Withdrawal calendar for postgraduate research (doctorate) students

Withdrawal and authorised break from study

The date that you withdraw or take an authorised break from study will affect the amount of tuition fees that may be refunded to you. Fee adjustments are calculated with reference to the date of withdrawal from the University and cannot be actioned if the withdrawal procedure has not been followed correctly. The following tables show how the adjustment is calculated.

September cohort (Full year fees)

January cohort (Half year fees) - January 2021 start students

March cohort

June cohort

*% of total tuition fees due not amount paid at the time of withdrawal

An adjustment can only be made on tuition fees: registration fees cannot be refunded or reduced.

In order to withdraw or take an authorised break from study you must submit the relevant form to The Registry. The form must be signed by you and an appropriate academic. It must state the date on which you withdrew or took an authorised break from study (if backdated, this cannot normally be for more than 6 weeks). If you are taking an authorised break from study, you must also provide a date for your return to study.

Authorised break from study

ABS (also called an authorised break from study) may be necessary if circumstances make it impossible to continue studying for a short period of time, but you do not wish to permanently withdraw from your course. The period of ABS must be for a minimum of one semester and no longer than one year.

You must discuss the financial implications with your relevant Student Liaison Officer and contact Student Finance England for more information about your funding support. It is advisable to book an interview with the Employment Service.

It is important to remember that students who are taking an Authorised Break from Study are not registered students of the University; you are temporarily suspending your studies. This means that in normal circumstances, you will lose your right of access to certain University facilities, including the library.

If you are in receipt of a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, this will only be met by the Student Loan Company if you are in attendance at the given payment points during the academic year.