic physical/mental health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or permanently;
- Bereavement;
- A relationship breakdown;
- Exceptional (i.e. non-routine) caring responsibilities;
- Experience of sexual harassment or assault;
- Experience of other types of harassment;
- Victim of a crime which is likely to have a significant emotional impact;
- Military conflict, natural disaster, or extreme weather conditions.
Your Student Support Team and Personal Tutor will still be your first point of contact for any issues impacting on your studies.
Student Support Office
- School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences
Contact details