Guidelines for compulsory activities at the Institute of Health and Society

Absence from compulsory activities

If you are ill or have another valid reason for missing a compulsory activity, you may apply for approval of absence or for an extension/postponement of the compulsory activity.

For academic reasons, you may be required to undertake an alternative compulsory activity as compensation for what you missed.

Teaching activities with a minimum participation requirement

Some courses have compulsory activities with a minimum participation requirement. This is based on an academic assessment for each course to ensure you meet the learning outcomes set out in the course description.

The absence limit is intended to cover normal illness-related absence and similar circumstances. You will therefore not be granted authorised absence from teaching based on a medical certificate alone, even if the absence is due to circumstances beyond your control.

In exceptional cases, for example in the event of serious or prolonged illness, you may apply for individual adjustments to your study situation.

Teaching activities without a minimum participation requirement

Some courses require you to attend all compulsory activities to be eligible for the examination. This is based on an academic assessment for each course to ensure you meet the learning outcomes set out in the course description.

If you are ill or have another valid reason for missing a compulsory activity, you may, for example, apply for an extended deadline or to repeat the compulsory activity. After an academic assessment, you may be required to complete an alternative form of compulsory activity as compensation for what you missed.

Absence from, or requests for postponement of, compulsory activities must be documented with a medical certificate or equivalent. Documentation must be uploaded with your application.

Examples of situations that may justify authorised absence or postponement include:

• Illness (or illness of someone for whom you have caring responsibility)
• Childbirth
• Death in the immediate family
• Other serious reasons beyond your control

Other serious reasons beyond your control may include, for example, military service, court proceedings or political representation.

Requirements for documentation

Acceptable documentation includes a medical certificate, confirmation of birth / expected date of delivery, or equivalent.

Medical certificates must bear the doctor’s signature and stamp, or a digital signature, to be valid. The certificate must state the period and extent of the medical leave and clearly indicate that you were ill at the time the compulsory activity was scheduled.

You must upload the documentation in the online application form. If your documentation is on paper, you can scan or photograph it. Keep the original documentation until you have received a decision on your application.

Application deadline

No later than three days after the date of absence or the submission deadline.

If the deadline falls on a public holiday or weekend, will be extended to the next working day.

In cases of serious illness, an extension of the deadline may be granted.

Application form

Questions?

Please contact MED Student Information.