How do I get a sick note for exams?

If you have an illness for less than 7 days (including the weekend) that has affected your university work, you may be required to fill in a self-certification form, usually found on your university website or via their health centre. If your illness does not affect your university work, it is not necessary to complete any forms. If your illness has affected your university work for more than 7 days, you will need to see your doctor for a fit note.

If your illness is severe or lasting longer than 7 days or there is any doubt over what is causing your illness you should see your doctor. If you inform your university because it is affecting your ability to complete work or assignments, they may require additional evidence in the form of a fit note from your doctor. A fit or sick note from your doctor is not always required, so it is worth contacting your university department for further advice as soon as possible.

If you have an upcoming exam or coursework deadline and you are unwell, it is important that you notify your department as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances they may advise you to still sit the examinations, or provide you with some provisions to allow you to sit the examination or provide an extension for you to submit your coursework. They may also recommend that you defer the current examination and sit the next one instead.