Student Initiated Break, Transfer and Withdrawal Policy 2024-25

2.1 Student Initiated Break

A student-initiated break (which also can be referred to as a study break or leave of absence) occurs when a student requests a suspension from their continuing studies for a specific period of time and they intend to resume studies at UEL at a future date. To initiate a break, see paragraphs 1.2.3 and 1.2.4. 
Where a break is agreeable, this will be from the next possible point in study (i.e. at the end of a teaching semester and not the requested date).
All Module opportunities taken, and all tuition fees charges will apply if post 14-day cut-off dates.

2.1.1    In the first instance, a student can request a break for up to one academic year only. In exceptional circumstances, breaks exceeding any one academic year may be granted.

2.1.2    The maximum break period allowed from first enrolling on a course is by assessment and on exception (as detailed in the Manual of General Regulations: Part 3– Academic Regulations).

2.1.3    If a student does not return to study after the break period is completed, they will automatically be withdrawn from their course.

2.1.4    Any student-initiated break on an apprenticeship course must also comply with the latest version of the ESFA funding rules.

2.2 Student-Initiated Course Withdrawal

2.2.1    A student-initiated course withdrawal applies when a student has decided to stop studying at the University of East London and is sure that they will not be returning to study with us on the same course in the future. To initiate course withdrawal, see paragraphs 1.2.3 and 1.2.4.

2.2.2    Where a Withdrawal is requested and agreed, the date of Withdrawal will be taken as the date of submission of the completed withdrawal request form (SWRD – Student Withdrawal Request Date).

2.2.3    If a student withdraws from their course of study at UEL and wishes to return to study at a later date, they will have to reapply to study at UEL.

2.2.4    In certain circumstances, students who reapply may not be eligible to study at UEL for a new course of study. This may be due to various reasons, which would be made clear to the applicant if the request is denied.

2.3 Student Transfers

2.3.1    Student transfer (also known as change of course) applies when a student wishes to change their course of study at UEL to a different course.
If the student wishes to move to an alternative provider, refer to paragraphs 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 and follow the process outlined in the Student-Initiated Course Withdrawal.

2.3.2    In most cases, students will not be allowed to transfer courses within UEL after the second week of teaching, as per our Tuition Fee Policy and enrolment deadlines. Students must complete their modules before transferring if a transfer is requested after the second week of teaching.

2.3.3    New entrants 'transferring in' from an alternative HEI to the University are required to apply via the appropriate application method. Students who have already enrolled will need to request a transfer through My Portal.

2.3.4    When a student is new and transferring in from another HEI, or a current student is transferring from another course of study in UEL, and applicants for Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) courses will need to submit a new application via the course page on the UEL website.

2.3.5    All prospective new students transferring from another course of study at UEL are expected to meet the entry requirements for their course as published on the course page on the UEL website.

2.3.6    Approval to transfer to a course within UEL as a current student, or new applicant, may be dependent on previous qualifications, modules completed (including learning outcomes achieved) and marks/outcomes achieved on modules previously taken.

2.3.7    The student will need approval from the course leader of the new course the student wishes to transfer their study to.

2.3.8    Any request to transfer with advanced entry will work in conjunction with the university’s Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning Policy. Some courses may not accept advanced entry due to accreditation and/or professional body requirements.

2.3.9    It is recommended that, before transferring, applicants contact the relevant academic course leader for any clarification on professional body requirements. Refer to paragraph 1.2.3.