Need More Time? How to request a Coursework Extension
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need extra time to submit your coursework, the University has an extension process to support you.
What is an Extension?
An extension gives you 1–14 extra calendar days to submit your work when unexpected circumstances affect your ability to meet the deadline.
Important:
- Extensions cannot go beyond the last day of the semester’s exam period.
- If you need more time than this, you can apply for Special Circumstances instead.
When Can You Request an Extension?
You can apply if you have clear medical or personal circumstances, such as:
- Illness or injury (with relevant dates)
- Bereavement or other compassionate reasons
- Victim of crime
- Financial or housing issues
- Serious personal issues
Not accepted:
- Computer or printing problems
- Lack of access to resources
- Multiple deadlines on the same day
- Struggling with material
- Non-academic activities (e.g., trips, training)
- Crisis games, performance productions, departmental study trips
- Illness for which no medical evidence is available
Please note some types of assessed work may not be eligible for an extension. For example, this could include group presentations or assessed group performances. If you’re unsure whether an extension can be granted for your assessment, it’s best to check with your department before submitting the Coursework Deadline Extension Request Form.
What Evidence Do You Need?
- Medical/health certificate (dated for the assessment)
- Death certificate
- Letter from University support services or external organisations
- Common Ailments Consultation Letter
- Impact statement explaining how the issue affected your work
If you can’t provide evidence immediately:
- Explain why and when you’ll submit it.
- Evidence should be provided by the end of the exam period.
- Ensure you provide an impact statement including a clear explanation of how your circumstances affected specific assessments. Be specific, providing dates and impact on your ability to meet the deadline.
- Failure to provide evidence may lead to the extension being withdrawn and a mark of zero.
How to Apply
- Complete the Coursework Deadline Extension Request Form (found in the Academic Quality Handbook).
- Email your form and evidence (or impact statement) to extensions@aber.ac.uk.
- Apply before the deadline - retrospective requests are not accepted.
- Requests made less than 3 working days before the deadline will normally be considered under Special Circumstances, unless your issue arose during that time.
How Is the Length Decided?
- Extensions are usually matched to time lost working on the assignment.
- Timing, duration, and severity of circumstances are considered.
- Extensions include weekends and holidays, so your new deadline may fall on a non-working day.
- If your circumstances are too severe for completion within 14 days, you’ll be directed to apply for Special Circumstances.
What Happens Next?
- The Faculty reviews your request.
- You’ll get an email decision within 3 working days.
- If approved, you’ll submit at the same time of day as the original deadline (e.g., 3:00 pm).
- If more evidence is needed, you’ll be asked to provide it before the original deadline.
What can the Undeb Aber Advice Service do to help?
The Undeb Aber Advice Service is independent from the University and provides a free, confidential and impartial service to all Aberystwyth University students.
The Advice Service can assist you in a range of ways, including:
- Discuss your circumstances in confidence either in person, over the phone or by email.
- Review any draft statements that you prepare and offer suggestions.
- Accompany you to any meetings to provide support and representation.
- Help you to collate appropriate evidence to support your case.
To make an appointment to discuss all your options, including what support is available to you, please contact us.
Contact an Advisor
Remember: We can only help if you tell us what’s going on.
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