Your Academic Options

When students first raise doubts about their choice of course they are often advised to 'stick it out' or 'give it a fair try'. However if you are experiencing stronger negative emotions about your course, such as feeling that you are trapped in a groove, going in totally the wrong direction, or living out your parents' or teachers' or school careers advisers' life rather than your own, then continuing against your own inclinations could result in demotivation or depression and possibly financial complications.

You may wish to take time out, withdraw or transfer to another University.

Taking time out (Leave of Absence)

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  This may be an option if you wish to continue with your course at some point in the future and have very good reasons for wanting some time out. Your reasons must be supported by written evidence and it may be possible to defer your studies for up to two years. You need to seek the permission of both the University (and the local education authority, if they are paying your fees). Speak to your personal tutor or your Programme Leader first of all and they will guide you through the Leave of Absence Procedure (there is a form to complete which is available from St.Mary's). Home students should be aware that you might not be eligible for any state benefits during your time out. International Students wishing to take a Leave of Absence should take some advice on their visa status and fees before making a decision.

Transferring

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  If you decide that you want to change to a different programme (either at Sunderland or another institution), it is important that you do so within the first few weeks of your course during your first semester. The best way of starting to decide what your options are is to obtain an undergraduate prospectus from the University (Tel: 5153000). The prospectus lists all the courses available at this University and the entry requirements for each. The University Careers Service has details of courses offered at other Universities and can assist you to make the right choice.
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If you definitely want to change course you may be able to arrange a 'transfer' on educational grounds possibly straight from your present course to the new one during the very early stages of the first term, even if the new course is at a different University. However as time passes your chances of doing this go rapidly downhill and you may have to settle for a transfer to your preferred course at the start of the next academic year or even deferring a new start until then, in which case you would either decide to continue on your current course for a year or leave immediately. Some students have found that it is best for them to complete an academic year especially if the transfer involves similar courses but at different universities as credits are accrued while you study. Transferring to a course at another institution is not always possible as both courses may not be identical. Sometimes courses have the same name but are different. This may mean that the modules that form the difference between the two courses will also have to be completed even though this means that extra CAT points are being accumulated. Usually the university that awards the final degree requires that at least 120 credits are completed there at 3rd level, so in some cases this means duplicating modules.

To arrange a transfer contact the Admissions Tutor or Degree Programme Director of the course that you want to transfer to. If you don't get accepted this year try for a written unconditional offer for next year. If you don't get such an offer you should re-apply through UCAS and ask your LEA to extend your deadline for arranging the transfer, if necessary pending the outcome. Even if you do get a written offer check with the new institution whether they require you to apply again through UCAS or not.

Support Rights

You should consider your support rights before taking a decision on what to