Authorised break in study

Taking time out from your online course

We hope that when you start a programme with us you will want to carry on uninterrupted until you complete your award. However, we do recognise that situations and circumstances change, and that external factors can influence your decision to continue with your studies as planned.

In line with the Part D - Enrolment and Registration regulations, you can take a break for up to one academic year. Students can commence a break no later than one calendar month before the end of teaching on their current modules. Thereafter the Request for Additional Consideration process may apply.

Requests for extended breaks beyond one year can only be approved by a review process initiated by your Academic/Programme Leader.

Please note: taking an authorised break in study will incur cancellation charges.

What will happen?

When a break from study has been confirmed, the relevant modules will be dropped from your enrolment record and any money already paid in excess of the cancellation charge will be "stored" for use when you return to your studies - either for a trimester in the same academic year or credited in a "future academic year" account. Future year modules will require you to pay the difference if module price has increased.

If your tuition fees are paid by a professional body or your employer, it is important that you discuss your intentions with them. They may have policies regarding repayment of fees in this situation. If you have chosen to defer your tuition fee payment by taking out a student loan and you break from studies between certain dates, you may not meet the Student Loans Company criteria and therefore would be liable to pay a percentage of your fees for the year upfront. Please contact Student Finance England for further advice.

If you wish to request a break, please follow the online Authorised Break in Studies process which can be found by searching ‘Authorised break in studies in the UDo Student Portal.