Leeds mitigating circumstances: what to do and deadlines

What to do first

Leeds calls this mitigating circumstances, under its Mitigating Circumstances Policy and Procedure. Start with the letter or email you have. It should tell you what assessment is affected, the original deadline and what you are being asked to do. Keep a copy of it. The deadlines in the facts on this page are coursework extension deadlines. If your assessment is not a coursework extension, the pages we read do not give the time limit; check your letter and the Leeds mitigating circumstances page to confirm it.

1. Read your letter and identify the assessment, the original deadline and any date in the letter.
2. Check whether you are applying for a coursework extension. If you are, use the online Microsoft Form.
3. Submit a coursework extension application by the original coursework deadline. Applications cannot be submitted after it.
4. Keep copies of the application and anything you send as supporting information.

LUU Advice is listed under Free help at Leeds. You can ask them to explain the letter and what to check.

Coursework extension deadlines

For coursework extensions, schools accept applications up to the original coursework deadline. Retrospective extensions will not be granted if an application is made after the published original coursework deadline. Students can apply for an extension of up to 14 calendar days from the original coursework deadline when circumstances will have a short-term impact on their ability to complete coursework. Students on programmes where clinical work or placements are integral may be granted extensions up to 28 calendar days from the original coursework deadline.

These are coursework extension rules. They are not a general deadline for every mitigating circumstances application. If your assessment is an exam or another assessment that is not a coursework extension, the pages we read do not give the time limit. Check your letter and the Leeds mitigating circumstances page.

For coursework extensions, students can self-certify on medical grounds for a period of up to 7 calendar days from the original coursework deadline. All other applications require supporting information. Supporting information must be submitted with the application or within 14 calendar days of the application being submitted. Coursework extension applications may be considered pending receipt of supporting information, but recommended decisions will not normally be confirmed until it has been received.

For coursework extension applications, students can normally expect a decision within 3 calendar days, excluding weekends and University closed days.

Evidence and self-certification

For coursework extensions, students can self-certify on medical grounds for a period of up to 7 calendar days from the original coursework deadline. All other coursework extension applications require supporting information. If you send evidence, it must be true. Do not change a document or ask for a certificate for an illness you did not have. Keep copies of what you submit.

What Leeds can consider

Leeds lists types of additional consideration. They include a further attempt at the next resit opportunity, either as a first attempt with an uncapped mark or as a resit with a capped mark. They also include removal of penalties for late submission or exceeding the word count; a further attempt for an uncapped mark at a module or component where the student passed, if it is accepted that mitigating circumstances may have affected academic performance; discounting low weighted components of a module mark if learning outcomes are assessed in other components; and an opportunity to retake all or part of an academic session, with first attempts or resit attempts at assessments, including attending teaching. These are types of additional consideration listed by Leeds. They are not a prediction of what will happen in your case.

If the decision is unclear

Read the decision letter and any letter that comes with it. If you do not understand it, ask LUU Advice. The pages we read do not give a review or appeal time limit for a Leeds mitigating circumstances decision, so check your letter and ask LUU Advice where to confirm it. Keep a copy of the decision with your other papers.