Mitigating circumstances

Our policy on mitigating circumstances in relation to assessment applies to students studying on any Heriot-Watt University taught programmes and any taught elements of research degrees.

There are circumstances in which, through no fault of your own, you may be unable to take an assessment, or not done as well as you could have because of issues beyond your control. These are described as ‘mitigating circumstances' and you can apply to have them taken into account.

Please note that if you are experiencing difficulties which will adversely affect your ability to study or to take an assessment, you should contact your personal tutor. You can also seek advice and support from Student Wellbeing Services.

Such difficulties might include health issues – both mental and physical, personal, relationship or family issues, unexpected life events, having to take on unpaid caring responsibilities, or anything else that affects your ability to study effectively or take an assessment.

Mitigating circumstances application deadlines

If you intend to submit a mitigating circumstances application for Semester 2 (12^th January – 5^th May), please ensure you meet the applicable deadline below so that your application can be considered by the relevant Award and Progression Board.

How to apply for consideration of mitigating circumstances

1. Check in the policy that the circumstances are acceptable grounds for an application
2. Complete an online application form and provide supporting documentary evidence, see What evidence must I provide? below
3. Submit the application as soon as possible after the events under consideration occur.  Any application submitted after the deadline (see the Mitigating circumstances application deadlines section above) may not be considered.

Policy and guide for mitigating circumstances

• Mitigating circumstances policy
• Mitigating Circumstances Guide for students

For further information contact your personal tutor in the first instance

What are mitigating circumstances?

Some examples are:

• Having a significant illness on the day of an exam
• A flood in a city preventing an exam taking place
• Political upheaval disrupting your study and learning
• A significant illness or accident affecting you over time
• Bereavement – death of a close relative or significant other
• Jury service, although student assessments would normally exclude you from this
• Industrial action by University staff affecting your studies
• Ongoing infrastructure or IT systems affecting your studies.

Events like these are described as ‘mitigating circumstances'.

Mitigating circumstances frequently asked questions