PGR extenuating circumstances

During your studies you may experience difficulties which could affect your academic performance. Such difficulties are known as 'extenuating circumstances' and may include: medical problems - including long-term conditions or short periods of illness -, personal problems and other difficult events e.g. bereavement or serious incidents e.g. being affected by crime.

Illness leading to absence should be notified as soon as possible. You must let your primary supervisor know about any period of illness of longer than 7 days that has affected your work.

To report illness or extenuating circumstances, please complete a extenuating circumstances form and submit it to history.pgrenquiries@sheffield.ac.uk. Where relevant, medical evidence should be requested from the University Health Service or submitted with the form. Any information you submit will be treated as confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.

It is important to note that submitting an extenuating circumstances form does not extend your registration period or time limit for your thesis. It is expected students will be able to adjust to minor disruptions such as short-term illness.

If you need a longer period away from your studies, you should looking at taking leave of absence.

Additional support

We would also encourage you to speak to your supervisor or personal tutor who can advise on sources of support where appropriate. You will also find information about helpful support services on our general help and support page.