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Postgraduate Taught Students - Extension to your maximum period of registration

Form and guidance notes

To apply for an extension, download and fill out the extension application form (PDF, 40KB,opens new window).

Remember to include appropriate supporting evidence.

Send your completed form and evidence to:

  • Postgraduate Taught/Lifelong Learning Student Records
    Academic and Student Administration
    University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT

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Reasons for requesting an extension

You should give as much detail as possible about your reasons for requesting an extension. Each case will be considered on its merits.

Examples of acceptable and unacceptable reasons:

Acceptable reasons

  • Major computer problems (eg failure of University networks)
  • Significant medical problems
  • Personal problems
  • Compassionate (eg family bereavement)

Unacceptable reasons

  • Minor computer problems (eg lost or damaged disks, printer breakdown)
  • Lost assignments
  • Desired books not in library
  • Unverifiable travel difficulties
  • Forgetting the deadline

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Supporting evidence

You must include appropriate documentary evidence to support your reasons for requesting an extension. Some examples of appropriate supporting evidence are:

  • Medical certificate – if you were ill or had to take care of someone who was ill
  • Death certificate – if you have suffered a bereavement
  • Supporting letter from your employer – if you had work-related difficulties
  • Bank statements, payslips – if you had financial difficulties
  • Supporting letter from your School

If you are not sure what evidence to provide, please email the Postgraduate Taught Student Records Team.

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When to apply

If possible, you should apply before the end of your maximum period of registration. This will depend on your programme of study.

Programme of study

Maximum period of registration

Master of Arts/ Master of Science/ Master of Education 6 years
Postgraduate Diploma 4 years
Postgraduate Certificate 2 years
Graduate Diploma 4.5 years
Graduate Certificate 2 years
Bachelor of Philosophy 3 years
Advanced Certificate 3 years
University Certificate 3 years
University Diploma 3 years
Certificate of Higher Education 3 years
Diploma of Higher Education 6 years

The regulations do not distinguish between full-time and part-time students. The above information technically applies to all students. You can find the full regulations in section 6.2 of the University regulations: programmes of study (PDF, 59KB, opens new window).

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What happens next

Once we receive your form and the appropriate evidence, Student Records staff will submit the extension request to the Progress and Awards Board of Senate, who will either decide to Approve or Reject the application, or they may request further information/evidence. You and your School will be notified of the decision by e-mail.

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Rejected applications

Please note that if the request for an extension is not approved, your original completion date must stand. If you are unable to complete by this date then your School will need to make a recommendation for you at the next Board of Examiners meeting based on the marks for modules that you have already completed. This will normally mean the award of an alternative qualification.

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Need some help?

If you have any questions about applying for an extension to your thesis submission deadline, please email the Postgraduate Taught Student Records Team.

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