If a student is temporarily unable to engage with their studies, they can apply for an authorised interruption of study. An interruption of study involves taking a complete break from study for an agreed period of time, usually for up to one academic year. HTML Some examples of common reasons for authorised interruption include:Health reasons (mental or physical health problems)Maternity/Paternity/Adoption/Family leaveExtra-curricular opportunities e.g. elite sport, art/music related opportunitiesEmployment opportunities/internshipsFinancial circumstancesMilitary serviceStudents wishing to undertake their studies away from Edinburgh for a given period of time should contact their School regarding taking a Leave of Absence (this does not apply to students on online programmes).Support for students considering applyingStudents wishing to apply for an authorised interruption of study are expected to contact their Student Support team, Student Adviser, Programme Director or Supervisor to discuss their circumstances and reasons for applying, and to put together a proposed return to study plan. The Student Adviser, Programme Director or Supervisor can offer the student advice regarding any potential implications for their studies of taking an interruption.Students should be encouraged to speak to Scholarships and Student Funding Services staff for advice on how an interruption of study may affect their fee charge, UK Government funding or scholarship payment. Further information is available at the link below:Scholarships & Student Funding Students are also encouraged to speak with an advisor within the Edinburgh Students’ Association Advice Place who can provide independent advice about the potential financial and other implications of taking an interruption. Further information is available at the link below:The Advice PlaceInternational students are also encouraged to speak with a member of staff at the Student Immigration Service who can provide advice and guidance in relation to any visa implications which may arise as a consequence of taking an interruption. Further information is available at the link below:Student Immigration ServicePostgraduate Research students should be advised that an interruption of study is not the same as an extension.ApplicationStudent Support teams, Student Advisers and Supervisors can also assist students in completing the application form which requires students to state their reasons for applying. Colleges and Schools provide information regarding the application process they operate. Please contact your local College Academic Administration office if you are unaware of your specific College procedure.All students requesting an interruption of study should complete a return to study plan.Postgraduate research students should ensure that a clear plan is in place with their supervisors regarding contact arrangements and their return from interruption, which could be a phased return. Students in receipt of funding should be encouraged to speak with their funding body to ensure that they are aware of any funding or other implications that may result from taking an interruption of study.Consideration of requestsThe University is committed to supporting students who require time away from their studies, where this will assist them in gaining the best possible outcome in their studies, or support their career aspirations.Applications will be considered sympathetically and decision makers should consider whether the requested interruption would support successful completion of the student’s programme.Where an application is refused, students have the right to request a review of the decision. Colleges and Schools responsible for making decisions on applications will advise regarding the process for requesting a review.Supporting students on an interruptionStudents on an interruption do not attend classes or undertake assessment, but continue to have access to campus facilities and support services. Students on an interruption are still subject to University policies, rules and regulations, including the Code of Student Conduct. Schools should ensure that students on an interruption have someone to contact regarding their return to study.Return to studySchools are expected to make contact with students on an interruption before their scheduled return to study in order to facilitate any support which may be required upon their return. Where a School requires evidence of a student’s fitness to return to study (e.g. after a medical-based interruption), the School should specify the type of evidence required, and provide the student with sufficient notice of any evidence requirements prior to the student’s proposed return to study date.Further informationThe Authorised Interruption of Study Policy can be found below:Authorised Interruption of Study Policy (608.02 KB PDF)Student guidance on the Authorised Interruption of Study Policy, and the Authorised Interruption of Study Form can be found online at:Authorised Interruption of Study - Student guidance This article was published on 2024-11-12
HTML Some examples of common reasons for authorised interruption include:Health reasons (mental or physical health problems)Maternity/Paternity/Adoption/Family leaveExtra-curricular opportunities e.g. elite sport, art/music related opportunitiesEmployment opportunities/internshipsFinancial circumstancesMilitary serviceStudents wishing to undertake their studies away from Edinburgh for a given period of time should contact their School regarding taking a Leave of Absence (this does not apply to students on online programmes).Support for students considering applyingStudents wishing to apply for an authorised interruption of study are expected to contact their Student Support team, Student Adviser, Programme Director or Supervisor to discuss their circumstances and reasons for applying, and to put together a proposed return to study plan. The Student Adviser, Programme Director or Supervisor can offer the student advice regarding any potential implications for their studies of taking an interruption.Students should be encouraged to speak to Scholarships and Student Funding Services staff for advice on how an interruption of study may affect their fee charge, UK Government funding or scholarship payment. Further information is available at the link below:Scholarships & Student Funding Students are also encouraged to speak with an advisor within the Edinburgh Students’ Association Advice Place who can provide independent advice about the potential financial and other implications of taking an interruption. Further information is available at the link below:The Advice PlaceInternational students are also encouraged to speak with a member of staff at the Student Immigration Service who can provide advice and guidance in relation to any visa implications which may arise as a consequence of taking an interruption. Further information is available at the link below:Student Immigration ServicePostgraduate Research students should be advised that an interruption of study is not the same as an extension.ApplicationStudent Support teams, Student Advisers and Supervisors can also assist students in completing the application form which requires students to state their reasons for applying. Colleges and Schools provide information regarding the application process they operate. Please contact your local College Academic Administration office if you are unaware of your specific College procedure.All students requesting an interruption of study should complete a return to study plan.Postgraduate research students should ensure that a clear plan is in place with their supervisors regarding contact arrangements and their return from interruption, which could be a phased return. Students in receipt of funding should be encouraged to speak with their funding body to ensure that they are aware of any funding or other implications that may result from taking an interruption of study.Consideration of requestsThe University is committed to supporting students who require time away from their studies, where this will assist them in gaining the best possible outcome in their studies, or support their career aspirations.Applications will be considered sympathetically and decision makers should consider whether the requested interruption would support successful completion of the student’s programme.Where an application is refused, students have the right to request a review of the decision. Colleges and Schools responsible for making decisions on applications will advise regarding the process for requesting a review.Supporting students on an interruptionStudents on an interruption do not attend classes or undertake assessment, but continue to have access to campus facilities and support services. Students on an interruption are still subject to University policies, rules and regulations, including the Code of Student Conduct. Schools should ensure that students on an interruption have someone to contact regarding their return to study.Return to studySchools are expected to make contact with students on an interruption before their scheduled return to study in order to facilitate any support which may be required upon their return. Where a School requires evidence of a student’s fitness to return to study (e.g. after a medical-based interruption), the School should specify the type of evidence required, and provide the student with sufficient notice of any evidence requirements prior to the student’s proposed return to study date.Further informationThe Authorised Interruption of Study Policy can be found below:Authorised Interruption of Study Policy (608.02 KB PDF)Student guidance on the Authorised Interruption of Study Policy, and the Authorised Interruption of Study Form can be found online at:Authorised Interruption of Study - Student guidance