Section 2: Delayed Assessment Scheme

Published for 2024-25

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Delayed Assessment Scheme Entitlement
2.3 Limitations
2.4 Deadlines
2.5 Advice before and after submitting a DAP

2.1 Introduction

1.	At UCL we expect students to engage fully with their studies, including managing their own time effectively so they can meet assessment deadlines and commitments. If you have Extenuating Circumstances (ECs), you should follow the EC process to submit an EC claim with appropriate evidence to request mitigation.
2.	However, we recognise that sometimes you might need more time for assessments not necessarily because you're experiencing significant disruption beyond your control, and not because you're not working hard but because, simply put, life gets in the way. This could range from minor illnesses not normally grounds for ECs, to simply needing extra time to complete and assessment due to other commitments. Student life can be difficult to manage, and sometimes you might just need a little flexibility to manage your studies and your wellbeing.
3.	To support you as autonomous learners and balance the challenges of study, life and your wellbeing, UCL has introduced the Delayed Assessment Scheme. The Delayed Assessment Scheme entitles all taught students to pre-determined flexibility for a small number of eligible assessments throughout the year. Our hope is that by providing you with tools to access mitigations when you need, you can develop healthy and resilient approaches to your studies.
4.	Under this scheme, each student has a limit of 3 Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs) a year. Whilst you are free to use DAPs as you wish on eligible assessments, if you use all your DAPs, mitigation for future assessments can only be granted via the EC procedure, which has strict grounds for eligibility and evidence requirements. If you are experiencing significant difficulties which would classify as Extenuating Circumstances you should submit an Extenuating Circumstances claim regardless of whether you have DAPs remaining.

2.2 Delayed Assessment Scheme Entitlement

1.	Students are entitled to 3 Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs) in each Academic Year of study. Depending on the nature of the assessment, each Permit normally entitles you to:
	a)	An extension of 5 working days (for Coursework type assessment, including dissertations)
	OR
	b)	A deferral to the next normal occasion, normally the LSA period (for Exam or fixed-time remote activity type assessment).
2.	Depending on the nature of your programme, modules, or assessments, there may be some difference in the type of mitigation granted. For example, shorter extensions for weekly problem sheets, or exclusion of low weighted assessment rather than deferral. Any assessment which grants alternative mitigation to the default will be advertised on the module Moodle page.

2.3 Limitations

1.	Assessments hae pre-determined mitigation available via this scheme that cannot be altered.
2.	Just as we recognise the need for flexibility, we also recognise that in a professional setting there are some deadlines and commitments which must be met; therefore, flexibility is not available for Group Work assessment. There may also be a small number of other assessments within your programme that are ineligible to submit a DAP. Any programme restrictions should be advertised by your Department at the start of the relevant module.
3.	Each DAP is valid for one assessment only. We advise that you do not submit more than one DAP per term.
4.	DAPs cannot be submitted more than 2 weeks before the affected assessment deadline.
5.	Once submitted, you cannot withdraw your DAP. If you submitted a DAP to defer an eligible exam, you should not attempt the exam at the original time.
6.	DAPs should not be used in addition to extensions already granted via ECs.
7.	You can only use a DAP once for each assessment (you cannot use two DAPs for successive extensions on the same piece of work, for example).
8.	You may not use DAPs to defer exam-type assessments from more than 30 credits (i.e. maximum two exams from two 15 credit modules, or one exam from a 30 credit module).

2.4 Deadlines

1.	All notifications must be made via the online portal in Portico.
2.	All notifications must be made before the assessment deadline, or exam start time.
3.	Whilst extensions are normally fixed at 5 working days, you may choose to submit before the extended deadline.
4.	If you have SoRA but also wish to use a DAP, you should submit your DAP before the standard assessment deadline, not your SoRA deadline. You are still entitled to use your SoRA extension in addition to the new DAP deadline.

2.5 Advice before and after submitting a DAP

1.	DAPs provide you flexibility to support you as an autonomous learner. As such, before submitting a DAP you should take time to consider the following: Do you really need to use a DAP?

		If you are feeling overwhelmed, would it be better to take steps to address your wellbeing whilst also completing your assessment? Could you get academic or study skill support to complete the assessment on time instead? If you have a minor illness, is this really impacting your ability to submit on time? Are other support mechanisms more appropriate?
	Do you understand what the mitigation available for the assessment is? Particularly when the mitigation available is not a standard 5 working day extension or deferral. Are you aware of, and prepared for, the potential impact of submitting this DAP? Such as:
		The impact on other assessment deadlines on this or other modules, including the potential delay for receiving feedback. Any potential impact on your progression or completion if you are deferring to the LSA, especially if you have ECs for other assessments.
	How many DAPs do you have remaining? Is this really a good use of your DAPs when this may remove flexibility when you may need it in the future?
2.	After you submit a DAP take time to consider any further support you may need for the future including:
	Study Skills Revision tips Managing stress Personal Academic Tutor support

Recent Changes

A guide to changes to the regulations are available from the Recent Changes page.