Reasons for being required to withdraw  

You may have to withdraw from your course if:  

• you have not meet the course requirements and the student agreement, including: 
  • not attending lectures or seminars
  • not engaging with educational activities  
• or you are not able to show satisfactory academic progress.  This will be specific to your degree level and course:  
  • undergraduate students
  • undergraduate students: Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science courses 
  • postgraduate taught students: Master's degree.

A small number of courses have their own specific regulations for progression and awards. 

Your faculty will provide written details of the reasons for the decision.  An academic member of staff from your school will also contact you to discuss the decision.

 You can appeal the decision.  

Undergraduate students  

You will be required to withdraw if, during an academic year of study, you:  

• do not achieve at least 40 credit points when you first attempt your assessments
• fail more than 40 credit points following a second attempt at assessments in any outstanding units
• fail any outstanding units after a third and final attempt at assessments  

 or 

• do not achieve enough credit points for the award of the qualification (refer to section 30, paragraph 30.18 to 30.21 in the academic regulations).  

You may be allowed further attempts at reassessment if exceptional circumstances are accepted.

This flow diagram shows the course outcomes depending on what credit points have been achieved .  

Refer to section 30, paragraph 30.6 in the academic regulations.  

Undergraduate students: Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science courses

You will be required to withdraw if you do not achieve the pass mark following a second attempt at assessment in a unit. This does not apply in competency-based assessments where additional attempts are allowed.   

You may be allowed further attempts at reassessment if exceptional circumstances are accepted.

Check the specific regulations for progression and awards. 

Refer to section 30, paragraphs 31.6 to 31.9 in the academic regulations.  

Postgraduate taught students: Master's degree

If, after a second attempt at assessment, you fail a taught unit that is a requirement for entry on to the research unit, you will be required to withdraw.  

You may be allowed further attempts at reassessment if exceptional circumstances are accepted.

The flow diagram shows progress within taught postgraduate courses.

Refer to section 30, paragraphs 37.11 to 37.12 in the academic regulations.  

Exit awards  

You may be eligible for an exit award if you have passed units in one or more years of study, but do not have enough credits for your full award. 

For example:  

Undergraduate students who are required to withdraw from a bachelor’s honours degree may receive:  

• a Certificate of Higher Education if they have completed 120 credit points, or 
• a Diploma of Higher Education if they have completed 240 credit points.  

Postgraduate taught students who are required to withdraw from a taught master's degree may receive:  

• a Postgraduate Certificate if they have completed 60 credit points, or  
• a Postgraduate Diploma if they have completed 120 credit points.  

Refer to section 4 in the academic regulations.   

Access to University services  

After you are withdrawn, your UCard will no longer give you access to university buildings and your IT account will be closed.  

Careers Service  

You can use the Careers Service for up to three years after you withdraw.  

Tuition fees and funding  

Tuition fee refunds  

You may get a refund for some of your tuition fees. This will depend on the date you leave your course. 

Find out how we calculate tuition fee refunds and read our tuition fee refund policy.  

Speak to your faculty office if you have any other further questions.

Funding and student loans  

Withdrawing can affect your eligibility for funding and student loans if you go on to study at another university. You may also be required to pay back some or all of your student loan.  

Find out more about the financial considerations of withdrawing from study or speak to a Money Adviser.  

Visa  

For students on a Student visa, we are required to notify the UKVI that you have withdrawn from your studies.

The UKVI will cancel your visa and you will have to leave the UK.

Speak to a Student Visa Adviser for advice. 

Accommodation  

If you are in private-rented accommodation  

It may not be possible to end your tenancy agreement early if you are in private accommodation.  

After you are withdrawn you will not be eligible for a council tax exemption.  

Get private sector housing advice. 

If you are in University accommodation  

Normally, if you are no longer a student you cannot remain in University accommodation. 

You must inform us of your intention to leave your accommodation. You will be liable for rent during the notice period.

Contact Student Services if you have questions about your tenancy.  

Advice and support  

We recommend you talk to your personal tutor or support services to get advice and guidance.

It is important to talk to friends and family about this outcome; they can give you valuable support.  

If this feels difficult, you might find it helpful to speak to a Student Wellbeing Adviser about how to share the news with your family, or about how it is affecting you.