This guidance is for:

• Postgraduate taught students (PGT)
• Postgraduate research students (PGR).

Extending your studies changes the date when you are due to finish your studies.

You can apply to extend your studies if circumstances beyond your control have affected your progress and you need more time to complete your programme. 

You will need to have a good reason and supporting evidence to apply for an extension of study.

If you do wish to submit an extension of study request, it must be submitted before your expected end date:

• PGT students need to submit the request at least two weeks before your expected end date.
• PGR students need to submit the request after the progress review meeting with your supervisor, which is usually held four months before your expected submission date.

Acceptable reasons and the deadline for submitting the request, are included in the regulations for PGT students and PGR students.

For an extension request to be granted, your school will need to see that you have made satisfactory progress in your studies. If you apply for an extension of study, you need to continue working on your programme and will need to finish by the new end date.

Get advice

Get advice before making any decisions. If you are on a taught course (PGT), talk to your school. If you are a research student (PGR), talk to your supervisor in the first instance. Your school and your supervisor will be able to advise you.

Implications of extending your studies

Accommodation

If you are living in University-allocated accommodation:

• read the rules and regulations for University accommodation. 
• contact the Accommodation Office for more information before you apply for the extension. 

If you are in private rented accommodation:

• you may not be able to extend your tenancy agreement beyond the agreed date. 
• speak to the Accommodation Office's Private Sector Advice team for advice. 

Fees and funding

An extension to your course end date may affect your funding and involve the payment of additional fees. Talk to the Student Funding team before you apply for an extension of study.

Visa

If you are on a student visa any change to your student status, such as an extension of study, will affect your immigration status in the UK. The extension of studies may also affect your eligibility for the Graduate Route. 

Speak to the Student Visa Advisor, who will need to review your request. If your extension of study is compliant with visa requirements, the Visa Advisor must sign the form before you submit it for approval.

Find out more about how extending your studies will affect your visa and speak to the Student Visas team before you apply for the extension. 

Graduation

Extending your studies may have implications to your graduation date. If you have any questions, speak to the Graduation team.

Apply to extend your studies

1. Speak to your school (PGT) or supervisor (PGR) for advice at the earliest opportunity.
2. Consider the implications of extending your study, for example, accommodation, visa, and funding.
3. Request an extension of study form from your school or faculty office (depending on local arrangements).
4. Complete the form and get supporting evidence.
   • Discuss a plan for completion of study with your school (PGT) or supervisor (PGR)
   • If you are on a Student Visa, speak to the Student Visa Advisor who will need to approve your request.
5. Submit your form with evidence attached and your study plan and wait for the decision from the school and faculty.
6. If your request is approved, you need to complete your dissertation or final project by the new deadline. Your end date will also be updated.