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It's deadline season, and navigating mutliple assessments can be really daunting. If you’re reading this because you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or not sure what to do next, take a breath - you’re in the right place, and there are systems in place to support you. Reasonable adjustments, extensions, extenuating circumstances aren't about “getting out of work” - it’s about fairness, accessibility and making sure you can actually succeed.
We've broken everything down so that you can get the help you deserve, without the stress or guesswork.
Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs)
The UCL Delayed Assessment Scheme gives you three Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs) each academic year to help you manage your assessments better. A DAP entitles you to either a 5 working day extension or a deferral, depending on the nature of your assessment. DAPs can be used for a number of reasons - from easing pressure of multiple deadlines, to minor illnesses not covered by extenuating circumstances - it's about helping you manage your studies/time.
The key benefit of the DAPs provided under the scheme, is that they don’t require you to provide evidence or wait for approval.
How does the scheme work?
You can submit a DAP through Portico - navigate to the MyStudies tab and click on Delayed Assessment Scheme - Permits - View and Add. You can find a guide to submitting your DAP on Portico on the UCL website.
Note: You must make your request before the assessment deadline, or exam start time. You cannot submit a DAP after the deadline has passed.
Reasonable Academic Adjustments (previously SoRAs)
If you are a student with a disability or have a health condition that you feel might impact on your ability to perform in assessments, you can apply for Reasonable Academic Adjustments.
Your Reasonable Academic Adjustments are an agreed set of reasonable adjustments that UCL can provide to support you during your studies. This may be with physical, mobility, sensory, neurological, or mental health conditions that impact upon your studies.
Reasonable Academic Adjustments are varied and depending on your specific circumstances. They could include, but are not limited to:
- Assistive technology and use of a PC.
- Extra time and rest breaks during your examinations.
- Coursework and assignment extensions.
- Physical or human adjustments such as braille, large print papers, support assistants, ergonomic furniture and more.
These adjustments remain throughout the duration of your studies unless stated otherwise.
Before applying for reasonable academic adjustments, I was really nervous about the process, and didn't know how to approach it. But as my health condition worsened, I realised I needed extra support. I spoke to an adviser from student support and wellbeing, and they were really helpful in talking me through the steps I needed to take to access reasonable adjusments. They also reassured me that this was the right step to take, to make sure my health didn't impact my academics
Anonymous student
Extenuating Circumstances (ECs)
Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) are events which are sudden, unexpected, disruptive and, importantly, beyond your control. This could be, for example, the death of a close relative, a serious illness or accident, or being the victim of a violent crime.
UCL give you up to four weeks after submitting your EC application to submit evidence, so you can submit your request even if you are waiting on a Doctor writing you a letter, for example. A decision cannot be made until your evidence is received. This may affect the type of mitigation that is available to you.
Can I submit an EC if I already have Reasonable Academic Adjustments?
Reasonable Academic Adjustments should be in place as a proactive means of support for long-term or ongoing conditions, including impacts of an acute episode or flare-up of an existing condition. When these are in place, you are not expected to use the Extenuating Circumstances .
You can still apply for extenuating circumstances if circumstances that are not covered by your Reasonable Academic Adjustments come up.
If you're unsure on the support you need, don't hesitate to contact our Advice Service. You can arrange to see one of our advisers, who will be able to offer support whatever your concerns.