For the full regulation and procedure, please click here.
Changing courses can be a lot to consider and is a decision you should take your time making. There is lots of support available to you when considering this decision, all of which is detailed in the guide below. It is also important to refer to the full regulation and procedure documentation linked above so that you are fully informed on all of the potential implications of changing your course.
What are the entry requirements if I want to change my course?
You will need to meet the entry requirements of the new course and there will need to be capacity on the course in order to accept you. You may be required to complete credits from your current course in order to transfer to the new one. If this is the case, you will be made aware during the application process.
If you want to change to a new course you will be expected to complete its full academic requirements. Normally you will be required to start the new course at the beginning. However, if you have earned relevant credit in your current course, you may be eligible to carry this over to the new course. This may mean you can join the new course at a different stage.
If the School feel there are any specific gaps in your learning to be eligible to transfer to a new course, you may need to complete additional modules before starting, or complete these alongside your new course. If this is the case, the School will make clear to you what you are able to carry over and any entry requirements which should be met.
I’m an apprentice, can transfer to a different course?
If you are on an apprenticeship course, you must discuss this with your employer first. Please note that you are unable to transfer between an apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship programme. If you want to move onto a non-apprenticeship programme, you will need to withdraw from your current course and apply to the university through the usual route.
What about my student finance?
If you receive student support such as a loan, you are strongly advised not to change course without first asking your student finance body (e.g. Student Finance England) about its willingness to fund you when you transfer course.
Are you a sponsored student or studying on a student visa?
If you are studying on a visa, you must inform and obtain approval from the International Office if you wish to transfer course (or change research topics). The International Office will help guide you through the process and what it may mean for your UK visa.
Sponsored students must obtain the consent of their sponsor before proceeding through the process to transfer courses.
Any new offer may be subject to additional conditions which must be met before the offer is made unconditional.
There are two routes to transfer your studies internally:
All requests to transfer ‘in year’ (e.g. starting a new course during the same academic year) should be made before the final interruption to your studies deadline, this is usually the first week of May if you started your current course in September. Please make sure you have confirmation from your School before submitting a course transfer request.
Who do I contact to transfer course this academic year?
You should contact your current School Course Administrator who will provide you with an ‘in-year transfer form’ and return your completed form to your School Administration Team. This will be sent to the relevant School and Admissions Tutor for consideration. You may be required to meet with the School before the request is processed.
The time of year you apply to transfer course may mean it is not possible for you to begin your new course until the beginning of the next academic year or the next intake for that course. The timings as to when you can join your new programme may differ from course to course and your School will explain their decision making.
If you are unable to transfer ‘in-year’, you will have two options available to you;
What happens if I don’t interrupt my studies?
If you do not interrupt before the final interruption deadline explained above, then you will be expected to continue on your current registered course and engage with all aspects, including assessments and examinations until the end of the academic session.
Who do I contact to transfer course in the next academic year?
If you are a home student and you wish or are advised to transfer course in the next academic year, then you should contact your current Course Administrator who will provide you with ‘transfer into the next academic year enquiry form’. You must return your completed form to study@hud.ac.uk.
The Student Recruitment Team will then create an application record and send the application electronically to the new course’s School for a decision, with instructions on how to proceed.
If you are an international student and you wish or are advised to transfer course in the next academic year, then you should contact the International Office who will guide you through the appropriate process.
Who do I get support and advice from to transfer courses?
If you wish to transfer to a different course within the University, we advise that you follow these initial steps.
They may also refer you to the Careers and Employability Service, the SU Advice Centre, your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) or the Admissions Tutor for the new course, if required. If you wish to transfer to another course as you feel you may be struggling with your studies, these colleagues will also be able to support you with weighing up the potential implications of this decision and what your alternative options might be.