15. Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances are defined by Queen Mary as:

Significant and unforeseen circumstances that are outside a student’s control which may have a negative impact on a student’s ability to undertake or complete any assessment so as to cast doubt on the likely validity of the assessment as a measure of the student’s achievement.

Extenuating circumstances are usually personal or health problems. Health problems include your emotional wellbeing and mental health, as well as your physical health. Extenuating circumstances do not include computer failure, misreading or not checking for updates to your exam timetable, planned holidays or events, observance of a religious festival or holy day*, or local transport delays.

*A student should plan their work to take into account participation in religious observances.

Queen Mary has adopted the fit to sit principle, which covers all assessments including coursework and exams. If you sit an exam or submit a piece of coursework you are deemed to be fit to do so. In such instances a request for extenuating circumstances will not normally be considered. If you do not feel you are well enough to attend an exam  or submit an assignment, then you should not attend and should submit a claim for extenuating circumstances instead.

It is your own responsibility to submit any claims for extenuating circumstances, not that of your tutor, Academic Advisor or other School contact (e.g. Student Support Officer). Please ensure that if you have what you believe is a valid case, you complete the submission process in accordance with the guidelines.

It is not possible to make a retrospective claim for extenuating circumstances, specifically once you know your results. Therefore, claims submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to the full guidance notes on extenuating circumstances from the Student Experience Directorate or online at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/student-experience/student-wellbeing-hub/extenuating-circumstances-a-guide-for-students/    

The Extenuating Circumstances Policy can be found at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/governance-and-legal-services/media/dgls-media/policy/current-policies/Extenuating-Circumstances-Policy.pdf

If you have read the full guidance notes on extenuating circumstances but still need some support, please contact Albert Cotlet, Student Experience Officer: pglaw-support@qmul.ac.uk

When to Consider an EC Claim

If you experience circumstances that may affect your ability to complete or perform in an assessment, you should consider submitting an Extenuating Circumstances (EC) claim.

Common valid reasons include:

  • Personal or family emergencies
  • Physical health issues
  • Mental health or emotional wellbeing challenges

Note: The following are not considered valid extenuating circumstances:

  • Technical or computer problems
  • Misreading your exam timetable
  • Planned holidays or social events
  • Local transport delays

Further Guidance

For detailed information on what qualifies as valid extenuating circumstances and how to submit a claim, please refer to:
Extenuating Circumstances: A Guide for Students

Reminders and additional guidance will be sent to students throughout the academic year, particularly around examination periods.