During your time at GCU you may have times when you experience difficulties or have concerns that university is not for you. If, for any reason, you are thinking of changing or leaving your course the University will support you in making the best decision for your circumstances. You can request to withdraw from your programme through the student portal. Your programme leader will need to approve your request.
Below you can find information on how we can help if you’re thinking about changing your course or leaving your studies.
Common reasons might be financial difficulties, issues with mental or physical health, changing your mind about the subject area or an unanticipated change in your personal circumstances. It is important to reflect and identify what the problem is and get the correct advice to move forward. Contact your programme leader or personal tutor to discuss this with them.
We would recommend that you continue with your studies until you have made a final decision, it may be that with the correct support, you are able to get back on track.
Remember there can be financial or immigration status implications so it is best to seek advice as soon as possible. It could be that you need to speak to SAAS, the Finance office or the Visa Team. You may also wish to make a confidential appointment with a Careers Adviser for advice and guidance on your next steps and longer-term aims.
I want to stay studying at GCU in my current studies with support
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GCU students can access support from a range of services that can support you in your student experience. We have highlighted some of the services you may find helpful, but there are many more. You can find all of these support services, and more information at the Student Support web pages .
If you’re unsure where to start, GCU’s talk to someone webpage can help. You'll find information on the support available for your health and wellbeing, study strategy and technique, finances, and meeting other students.
I want to change my programme of study or module classes at GCU (where possible)
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You may wish to change your programme of study or in some cases your classes (at GCU these are also called your module options).
This is not always possible and will depend on the requirements of your degree, professionally accredited degree programmes will have more restrictions.
The earlier you talk to programme and course coordinators, your Supervisor or your Personal Tutor the better chance you have of undertaking studies that suit you. It may be possible to transfer to part-time study and your Personal Tutor or Supervisor can discuss this with you. They can advise you of your options and guide you through the process. You can request a programme transfer both in-session and between sessions. After you have discussed your transfer with your programme leader, you can request this through the student portal. Your programme leader will need to approve your request before it will be processed.
If you are an international student, you need to also discuss this with the VISA Team to ensure you meet your VISA requirements. You can contact the VISA Team at visa@gcu.ac.uk
On occasion a request to change your programme may be unable to be facilitated by a Programme Leader if you do not meet the entry level criteria of your requested transfer course, and in this instance you would need to reapply. If this is the case, the Careers Service at GCU has a number of careers advisers who can give you impartial advice and guidance about your options to help you decide your next steps, including support with UCAS applications.
If you do decide to transfer to another course, you will also need to contact your funding body (for example SAAS) without delay to advise them of your decision. Your funding body may require that you produce a change of programme certificate. If they do, you can obtain one of these by emailing Student Records at studentrecords@gcu.ac.uk
You may also wish to access any number of the support services available to GCU students to help with this process
I want to defer my studies to begin next year at GCU
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In some cases it may be possible to defer your studies to begin in a later term at Glasgow Caledonian University, this is known as a suspension of study. If you want to take a suspension of study from your programme, you need to discuss this with your programme leader who will be able to help. While you are on a suspension of studies, you are not permitted to submit assessments (including resits) and will be unable to access GCU learn. Any assessments that you have already submitted and passed cannot be retaken.
If you think this may be an option you would like to explore, there may be implications for your course funding, so it is important that you speak to your Programme Leader about this as soon as possible.
If you are an international student it is important that you also discuss this with the VISA team as this will impact your VISA requirements. You can contact the VISA team at: visa@gcu.ac.uk
I want to withdraw from my studies at GCU
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We would be sorry if you decided to withdraw from Glasgow Caledonian University. However, if after reflection, you conclude this is the best course of action for you it’s important not to feel this is a failure; it will have taken a lot of courage to come to this decision.
Before making a decision you should speak to your Programme Leader, Personal Tutor or Supervisor. If you would like to discuss your situation with someone else in confidence, the Student Wellbeing Service and the Students’ Association Advice Centre offers a non-judgemental, independent service.
If you need a visa to study here, you must contact the VISA Team for advice and guidance before you submit your request to withdraw from your programme - withdrawing from your studies will have serious implications to your immigration status, so this needs to be discussed fully before you make your decision to submit your request. You can contact the GCU VISA Team at visa@gcu.ac.uk
Withdrawing from your course will impact your course funding too. If your programme is funded through the Student Awards Agency Scotland, we will notify them of withdrawals throughout the year however you should report your withdrawal to SAAS online . You should do this as soon as possible to avoid overpayment, as you will need to repay any money you were not entitled to immediately. If you are funded by Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance NI, you can email us and we will confirm your withdrawal to them. If you withdraw from your programme during the academic session you will be charged a fee based on your withdrawal date.
If you do decide to withdraw and are paying your own fees please contact the Accounts Receivable team in the Finance Office.
I want to transfer to another university
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Consider whether there is a programme of study offered at another university that would be more appropriate for you. On occasion it may be possible to transfer to a different degree programme, or alternatively if this option is unavailable you can withdraw and reapply to this course through UCAS. The Careers Service can help you with this process through an appointment with a Careers Adviser.
You should also read GCU's Refund Policy for information on any tuition fees that may be due if you choose to transfer to another institution.
If you do decide to transfer to another course, you will also need to contact your funding body (for example SAAS) without delay to advise them of your decision. Your funding body may require that you produce a change of programme certificate. If they do, you can obtain one of these by emailing Student Records at studentrecords@gcu.ac.uk
If you are an international student, you will also need to discuss this with the VISA Team as soon as possible and before submitting your request to ensure you meet your VISA requirements. You can contact the GCU VISA Team at visa@gcu.ac.uk
Key contacts listed on this page
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