If unexpected circumstances outside your control are affecting your ability to meet a coursework deadline, you may be able to request an extension. 

Before you apply 

Ask yourself: 

✅ Was the situation unforeseeable and unavoidable? 

✅ Is it having a short-term impact on your ability to complete the work? 

✅ Can you submit the request before the deadline? 

If the answer is yes, an extension may be appropriate. If not, you may need to discuss a mitigating circumstances claim with the Senior Tutor. 

Quick Guide 

Situation 

What should you do? 

Short-term disruption affecting coursework 

Request an extension 

Circumstances affecting an exam or timed assessment 

Submit a Mitigating Circumstances claim 

Circumstances requiring more than a short extension 

Contact the relevant Senior Tutor for advice 

Long-term health condition or disability 

Seek support through Disability Advisory Service / existing adjustments 

PHD students - check the PHD Handbook. 

Final Year Projects 

Please see the specific guidance - FYP - Academic Adjustments

MSc Individual Research Projects 

Please see the specific guidance - MSc Project - Academic Adjustments. 

 

Extension requests

What you can request an extension for

Extensions may be available for: 

  • Coursework 
  • Eligible laboratory assessments 
  • Other assessments approved by the Department 

Extensions are not normally available for: 

  • Examinations 
  • Group assignments 
  • Timed assessments 
  • Assessments where the deadline forms part of the learning outcomes 
  • Assessments where an extension would affect marking and feedback schedules 
Standard Extension Lengths

48-hour extension 

Suitable for: 

  • Short illness 
  • Temporary personal difficulties 
  • Unexpected events with a brief impact 

Usually supported through self-certification. 

Normally limited to two requests per term. Students requiring repeated extensions should contact the relevant Senior Tutor for further support. 

One-week extension 

Suitable where circumstances have a more significant short-term impact. 

Supporting evidence is normally required.

Important Deadlines

You must submit extension requests: 

  • For 48-hour extensions: at least 48 working hours before the deadline 
  • For 1-week extensions: at least 5 working days before the deadline 

If you are not able to meet these deadlines you may be able to apply for a waiver of the late penalty through the Mitigating Circumstances process. No submissions will be allowed 2-weeks after the original deadline. 

How to Apply
  1. Submit a request through the Extensions App. 
  1. Include a brief explanation of your circumstances. 
  1. Upload supporting evidence if required. 
  1. Await confirmation before assuming the extension has been granted. 

Extensions App: Extensions · EEE Portal 

Assessment-Specific Guidance

Coursework 

Extensions may be requested through the standard process. 

Group Projects 

Extensions are not normally granted. 

If circumstances affect the whole group, speak first to the module leader to determine whether an extension request is appropriate. 

Laboratory Orals 

These are considered individually by the Associate Senior Tutor and the laboratory organiser. Please approach the laboratory organiser and the Associate Senior Tutor before applying for the extension on the app. 

Final-Year Projects 

See: FYP Academic Adjustments Guidance 

MSc Research Projects 

See: MSc Project Academic Adjustments Guidance 

Who Should I Contact?

Undergraduate Students 

Contact the Associate Senior Tutor (UG): Dr Simos Evangelou 

MSc Students 

Contact the Associate Senior Tutor (PGT): Dr Dan Goodman 

PhD Students 

PhD students should contact the Postgraduate Research Officer or the PGR Senior Tutor, Dr. Imad Jaimoukha for advice. Further information can be found in the PhD handbook.  The Thesis Deadline Extension procedure is available to students whose progress towards the final thesis submission deadline has been affected by circumstances beyond their control. The Late case request form should be submitted before the thesis submission deadline. Please contact the Postgraduate Research Officer for advice. Please do not use the MC App but keep track of any disruption(s) and evidence which will be required if you request thesis deadline extension.  

Need More Help? 

If your circumstances are serious, ongoing, or likely to affect multiple assessments, an extension may not be the most appropriate route. 

Please speak to: 

  • Your Personal Tutor 
  • A Senior Tutor 
  • Student Wellbeing Services 

You may instead need to submit a Mitigating Circumstances claim.