Essays, dissertations, theses and other submissions that are assessed as part of University Examinations have deadlines by which the work must be submitted. Make sure you know when and where you should submit your work. Deadlines are published either in the Examination Regulations or in your course handbook. The majority of work for assessment will be submitted online, with work which can only be submitted in hard copy (e.g. fine art portfolios) handed in to departments.
If you do submit your work late, you will receive an email notification of the consequences (such as an academic penalty) and instructions on what to do next. You can also apply for extensions if you know your work will be late. Academic penalties vary from course to course but are normally on a sliding scale and are published in your examination conventions. You should be able to find a copy of these in your course handbook or in a separate document in a similar location. The Proctors can waive late penalties if you meet the definition.
What process do I need to follow?
If you are within 24 hours of the deadline, have not self-certified for this submission, and have not already self-certified twice that academic year, you can apply for an extension of up to seven calendar days.
If you are not within 24 hours of the deadline or have already used up all of your self-certifications, then you need to apply via your College (or department, if you are non-matriculated) for late penalties to be waived. Therefore, it's important to get in touch with your College (most likely your Senior Tutor) as soon as possible after you are late, so they can support your application.
For what reasons can I request an extension/late penalties to be waived?
The University accept reasons related to illness or another urgent reason which is unforeseeable, unavoidable and/or insurmountable.
Unfortunately, the following situations are not accepted as reasons:
- - Delays in postage
- - Reliance on third parties to deliver your work
- - Travel problems
- - Printing problems
- - Failure of your private email
- - Failure of your computer (including getting a computer virus)
- - Internet connection difficulties
- - Difficulties connecting to the submission portal (unless a system-wide error)
- - Lost or stolen files
Regardless of whether its self-certified or independently certified, the University will want to know:
- - What illness or other urgent reason you experienced that was unforeseeable, unavoidable and/or insurmountable
- - How this impacted your ability to submit on time
- - Any evidence you have to confirm this or if you are intending to self-certify the request
What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for an penalty waiver and/or extension?
Your College or department may be able to make a dispensation request to have your original application considered outside of the timeframe.
When and how to apply
Self Certification Extension (up to 7 days)
You can apply up to two weeks in advance of your deadline or within 24 hours of the deadline. If it is past this time, you'd need to approach your College (or department, for non-matriculated students) for their support in a late penalty waiver instead. You can apply via Student Self Service by going to 'My exams', selecting 'extension requests' and click on 'start self certification application'.
Extension of more than 7 days or if already used all self-certified extension requests
Your College (or department, if non-matriculated) can apply up to four weeks in advance of your deadline or within 14 days of the deadline. They will do this by contacting the Proctors on your behalf. They can request an extension of up to 12 weeks. The total amount of extension you apply for should be proportionate to the time you have lost due to your circumstances.
Late Penalty Waiver
Your College needs to do this application within 14 days of your submission deadline if you are providing independent evidence and within 24 hours of your deadline if you are self-certifying. They will do this by contacting the Proctors on your behalf.
If the Proctors decline your late penalty waiver or extension request, then you can appeal this decision to the Education Committee (if you meet the grounds of appeal).
Proctors Decision Appeals.
If you have a question not answered by the above or would like your draft statement/evidence checked over by a member of our team, then read our Advice Agreement and Contact Us and we'd be happy to help.