Changes to the Student Journey
During the student journey, some students may experience life events that require additionalsupport to complete their studies. This theme houses policies, procedures and guidance for assistingstudentswho may require extra support, or breaks in their study,as well as informing and guiding staff on ways toprovide the best possible advice and support. The consultation for these policies and procedures will take place in the 2026/27 academic year.
Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Policy
This document sets out the University’s Policy on the arrangements and the support available to students if they are pregnant (including the requirements if they need time away from their programme due to antenatal care appointments), or are undergoing fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy. It also outlines the support available for students who are new parents, including maternity, adoption and paternity (or secondary carer/partner) arrangements, and applies to all registered Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students across the University. The Policy provides a brief outline of the relevant legislation and considerations and sets out the main principles which staff and students must adhere to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which students is this policy for?
This policy applies to students if they are pregnant, or are undergoing fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy. It also is for students who are new parents, including maternity, adoption and paternity (or secondary carer/partner) arrangements, and applies to all registered Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students across the University.
2. Who should read this policy?
The Policy is for staff members supporting the students mentioned above, including Student Support staff, Academic Advisors, and academic programme team staff. Staff members working closely with students should ensure that they are familiar with the content of this Policy and the associated Procedures.
Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Procedure
This document sets out the procedures required to adhere to the Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Policy. Following this document allows staff members to support students with a broad range of aspects of pregnancy, maternity and parenthood. This document must be read alongside the policy document.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do students need to interrupt for pregnancy or parental leave?
No – direct to form
2. Who should students speak to when they find out they are pregnant or going to be a parent?
Students are not legally obliged to inform the University that they are pregnant, but we strongly encourage they do. Pregnant students are advised to speak to their Academic Advisor or Student Support Officer (or other relevant staff member, according to the programme or School) as soon as possible. This is so the University can ensure students have appropriate support measures in place.
Policy on Mitigating Circumstances and Coursework Extensions
During their studies, students may experience significant, unforeseeable events which negatively affect their ability to submit work, attend an assessment or perform to their usual standard in an assessment of any type. In such cases, students can apply for mitigating circumstances. In cases where students are experiencing a one-off or isolated incident relating to their health or other personal circumstances, or a worsening of an existing medical or health condition, they may request a coursework extension. This policy explains when students can make a mitigating circumstances and/or coursework extension request, how these requests are assessed, and what mitigation and/ or extension may be applied if their request is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What does Mitigating Circumstances Mean?
The University defines mitigating circumstances as: ‘unforeseeable or unpreventable circumstances that could have, or did have, a significant negative effect on the academic performance of a student’.
2. Who submits at Mitigating Circumstances Request?
Students are responsible for submitting their own requests for mitigation or extensions, unless a significant event prevents them from doing so, and on those occasions a third party may submit on their behalf.
3. What are some examples of acceptable Mitigating circumstances?
Possible Mitigating Circumstances can include:
- Health issues
- Personal issues such as significant family or personal crisis
- IT related issues
- Public service, such as jury duty.
Please see section 3.0 of the Policy for more information, and examples of circumstances that would not be accepted for mitigation.
For a student-friendly support page for Mitigating Circumstances, please see: Student Support | Support For Your Studies | Mitigating Circumstances | The University of Manchester
Procedure for Extensions
This document sets out the procedures for considering students’ requests for extensions to their coursework or other written assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are extension requests different to Mitigating Circumstances requests?
Yes, extension requests should be submitted using a different form to mitigating circumstances.
Extension requests only apply to some assessed written coursework (see section 2.0.4 for exceptions), whereas mitigating circumstances can be used for all forms of assessment. Evidence is required for mitigating circumstances, but not for extension requests.
2. What are some examples where an extension request would be accepted?
- Some examples may include:
- IT/Technology issues
- Poor mental or physical health
- Family or personal crisis
Please see section 2.0.6 of the Procedures for more information, as well as examples of unacceptable circumstances.
