Sometimes your circumstances or study plans may change. This page explains what to do if you need time away from your studies, want to withdraw from your course, or are thinking about transferring to a different programme.
Taking a break from your studies
If you need to take a longer-term break from your studies, you must contact the Student Services team. A longer break is called a suspension of studies or break in learning. This is different from reporting a short absence and must be formally approved by Regent College London.
The Student Services team will arrange a meeting to discuss your situation, talk through your options, and explain what a suspension means for your course. They will also advise you on the impact this may have on your student finance or student visa (if applicable).
- Contact Student Services: The team will arrange a meeting to discuss your situation, explain the suspension process, and help you decide whether taking a break is the right option for you.
- Complete a request form: If it’s agreed that you can take a break from your studies, you’ll be sent a short form to complete. This must be submitted before your suspension can be processed.
- Receive confirmation: You’ll receive an email confirming the start and end dates of your agreed break in learning, along with important information about your return and any actions you need to take.
Withdrawing from your programme
If you’ve decided that continuing your studies is no longer right for you, you can formally request an exit meeting. This meeting will initiate your withdrawal process from the programme and ensure that your records are updated. It will also help you understand any financial or academic implications of your decision.
- Contact Student Services: The team will support you by arranging an exit meeting to discuss your request to withdraw and explain your options.
- Receive confirmation: You’ll receive an email when your withdrawal is processed. You’ll also be advised if you qualify for an exit award based on the credits you’ve achieved.
- Update your Student Finance (if applicable): Your funding may change once you withdraw. You can check your entitlement by visiting Student Finance England.
- Complete a withdrawal request form: If you decide to continue with withdrawing from your programme after the exit interview, you’ll be sent a short form to complete and confirm your last day of attendance.
Programme change request
If you feel another programme might be a better fit, you can request to transfer to a different course within RCL. Transfers are usually possible at the start of a semester and depend on course availability.
- Contact Student Services: The team will support you by arranging a meeting to discuss your request to transfer to a different programme and explain your options.
- Complete a programme change request form: If it is agreed that you can change programmes following your meeting, you’ll be sent a short form to complete.
- Receive confirmation: You’ll receive an email with confirmation of your programme change. You’ll then receive a new timetable and updated enrolment details.
- Begin your new programme.
Need support?
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, contact Student Services at studentservices@rcl.ac.uk for further guidance on each process.
You can also speak to the Wellbeing and Disability Support team at wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk for confidential advice and referral to other support services.
