Changing or leaving your course

If you are uncertain whether you want to change a University of Manchester (UoM) degree or leave before completing you can talk it over with a Careers Advisor in a Careers appointment. You can discuss the career implications of a change and whether it would be the right step for you.

Please note that Careers Advisors cannot check if a place is available or handle the practical steps of a course change.

You may wish to reflect on or discuss the following:

  • Have you considered your future career plans, what qualifications or experience do you need?
  • How do you know which course is right for you? Would you enjoy it? Can you talk to other students to find out what it’s really like?
  • Is University right for you? Other options for training / study
  • Which type of university is right for you? Location, mode of study, class sizes, teaching methods, workload, options to get work experience.
  • Getting some experience in the remainder of this year.
  • Getting advice on your UCAS statement.
  • How to positively present a course change, withdrawal or interruption on future applications.

We know that conversations about possibly leaving or changing a course are often urgent and/or may need more time than a standard appointment. Email careers.info@manchester.ac.uk including your UoM ID number, if the available appointments do not suit you.

We also suggest you speak to your academic advisor and or the wellbeing support officer in your school. You may wish to consider study support or talking to the counselling and mental health services before taking any decisions.

Procedure for changing degree at The University of Manchester

When you are ready to change or leave a degree you will need to follow the process for leaving or changing course on the Student Support website.

You should also look into the impact of interruption or withdrawal on student finance.

Ongoing careers support if you leave your degree at The University of Manchester

You can access the Careers Service for one calendar year after leaving a UoM degree. We can help you think about your next steps and support you, whether you plan to apply for a different course or find work.

Apply for a Temporary CareerConnect account once your student account stops working (scroll to the section 'If you have left your course...' for instructions).