Time off from university

If you’re facing challenges that make continuing your course difficult, whether academic, financial or personal, please explore the support options available to you. The Students’ Union also offers confidential services if you’d prefer to speak with someone outside the university.

Sometimes, taking time off (called intermission) may be the right choice. To do this, speak with your course leader who will guide you through the process and offer advice. If you’re close to finishing or have important deadlines coming up, options like extensions or Additional Consideration may be better for you. Our Skills Hub is also available for study support; email the team at skillshub@brighton.ac.uk for help.

If an intermission, extension or Additional Consideration doesn’t suit your situation, your course leader can discuss withdrawing from your course and help you decide the best timing.

Below are some FAQs about intermission and withdrawal, but get in touch with your course leader, Personal Academic Tutor or Student Support and Guidance Tutor for personalised advice.

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An intermission is a temporary break from your studies. It starts on the Friday of the week you last engaged with your course (eg attended teaching, submitted an assessment, met with your supervisor) and lasts until you return at the beginning of a semester or teaching block. 

You must agree an intermission with your course leader, either in person or via MS Teams.
Two months before you return, your school will contact you to check you’re ready, update you on any course changes and make sure you have the support you need. They’ll email your personal (non-university) email, so keep your contact details updated on Student View. 

If you need more time off, you can request an extension of up to one academic year, or longer in exceptional cases. 

If you don’t respond or re-enrol, we will assume you no longer want to continue and will withdraw you permanently.
Withdrawal is permanently leaving your course and the university. Your course end date will be the last Friday you engaged with your course. 

We will take your completed modules into consideration and may award you the highest possible exit qualification, for example a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education. Speak with your course leader or Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) about your eligibility.

If you want to return after withdrawing, you’ll need to apply as a new student and cannot be guaranteed a place. Intermission may be a better option if you plan to return soon.
If you leave partway through the year, you’ll owe fees based on when you leave.
- Term 1: 25% of the annual fee
- Term 2: 50%
- Term 3: 100%
If you intermit (take a break), your tuition fees pause and you’ll pay the remainder of that year’s fees when you return.

For further information, see our Tuition Fee Policy in your Student Contract.
If you live in university halls and intermit, you may be able to stay if you don’t owe money. If you are going to leave, return your keys and complete contract termination (a £50 fee applies).

If you withdraw, you must leave halls and complete termination (also with a £50 fee). Get in touch with the Accommodation Office on 01273 644100 or email accommodation@brighton.ac.uk if you have any queries or concerns. 

If you live in private accommodation, contact your landlord directly about your options.