1. The University expects students to complete their study in a single continuous period. As a suspension of study will interrupt a student’s progress on his/her programme, it will only be granted where there are good grounds and supporting documentation (e.g. a report from a registered medical practitioner).
2. Good grounds for a suspension of study may include: serious and persistent health problems, significant long-term disability, significant bereavement or additional sole caring responsibilities, serious financial problems or new employment which brings more senior managerial responsibilities, mandatory military service.
3. Requests should be made on the relevant form and be accompanied by any relevant supporting documents (medical evidence or correspondence as appropriate). Requests should be sent initially to the Programme Director and/or the Head of School.
4. The School will forward the completed form to the Graduate Education Director, and certify that the student has made satisfactory progress so far.
5. There may be additional rules on suspensions from a funding body. It is the responsibility of the student to confirm that arrangements and approval for the suspension have been secured with any funding sponsor that is involved. Students in receipt of a studentship should note that Research Council or UoB studentship funding will cease during a period of suspension.
6. Graduate Education Directors have the authority to approve suspensions for a maximum of 12 months. In exceptional cases (e.g. maternity leave, disability), a suspension of a further 12 months may be granted. After this period, the student must either re-register requesting that the existing credit points awarded are used as Accredited Prior Learning (APL) or withdraw from the programme.
7. The length of the period of suspension granted should match, as closely as possible, the time required by the circumstances that necessitate the suspension. The period of suspension will necessarily extend the student’s maximum study period by the same duration of time.
8. Suspensions will not normally be approved if they are backdated for more than one month.
9. International students – Any change to student status, such as a suspension of study, could affect immigration status in the UK. The University is required to report any changes in status to the Home Office. The International Office provides guidance and advice to visa-holding students who are seeking a suspension of study. Please see the website for further information: www.bristol.ac.uk/international/studentsupport/immigration
1. Extensions are used where exceptional circumstances necessitate extension of the normal period of study in order to complete the dissertation or equivalent and may involve the payment of additional fees.
2. An extension of study will only be granted where there are strong grounds and supporting documentation (e.g. a medical note from a GP) and when a student requires additional time to complete the dissertation or equivalent. There will need to be clear evidence of satisfactory progress for an extension request to be granted.
3. Good grounds for an extension of study may include: serious and persistent health problems, significant long-term disability, significant bereavement or additional sole caring responsibilities, serious financial problems or new employment which brings more senior managerial responsibilities, mandatory military service.
4. Requests should be made on the relevant form and be accompanied by any supporting documents, such as medical evidence or correspondence. Requests should be sent initially to the Academic Director of Graduate Studies (or nominee) and/or the Head of School.
5. Permission for an extension will not normally be given unless the application is made well before the end of the period of study and the reasons are compelling.
6. The Programme Director should forward written support for the extension to the Graduate Education Director, and certify that the student has made satisfactory progress so far.
7. There may be additional rules on extensions from a funding body. It is the responsibility of the student to confirm that arrangements and approval for the suspension have been secured with any funding body that is involved e.g. Research Council.
8. The Graduate Education Directors has the authority to sign off one or more extensions totalling a 12 month period. Extensions in excess of 12 months require the approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students). In all cases the extension request should be sent initially to the Graduate Education Director for the Faculty.
9. International students – Any change to student status, such as an extension of study, could affect immigration status in the UK. The University is required to report any changes in status to the Home Office. The International Office provides guidance and advice to visa-holding students who are seeking a suspension of study. Please see the website for further information: www.bristol.ac.uk/international/studentsupport/immigration