It is important to complete your assessments on time to ensure you’re able to progress in your studies within the expected timeframes; however, exceptional circumstances provide a short extension to your coursework or allow you to postpone/re-take an exam or time-constrained assessment.
Important
Wherever possible, you should complete your assessments within the allotted timeframe. Any delay in completing an assessment or reassessment might impact your studies.
- It could affect your ability to start your next year of study on time and potentially hold up the release of your student finance. If you are in your final year, it could also delay the completion of your studies and graduation date.
- For students on a Student Route Visa, a delay in your results can also impact upon your visa obligations. If this occurs close to the end of your course, it could also affect your application to the Graduate Route.
Exceptional Circumstances Request
In exceptional circumstances, you may be eligible for a short extension to your coursework or to postpone/re-take an exam or time-constrained assessment.
There are three types of exceptional circumstances request:
- Self-certification - a 7-day extension to your coursework or postponement of a time-constrained assessment (not exams)
- Evidence-based extension - a 14-day extension to your coursework, postponement of a time-constrained assessment, or deferral of an exam
- Impaired performance - to re-take an exam/time-constrained assessment, if you feel your performance on your first attempt was negatively impacted.
Each type of exceptional circumstances request has a different purpose and criteria, and it's important you choose the right one for your situation.
If you need further advice on making an exceptional circumstances request or if you need a different type of support because you have a longer-term problem, speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), Course Administrative Team, or Student Support Adviser.
Please note
You are unable to request:
- More than a 14 day extension to coursework
- More than the scheduled amount of time to complete your exam/time-constrained assessment
- A deferral of your assessment to the next academic year, unless:
- You are eligible to trail and progress; or
- You're studying a Trimester-based course and the assessment is for a Trimester three module; or
- You have an extension to coursework due to impaired performance.
Important
If you apply for an extension to your coursework or to postpone or re-take an exam/time-constrained assessment, please do not assume it will automatically be approved.
While you wait for a decision, you should continue to work on your coursework and submit it as soon as you are able.
This is because:
- If your request is approved, you'll only have a short extension.
- If your request is not approved, your work will be subject to late penalties if it's submitted after the deadline or considered not attempted if it’s an exam/time-constrained assessment.
Study Support
There is a wide range of study and assessment support available to help you submit your assessments on time and achieve your full potential.
Students studying at partner institutions can find out about what support is available by contacting their institution.
Appealing an Exceptional Circumstances decision
A review of an Exceptional Circumstance decision will only be considered if:
- An Exceptional Circumstance request has already been submitted and a decision has been provided to you.
- Evidence shows the decision wasn't made according to procedure.
- New evidence, not available earlier, could impact the decision.
To request a review you need to submit this form within ten working days of receiving the decision.
For advice and support on the process contact the Christ Church Students' Union Advice Centre at advice@ccsu.co.uk.
Please note - this process is only for use where you have already submitted and received a decision for an exceptional circumstance request - it CANNOT be used to request an extension.