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Withdraw, suspend or transfer
Are you thinking about changing your course, taking a study break or leaving the University?
The information on this page is for current students. If you have not started your course and wish to make a change you should contact our Admissions Teams in the first instance.
- UK applicants - admissions@port.ac.uk
- International applicants - globaladmissions@port.ac.uk
Deciding to take a study break, changing course or leave the University can be a big decision. We would encourage you to explore your options by getting advice from us before finalising your plans.
Changing your course (Transfer)
This process only allows you to request a change from one University of Portsmouth course to another. If you are studying on a Student Visa your visa conditions may not allow you to make the change you request.
Depending on the course you wish to change to, you may be eligible to transfer credit you have been previously awarded. However, in some cases no credit may be transferred and you will study all modules on your new course.
Transfer information
First, contact your current Course Leader, and also the Course Leader of the course you want to change to. Make sure that both course leaders agree that the transfer is the right move academically and that you can transfer to the new course at that time. Once you have spoken with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader, you can make your request via your Student View.
If you are studying on a Student Visa you should consider the following points:
- Your visa conditions may not allow you to make the change you request;
- To find out whether your change of course is allowed for your Student Visa, email registration@port.ac.uk;
- You must seek guidance on your visa conditions from the International Student Advice team at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk, or visit them at University House;
- Depending on your change of course request, if it is approved, you may be required to leave the UK to make a new visa application before you can start the course and you may need to suspend your studies to do this;
- If your request is approved for your visa and by the departments, we will report the change to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).
If you transfer to a course with a different tuition fee, you will be billed accordingly:
- For the previous course up to the liability point that applies to the time of the change;
- Plus the tuition fee for the new course from the liability point that applies to the time of the change.
You will find full information on liability periods in our Tuition Fee Policy.
If you receive a tuition fees or maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company, you will need to tell them if your request is approved. The University will inform the Student Loans Company once your student record has been updated.
If you have been excluded from the University of Portsmouth, or have left, you will need to reapply through Admissions.
If the department you are joining wants to credit modules you have already achieved, the RPL process will be initiated.
Taking a study break (Suspension)
Suspension is a temporary break in study, sometimes referred to as interrupting.
If you are thinking about suspending your studies, you should discuss this with your Personal Tutor, Course Leader or another member of staff as soon as possible. Getting advice and support is important. If you are on a Student Visa you should seek advice from the International Student Advice Team.
You must notify the University of your intention to suspend your studies at least two weeks before the date you want to suspend your studies. Your return date will usually be the start of an academic year or teaching block. Your request to suspend will need to be approved by the University.
You may not undertake second attempt assessment or deferred first attempt assessment while suspended. While suspended you will not have access to any University resources such as the Library or your computer account. Students will however have access to their University email account, and should regularly check for updates from the University.
Suspension information
Once you have spoken with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader, you can make your request via your Student View.
Your course team will consider your request and if there are any issues with your suspension being approved, they will contact you.
If you are studying on a Student Visa you should consider the following points:
- If your suspension is approved, you will need to leave the UK whilst you are on your study break;
- We will report to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) that you are on a study break which will cancel your visa;
- Before you return to study, you will need to request a new CAS and make a new visa application outside the UK to return from your study break.
You must contact the International Student Advice Team for further information about how suspending your studies will affect your visa. You can email them at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk or visit them in person at University House.
You'll be charged a tuition fee instalment after two weeks of the course start date. This includes induction week. If you're a new student, you're not able to suspend your studies in the first two weeks of the course start date. A break in studies at this point will be treated as a withdrawal or deferral of study to the next academic year.
Tuition fees are based on the date of suspension and liability periods, as explained in our Tuition Fee Policy. When you return to your studies, you will be charged a fee based upon the number of outstanding modules you need to take.
Tuition fees are not normally refunded to students on suspension. They are usually carried forward for when you return. If you require a refund of these fees for any reason, contact feeenquiries@port.ac.uk.
If you receive a tuition fee or maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company, you will need to tell them you are suspending your studies. The University will inform the Student Loans Company once your student record has been updated.
For more information on what happens to your student loan when suspending studies please read our Suspension of studies - student loan information article and speak with the Student Finance Team at University House.
There is no need to reapply to the University following an approved period of suspension.
A date for returning to your studies will have been confirmed by the University and will usually be the start of an academic year or teaching block. A suspension period will normally be for a period of one year.
