Extensions explained

An extension is a process where you receive additional time to complete your coursework. An extension for a coursework submission can be up to a maximum of seven calendar days following the deadline.

Schools may choose not to permit extensions on particular components of an assessment or may allow less than the full seven days. You can still apply for special circumstances for these components.

If you are unsure if the assessment you wish to apply for qualifies, please contact your course administrator. 

Find out more about special circumstances

Reasons for coursework extensions are unexpected short-term circumstances that are exceptional and beyond your control, and which may have an adverse impact on your ability to complete the assessment on time.

Some examples include ( but are not limited to):

• Recent short-term physical illness or injury;
• Recent short-term mental ill-health;
• A long-term or chronic physical health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or permanently;
• A long-term or chronic mental health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or permanently;
• The recent bereavement or serious illness of a person with whom the student has a close relationship;
• The recent breakdown in a long-term relationship, such as a marriage;
• Emergencies involving dependents;
• Job or internship interview at short notice that requires significant time, e.g. due to travel;
• Victim of a crime which is likely to have significant emotional impact;
• Military conflict, natural disaster, or extreme weather conditions;
• Experience of sexual harassment or assault;
• Experience of other forms of harassment;
• Exceptional and significant change in employment commitments, where this is beyond the student’s control;
• Exceptional (i.e. non-routine) caring responsibilities.

Covid-19

You should submit a Special Circumstances application if you have experienced a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment due to circumstances such as those listed below:

• You have been or are ill with Covid-19;
• You have experienced the exacerbation of an existing health condition due to the pandemic situation;
• You have experienced the death or serious illness of someone close to you;
• You have taken on exceptional caring responsibilities due to Covid-19;
• You have been required to carry out more paid work than usual, as a “key worker” (e.g. in healthcare, retail, delivery);
• You have experienced significant and prolonged problems with access to teaching and learning materials, e.g. due to connectivity, power, or equipment issues;
• You have experienced catastrophic technical failure preventing submission of an online assessment by the relevant deadline;
• You have experienced prolonged exposure to a difficult/challenging home environment.

For further information please see section 28.6 of the Taught Assessment Regulations.

Taught Assessment Regulations 2020/21

You can submit an application for an extension via the form below.  If you want to apply for more than one extension, you will need to complete separate applications for each assignment. 

You can apply for an extension up to 2 weeks before the submission date of your assessment. You cannot apply for an extension to an assessment after the submission date has passed.

You can submit several applications throughout the academic year if needed.

What should I do if Covid-19 affects my ability to complete an assessment?

You should contact your School as early as possible to let them know about your circumstances and how they are affecting your assessments. In many cases, it may be possible to offer an extension to deadlines, or take other steps to help mitigate the impact on your performance. Where this is not possible, or your performance in assessment has still been significantly affected, we would encourage you to use the Special Circumstances process to tell us about this.

Apply for an extension (form) 

Find out more about special circumstances

You should discuss your situation with your Personal Tutor (PT) and Student Support Team in your School. They will be able to advise you on your individual circumstance, and to ensure that you are being supported effectively in the future. 

Contact your local Student Support Team

We also have services within the University that will be able to help you:

If the situation is urgent, or the university is closed:

No evidence is required for extension requests. All you need to provide is a statement telling us about what happened and when did it occur. 

If you are also thinking of applying for special circumstances, you will need to provide evidence.

Find out more about special circumstances

You will be able to submit an extension request two weeks before your assignment deadline.

Applications submitted after your assignment deadlines will not be considered.

If you missed the deadline for applying for an extension because of exceptional circumstances, you can apply for special circumstances through the online system from mid-October 2020.

Find out more about special circumstances 

• After submitting a complete application for an extension, we will notify you of the decision within two working days.  
• If your extension request is approved: We will let you know and for how many days you have an extension.
• If your extension request is not approved: You must submit your assessment to the original deadline. Any assessment submitted following this date will incur a late penalty.
• The ESC Team will share information about your situation with the relevant school staff,  if they feel it is necessary, to ensure you receive support.

If you have any questions please visit our frequently asked questions section. If you still require help, please get in touch by email. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the Extensions & Special Circumstances Team