Interruptions and withdrawals
Interruptions
It is the expectation of the University that students will complete their programme/studies in one continuous, uninterrupted period of study, however, circumstances may arise when a student may need to interrupt their studies.
Policies and guidance on interruptions to taught programmes can be found on the central TLD webpages and below:
- Policy on Interruptions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate taught programmes of study
- Guidance for staff on Interruptions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate taught programmes of study (to accompany the Policy)
- Guidance for students on Interruptions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Programmes of Study (specific guidance for students)
The University has separate procedure for those on apprenticeship programmes who wish to take time away from learning:
Access to facilities
Students have access to a number of facilities at University such as the Library, University PCs, Blackboard etc. The level of access a student has depends on their status in Campus Solutions.
For information on different student status please see information on the central TLD page.
International students
The interruption of an international student can have major repercussions in terms of their immigration permission. Staff members should contact the Student Immigration Team regarding requests from international students to interrupt their studies before any changes are made to international students' Campus Solutions records'.
Pregnancy, maternity and new parents
A new Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parent Policy, as well as accompanying procedures, was approved by Senate for implementation from September 2024.
This document sets out the arrangements and the support available to students if they are pregnant (including the requirements if they need time away from their programme due to antenatal care appointments), or are undergoing fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy.
It also outlines the support available for students who are new parents, including maternity, adoption and paternity (or secondary carer/partner) arrangements, and applies to all registered UG and PGT students across the University.
The policy provides a brief outline of the relevant legislation and considerations and sets out the main principles which staff and students must adhere to. The policy is accompanied by more detailed guidance contained within the Procedures for Supporting Student Pregnancy, Maternity and New Parents.
These pages provide advice to staff who may be approached by students about pregnancy, maternity,adoption, paternity (or secondary carer/partner), fertility treatment or surrogacy arrangements:
The University has separate guidance for those on apprenticeship programmes:
Reporting of interruptions by Schools
The University document below stipulates that ‘Schools must report to their Faculty on a quarterly basis the outcomes of all applications received, both for information and to identify any underlying strategic issues.’ (paragraph 3.0.14).
The outcomes of all applications for interruptions received in Schools will be received for information (and any action requiredto inform strategic matters) at the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning Committee.
A document outlining the reporting process for Schools, the quarterly deadlines, and the reporting proforma, can be found below:
Rather than completing and submitting the notification proforma (above) Schools can choose to submit the information requested in a different format (e.g. report from local database). In order to preserve anonymity and confidentiality please can you restrict the information you provide to:
- A brief outline of the reason for the request.
- Interruption approved/declined.
- Duration of interruption approved.
- Year of the student (if part-time PGT).
- Retrospective request.
Dealing with retrospective interruptions and withdrawals
Retrospective interruptions should only be approved in exceptional circumstances due to the complex implications of the arrangements. If you are advising a student about possible withdrawal or interruption of their studies, or considering updating a student’s program plan retrospectively, it is important to bear in mind factors such as:
- Financial implications
- Visa implications
These potential implications are explored in more detail in appendix 4 of the Guidance for Staff on Interruptions to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Programmes of Students.
Withdrawals
Students may also consider withdrawing from the University. Explorations with students about the alternatives available to them (eg changing programme, requesting an extension, break from study) should take place to enable the student to make a decision that is right for them.