With assessment deadlines on the horizon, it’s important to make sure you know what tools are available to help you succeed in your studies. Our Advice Centre has put together some information about extensions for this academic year.
With assessment deadlines on the horizon, it’s important to make sure you know what tools are available to help you succeed in your studies. Deadline extensions are one of those tools, and there have been some changes to the way these work compared to previous years. Our Advice Centre has put together some information to make sure you know all there is to know about extensions for this academic year!
What are the main changes?
- Every student is now entitled to two, two working day and two, five working day extensions per academic year.
- You no longer have to provide evidence for your reason for needing an extension.
- Extension applications will be automatically approved by the extensions system.
What does this mean?
On the one hand, this means that extension applications should be easier to complete, and will be approved much more quickly. On the other hand, you need to make sure that you are considering when to use your extension allowances much more carefully.
Once you use up your permitted number of extensions for the year, you won’t be able to get more. You also can’t extend a two-day extension into a five-day one once you have applied - so make sure you consider how long you are likely to need to be able to make your deadline.
Also, while you don’t need to submit evidence for extension applications, you may still need to be keeping a record of any evidence you do have of personal circumstances that are affecting your work, in case you need to apply for Extenuating Circumstances later in the year.
More information about Extenuating Circumstances is going to be released on the Student Intranet this month, so keep an eye out for another article breaking down that process later in the term!
What if I use all my permitted extensions but have another assessment deadline I cannot meet?
You should then consider applying for Extenuating Circumstances - we have some information about these available on our website, and you can contact us for further support with making an application.
Make sure to also keep your personal tutor/ department in the loop with any issues you are having meeting deadlines, and remember there is always support available at the University for you to access.
How do I apply?
Before you begin, remember:
- You cannot withdraw, amend or extend an extensions application, and you have a limited number per academic year - so make sure you are certain you want to apply for one, and for how long.
The application process for extensions has been simplified, as you no longer have to submit evidence for your extension, and they are automatically approved by the extensions system. Before you begin, make sure to read the FAQs available on the Student Intranet.
When you are ready to apply:
- Go to Campus Connect, and find the "My Studies" tab
- The extensions application system is located there- you should find an online form to complete
- Ensure that you select the correct module you wish to apply for an extension for, and the appropriate length of time - two or five working days. If the module is not showing, and it is within five working days of the deadline, contact your school as there may have been an error.
- Briefly explain why you need an extension - any information you provide is confidential.
- You should receive an outcome automatically within a few minutes, if you do not receive anything within a few hours contact the Extensions team.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding extensions, you can get in touch with your school helpdesk, personal tutor, or our Advice Centre for guidance.