Dissertation Deadline Extension

University Policies on Dissertation Deadline Extensions

Before you apply for a dissertation deadline extension, you must be fully familiar with your university’s official policies. 

Many students might not know where to look for deadline extension policies. They can check out their student handbooks, provided by the department or university, or in the dissertation guidelines. Furthermore, if the policies are vague, you can ask their supervisors.

How to Request Professionally?

These are the five steps you need to follow when formally applying for a dissertation deadline extension: 

Step 1: Check the Deadline for Extension Requests

When applying for a dissertation deadline extension, every university has different policies. Some require students to apply weeks in advance of the submission deadline, while others might allow last-minute appeals in emergencies. Check that your university offers and act accordingly. 

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

No matter why you’re applying for an extension, you must have the supporting evidence. In case of medical issues, obtain notes, reports, or recommendations from your doctor. In the event of someone’s death, get a death certificate. 

Sometimes, students become late due to a supervisor’s unavailability. You can also email that and provide information about the whole situation. 

Step 3: Write a Formal Extension Request

When you have gathered all the supporting evidence, the next step is to write a formal extension request. This can be done by writing an email or a letter. They can include these key elements: 

• Subject Line: This includes the subject of your extension request, such as “Request for Dissertation Deadline Extension – (Your Name, Student ID)”. 

• Polite Greeting: This includes how you will refer to the person you’re writing an email to, such as “Dear (Supervisor/Committee’s Name)”. 

• Clear Explanation: The step is explaining clearly and briefly why you need a deadline extension. 

• Proposed New Deadline: After explaining your reason, suggest a new submission date by which you can practically complete your dissertation. 

• Supporting Evidence: Then, mention your attached supporting documents, reports, or papers. 

• Gratitude: Always be thankful at the end, such as “Thank you for your consideration”, as it makes a good impression. 

• Professional Closing: The request ends with a formal closing line, such as “I look forward to your response or I look forward to hearing from you”. 

Email Example: 

This is an example that can further guide you in writing your request email: 

5 Guidelines

Here are the top five guidelines that you must follow while applying for your deadline extension: 

• Be Confident and Strong While Applying

Rather than running away from your problems, it will be best if you face the challenges head-on. 

As soon as you realise that you will not be able to write your dissertation paper before the due deadline and need a deadline extension, you should present the work you have completed so far to your supervisor and also provide a detailed plan for how you will be able to make up for the lost time.

This will give the impression that you are a forward-thinking person and take your academic duties seriously.

• Be Professional and Precise in Your Request

Work out a plan to figure out exactly how much more time you will need before asking your supervisor for a deadline extension.

Do not give your tutor the impression that you have been wasting your time lately by asking for too long an extension. Briefly describe the reasons why you were unable to meet your deadline in the first place.

• Act Early – Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

If you know that you are running late and the circumstances are outside your control, then ask your supervisor for the dissertation deadline extension at the earliest possible time. Waiting until the eleventh hour will only create more problems for you.

It should be noted that there could be plenty of genuine reasons for allowing resubmission of the dissertation, including but not limited to your health issues, financial stress, a part-time job, and family matters. Your timely action will allow you to gain your tutor’s support.

• Inform Your Supervisor About Your Situation

At the university level, students generally have to take different modules and courses simultaneously, increasing the possibility of a deadline clash during the term time. The worst time for this situation to occur is when you are writing your dissertation paper.

If you are overwhelmed with your academic deadlines and start feeling really anxious, it will be best to meet with your supervisor to inform them of your situation. The chances are that they will extend your deadline for your dissertation so you can cope with the excessive workload.

• Honesty is the Best Strategy

The most effective way of getting a deadline extension for your dissertation project is to be honest with your supervisor. Avoid making up lame excuses for being late because this can land you in even more trouble.

Honesty and integrity will help you to grab your supervisor’s sympathy. Make a list of points you would like to discuss with your supervisor before going to the meeting. Knowing how to convince your tutor will make it easier for you to talk confidently in front of them. 

However, if your supervisor is not being helpful, then learn how to deal with an unhelpful dissertation supervisor. 

What to Do if Your Extension Request is Denied?

Here is what you need to do if your dissertation deadline extension request is rejected: 

• Apply for Mitigating Circumstances

Mitigating circumstances are those that are not controllable by a student and that impact their ability to complete their dissertation. Some universities allow students to apply for “mitigating circumstances”. This can significantly waive penalties or grant retroactive extensions. 

• Prioritise Only Key Sections

If your extension request is denied, try to focus on completing the most critical chapters, such as the introduction, methodology, and findings, in the remaining time. You won’t be able to secure your dream grades, but you will still be able to meet your academic obligations. 

• Seek Professional Academic Support

Unable to get a dissertation deadline extension? Worried that you might not be able to submit your dissertation project on time? You can hire professional dissertation experts. They have master’s and PhD qualifications and are adept in all academic subjects and their topics. They will significantly complete your due dissertation in no time and deliver it by the specified deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions