Changing your course

It is not unusual to have doubts about your course at some point. Changing course may be right for you, but it is important to consider all your options, and the practical implications before making a decision.  

• Talk to your tutor – This will help you work out if your current course really isn’t right for you.
• Talk to Careers Service – Careers Advisers can help you identify suitable alternative courses.  
• Talk to admissions tutors of courses you are interested in – Ask questions to establish which is the most appropriate course for you.

Remember, there isn’t an automatic right to change course. Entry requirements, availability of places and your reasons for wanting to change will all be taken into account.

I want to do another course here

• During the first 3 weeks of Level 1 (first year) you may be allowed to switch straight onto a different course.
• This is not usually possible any later. Normally you would have to start the new course the following academic year.
• It is possible to change course after the first year, but unless the modules from your current course can be transferred to the new course, you should expect to have to start from the first year again.   
• Ask the admissions tutor of the relevant department for permission to change course. Tell your personal tutor that you are applying to change.
• If offered a place, complete a Change of Status form.  

I want to move to another university

• Do your research to check that it really is where you want to study - visit the university, check out the website and talk to the tutors.
• Talk to your current tutor. You might need them to provide a reference to the other university.
• Find out the university’s application procedure. Most will require you to apply through UCAS.
• If you are hoping to arrange a same year transfer, ask what the deadline is.  
• Ask if any credits from your current course will count towards the new degree. If not, you may have to repeat one or more years of study.
• If offered a place, complete a Change of Status form to inform this university that you will be leaving.  

Leave of absence

You may want to take Leave of Absence if you are not starting the new course immediately. If permission to change course is conditional on this year’s exam results, leave of absence will probably not be possible.

Withdrawing from this university

Withdrawing is different from taking leave of absence between courses. If you withdraw, you stop being a student until you register on the new course. There are pros and cons that you need to consider, including council tax liability, welfare benefit entitlement and student support repayment.   Please contact Student Advice Centre if you need advice about making this decision.

Money matters

It is essential to consider if you can afford to change course. Click here for more information.