Withdrawing or Suspending an Existing Programme

Introduction

Programme withdrawal is a permanent process. Alternatively, a programme can be suspended for up to two years, after which it will be withdrawn unless a programme reactivation form is completed.

When withdrawing or suspending a programme, consideration must be given as to whether it has current students and/or prospective students. Ideally, programmes will be ‘taught out’, i.e. any students registered on the programme will be able to complete it as planned, with the programme being deactivated once they have completed.

If the programme cannot be taught out, and/or there are prospective students on the programme, please contact your College Academic Policy Partner, as it will need to be ascertained whether the University’s Student Protection Plan will need to be triggered.

As with any changes to programmes that may affect students, you should ensure you consult the Policy on Consultation with Students (PDF - 90KB), it associated guidance (PDF - 110KB), and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) guidance.

Guidance

Approval Route

Withdrawing, suspending, or reactivating a programme requires approval by the School Education Committee (or equivalent), College Quality Assurance and Approval Committee (CQAAC), College Board, and final verification by the University. Withdrawals, suspensions, and reactivations are also reported to the University Recruitment, Admissions and Targets Board (URAT).

The Student Protection Plan

The Office for Students (OfS) requires every University to have a Student Protection Plan, which sets out the measures that the University of Birmingham has in place to protect its students should a risk to the continuation of their studies arise.

If you are planning on withdrawing or suspending a programme that currently has students registered on it, and/or it has offer-holders, and the programme cannot be taught out (i.e. current/prospective students will be impacted by the withdrawal/suspension) you must immediately contact your College Academic Policy Partner (CAPP). Your CAPP will then contact senior colleagues to ascertain whether the Student Protection Plan will need to be triggered. Please do this before making contact with students and/or applicants. When contacting your CAPP, please include as much information as possible, e.g. the number of students involved and what alternative arrangements could be offered, e.g. transfer to a similar programme.

You can access the University of Birmingham’s approved Student Protection Plan here. 

 

  

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