What are evidence based extenuating circumstances (ECs) and how can I apply?

Evidenced based extenuating circumstances are used when you have evidence to support your application, such as a letter from a GP or medical consultant, an official document relating to a bereavement or severe illness of a family member, military service or participation at national or international sports events.

There are no restrictions on the number of evidence based ECs you can submit each semester and they can be used for all types of assessments. They can be submitted before the assessment deadline or event or up to 5 working days afterwards.

If successful, for coursework, you will receive an extension of 10 University working days from the original deadline or a deferral to the next available assessment period (if you have selected this option for coursework). Exams will always be deferred to the next available assessment period. No extensions are given for exams.

Evidence based applications can be applied for up to 15 working days before the assessment deadline and up to 5 working days afterwards. Please note that if you submit the application after the assessment deadline and it is approved, you will still only receive the extension from the original deadline, not from when the application is approved. 

You can include multiple assessments/modules within a single evidence based application, but because the period of evidence-based EC extension is 10 working days, all of the assessments being applied for must fall within 10 working days (two calendar weeks) of each other. If this is not the case, you will need to submit separate evidence based EC applications. You can use the same evidence for these, as long as it is valid for the periods you are applying for.

To start an EC application, go to Surrey Self-Service. You can find out more on how to submit your application our Extenuating Circumstances pages.

You can view all of our Extenuating Circumstances FAQs on MySurrey Help.