Taking a study break
A formal study break pauses registration time when circumstances prevent you from working on your research. Your end date moves by the approved period; you are not expected to do research during the break.
When it may apply
Examples include serious illness/injury, bereavement or chronic illness of someone close, severe domestic/financial/personal crises, unexpected employment commitments, jury service, service deployment and family/caring responsibilities.
Planned holidays, house moves and weddings; loss/failure of an individual computer or storage device; and loss of University facilities due to unpaid fees are not normally valid grounds in themselves. The underlying circumstances may need separate consideration.
Apply
- Discuss the problem with your Director of Studies.
- Hold a review-panel meeting with your Independent Panel Chair present.
- If supported, complete RD7 through the School approval process. Main text specifies SRDL approval; Appendix 2 and D5.3 specify SRDC. Ask the administrator to confirm routing.
- Agree start/return dates, payments, contact and support, and any visa arrangements.
Personal/medical detail need not be repeated on the form if the DoS can confirm the genuine circumstances and reasonable duration. Evidence may still be required.
Limits and effects
- Normally at least one month, with a 12-month cumulative maximum across registration.
- Exceptional breaks taking the total beyond 12 months require School support and RDEB approval using RD7b, including DoS confirmation of the research’s continued relevance.
- §5.4 says no new suspension application in the final three months before the maximum registration end; consider Extending maximum registration instead. Its extension timing conflicts with D5.5, so obtain early advice.
- Registration cannot be suspended after it has ended; the debt appendix also says suspension cannot be backdated.
- Total tuition fees are unchanged, although payment due dates may change.
During the break and return
Appropriate contact and DoS RD6 paperwork continue, but you do not submit a reflective report. Part-time/Masters students whose review fell during the break have a full RD6 on return. Confirm a realistic return date and needed support. See RD6 reflective review.
Sources: Framework §§5.4, 4.5; Appendix 5, pp. 43, 56–59, 108; D5.3. Framework · Regulations.