Exceptional Circumstances

If something unexpected happens and you can’t meet a deadline or attend a live assessment (like an exam or presentation), you may be able to apply for Exceptional Circumstances (ECs).

Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply online via eVision

2. Explain your situation clearly

In your application, describe:

• What happened
• How it affected your ability to complete or attend the assessment
• Why it meets the criteria for ECs (how it was unexpected, unavoidable, and beyond your control)

3. When to apply

• You should apply for an EC as soon as possible
• Ideally apply before your assessment deadline or exam date.
• You have up to 10 working days after the assessment to apply, as long as you haven’t received feedback or a grade.
• If you apply after the 10-day window, you must provide evidence explaining why you couldn’t apply sooner.

4. Important notes

• You cannot apply for ECs once feedback or grades have been released.
• If you’ve already submitted your work or attended the exam, the university assumes you were fit to do so. However, if you later realise your performance was affected, you can still apply but you must give justification of why you were unable to make this known prior to the completion of the assessment. Make sure it’s within the 10-day window and before feedback is released.
• If the assessment you are applying for involves group work, then you should list your group members and notify the module leader.

Once you submit your application via eVision, here’s what to expect:

• You should receive an email receipt from eVision to confirm a claim has been submitted. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, you should check your spam folders and with the Student Hub in case there was an issue.
• This submission will be considered by the Exceptional Circumstances Team who either accepts or rejects your claim. Each claim is assessed individually.
• Once assessed and a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome via email.

If accepted, your claim will be referred to the Board of Examiners, and this will be considered when the Board reviews your academic profile. If you didn’t submit your work and your claim is accepted, you’ll likely be offered a new attempt depending on what attempt this EC applies to:

• First attempt: uncapped assessment (you can earn full marks)
• Second attempt: capped assessment (you cannot earn full marks)

If you have submitted your coursework, but it was late, late penalties may be removed, and you will be marked as normal.

If rejected, you will be expected to submit or attend your assessment by the original deadline. There is no pathway to appeal a rejection for an exceptional circumstance, however you may be able to challenge the decision after the Board of Examiners has

met (usually in June, September, or November) through the Academic Appeals procedure.

To make sure your Exceptional Circumstances (ECs) application goes smoothly, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Confusing Exceptional Circumstances with coursework extensions. Use a coursework extension if you just need a few extra days to finish non-live coursework (apply at least 48 hours before the deadline). Apply for an EC if your situation is more serious and affects your ability to submit or attend an assessment. Applications for extensions can be made via eVision.
• Applying too late. You must apply for ECs within 10 working days of your assessment and before you receive any feedback or grades. If you apply late, you’ll need to provide evidence explaining why.
• Applying after a grade or feedback is provided. You cannot apply for an exceptional circumstance after you have received any feedback for your assignment. You’ll need to wait until the board of examiners meets and may be able to make an academic appeal then.
• Assuming ECs excuse you from submitting. ECs do not excuse you from needing to submit your assignment or take an assessment. You will still need to complete the coursework or assessment later. If your situation is ongoing, it may be best to consider a leave of absence (called “abeyance”) from your studies. Speak with your personal tutor or the Student Engagement Team for further advice.
• Submitting coursework or attending exams anyway. If you have attended an exam or submitted coursework, the university assumes you were fit to do so. If you later realise your performance was affected, you must apply for ECs within 10 working days and before feedback is released.
• Submitting false or misleading documents as evidence. This is a serious offence. The university investigates these cases thoroughly and may take disciplinary action, including reporting to the police if necessary.