Length of leave

It is important that you take time away from your studies to maintain a work-life balance. 

All students are entitled to take up to 25 days of annual leave per year in addition to bank holidays and our closure days. This leave is pro-rata for part-time students.

You should avoid taking more than 4 weeks at a time.

Requesting leave

Research students are expected to plan annual leave so it does not impact their studies.

You should discuss and agree annual leave in advance with your supervisor or supervisory team. 

Additional annual leave for Student visa holders

Student visa holders in their final year can request additional annual leave between submission and their viva (oral examination).

You can work full-time in this period. Term time working restrictions do not apply.

To request additional annual leave, you must:

1. Speak to your School PGR Director (or nominated academic).
2. If they agree, complete a PGR additional annual leave form.

The Student Visas team can then provide a letter which explains you are allowed to work full-time in this time.

Funded students

You should check your funder’s terms about annual leave as these may be different to the University’s. Usually, stipends continue during annual leave.

International students

If you have a UKVI student visa (formerly known as Tier 4), you should know that if a period of leave is followed or preceded by a period of interruption to studies, Student Visas may be required to report your absence to the Home Office.