MMathPhys/MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Handbook (2025-26 Entry)

4.8 Mitigating Circumstances

If you suffer from an acute illness or other personal circumstances that you believe has affected your performance in an asessment (either during an exam, or in the revision period before, or while writing up a submission), you can submit a mitigating circumstances notice to your examiners (MCE) to let them know. The Examiners will consider whether the outcome for affected papers or overall classification should be adjusted.

You can submit an MCE via Student Self-Service. However, you are encouraged to contact your college first, so that they can advise you on how to gather evidence. 

Please see student guide here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/Mitigating%20Circumstances%20Notices%20%E2%80%93%20Student%20Guidance.docx

You are encouraged to submit an MCE as soon as possible after completing the affected assessment. You can submit an MCE at any time after the asessment is completed however, it must be submitted no later than noon the day before the final exam board meeting (mid-July, exact date to follow), or it will not be considered by the Examiners. 

You may submit an MCE after that point, no more than a month after the final exam board meeting, but you must provide a reason for why you did not submit before. The Proctor's Office will review the cases and they will decide if the MCE should be forwarded to the Examiners at that point. So if you submit an MCE after the exam board, it is not guaranteed that the Examiners will review it. 

Please note, if you are struggling with your studies for any reason, please contact your academic advisor and your college's welfare team for support. Don't wait until the last moment and only apply for an MCE. Your college is there to support you and you are more likely to succeed in your studies if you reach out for help when you need it.