Changing Course
If you are unhappy with your course, or if you feel like you can’t continue with it, then you might be able to change or pause your studies.
On this page you will find information on changing your course or course units while at University.
If you no longer want to continue studying or want to pause your studies, there is a process that you need to follow.
Changing Course
It can be possible to change to a different course, but there are some limitations that can apply.
- There is no automatic right to transfer
Instead you need to submit the request, and the school you wish to move to will decide whether it is possible. Their decision is final and it’s not possible to appeal against their decision. - Transfers need to happen before week 2 of teaching block 1
It is usually only possible to change course between the end of an academic year and the first 2 weeks of teaching block Requests for transfers outside of those times may be refused or you might need to wait until then for an answer. - You might need to complete your current year
Some courses would want you to have completed your current year of study – so even if you are sure you don’t want to continue with it, you should get confirmation of whether you need to in order to have the transfer approved. - You will probably start in year 1 of the new course
In almost every case you would be expected to start at the very beginning of the new course. The only exception would be if the two programmes are very similar or had a lot of shared units.
How to request a course transfer
- You need to speak to a member of staff from your current course and the course you wish to change to
You can find out who this should be from the school or Faculty offices. They will make you aware of any specific requirements for a transfer - such as needing to complete your current year or get a minimum year average mark. - Complete a transfer form
Once you have agreement from both courses you will need to complete and submit the correct transfer form that will be provided by your school. As part of the form, you will need to get the approval of the new school and faculty and submit it to your current school. - Suspending your current studies
If you are required to suspend your studies before transferring, or if you choose to do so, you must complete a suspension of studies form that will be provided by your school. You must submit this to your current school office for approval alongside your programme transfer form.
If you are encountering difficulties with the course transfer process, please contact us for more support.
Changing Units
If you are unhappy with a unit, you are taking you might be able to change it.
Firstly, you should speak to your school office as soon as possible about this request.
Some key things to bear in mind are:
- Transfers are unlikely to be accepted after the second week of the teaching block the unit takes place in
- Transfers can only apply to optional unit
- The unit should take place in the same teaching block – requests to withdraw from a unit in teaching block 1 to enrol in a unit run in teaching block 2 will not be considered without a strong reason.
Get in touch with the Bristol SU Academic Advice Team
Submit an enquiry: Using our enquiry form
Arrange a meeting: Using our booking form