Assessment and Mitigating Circumstances

I cannot submit my assignment on time, what are my options?

If you need an extension for 7 days or less and have not already applied you can apply for an automatic extension for one assessment per academic year.  If you need longer than 7 days or have already applied you will need to submit a mitigating circumstances application.

What is the difference between an automatic extension and a mitigating circumstances application?

Automatic extension If you need an extension for 7 days or less and have not already applied you can apply for an automatic extension for one assessment per academic year.  No evidence or approval is required. 

Mitigating circumstances If you need longer than 7 days or have already applied for an automatic extension you will need to apply for a mitigating circumstances application.  Evidence and approval is required.

Mitigating Circumstances Form  

Mitigating Circumstances Guidance Document  

How do I apply for an automatic extension request?

Complete and submit the online form Application for Automatic Extension - Taught Programmes  

This will notify the Registry team that you have applied for your extension and they will inform your programme team. 

How do I apply for a Mitigating Circumstances request?

Complete and submit the mitigating circumstances form to taught.degrees@sas.ac.uk  

Mitigating Circumstances Form  

Mitigating Circumstances Guidance Document  

How many times can I apply for an automatic extension?

Once. Students will be offered one opportunity across all modules per academic year to submit for an automatic extension for up to 7 days. This applies to all modes of study.  Any more than one request for an extension per academic year is submitted as a mitigating circumstance. 

What do I do if I need longer than a 7 day extension / I have been granted an automatic extension of 7 days but now need additional time?

For extensions of more than 7 days students should submit the assignment at a date agreed by the course director and apply via the mitigating circumstances process to the Board of Examiners.  

Can I submit an automatic extension request for all assessments?

Automatic assessment extensions are primarily suitable for written assignments including dissertations.

Automatic assessment extensions are not eligible for presentations, performance or other practicals, un-seen and take home examinations, placements and or internships with an element of assessment where students may gain unfair access to questions or answers. 

Can I submit my automatic extension request after my assignment deadline?

For dissertations, requests MUST be submitted where possible a minimum of 7 days before the due date. 

For all other eligible assessments you can submit after the assignment deadline.

What if I have submitted an automatic extension request and have changed my mind/withdraw my request?

Once you have submitted the request it is automatically approved and cannot be reversed.