Assessment support information
The regulations around assessment are complicated and this site is designed to make that information more accessible and digestible. Each section has a brief summary on a range of topics and then the links to any additional information you will need.
We understand that sometimes things do not go to plan and if that is the case, be assured that we have processes and support in place for students who find themselves in that situation
What are extenuating circumstances (EC)?
Support for students with disabilities
Where to access support
Disability Support Services can help if you have a disability, mental health difficulty, long-term medical condition, autistic spectrum conditions or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or ADHD
They can create a support plan for you that details adjustments for assessments (such as additional time, room adjustments or use of equipment)
Disability Support Services webpage
Extension requests for students with support plans in place.
If you have a support plan in place and after applying the grace period you still require an extension, details, and the form to complete can be found here
Examination extra time for students with support plans.
If you have a support plan that allows for additional time for examinations, colleagues in Student Services will ensure that this is correctly set up for you in the module assessment dropbox. These will all be set up one week prior to the examination date.
Any queries can be addressed to the relevant Student Services Assessment team
via our
Enquiry Form
Guidance on raising an EC claim
I submitted my exam but my performance was impacted by extenuating circumstances
Students should submit an extenuating circumstances claim by the deadline.
Raise an EC claim via the Student Enquiry Centre
I did not take my exam due to extenuating circumstances
Students should submit an extenuating circumstances claim by the deadline.
Raise an EC claim via the Student Enquiry Centre
A student can “self-certificate” absence from an exam for a maximum of 2 consecutive calendar days in an examination period. Be aware that this self-certification can ONLY be used for e-exams and NOT coursework or other assessment types. Make sure you read the policy in full before declaring that you wish to self-certify your absence from an assessment. Please note there can only be one outcome to such claims – a further attempt at the assessment in the next scheduled assessment period.
Policy on self-certification for examinations
PGR extension to annual review request
Should you feel your studies have been affected by extenuating circumstances and you would like a short extension for a deadline, the standard extenuating circumstances claim should be completed which can be found here
Supporting documentation for extenuating circumstances claims
The usual guidance on acceptable circumstances and evidence are available here.
Timescales for submitting claims
Coursework/Dissertation/Project: Claims must be submitted before the published coursework deadline
Timetabled Examinations/Assessments: Claims must be submitted within 7 days of the examination.
Full details can be found in Section 9 of the
EC Policy
Examinations
Our main Examinations page will give you the links to a wide range of information about your main examinations.
Whilst much of this is not relevant this year due to most assessments being online, it does include the main examination timetable, a helpful guide on the use of ExamSys and guidance on what to do if you encounter problems accessing your e-exam and uploading scripts.
Progression, Degree classification, Resits, First sits and Appeals
Progression
To progress from one year of your course to the next, you need to meet both the University academic progression regulations plus any additional supplementary regulations on your course.
Relevant University regulations can be found from here . Please select the relevant section depending on the type of degree and the relevant year of entry onto the course. The progression information can be found under the “Completion of stage” section.
Degree classification information including borderlines
You can find information on how our degrees are classified here . Please select the relevant section depending on the type of degree and the relevant year of entry onto the course. The progression information can be found under the “Other Undergraduate Awards” or “Taught Postgraduate Awards” section (depending on which is relevant).
Resits
A student who, at the first attempt, has not satisfactorily completed a stage (other than the final stage) has a right to one re-assessment in each failed module in order to satisfy progression requirements. The form of reassessment will normally be the same as the first attempt and will normally be taken in the August/September resit period (14 August 2023 – 1 September 2023, (2 weeks within this period. Actual start TBC). The resit mark is used for progression purposes only; it is the original mark that will be used for degree classification purposes. For example, an undergraduate student may achieve 38 at the first attempt, but 63 on re-assessment. It is the original mark of 38 that will be used when calculating the weighted average to determine the final award classification.
Relevant University regulations for reassessment can be found here . Please select the relevant section depending on the type of degree and the relevant year of entry onto the course. The resit information can be found under the “Reassessment” section.
There is an additional charge for resits. It is a one-off charge no matter how many resits are being taken in the reassessment period. The fee is currently £80 for an undergraduate student and £130 for a postgraduate student.
First sit
One of the possible outcomes from an extenuating circumstances claim is a “first sit”. That means you can take another attempt at the assessment. This is a new first attempt (and therefore different from a resit) and the new marks will be used for degree classification purposes, unless your new mark is lower in which case your original mark will stand.
First sits will usually be offered in the reassessment period at the end of the academic year.
A number of students decide to not take the first sit offered to them and we will ask you to confirm this to us so we can update our records accordingly.
Can I appeal a decision?
If you are considering making an academic appeal, you should read the separate appeals guidance carefully. This advice supplements, but does not replace, the formal policy of the University.
Academic Appeals Procedure
Key dates
Find out the key dates for 2022/23 here.
We publish all assessment results electronically via the Blue Castle website, unless a school or department has advised of other arrangements. You need to make sure there's enough space in your University inbox to receive the email with your results. You will need your University username and password to access the system.
Who can I talk to?
Module convenor
Your module convenor is available if you have any questions about the module or module assessment, including any questions prior to the assessment about accessing the paper.
Personal Tutor/Supervisor
You tutor or supervisor will be able to talk to you about any general concerns you may have including extenuating circumstances.
Student Services Assessment staff
Student Services deal with the administration side of assessment, examinations and extenuating circumstances. You can contact us via our enquiry form, live chat, or telephone
Support and Wellbeing
Our Support and Wellbeing Officers can help you to find the right support service if you are unsure where to go