Student Services

Guidance for Letters of Extenuating Circumstances Requests

If a significant event has impacted your performance in an assessment or examination (including non-submission), you can ask the Academic Board to consider it as extenuating circumstances when deciding your results. This must be submitted in writing through the Extenuating Circumstances Panel.

Supporting Your Application

• A common reason for extenuating circumstances is ill health.
• You will need to provide either:
  • A medical certificate, or
  • A letter explaining the nature of your illness.

We may be able to countersign a supporting letter if you consulted one of our clinicians within the two weeks prior to your application. For illnesses before this period, verification is only possible in exceptional cases, which must be discussed with the clinician.

Preparing Your Letter

Basic Information to Include:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Bristol Address
• Telephone Number
• Department
• Course and Module
• Year of Study

Additional Details:

1. Recipient Details

   • Include the date and the name of the recipient, e.g., your tutor.

2. Opening Statement

   • Start with: “This letter is to provide details of why I am seeking your consideration for a period of ill health.”

3. Details of Illness

   • Describe your illness, including:
     • Dates, symptoms, and diagnosis.
     • Confirmation that you consulted a clinician, including the date and location of the consultation.

4. Impact on Studies

   • Clearly explain how your illness affected your academic work.

5. Requested Support

   • Specify what assistance you are seeking from your tutor.

6. Closing Statement

   • Thank your tutor and sign the letter.

Submission Timeline and Fees

• Our clinicians aim to provide your letter within 48 hours.
• Please note that this service is not NHS-funded, and there is a charge of £20.00.

If you feel your circumstances do not fit these guidelines, please discuss this with a clinician for further advice. We hope this guidance helps you prepare your submission.