We can help you understand what is and isn’t an EC, how or when to apply, appropriate evidence, self-certification, and what your outcome letter means.
These regulations apply to all units which started from September 2025 and onwards.
What are Extenuating Circumstances?
The University defines ECs as circumstances which are short-term, unexpected, significantly disruptive and beyond your control.
As a student, it is your responsibility to inform the University of any circumstances you're facing which are affecting your studies, ability to complete an assignment or meet an assessment deadline.
Making a claim
You should apply for an EC as soon as you are able to. You should make your EC claim by the submission deadline of the affected assessment. Claims made after your deadline may not be considered.
You can complete an EC form on your Student Portal. You will need to log into the Student Portal, and go to the ‘My Assessments’ tab. If you are unable to apply through your Student Portal, you can instead contact your college’s EC team who will be able to provide you further guidance. You can find contact details for your college’s EC team here.
Your assessment
An accepted EC claim can have one of two outcomes:
- Late submission: the chance to submit your grades within 7 days of the assessment deadline with no grade penalty.
- Deferral: an opportunity to submit your work in the future. A new deadline will be communicated to you via email, moodle and/or your exam board letter. You will not have a grade penalty. *You can only use a deferral if you have not submitted any work for your original submission.
You must choose only one of these options.
Evidence for a claim
There are multiple forms of acceptable evidence. Choosing an appropriate one will depend on your circumstances. You can see a detailed guide here.
The list is not exhaustive but can include:
- Medical letter from a GP or registered medical practitioner
- Letter from UAL Counselling and Health Service
- Death certificate
- Written evidence from the police or fire service
- Written letter from a civil authority
- Letter from a creditor
- Employment termination letter
- Eviction notice
- Jury summons
If you cannot provide evidence
In the event where you’re unable to submit evidence, you can self-certify your claim.
Self-certification is used to support students experiencing crisis when there is no opportunity to obtain supporting documentation before an EC submission deadline.
You can self-certify with no evidence but a full explanation of your circumstances must be included.
Arts SU Advice can support you by
- Advising you on the process
- Helping you structure your EC claim
- Guide you in choosing evidence
- Provide feedback on your claim and suggest changes
- Advise you through the process if you are unhappy with the outcome