Check the rules and act early
Before you write anything, look up your course handbook or module area to see the local policy on extensions and late penalties. Many UK universities allow short coursework extensions for “good cause” and sometimes offer a self-certification window for illness. Others expect you to apply through a central form. Knowing the process will save time and ensure you follow the right route. Once you realise you may miss the deadline, act straight away. A same-day message explaining the issue looks responsible; silence until the deadline has passed does not.
If you are unsure whether your reason qualifies, ask anyway and be honest. Tutors would rather see a realistic plan than receive poor or rushed work. Early contact also gives your department a chance to suggest alternatives, such as an adjusted task, a different submission method, or links to support services.
Decide who to contact and use the right channel
In most cases your first contact is the module tutor or assessment lead listed on the brief. Some courses ask you to use a programme office or an online form. If the handbook says “email your tutor”, use your university email account and a clear subject line, for example: “Extension request – [Module Code] [Assessment Title] – [Your Name/ID]”. If there is a central form, complete it first, then send a short email to your tutor letting them know you have applied. Keep everything in one thread so the record is easy to follow.
Keep the tone professional, honest and considerate
You do not need dramatic language or long explanations. Use plain English, be truthful, and take responsibility for the situation. Show that you have thought about how much extra time you actually need and that you plan to use it well. Avoid blaming staff or other students. A respectful, solution-focused tone helps your request land well. If your situation is sensitive, say so; you can keep details private and offer to share evidence confidentially if required.
What to include in your request
Every strong extension request covers the same essentials, set out in short, tidy paragraphs:
Your details and the assessment. State your full name, student ID, module code and title, plus the exact assessment name. Include the original deadline date and time.
A brief reason. Give a simple, factual explanation of why you cannot meet the deadline. Examples include a verified illness, a family emergency, acute mental health difficulties, a clash due to a university commitment, or a serious technical failure close to submission. Keep the tone neutral. You are not seeking sympathy; you are confirming good cause.
Evidence (if relevant). Mention what you can provide and when. This might be self-certification, a doctor’s note, a counsellor’s letter, an email from disability or wellbeing services, police or insurance documentation for theft, or a service ticket for a system outage. If you are waiting for formal paperwork, say that you will forward it when available.
Progress so far. One or two lines stating what you have completed helps the tutor judge feasibility. For example: “I have finished the literature review and data analysis; the discussion and proof-reading remain.”
A specific request. Propose a new submission date and time that you can meet. Keep it realistic but not excessive. For short coursework, 48–72 hours is common; for larger projects, a week may be reasonable if the policy allows. Show that you have thought about weekends or university closures.
Your plan. Explain how you will use the extra time (e.g., to complete the discussion chapter and final checks) and confirm you will meet the revised deadline.
Polite close. Thank them for considering your request and invite them to let you know if they need further information.
Putting these items in separate, short paragraphs makes your email easy to skim and approve.
How long to ask for
Ask for the time you actually need, not the maximum you can imagine. If your university mentions a standard limit (for example, up to five working days), stay within it unless your circumstances clearly justify more. Link your request to the task left to do: “Two extra days would allow me to re-run the analysis after the software crash and check the references.” If you need a longer period because of serious or ongoing issues, your course may direct you to a formal deferral or mitigation route. In that case, ask whether to switch from an extension request to a mitigation claim.
Evidence and privacy
Not every request needs evidence, but providing it strengthens your case. If your reason is private, say that you can share evidence with the programme office or disability services rather than with a whole teaching team. Keep copies of any documents you submit. Never invent evidence or exaggerate circumstances; your credibility matters, and dishonest claims can lead to academic misconduct action.
If your difficulties are linked to a long-term condition, make contact with disability or wellbeing services. An agreed learning plan can give you standard adjustments, including extensions, without needing to explain each time.
What if it is last-minute?
Sometimes problems appear hours before the deadline. Even then, write immediately. A short, honest note sent before the cut-off looks far better than silence or a missed submission. In a last-minute case, keep the request modest and practical. Offer to submit what you have by the original time if required, then provide a refined version by the new time. If a technical failure blocks submission (e.g., Turnitin outage), take screenshots, save timestamps, and attach your work to the email so the tutor can see you were ready.
Email vs form: keep messages consistent
If your course uses a web form, fill it in carefully and keep a copy. Then send a brief email to your tutor summarising the request and noting that the form has been submitted. Consistency helps the admin team confirm details quickly. Always include your student ID and the module code in both places.
Following up without being pushy
If you do not hear back within one working day (or whatever your handbook suggests), send a polite follow-up. Keep it short: reference your original request, restate the new date you proposed, and ask if they need any more information. If the deadline is close and you still have no reply, copy the programme office if that is standard practice on your course. Avoid multiple chaser emails on the same day.
If the request is refused
A refusal can be disappointing, but it is not the end. Thank the tutor for the quick decision and ask whether there is any alternative support, such as submitting the work late with a capped mark, receiving brief feedback on a plan, or switching to a mitigation route. Then focus on what you can control: break the remaining work into small tasks, cut any non-essential sections, and prioritise the marking criteria. If the reason for refusal seems to conflict with policy, you may raise it with the programme office, but do so calmly and with the documents to hand.
Protecting academic integrity
Extensions protect standards; they are not a way to avoid doing the work. Keep your request honest, write the assignment yourself, and reference sources properly. If you get study support from tutors, writing centres, or peers, use it ethically: ask for guidance, structure help, and proof-reading for clarity, not for someone to write the work for you. This keeps you within the rules and protects your degree.
A simple extension email template
You can adapt the following to your situation. Keep it short, specific, and easy to read.
Subject: Extension request – BUS2003 Research Report – Aisha Khan (s1234567)
Dear Dr Patel,
I am writing to request a short extension for the BUS2003 Research Report due at 16:00 on Monday, 24 November. My name is Aisha Khan (student ID s1234567), in Year 2 Business Management.
Over the past three days I have been unwell with a diagnosed chest infection and have been advised to rest. As a result, I have fallen behind on the discussion and final proof-reading. I can provide self-certification today and a doctor’s note if needed.
I have completed the literature review and the data analysis. With a little extra time I can finish the discussion, check the references, and proof-read the final document to the required standard.
Could I request an extension to 16:00 on Thursday, 27 November? I am confident I can submit by then. If a different time would be preferable, I will adjust accordingly.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any further information or would prefer me to complete a formal form.
Kind regards,
Aisha Khan
s1234567 | Business Management | [your university email signature]
Extra tips that make approval easier
Build a habit of naming your files clearly (ModuleCode_Assignment_YourID.docx) and backing up work in at least two places. Keep a simple study log so you can say, “Here is what is done and what remains.” When proposing a new deadline, check you do not clash with another major submission; if you do, say how you will handle it. If a group project is involved, tell your tutor how you have communicated with your teammates so the rest of the group is not harmed.
If your course is strict about deadlines, consider a “micro-extension” first, asking for 24 hours, so you can submit something complete and accurate. Short, realistic requests show respect for marking schedules and are more likely to be approved.
