Student policies & guidelines
Suspending studies
At some point during your studies, you may need to consider suspending your studies for a specific period of time. The reasons for this might include academic, financial, mental and/or physical health, disability, personal, immigration, social and/or family.
An interruption to your studies can be disruptive, and create academic and other difficulties, so you are advised to discuss your situation very carefully with your Director of Studies and/or Personal Tutor, as well as relevant staff from the support services listed at the end of this page, before making a decision about whether to request a suspension.
International students in the UK on a student visa must be studying in order
to fulfil the visa requirements. If your studies are suspended you are expected to return to your home country during the period of suspension. If you hold a Tier 4 student visa, the University is required to report your suspension to UKBA and your visa is likely to be curtailed. You will need to apply for a new visa to return to the UK to continue your studies.
For further advice, please visit the International
Student Advice Team in 4 West Student Services, or contact them through SAMIS online (Student Services Helpdesk).
If you decide to request to suspend your studies, you will need to complete form CC2 which is available from your department or can be printed from here. Consideration will be given to your request, taking into account any academic and/or other considerations. The decision on your request will be confirmed with you in writing, and include details of when you are expected to resume your studies and any conditions you need to fulfil before doing so. At this stage, the Student Information & Funding team can advise you on how to suspend any student funding you are receiving.
It is important to maintain your registration while suspending your studies. Although this will not cost you anything, it will allow you to maintain your University email account and access to the University computer network. This will also help you communicate with your department.
Resuming studies
As the time for you to resume your studies approaches, you should confirm in advance with your Director of Studies whether you still plan to do so. If you decide you are not able to return at the agreed time, or want to leave the University altogether, you should also discuss this with your Director of Studies. International students will need to apply for a new Tier 4 student visa to return to the UK.
Resuming studies after a period of suspension is often not straightforward. You may feel like a fresher again, perhaps joining a different cohort of students, but without the support of other students going through a similar experience. Your Director of Studies may be able to advise you on how best to prepare academically, and the support services may also be able to support your return to study, including the resumption of any student funding you are receiving.
If there were particular conditions attached to resuming your studies, such as demonstrating you are fit to do so, it is important that you discuss this with your Director of Studies well in advance of when you plan to return, and provide any necessary evidence. Again, the support services may be able to help with this process, and provide for an assessment of your needs and any ongoing support.
If your return date is mid-way through the academic year, please inform Registry (WH 2.12c) once you have returned so that your record can be updated. If you decide to leave the University, please ensure that you inform your Director of Studies so your student record can be updated and any future requests for credit transfer to other institutions or references can be responded to efficiently.
Sources of advice and support
International Student Advice Team for students with immigration and visa concerns, as well as other issues related to being an international student. www.bath.ac.uk/students/international
Careers Advisory Service for students with doubts about their choice of course and future progression beyond the University. www.bath.ac.uk/careers
Student Health & Well Being for students wishing to explore their options and feelings about suspending or resuming their studies. www.bath.ac.uk/counselling/
Student Disability Advice for disabled students seeking an assessment of your needs and advice about the support that can be put in place, subject to the necessary funding. www.bath.ac.uk/disabilityadvice
Medical Centre for students needing advice, treatment and/or an assessment of your physical and/or mental fitness to study. Students who are not registered patients at the University Medical Centre will need to consult your own medical practitioners. www.umcbath.co.uk/site/index.aspx
Student Information & Funding for advice on grants, loans, bursaries, scholarships, budgeting, and negotiating with third parties such as the University’s Finance Office and Education Authorities. www.bath.ac.uk/studentservices/money-service
Students’ Union, Advice & Representation Centre for general advice and guidance about your options when planning to suspend or resume your studies. www.bathstudent.com/academic/