Special circumstances
Information about the special circumstances process
We are committed to supporting you during your studies. If there is a situation beyond your control that you feel may have an adverse impact on your academic performance, you can apply for special circumstances.
Before applying, you should discuss your situation with your Student Adviser. They will be able to advise you on your individual situation, help you access additional support if necessary, and guide you through the process of submitting your application.
To apply for special circumstances for an assessment, use the online Assessment Support Tool to make the request to the Extensions and Special Circumstances Service (ESC) team. The ESC team will assess your application and let you know if your application has been validated. You will need to apply by appropriate School deadline.
Special Circumstances Deadlines
Apply for special circumstaces
If your application is validated by ESC it will be considered by the Special Circumstances Committee (SCC) which meets prior to the Boards of Examiners.
- Semester 1 courses may be considered in either the January or June Board.
- Semester 2 courses will always be considered in the June Board.
- Reassessment will be considered in the August Board.
- Postgraduate dissertation and award will be considered in the October Board.
There are a limited number of actions that the Special Circumstances Committee can recommend. Outcomes from validated Special Circumstances cases will be communicated after they have been considered by the relavant Board(s) of Examiners and published to you alongside your final course mark.
For full details, including the list of possible outcomes, see the University's Special Circumstances Policy.