If you're thinking of taking a break or withdrawing from your studies, then this page has information about the different options available to you.
The information on this page relates to undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses. If you are a postgraduate research student, please refer to our webpage on Changes to Registration.
Is withdrawal right for me?
You may want to consider a break from study if your health or other life circumstances are preventing you from fully engaging with your studies. Each year the History Department supports students who are withdrawing from study or returning to their course after a break.
We understand that this is a big decision, so this page is full of guidance on what you should think about, and who can help you to make that decision.
Temporary withdrawal is an approved period of time when a student is not studying for their award. There are many reasons why students may need a break from their studies. If you need time out from study, then we're here to help you work that out.
If you are a History student thinking of taking temporary withdrawal, please read this page carefully. We also encourage you to contact your personal tutor and the History Office to discuss your options.
You should also read the University Guidance on Temporary Withdrawal carefully. This page also includes instructions on how to submit a temporary withdrawal request.
Please note that any period of temporary withdrawal will be included in your period of study.
The History Department runs different optional modules each academic year, so you may not be able to continue with modules that you started.
For information about how temporary withdrawal might impact your module choices, please contact the History Office.
This will depend on when you take temporary withdrawal and when you return.
For information about how temporary withdrawal might impact your assessments, please contact the History Office.
Yes, we often have students taking temporary withdrawal from January to January. It is not always possible to return to the start of the academic year.
Taking temporary withdrawal during the year is more complicated, so please make sure you discuss this with the History Office to ensure that you understand the impact on your modules and assessments.
The Department is not able to advise on visas. If you are a student visa holder considering temporary withdrawal, please contact the Student Visa Advice Service.
Depending on when you take temporary withdrawal, you may still be able to take an intercalated year, participate in the Venice programme, or take a Venice short course module.
Please speak to the History Office for more information.
Before taking temporary withdrawal, you may find it helpful to meet with a Careers Advisor to discuss your prospects after graduation, or to discuss employability during temporary withdrawal.
Finance
It is your responsibility to investigate the financial implications of taking a period of temporary withdrawal. The department is not able to advise on this, so we recommend contacting the following:
Taking temporary withdrawal can be a big decision. You can discuss this with your personal tutor and/or senior tutor to see if it's the right thing for you.
We also encourage you to contact Wellbeing Services and/or your GP for support if needed.
While you're temporarily withdrawn, you retain access to all regular support services, as well as having library and IT access.
You cannot attend teaching sessions or supervisions whilst temporarily withdrawn.
The department will be in contact to support your return to study and to inform you about module selection for the coming year. Please check your Warwick email regularly for important updates.
You can always contact the department during your withdrawal for support or advice.
Ahead of your return, you will receive emails from Student Records with instructions for the resumption of studies process.
If you withdrew for health reasons, then you will need to provide medical evidence that you are fit to return to study. This should be recent evidence from a medical practitioner.
After completing the resumption of studies process, you will also need to re-enrol.
We understand that returning after a period of temporary withdrawal can be overwhelming. Remember, support is available.
Before returning, it may be helpful to do the following:
Have a look at the History Student Hub to remind yourself about course structure, assessments and other useful things.
Check out the webpages for your modules.
Email your personal tutor or the History Office if you have any specific questions about your return.
If you need to set up or update your Reasonable Adjustments, then please contact Disability Services
If you are not ready to return to your studies, please contact the History Office to discuss your options.
When you are contacted by Student Records, then you will also be contacted by the History Office with information about your options.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about returning to study.
Permanent withdrawal means that you have decided to stop studying at the University of Warwick and that you have no intention of returning to continue your programme of study in the future.
Permanent withdrawal is an irreversible decision, so we encourage you to think about this carefully. Please read the following FAQs and consult the University guidance before applying.
Before applying for permanent withdrawal, please make sure you have spoken to your personal tutor and informed the History Office of your intentions.
To apply for permanent withdrawal, you need to submit a request via Student Records Online. This will then be processed by the department and the Student Records team.
Yes! If you want to return to Warwick, then you will need to reapply through the regular Admissions process. Depending on the reason for your withdrawal, it may not be possible to resume the same course.
Alternatively, you can transfer your credits to another university when you are ready to resume study.
Exit Awards are designed to recognise the achievements of students who do not complete the degree for which they were initially registered. If you meet eligibility, the department will recommend you for an Exit Award. You can then transfer this to another institution.
Permanent withdrawal is an irreversible decision, so you should only apply if you are sure about this.
If you are not sure, then you may wish to take temporary withdrawal for a year first. This gives you time to see if you want to or able to return to study.
Permanent withdrawal may be the right decision if you decide you want to study at another institution, study more flexibly, or if you feel that you will not be ready to resume your studies in the short-medium term.
In some cases, the University requires students to permanently withdraw, for example if they have not met progression requirements or have exceeded their maximum period of study. In this case, you will be notified that you are required to permanently withdraw and this will be actioned by the University on your behalf.
Restarts
During their first year of study, students may be permitted to restart their course in the following academic year if their first attempt has been affected by issues beyond their control.
Restarts are for first year students whose first attempt has been affected by issues beyond their control.
Students who restart should not have an academic advantage over new students: students who have attended consistently, submitted assignments and received feedback throughout their first year are therefore unlikely to be eligible for a restart.
The History Department will investigate whether you are eligible for a restart, including whether there is space on your course.
Once the Department has approved your restart, you should submit a request via Student Records Online.
Once your restart is approved by Student Records, you will be permanently withdrawn from your course. The central Admissions team will then process your return to study.
Any assessments completed during your first attempt will be wiped from your record.
For information about the impact on accommodation, please consult the University guidance.
Repeat Years
A repeat of year gives a student permission to return in the next academic year where they will repeat their current year of study. This is only granted in exceptional and severe circumstances where normal mitigating circumstances processes are not enough. Repeat years must be approved by the Academic Registrar.
