Extensions
In this section:
Introduction
We understand that life can sometimes present unexpected challenges, and we are here to support you when those moments arise.
You may be eligible to request an extension to a coursework deadline if you are experiencing exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, as these situations can understandably affect your ability to study and complete work on time.
| Extension may be granted for: | Extension will not be granted for: |
|---|---|
| Serious illness | General stress, workload pressure or poor time management |
| Bereavement | Computer failure, loss of work or incorrect file submission |
| Significant family emergency | Transport delays or issues |
| Significant personal circumstances | Paid employment commitments |
We encourage you to plan your time carefully, especially during assessment periods. Minor disruptions and stress are a normal part of university life, so we ask that you build some flexibility into your schedule.
How to request an extension
- Identify which type of extension meets your needs
- Submit your request via Tabula for each assessment affected
- Unless you are using a self-certification, be sure to include evidence (e.g. medical note, professional letter) that clearly outlines the impact of your circumstances
- Please note that requests made after the deadline will not be approved
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, or need help with the process, speak with the History Office or your Personal Tutor.
PLEASE NOTE: The maximum extension you can request is
for 10 working days. This includes the five working days granted
via self-certification or for Reasonable Adjustments.
Which extension do I need?
Types of extension
Self-certification
All students are entitled to apply for up to two separate self-certified extensions, each lasting five working days, during the academic year. These extensions are granted without the need for supporting evidence.
- Apply via Tabula, up to five working days before the submission deadline
- You can apply for multiple assessments due within the same five-day period
- You can view how many self-certifications you have remaining on Tabula
- Use this step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process
Please note:
- You cannot use more than one self-certification for the same assignment
- After submitting your request, check it has been approved. You may receive a message via the Self-Certification Portal requesting additional information before approval can be confirmed.
Specific extension
If you experience significant and unforeseen challenges that affect your ability to meet an assessment deadline, you may be eligible for a specific extension of up to five working days.
Unlike self-certification, a specific extension requires supporting evidence to demonstrate the impact of your situation on your ability to complete the work. This might include medical documentation, a letter from a professional, or other relevant materials.
Please note:
- You can apply for a specific extension even if you have self-certifications remaining
- Requests should ideally be submitted via Tabula at least two working days before the assessment deadline, but will be processed up to the deadline. Use this step-by-step guide
- You will receive a response to your request within three working days via Tabula.
Extension for reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a chronic or long-term health condition or mental health issue, you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments to support your academic progress.
One form of support available is flexibility with deadlines.
To access this support, you must first be assessed by an adviser in Disability Services. Once your recommended reasonable adjustments have been confirmed, you will not be required to submit further evidence when requesting extensions.
Please note:
- Extensions granted under reasonable adjustments are for five working days
- If you feel you need more time, you will need to apply for an exceptional extension
- When submitting your request via Tabula, please indicate your request is being made on the grounds of reasonable adjustments in the relevant text box. Use this step-by-step guide
- You will receive a response to your request within three working days via Tabula.
Exceptional extensions
We understand that, in rare and particularly challenging circumstances, you may require more time beyond what is offered through self-certification, a specific extension or an extension for reasonable adjustments.
In such cases, you may be eligible to apply for an exceptional extension.
Exceptional extensions are considered only where there is clear evidence of serious and unforeseen difficulties that significantly impact your ability to meet assessment deadlines. These requests are reviewed with care and sensitivity, and we encourage you to seek support from relevant staff before submitting your request.
Please note:
- You should discuss your circumstances with the History Office and/or your Personal Tutor, who can support your request
- If you prefer to discuss your situation with another professional, such as Disability Services or Wellbeing, please obtain supporting evidence confirming that you have discussed your circumstances with them (e.g. medical documentation or professional letter)
- Apply for your exceptional extension via Tabula as per this step-by-step guide. You may need to use the ‘Review extension request’ button on the affected assignment(s)
- Exceptional extensions are not normally granted for more than 10 working days
- You will receive a response to your request within three working days via Tabula.
Joint honours/studying with other departments
If you are a joint honours student, or are studying an external module, the policy on extensions may vary.
- If your home department is not History, but you are studying a History module, your extension request will be processed by the History Office according to History’s extensions policy.
- If your home department is History, but you are studying an external module, your extension request will be processed by the school or department delivering that module. Please consult the extensions policy for that department.
For further information, please see the University’s guidance for students on Mitigating Circumstances, which includes details on requests for extensions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an extension approved?
The History Office aims to respond to extension requests as soon as possible, and within three working days. Please note that there may be some delays during exceptionally busy assessment periods. You should submit your request at least two working days before your deadline (but no more than five days before, if using a self-certification).
Can I ask for an extension if I still have self-certifications left?
Yes, you can. If you have eligible evidence, it is best to request a specific extension instead. Self-certifications are designed to support you with short term difficulties that affect your ability to meet a deadline, and these do not need evidence.
Will all my deadlines be extended if I make one request?
No, you will need to make a request for each assessment you feel is impacted by your circumstances. However, for self-certification, you can list multiple assessment deadlines which fall within a period of five working days.
Can I request an extension by email?
No, you must request an extension via Tabula using the ‘Assignments’ tab, or the ‘Personal circumstances’ tab for self-certifications. However, if you have any issues with Tabula, you should email the History Office.
What kind of evidence do I need to provide?
This depends on the circumstances but, generally speaking, your evidence needs to demonstrate impact, be independently verifiable, dated, and it must confirm your identity. Evidence should be attached to your request in the form of documents (.pdf, .doc), screenshots or images (.jpg, .png). Please read the University’s Code of Practice of Evidence Requirements for Mitigating Circumstances, which we use for extensions, for further information and useful examples.
When does the self-certification period start/end?
The start date of the self-certification period can be any date between the date on which you’re applying, and five University working days in the future, inclusive. The end date of the self-certification period is automatically calculated as five University working days from the start date. So, if you self-certify on a Monday (day one), the self-certification period will end on the Friday (day five) of that week. Please read the Self-certify - Tabula manual - IT Services step-by-step guide.
Why isn’t my extension for reasonable adjustments in addition to other extensions?
Flexibility with deadlines as a reasonable adjustment is a recommendation from Disability Services, which advises students to follow standard departmental processes. In History, flexibility with deadlines as a reasonable adjustment allows you access to an extension of five working days without the need to provide further evidence. However, all students must follow standard departmental processes to access the maximum 10 working days granted for an exceptional extension. Please note, extensions policies may differ between departments.
What happens if I need more than 10 days?
If serious circumstances are preventing you from meeting your assessment deadlines within the maximum 10-day extension period, you should contact your Personal Tutor and/or the History Office as soon as possible. You may be advised to consider submitting a Mitigating Circumstances application, which is a separate, additional measure to support students who are facing unexpected and difficult situations during their studies. This may be a useful route if your situation continues to impact your studies.
Can I apply for an extension if the deadline has already passed?
Unfortunately, no. Requests made after the deadline will not be approved. However, if you were already granted an extension, and need an exceptional extension of a further five days, please use the ‘Review extension request’ button in the ‘Assignments’ tab of Tabula, and/or contact the History Office to discuss further.