What type of supporting evidence is required?
Medical leaves of absence require medical evidence (generally in the form of the University's Medical Certificate or letter from a healthcare professional). The University may request permission from you to write to your healthcare practitioner or refer you to the University Medical Officer for further information, where necessary. Should you be granted a leave of absence on medical grounds, you will need to submit a medical note confirming your fitness to return to study before you're readmitted to your programme.
Applications without appropriate supporting evidence will not be considered. Evidence that is not in English must be translated into English by a certified translator.
The guidance on the types of evidence you'll need for non-medical leaves of absence are included in the table below.
Recommended evidence
Parental/Adoption:
- You should refer to the Guidance Note on Student Parent, Guardians and Carers for details about how to request maternity/paternity/adoption leave.
- Medical certificate (or note from a suitably qualified healthcare professional or adoption service).
Financial:
- For instances of financial hardship.
- Copies of bank statements confirming financial hardship;
- Report/letter of support from support services (such as Guild Advice).
Transfer of degree programme:
- For instances where you are transferring degree programmes but it is too late for the current academic session (you're transferring mid-session and you will have to wait for the next academic session).
- Confirmation of transfer.
Placements:
- For use when the placement element is not part of your degree programme (e.g. you've arranged it yourself)
- Confirmation of your placement year from the placement provider.
External Intercalation:
- For use when you are taking an intercalation year at another institution
- Confirmation of your place at another institution for an intercalation year.
Competitive Sports:
- For use when you need to take leave to compete at international level
- Letter from your coach/selection committee confirming your selection to compete in the international event.
Sabbatical Officer position (second term in office):
- For use when you want to run for a second term of office as a Sabbatical Officer (before you graduate). This needs to be granted before you take office.
- Letter from the Guild confirming that you are running for a second term of office.
Flexible programmes
- Students on flexible programmes who take a break in the study in line with the flexible nature of their programme.
- Evidence may not be necessary, but you must consult your PAU / Department before you cease engaging with your programme.
Other:
- Personal reasons (family circumstances such as bereavement or divorce, etc.)
- All evidence should explain why taking leave of absence would be beneficial to your circumstance.