Re-registration following a Leave of Absence

Return to studies after Leave of Absence

When a Doctoral Researcher is due to return from a Leave of Absence (LOA), the Doctoral College Office will contact the student’s supervisors, requesting confirmation of the Doctoral Researcher’s return. A return to studies meeting should be arranged between the Doctoral Researcher and their supervisors to discuss their return to the research degree.

If a Doctoral Researcher is unable to return from their Leave of Absence as expected, they may request that their LOA is extended.

Extension to Leave of Absence 

If a Doctoral Researcher cannot return on the expected date, they may request a further Leave of Absence. If a student is aware they will not be able to return, they should make this request as soon as possible (though it is appreciated that this is not always possible). 

Doctoral Researchers should be aware of the potential implications of taking a leave of absence before requesting an extension.

Non-return from Leave of Absence

Where a student who has taken a Leave of Absence does not re-register with the University within two months of their expected return date, their studies will be terminated in accordance with paragraph 30 of Regulation IX.  

Students whose studies are terminated in these circumstances have a right of appeal within 10 working days under paragraphs 26-28 of Regulation IX. Appeals should be supported by evidence, and may be made on the following grounds:

  • that there are mitigating circumstances relating to ill health or personal difficulties which the student was not in a position to raise at an earlier stage;
  • that the information held by the School/Department relating to the student's participation is incomplete or inaccurate and the student was not in a position to correct this information at an earlier stage;
  • that there is evidence of prejudice or bias on the part of the School/Department.

Doctoral Researchers whose registration is terminated for failure to return from Leave of Absence will be notified of this by the Doctoral College Office and informed of the procedure for submitting an appeal.  

Back to Leave of Absence page