- What is an exceptional circumstances request?
- How does an exceptional circumstances request work?
- How do I submit a request?
- What is the deadline to submit a request?
- What evidence do I need?
- Who can advise me?
- Where can I get wellbeing support?
- If I need a coursework extension, what should I do?
- Is my exceptional circumstances information confidential?
- What happens after I submit my request?
- Can I apply if I have already submitted my assessment?
- How will I know that my request is accepted?
- What if my request is rejected?
- Can I submit another exceptional circumstances request after a referral or deferral?
- Will exceptional circumstances affect my grade or degree classification?
- Can I apply for exceptional circumstances if I have a student visa?
- I can't access my Student Record. What should I do?
What is an exceptional circumstances request?
If circumstances beyond your control are affecting your studies or assessment performance, you can apply to defer your assessment to the next available opportunity without penalty. You should speak to your Module Leader or Programme Leader about how this may affect your studies.
How does an exceptional circumstances request work?
Complete the online form and provide supporting evidence. If approved, your assessment may be deferred to the next assessment period without penalty.
How do I submit a request?
Click here for a step by step guidance for students.
What is the deadline to submit a request?
Exceptional Circumstances requests must be submitted no more than fifteen (15) working days after the assessment submission date and at least five (5) working days before the Board of Examiners.
For information on Exam Boards, please contact Ask Herts.
More information on semester and term dates
What evidence do I need?
You must provide evidence that supports your request and relates to the assessment date. In some cases, you may be able to use a Self-Certificate. Submitting false information may be treated as academic misconduct.
In certain circumstances you can use Self-Certificate to support your exceptional circumstances request.
Students should be aware that making a fraudulent request for exceptional circumstances is an academic misconduct offence UPR AS14 Appendix III and may result in a referral being made under the UH Student Academic Misconduct policy and/or Fitness to Practise policy.
Please be aware that certain situations are not suitable for an exceptional circumstances request.
Who can advise me?
You can speak to your Personal Tutor, Academic Support Advisor, WASS Advisor, Module Leader or Programme Leader. The ' Herts SU Advice and Support Centre can also help you through the process.
If you are a University debtor, please contact us on exceptional circumstances@herts.ac.uk and we will be able to discuss with you how you can proceed with an exceptional circumstances request.
Where can I get wellbeing support?
If you need support with your wellbeing, contact the Student Wellbeing Service.
You can also email the Herts SU Advice and Support Centre at advice@hertssu.com for free, practical and impartial advice.
If I need a coursework extension, what should I do?
Apply to your School for a coursework extension.
A coursework extension allows you to submit your assessment after the published deadline without penalty.
Check your module or programme information to find out who can approve an extension. For more information, see Coursework extensions.
Is my exceptional circumstances information confidential?
Yes. Your information will be handled confidentially and processed in line with the University's Data Protection policies
IM16-Data-Management-Policy & IM08-Data-Protection .
What happens after I submit my request?
You will receive a confirmation email when your request has been submitted. You can also view your submission in your Student Record.
Can I apply if I have already submitted my assessment?
Usually no. The University operates a fit to sit policy, which means that if you choose to sit or submit an assessment, the University would not normally accept a later exceptional circumstances request for that assessment.
If you have already submitted your assessment, you must include this information in your request. If you do not, any recommendation for a deferral may be disregarded by the Module Board of Examiners
How will I know if my request is accepted?
You will receive confirmation from the Student Cases team if your request has been accepted.
In some cases, the Module Board may overturn the decision if:
- the request conflicts with programme-specific regulations
- incorrect information was provided
- assessment dates do not match the evidence submitted
- you did not tell the Student Cases team that you had already submitted the assessment
The Student Cases team will not contact you again following the Board's decision.
What if my request is rejected?
If your request is rejected, contact your Module Leader or Programme Leader for advice on your next steps.
Can I submit another exceptional circumstances request after a referral or deferral?
Yes. If you are unable to complete the assessment during the next assessment period, you can submit another request through your Student Record.
Will exceptional circumstances affect my grade or degree classification?
No. If your request is approved and a deferral is granted, your assessment will be treated as a first attempt. Your overall mark and degree classification will not be affected.
Can I apply for exceptional circumstances if I have a student visa?
Yes, but changes to your studies may affect your visa. Contact the Student Immigration Team for advice at sitadvice@herts.ac.uk before submitting your request.
I can't access my Student Record. What should I do?
Contact helpdesk@herts.ac.uk for support.
If you are a student debtor and cannot access your Student Record, email exceptionalcircumstances@herts.ac.uk for advice on how to submit a request.