INTERRUPTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF STUDIES

If, for personal reasons, you decide that you would like to take a break from your programme (called a period of interruption), or withdraw from your studies, then you must do so officially so that your QM records can be updated. It may be possible for you to interrupt your studies after you have completed a year of your programme (at the beginning of the next academic year), or at the end of a semester.  

  • Students are allowed to Interrupt for up to a period of two years (either consecutively or at different points in the degree programme.)
  • If you Withdraw, your enrolment is terminated permanently.

There can be many reasons for Interruption of Studies. Some common examples are:

  • illness that prevents you from attending a significant portion of your classes
  • unsure of course- thinking of changing subjects, but not wishing to lose your place at uni
  • financial burden
  • family responsibility

Some of the same reasons may also lead to Withdrawal.

In the first instance, discuss your situation with your Advisor. You will then need to contact STA Student Support ( sta-studentsupport@qmul.ac.uk) to further discuss your decision to interrupt or withdraw and to complete the online form via MySIS. 

As part of your decision-making process, please consult the Advice and Counselling (ACS) pages about tuition fee and potential visa implications of interruption and withdrawal.

The deadline to submit your interruption form:

Please be aware that most programmes have two assessment periods – one in January following Semester A teaching and one in May following Semester B teaching.  The deadline for submission of the interruption form for most programmes is the day before the start of these assessment periods.

Further points to consider:

  • After taking a period of interruption, you must resume your programme where you left off. For example, if you interrupted after completing your first year, after taking a year out, you would resume your second year the following September.
  • Remember that withdrawing from your programme is a decision that should be taken with serious consideration, and alongside the advice of staff in the School (such as your Advisor). Once you withdraw from your programme, it isn't possible to simply 're-join' or pick up again where you left off. Withdrawing from your programme means you no longer have any intention of continuing on your programme at all.
  • Don't just 'drop out' or stop attending classes. This could have serious financial consequences.