If your studies are disrupted we have a number of different mechanisms that can be used to help, depending on your circumstances. These are called extensions, deferrals, or interruptions, and each does something different.
An extension will give you more time at the end of your course (if you lost time during your course). A deferral is a planned break in the middle of your course. And an interruption is a break in between units on your course.
Our policies here detail what each option is in more detail, eligibility for each of the options, and how you can apply. There’s also links to how to find additional support for your studies.
Extenuating Circumstances PolicyChanges from the previous policy
This is a summary of changes made to the policy for the 2025/26 academic year:
- New section added for Maternity Leave.
- New section added for qualifications that lead to an award of a Certificate of Higher Education.
- Changes to wording throughout for ease of reading and clarity.
Page last updated
This page was last updated on 01/08/2025. Changes made to the page included:
- Updated Extenuating Circumstances Policy for the 2025/26 academic year uploaded.
- Added in 2024/25 policy to the Archived Policies section.
- Updated changes to the policy for 2025/26.