What is an Extenuating Circumstance?
An Extenuating Circumstance (EC) is a situation beyond your control that negatively affects your academic performance. This could mean missing a deadline or exam or performing worse than expected due to the circumstance. ECs are usually medical or personal and should be supported by relevant evidence to show their significant impact on your studies.
Some common examples of extenuating circumstances are:
- Illness - can be physical or mental health
- Injury
- Bereavement
- Family circumstances
- Personal issues
How to Submit an Extenuating Circumstance (EC)
Steps to Submit an EC Claim:
- Complete the Extenuating Circumstances form – Formal submission is required even if you have spoken with someone about your situation.
- Submit before the University's published deadlines – Late claims may not be considered.
- Explain your circumstances clearly – Describe what happened, when it happened and the period of time that was impacted. Make sure you provide clear explanation of the impact these circumstances had on you and your studies – this is key for the committee to assess the significance of your circumstances.
- Provide Supporting Evidence – Without evidence, your claim may not be accepted. The University has provided further guidance about the types of evidence required here. Self-certification is allowed twice per academic year for minor medical issues.
- Report Exam Absences Separately – If you miss an exam, you must also report your absence.
What Happens Next?
Your claim is reviewed by the EC Committee (a designated group within your Department), which assesses the evidence and to make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners.
The Board of Examiners considers recommendations and decides what action should be taken.
Possible outcomes of accepted ECs:
The Rules of Assessment for your course tell you what will happen as standard if no ECs are accepted.
They cannot give extra marks, waive failed core modules, or annotate transcripts.
They may offer uncapped reassessment opportunities, voluntary reassessments (where you have passed but not done as well as usual) or in some specific circumstances may be able to remove some assessments from your overall mark for a module.