Close
Explore our resources for managing interruptions to your studies, providing support and guidance through unexpected challenges and changes in your academic journey,
Exploring your options
Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way, and you might need to temporarily pause your academic journey at UCL. This is where an interruption of studies comes in.
Various personal circumstances can lead to considering an interruption. These may include health-related issues, new parenthood, or other significant life events.
Students can interrupt for up to one year in the first instance, and up to two years in total.
Seek guidance first
Before deciding to interrupt your studies, it is advisable to have a conversation with your supervisor and Departmental Graduate Tutor.
They can provide valuable insights and assess whether, with the right support or adjustments, you might continue your studies without interruption.
Resources for Interruption
For a comprehensive guide on how to proceed with an interruption and what factors to consider, refer to UCL's official guidance, available on the Interruptions for Postgraduate Research Students website.
If you are in the UK on a student visa, interuption will have implications for your visa status - find out more on the interruptions web pages.
You can find UCL’s regulations governing interruptions for research students in the Academic Manual, Chapter 5. For most students including all those on an MPhil/PhD programme, the relevant section will be part A, section 2.8. Students on other programmes should look at the part that applies to their programme.
Please note that while on Completing Research Status (CRS), interruptions are not permissible. However, in specific circumstances, you may apply for an extension to CRS.