Change between full-time and part-time study
Learn how to change between full-time and part-time study (mode of attendance), how the change can affect you, and where to find support.
On this page
A change between full-time and part-time study is called a change in your mode of attendance.
Who can change mode of attendance
Undergraduate or postgraduate taught students can request to change mode of attendance. The minimum attendance requirement is 50 percent.
Postgraduate research students can request a mode of attendance other than 50 percent. However, this will likely only be agreed in exceptional circumstances.
Who cannot change mode of attendance
You cannot change your mode of attendance if you need a student visa. We (the University) cannot sponsor you for a student visa if you choose to study part-time.
Some programmes cannot be delivered part-time. If you are unsure whether you can change your mode of attendance on your programme, contact your School for advice.
When to request a change
Requests can be made at any time, except during your final year of study.
Exceptional circumstances
Changes to mode of attendance in the final year are only approved in exceptional circumstances. To find out more about exceptional circumstances, contact your School for advice.
Where to find support
Changing your mode of attendance may not be the best or only option for you. Before making your decision, you can get advice from the support options listed on this page.
Support with your decision
For advice and information about your options, first talk to:
- your personal tutor (or supervisor for postgraduate research students)
- senior tutor
- another member of staff from your School.
You can get further support from:
Taught programmes
Find out about periods of study (how long it could take to complete your programme) in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Research degrees
Find out how your research degree could be affected in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Degrees.
Financial support
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, talk to the Student Money Advice team. You may be eligible for financial support.
Disability support and reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability:
- Contact Disability Services to discuss the support and reasonable adjustments available to you.
- If changing to part-time study is an appropriate reasonable adjustment, talk to your School for support with your decision.
What happens if you change your mode of attendance
Before you decide, make sure you understand what happens if you change your mode of attendance.
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees will change. See the tuition fee refund policy for more details.
If you have any questions, talk to a Money Adviser before submitting a request.
Funding
Your funding will change.
If you are funded by the Student Loans Company, we (the University) will inform them that you have changed your mode of attendance.
If you are funded by an external sponsor, you should inform them of your change in mode of attendance. We will not inform external sponsors for you.
Accommodation
Council tax
Find out about council tax responsibilities as a full-time or part-time student.
If you have a question about whether you need to pay council tax, contact Student Services.
How to request a change to your mode of attendance
- Get support and advice before you request a change to your mode of attendance.
- Complete Section 1 of the Change mode of attendance form (Office document, 20kB).
- Email this form to your School office.
We will contact you to discuss your request and make sure it is the right decision for you.
If your request is approved:
- you receive an email confirmation.
- we update your student record to show your new mode of attendance (full-time or part-time).