Your student record will be reactivated and you will need to complete Registration on your return (online registration, tuition fee payment and ID check (for international students)).
If you are studying on a Student Visa, you will need to request a new CAS and make a new student visa application to return. For further guidance please contact international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk.
Leaving the University (Withdrawal)
Withdrawal is sometimes the first option students will consider when facing difficulties with their course. There are other options in how the University may be able to help you overcome such difficulties without the need for you to leave. You could also explore the possibility of temporarily suspending your studies or changing your course. If you are considering leaving the University, contact your Personal Tutor, Course Leader or another member of staff to discuss your options. If you are on a Student Visa you should seek advice from the International Student Advice team by contacting international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk.
Withdrawal is the complete closure of your student record at the University, ending your studies with us. You can withdraw from your studies at any time during the academic year. If you want to return in the future you must reapply to the University and there is no guarantee of re-admittance.
Withdrawal information
Once you’ve spoken to a member of staff, if you decide to proceed with your withdrawal, please use the form on your Student View.
If you are studying on a Student Visa you should consider the following points:
- If you withdraw from your studies, you will need to leave the UK;
- We will report to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) that you are no longer studying at the University and they will cancel your visa.
You should contact the International Student Advice Team for further information about how withdrawing from your studies will affect your visa. You can email them at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk or visit them in person at University House.
Your tuition fee liability will be based on the date of withdrawal and liability periods. The withdrawal date is the 'date of last attendance' and this will be the date the withdrawal form is submitted by you. The liability periods are explained in our Tuition Fee Policy.
If you are receiving tuition fee or maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company, you should inform Student Finance that you have withdrawn from your studies. We will also inform them. If you are leaving the University of Portsmouth to go to another University to continue your studies please select the reason 'Moving to another Institution' when completing the Withdrawal Request Form and we will inform them of this.
Find out more
If you are considering changing courses, suspending your studies or leaving the University please use the following University services that can provide you with support and advice.
- Your Personal Tutor - their role is to signpost you to the right people before making a final decision. You will find the name of your personal tutor in your Student View;
- Academic Skills Tutors - if you are considering suspending as you have missed lectures or struggle to understand your course content, then catch up with our Academic Skills Tutors for subject specific sessions to help you get back on track;
- Student Union Advice Service - a team of specially trained advisors can help you navigate the University's policies and procedures and provide 1-2-1 support the whole way. Being completely separate from the University they can give you impartial yet informed third party advice;
- International Student Advisers (ISA) - if you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa then you should seek advice immediately from the ISA team. You can only receive formal visa related advice from the ISA team;
- Student Wellbeing Service – free, confidential advice and support for your emotional wellbeing and mental health;
- Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre – advice in situations where you need additional support to engage with the learning on your course;
- Chaplaincy – confidential pastoral support for students of all or no faith;
- MyPort Hubs – academic and course advice and guidance;
- Careers and Employability Service - advice on future career planning, including support with other study options;
- Student Finance Centre – financial information, advice and guidance;
- Student Housing - the team can support you about any issues relating to your accommodation within the private sector or halls. They can also advise on options should you need to vacate your accommodation before the end of your contract. Their contact details are:
Email: student.housing@port.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)239 284 3214
Location: 6th Floor, Mercantile House - Res Life - if you need support with issues related to living in halls or understanding a hall of residence contract directly with University then our Res Life team can help. Students usually need to vacate halls within seven days of the suspension/withdrawal date. Res Life is open Monday - Friday 12.00pm–8.00pm, no appointment necessary. Their contact details are:
Email: reslife@port.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)239 284 3418 - The Library - whilst your library account will be closed and you will need to return any books on loan you can still continue to use the Library. You can obtain a day pass by showing a photographic ID at the Reception Desk – this would allow access to the Library, but you wouldn’t be able to borrow books. Alternatively, you could get an External Reader card, which is free and would allow you to borrow two books at a time.
Get help through the MyPort Information Hubs
Get help through the MyPort Information Hub
If you're a current student, the MyPort Information Hub is your first port of call for any guidance you need with any aspect of University life. From questions about your course, to what support services are available to help you - contact the MyPort Information Hub to help find what you need:
Live chat - which appears as a purple box in the bottom right of the MyPort Information Hub web page
Email - myport@port.ac.uk
Phone - +44 (0)23 9284 4444
Drop into the MyPort Information Hub in-person support.
Opening hours
MyPort Hubs are open from 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8.30am - 4.00pm on Frida