The new academic year is now in full swing, and it’s time to get ready for your first assessments of 2025/26. The University has tons of support to make sure you’re hitting your deadlines and feeling prepared.
Assessment deadlines are set by your module and programme teams to help spread your workload through the academic year, so it’s important that you make a note of these key dates and plan your time effectively. If you need any help with planning your work, chat to your Academic Adviser or check out the academic support courses offered by KnowHow in the Library.
We know that not everything goes to plan, and sometimes unexpected circumstances can cause you to miss a deadline. That’s why we’ve planned in a little extra time for you, if you need it.
All students enrolled on an undergraduate or taught postgraduate programme can submit eligible assessments up to 7-consecutive-calendar-days after the stated deadline without incurring any penalty. If you’re a disabled student with extensions included in your support plan, your extension period is up to 14 consecutive calendar days after the deadline.
This extension period is designed to help you manage short-term issues without impacting on your academic performance. Where possible always aim to submit your assessments by the original deadline – try and only use the extension when you really need it.
The good news is you don’t need to apply for or let us know that you want to use the extension, just submit your assessment as normal. However, if you submit after the extension period has ended, you will automatically receive a mark of zero.
If there are more serious or sustained issues preventing you from submitting your work on time or attending at a time-specific assessment (like an exam or a class presentation), you may need to submit a Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) claim for some additional support or alternatives for your assessment. This could include illness, bereavement or an unexpected emergency.
Note for returning students: this policy replaces the previous Extenuating Circumstances Policy and the Exemptions from Late Penalties (ELPs) process. This policy is now in effect and applies immediately, even if you are partway through the academic year due to non-standard start dates.
Bookmark this webpage on Additional Considerations, where you can find out more about extensions to deadlines and how to submit PEC claims. Plus you can read the full Additional Considerations Policy.