A return to studies is when you pick up your studies again with the university following a period of absence. This absence could have been due to one of the following:

• Interruption
• Suspension
• Availability of units or post graduate supervisor
• Reinstatement of studies as a result of an appeal
• Returning after you have withdrawn from your studies

You should read this webpage in conjunction with our return to studies policy [PDF]

Returning to studies after an interruption

An interruption is an approved break from your studies and you will normally be expected to return to your studies at the beginning of a study period (e.g. at the start of a semester or block). You can only return to your studies in line with our academic regulations. Prior to your expected date of return we will contact you to:

• Confirm that you intend to return to your studies
• Agree a Return to Study plan with your course leader, supervisor and/or employer (if applicable)
• Confirmation of date your return to studies will be processed
• Process for re-registration onto your course

Returning to studies after a suspension

A suspension is when the university temporarily breaks or pauses your studies for a specified period of time which is usually due to the outcome of another process (please see suspension of studies webpage for more information). Once the conditions of your suspension have been resolved we will contact you to confirm the date which you can return and any other requirements (e.g. return to study plan, re-registration). The date you can return (e.g. during the same study period or at the start of the next study period) will depend upon:

• The duration of your suspension
• What type of study and assessments you have missed during your suspension
• Attendance conditions (e.g. visa requirements)

Returning to studies after unavailability of units or postgraduate supervisor

A break in studies due to unavailability of units or postgraduate supervisor is a university initiated suspension and you will usually be expected to return to your studies at the next available opportunity (e.g. units or postgraduate supervisor available). We will contact you prior to your expected return date to:

• Confirm that you intend to return to your studies
• Agree a Return to Study plan with your course leader, supervisor and/or employer (if applicable)
• Confirmation of date your return to studies will be processed
• Process for re-registration onto your course (if applicable)

Returning to studies after an appeal reinstated your studies

• If your studies have been reinstated as a result of an appeal process then we will contact you after your appeal outcome to confirm the following:
• Date you can return to your studies
• Agree a Return to Study plan with your course leader, supervisor and/or employer (if applicable)
• Confirmation of date your return to studies will be processed
• Process for re-registration onto your course (if applicable)

Returning to studies after you have withdrawn from your studies

If you withdrew from your course but would now like to return, then you will need to be re-admitted onto your course via our admissions process. Please refer to our admissions policy for information about the conditions under which you may be eligible to reapply.

Who can I speak to if I need support?

You can seek advice from university support services so that you can understand the process, reasons and potential implications of your return to studies. The following support services/staff are available to help (depending on your course and student status):

• Personal Academic Tutor – Contact your Personal Academic Tutor for academic advice. If you are a research student, then you should contact your Post Graduate Research Supervisor
• Student Engagement Team – Contact the Student Engagement Team who can provide confidential support and advice about a suspension to your studies
• Student Money Advice – Contact the Student Money Advice Team so that you understand the financial implications of a suspension to your studies
• International Office – If you are an international student studying on a visa, you must seek advice from the International Office, so that you understand the implications of a suspension of studies on your visa and immigration status
• Apprenticeship students – If you are an apprentice then you should speak to your link tutor, Apprenticeships Team at Apprenticeships@beds.ac.uk and your employer
• Partnership students – if you are studying at one of our partners, then please contact your partner institution
• Halls of Residence students – If you are living in halls of residence, you should contact your accommodation provider for advice on accommodation implications of a suspension of studies
• Beds SU – The Students Union Advice Team are independent from the University of Bedfordshire and can help you understand University processes and advise on your options moving forward

FAQs

Please read our Return to Study FAQs for more information.