Sometimes students who have registered on a particular programme decide that they wish to change programme as their original choice does not suit their requirements.
Transfers can be:
- Between programmes within the University of Cumbria
- From the University of Cumbria to a programme at a different University or College
- From a different University or College to a programme at the University of Cumbria
There are a number of factors which can impact upon course transfers, these include:
- If there are any shared areas of study between the courses
- If you are able to use an credits you have gained from any modules previously completed – Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL or APEL)
- The period of the academic year when you would like to transfer
- If you have completed/passed modules
- Whether there is the agreement of the Course or Programme Leader and/or funding body for the course which you would like to transfer to
- Whether there are places available on the course you wish to transfer to
- Whether you meet the entry requirements for the course you wish to transfer to
- The admissions process at the University which you wish to transfer to
- When and which courses are available at the University which you wish to transfer to
- If you are able to obtain satisfactory clearances (these may be medical or DBS) for the course you wish to transfer to.
Transferring between Programmes within the University of Cumbria
Speak to your current and potential future Programme leaders to discuss:
- what is possible
- when you can transfer
- whether you can take any credit with you
- if you need to do any extra study to allow you to join the new programme
- which modules you need to complete successfully prior to any move
- if the move will be direct:
- from semester 1 into semester 2 (where programmes have common modules) or
- from year 1 in to year 2 or
- is there is any gap and if so what will you do in that gap?
Once confirmed please contact your Programme Administration office to complete a transfer form which will be signed by both programme leaders prior to your transfer being confirmed.
Moving from the University of Cumbria to a different Institution
We understand that sometimes students may wish to transfer to another University or College. If you are considering this, we suggest that you talk with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader who can support you.
You will need to apply to your new institution. You may be able to apply direct or you may have to fill out another UCAS form/application form. Once you've decided to leave your current course, and made arrangements with your new institution, you will also need to withdraw from your course at the University of Cumbria (see the Withdrawals section below).
Always check first, there is no guarantee you'll be able to switch to another course at a new institution, even if the courses are similar. You may find that despite applying to start in the second or third year, you are asked to start in the first year. You may also be asked to complete your year if you are offered a conditional offer based on achieving a certain grade in your modules.
Think about the whole picture – When would you start? What do you need to do about accommodation? Think back to when you applied to university before, and prepare in a similar way.
Please ensure you have looked in to all course and financial aspects prior to transfer so that you are able to make a fully informed decision.
Moving to the University of Cumbria from a different Institution
You need to speak to your current Institution first, to understand and follow their transfer process.
At any point you can speak to our Admissions team who can advise and help with the transfer process.
General guidance on finance when transferring
Please always check with your funding provider, your (current) University Fees Teams and your accommodation provider prior to any transfer.
Student Finance England (or Scotland) will require written confirmation from the University that an internal transfer has been approved on academic grounds the day before the start of the second year of your original course. Any transfers that are not between academic years may not be funded and may jeopardise future funding, so it is essential to check in advance.
If you are transferring to another institution, your new institution is responsible for confirming to Student Finance England (or Scotland) that your transfer has been approved on academic grounds. The University you are leaving will inform Student Finance England (or Scotland) that you have transferred to another institution if you provide them with:
- the name of your new institution;
- the title of your new course and the JACS code;
- the anticipated end date of your new course; and,
- the tuition fee (if this available).
It is essential that you do this to ensure that you are transferred rather than withdrawn as this could affect your fee and funding liability and your award.
If you start again in a new academic year, you might not be entitled to loans and grants for your full course, because you have already "used up" a year of your entitlement. The amount you are entitled to might also change, for example, you receive a larger loan if you are studying in London, so if you transfer from a London university to one elsewhere, there may be funding support implications.
Credit transfer or Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
You may be able to transfer any course credits you have already gained, but if the you wish to transfer to a different course, this may not be possible, and you may need to start the new course at the very beginning that is likely to have funding implications in terms of tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses.
Transferring
If you do decide a transfer is for you, please request a Transfer Form from your Programme Administration office.
Please note you have not transferred between programmes unless you have completed all the documentation and have received confirmation from the Programme Administration Office.
