Programme Changes

1. Interruptions and Withdrawals

Please note that the below information applies to undergraduate and post-graduate taught students only. Research students have a different process - contact the Research Administrator.

Sometimes students will face challenges or changes of circumstances which mean that they need to interrupt their studies or withdraw from their programme.

See the pages following for more information on what to do in this situation.

Remember that it is very important that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation and let us know of your intentions. Failing to communicate with us may make your situation more complicated - especially with regard to finance.

1. About applying for an Interruption of Studies
2. About Withdrawing permanently from a programme

1.1. Interruption of Studies

Students may sometimes face serious issues, such as illness or family crisis, which mean that they need to interrupt their studies for a short time. Various periods of time may be possible, depending on the programme.

It is very important that you contact us as soon as possible if you wish to interrupt your studies. You will need to discuss this with your Programme Administrator and with the Programme Leader (if you are an online student you should also speak to the Manager of Online Education), to ensure that this is possible. You may also need to discuss details with the Registrar, especially if this is not your first interruption (there is a maximum total length of interruption during a programme to be aware of). Finally, you will need to make sure that you have discussed your financial status with the Finance team. 

See the Help page for contact information. Note that your Programme Administrator will be the best person to contact with general questions.

When you are ready to apply, use this online form: Interruptions and Withdrawals Form (non-Research students only).

For reference, our regulations for taught programs state the following:

1.2. Withdrawal (permanent)

Sometimes students may wish to withdraw permanently from their programme. This may because family or work situations have changed, or the programme is not suitable. 

Please get in touch with your Programme Administrator as soon as possible if you wish to withdraw, to avoid unnecessary communications or incurring additional financial penalties.

Note that if you have attained sufficient credits you will normally be able to withdraw from the programme with an accredited award as follows:

Undergraduate*

• 120 (or 130*) credits (L4) - Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
• 240 (or 260*) credits (L4, L5) - Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

Postgraduate Taught*

• 60 credits - Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
• 120 credits - Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

*You should consult your Programme Handbook for details on the exact requirements for these awards.

If you do not have sufficient credits, you will not be given an award. However, we can provide you with a transcript of your completed modules if needed.

Note that withdrawal is likely to have financial implications so please ensure that you have contacted the Finance team to discuss your situation.

See the Help page for contact information. Note that your Programme Administrator will be the best person to contact with general questions.

When you are ready to apply, use this online form: Interruptions and Withdrawals Form (non-Research students).

2. Programme Transfers

Sometimes students may wish to transfer to a different programme at LST. This may be because of external pressures or discovering new study interests.

You should contact the Programme Administrator as soon as possible if you wish to transfer programmes and they will be able to advise you on what is possible. Note that programme transfers are at the discretion of the Programme Leader and the Academic Registrar. Transfers will normally only be authorised within the first two weeks of the academic year (or before the start of the year). Your programme change may have financial implications so please make sure that you are aware.

Some general guidance:

• If you wish to transfer to one of our combined undergraduate programmes (e.g. Theology & Music, Music and Worship or Counselling) this is normally possible only within the first two weeks of the programme. You will also need to satisfy the programme requirements and may be required to attend an additional interview. 
• Transferring to a Theology programme from one of the combined programmes is usually possible up to the end of Level 4, but will normally be authorised only at the end of the academic year. 
• You will not be able to transfer programmes in the middle of the year.

3. Changing Mode of Delivery (undergraduate)

Some students may wish to change how they study their modules because of external pressures or other changes.

Our Theology modules are available to study on-campus or online. Students on our undergraduate programmes may study the Theology component of their course in either mode - or as a combination ('blended' delivery).

Students are free to choose which combination of on-campus and online theology modules they wish to take at Enrolment. The mode of study can be easily changed between academic years.

See Timetables and Calendars for more information.

Any changes will depend on module dates and other considerations. 

Things to note:

• The online theology modules run over three semesters instead of two. The third semester runs June-August.
• Online modules are timetabled in 5-week blocks. It is not currently possible to take these modules outside the scheduled times.
• Not all modules may be available in a particular delivery mode in a particular year.
• Counselling and Music/Worship modules are not available online (except Theology of Worship 2).