Interrupting/Changing or Withdrawing from your Course
Please note this information is intended primarily for undergraduate students. Many sections will not apply to postgraduate students
This page is designed to help you if you are thinking of interrupting, changing or withdrawing from your course. There may be academic, financial or personal circumstances which have led you to consider this decision. The information contained in the leaflet is intended as a 'map' to the process, listing some of the questions it may be useful to ask yourself before your final decision and assisting you to plan for the consequences of that decision. There are important practical matters that will need attention as well as some more personal considerations.
What do I want from interrupting/changing/withdrawing
It is worth taking time to think positively about what you want to result from the decision. It is important that whatever decision you take feels constructive. It is tempting to look for a quick solution to a situation that seems insoluble, but this might not be the best solution in the long run.
Academic considerations
If you are unhappy with the course itself, take time to consider what has led to your disappointment, for example
- you may feel you have chosen an unsuitable course
- you may be disappointed with your relations with other students or 'student life' in general
- you may feel you are struggling with the academic demands, perhaps for academic reasons or because personal circumstances are affecting your academic performance
You will need to consider whether it will be best for you to
- Transfer course
- Take time out
- Continue with the course with increased support (see list of who to talk to)
Further considerations may include
- some courses are taught only in alternate years, and may not be available in the year you come back from your leave of absence. If this is an important consideration, you should consult the Undergraduate Tutor in the Department concerned about the availability of courses.
- If your leave of absence involves repeating a year of study when you come back, you will need to remember that you will be with a largely different group of students on your return. This could be a disadvantage if you find your current classmates a particularly supportive group.
Financial considerations
You will need to think about your finances
- Tuition fees
- Student support e.g. student loan, grant, scholarship
- Bank overdraft
- Benefits
- Career Development Loan
All could be affected by suspending, changing or withdrawing from a course
You will need to think about your accommodation
Are you living in university or private rented accommodation? Think about the terms of the contract or tenancy agreement which you have signed and any penalties you may incur if you leave.
International Students - think about your immigration status
If you are in the UK on a student visa, your right to remain in the UK if you suspend, change or withdraw from your course could be affected.
Who to talk to?
- Your academic staff: your personal tutor, the undergraduate tutor or one of your lecturers about your concerns. If you wish to interrupt your course you will need the agreement of the department and to discuss whether you may need to repeat part of the course following the interruption, if you have missed or fallen behind with work. If you wish to change course or withdraw they will need to know and may also have a useful perspective to offer
- The Registry: for all matters concerning procedures for interrupting, transferring or withdrawing including fees and academic requirements.
- Your Faculty Office: each Faculty now publishes a statement of policy on applications for periods of leave of absence
If you wish to transfer degrees or take leave of absence, you need to put your request in writing either in a letter or by email to the the Deputy Registrar, Nicholas Page, np1@soas.ac.uk. If you decide to withdraw permanently, please let him know of your decision. The School carefully monitors withdrawals with a view to improving courses and admissions procedures. It would therefore be helpful if you could let him know briefly the reasons for you withdrawal.
- The Student Welfare Advisors: for information and guidance on all financial considerations and, if you are an international student, the immigration implications of any decision
- The Careers Service: about different options, whether work or alternative study options
- The Learning and Teaching Unit: if you feel that you need to develop better study strategies
- The Counselling Service: if you are unclear or confused about the decision and would like some time to explore your options or doubts confidentially
- The Student Disability Officer: if you are a student with a disability and factors associated with your disability or the provision available at SOAS have contributed to your considering interrupting, changing course or withdrawing. It may be that there are more specific arrangements that can be made to make aspects of the course and student life in general more accessible
- The Students' Union: for general guidance and clarification; talking to your peers who have similar experiences may assist in your decision
Who else needs to know?
Depending on your circumstances you may need also to contact:
- Your Student Residence
- The Student Loan Company
- Your Local Education Authority
- Any other sponsor eg British Council
- The Home Office
The Student Welfare Officers can advise on all the above
What SOAS facilities am I entitled to if I interrupt my course?
- Students who interrupt will keep their student ID in order to access the library
- Library: there is no entitlement to use library facilities after withdrawal. It may be possible to become an external user. Students who are granted leave of absence are eligible for reference access during their period of leave
- Internet/email: SOAS email accounts remain valid for students who have been granted leave of absence. Students will of course keep any other email account e.g. hotmail or yahoo
- Student Welfare Officers: will continue to be available for advice during a period of interruption
- Counselling Service: you can see a counsellor during the process of deciding to interrupt and in the period before returning. It is not possible to provide regular counselling during an interruption of 6 months or more. Students withdrawing from SOAS will be able to complete an ongoing counselling arrangement agreed with the counsellor. All students can be helped to access counselling facilities outside SOAS as required.
Updated February 2008
Counselling service/Student Welfare/Registry2007
