An extension or interruption of studies are the two ways we can help you to deal with unexpected circumstances in postgraduate studies. Both will buy more time to complete the study, but there are important differences to be considered.
Extension of studies
An extension of studies is appropriate when progress in a postgraduate degree has been delayed. With an extension, you remain registered for your degree and it is expected that you will continue working. You will have full access to all University facilities including your laboratory space, but will continue to pay tuition fees at the usual rate.
In addition, any time spent in an extension of studies will be considered as part of your degree candidature. Extensions of more than one year are unusual, and would normally only be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Summary: the clock keeps ticking.
Interruption of studies
An interruption of studies is appropriate when some unexpected personal event has prevented progress for a period of time. With an interruption, your degree studies are suspended and it is expected that you will not be working on the project. You should not be using University facilities, and therefore will not be required to pay tuition fees for the period of the interruption.
Any time spent in an interruption of studies will not be considered as part of your degree candidature. Therefore a long interruption of studies is possible in cases such as serious illness or other life-changing events.
Summary: the clock stops.
What if I have a studentship or other funding?
If you are self-funding, then the choice between an extension and interruption is not complicated by the third party. If you have a separate funder, the situation is more complex.
In fact, every funder has its own rules about what happens in each specific circumstance. The best advice we can offer is to start an early conversation between your funders, your supervisors, and the graduate school. All will want your project to succeed, and will try to make that happen within the rules of your funding agency.
What if I am an international student?
As an international student you should be aware that if an extension or interruption to studies is granted, you must still honour the terms of your visa. If you are not studying, you may be obliged to return to your home country for the period of the interruption.
Staying in the UK without a valid visa is viewed extremely seriously, and might mean you are unable ever to complete your degree. Please don’t take chances; the University Visa team are the best source of advice.
What next?
The University webpage contains more detail on the extension or interruption of studies, including links to the current versions of the appropriate forms.