Taking time out
Quick links:
Taking a gap year
Illness affecting studies
Personal circumstances affecting studies
What is a leave of absence?
Q: I'd like a bit of time out from my studies to do other things. Can I take a gap-year?
A: You can apply for a Leave of Absence on personal or medical grounds.
Q: I'm not well enough to study at all at the moment and I need some time out to get well. What are my options?
A: If you cannot study/attend classes for more than 3 consecutive weeks, then you must apply for a Leave of Absence. This regulation is in place because if you have missed 3 weeks of study then it is highly unlikely that you would be able to catch up, and in trying to, you would be putting further stress upon yourself. By taking the leave, you are giving your self the best chance of doing well when you return to study. If you do try to continue with your studies, you may be at risk of not doing as well as you might have done.
Q: I have got a lot of other things going on at the moment (e.g. family commitments, work commitments) and I'm not able to give my full attention to my studies. What are my options?
A: If you do not feel that you are able to give your attention to your studies, then you may request a Leave of Absence. Many students find that they would prefer to continue on, however, please be aware that regardless of circumstances, only a certain amount of special consideration can be applied by the University. Therefore, if you do try to continue with your studies, you may be at risk of not doing as well as you might have done. You should also consider transferring to part-time study.
Q: What exactly is a Leave of Absence?
A: This is a 'break' in your studies. You can take a leave for a semester, a year, or longer. These are especially helpful when you are unable to study for a certain period of time. The shortest period of Leave for undergraduates is one semester. The clock will be stopped on your studies and nothing will appear on your transcript for that time. Take a look at Leave of Absence for further information.