Changes to the Extenuating Circumstances Policy for 2025-26
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 11 November 2025
The University Extenuating Circumstances (EC) Policy is designed to provide support for students having difficulties with assessments due to unexpected circumstances, to help you to reach your full potential.
We conducted a review of our policy and have made some changes.
From the start of the 2025-26 academic year:
The policy now either provides you with some additional time to complete your assessment or, if you are unable to submit by the original deadline, an additional opportunity to submit your assessment by a new deadline without penalty. Please note that you will only be given a maximum of 3 deadline opportunities to submit the assessment and pass by an Exam Board.
The key changes are as follows:
- Students must submit their EC application by the set EC deadline which will be the original assessment deadline
- Students with a validated Extenuating Circumstance will now choose to have additional time or not to submit and be given a resubmission without penalty (deferral) not both
- Students will not get additional opportunities to improve their grades once they pass
- Students with Extenuating Circumstances will be given a maximum of three deadline opportunities to submit the assessment and pass by an Exam Board
As some postgraduate courses (particularly MA courses) run across more than one academic year, 2 EC policies are in effect during 2025/26.
Please review the Extenuating Circumstances Policy- MA and BA Guidance to ensure that you are aware of the regulations that specifically apply to your studies.
If you are unsure which policy applies to you, please contact your College EC officer or your programme administrator.