If you feel as though your performance in an assessment has been negatively impact by factors outside of your control, you should consider the Exceptional Circumstances (EC) procedure.

What can you do?

The Exceptional Circumstances procedure allows you to make the Exam Board aware of your situation and take it into account when it comes to your final classification. They will also consider if it was appropriate for you to complete the assessment in the first place.

A key thing to be aware of is that the school operates a “fit to sit” policy, which means that by taking an assessment, you are declaring yourself fit and able to do so. This is the single main reason why most EC applications are rejected and is worth addressing in your form. If you are aware of the issues in advance of the exam, the school suggests that you should first seek an Extension and if that is not accepted or possible, look at Deferring the assessment. Ignorance of these procedures is not a reason that the School will accept for non-engagement with them.

How to apply

To declare your circumstances you need to complete an Exceptional Circumstances Form and submit this along with evidence that follows LSE's Standards of Evidence. You should read the LSE Guidance fully before doing so.

Possible outcomes

If accepted, ECs may be able to:

  • Discount a failed/absent attempt (treating that attempt as if it was a deferral)
  • Grant additional attempts where the maximum two attempts to pass a course have been exhausted
  • Remove late penalties that were applied due to late submission
  • Award a higher degree classification, if you have a borderline mark profile as defined by the General Proviso in the Classification Scheme for your programme.

ECs cannot:

  • Individual marks can never be changed as a result of the submission of Exceptional Circumstances (ECs). However, ECs may result in the lifting of a penalty where late submission penalties have been applied, see above.
  • It is not possible to discount a course or assessment that you pass even if you feel you have underperformed.

Deadlines are available on the LSE webpage.

What can we do?

Our advisers can provide you guidance on the process and procedure itself as well as looking over the form itself before you submit it. Advisers are not able to write statements or submissions for you.

Where to find us

Saw Swee Hock Student Centre

Contact us

020 7955 7158

Booking appointments

You can book an appointment via email

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