Leave of absence or withdrawal
Explore the procedures, policy and regulations relating to leave of absence or withdrawal from studies.
Leave of absence
There may be times when a student’s learning journey is interrupted due to external factors beyond the students and FutureLearn’s control. In these instances, the student can apply for a leave of absence.
A student must have a valid reason for a leave of absence and where possible support the application with evidence.
For short term leave of absences students are directed to the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
A student must have a valid reason for a leave of absence and where possible support the application with evidence.
For short term leave of absences students are directed to the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
This is a temporary suspension of their studies for an agreed period of time. Leave of absences could be prompted for reasons such as, medical, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, adoption, or personal issues. It is important to apply for a leave of absence where personal circumstances may have an impact on the progress of studies.
A leave of absence is when a student takes a temporary break from their course with the intention of returning at a later, specified, date. A withdrawal from studies is when a student withdraws from their course with no intention of returning.
Students should apply for a leave of absence through the Leave of Absence Request Form. This should be sent to studentsupport@futurelearn.com.
A Student Services team member will contact the student and guide them through the process and clearly explain the implications on the student’s studies and progression. FutureLearn will confirm in writing to the student once the application has been successful. Until that time the student must continue with their studies.
Backdated requests for a leave of absence during an assessment period will not normally be considered. Where circumstances prevented the student from submitting a request the student should submit a claim through either the Extenuating Circumstances Policy or Academic Appeals Procedure.
A Student Services team member will contact the student and guide them through the process and clearly explain the implications on the student’s studies and progression. FutureLearn will confirm in writing to the student once the application has been successful. Until that time the student must continue with their studies.
Backdated requests for a leave of absence during an assessment period will not normally be considered. Where circumstances prevented the student from submitting a request the student should submit a claim through either the Extenuating Circumstances Policy or Academic Appeals Procedure.
A leave of absence is discouraged during the first six months of study.
Any student applying for a leave of absence will be counselled by a member of the Student Services team. Generally, a student can request up to 12 months leave, however due to the carousel model and students being able to sit their assessments in order it is encouraged that students return at month 11. Any time beyond 12 months will be at the discretion of the Academic Registrar.
Any student applying for a leave of absence will be counselled by a member of the Student Services team. Generally, a student can request up to 12 months leave, however due to the carousel model and students being able to sit their assessments in order it is encouraged that students return at month 11. Any time beyond 12 months will be at the discretion of the Academic Registrar.
A student will not be charged additional fees as a result of a leave of absence. Any current payment plan will be cancelled and upon return a new payment plan including any outstanding debts will be issued and signed by all parties. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the Student Loan Company of a leave of absence and temporary suspension of the Postgraduate Loan.
Grades achieved prior to the start date of the leave of absence will be carried forward. However, it may not be possible to carry forward component marks if the assessment has changed during the leave of absence.
A member of the Student Services team will contact the student one month before the return date to support the student with their transition back into study.
If a student wished to return earlier than planned and the leave of absence was due to a medical reason the student will need to produce a medical note to confirm fitness to study.
If a student is unable to return after the agreed time, they must seek support and further guidance from the Student Services team. If a student does not return, does not inform FutureLearn and is non-contactable the student will be deemed to have withdrawn and will be presented at the next available Subject and Award Board.
A member of the Student Services team will contact the student one month before the return date to support the student with their transition back into study.
If a student wished to return earlier than planned and the leave of absence was due to a medical reason the student will need to produce a medical note to confirm fitness to study.
If a student is unable to return after the agreed time, they must seek support and further guidance from the Student Services team. If a student does not return, does not inform FutureLearn and is non-contactable the student will be deemed to have withdrawn and will be presented at the next available Subject and Award Board.
Download a copy of the policy
Read more about FutureLearn’s Attendance & Leave of Absence Policy.
Withdrawing from a programme
A withdrawal is the formal process by which a student discontinues their enrolment in a course or programme. This can occur for many reasons including, academic failure, self-withdrawal due to issues such as medical concerns, family commitments, transferring to another institution, disciplinary or financial issues.
Self-withdrawal refers to those students who decide to leave FutureLearn. Prior to self-withdrawal the student will consult with the Student Support team to discuss options to continue with their study such as a leave of absence, however through mutual agreement with FutureLearn this may not be possible, and the student can request the withdrawal. Where the student does request the withdrawal the support teams will facilitate this with the partner university.
FutureLearn has the right to terminate a student’s registration based on an assumed withdrawal if they fail to engage with the programme or FutureLearn. Not attending the initial induction, not engaging with the online learning materials, not engaging with FutureLearn staff, and not enrolling for modules over three consecutive enrolment periods is likely to indicate that the student is no longer interested in completing their programme. Where this is the case, the student will be contacted five times. Should the student fail to engage, the support team leader will formally send a letter to the learner’s home address asking the student to reengage. The student will have a week to respond.
Self-withdrawal refers to those students who decide to leave FutureLearn. Prior to self-withdrawal the student will consult with the Student Support team to discuss options to continue with their study such as a leave of absence, however through mutual agreement with FutureLearn this may not be possible, and the student can request the withdrawal. Where the student does request the withdrawal the support teams will facilitate this with the partner university.
FutureLearn has the right to terminate a student’s registration based on an assumed withdrawal if they fail to engage with the programme or FutureLearn. Not attending the initial induction, not engaging with the online learning materials, not engaging with FutureLearn staff, and not enrolling for modules over three consecutive enrolment periods is likely to indicate that the student is no longer interested in completing their programme. Where this is the case, the student will be contacted five times. Should the student fail to engage, the support team leader will formally send a letter to the learner’s home address asking the student to reengage. The student will have a week to respond.
If a student has provided student support written notice of withdrawal from their course using the appropriate form and they have received written acknowledgment from student support then they will only be liable for the fees of the credits they have accessed.
Yes. If a student has enrolled onto their programme they will be liable for their fees until they have provided their faculty with written notification of withdrawal. The percentage of the tuition fees they will remain liable for once they have withdrawn is determined by both the programme start date and withdrawal date.
If a student believes they are eligible for a refund, they must raise an enquiry via Student Support.
Remember:
Remember:
- Outstanding debts: if a student has any outstanding debts to FutureLearn, their refund will be offset against these debts first.
- Agreed refunds: where a refund is agreed then payment will normally be made via direct credit transfer to the bank account from which the original payment was made. If payment was made by credit or debit card, the refund would be made back to that card.
Download a copy of the policy
Read more about FutureLearn’s Student Withdrawal Policy.