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.
Fees
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.
Information for Tier 4 International Students
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.
Cancelling halls accommodation
If you are suspending your studies and live in halls accommodation, you must submit a contract cancellation request form. Please note that you will only be released from your accommodation contract once you have submitted your form and your suspension has been confirmed by your Support Centre. Find out more here.
How do I apply to suspend my studies?
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Download and complete the printable form (pdf) | editable form (word) if you prefer to print out and complete a form by hand.
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Gather your supporting evidence.
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Submit your form, along with your supporting evidence to your Student Support Co-ordinator or Henley Business School contact.
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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 and editable version) 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.
Fitness to return
If you have suspended on medical/health grounds, the following Fitness to study assessment form printable form (pdf) | editable form (word) needs to be completed once it has been agreed that you are fit to return form suspension and should be read in conjunction with this policy.
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 version or editable version) provides some suggestions of topics you might want to discuss and a form for recording your plan.