1. If a student needs to request an extension to one of these deadlines, they must first complete the Extension to Deadline request form.  
   
   
2. This should then be forwarded to their supervisor who will check and sign the form.
   
   
3. The supervisor then collates supporting evidence (e.g. proof of extenuating circumstances).
   
   
4. If the student is externally funded, the supervisor must check the impact on this request on the student's studentship and provide any confirmation from the funder that they support this request as part of the supporting evidence.
   
   
5. The supervisor will submit the request via the Online PGR request form, uploading the Extension to Deadline request form (if applicable) and the supporting evidence.  A supervisor's supporting statement will be requested at this stage.

A fee is chargeable for extensions on the first submission of the thesis or dissertation only.  There is no fee associated with upgrade or resubmission/correction extensions.

• For extensions of up to one month: No Fee
• For extensions of more than one month and up to six months: the fee for 2025/26 is £540
• For extensions over six months*: the fee for 2025/26 is £540 for the first six months plus pro-rata charge for each additional month.

*Extensions are usually only permitted to a maxium of six months at a time (and no more than twelve months in total). If more than six months is needed, a new suspension of regulations will need to be submitted, following the same guidance as the initial request (e.g., supported by appropriate evidence).

This is a set fee.  In the event of submission before the newly extended deadline, a pro-rata refund cannot be given.

If a student is studying on an RHUL sponsored visa, then they should contact the International Student Support Office prior to making a request to extend either the submission or resubmission/correction deadline as this may impact their visa.

If the student is on an ATAS bearing course and is requesting an extension to either the submission or resubmission/correction deadline, then they MUST discuss this request with the International Student Support Office prior to making the application. 

An extension may invalidate their visa and right to study.

If the suspension of regulations is to request an interruption to studies over 24 months and/or in the writing up year, then the student should still submit the standard interruption to studies request form located here.

If the suspension of regulations is to request a change to part-time mode after 24 months FTE then the student should still submit the standard Change of Mode request form located here.

The Doctoral School will then contact the supervisor separately to provide a supporting statement.

For any other suspension of regulations:

1. Supervisors must collate supporting evidence as appropriate (e.g. proof of extenuating circumstances)
   
   
2. The supervisor must submit the request via the Online PGR request form., uploading the supporting evidence as appropriate and giving a clear rationale for the request

Evidence should be provided that supports the reasoning for the Suspension of Regulations.  Where an extension is being requested this should also support the length of additional time that is required.

See the Extenuating circumstances - guidance for students for details of the type of documentation which is required to support such requests. 

For further guidance, please see Guidance for staff on extension and interruption requests.