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Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs)

Part of the Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Sometimes you need a bit more time, not because of an emergency, but because life is unpredictable. If you have a minor illness, other responsibilities taking priority, or a difficult week, Delayed Assessment Permits (DAPs) give you limited automatic flexibility without needing an explanation or supporting evidence.

Every student has 3 DAPs per academic year. Unused permits do not carry over.

Each permit moves your deadline for one piece of coursework by five working days.

DAP rules:

  • one permit covers one assessment: permits cannot be combined for a longer extension;
  • DAPs do not cover exams;
  • you can use a DAP on a dissertation or project unless your programme documentation says otherwise (check your course documentation or ask your Course Convenor first) but be aware that even a short delay near the end of your programme can affect marking and graduation timelines; and
  • if your circumstances get worse and you can’t meet the new deadline after you have used a DAP, you can still submit an EC claim for the same assessment; you must submit your EC within 5 working days of your extended deadline. You will not get your DAP back.

 To use a DAP:

  1. Apply through the Extenuating Circumstances Portal at any time before the assessment deadline; the Portal cannot accept a DAP request once the deadline has passed. If the Portal is not working, email extenuatingcircumstances@glasgow.ac.uk before the deadline: your permit is applied immediately, and your deadline moves by five working days.
  2. The DAP extension applies automatically. No evidence is needed. Your School is notified so that your new deadline is recorded.

Note that you cannot cancel a DAP once you tell us you’re using it.

Some assessments are not eligible for DAPs, for example group work where an individual extension would affect other students. Your School lists excluded assessments in the course documentation, and the Portal will only give you the option to use a DAP when an assessment is eligible. In rare situations, a School may need to manually process DAPs for complex assessments (such as physical assessments with real-world limitations, like presentation scheduling); your School will have already let you know in the relevant assessment information if this applies.

You have three DAPs for the year and they do not carry over if unused. They are yours to use, and you do not need to justify using one. If you have used all three within a short period, we may offer you an appointment with the Wellbeing Team. This is a supportive check, not a warning.

If your situation is serious, ongoing, or needs more than 5 working days, submit an EC claim instead with evidence, even if you still have DAPs available.

If you are registered with the Disability Service and have flexibility with deadlines as a provision on your study support plan, you will have more DAPs (your portal will show how many).

Approval, Amendments and Reviews

This policy applies to assessments from 18 August 2026 and replaces all previous Extenuating Circumstances guidance. Version 1.0, published 16/08/2026; next review July 2027.