3. How long will the extension be if given?
Coursework extensions are typically granted for seven calendar days, up to a maximum of fourteen days, dependent on the structure of the course or unit.
Policy on Interruptions and Guidance for staff/students
This Policy sets out the University’s policy on interruptions to taught programmes, in cases where the student might need to apply to interrupt their studies if they are affected by personal or other factors that might disrupt them.
The supporting Guidance for Students on Interruptions document provides more detail on how to apply, how the School will consider any applications to interrupt studies, and what students would need to do depending on whether or not the application to interrupt has been successful.
The Guidance for Staff accompanies the Policy and must be read in conjunction with it. This document provides guidance for temporary study interruptions from undergraduate and postgraduate students. Schools are responsible for guiding students through implications, including academic, financial, and support services impacts. Agreements between the School and the student must be documented, including return dates and any special arrangements for coursework. Final approval for interruptions is granted by a designated panel within each School.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the typical length of an interruption?
A single period of interruption would not normally be for more than a complete year. After a single and continuous period of interruption of 12 months, the student’s circumstances and progression must be reviewed by the School and, following that, an exit award will be issued if appropriate.
2. What are the reasons someone can interrupt?
Interruptions might happen for a variety of reasons, including medical conditions, personal or family circumstances, financial difficulties, work opportunities, visa issues, or unexpected life events. The University considers each request on a case by case basis and aims to be flexible when possible.
3. Who do I speak to when I want to interrupt?
Students should first discuss their situation with their Academic Advisor, Programme Director, the Student Support and Development Officer (SSW) or other appropriate member of staff in their School.
Procedure for student self-certification of absence from learning
This document sets out the University’s procedure for Student Self-Certification of Absence from Learning. This outlines the arrangements for notifying the University through the use of self-certification for students who miss learning opportunities due to short-term illness or inability to access or engage with their studies. The procedure applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught students undertaking programmes of study at the University of Manchester, including those undertaking a placement period.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What does “self-certification” of absence mean?
Student Self-Certification of Absence from Learning is for students who miss learning opportunities or who are unable to engage fully with their studies, due to short-term illness or personal circumstances that last for up to seven calendar days. This only extends to teaching and learning activities, and not exams or assessments. Absences from these activities would be considered under the Policy on Mitigating Circumstances and Extension Requests.
2. What steps must students follow to self-certificate an absence and notify their school
Students should contact their relevant School or Programme Office on the first day of absence and complete a Student Self-Certification of Absence Form. This form should be submitted by email to the relevant School or Programme Office as soon as possible, but normally within two working days of the end of the period of absence. A list of School Student Support Office contact details can be found here: Student Support | Uni Services A-Z | School Support Contact | The University of Manchester
Policy on Advising Taught Students
This policy defines the University’s provision of support and advice, both academic and wellbeing/welfare related to undergraduate and postgraduate taught students during their period of study at Manchester University through the Advising role. Academic Advisors serve as personal contacts within a student’s subject area, offering guidance on academic performance, orientation within their discipline, and connections to additional support services.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the role of an academic advisor and how can they support me during my studies?
An Academic Advisor is a personal contact within your subject area and provides orientation and guidance within their disciplinary culture and context. They review your performance and assessments, offer feedback, assist in career or post-graduation advice and connect you with specialist support if needed.
2. How does the University of Manchester ensure that all students receive effective academic advising?
The University ensures effective academic advising by assigning all students with a trained academic advisor and providing schools with clear policies and expectations. A Senior Advisor oversees and coordinates the Advising function and acts as a first point of contact for queries from Advisors that need resolution.
3. How often will I meet with my academic advisor?
You will meet with your academic advisor at least twice per semester, with one meeting to be required as a one-on-one session either in person or online. These meeting are planned to support your academic and personal development throughout the year, and students are encouraged to reach out for additional meeting whenever they feel it is necessary.
Useful Links:
- Use our A-Z to search all our policies and procedures
For general queries, please e-mail teaching-policy@manchester.ac.uk