Requests for Additional Consideration (RAC)

Introduction

At university, unexpected events can sometimes have a serious impact on your ability to complete assessments or perform at your best.

A Request for Additional Consideration (RAC) allows you to inform the University about these circumstances so they can be considered when decisions are made about your assessments and your deadlines.

This page explains what RAC is, what it can be used for, what is not normally accepted, and how to apply.

What is an RAC?

A Request for Additional Consideration (RAC) is a process used when serious and unforeseen circumstances have affected your ability to complete assessments, attend exams, or submit work on time.

These circumstances are considered on an individual basis, as impact can vary from student to student.

RAC can be used to request support such as:

Extensions
Deferrals (moving an assessment to the next available period)
Other academic adjustments depending on severity

Applications are submitted online via UDo.

What can an RAC be used for?

An RAC is designed to support students who have experienced significant, unexpected events that affect their studies.

Level 1 (Extensions)

Examples may include:

Short-term illness or medical condition
Unexpected caring responsibilities
Bereavement
Trauma linked to a protected characteristic

Level 2 & 3 (Deferrals and Mitigating Actions)

Examples may include:

Serious illness, injury, or worsening health condition
Death or significant illness of a close friend or family member
Unexpected caring responsibilities for a dependent
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident
Crime that has significantly impacted you
Severe accommodation issues (e.g. eviction or uninhabitable housing)
Technical issues preventing access to assessment or teaching

What can't RACs be used for?

RAC is unlikely to be approved in the following situations:

Planned events or circumstances that could reasonably have been anticipated
Minor illnesses (e.g. colds or hay fever), unless exceptionally severe
Assessments scheduled close together
Poor time management
Minor transport issues
Computer or printer failure where work was not backed up

RAC levels and how they work

Level 1 (Extensions)

There are two types of extension requests:

7-day extension

• No evidence required
• Can normally be used once per academic year
• Applies to one assessment
• Should not be requested more than one week before the deadline

14-day extension

• Evidence is required
• Reviewed and approved by your College Student Centre
• Further information may be requested before a decision is made

Level 2 (Deferrals / Next Assessment Period)

Level 2 requests allow you to submit work at the next available assessment opportunity.

Evidence is required
Straightforward cases (e.g. medical evidence) may be approved by the College Student Centre
More complex cases may be referred to an RAC panel
Must usually be submitted before the deadline
For exams, applications must be submitted within 7 days after the assessment

Level 3 (Mitigating Circumstances)

Level 3 is used for more serious or ongoing impact and may include:

Discounting a module from classification calculations
Retaking a stage of study uncapped
Extensions to breaks of study or registration periods

All Level 3 applications must be supported by evidence.

Outcomes may be:

Upheld
Rejected
Returned for further evidence (you will have 10 working days to respond)

What to include in your RAC application

When submitting your RAC, it is important to:

Clearly explain what has happened and how it has affected your studies
Be specific about dates and timelines
List all affected assessments
State the outcome you are seeking (if known)
Provide strong supporting evidence (e.g. medical evidence, official documents, or other independent verification)

Where possible, evidence should come from a professional or independent source that can verify your circumstances.

You may also wish to speak to someone for support — while this is not required, the University can offer ongoing support where appropriate.

How to apply

RAC applications are submitted online via UDo.

Make sure you:

Submit your application as early as possible
Include all relevant evidence
Check deadlines carefully, as timing requirements vary depending on the type of request

How we can help

If you are unsure whether to submit an RAC, or need help completing your application, our Advice team can support you.

We can help you:

Understand which level of RAC applies to your situation
Check your application before you submit it
Explain supporting evidence requirements
Clarify how RAC interacts with extensions, deferrals, and progression decisions

How we can help

Level 1 – lower level concerns

I have been experiencing anxiety over the past week, which is affecting my ability to focus on my essay due next Friday. I do not anticipate this stress continuing beyond the submission date. I have attached a note from my GP confirming this short-term period of anxiety. This is specific to me and could not have been predicted. I am requesting a 14-day extension to allow me time to focus on my mental health.

Level 2 – Moderate / Longer-Term Circumstances

I have recently been evicted from my home, which requires me to find a new house and complete the move before the end of the month. This has coincided with the period I am preparing my assignment due in 2 weeks, making it difficult to focus and complete my work to my usual standard. I have attached the formal eviction notice as evidence. The circumstances were unexpected. This will impact my ability to submit on time and so I am requesting to defer to my next available submission point.

Level 3 – Significant / Ongoing Circumstances

I have recently experienced the death of a close family member (be specific about the relation to this person), which has had a profound impact on my emotional wellbeing and my ability to focus on my studies during this semester. Due to my grief, I was unable to study effectively and my grades for this module are significantly below my usual standard. I have attached a copy of the death certificate. I am requesting that this module be discounted from my final award calculation, so it does not unfairly impact my overall degree classification, while still achieving a pass mark in line with degree requirements.

FAQs

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