Transfer to a different course or programme

When you can request a transfer of programme

During the transfer periods

You can request transfers:

• during the start of teaching:
  • for first year undergraduate students, this is within the first 3 weeks of teaching block of teaching block 1
    • no later than 5 pm, Monday 5 October 2026
  • for all other students, this is within the first 2 weeks of teaching block 1
    • no later than Monday 28 September 2026
• after the end of a first year of study, when you have met the progression requirements into the next (undergraduate only)
  • by the same deadlines previously stated.

Outside of the transfer periods

You may also request a transfer outside of the transfer period. If approved, you may need to suspend your studies and come back at the start of the next academic year on a new programme. This is unless:

• the structures of the two programmes are similar enough that you will not be academically disadvantaged by the transfer.
  • this is as determined by the relevant Faculty
  • this might include picking up or dropping a year in industry, or transferring to or from an integrated masters programme
    • for example from a BSc to a MSci
• you wish to transfer to a study abroad programme
  • places cannot be guaranteed due to the limited spaces available at partner universities
  • contact the Bristol Abroad team for more information
• your PGR programme regulations allow (for PGR students only).

When you cannot transfer

Transfers are not always possible. For example, if:

• your request is not submitted by the relevant deadline
• the programme you want to transfer to is full
• you do not meet the academic requirements for entry into the new programme.

Outcome of requests to transfer

You will normally be informed of the outcome of your request within seven days of submission.

Get advice before transferring programme

If you’re thinking about changing programme, the best place to start is to speak to your personal tutor or supervisor (for PGR students) for advice. They will be able to help you make an informed decision and help you consider any other academic support that may be suitable. 

They will also help you decide if you would like to continue with your existing programme (in the event that you cannot transfer right away).

There is support and guidance available through the support services that can help you manage your studies. You can also request wellbeing support while at the university.

Funding

You should discuss with the money, advice and funding office how transferring to a new programme may impact your funding.

You should also check whether the tuition fees are different for your new programme.

Student visa holder students

Before requesting a transfer, you must review the information on the Student Visas transferring your course webpage. You may need to apply for a new visa or apply for ATAS clearance.

Students on other types of visa

If you are subject to UK immigration control and hold a non-Student visa, your transfer may be conditional on receiving ATAS clearance. If the course you are transferring to has an ATAS requirement and your nationality is not exempt from it, you must obtain an ATAS certificate for the new course before you can transfer. You can contact Student Visa Advisers for further guidance. 

Placements

If you are suspending before transferring onto a placement programme (for example, in industry or studying abroad), we will try to allocate a placement to you when you return from suspension along with the next cohort of students. This cannot be guaranteed.

See the suspensions guidance for more information on how suspending can impact your studies.

Accommodation

If you are required to suspend before transferring, on your return to study, you may need to apply for accommodation as a returning student, and university-owned accommodation is very limited. Find out more about how suspending your studies may affect your accommodation.

How to request a programme transfer

1. Once you have spoken to your personal tutor or supervisor, speak to your current school office for advice in the first instance. They will explain how you can make the necessary requests:
   • If the programme you want to join is in another school, contact the school office for that school to ask if they will consider your transfer request. You will need to understand what year of study you would be able to enter and if there are any other transfer requirements, such as specific units you need to study or pass. See the prospectus webpage for more information.
   • If you are required to suspend your studies before transferring programme, you must complete a suspension of studies form, which your current school can give you, and you must submit this to your current school office for approval alongside your programme transfer form.
2. Contact your current school office to request a transfer form. Fill it in and get the approval of your new school and faculty, on the form, before submitting the completed form to your current school for approval.
   • If you are a student visa holder, the school will email the form to you and Cc Student Visas. A Student Visa Adviser will provide visa advice by email and/or on the form (if applicable).
   • If you hold a visa that is not a Student visa, your new programme has an ATAS requirement and your nationality is not exempt from it, please ensure you have obtained an ATAS certificate for this course before you formally request the transfer.
3. Once approved by your current school, your request will be shared with your current faculty, and with the school and faculty that own the programme to which you are requesting to transfer. You will then receive an email to confirm the change once the accepting our new faculty has processed the transfer. This may be at the end of the current academic year. Until you've received written confirmation, you must either continue studying on your current programme of study or formally request a suspension of studies (if you cannot transfer until the next academic year).

For detailed regulations about changing from one undergraduate course to another, read the University’s policy on transferring.

Suspending your studies prior to transferring programme

If you are required to suspend your studies prior to transferring programmes, you will stay on your original programme for the duration of your suspension. Nearer to your return, your faculty office will contact you to ask if you intend to return. If you do, your student record will be reactivated and your new faculty will process your programme transfer at that time. If you have any questions, contact the faculty that owns your new programme.

Once the transfer process is complete, you will receive an email confirmation.