This is a guide to UCL's Delayed Assessment Scheme for the 2024/25 academic year.

What is the Delayed Assessment Scheme for?

The UCL Delayed Assessment Scheme gives you three automatic extensions each academic year to help you manage your assessments better. It can be used if you're going through difficult times. The key benefit of the Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs) provided under the scheme, is that they don’t require you to provide evidence or wait for approval.

Circumstances in which it could be useful to use a DAP include, but are not limited to: 

  • Minor illnesses not normally covered by ECs
  • Other life commitments affecting your assessments, not normally covered by ECs
  • General need for additional flexibility with deadlines

​Full information on the Delayed Assessment Scheme is available on the UCL website, including the limitations on using DAPs.

Let’s break the Delayed Assessment Scheme down

  • You can use up to three DAPs per year for eligible assessments. This gives you more time to complete your work without needing to ask UCL for permission
  • No Need for Extra Paperwork: Unlike Extenuating Circumstances (ECs), you don’t need to provide supporting evidence or wait for approval when you use a DAP. Once you’ve submitted it, the extension is granted
  • Once you’ve used all three DAPs, you’ll need to go through the Extenuating Circumstances (EC) process
  • Supports Your Wellbeing: The DAP is meant to help you stay on top of your studies, especially if you're facing personal or academic challenges. It allows you to balance life and university without too much stress

How does the Delayed Assessment 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.

You need to make your request before the assessment deadline, or exam start time. 

Summary

The Delayed Assessment Scheme gives you automatic extensions without the need for extra paperwork. You get three extensions per year, and once used up, you’ll need to go through the Exenuating Circumstances process for further support. It’s a way to give you more control over your studies and reduce stress if you face difficulties.

If you have any concerns or questions about the Delayed Assessment Scheme, contact the Advice Service as soon as possible to make sure you have all the information you need to make your decision. 

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