• When you can transfer
• When you can't transfer
• Get advice and understand the implications of transferring programme
• How to request a programme transfer
• Suspending your studies prior to transferring programme

When you can transfer programme

With approval, transfers can take place:

• During the first two weeks of teaching block 1 (before the end of Friday in week 2 of teaching).
• After the first two weeks of teaching block 1. You may be required to suspend your studies and come back at the start of the next academic year on the new programme. This may involve an additional year of study.
• After the end of your first year with progression into the second year (UG only).
• Where the structures of the two programmes are sufficiently similar so that you will not be academically disadvantaged by the transfer. This might include picking up or dropping a year in industry, or transferring to or from a Joint Honours, where programme regulations allow. For example, a transfer between:
  • 'BSc Physics' and 'BSc Physics with Industrial Experience', or
  • MSci Biochemistry' and 'BSc Biochemistry'.
• Where you wish to transfer to or from an integrated masters programme.
• Where you wish to transfer to a study abroad programme. Places cannot be guaranteed due to the limited spaces available at partner universities. Contact the Go Abroad Global Opportunities team for more information.
• Where your PGR programme regulations allow (for PGR students only).

When you can't transfer

Transfers are not always possible. For example, if:

• It is not within the first two weeks of teaching
• the programme you want to transfer to is full, or
• you do not meet the entry requirements.

Get advice and understand the implications of transferring programme

If you’re thinking about changing programme, the best place to start is to speak to your personal tutor or supervisor (for PGR students) for advice. They will be able to help you make an informed decision and help you consider any other academic support that may be suitable.

There is support and guidance available through the support services that can help you manage your studies. You can also request wellbeing support while at the university.

Funding

You should discuss with the Funding and Money Advice Office how transferring to a new programme may impact your funding. If compelling personal reasons (CPR) affected your studies, you may be able to apply for additional funding from Student Finance.

You should also check whether the tuition fees are different for your new programme.

Student visa holder students

Before requesting a transfer, you must contact the Student Visa Advice team to discuss wanting to transfer, as you may be required to apply for a new visa. See the student visa guidance for more information.

Placements

If you are suspending before transferring onto a placement programme (i.e. in industry or studying abroad), we will try to allocate a placement to you when you return from suspension along with the next cohort of students. This cannot be guaranteed.

See the suspensions guidance for more information on how suspending can impact your studies.

Accommodation

If you are required to suspend before transferring, on your return to study, you may need to apply for accommodation as a returning student, and university-owned accommodation is very limited. Find out more about how suspending your studies may affect your accommodation.

How to request a programme transfer

1. Speak to your school office for advice in the first instance.
   • If the programme you want to join is in another school, contact them to ask if they will consider your transfer request, what year of study you would be able to enter and if there are any other transfer requirements, such as specific units you need to study or pass.
   • If you are required to suspend your studies before transferring programme, you must complete a suspension of studies form, which your school can give you, and you must submit this for approval alongside your programme transfer form.
2. Fill out a transfer form, which you can get from your current school office. You will need to have the approval of your new school and faculty before you can submit your completed form to your current school for their approval.
   • If you are a student visa holder you will need to discuss your programme transfer with Student Visa Services who will sign your form to confirm you understand the visa implications.
3. Once approved by your school, your request will be shared with your faculty office who, if approved at faculty-level, will finalise the process. You will then receive an email to confirm the change. Until you've received written confirmation, you must continue studying on your current programme of study.

For detailed regulations about changing from one undergraduate course to another, read the University’s policy on transferring. (PDF, 49.2kb)

Suspending your studies prior to transferring programme

If you are required to suspend your studies prior to transferring programmes, you will stay on your original programme for the duration of your suspension. Nearer to your return, your faculty office will contact you to ask if you intend to return. If you do, your student record will be reactivated and you will be asked to register for the new academic year. Once you have done this the appropriate faculty will process your programme transfer at that time. If you have any questions, contact the faculty that owns your new programme.

Once the transfer process is complete, you will receive an email confirmation.