Changing Course
Choosing the right course can be challenging, especially when there are so many subject options available. Sometimes students realise that the course they chose isn’t what they expected and decide they would prefer to change to a different one. This is more common than you might think.
If you are considering changing course, it’s important to seek advice as early as possible. This will help you understand the process and any implications before deciding.
As a first step, it’s recommended that you speak with your Adviser of Studies, who can advise you on the academic implications of changing course. We in SU Advice can also support you by explaining the possible financial implications, including how a course change could affect tuition fees and any student finance you receive. Students considering a change of course may also wish to contact the University’s Careers, Employability and Skills service to discuss which courses may best align with their chosen or intended career path.
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Internal Transfers
If you have found another course within Queen’s that you think is better suited to you, then you can investigate an internal transfer. Internal transfers are usually only permitted during the first two weeks in the current academic year and generally can’t be considered beyond this.
In the first instance, it’s recommended that you speak with your Adviser of Studies who can help you consult with the Academic Selector of the course you are considering transferring to, to see if you meet the entrance requirements and there are places still available on the course.
If there isn’t availability during the current academic year, then you may consider a deferred transfer. This means you would start the new course in the next academic year.
Course transfer decisions will be communicated to students via email from their current School, and it is important to continue to engage with your Adviser of Studies as they will need to endorse the transfer.
If a student defers their transfer, it will be up to them to decide if they wish to continue with their current course for the remainder of the year, or if they’d prefer to take a Temporary Withdrawal, returning when the new course commences.
If the course you wish to transfer to is similar to the one you are currently studying, and there is a crossover of modules, you may be able to carry these over. You should speak with your Adviser of Studies to understand whether this is possible for you.
- External Transfers
If you want to leave your course completely and move to another university, this is considered to be an external transfer.
It is up to you to contact the university you are hoping to transfer to. They can confirm their admissions process as well as the possibility of transferring any credits you have accrued on your current course.
Again, we would encourage that students considering moving to a new university, speak with their Adviser of Studies in the first instance to make them aware of the situation.
If you have made a firm decision to leave Queens, you will need to complete the withdrawal process on QSIS. Please note that once this has been actioned, it may not be possible to reverse this decision, so we recommend being confident in this course of action before completing withdrawal.
- Important Things to Consider when Transferring Course or University
- If a student is required to defer their transfer to the next academic year, it may take longer to complete the degree.
- There may be financial implications to changing course. Students should consider these and can contact SU Advice for further information.
- International Students may experience visa implications because of changing course. They should contact the University’s Immigration Support Service to discuss further.
- Students who rent a room from Queens Accommodation and withdraw from study will be required to leave the accommodation. If in doubt, contact Queen’s Accommodation to enquire further.
- Students living in non-University accommodation (e.g. private rental or third-party accommodation providers) may still be bound to the tenancy/licence agreement and will still be responsible for the financial obligations under this. If in doubt, seek advice.
If you need further advice or guidance, please email us at su.advice@qub.ac.uk