Academic changes for Undergraduate UK students
This is part of our information on Academic Changes.
If you are considering a change to your studies, we recommend that you make an appointment to speak with an adviser for specific guidance about your individual situation.
If you receive a Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Grant
You need to be aware that if you receive a Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Grant from Student Finance (England, Wales, Northern Ireland or SAAS in Scotland) there is a limit on the number of years of fee support you can receive.
As a general rule, fee support is available for the ordinary length of your course plus one year which can be used if you need to repeat a year, transfer course or start again. If you have studied more than one extra year of study, you will probably have to fund some of your own fees. (However, there may be an exception to this if you have “compelling personal circumstances”).
From 2027, if you start a new degree or return to higher education after a break in study, your funding may change to the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
Please get advice as soon as you start to think about making changes to your studies and ideally before the changes are made.
Student Visa Holders
For Student visa holders any study change may also have to comply with visa requirements. Please see our information for Student visa holders on our dedicated page.
Postgraduate taught students
UK Postgraduate Master’s students funded by Student Finance England with a Master’s loan can find more information on academic changes on our dedicated webpage.
Further Information
This information relates to UK undergraduate students.
Please read through all relevant information and contact the Student Advice and Support Service if you need further help.
We can advise you on:
Last Updated: 11th December 2025