Current Students

This is for students who intend to leave their degree programme prior to completing their final examinations. Once withdrawn, you cannot return to the programme at a later date.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate students

In order to withdraw from your studies you must complete a withdrawal of study form.

Research Students

In order to withdraw, your supervisor must email Student Records confirming the effective date and reason for withdrawal.

This is for students who require taking a temporary break from their studies and plan to resume their studies at a future date.

(i) Applications for repeat interruptions or those in excess of one calendar year will be require the approval of the Dean of Students (Academic), in addition to that of the Department and Faculty.

(ii) Modular/Flexible programmes cannot be interrupted.

Download an application form [Word File]

(i) Funded research students should refer to the Research Studentships webpage for information.

In order to apply, your supervisor must email Student Records confirming the effective date of interruption, expected date of return and reason for interruption.

If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of the degree programme you are following, you should discuss the matter with your Personal Tutor/Postgraduate tutor/Supervisor.

Guidance Notes

• Transfer from your original degree programme to another cannot be guaranteed. You must be able to satisfy the entrance requirements for your proposed new degree programme; a place must be available on it; and it must be practical for you to complete the new degree programme satisfactorily.
• You will not be eligible for consideration for the award of a degree until you have completed the prescribed period of study required and satisfied the examiners in the requisite number of course-units for your new degree programme as specified in the UCL Regulations for Students.
• If you hold a Tier 4 visa, your change of programme and amended end date (if appropriate) will be reported to the UKBA.
• If you hold a Tier 4 visa and your new programme requires ATAS clearance, you must obtain this before the change will be approved. You must bring your ATAS certificate to the Student Centre so we may note it on your record. A list of the programmes requiring ATAS clearance can be found here.
• Before you decide to change your degree programme, you should ask your LEA whether you would still be eligible for student support following your proposed change. According to the Mandatory Awards Regulations LEAs should continue to provide support where appropriate when you change degree programmes.
• Unless stated to the contrary, it will be assumed that the change of degree programme will be effective as from the start of the current session.
• The normal deadline for change of degree programme during the session is 31 October.

Within same Department and Faculty

• The application must be made by the Departmental Tutor to the Student Records section of the Registry (via the Faculty Office).

Between two departments or faculties

• It is expected that, before a change is approved, there will have been consultation between both Departmental Tutors.
• The Departmental Tutor for the current degree programme should approve the change by signing under the field 'losing' Department. He/She must then forward the application to the new Departmental Tutor to accept you on the new degree programme by signing under the field 'gaining' Department.
• Once you have been accepted onto a new degree programme by approval of both Departmental Tutors the 'losing' Faculty Tutor should be sought for approval before passing the form to the 'gaining' Faculty Tutor. The Faculty Tutor should then forward the form to the Registry.
• It is the responsibility of the 'gaining' Faculty Tutor to inform your LEA of the change of degree programme.

Download an application form [Word File]

In order to apply, your supervisor must email Student Records confirming the new research programme and the effective date of change.

• If you want to change any of your individual course units, an application must be made by the Departmental Tutor to the Examinations Section of the Registry (via the Faculty Office).
• The normal deadline for changes of course unit during the session is 27 January. Any student wishing to make a change after this date must be referred to the relevant Faculty Tutor.
• If you wish to withdraw from a course unit after 27 January please refer to the Withdrawal from Examinations web page.

Download an application form [PDF File]

All research students who have completed their approved period of registration may register as CRS students while they write up their theses. Students on CRS status have continued access to UCL facilities and are not be required to pay fees for this period.

You must read the Academic Regulations before applying for CRS status.

In order to apply, your supervisor must email Student Records confirming the effective date of transfer.

UCL recognises that research can be subject to unexpected difficulties. You may therefore apply for an extension to CRS status in exceptional circumstances, as detailed on the form.

Guidance Notes

• You must read the Academic Regulations before applying for an extension to CRS status.
• Your application for extension must be supported by your supervisor and the Head of Department and submitted to the Student Records office, Registry and Academic Services.
• If your research at UCL has been publicly funded you must also apply directly to the research council or charity for an extension. UCL will not do this for you. A copy of the letter from your funding body with their decision in relation to the extension must be attached to this application.
• Many of the funding bodies apply sanctions to the department if students do not submit their theses within four years from the start of registration. You should discuss this, if applicable, with both your supervisor and your departmental graduate tutor before submitting this application to the Registry.

Download an application form [Word File]

If you are away from UCL to conduct research for more than four weeks you must make an application to the Student Records section of the Registry.

Guidance Notes

• Applications must be made on the recommendation of your Supervisor to the Student Records section of the Registry.
• You must be in regular attendance at UCL for a minimum total of nine months full-time study (or the equivalent in part-time study) during your period of research.
• The maximum period of study leave permitted is two calendar years.
• You may not be on study leave during the first three and final three months of your programme.
• Under UCL regulations you will be expected to keep in regular contact with your supervisor during your study leave.
• You will be liable for fees at a reduced rate during the period of study leave.
• Further information can be found on the Graduate School website.

Download an application form [Word File]