Frequently asked questions about deferring a master's course
How do I apply to defer my postgraduate course?
If you would like to defer your offer, please complete the Postgraduate Deferral Request form. We aim to process your deferral request within four weeks. We’ll notify you of current processing times when you submit your request.
You can also request to defer within your application – please make this clear when applying.
What are the common eligibility criteria for deferring a postgraduate course?
Deferrals are decided on a case-by-case basis, and we may be in touch to discuss further information. Please be aware that you will still need to meet the conditions of your offer by the deadline set out in your offer letter.
For how long can I defer a postgraduate course in the UK?
Deferrals are typically granted for one year. If you need to defer for longer than this, please contact us to talk through your options.
What happens if I defer for a year and then need to defer for another year?
You can only defer for up to one year, so you would most likely need to reapply. However, you can still contact us to submit a deferral request for extenuating circumstances, which we will review.
Can I only defer after I have applied and secured a place?
Before receiving a decision on your application, you can request to change the entry year you are applying for by emailing pgadmissions@enquiries.reading.ac.uk. Please note that we might not be able to consider you for future entry years if applications are not yet open.
We consider it a deferral once you have received an offer. The one-year deferral limit is based on the start date stated on your original offer.
Who can I speak to for advice on whether I should defer?
To discuss your deferral options, you can contact the admissions team by submitting an enquiry and we will be happy to talk you through the process.