Managing your study

What to do when exceptional circumstances impact your postgraduate studies.

At a postgraduate level, programmes have stricter requirements than at undergraduate. However, we understand that students will at times face exceptional circumstances that will impact their studies.

In cases like this, it is important that you speak with your Graduate Adviser and the team at Student Hubs as soon as possible. They can ensure that all the options available to you are clear and accessible, and let you know any relevant deadlines.

In exceptional circumstances it may be possible for you to be granted an extension of time towards your dissertation or thesis. If you require an extension of time for one of your taught courses, you will need to talk to your course convener.

Extensions of time are awarded one month at a time. The maximum extension for a dissertation is two months and for a thesis it is four months. There are extra fees associated with an extension.

To apply for a formal extension of time you will need to submit the online AS-503 form. You must have the following supporting documents prepared before submitting the form:

• A brief explanation of the exceptional circumstances which justify the extension
• A timeline for completion during the period of the extension
• Independent evidence which verifies your exceptional circumstances (e.g. a medical certificate, or letter from your employer)
• A statement from your supervisor that confirms that supervision is available for the requested extension timeframe and that the work can be completed in the timeframe requested

Postgraduate enrolment must usually be continuous. If you are unable to study in a particular semester you may need to apply for a suspension of time, depending on your degree.

If you have any questions about whether you are able to apply for a suspension, please contact the friendly staff at Student Hubs to discuss your situation and the options available to you.

If you decide to apply for a suspension of time, you will need to submit the online AS-502 form. You must also have the following supporting documents before submitting the form:

• A brief explanation of the exceptional circumstances which justify the suspension of time
• A timeline for when you return to study should the suspension be approved
• Independent evidence which verifies your exceptional circumstances (e.g. a medical certificate, or letter from your employer)
• A statement from your supervisor confirming that your research will remain feasible and that you will recommence your work at the end of your suspension
  

Late Deletion is available to students who are unable to continue with their study because of exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury or events beyond their control. Applications must include independent evidence to verify the circumstances.

The following circumstances would not normally qualify for late deletion: 

• situations known at the point of enrolling
• situations due to personal choice (eg financial circumstances, accepting a job offer, accepting the offer to attend another University, taking on additional work hours)
• financial and work related issues such as increase in workload 
• GPA concerns
• needing a reduction in workload requested in the last fortnight of lectures

Find out more about Applying for Late Deletion

If you need to drop a course and you are not eligible for a Late Deletion, you will need to Withdraw from the course by visiting Student Hubs and completing an As-70b Course withdrawal form. You must do so within the deadlines.

Withdrawing from a course is different from Late Deletion because:

• Withdrawing will place a W (Withdrew) on your transcript
• You will still be liable to pay the fees for the withdrawn course there is no potential for a partial refund or credit available
• The points for the withdrawn course will still count towards your total for your postgraduate qualification. You will need to check that the Withdrawal does not put you at risk of exceeding the required number of points for your programme.

Find out more about Enrolling late in a course or Withdrawing from a course