Exceptional Circumstances: Postgraduate students completing 2024/25 courses

Exceptional Circumstances explained

If you are experiencing serious and unusual circumstances beyond your control that are having an adverse impact on your academic performance, you can apply Exceptional Circumstances.

Students can also apply for Short Coursework Extensions on a limited number of occasions, within defined criteria.

Apply for a short coursework extension (on-campus)

Apply for a short coursework extension (online)

Your Student Adviser should be your first point of contact to discuss your circumstances.  They will be able to advise you on a range of support services available through the University’s central services and external agencies. They will also be able to explain the process of applying for Exceptional Circumstances.

Sometimes it may be appropriate to ask your Student Adviser for a statement to support your Exceptional Circumstances application, we ask for at least 3 working days notice wherever possible.

Contact Student Support by email: BMTOPGstudentsupport@ed.ac.uk

Deadlines

Semester 1 - TBC

Semester 2 - TBC

Semester 3 - TBC

What happens next?

If a student’s Exceptional Circumstances application is accepted, the relevant Board of Examiners will take into account the impact on the student’s assessments and take appropriate action in the best academic interest of the student without disadvantage or advantage in relation to their peers. The options available to the Board of Examiners are detailed in the Exceptional Circumstances Policy.

Exceptional Circumstances Policy 

How to apply

Exceptional Circumstances applications are submitted to the Extensions and Special Circumstances Services team (ESC).

From 13 September 2024, the ESC website will provide details on how to apply along with information on the criteria for applying and evidence required. The ESC pages also detail how application decisions will be communicated and anticipated timeframes.

ESC website 

If you have questions about your application, the Extensions and Special Circumstances team can be contacted by email at escteam@ed.ac.uk. They aim to respond to completed Exceptional Circumstances applications (including information on affected assignments, providing evidence, etc.) within five working days to advise if an application has been accepted.

More information on Exceptional Circumstances can be found on the University Academic Services website.

University’s Academic Services’ website.