Disabled students can request up to 5 additional working days to complete assessed coursework including essays and dissertations.
This adjustment doesn’t apply to:
Assessments with short deadlines (where there are less than 3 weeks between the assessment details being released and the submission deadline)
Written exams (both in-person and online)
Any reference to 'day' or 'working day' in this article excludes weekend days, public holidays and university closure days.
If you have a diagnosed Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) or a medical condition that may affect your ability to complete coursework, you can apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA). Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further support.
How do I submit a request for a 5-working-day extension?
If you need to request an extension for a specific assessment, you must submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form (MCF).
Please bear in mind that extensions aren’t automatically granted and that you must submit a separate MCF for each assessment you wish to request an extension for.
You must follow these steps each time you request a 5-working-day extension:
- Log in to Student Records
- Select Student Home Page from the banner at the top of the page
- Select My Mitigating Circumstances within the My Modules area
- Select New Request under Submit a new Mitigating Circumstances request
- Choose Extension Granted by PAA from the Nature of Circumstances drop-down list
- Complete the form with the relevant details.
What happens after my request is submitted?
Once you’ve submitted your MCF, the outcome will be sent to your King’s email address by your department/faculty. This normally happens within 5 working days of submission.
If you have any questions about the status of your request, please contact your department/faculty as Disability Support & Inclusion doesn’t have access to mitigating circumstances requests and can’t provide updates on your application.
Important to know: Some departments/faculties may award more than 5 working days of extension depending on their policy. However, you will be offered a minimum of 5 working days. If you think you may need more than 5 working days, please contact your department/faculty directly to check their policy on longer extensions.
Common questions about the application process
I'm a King's Online student, can I apply for PAA and 5-working-day coursework extensions?
Yes. All disabled students with a KIP can apply for 5-working-day coursework extensions. However, extensions may not be possible for assessments with short time frames. To learn more about the support available to disabled students, please read our article What disability support is available for me at King's?
Is there a limit on how many 5-working-day extension requests I can make?
You can request one 5-working-day extension per assessment. However, there is no limit on how many different assessments you can request extensions for.
If you receive a 5-working-day extension and later find you need additional time, you’ll need to submit a new MCF under a different category. You must provide details of your circumstances and appropriate supporting evidence.
Important to know: Some departments may offer an extension that is longer than 5 working days for administrative reasons or to align with assessment cycles. You may submit your work at any point during the agreed extension period.
What about assessments with short deadlines?
The 5-working-day extension only applies to assessments where deadlines are set at least 3 weeks in advance.
For timed tests and exams, extra time is available where appropriate. However, assessments with short time frames (including 24-hour online examinations) usually include additional time for all students, meaning no further adjustment is needed.
Can I request a 5-working-day extension for a dissertation?
Yes, you can request a 5-working-day extension for a dissertation.
Can I request a 5-working-day extension for a presentation or portfolio?
This isn’t usually appropriate. However, if you’re required to submit your presentation or portfolio in a written format, you may request a 5-working-day extension.
Important to know: Verbal presentation or portfolio deadlines can’t be extended under this arrangement. If you’re unable to present at the scheduled time, you should contact your personal tutor.
My tutor has set a task due next week and won’t provide an extension - why?
Assessments with short time frames are not covered by the 5-working-day extension arrangement. These assessments are designed to allow sufficient time for all students to complete them, including those who may require additional time.