Apply for an extension

• An extension to your programme will extend your research time at the end of your programme and your submission deadline.
• 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 can be submitted at any point during your studies.
• Tuition fees will be charged on a pro rata basis for the period of extension.

• 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.

• 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.
• Applications for an extension to your minor corrections deadline must be submitted at least five weeks before the final deadline for submission. Your application will be processed by the Examinations Team. If a decision by a panel is required, it will be considered by the PGR Examinations Committee.

• 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.
• Applications for an extension to your re-submission deadline must be submitted at least five weeks before the final deadline for submission. Your application will be processed by the Examinations Team. If a decision by a panel is required, it will be considered by the PGR Examinations Committee.

• 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.

We will ask you to provide any relevant documents and correspondence in support of your application. Details of the types of evidence that may be suitable can be found in the guidance and policy documents linked below.

Applications must include supporting evidence. This evidence should be independent, relevant to the time of the circumstances affecting your studies and provided in English (or accompanied by an accredited translation).

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.
  • A confirmation that all interested parties (e.g., research sponsors, research collaborators, and the Visa Team) have been consulted and agree to support the extension.

You will need to submit a completion plan to support your application.

• 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 when applying for an extension to minor corrections.

You will need any relevant supporting evidence as part of your application.

Examples of evidence we accept include:

• Illness or injury – for example, a significant illness or accident, or a worsening of an ongoing health condition (including mental health difficulties or acute stress).
• Ongoing medical treatment – where your doctor or specialist has advised that you need time away from your studies.
• Personal or family circumstances – for example, taking on new caring responsibilities or an unexpected increase in existing ones.
• Breakdown of essential equipment – if your research can’t continue and no suitable alternative is available.
  • Applications related to equipment breakdown and research delays must include details of the dates and the duration of the breakdown and/or delay.
• Delays in ethical approval – where you applied in good time, but approval has taken longer than expected.
• Delays in setting up disability-related adjustments.
• Public service commitments – such as jury service or other required civic duties.
• Partner or paternity leave – as outlined in the PGR Family Leave Procedure.
• Neonatal care leave – see the PGR Family Leave Procedure for more information.
• Unexpected issues with your research environment or supervision – for example, if offices or labs have moved, or there have been changes in your supervisory team.
  • Please make sure to report these kinds of issues to your Faculty Doctoral Academy as soon as they happen.
• Optional placements – as defined in the PGR Research and Work Away from the University Procedure.
• Phased return from interruption – if you need additional time to make up for reduced activity during a recommended phased return.

Here are some examples of what we would not consider valid reasons/ evidence to request an extension:

• Not knowing about the policy or process – for example, if you or your supervisor were unaware of the extension procedure.
• Voluntary work or service overseas.
• Sports or expedition activities.
• Long holidays or extended vacations.
• Poor planning or time management.
• Pregnancy – unless specific medical or personal circumstances arise during pregnancy that count as mitigating circumstances.
• Difficulties with English language – including delays caused by proofreading.
• Computer or equipment issues – such as loss, theft, or breakdown, where alternatives were available or the issue could reasonably have been avoided.
  • Exceptions may be made if work was lost due to a confirmed failure of University of Manchester systems.
• Changes to employment – for part-time researchers, only unforeseen changes in work conditions may be considered in exceptional cases.
• Financial difficulties – researchers are expected to ensure adequate funding before starting their programme.
• Planned events – such as holidays, moving house, or other foreseeable commitments.
• Religious observance.
• Paid employment commitments – including time spent on work that was not a required part of your research programme.

If the application was submitted without the required supporting documentation, it will be considered incomplete and it will not be processed.

Your application will first be reviewed by your department and then considered by the FSE Change of Circumstances Panel before a final decision is confirmed by the Doctoral Academy. You will be contacted with the outcome as soon as possible. Please note that this process can take up to five weeks, so we recommend submitting your application at least two months before the end of your programme.

If your extension is approved, all official communications will continue to be sent to your university email account. Please ensure you check this account regularly, including your junk folder.

If you require any additional support regarding your application, please email the FSE Progression and Support team.