Programme Concessions
Programme concessions cover exceptions to the standard application of University regulations or policies. They include Authorised Interruptions of Study (AIS) and programme extensions.
Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate students Authorised Interruptions of Study (AIS)
If you are temporarily unable to engage with your studies, you can apply for an Authorised Interruption of Study (AIS). This is a complete break from study for an agreed period of time, usually for up to one academic year.
Common reasons for authorised interruptions include: health issues, maternity leave or financial circumstances.
If you need an AIS, please contact your Student Adviser*. You will need to share the reason you are looking to interrupt and provide supporting evidence. Your Student Adviser will support you to apply.
Taking an authorised interruption of study may have financial and visa implications. You are encouraged to discuss these with funders and the University’s Student Immigration Service (www.ed.ac.uk/immigration/contact) as appropriate.
The Edinburgh University Students’ Association Advice Place also offers independent and confidential advice about the potential implications of taking an interruption.
The School's AIS request form is below.
For more information see the Authorised Interruption of Study Policy and the Authorised Interruption of Study page.
*Different arrangements are in place for students on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the 2nd year of the PG Diploma in Counselling, and the MSc in Applied Psychology in semester 1 of 2023/24. Those students should speak to their Academic Adviser in the first instance.
Programme extensions
A programme extension extends the prescribed period of study when students are unable to complete their studies within the prescribed period, due to unforeseen circumstances outwith their control. It is generally only available to postgraduate students and under exceptional circumstances and with supporting evidence.
Examples of successful programme extensions:
- where progress has been hampered by unforeseen difficulties with facilities or equipment, hence a completion of a thesis or dissertation has been delayed
- where progress has been hampered by unforeseen difficulties in obtaining or analysing data
- where long term illness has hampered progress but not sufficiently to require an interruption of study
- where the outcome of a thesis examination requires an extension for corrections.
To apply for a programme extension, please contact your Student Adviser* in the first instance.
*Different arrangements are in place for students on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the 2nd year of the PG Diploma in Counselling, and the MSc in Applied Psychology in semester 1 of 2023/24. Those students should speak to their Academic Adviser in the first instance.
The School's concession request form is below.
Approval process
Concession requests will be reviewed by the School's Director of Students.
Programme extension requests that are approved at School level also require College authorisation.
You will be informed of the School and / or College decision by email.
A concession for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students can only be considered granted once approval has been formally confirmed by email from the School's Concessions mailbox: Health.UG.PGT.Concessions@ed.ac.uk.
Forms for Academic Advisers and Boards of Examiners
For Academic Advisers and Board of Examiners Conveners applying for concessions, please complete the relevant form and email it to the School's Concessions mailbox with supporting evidence: Health.UG.PGT.Concessions@ed.ac.uk.
This mailbox is managed by the Student Support Team who can advise on the process.
The AIS form should be used to request an Authorised Interruption of Study.
The concession request form should be used for all other concession requests, including programme extensions.
Postgraduate Research students
Please discuss your request for an Authorised Interruption of Study, programme extension or other concession request with your Research Supervisor.
Concessions forms for PGR students are available to download from the School of Health Postgraduate Research Programmes Learn space.
If you are having any difficulty locating PGR request forms please email the school PGR office, at PGR.Health@ed.ac.uk. Students complete the relevant form and email it with supporting evidence to their Supervisor.
Supervisors should upload the form and evidence to the online postgraduate research request system: CAHSS PGR Concessions - Home (sharepoint.com)
This page includes guidance on requesting a concession, as well as a direct link to the online form, under the heading ‘Submit a Concession’.
Both the student and the Research Supervisor will be informed when the request has been approved by the College.