Making changes to your study

Find out about the student finance implications of making changes to your study.

Sometimes things don't go to plan. You many find yourself needing to make changes to your study. This can be a worrying time, but we're here to help you make the right decision about your future.

Making a change to your study could have financial implications. You should always seek advice before making your final decision. This page summarises key information, and where to find further help and support.

Find out more about taking a break or withdrawing from your studies.

Undergraduate students

Taking a break from your studies

There are many reasons why you may wish to take some time out from your studies. It may be due to personal or medical reasons. Perhaps you need to take a step back to think about whether your course is right for you. Whatever the reason, you can find comprehensive guidance on our Taking a Break in Study page.

Withdrawing

We hope your time at NTU goes well, and that you enjoy your course. We also appreciate that you may have a change of heart, or that you may need to leave for personal or medical reasons. Our Withdrawing page provides clear guidance on your next steps.

Repeating your studies

If you need to repeat any part of your course, there are several key factors you'll need to consider.

If you're repeating 'in attendance', you'll be charged tuition fees. The amount will depend on the number of credits or modules you're repeating.
If you're repeating your studies for the first time, it's likely you'll be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. Student Finance provides one extra year of Tuition Fee Loan funding for undergraduates. This is sometimes called a 'gift year'.
If you're repeating your studies for a second time, the funding rules don't usually provide a Tuition Fee Loan. You may be able to ask for extra funding if you're repeating due to a compelling personal reason.
If you're repeating on a non-attendance basis, you're not usually entitled to any student finance. You'll need to self-fund your living costs and any administration fee charged by NTU.
Your eligibility for bursaries and scholarships may be affected - seek advice and guidance.

Transferring to a different course

You may find that your course isn’t right for you and would like to change to a different one. There are several factors you'll need to weigh up before making any final decisions.

Eligibility for a Tuition Fee Loan will depend on your previous study history. If you spent more than a year studying on a previous course, you may have to self-fund some of your new course. If you couldn't complete a previous year due to a compelling personal reason, you may be awarded additional funding.
If you're a full-time student and transfer courses part-way through the year, you should never be charged more than £9,535*. That's a full year's tuition fee. This applies even if you move to a different University. If you're a part-time student, the amount is £6,935*.
If you take time out from your studies during the academic year to wait for your new course to start, your funding entitlement may be reassessed. You're only usually eligible while you are actively studying.

*Undergraduate Home tuition fees, including the Placement Year and Study Abroad tuition fees, are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Changing mode of study

As you progress through your course, you may need to change the rate at which you study. You may wish to change from full-time study to part-time, for example. Not all courses have this option, so check with your course team to see if it's possible. Here's what you’ll need to consider:

Switching your mode of study is likely to change how much you'll pay in fees each year.
Your entitlement to a Tuition Fee Loan may change.
If you are receiving an NTU Bursary from the University, changing your mode of study may affect your entitlement, as these bursaries are not available for those on part-time courses. You can check this by referring to the terms and conditions of the particular NTU Bursary you are receiving.
Your eligibility for other bursaries, scholarships and support/hardship funds may also change.
If you receive a Maintenance Loan, you may receive less if you switch to a part-time course.
You may not be entitled to any grants, apart from the Disabled Students Allowance.
If you switch to part-time study part-way through a term, you may have been paid too much maintenance or grant. This is called an 'overpayment'. You may be asked to pay some of it back.
Part-time students may be eligible for state benefits.
Part-time students are liable to pay Council Tax.

Useful information for undergraduate students

Undergraduate student finance for full-time students if you take time out or withdraw

Postgraduate students

Taking a break from your studies

Withdrawing

Repeating your studies

If you need to repeat any part of your course, there are several key factors you'll need to consider.

Any periods of repeat study are not funded.
Your loan payments will resume when you progress to the next part of your course.
You will usually receive your remaining funding entitlement in full once you progress.

Transferring to a different course

You may find that your course isn't right for you, and you'd like to change to a different one. There are several factors you'll need to weigh up before making any final decisions.

It's possible to transfer between postgraduate courses, as long as:
- your previous course hasn't ended, and
- you haven't withdrawn.
You can transfer to a different university.
It may be possible to transfer to a course that starts in a later academic year. Please seek advice before doing so.
You can't receive more than the maximum entitlement for one loan. This applies even if you transfer courses or institutions.

Changing rate of study

Switching your mode of study is likely to change how much you'll pay in fees each year.
Your total entitlement to postgraduate funding may change.
If you switch mode part-way through the academic year, your total funding for that year may be reassessed. You could end up receiving less.
Your entitlement to the alumni discount may be affected.
Your entitlement to any scholarships may be affected.
You may lose eligibility for any support/hardship funds.
Part-time students may be eligible for state benefits.
Part-time students are liable to pay Council Tax.

Useful resources for postgraduate students

Your next steps

Please read our page about thinking of taking a break or withdrawing from your studies. It provides comprehensive information about your options. In the meantime, here are some key steps that you will need to think about:

If you live in rented accommodation, speak to your provider about your rent liability. It's likely you remain liable for your rent even if you suspend your studies or withdraw from your course.
Discuss your situation with your academic school. They'll help you with any formal processes and will advise you on the forms you need to complete.
Contact your national Student Finance service to let them know you're making a change.

Changing course or leaving NTU and need careers advice?

We know that changing course or leaving university can be a big decision. Our Employability team is here to help you:

weigh up your options
make your decision, and
consider the implications for your career.

Visit an Employability Hub to book an appointment with one of our team to talk through your decision.