Combining work and study

Understand the regulations about working alongside completing your studies

It’s important to ensure that you achieve a balance between your academic work and other activities. As a student, the maximum number of hours which can be worked during semester-time is 20 hours per week.

Semester time dates and allowances differ between level of study so ensure you check these before carrying out any work. The table below outlines the University’s policy regarding work and study for full-time students. Please note, semester dates do not apply to all students - please see the table below.

University semester dates

Level of Study	Working hours allowed during vacation	Semester dates
Pre-sessional English students & Foundation students	Full-time
Undergraduate students	Full-time	Semester dates apply to all undergraduate students.
Postgraduate taught, 9 months	Full-time	Postgraduate taught programmes (9-months, full time): Semester dates apply to all postgraduate students on a 9-month programme.
Postgraduate taught, 12 months	Full-time during Christmas & Easter vacations. Students are required to study for one calendar year and, therefore, do not have a summer vacation. The summer should be treated as semester-time, with the same restriction on working hours (20 per week).	Postgraduate taught programmes (12 months, full time): Students on these programmes do not get a summer vacation and are deemed to be studying until the expected end date of their course, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
PhD programme	Semester dates do not apply to PhD students - vacation time for an individual is approved for UK/EU students at the discretion of their school or department or by the Doctoral Research Office for student visa holders (see "See semester dates and vacations" below). More information. During approved vacations an individual may work full time	PhD students are required to be in continuous attendance, so semester dates do not apply to them. You are permitted up to 8 weeks' vacation per academic year, including bank holidays and University closure days. Vacations are authorised by the School or Department for UK or EU students, or for a student holding a student visa by the Doctoral Research Office. PhD students are able to work full-time during their vacation periods, which can be taken at any time within reason. Vacation time is not a given right and its authorisation will depend on your academic progress.

Tier 4/student visa Guidelines

At the University students with a Tier 4/student visa generally have a right to work while studying. Work permissions and restrictions are stated on your student visa/Biometric Residence Permit.

There are limits on the type of work and length of employment permitted. These restrictions depend on the type of programme the visa is issued for.

The table above states the legal restrictions on your right to work in the UK. The restriction on the number of hours you can work includes any voluntary work you are undertaking.

For more information on the type of work prohibited, please check the Home Office Student route caseworker guidance.

Working Restrictions for International Students (on Student Visas)

Working rights and limits during studies - Tier 4/student

UK or 'Home' Students

During the summer semester undergraduate students who have completed all of their exams and have no other university work to do, may be able to work up to full time for the remainder of the semester at the discretion of their Academic Tutor. If working through Campus Jobs an email will be required confirming this from the relevant tutor.

PhD students

UK or 'Home' students who have submitted their thesis and are waiting for their viva may work more than 20 hours per week, with permission from their PhD Supervisor. If working through Campus Jobs an email from the relevant PhD Supervisor will be required to confirm this.

Due to Home Office regulations, this policy does not apply to PhD students holding a student visa.