Extension Request Form - Durham University

Instructions For Applying for an Extension

Most students will not need to request an extension to a deadline. Occasionally though, events outside of your control may affect your ability to meet an assessment deadline. If this happens, you should apply for an extension to allow the work to be submitted after the deadline.

If you require an extension for a summative assessment then please follow the process below. Please note extensions are not permitted for short-term timed assessments (i.e timed take-home exams) or exams which take place during the University's standard exam period.

Formative extensions are dealt with informally via the module team. You are encouraged to submit your formatives as per the original deadline however should more time be required due to illness etc, an additional week is available if required. Feedback is not guaranteed for submissions received after one week of the original deadline.

Extensions won’t be granted to help pace deadlines. If you have a Disability Support Plan (DSP) which includes a provision to pace deadlines, our Student Support Officer will be in touch with you to arrange this.

Submit a request using the Extension Requests app. The app can be found on the Philosophy department Sharepoint page.
You can request an extension at any point up to the submission deadline, but note that if the extension is not granted and you submit the work late, late submission penalties will apply.
Extensions are for unexpected events, or those that are beyond your control, such as acute illness (a stomach bug, or flu, for example), bereavements or household emergencies that require your immediate attention.
You will need to provide the reason for which you are requesting the extension. In many cases, you will be able to provide a self-certification declaration to support your request. Please be truthful: a disciplinary process is in place for instances where a false declaration is made.
You should never assume that a request to extend a coursework deadline will be approved. You should manage your time to ensure that your work is completed well in advance of the deadline.
If granted, an extension will normally be for three or five days, depending on the severity of the circumstances.
If your circumstances are particularly severe, your case will be highlighted to your Student Support Officer so that they can provide further advice and guidance as appropriate.
Retrospective requests for extensions are not normally permitted.

Under what circumstances will extensions not be granted?

Before requesting an extension always think: is this an unexpected event beyond my control?

You should always seek help and advice well in advance of the deadline for expected events and manage your time appropriately to submit your coursework on time notwithstanding your other commitments. Coursework can be submitted in advance of the deadline if you have commitments on the day it is due.

The list below gives guidance about some of the circumstances under which extensions will NOT be granted. This list is not exhaustive!

Extensions won’t be granted to address poor time management.
Extensions won’t be granted if the delay is caused by computer / technology problems.
Extensions won't be granted for travel or holidays.
Extensions won’t normally be granted to provide care or support for somebody for whom you are not the primary carer, or for issues with animals, unless it is your registered support animal.
Extensions won't be granted for minor ailments (e.g. for something you would not normally miss work for, such as a headache).
Extensions won’t normally be granted for undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as general stress or anxiety. If you are experiencing mental health problems, please contact your College or Student Support Officer without delay to get help and advice.
Presence of a DSP cannot be used as a general reason to request an extension, and you won’t be granted an extension simply because you have a DSP. DSPs can only be used to provide evidence for an extension in the circumstances detailed on your DSP, such as a flare-up of an existing condition.
Extensions won’t be granted to help pace deadlines (although if you have a Disability Support Plan in place [DSP] you may have agreed paced deadlines in advance, and these of course will still be in place). If you have a DSP and require paced deadlines, the Student Support Officer for your Department will be in touch with you to arrange this.

If you are granted an extension

If you are granted an extension, please make sure that you submit your work by the revised deadline, ensuring that you do so by 2.00pm on the new deadline. If you miss your deadline because you submit after the time specified in the original instructions, even if it is on the correct day, late submission penalties will apply.

Summative assignments that are submitted late without an authorised extension in place will be capped at 40% (UG) or 50% (PGT) if submitted within five working days of the deadline, or 0% beyond this time.