Student Advice - Special Consideration

If there is something seriously affecting your study, it is your right to apply for special consideration.

Special Consideration exists to give students a chance to be fairly assessed on their genuine ability, taking into account a range of difficulties and problems that may have occurred during the semester or around exam time. This usually involves an illness or accident, but could include serious non-medical reasons such as a death in the family or serious disruption to living arrangements, learning disability or personal problems. Special Consideration does not cover you for misreading the exam timetable or any other information or directions!

Each special consideration application is considered individually and can determine your overall result in a subject. The outcome could be an adjustment to your marks on a particular assessment, your overall mark or you may be granted a deferred exam or permission to resubmit an assignment.

If you are having a difficulty, and are concerned that it might affect your academic performance, you should let your lecturer, tutor or course co-ordinator know. Obtain a medical certificate or other written evidence as appropriate, see a student counsellor, the chaplain or a staff member at student assistance in the Student Union. Don't leave it until after you fail, get in touch with someone now if you are having problems.

How to Apply for Special Consideration

1. An application must be made by completing a Special Consideration? Deferred Exam application form available from your faculty, department or school office. Check the faculty office for details.

2. You will need to complete the form listing the subject/s you are seeking special consideration for and include a general statement outlining the difficulties you are experiencing. Wherever possible, written evidence should be included with your application, this may include a letter from a counsellor (or there may be space on the form for a counsellor to fill in), insurance claim, police report, a letter from your chaplain, family or friend. If you are applying on medical grounds you may need to take the form to the doctor for them to complete and sign the medical section of the application form.

3. The completed form must be returned to the faculty, department or school office no later than 48 hours after your final exam. Applications will not be accepted after this time.

4. Published results will reflect the decision made as a result of the application for Special Consideration.

Unfortunately, some students attempt to get undeserved benefit from Special Consideration, to make up for poor work during semester, so the more supportive documentation you can provide with your application, the better! However, never assume your case is not worth it. If something beyond your control has prevented you from studying or will prevent you from performing to your best ability - seek assistance and apply for Special Consideration.

Appeals

In most cases there are no avenues for appealing a decision made regarding your application for Special Consideration. However, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome or believe that due consideration was not given, you have the right to pursue your Faculties Grievance Procedures to appeal against a decision not to grant Special Consideration.