Suspensions | University of Reading

The University supports students who wish to take time away from their programme if it is for compelling reasons such as ill health, pregnancy, employment opportunities, financial issues etc. This is known as suspension and the University has a policy on this. Suspension, is not, however, an automatic right and you must apply and have the request authorised by the University in writing.

It is really important that you discuss the academic implications with your Academic Tutor before making any firm decision.

Your Student Support Coordinator or the Admin Deck if you are studying in the Henley Business School can also provide support and assistance as well as giving guidance on the financial implications of suspending.

Questions you may have

How can I suspend my studies?

Complete the Programme Suspension request form printable form (pdf) | editable form (word)
Gather your supporting evidence.
Submit your form, along with your supporting evidence to your Student Support Co-ordinator or Henley Business School contact.
For Post-experience Postgraduate students on the Executive MBA, Flexible Executive MBA, MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change, MSc in Business Management Research, MA in Leadership, Strategic Marketing Leadership programmes and all related qualifications, please submit your Request for suspension Form (printable form (pdf) | editable form (word)) and supporting evidence direct to henleyschooloffice@henley.ac.uk.

Access to University facilities whilst suspended

You may retain some limited rights to University facilities such as the Library and IT access, including Blackboard. Access to individual modules on Blackboard is not, however, guaranteed, so you are advised to gather all the information you need before you leave Reading. You will not retain these rights, however, if you are suspended for debt or disciplinary reasons.

Our Policy on and procedures for suspensions gives more information on access to facilities whilst on suspension.

About the fees you have paid

It is important that you know that you may be charged part of your tuition fee or even the full tuition fee for the year depending on when you suspend from study. Full details of the 'liability points' and dates can be found on our tuition fee tables webpage along with the University’s Fee Policy.

How can I cancel my Halls accommodation?

How can I be assessed for a fitness to return?

I'm a Tier 4 International student, can I stay in the UK?

Any change to your student status, such as suspending your studies, could affect your immigration status in the UK. The University is required to report any changes in status to the Home Office UK Visas and Immigration and you may be advised to leave the UK.

The Immigration Advice Service provides guidance and advice to students here on a Tier 4 / Student route visa who are seeking a suspension from their studies.

How can I arrange a return to study plan?

You are asked to meet with your Academic Tutor or your Director of Academic Tutoring (DAT), ideally by the end of the first week of the term in which you are recommencing your studies, in order to work together on your return to study plan.

The meeting is to support you to explore and identify actions relating to your priorities and any concerns you have about returning to study and is part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.

Please contact your Academic Tutor or DAT before the start of term to arrange an appointment.

The Return to Study Plan form (printable form (pdf) or editable version (word)) provides some suggestions of topics you might want to discuss and a form for recording your plan.

What will be the changes to programmes commencing 2024?

If, by suspending your studies, you will continue your studies into and beyond 2024/25, you will see changes to the academic year and to your degree programme starting in September 2024. Information about those changes can be found on Essentials.

As noted above, when considering whether changing your degree is right for you, you will want to consult the relevant Programme Specifications. Up until 2024/25 you will follow the course structure for the year in which you started your studies and from 2024/25 you will follow the new course structure, as outlined in the Programme Specification published for that year.

The 2024/25 Programme Specs will be published by 2 October 2023.

If you need any help to understand which Programme Specification will apply to your studies, please contact your Support Centre.