I hope this email finds you well.
As the Semester B exam period will begin shortly, I would like to remind you of the process for submitting Extenuating Circumstances claims.
Extenuating Circumstances
EC submission deadline
- Semester B exams: Monday 8 June 2026
EC claims submitted after this date cannot be considered.
Information about ECs
- ECs are reserved for unforeseen circumstances that prevent a student from sitting an exam or assessment.
- EC claims may be submitted:
- With evidence (standard claims), or
- Without evidence (self-certified claims), subject to the restrictions below.
- Accepted EC claims for exams can only offer a replacement attempt. The EC process cannot be used to remove late penalties for exams submitted after the deadline.
- If an EC claim for a missed exam is accepted, the exam will be rescheduled for the Late Summer Resit (LSR) exam period in August 2026 (see QMUL calendar).
- Accepted ECs can impact on graduation for finalists.
- Claims will not be accepted for travel disruption, as students are expected to allow sufficient time for delays when travelling to campus.
Self-certification
- Students may submit a maximum of one self-certification claim in each examination period.
- Self-certification can cover multiple exams/assessments within a 7-calendar-day period.
- If the affected exams span more than 7 days, you will need to submit a standard claim, i.e. a claim with evidence.
- If you submitted a self-certification claim in the Semester A exam period, or this is your third self-certificate claim, you must attend a compulsory meeting with your Advisor. Please contact your Advisor once you have submitted the claim to book the meeting.
Examples of acceptable evidence (standard claims)
- A letter from a medical professional dated at the time of the exam (physical or mental health).
- A death certificate or funeral programme (bereavement).
- A police report or crime reference number (crime-related incidents).
Fit to Sit policy
Queen Mary operates a Fit to Sit policy covering all exams and assessments. By sitting an exam (in person or online), you are declaring yourself fit to do so. If you do not feel well, you should not attempt the examination.
EC claims submitted after attempting or completing an exam will not normally be accepted and will only be considered in exceptional cases, supported by compelling medical evidence from the day of the exam. For in-person exams illness must be reported to the invigilator and for online exams you must report the illness to the student support team in your school via AskQM before the end of the exam.
Further details are available here: QMUL Fit to Sit Policy.
How to submit an EC claim
All EC claims must be submitted via Mysis: Access Mysis here.
Please see the EC Guide for Students for more guidance.
Receiving an outcome
Outcomes may not be published until after your examination. You will receive the final outcome no later than 19 June.
If you have sat the exam, your EC will be invalidated.
Interruption of Studies Deadline
If you wish to take a break from your studies and do not wish to sit Semester B exams, the deadline to request an interruption is Today - Wednesday 6 May 2026.
This request can be made on Mysis via the 'Change of Circumstances' tab. Further details can be found here: QMUL Interruption of Studies.
Support During the Exam Period
Advisor: You can ask your Advisor if you need guidance including preparing for the exams and study planning.
School Student Support team: You can contact the Student Support team with questions about your ECs or more information about support at the University at AskQM
Advice and Counselling: You can meet with a wellbeing advisor for pastoral support or guidance. Use AskQM to request an appointment.
Useful resources on exam stress are available here: QMUL exam stress.
Academic Skills Centre: You can use their online resources, workshops or find out about one-to-one support to develop your academic skills. Email academicskills@qmul.ac.uk if you have questions about the information on their website.
If you have any questions, AskQM.
Good luck in your exams.
Best wishes,
Student Experience Team
