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Special Consideration and Deadline Extension Requests 

What to do when things do not go to plan

If you are unable to attend an exam or assessment due to any illness or other exceptional circumstances outside your control, completing a Special Consideration request is your way to let us know.

If you are unable to meet an assignment deadline due to circumstances beyond your control, you’ll need to fill out a deadline extension request.

You can find guidance on how and when to make both requests below.

Before you apply - Special Consideration

Be familiar with the guidance before starting the process.

The guidance includes examples of circumstances that are likely and unlikely to be accepted, and what you can use as supporting information. We suggest reading this carefully before filling in your request form.

When to make a request 

You should usually request a Special Consideration within five working days of the impacted assessment or exam . Your case will need to be considered by the Special Consideration Board. If you submit your request too late, the Board will not be able to consider your case.

Examples of exceptional circumstances can include: 

  • Short-term illness/sudden injury, Significant personal/family circumstances e.g. bereavement, flare-ups of long-term conditions 

Examples of commonly rejected circumstances include: 

  • Failure of non-University IT systems/equipment e.g. not backing up work from a personal laptop, Holidays, Pressures created by paid part-time employment 

Watch this video before you fill out your Special Consideration request so you can consider whether your circumstances are likely to be accepted.

 
 
 
 
 

Special Consideration online request form

Have your supporting documents ready before completing the form and note it should be submitted as soon as you can – usually no longer than five working days after any assessment or deadline may have been affected by exceptional circumstances.

Special Consideration request form
 

When to make a request - Deadline Extension

If you are having difficulty meeting an assignment/coursework deadline (deadline extensions cannot be given for exams) for reasons beyond your control, you can apply for an extension by filling out a deadline extension request form and providing supporting information.

You may provide self-certification when you have experienced an illness lasting one to five consecutive working days.

If you are seeking and extension longer than five days, you will need to provide other supporting information.  Your request should be submitted as soon as possible, before the submission deadline(s).

Deadline extension requests cannot be granted after the deadline has passed. If the deadline has already passed, please use the Special Consideration process instead.

Postgraduate research students

Special Consideration guidance, policy and procedure for postgraduate research students
 

We're here for you - The Student Hub 

 
If you need additional help and support with the Special Consideration/ Deadline Extension process, need support with your wellbeing, have questions about your course, or just want to chat to someone, contact The Student Hub. Here for you 24/7 our team can find the right support for you, via online chat, email or by calling 02380 599 599. Alternatively, if you wish to speak to someone in person, you can visit one of our sites. Find opening times and locations online. 
 
If you need out of hours wellbeing support, you can visit the wellbeing team 24/7 at The Student Hub in B37 on Highfield Campus. 
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