This article provides an overview of the arrangements that can be made for disabled students when completing coursework (including essays and dissertations)
What adjustments can be made when completing coursework (including essays and dissertations)?
Students will be able to request up to 7 days of additional time to complete assessed coursework.
This also includes:
- Essays
- Dissertations
Important to know: This adjustment cannot be made for assessments with short deadlines (less than 3 weeks between assessment details provided and the submission deadline).
How can I apply for the 7-day extension/an adjustment to be made?
Who can apply for this adjustment?
Any student with a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 can apply for this adjustment.
How do I apply for the 7-day extension in my application for PAA?
To apply for the 7-day extension in your application for PAA:
- Login to Student Records
- Once logged in, navigate to the heading 'PAA' from the homepage
- Select the option ‘Apply for or Review Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA)’
- Select the ‘7-day Extension Requests box’ in the PAA application form once you are presented with the option to do so.
I'm a King's Online student, can I apply for PAA?
Due to PAA approvals being processed only three times per year, PAA is not currently utilised for King’s Online students. If you require assessment adjustments, contact the Disability Support Team, who will create a King’s Inclusion Plan for you. Read our article How can Disability Support assist me with my disability? for further guidance on KIP’s and contacting the team.
What happens once my application for PAA is approved?
Once your application for the 7-day extension (via PAA) is approved, you will then be given the option to request extensions via the mitigating circumstances form in Student Records (under My Modules).
When you open the Mitigating Circumstances Form (MCF) you will have the option to select 7-day extension request. You will not need to enter any further details or upload any supporting evidence.
Important to know: Some departments may provide more than 7 days depending on faculty policies, but you will be offered 7 days extra time as a minimum. Please note extensions are not automatically applied,
you will need to make an application under the MCF process, as stated above.
Common questions about the application process
We’ve included a list of common queries to support you during your application.
Why can't I select a 7-day extension request in the mitigating circumstances form?
You’ll first have to apply for the 7-day extension via an application for Personalised Assessments Arrangements (PAA). Please apply for all provisions that may be required. Read our article What are Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
I’ve submitted my application for PAA; why can’t I see the option to select a 7-day extension within my MCF form?
If you are not able to request a 7-day extension request in your Mitigating Circumstances Form, your application for PAA may still be under review. To check the status of your application, please email the Examinations team at PAA-Exams@kcl.ac.uk.
Important to know: For further guidance on what to expect once you’ve applied for PAA, please read our article After you have applied for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
Is there a restriction on how many requests I can make for a 7-day extension?
You can only request a 7-day extension for an assessment once. There is no restriction on requesting 7-day extensions for various coursework assessments, but it can only be used once per assessment.
If you request a 7-day extension and find that you need more than the 7 additional days, you’ll need to submit another Mitigating Circumstances form, and select another category. You will, however, need to provide an explanation of your circumstances and supporting evidence.
Important to know: Some academic departments may offer you a short extension that is longer than the approved seven days you’ll receive when you apply for PAA. This may be for administrative reasons, or to keep within their assessment cycles, but you are able to hand in your work at any point during the agreed extension time.
If 7-day extensions can only be applied to assessments where completion time/deadlines are set at least three weeks in advance, what about other assessments with shorter timings?
Extra time is available for timed tests and examinations, but assessments with short time frames (including 24-hour online examinations) usually have additional time built in, so that it is not necessary to add any further time for disabled students.
Can I request a 7-day extension for a dissertation?
Yes, you are able to request a 7-day extension for a dissertation.
Can I request a 7-day extension for a presentation?
This would not normally be appropriate, but if you are required to submit your presentation in a written format then yes.
Important to know: Verbal presentations cannot be extended under this arrangement; you should speak to your tutor if you will not be able to present at the time given.
My tutor has set a task to complete for next week and won’t provide an extension, why is this?
Assessments with short time frames (see above) are not covered by this arrangement. Assessments with short time frames are set with enough time for all students to complete them, including those who need extra time compared to others.