Regulation 10: Leave of Absence

Contents

1) Periods of Absence for No More than 5 Working Days

2) Periods of Absence for Academic Purposes

3) Interruption of Studies

4) Leave of Absence for Other Periods Not Covered by Section 3 Above

5) Leave of Absence for Periods in Excess of One Academic Year

6) Student Health

7) Periods of Study Away from the University

8) Other Matters

1. Periods of Absence of No More than 5 Working Days

(Guidance Notes)

1.1 Permission to be absent from any compulsory part of a programme of study/academic course must be obtained from the Personal Tutor(s)/supervisor concerned prior to the intended period of absence.

1.2 Where a student is required by immediate and pressing exceptional circumstances to absent him/herself from any compulsory part of a programme of study, the student must inform the relevant Head(s) of Department/School as soon as possible during the period of absence.

1.3 The periods covered by this section do not constitute formal Leave of Absence from the University.

2. Periods of Absence for Academic Purposes

(Guidance Notes)

2.1 A student may be permitted to be absent from any compulsory part of a programme of study for essential purposes connected with the programme of study. Prior approval for such absence must be obtained from the Year Tutor(s)/supervisor(s).

2.2 The periods covered by this section do not constitute formal Leave of Absence from the University.

3. Interruption of Studies

(Guidance Notes)

3.1 Except in the final year of a programme of study, at the end of any semester/ stage of a course or academic year and after all assessments and examinations have been taken for that semester, stage or year, a student whose registered status is part-time shall, with the agreement of the relevant Head(s) of Department/School, be permitted to take leave of absence for up to one academic year and return to the University thereafter to continue the normal sequence of the programme of study.

3.2 Except in the final year of a programme of study, at the end of the Christmas vacation or end of the academic year after all assessments and examinations have been taken for that year, a student whose registered status is full-time shall, with the agreement of the relevant Head(s) of Department, be permitted to take leave of absence for a period up to one academic year:

i) for the purpose of undertaking work experience;

ii) where the period of leave is recommended by a medical practitioner.

A student granted such a period of leave of absence may return to the University thereafter to continue the normal sequence of the programme of study.

3.3 In relation to the provisions afforded by 3.1 or 3.2 above, the period of leave of absence granted will be such as to render it possible for the student to return to the University and re-enter the normal sequence of the programme of study.

3.4 Any student who wishes to avail him/herself of the provisions afforded under 3.1 or 3.2 must notify the Head of Records and Examinations of his/her intention before embarking on the period of leave of absence in the form required by the Head of Records and Examinations.

3.5 Any student who wishes to avail him/herself of the provisions afforded under 3.1 and 3.2 above must accept that the programme of study on which he/she is registered may change or cease to be offered during the period of leave of absence and that the student upon return to the University may be required to undertake a different or amended programme of study.

3.6 No student may avail him/herself of the provisions afforded under 3.1 or 3.2 on more than one occasion during his/her registration with the University.

3.7 Any student who has availed him/herself of the provisions afforded under 3.1 or 3.2 above must notify the Head of Records and Examinations in writing of his/her intention to return to the University to renew his/her programme of study at least one month before the date on which it is intended that he/she shall return to study.

3.8 If a student fails to comply with 3.7 above, he/she shall not be readmitted to study at the University.

3.9 Where in respect of 3.1 or 3.2 above there is disagreement between Heads of Department/Schools, the Head of Records and Examinations shall make the final decision.

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4. Leave of Absence for Other Periods Not Covered by Section 3 Above

 (Guidance Notes)

4.1 The Head of Records and Examinations may, exceptionally and following consultation with the relevant Head(s) of Department/School, give permission to students to be absent during teaching and study periods where the period does not exceed one academic year.

5. Leave of Absence for Periods in Excess of One Academic Year

(Guidance Notes)

5.1 Permission to take leave of absence for periods in excess of one academic year may exceptionally be granted upon application of the student to Senate in the form required. In each case Senate shall determine what conditions, if any, shall apply to the permission and whether the period of maximum registration shall be extended.

6. Student Health

 (Guidance Notes)

6.1 Students must be in an adequate state of physical and mental health to enable them to continue with their studies. If there is sufficient evidence that ill health will prevent a student from satisfactorily completing his/her studies, the University may at any time require the student to undertake a full medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner of the University’s choice, and, if appropriate, and on the recommendation of the medical practitioner, require a student to suspend or curtail his/her studies. Such a suspended student shall be permitted to resume his/her studies at a time deemed appropriate by the University Medical Officer, and only on a recommendation by a qualified medical practitioner, that he/she is fit to continue with his/her studies.

7. Periods of Study Away from the University

(Guidance Notes)

7.1 Periods of study away from the University, which form part of the course as determined by the course regulations, are not regarded as leave of absence for the purpose of this regulation.

8. Other Matters

8.1 Only in very exceptional and pressing personal circumstances will the Head of Records and Examinations grant leave of absence either:

a) for the period between the published date on which lectures end and the official beginning of a vacation; or

b) for the period between the official end of the vacation and the published date on which lectures and/or examinations are due to begin.