Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC)

Advice on what to do if your studies or assessments are seriously affected by unforeseen and unavoidable personal extenuating circumstances.

• Newcastle University
• Student Progress
• Circumstances Affecting Your Studies
• Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC)

This information is for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students only. Postgraduate research students should see PGR Change of Circumstances.

We understand that life events can sometimes affect your studies. When they do, you should advise your academic unit by completing the Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) Form. This is so that appropriate adjustments can be considered to your assessments.

You can submit a PEC request if you experience circumstances which are:

• Significant: The circumstances must have had a big negative effect on your ability to study.
• Unforeseen: Sometimes, things happen that you can’t predict.
• Unavoidable: Some events are beyond your control, and you need support to navigate them.
• Relevant: Not all difficult or challenging circumstances require adjustments to be made to your assessments, so it’s important to tell us how these will affect your assessments and deadlines.

This video may help you to understand the types of circumstances where a PEC may be appropriate: What is a PEC?

Advice and Guidance

If you feel comfortable doing so, you’re advised to speak to your School Wellbeing Advisor or Personal Tutor before submitting a PEC.

You can also seek advice from the Student Health and Wellbeing Service and the Student Advice Centre of the Students' Union.

Please read the submission guidance documents below before submitting a PEC application:‌

• Personal Extenuating Circumstances Policy 2024-25
• Personal Extenuating Circumstances Procedure 202425
• ‌Guidance on PEC Submission: Frequently Asked Questions
• Advice for Students on Submitting a Supporting Personal Statement
• Advice for Colleagues on Providing a Statement in Support of a Student PEC
• Online video showing step by step process of submitting a PEC via the Student Portal

PEC forms

The online PEC forms are listed below. Please select the correct form for your programme and location of study.

• Newcastle University student on main university campus - form available via the Student Portal.
• INTO Newcastle University student - forms available via Canvas.
• For Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students on non-modular programmes in the School of Dental Sciences - complete the School’s PEC application form.
• For students on Postgraduate Taught Modular Programmes in the School of Dental Sciences (MClinDent, PG Cert in Dental Education and PG Cert in Conscious Sedation) - Please submit your PEC application via the Student Portal.
• INTO Newcastle University student - forms available via Canvas.

Student Procedures

In addition to PEC, you may want to report other changes to your circumstances, or make an appeal, or complaint:

• Change of circumstances
• Academic queries and appeals
• Complaints and resolution procedure
• Support to Study Procedure