What are personal extenuating circumstances? - Student Administration

A PEC could include:

Illness or injury (physical or mental health)

Bereavement or serious illness of a close family member

Unexpected caring responsibilities

An emergency, like an accident or crisis that prevents attendance

You can request a PEC if:

You’re unable to attend a scheduled exam or class test

You miss a assessment deadline and can’t use an extension

Your academic performance was affected by the event

If accepted, a PEC might result in a deferral or other academic adjustment.

To make sure the process is fair for everyone, the University has clear guidelines on what circumstances will be considered, what evidence you need to provide and what situations typically will not qualify as a PEC.

Examples of valid and invalid circumstances

In order to be considered, your circumstances must:

Directly affect your ability to complete or perform in an assessment

Be unavoidable (you couldn’t reasonably prevent them)

Occur at a time that impacts your ability to study or submit work

Circumstances that are likely to be accepted

Circumstances that are likely to not be approved

A significant illness or injury lasting more than three days

A mental health crisis or severe emotional distress

A bereavement or serious illness affecting a close family member

An unexpected emergency (e.g. housing crisis, safeguarding issue)

Unplanned caring responsibilities

A late diagnosis or delay in implementing reasonable adjustments

Minor illnesses like a cold or short-term stomach bug

Oversleeping or misreading a timetable

Poor time management or lack of preparation

Holidays, weddings, or routine life events

Printer or computer failure (unless caused by a university system)

Issues already covered by long-term support plans, unless there’s a new or serious change

You should contact your School or Student Experience Team if you’re unsure if your circumstances might be valid.

Data protection and confidentiality

PEC claims are considered by designated colleagues within your academic school, in line with the University’s agreed policies on data protection, records management and information security.

Details will only be shared with staff involved in making decisions about PECs or where the information is relevant to processes, such as Assessment and Progress Appeals, Progress Panels, Fitness to Study, or Fitness to Practice Procedures, etc.

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