Adjusted Mode of Study (AMS)

An Adjusted Mode of Study (AMS) can be requested by disabled students, and where necessary, as part of a reasonable adjustment for an extended period of study of one year of full-time academic study over two years. 

An approved AMS is tailored to each student based on the course and papers available but shall not alter the teaching or assessments themselves. 

The student's College shall apply separately for an Adjusted Mode of Assessment (AMA) and any reasonable adjustments to assessment, and the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) will assess and recommend adjustments to teaching and learning, which will then be implemented. 

An AMS application does not permit students:

  • to study full-time courses on a part-time basis - it is for disabled students who as a consequence of their disability, when studying full-time, cannot complete the workload to engage with a full-time course
  • to facilitate other work, responsibilities, sporting or other extra-curricular activities - academic studies must be prioritised in these circumstances
  • to facilitate a recovery period following illness or initial diagnosis

Where a student is not currently capable of engaging with their studies or assessments, as a result of their disability or another reason, a period of intermission is required. 

Where a student is unwilling to intermit, the Procedure to Support and Assess Capability to Study should be initiated, or the equivalent College procedure.

Update for 2026/27:

As a result of feedback and internal review, the application process for repeat AMS applications has changed. 

From 2026-27, if a student has had an approved Adjusted Mode of Study (AMS) in previous, recent years, then the full AMS application form is NOT required, provided the student remains on the same Tripos or course of study and their medical condition, disability and/or circumstance remain unchanged. A shorter version of the AMS application form to complete, for repeat applications, can be used, more information can be found in the Guidance Notes for Staff and Students 2026-27, found below. 

Once reviewed by the Mitigating Circumstances team and it is clear that the student’s medical condition, disability and/or circumstance remain unchanged, the application will progress to the recommendation stage of the process where the request will be shared with the Chair of Examiners/ Senior Examiner for a recommendation form to be produced within 10 working days. This will then be considered by the EAMC, under delegated authority and circulated once approved.

Applications

Colleges are expected to have discussed with the student and the Department (via the Director of Studies) what split of paper might be most appropriate and equal prior to the application being made. They must also have discussed with the student why other reasonable adjustments would not substantively mitigate the disadvantage of the impact of the student's disability on study and articulate and evidence this in the application. 

AMS Applications will only be considered when submitted by the College on the student’s behalf, except in the most exceptional circumstances. Students must be aware of and consent to the full contents of the application submitted by the College. 

An application made directly by a student rather than via their College needs to briefly explain why it has not been submitted by the College, for example, where the relationship between the student and the College has broken down. In these instances, the student’s College will still be informed and consulted throughout the process as the University and College have joint responsibility for the delivery of education and pastoral services.

How to apply

Full AMS applications

Applications should be sent by the College to the Mitigating Circumstances team via examarrangements@admin.cam.ac.uk by the relevant deadline.

  • The deadline for AMS Applications to begin in Michaelmas Term 2026 is midday on Friday 11th September 2026 
  • The deadline for AMS Applications to begin in Lent Term 2027 is Friday 27 November 2026

Applications should be sent by the College to the Mitigating Circumstances team via examarrangements@admin.cam.ac.uk by the relevant deadline.

  • The deadline for AMS Applications to begin in Michaelmas Term 2026 is Friday 11 September 2026 
  • The deadline for AMS Applications to begin in Lent Term 2027 is Friday 27 November 2026

Full applications must include:

  • a completed application form for each Tripos part due to the different papers available
  • a letter from the Tutor outlining context
  • current and comprehensive medical evidence and/or an assessment from an appropriate expert (see section 3.2 of the guidance - Medical Evidence)
  • any standard or enhanced reasonable adjustments for study and assessment that have previously been granted or are currently in place for the student
  • evidence that standard or enhanced reasonable adjustments will not sufficiently mitigate the substantial disadvantage caused by the student’s disability
  • a statement from the Director of Studies on the proposed split of papers across two years, provided following liaising with the relevant Department contact to ensure the requested split of papers would be academically feasible
  • a statement from the ADRC
  • a letter from the Senior Tutor

Full applications may include:

  • a student statement or other supporting evidence, outlining how the student’s disability impacts their daily and academic life
  • a letter from the student’s ADRC advisor

 AMS applications for a repeated request

AMS applications for repeat requests do not need additional evidence to be included.

Adjusted Mode of Study (AMS) documents

Consequences of applying

It is important to fully understand the consequences of applying for an AMS before doing so, including: 

  • financial impact including the cost of accommodation, maintenance and fees. 
  • academic results being provisional for the first year
  • social consequences and not graduating with peers

Decisions 

  • If the EAMC approve a full AMS application, the Mitigating Circumstances team will contact the Department/Faculty asking for approval with the request and paper split within 10 working days. 
  • Where approval is granted, the Mitigating Circumstances team will confirm the formal outcome. 
  • Case conferences will not be required for AMS applications, however, an internal meeting between the College, Examiners and Mitigating Circumstances Team may be necessary when dealing with complex cases.