Assessment support options
We want all our students to be able to succeed and want to support you if circumstances affect your studies.
Reasonable adjustments
If you have difficulty accessing or engaging with your learning or assessments, contact your school. They can work with you to address them and help identify appropriate support.
For student with long-term health conditions, we may be able to make changes to the way you are taught and assessed so you are not disadvantaged because of a disability. This includes learning difficulties and both physical and mental health conditions.
Wellbeing support is available to all our students.
Coursework extensions
Coursework covers written assignments which are set some time before a specified due date. This is usually a few weeks but can be longer. Coursework is different from exams, timed assessments and practical assessments.
It is always best to submit your work on time to avoid falling behind on other deadlines.
If you are unwell, or there is another reason why you are unable to meet a deadline for a coursework assignment, you can request an extension on or before the due date.
Absence from exams and assessments
Aim to take your exams at the scheduled time, unless you are too unwell.
Exams
Exams are assessments which you have to complete and submit in a set time and include:
- Exams which take place in an examination room, or online
- Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) tests
- Practical examinations (for example performance, supervised lab work)
- Oral examinations (for example presentations).
If you miss an exam, you should tell your school before the start of the exam and must complete the self-certification form within 2 working days of the exam.
Absence from timed assessments
Timed assessments need to be completed and submitted in a fixed time, which is normally four days.
Deadline extensions, self-certifying absence and late submissions are not allowed.
If your performance during the assessment has been affected by illness or other cause
- Complete and submit an extenuating circumstances form explaining the situation.
- Provide supporting evidence where possible.
- If you don't submit a timed assessment by the deadline, you will normally be required to take the timed assessment again in the resit period.
Absence from teaching
You may need to notify your school for any period of absence, if it is required by your programme of study or a specific unit.
If your absence from teaching has significantly impacted your performance in an assessment, submit an extenuating circumstances form explaining the situation. You are required to submit supporting evidence.
Study Abroad students
Resits or re-submissions of work is not permitted for incoming Study Abroad students at Bristol. Once your work has been assessed you will not be able to have your work re-assessed. Being re-assessed or taking a re-sit at Bristol is for the purpose of progression in a Bristol degree programme which does not apply to incoming Study Abroad students.
We advise Study Abroad students familiarise themselves with the Extenuating Circumstances process for Study Abroad.
How we store your data
Any personal information you share with the University as part of extenuating circumstances, self-certification of absence or coursework extension process (including forms and evidence) will be stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act. It will only be seen by a small number of individuals. These individuals will be members of your school's Extenuating Circumstances Committee (ECC) or supporting administrators. In line with the Data Protection Act, you must not include personal data about someone else in your form or evidence unless you have their permission to do so.
You may not want to disclose the details of your circumstance on the form or by submitting evidence if it is sensitive and distressing for you. Contact your school and they will arrange for you to talk to an appropriate member of staff who can advise you on how to proceed.
Help completing a form
Talk to Bristol SU's Academic Advice service if you need help completing a form.