Guidelines on Submission and Late Submission of Assessments

(Updated October 2023)

Word Count

Where a word count has been specified in the assignment’s instructions, the word count does NOT include the Works Cited section. No more than 10% above the required word count is acceptable. For example, an essay which should be 2,000 words long can come in at 2,200 words without affecting a student’s grade. Students must fill in the boxes for required word count and actual word count on the relevant assessment cover sheet.

Note: the following guidelines are relevant only to assignments which are submitted on time or up to two weeks late; for assignments which are or will be more than two weeks late owing to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, please read about applying for extenuating circumstances.

How to submit your assignment

• All assignments must be submitted to Brightspace in electronic format by the advertised deadline. While you may complete your assignment using Microsoft Word, the electronic copy must be uploaded to Brightspace as a PDF. File submissions in inappropriate formats cannot be graded and will be assigned a mark of NM. The submission process is not complete until you receive your confirmation email from Brightspace. This receipt will serve as proof of submission. Always keep a back-up copy of your assignment.

• 1 week late (up to 5 working days after submission):
  • Minus 1 grade point: A+ → A

• 2 weeks late (up to 10 working days past submission)
  • Minus 2 grades: A+ → A-

Assignments more than two weeks (ten working days) late cannot be graded unless Extenuating Circumstances have been granted. Click here to learn about applying for extenuating circumstances.

Note: late submission is not permitted for online or take-home examinations.

Applying for an Extension

• You should apply for an extension before the assignment deadline. If granted, an extension is for ten working days or less. Your module coordinator will give you a new deadline.
• If you need an extension, contact your module coordinator. If you need extensions in more than one class, you will  need to contact each module coordinator separately.
• Provide documentation. For example:
  • A med cert
  • A notice from RIP.ie
• If the module coordinator agrees to an extension, s/he will ask you to fill out an Application Form for Late Submission of Assessments. Attach the completed form provided by your module coordinator to the front of your assignment when you submit it by the agreed new deadline. All consultations with a module coordinator (as with any application for extension/consideration) will be held in confidence.

Note: These School guidelines are subject to revision in exceptional circumstances.