We hope that you have a positive and fulfilling time at University, but we understand that sometimes things happen which mean you are unable to continue on your course. This page will give you all the information you need to be able to make an informed decision.
Withdrawing is a final decision, so should be carefully considered. Once your withdrawal is processed, you will no longer be an active student. Should you wish to return to the university, you would need to reapply through the standard admissions process.
If there are personal reasons which are influencing your decision, you can speak to one of our student advisers in the Student Hub who can provide advice and guidance, signpost you to support, or help you talk through your options. We also strongly advise that you speak to your course leader or module leader before making the decision to withdraw.
If you are considering withdrawing due to a disability or long-term condition that you feel you need extra support with, please contact our disability advice team, who can advise you on what additional help and support the University can provide and your options and eligibility for DSA.
Our careers team are also on hand to discuss your next steps with you – whether that is going into employment or looking at alternative study or training options. All former students have life-long access to the careers service, including Solent Careers Online - you will simply need to register as a graduate.
Please note:
Suspending your studies is sometimes a good alternative option, if you are unable to engage with your studies at the moment. It allows you to take some time out and return the following academic year (dates will depend on your course level, delivery and structure, as well as the date that you suspend). This may be due to health or personal reasons and can allow you some time to get support in place and return when you are able to commit to your studies again. You can still access all our student support services when you are suspended. Please see more information here.
You may also wish to consider transferring course if you want to study another subject area. Whether you can transfer immediately or not depends on the time of year, your current course, and the course you wish to transfer to. If you are unable to transfer during your current academic year, you will either need to continue to engage with your studies for the remainder of the year and then transfer at the end, or suspend your studies and arrange your transfer ready for when you return at the start of the next academic year. If you wish to transfer, you should:
If you wish to transfer to another university, you will have to withdraw from your studies with us first and then apply to the other university. We can provide a transcript of your grades to support you with this process.
In order to ensure you have received the correct advice, and understood the implications, our student advisers submit the withdrawal request on your behalf – you are unable to self-withdraw via Gateway. We therefore strongly advise that you contact us by:
If you are unable to attend the Student Hub or talk to an adviser on the phone, please email the Hub at student.hub@solent.ac.uk so we can discuss alternative options
Please note, if you do not take any action, you will continue to be an active student, be liable for fees, and be expected to engage with your studies in line with our student engagement and attendance policy
If you are entitled to an award at the point of withdrawing, this will be ratified at the next available Progression and Award Board (PAB) and issued within two months of results publication. Any certificates will be posted to your correspondence address held on record, so please check this is correct before you withdraw.
You may wish to generate a transcript of your results from the Gateway system prior to withdrawing; after this point you will need to email assessments@solent.ac.uk (attaching a photo ID so they can verify your identity).