1. Scope and Principles

This procedure applies to all students requesting:

• Short-term extensions for coursework deadlines
• Deferrals for assessments in cases of serious or prolonged circumstances

The process is designed to balance student support with the maintenance of academic standards.

2. Grounds for Requests

Requests may be considered under valid mitigating circumstances, including:

• Medical conditions (physical or mental health)
• Serious personal or family issues
• Exceptional or unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control

Routine workload pressures or poor time management are not considered valid grounds.

3. Types of Requests

• Extension: Short-term extension (normally up to 7 calendar days) for coursework deadlines
• Deferral: Postponement of an assessment to a later assessment period

4. Application Process

Students must:

• Submit a formal request using the designated Extension/Deferral Form
• Provide appropriate supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificates or official documentation)
• Inform the Module Leader or Programme Coordinator in advance of the deadline where possible

5. Timeframes

• Extension requests should be submitted at least 48 hours before the deadline
• Deferral requests should be submitted as soon as possible and no later than 5 working days after the assessment deadline

6. Decision-Making Process

• Extension requests are reviewed by the Module Leader and Programme Coordinator
• Deferral requests are reviewed by the Academic Committee or designated panel

7. Decision Timelines

• Extension decisions are normally communicated within 2 working days
• Deferral decisions are normally communicated within 5 working days

8. Communication and Monitoring

All decisions are:

• Communicated in writing to the student
• Recorded centrally to ensure consistency
• Monitored as part of the College’s Quality Assurance processes

9. Student Support

Students are encouraged to seek guidance from Programme Coordinators or Student Support Services to ensure timely and appropriate submission of requests.