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How do I transfer to a different course?

Thinking about changing course? Find out who to speak to, how course transfers work, how your fees or funding may be affected, and what international students need to know before applying.

On this page:

Things to consider before changing course

Before requesting a course transfer, speak to the following people so you can make an informed decision:

  • Your current Programme Leader
  • The Programme Leader for the course you would like to transfer to
  • The Student Finance Team

Speaking to Student Finance is particularly important because:

  • Your funding may be affected
  • You may become liable for tuition fees on your current course
  • Eligibility for funding may change if you restart or transfer
  • This is especially important for EU students

Information for international students on a Student Visa 

Important information

If you study on a Student visa:

  • You must register on the course listed on your CAS
  • Transfers between courses or Schools are only approved in exceptional circumstances
  • Requests are subject to places being available on the new course
  • Herts Business School is unlikely to accept transfers from students outside the School because of capacity limitations

What counts as an exceptional reason?

The following are not normally accepted as exceptional reasons:

  • Changing your mind about a course
  • Wanting a different timetable

If you are unsure whether you may be eligible, contact the International Office for advice.

Other things to consider

Some course transfers may require an ATAS certificate before they can be approved.

If you believe you have exceptional circumstances:

  1. Register on the course shown on your CAS.
  2. Check any visa implications before submitting a request.
  3. Complete a Course Transfer Request Form.
  4. Explain:
    • Why you want to change course
    • How the new course relates to your current studies
    • How it supports your career goals
  5. Upload any supporting evidence.
  6. Wait for a decision before making any changes.

How your request is assessed

All requests are reviewed by the International Office and Admissions to ensure:

  • Visa compliance
  • Eligibility for the new course
  • English language requirements are met

Please note

  • If you transfer to a shorter course, the University may need to report this to the Home Office, which could affect your visa.
  • If your visa expires before your award is confirmed, you may not be eligible for the Graduate Route visa.
  • A new CAS cannot be issued solely to allow you to wait for results.

If you need advice, contact the Student Immigration Team.

How could a course transfer affect my tuition fees?

If you transfer between courses, you may become liable for tuition fees for both courses.

To avoid this, your transfer should normally be completed by the end of the month containing the final registration date for your intake:

Intake

Transfer deadline

Semester A

End of October

Semester B

End of February

Semester C

End of May

Postgraduate students

If you transfer after these deadlines, you may:

  • Need to start your new course at the next available intake
  • Owe 25% of the fees for your original course
  • Owe 100% of the fees for your new course

You should always speak to the Student Finance team at finance-tuition@herts.ac.uk before deciding to transfer, particularly if you receive student funding.

How to request a course transfer?

Complete the Transfer Request Form and read all instructions carefully.

Make sure you complete every section that applies to you, otherwise your request may be delayed.

Home students

Send the completed form and any supporting documents to the relevant administrative team listed on the form.

International students

If you are transferring between Schools:

If you are changing course within the same School:

  • Send your form to the relevant administrative team listed on the form

Once received, your request will be checked against Home Office requirements. If the transfer cannot be approved, the Student Immigration Team will explain why.

Need more help?

If you need advice about changing course, contact Ask Herts, who can help you understand the process and direct you to the right support team.

 

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