Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way and this can affect your ability to complete assessments. If this happens, QMUL’s Extenuating Circumstances (EC) process is here to support you.
Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way — illness, emergencies, difficult personal situations — and this can affect your ability to complete assessments. If this happens, QMUL’s Extenuating Circumstances (EC) process is here to support you.
This article explains what ECs are, when to use them, the types of evidence you may need, and what to expect once you submit a claim.
For in depth information check out - Extenuating Circumstances: a guide for students and the full University Policy 
What Are Extenuating Circumstances?
QMUL defines Extenuating Circumstances as:
Significant, unforeseen events outside your control that have a negative impact on your ability to undertake or complete an assessment, casting doubt on the validity of the assessment as a measure of your achievement.
These circumstances are typically short-term, serious, and unexpected.
Examples of circumstances that may be accepted:
Situations that do not normally qualify:
ECs are designed to support you during genuine, unexpected disruptions — not long-term or ongoing issues, which are usually better addressed through Disability & Dyslexia Service support plans.
The ‘Fit to Sit’ Policy — Important!
QMUL operates a Fit to Sit policy. This means that if you submit coursework or attend an exam, you are declaring to the University that you are well enough — both physically and mentally — to take that assessment. By submitting or sitting an exam, you’re confirming that you believe you are in a suitable condition to complete it.
Therefore, if you are feeling unwell because of medical or personal difficulties, you should not sit an exam or submit an assignment.
If you are taken ill during an in-person examination and do not feel able to continue, you can submit an extenuating circumstance claim, but you need to make sure that you tell the invigilator that you are unwell and how this has left you feeling, as this will be necessary for the claim to be successful.
If you later make an Extenuating Circumstances claim for the same assessment, you would need to prove that, at the time, you were not able to recognise that you were unwell or unable to make that judgement.
When Should I Submit an EC Claim?
You should submit as soon as possible.
The policy states that the following cut-off dates for applications apply:
a) 7 calendar days after the indicated deadline for coursework assessment.
b) 3 calendar days after the last date of the Examination Period for an exam.
Late claims are only considered where you can show compelling reasons for the delay.
How to Apply
You can submit an EC claim through the University’s online system (MySIS → Extenuating Circumstances task).
Your claim will ask for:
You will receive email confirmation and later an outcome decision.
Self-Certification — No Evidence Needed (In Some Cases)
QMUL allows students to self-certify up to two times per academic year for short-term illness or issues.
You can submit a further self-certification claim, i.e. a third claim within an academic year, but this will require you to attend a compulsory meeting with the school or institute, e.g. with your Academic Advisor, for the outcome to be confirmed and the adjustment applied.
Self-certification grants a 7‑day extension only. For anything more significant, you’ll need a standard EC claim with evidence.
What Evidence Might I Need?
For standard EC claims, evidence could include:
Evidence must confirm:
If you cannot provide evidence immediately, you will have 7 days from the point of request to supply the evidence.
What Happens After I Submit?
An Extenuating Circumstances Assessor will review your claim in line with University policy to ensure consistency and fairness.
[qmul.ac.uk]
If approved, you may be granted:
You will be told the outcome via your QMUL email.
If your claim is not accepted, you can appeal if you believe procedural errors occurred or it wasn’t properly considered. If you would like help with this our independent academic advice service can help.
Final Tips
Additional Support
These include quite a few services that charities offer if you would like to talk to someone immediately.
If you feel at immediate risk today - these are some Emergency Contacts