Changing course

If you feel that your current course isn’t right for you, taking action and making a change can be a really positive step.

But although we don't want you to settle for second best, we do want you to be aware of all your options and of any issues that might arise. This way you can make an informed choice, whether you decide to stay on your course or change to another.

We've provided some guidance below, but please contact studentservices@brighton.ac.uk if you are considering changing your course so that we can provide one-to-one advice and support.

If you are an international student and have a student visa, before you change or leave your course contact the International Student Advisers in the Student Advice Service via email at: internationaladvice@brighton.ac.uk.

Changing course

What should I do if I'm thinking of changing course?

The first thing to do if you are thinking about changing course is to do the relevant research. You should find out more about the remainder of your course (in case it develops to suit your needs), ask tutors how to resolve any academic issues you may be experiencing, get some careers advice and find out more about alternative courses or future careers paths.

There are several points of contact to help you make the decision, including:

Please remember that non-attendance does not count as notice of your plans to leave. It is important that you keep in touch with staff on your current course, even if you think you don't want to do it anymore. Your attendance can affect your student finance, references and qualifications, all of which could be important for your next steps.

For more information, see targetjobs: Changing or leaving your course. Practical tips to help you make the right decision and understand the steps to take to see it through in the best possible way.

How do I change course?

If you make the decision to change your area of study, you need to speak to the course leader of the subject you want to transfer to. Provided that there’s a vacancy, they will assess your suitability based on your previous study, commitment and qualifications, and make a decision accordingly.

The new course leader will be able to answer your questions and inform you of:

  • what level of tuition fees you need to pay
  • when it would be suitable to leave your course (though you also need to negotiate this with your current course leader)
  • how to apply for the course
  • whether you need a reference
  • at what point you should begin the new course (eg whether you should start from first year or go straight into second year).

What effect does changing course have on my student finance?

The effect of changing course on student finance varies according to individual circumstances. It depends on your present course, your stage of study and the course you have chosen to transfer to.

If you transfer to another course at Brighton within the same academic year, Student Finance England (SFE) can usually carry forward your financial support without any ramifications, but you must keep them up to date with any changes.

If you transfer to another course and start again at the beginning of a new academic year, the situation is more complicated.

SFE offer their services for the length of your course plus one additional year, and count a single day of study as a year of support; so if you start again, you will have used up one year of that support and cannot claim money back for the year that you didn’t finish.

For example, in the case of a three-year course, you could complete one year of study and still be entitled to three further years of support. However, if you transfer during your second year and begin another course from the beginning (totalling five years of study), you will have to self-fund part of it.