Changing or leaving your course

CAREERS SERVICE About For Employers Events Student and Graduate Stories Contact Us MyCareer Logo Explore your options Gain skills and experience Find jobs Work for yourself Making applications Support and resources Search... Search... Changing or Leaving your Course It’s not uncommon to have doubts about coming to university or your choice of course. If you find yourself in this situation, the Careers Service can help support you to make a decision. Newcastle University Careers Service Explore your options Changing or leaving your course On this page Important considerations Changing your course Leaving or suspending your course Taking Time Out UCAS applications Finance, fees and funding Accommodation Employment Sources of support Further information Whatever the reason for your concern try not to panic but do face up to the issue as it's unlikely to resolve itself. Take a step back and consider what is really making you think about changing or leaving your course. Some common reasons include: feeling unhappy with your choice of course, eg it's too easy/difficult or disliking the subject feeling unhappy with your choice of university, eg it's not what you expected, it's too large/small finance, eg struggling with fees, course materials or living costs personal, eg feeling homesick, struggling to balance other priorities and commitments changing your future career plans, is your subject/course still relevant? health reasons, is illness or a disability making it difficult to cope? Ask yourself: What were my expectations of coming to university? Why and how haven’t my expectations been met? What would I like to be different about my current situation? What are my options? If you are considering changing your course or leaving university, you can book a guidance appointment with a Careers Consultant. They can discuss your goals, options that may interest you and help you build a plan for your next steps. We are impartial practitioners, so can support you if you are considering options outside of Newcastle University. Please note the Careers Service is not involved in decisions regarding resits, PECs or appeals. We are unable to advise on these processes. We suggest you speak directly to your school office for support on these matters. We have compiled some information below which may answer some of the questions you have. Important considerations Considering transferring to another course at Newcastle University? Does my tutor need to know that I’m thinking about changing or leaving my course? What will employers think if I change or leave my course? Will I get any qualifications for the time I’ve spent studying? What will an employer think of the new subject I am planning to study? Changing your course How do I research other courses to apply for? If I change course, how can I ensure I make the best choice? What should I say when contacting an admissions tutor for a course I am interested in studying? How do I go about changing course at Newcastle? Can I go straight into Stage 2? Do I need to sit and/or pass my exams to change course? How late in the academic year can I change course? Should I consider studying part-time? Will I be able to transfer to another course at Newcastle as a PARTNERS student? I like some aspects of my course – can I change to Combined Honours? Leaving or suspending your course What should I do if I want to leave the university? How do I suspend or postpone my studies? Can the Careers Service support me to appeal having to leave my course? Taking Time Out Taking time out, or a gap year, is a great way to gain experience before entering employment or further study. However there are many factors you'll need to consider. We've provided some of the pros and cons of taking time out and listed some resources to help you plan. Deciding if taking time out is right for you There are a number of options available for taking time out, including: voluntary work in the UK or overseas travel and/or work overseas learning a language abroad paid work in non-graduate level jobs in the UK, including temping working in development and education Before deciding whether to take time out, you should consider the pros and cons. Pros There are many advantages to taking time out. You could gain: valuable experience – employment, skills, knowledge skills such as problem-solving, resilience, initiative, determination, communication time and/or experiences to help clarify career choices and preferences cultural awareness with international travel foreign language skills developed self awareness and greater maturity Cons There are also several drawbacks, such as: additional debts – it can be expensive missing out on annual graduate recruitment schemes not making the most of your experience or potential frustration – finding work overseas can be difficult working on minimum wage or in an undemanding or boring role Further help Use the Prospects website to think about whether a gap year is right for you.  Planning your time out If you decide taking time out is right for you, it's crucial to plan your time effectively. If you have any questions about taking time out or need help to find opportunities, book an online appointment or contact us via MyCareer.  You may also be interested in Volunteering, Teaching English as a Foreign Language or not-for-profit careers including, charities, development and community work. UCAS applications Can I apply for another course at Newcastle University without going through UCAS? Do I have to apply through UCAS if I want to study at another university? How do I apply through UCAS if I am a current university student? Do I need a reference? Who should write the reference? Finance, fees and funding At what point can I leave and receive a refund on my fees? What fees will I have to pay if I transfer to another course? If I leave my course, when do I start paying off my student loan? What happens to any bursary or scholarship I have received? Accommodation If I leave my course, what happens with my university accommodation? Are there any circumstances in which I can stay in my university accommodation until the end of the year? Can I still live in privately rented accommodation with other students, after I have left? Employment How should I present changing or leaving my course on my CV? Should I mention it in my covering letter? What opportunities are available if I don’t have a degree? Sources of support You may find talking to a careers consultant a useful and impartial next step. It could help you to understand your options and decide the best way forward. We can highlight resources to help you, including course directories and employment opportunities. It may also be helpful to speak to some of the following people to inform your decision: your personal tutor admissions staff for alternative courses you might be considering a Student Wellbeing or Student Advice Centre adviser friends, family or other close contacts students on alternative courses you might be considering As well as the Careers Service, there are other services across the University who can support you in a variety of ways. Student wellbeing Newcastle University Chaplaincy University Library Maths Aid Academic Skills Team In-Sessional English Student Advice Centre Further information You could gain a level 6 or 7 qualification while in paid employment through a Degree Apprenticeship. The following external websites provide further information about changing or leaving your course: Changing or leaving your course (TARGETjobs) Leaving your course (Prospects) Book a guidance appointment Explore your options Plan your career