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Request a break

If, after considering the impacts of taking a break from studying, you decide a break is the best option for you, you’ll need to formally request a break in study. Click on the links in the process summary below for more information on each step of the process.

Discuss taking a Break in Study with a Student Support Adviser (SSA) • Complete Break in Study Request Form • Provide acceptable evidence, where requested • Receive outcome decision

Discuss taking a Break in Study with a Student Support Adviser (SSA)

A request cannot be considered unless you’ve spoken to an SSA first. Contact a SSA via Hallam Help before taking a break so we can confirm a break in study is definitely the right option for you. Your SSA can also set up channels of support and connect you with specialist teams for advice. If you decide to go ahead with your break, your SSA will explain what will happen next.

Contact your Student Support Adviser via Hallam Help

If you are a Student Visa holder, you cannot request a break in study without speaking to the International Experience Team first. Contact Hallam Help to make an appointment with the International Experience Team before contacting your SSA.

Complete Break in Study Request Form

After meeting with your Student Support Adviser (SSA), you’ll be given a Break in Study Request Form to complete. You’ll be asked to fill in some sections of the form, and the remaining information will be filled in by your SSA. If your request is approved, we’ll use this form to update your student record so it’s important the information provided is correct. If you have any questions about your form, ask your SSA.

Provide acceptable evidence, where requested

Depending on your reason for taking a break, you may be asked to provide evidence to support your request. For a list of acceptable evidence, check our Evidence to Support an Extension or Exceptional Circumstances request list. Although this list specifically refers to Extensions and Exceptional Circumstances, it applies to break in study too.

We understand you may need a little time to gather the document(s) you need. You’ll be given a deadline of when you need to provide your evidence. If your asked to submit evidence and can’t provide it by the given deadline, your request will not be approved.

Receive outcome decision

We’ll consider your application in line with the Break in Study Policy and Procedure. You’ll receive an email confirming your outcome and sharing guidance on actions you need to take.

Approved

Requests that follow criteria set out in the Break in Study Policy and Procedure will be approved.

The start date of your Break in Study will be the date your SSA receives the completed form and any relevant evidence. Break in studies cannot be backdated.

If you are a Student Visa holder, we will report your break in study to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This usually means you will be expected to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to Return to Study. Our International Experience Team will advise what this means for you when you make an appointment before submitting your request.

Declined

Requests will be declined where

You have not provided appropriate supporting evidence.
A Break in Study would take you beyond the Maximum Duration for your course.
Your course is about to close or be substantially redesigned. The current course provision will not be available when you return.
You are in debt to the University for outstanding tuition fees.
The request is for a period of less than six months.
You are making the request within the final four weeks of teaching in the academic year, or after teaching has finished.

If your request has been declined, you’ll receive an email confirming the reason why. You’ll be guided to book an appointment with your SSA to talk about other options that may be available to you, such as transferring to another course or submitting a Request to Repeat an Assessment Attempt (RRAA).

If your request to take a break in study has been declined, you are still enrolled on your course, liable for tuition fees and expected to participate in learning activities.