This article provides details about what you need to know if you are thinking of transferring, suspending or withdrawing from your course.
Please see the relevant sections below for what you would like to do i.e. transfer, suspend or withdraw:
Transfer
What does Transfer mean?
Transfer is where a student of the University of Portsmouth changes to another course within the University of Portsmouth. If you have achieved credit, all or part of this credit may be transferred to the new course if agreed with the department. Transfer is NOT a student right and must be agreed by the University.
How do I transfer?
If you wish to transfer courses, you should start by talking to both the current department and the department you wish to transfer to, to ensure that both departments feel the transfer is the right move academically and that you are able to transfer to the new course at that time.
If both departments agree the move, you will need to complete the Transfer Form which you can find in your student view in your student account. This form will need to be signed off by the relevant academic within your new department and the new department administration office will update your student record with the new course.
What fee implications are there if I transfer?
If you transfer between courses with different tuition fees, the tuition fee due will be based on the tuition fee and liability period pertaining to each course registration. Please refer to the Tuition Fee Policy' at Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures? for more financial information on transferring courses.
If you are receiving tuition fee or maintenance grants or loans from the Student Loans Company, you should inform Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland (as applicable) that you have transferred course by completing a Change of Circumstances Form. The University will also inform them.
What are the regulations for transferring?
Please see the Academic Regulations and refer to the 'Withdrawal, Transfer, Suspension, Resumption Procedures' document at Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures? for full details and rules of transferring.
Additional information I should know?
If you have been excluded from a course at the University of Portsmouth or have withdrawn, you cannot transfer to another course. You would be treated as a new applicant and if the department that you are joining wish to give you credit for units already achieved, this is dealt with through the AP(E)L process.
Suspension
What does Suspension mean?
Suspension is a temporary break in study. It is sometimes referred to as interrupting. When you suspend your studies, you will agree a date of return with your Head of Department - this date will usually be the start of a relevant study period such as an academic year or teaching block. Suspension is NOT a student's right and must be agreed by the University. You may not undertake second attempt assessment or deferred first attempt assessment while suspended.
How do I suspend my studies?
If you wish to suspend your studies, you will need to complete the a Suspension Form which you can find in your Student View in your student account. This will include the reason for your suspension, as well and the date you wish to return. This form will need to be signed off by the relevant academic within your department if the suspension is agreed.
The date of suspension provided cannot be more than two weeks prior to the date you notify the University of your intent to suspend.
What fee implications are there if I suspend?
You will be charged a tuition fee after two weeks of the course start date (14 days), which includes the Induction week. If you are a new student, you are 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 your withdrawal from the University.
Tuition fees may be reduced on your suspension, based on the date of suspension and liability periods. The liability periods are explained in the Tuition Fee Policy at Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?. There are financial implications in suspending studies in that a resumption fee will be charged on your return to studies. Please refer to the Tuition Fee Policy for these details.
If you are resuming study from September 2021, please contact tuition.fees@port.ac.uk for confirmation of your resumption fee. You will be charged a pro-rata fee based on the number of credits you will be studying during the academic year.
Tuition fees are not normally refunded to students on suspension, but carried forward for when you return. If you require a refund of these fees for any reason, please contact cosforms@port.ac.uk.
If you are receiving tuition fee or maintenance grants or loans from the Student Loans Company, you should inform Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland (as applicable) that you have suspended your studies temporarily by completing a Change of Circumstances Form. The University will also inform them.
What are the regulations for suspension?
There is no need for re-applying to the University following your suspension, provided regulations are met.
The maximum suspension you can request is one year. Further suspension can be requested after the year for an additional one year. Should you still not be able to return to study following two years, you would normally be withdrawn from the University.
Please see the 'Academic Regulations and refer to the 'Withdrawal, Transfer, Suspension, Resumption Procedures' document at Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?' for full details and rules of suspension.
Additional information I should know?
Please note: While you are suspended you will not have access to any University facilities e.g. library, computer account, Moodle.
Withdrawal
What does Withdrawal mean?
Withdrawal is the complete termination of a student's registration in both the programme of study and all units associated with it. Withdrawal from a course is a student's right. However should you wish to return following withdrawal, you would have to re-apply to the University and there is no guarantee of re-admittance.
How do I withdraw?
To request a withdrawal, you need to complete the Withdrawal Request Form which you can find in your Student View in your student account.
Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your request. Please contact your department on the first available working day after completing this form to discuss your withdrawal and whether this is actually the best option for you.
Although withdrawal is your right, there could be a problem with the dates you enter. Please continue to check your email regularly as you will then receive confirmation of whether or not your withdrawal has been approved. If your withdrawal is not approved, please contact your department for details of why not.
What fee implications are there if I withdraw?
You will be charged a tuition fee after two weeks of the course start date (14 days), which includes the Induction week. Tuition fees may be reduced on your withdrawal, based on the withdrawal date 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 the Tuition Fee Policy atWhere can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?.
If you are receiving tuition a fee loan or maintenance loan from Student Finance England/Wales/Northern Ireland or the Scottish Awards Agency, the University will inform them of your withdrawal. The University will submit an electronic change of circumstances form, once your withdrawal has been confirmed by your School/Department. If you are withdrawing from the University of Portsmouth but going to another University to continue your studies, when completing the Online Withdrawal Request Form, select the reason 'Moving to other Institution', so we know to notify Student Finance.
What are the regulations for withdrawing?
Please see the 'Academic Regulations' and refer to the 'Withdrawal, Transfer, Suspension, Resumption Procedures' document at Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures? for full details and rules of withdrawal.
Additional information I should know?
Withdrawal is often the first option students will consider for various reasons from financial difficulties, to struggling with the work, to missing home but there are often ways the University can help overcome the difficulties without the need for withdrawal. There may also be other possible solutions you could take such as a temporary suspension or a transfer of course. Your department will be able to guide you which would be the best option or provide additional support if required.
here are some of the people you may find can help:
ASDAC- Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre
Chaplaincy Confidential support for students of all or no faith
Your MyPort 'home' hub Academic/Course advice and guidance
International Office International and EU student support
Careers and Employability Service- the University of Portsmouth's employability service
Student Administration Services Financial guidance for a change of status
Student Finance Centre Financial information, advice and guidance