What can you do?
If you're experiencing health or personal problems that are mean you are not able to fully engage with teaching to the best of your ability, you may want to consider an Interruption. This is an authorised break in your studies for one calendar year and will allow you to come back and fully benefit from teaching. Please be aware: you can only interrupt in Michaelmas or Lent terms, you cannot interrupt in Summer term.
If you interrupt, you will return next year at the beginning of the respective term. For example, if you interrupt in the middle of Lent term, you will return at the beginning of Lent term the following academic year. If you have received all of your teaching and the problems you are experiencing will just affect your exams, you should consider a Deferral instead.
Applying
To apply, you should speak to your Academic Advisor or Supervisor who can initiate the process. There is a form to complete along with providing the relevant evidence of your circumstances. This request will need to be reviewed by your Academic Adviser and Supervisor as well as the Departmental Tutor/Programme Director. These requests are usually only granted in exceptional circumstances.
Access interruption form(Opens in a new tab)
MPhil and PhD students should contact the PhD Academy for guidance on Interruption.
The full guidance can be found here.
If you hold a visa
If you hold a visa and interrupt your studies, this will have consequences for your visa status. It's important you get in touch with the Student Advice and Engagement Team for visa advice before you decide to interrupt.
Contact the student Advice and Engagement Team
Where to find us
Saw Swee Hock Student Centre
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