Leaving or withdrawing
Quicklinks:
Thinking about leaving
Transferring to another University
Information required for transferring
Transferring then withdrawing
Withdrawing
Using your credits
General Degree
Q: I have been thinking about leaving. What should I do?
A: The University obviously does not wish its students to leave, but it recognises that there are often valid reasons why people need to transfer or withdraw. However it is really important that you get in touch and follow the process properly rather than just leaving without any notification. No-one will try to stop you leaving, but they will make sure you have the right information and take the necessary steps.
Come and speak to someone at Student Services. This will give you the opportunity to consider whether your issues can be resolved without you having to leave. There may be other solutions, such as taking time out, changing your degree, reducing your study to part-time, or getting some advice about financial assistance. Even if you decide to leave Student Services can give you advice on the procedures as well as more general advice about moving on.
It’s also important to tell the University why you have been thinking about leaving so that the University can look at areas it can improve upon.
To request to transfer, withdraw or take time out you should contact the relevant Pro Dean for your faculty and level of study.
Q: Can I transfer to a different University?
A: You may be able to, but there will be several things to work out first:
Where you want to transfer to, and to what course?
Check individual University websites or UCAS to work out what you’d like to do.
Which year would you transfer into?
You will not always be able to transfer into the ‘next’ year. Universities expect students to take a least 50% of their degree with them, and different Universities have different courses structures and requirements. This means you may have to take a step back or repeat a year, because you may not be able to transfer all of your credits. You will have to tell the University you want to go to a little bit about your course so that they can advise on what level/year you would be placed at and how many credits you can transfer.
When would you transfer?
Some Universities ask you to reapply through UCAS, and the closing date for applications to UCAS is normally in January of each year. So, once you have made up your mind to transfer, you may find that the University you want to go to doesn’t have any places left. You may have to apply to start the following year. Other Universities may be able to accept a transfer without going through UCAS. Transferring after Semester 1 can also be tricky because other institutions do not all follow the same timetable.
Q: The University I want to transfer to has asked for some information about my course, a transcript, and an academic reference. How do I get these?
A: Details about your courses and modules can be found in the Course Catalogue.
A transcript is a record of your studies. For information on how to request your transcript, see here.
For an academic reference, please contact your adviser of studies or a member of academic staff who can comment on your studies. Please check with the institution you wish to transfer into, or UCAS if you are reapplying to study in the UK.
If you wish to transfer to a university in the USA, you are likely to be asked to initiate the provision of a completed College Official’s Report Form. Having filled in your sections, you should give this form at least 3 weeks in advance of the submission deadline to the Deans and Pro Deans for your faculty and study level, who can complete the section of the form relating to your standing, and eligibility for future study, at St Andrews.
Q: I’ve applied to transfer elsewhere, do I just withdraw from St Andrews?
A: It’s a good idea to keep hold of your place at St Andrews until you have a confirmed place elsewhere. However, they can sometimes be problems when applying for places when you are already registered as a student elsewhere. You should get in touch with the Pro Dean for your faculty and level of study, who can go through the process with you to make sure you’ve done what you need to do, and give you any advice on transferring.
Q: How do I withdraw from my studies completely?
A: Get in touch with the Pro Dean for your faculty and level of study, who can inform you of the process and initiate your withdrawal at your request. It is important to follow the correct process and formally withdraw from the University. It is not sufficient to tell your school that you are not returning.
Q: I want to withdraw completely, can I get recognition for the credits I got?
A: If you wish to take the credits elsewhere, you can request a transcript. You will need to contact the Pro Dean for your faculty and level of study about withdrawing, but you can also ask if you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education or General Degree.
Q: Can I graduate with a General Degree?
A: If you have gained 360 credits or more, you may be eligible to graduate with the General Degree, and if you wish to graduate with this degree you should contact the relevant Pro Dean (Advising).