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If, after considering the impacts of taking a break from studying, you decide a break is the best option for you, you’ll need to formally request a break in study. Click on the links in the process summary below for more information on each step of the process.

Discuss taking a break in study with a Student Support Adviser (SSA) • Complete Break in Study Request • Provide acceptable evidence, where requested • Receive outcome decision

Discuss taking a break in study with a Student Support Adviser (SSA)

Whilst it’s not compulsory you meet with an SSA before submitting a Break in Study Request, it can be helpful to talk through your options so you can be confident a break in study is the right option for you. Your SSA can also set up channels of support and connect you with specialist teams for advice.

Contact your Student Support Adviser via Hallam Help

If you are a Student visa holder, you cannot request a break in study without speaking to the International Experience Team first. Contact Hallam Help to make an appointment with the International Experience Team before contacting your SSA.

Complete Break in Study Request

If you decide to go ahead with your break, you must complete a Break in Study Request. Requests are submitted via an online task in , under the My Requests menu. Here you’ll find options to submit new requests, view progress of submitted requests and look back on historical requests. If you have any questions about completing your request, please contact Hallam Help. 

After submitting your request, an SSA will review your case and either approve or decline it. If your request is approved, your course administration team will go ahead and update your student record. You’ll be kept up to date at each step of the process via email. Please be sure to check your University emails regularly so you don’t miss any important information.

If when reviewing your request an SSA thinks you would benefit from additional support services, advice or guidance, they will contact you.

Provide acceptable evidence, where requested

Depending on your reason for taking a break, you may be asked to provide evidence to support your request. For a list of acceptable evidence, check our Evidence to support Extensions and Exceptional Circumstances Requests list. Although this list specifically refers to Extensions and Exceptional Circumstances, it applies to break in study too.

We understand you may need a little time to gather the document(s) you need. You can pause your request for up to 14 days before it is automatically deleted. If the evidence you provide isn’t sufficient, an SSA will advise what else you need to provide and give you a deadline. If you can’t provide it by the given deadline, your request will be declined.

Receive outcome decision

We’ll consider your application in line with the Break in Study Policy and Procedure. You’ll receive an email confirming your outcome and sharing guidance on actions you need to take.

Approved

Requests that follow criteria set out in the Break in Study Policy and Procedure will be approved.

When completing your request, you’ll be asked to conform the start date of your break. This will be verified by an SSA when reviewing your request. You cannot request a break within the final four weeks of teaching in the academic year, or after teaching has finished.

Breaks in study cannot be backdated.

If you are a Student visa holder, we will report your break in study to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This usually means you will be expected to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to return to study. Our International Experience Team will advise what this means for you when you make an appointment before submitting your request.

Declined

Requests will be declined where:

• You have not provided appropriate supporting evidence.
• A break in study would take you beyond the maximum duration for your course.
• Your course is about to close or be substantially redesigned. The current course provision will not be available when you return.
• You are in debt to the University for outstanding tuition fees.

If your request has been declined, you’ll receive an email confirming the reason why. You’ll be guided to book an appointment with a Student Support Adviser to talk about other options that may be available to you, such as transferring to another course or applying for Exceptional Circumstances (ECs).

If your request to take a break in study has been declined, you are still enrolled on your course, liable for tuition fees and expected to participate in learning activities. 

Contact your Student Support Adviser via Hallam Help