Keele University
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Thinking of Changing or Leaving your Course?
Changing or Leaving your course
It’s not uncommon to have doubts about coming to University or your choice of course. If you find yourself in this situation then staff in Student Support and Development Services are availble to support you to make a decision that is right for you.
Try not to panic, but do take steps to identify and address the issues you are facing. Take a step back and consider what is really making you think about wanting to change or leave your course.
Some common reasons include:
- feeling unhappy with your choice of course e.g. it's too easy/difficult, disliking the subject;
- feeling unhappy with your choice of university e.g. it's not what you expected, it's too large/small;
- finance e.g. struggling with fees, course materials or living costs;
- personal e.g. feeling homesick, struggling to balance other priorities and commitments;
- changing your future career plans e.g. is your subject/course still relevant?
- health reasons e.g. is illness or a disability making it difficult to cope?
Ask yourself…
- What were my expectations of coming to university?
- Why and how haven’t these been met?
- What would I like to be different about my current situation?
- What do I think are my options?
It's good to talk
You may find talking to a member of the Student Life and Learning Team or a Careers Adviser a useful next step in helping you to understand your options and decide the best way forward. With its broad range of degree combinations Keele does offer flexibility and it is often possible to change to another course at certain times of year. However you do need to meet the entry requirements, have or are able to pass enough core modules in the new subject and there are vacancies on the course. You would also have to change within the first three weeks of either Semester One or Semester Two.
It may also be helpful to speak to some of the following people to inform your decision:
- Your Personal Tutor
- Friends, family or others who know you well
- Students on alternative courses you might be considering
- Course Directors in the new subject you are interested in studying.
How to Change Course
If you do want to change course you should discuss this request with your Personal Tutor and the Course Director of the New Course. They will advise you about the entry requirements and credits you need to make this change. If they are able to accept you onto the course you can then submit your request using Evision.
More information about changing course is available here.
Leaving University
After exploring the different options if you decide that Keele is not the place for you afterall we can also advise you on what to do next. You will need to talk to a member of staff in the Student Life and Learning Team and fill out a Withdrawal Form. It is important that you do this as you remain liable to pay fees until this form is completed. If you have already left Keele please contact us and we can email you a form to complete and return to us at lifeandlearning@keele.ac.uk We will then inform everyone else who needs to know. If you live on campus you will also have to leave your room and return your key to Student Accommodation Services.
