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Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances

IMPORTANT - The information on this page ONLY applies to:

    • PGT Students who started their studies in January 2024

    • Management students studying with Kaplan (Singapore) on Terms 352405 and 352408

All other students should refer to the information provided for 2024/25 AVAILABLE HERE

 

While studying at Royal Holloway it is important that you learn how to manage your assessment deadlines, as you are expected to hand in your assessments on time.

However, sometimes things go wrong and situations occur that disrupt the best laid plans. The university recognises that this can affect your ability to complete and/or submit a piece of assessed work or undertake an exam.

Extenuating Circumstances and Extensions are available to all students studying on taught programmes (or for taught elements of research programmes) including programmes offered with/via our partners, such as Kaplan (Singapore) and the NHS.

 

EXTENSION OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES - Which should I apply for?

 

EXTENSIONS 

  • If you are able to complete and submit the piece of work, but can't do this by the published deadline, you can apply for an extension. These are available for two and five working days. Students are permitted 2 x two working day AND 2 x five working day extensions per academic year. 

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

  • If you can submit by the published deadline but you feel that the standard of your work has been substantially affected by your current circumstance.
  • If you are unable to complete or submit your coursework at all.
  • When you have reached the limit of permissible extensions in an academic year but experience circumstances which affect further assessments.
  • For exams (including in person invigilated exams, online assessments, open book exams and other non coursework assessments).
  • Coursework modules where extensions are not permissible.

For Extensions 

What sort of circumstances apply?

  • Any short term circumstance that delays your submission.

When can an extension not be approved?

  • For an assessment that has a submission deadline more than 5 working days in the future (you can only apply in the 5 working days leading up to the deadline).
  • For an assessment that is exempt from extensions.
  • When you have already had all your permitted extensions for the academic year.

 

For Extenuating Circumstances

What sort of circumstances apply?

  • Serious short term illness 
  • Hospitalisation (unexpected and planned)
  • Bereavement
  • Flare up/onset or diagnosis of a longer term medical or mental health condition
  • Family/relationship issues
  • Unexpected caring responsibilities
  • Domestic crisis
  • IT issues at the time of submission
  • Major transport problems/delay
  • Involvement in an accident
  • Unexpected financial difficulties
  • Being a victim of a crime
  • Jury service - where a request to defer your service is not possible or has been rejected
  • Court attendance as a defendant or witness
  • Unexpected work commitments (part-time students only)

More details on the above are available in Part 3 of the 'Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances' document.

What sort of circumstances don't apply?

  • Minor illness such as a cold or headache
  • The workload/number of submissions on your programme
  • Long term/ongoing medical or mental health conditions, including those that are supported by reasonable adjustments agreed by the Disability & Neurodiversity team. You can also seek support and guidance from the wider Wellbeing Department for mental health, wellbeing or financial challenges.
  • Events/travel that are planned in advance such as weddings, holidays, family gatherings, etc
  • Paid or voluntary work commitments (full-time students)
  • IT problems other than at the time of submission
  • A correctly applied hold on your university services account which prevents you accessing some university services and resources

 If you are still unsure, a comprehensive list of all the permitted/excluded circumstances is available here.

EXTENSIONS

Find out more and apply

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EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Find out more and apply

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Important links and Documents

EXTENSION QUERIES

Contact your School Helpdesk or email extensions@royalholloway.ac.uk 

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES QUERIES

Contact your School Helpdesk or email ECs@royalholloway.ac.uk 

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • EXTENSION POLICY 2023/24

Royal Holloway Policy on Applications for Extensions for Taught Courses of Study 

  • EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES POLICY 2023/24

Extenuating Circumstances Policy 

Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances 2023/24