Apply for an extension
You can apply for an extension if you experience a change to your circumstances that means you require additional time on your programme or to arrange submission of your thesis or dissertation.
Before applying for an extension, you should discuss your situation with the Doctoral Academy. This will help you determine if an extension is the most suitable arrangement for you. Once your application and supporting documents are received it will then be reviewed by the Department, following this it will be considered by Faculty Chair/ Panel for a decision. This can take up to 5 weeks to complete and for you to be notified of the decision. It is recommended you submit your application at least two months before the end of your programme. Extensions are unfunded unless your funder or supervisor has specific funding available that may be applied.
Extending your studies or submission deadline can affect:
- your finances, including existing loans, tuition fee agreements and sponsorship arrangements;
- your accommodation, for example if you are living in halls of residence;
- your visa and ATAS status (if you are an international student). Further guidance is available from the Student Immigration Team.
As part of your application, you will be asked to include any relevant documents and correspondence.
Types of extension
Extension to your programme
An extension to your programme will extend your research time at the end of your programme and your submission deadline. Tuition fees will be charged on a pro rata basis for the period of extension.
The total period(s) of an extension to your programme must not normally exceed 12 months during the full period of your degree. Any further extensions beyond 12 months will only be permitted under the most exceptional circumstances.
Requests for an extension to your programme must be submitted within six months of your programme end date.
Tuition fees will be charged on a pro rata basis for the period of extension. Extensions are unfunded unless your funder or supervisor has specific funding available that may be applied.
Extension to your Submission Pending period
The purpose of the submission pending period is to write up your thesis, not to undertake further research.
You must be registered in the submission pending period to apply for an extension to this period.
Only issues which occur in the submission pending period can be considered (any delays or problems which occurred during the period of study cannot be taken in consideration).
Applications for an extension to the submission pending period must be submitted at least two months before the final deadline for submission.
Extension to your minor corrections deadline
An extension to the minor corrections deadline will extend your final submission deadline.
Only delays, issues or problems which occur in the minor corrections period can be considered.
Extension to your re-submission deadline
An extension to the re-submission deadline will extend the time you have to submit a revised thesis.
Only delays, issues or problems which occur in the re-submission period can be considered.
Completing the form
Before completing the form, you should have:
- read and understood implications for your tuition fees and your financial situation;
- read and understood the Change of Circumstances Policy for Postgraduate Research Students;
- discussed the interruption with the Doctoral Academy and with your supervisor(s);
- discussed any ATAS and visa implications with the Student Immigration Team if you are an international PGR;
- discussed the extension with your sponsor if you are on a funded studentship. If the terms and conditions of your funding require confirmation from your funder that you are eligible to apply for this extension, you will need to attach evidence of this approval as part of your application (this evidence should also confirm if the funder is willing to pay additional tuition fees and/or living costs if appropriate).
What you'll need to complete the form
To complete your application for an extension you will need to upload your supporting evidence, a completion plan, and a letter of support from your supervisor. Without these documents, your application will not be considered.
You will need a letter of support from your supervisor. The letter can be a copy of an email sent by your supervisor, or a Word or PDF document written by them. Where applicable, the letter should contain the following:
- A note, if appropriate, on the current status of the research/project and thesis
- Confirmation all interested parties (e.g. research sponsors, research collaborators, and the Visa Team) have been consulted and agree to support the interruption.
The completion plan should contain a summary of work completed to date and a timeline for work still to be completed. A completion plan is not required for an application for an extension to minor corrections.
You will need any relevant supporting evidence as part of your application. Examples of evidence we accept include:
- extracts from your medical notes (you can request these from your GP practice);
- letters from a doctor or medical professional about a change in your health or the health of someone close to you;
- internal confirmation of existing engagement with our Counselling Service or Advice and Response Service.
Please note that for medical conditions we do not require a specific letter from your GP or healthcare provider, and in cases of bereavement we do not require a death certificate.
Applications related to equipment breakdown and research delays must include details of the dates and the duration of the breakdown and/or delay.
We need the evidence you provide to:
- be written in English, or translated to English by an official transcription service;
- relate to the time your circumstances changed.
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed by your department and then by the FSE Degrees Panel. It can take up to 5 weeks for a decision on your application to be reached.
If the application was submitted without the required supporting documentation, it will be considered incomplete and it will not be processed.
If you require any additional support regarding your application, please email the FSE DA Progression and Welfare team.