Mitigation and extenuating circumstances 

Page last updated:
21 Sep 2023

The university recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment.

This page explains how a student should submit their Extenuating Circumstances for consideration if they find themselves in this situation.

Can I submit a mitigation request?

Our university operates a fit to sit / fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so. Students who, for valid reasons, are not fit to take an assessment may submit their extenuating circumstances for consideration by their School Mitigation Panel. This will ensure that the Module Board is fully aware of your circumstances when finalising your marks for the modules affected.

You can apply online for extenuating circumstances by accessing the link below.

Once your submission has been completed, you will receive an automated notice confirming that “we have received your mitigation request”.

Students’ Union Advice Service

The Students’ Union Advice Service provides confidential and independent advice on a range of issues affecting students, including academic regulations and procedures, student finance and accommodation issues. All advice is provided by professional and experienced advisers. Students are strongly advised to speak to an adviser at the Students’ Union Advice Service before completing the form so they can advise them on how to present their circumstances. When making contact please ensure you provide details about submission dates/types of submissions (exam/coursework) and if any of these are re sit attempts as well as information on your circumstances and any questions you have about the process.

 Click here to contact the Advice Service

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A.

Students may apply for an extension (normally for up to 5 working days where a short-term response will be effective).  Students may apply for mitigation when an extension to their coursework deadline is not a suitable remedy or has already been exhausted.

In cases where an extension has already been granted, the student would need to demonstrate that their circumstances had changed in some way and how this had impacted upon their ability to submit the assessment.

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Your extenuating circumstances may be as a result of:

  • Illness
  • Inability to attend an assessment or examination due to the above
  • Other factors that are sufficiently serious enough in nature to result in you being unable to attend, complete or submit an assessment on time such as bereavement, serious family illness or being a victim of crime
A.

We accept that it will be difficult to obtain evidence from a GP or health care professional at the present time. If you wish to request an extension, self-certification for up to 5 working days will be permitted.

If your request for an extension or mitigation relates to periods in excess of 5 working days then independent documentary or medical evidence normally will be required to support your mitigation requests and should explain the impact the circumstances have had on the ability to submit. This should be attached to the online submission.

Examples of evidence that would be accepted include medical appointment letter, doctor’s note including relevant dates or crime report and number (plus evidence of the work you had been preparing, e.g., notes, work plan, draft assignment).

Examples of evidence that would not be accepted include a note from a friend, a wedding invitation, or a corrupt USB stick.

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Request for an extension (up to 5 working days): a request for an extension (up to 5 working days) is normally responded to in two to three working days by your School.

Request for mitigation: once you have submitted your mitigating circumstances form and evidence, your case will be referred to a Mitigation Panel. Mitigation Panels normally meet every month, so depending on when your request is submitted in relation to the next scheduled panel, there may be a delay in receiving your outcome. If you have concerns about this or would like to know when the next panel is, please contact your course administrator.

Unfortunately, presenting mitigating circumstances does not guarantee that they will be accepted, but if they are accepted, the Mitigation Panel will make a recommendation about the affected assessment(s) to the relevant Progression and Award Board or Module Board of your course.

The Mitigation Panel will categorise the seriousness of extenuating circumstances as follows:

  1. Category A – very serious
  2. Category B – sufficiently serious to defer assessment
  3. Rejected – the Mitigation Panel will reject claims which are late, not substantiated by original documentary evidence or are not deemed sufficiently serious to warrant deferral

All outcomes of the Mitigation Panel will be notified to you in writing.

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Mitigation may be submitted for circumstances that are not covered by your RAP. This may be circumstances that are different to those included in your RAP or an exacerbation of any disability/long-term condition which has not been anticipated in your RAP. Evidence relating to the circumstances will be required with your mitigation request.

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Students are permitted to seek permission for an authorised absence from assessment in relation to circumstances which are outside the fit to sit/submit principle.  Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, jury service, UK visa and immigration interviews, and court proceedings.

Students must request authorised absence from assessment from the designated member of academic staff for approval and the request must be supported by original documentary evidence.  Please contact your course team if you are not sure who to submit this to. 

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For Further information on automatic assessment submission extensions in the event of electronic submission system failure please see our Extension Policy for Electronic System Unavailability. 

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