Updates to Exceptional Circumstances and Temporary Learning Agreement Procedures 2024

We encourage you to complete your assessments on time to help you manage your workload, progress in your studies, and successfully complete your course. However, we understand that unexpected events can sometimes impact your studies. The University offers a range of support options to help you succeed in your studies.

For 2024/25, there are important updates to both the short-term (Exceptional Circumstances) and medium-term (Temporary Learning Agreement) procedures to help streamline process and ensure you get the right support at the right time. 

Changes to Exceptional Circumstances

Exceptional Circumstances allow you to request short-term support for assessments, and there are three types of requests you can make - Self-Certification, Evidence-Based and Impaired Performance. Here are the main things that are changing for 2024/25:

Self-Certification Requests (requesting a 7 calendar day extension or postponed time-constrained assessment without needing to provide evidence)

• The process is now more streamlined. You can still make two approved requests per year, but each request can only cover one assessment. If you need support for multiple assessments, that are due in the same short period (i.e. 14-day),  you’ll need to use the Evidence-Based request process.
• Self-Certification can no longer be used for exams. You need to use Impaired Performance to re-take an exam/time-constrained assessment, if you feel your performance on your first attempt was negatively impacted. 

Group Assessments (All Exceptional Circumstance request types)

• Exceptional Circumstances requests cannot be made for group assessments with a single group submission, presentation, or other group activity.
• If unexpected circumstances affect your ability to participate in group work, contact your tutor for support.
• If you work in a group but submit individual assessments, you can still use the Exceptional Circumstances process to extend or postpone your individual deadline.

Changes to Temporary Learning Agreements

Temporary Learning Agreements can, if eligible, offer medium-term support (usually for a semester or trimester) with your assessments where you are experiencing unexpected personal difficulties. The plan will be to be developed with our Personal Academic Tutor. 

For 2024/25, the following changes have been made:

• Coursework Extensions: Temporary Learning Agreements can now offer a 14 calendar day extension, which may be extended by another 14 calendar days if needed and possible. The maximum extension under a Temporary Learning Agreements is 28 days from the original deadline.
• Exams or Time-Constrained Assessments: Temporary Learning Agreements can postpone these to a later date within the same semester/trimester, but only once.

Changes to Deferral Regulations

A deferral allows you to take an assessment in the next scheduled assessment period for your course. This must be approved through the Exceptional Circumstances, Temporary Learning Agreements, or Learning Support Plan procedures. You must meet the criteria for the procedure to be eligible for this. Deferrals can delay your results and, in some cases, decisions about progression or awards so it is important you consider this before asking for a deferral.

For 2024/25, the following changes apply to deferrals:

• One Deferral Limit: First attempts at assessments can only be deferred once. This also applies to reassessments.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: In exceptional cases, a second deferral may be allowed, but only if you meet specific criteria.
• No Change to Academic Year Completion: All deferred first assessments must still be completed within the same academic year as the module. Deferrals into the next academic year are only allowed under specific conditions, such as eligibility to Trail & Progress, assessments in the final trimester, or if you interrupted your studies.