It is vital that before you request an interruption of study or extension to your registration, you read Appendix 6 of the PGR Code of Practice carefully to ensure that you are eligible otherwise your request may be refused or returned to you for amendment.
Academic Interruption of Study
We understand there are many reasons why you may need a break from your studies. Before you do, we advise you to talk with your supervisor about why you want to take a break. They may be able to offer help and advice that will allow you to carry on with your studies.
If you don’t want to talk to your supervisor, Student Services will be able to offer you confidential help and advice. You can also speak in confidence to a member of the Counselling Service.
If you are on a Student route visa requesting an interruption of study will mean you have to leave the UK immediately and therefore a new visa will have to be acquired prior to your return. International students are advised to seek advice from the International Support Team before applying for an academic interruption of study.
Academic interruption of study is subject to the approval of your Primary Supervisor, School/Institute/Department Director of PGR, and Faculty Director of PGR.
An academic interruption of study freezes your registration period for the time you are away from your study and gives you the equivalent amount of time added to the end of your degree, effectively extending your end date (although this is different from an extension of study). During the period of academic interruption of study, you do not accrue tuition or bench fees.
If you academically interrupt your studies you are not entitled to receive supervision or access to University resources or facilities but you will still have access to your University email account.
Interruptions of study should be applied for in whole months up to a maximum of 12 months. Common reasons for interrupting study include:
- Ill health
- Maternity/ paternity leave
- Personal issues
- Financial issues (this is different from Financial Suspension)
Please note that if you dont send medical evidence in support, the request will be returned and you will have 10 working days to respond before the request deleted.
Student route visa holders
If you have a Student route visa, following the approval of an academic interruption the University is legally obliged to notify the Home Office and withdraw your sponsorship. Your current Student route visa will then be cancelled (curtailed) and normally, you are required to leave the United Kingdom within 28 days as you no longer have a valid visa to remain in the UK.
If you cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus then please contact the International Advice and Guidance team at IAGTeam@liverpool.ac.uk.
Failure to leave the country following the approval of an academic could jeopardise your immigration status and your studies with the University. Before resuming your studies you will need to request a new CAS from the University and make a new Student route visa application.
If you are externally sponsored you must ensure that you contact your sponsor to seek their approval before requesting an academic interruption of studies as this is not done as part of the University’s consideration and approval of your request.
It is sometimes more appropriate for your School/ Institute/ Department to grant a period of approved leave. You should speak to your supervisor if you need to apply for a period of approved leave. International students should seek advice from the International Support Team before taking leave.
How to apply for academic interruption of studies
Academic interruption is applied for through the Suspensions and Extensions option in Liverpool Life.
Approval will be sought from your Primary Supervisor, School/ Institute/ Department Director of PGR, Faculty Director of PGR, and the Link Officer in the Research Degree Administration Team. You will be notified by email of the outcome of your request.
Returning from academic interruption of studies
You will need to email the Research Degree Administration Team at RDA@liverpool.ac.uk to confirm your return to study, copying in your supervisor. The Research Degree Administration Team will then amend your record accordingly. You will need to complete any outstanding Annual Progress Reports before you are re-registered as an active student.
Home/ EU students should note that your Primary Supervisor must email the Research Degree Administration Team to confirm you have resumed your studies before your registration will be amended.
International students will be expected to produce evidence of an original, valid visa that demonstrates the right to study in the United Kingdom and with the University of Liverpool. You will be given details of how to do this when you are contacted prior to resuming study.
You will also need to settle any outstanding debt with the university before you will be permitted to resume. Unless you are granted a further period of interruption, you will start to accrue fees from the date you are due back from your time off. If you fail to resume your studies, you may be deemed withdrawn.
Extension of study
An extension gives you extra time at the end of your research degree, extending your end date.
Extensions of study will be considered only where there are severe mitigating circumstances, therefore you are strongly advised to consult Appendix 6 of the PGR Code of Practice before making the request.
How to apply for an extension of study
Extensions can be applied through the Suspensions and Extensions option in Liverpool Life.
Approval will be sought from your Primary Supervisor, School/ Institute/ Department Director of PGR, Faculty Director of PGR, and the Link Officer in the Research Degree Administration Team. You will be notified by email of the outcome of your request.
International students should seek advice from the International Support Team as to whether they would need to extend their visa to accommodate any extension to their studies.
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