Interruption of Study

If you are thinking of interrupting your studies, you must seek support and guidance from your Course Director. They will be able to explore the possible options with you and explain any implications (which you may not have been aware of or have considered before). For example, it would be useful for you to know what will and can be done should you have a student loan.

We will not automatically agree to an interruption to studies. You must convince us that you have exceptional circumstances which make an interruption to your studies the best option for you.

If after your discussion with your Course Director it is agreed that you will interrupt studies, you must formally verify your intention to interrupt your studies on the course in writing, using the Student Application for an Interruption to their Studies at NCA form (available on your course VLE). This will inform us of your reasons, and your expected return date, so plans can be put in place for you to smooth your return. Note: a return to studies on the course must take place within 2 academic years.

We cannot interrupt your studies until we have received a Student Application for an Interruption to their Studies at NCA form. And you will continue to owe fees to the College until the date on which the form is received.

Once your interruption to studies is processed we will inform the validating University and Student Finance (if applicable). We will normally suspend your access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), except in unusual circumstances, but you can ask us to restore access before you return to study, to enable you to revise and update your learning in preparation for your return.

Any fees or other monies owed to the College should be paid at the point of interruption to studies. Please contact the Finance Manager regarding your balance. On your return your fees will be based on those of the new cohort that you move into.

MSc students in receipt of a postgraduate loan will not receive further funding after interrupting studies for more than two years (whether this time period is continuous or cumulative) unless you can provide the Student Loans Company with evidence of a compelling personal reason. For BSc students in receipt of a student loan, the Student Loans Company will review each case of interrupted study on a case by case basis.

See this section for the full policy on returning to study after a period of interrupted studies.