ATAS clearance

When a new ATAS certificate is required.

If you are a current doctoral researcher, you may require ATAS clearance if you are changing or extending your programme, or you are submitting a new visa application.  

Who requires ATAS clearance?

You need ATAS clearance if:

  • You are studying a subject area considered to be 'sensitive' by the UK government, and
  • You are not a UK, Irish, or other exempt national, or you do not have Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain in the UK
List of exempt nationals on gov.uk

Which programmes require ATAS clearance?

  • Aeronautical Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-04
  • Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-04
  • Chemical Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-09
  • Chemical Engineering Sustainable Hydrogen - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-09
  • Materials - CAH3 code: CAH10-03-02
  • Materials Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero - CAH3 code: CAH10-03-02
  • Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-07  
  • Institute of Digital Technologies - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-08 
  • Chemistry - CAH3 code: CAH07-02-01 
  • Chemistry Sustainable Hydrogen - CAH3 code: CAH07-02-01  
    Chemistry Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero - CAH3 code: CAH07-02-01  
    Computer Science - CAH3 code: CAH11-01-01  
    Mathematics - CAH3 code: CAH09-01-01 
    Physics - CAH3 code: CAH07-01-01 
  • Electronic and Electrical Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-08
  • Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-08
  • Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering Sustainable Hydrogen - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-08
  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-02
  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Sustainable Hydrogen - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-02
  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-02
  • Model-based Systems Engineering - CAH3 code: CAH10-01-08 

When is ATAS clearance required?

You will need to apply if you are on a programme which requires ATAS clearance and:

  • You are extending the length of your course by 3 months or more
  • You are applying for a new Student visa (in the UK or overseas)
  • You are planning to return to the UK on a Visitor visa for up to six months
  • You are applying for asylum in the UK.

How and when should I apply?

If you have requested a programme transfer or want to add a placement year to your programme, you must obtain ATAS clearance before your transfer/route change can be processed.  

If your programme end date is delayed by more than 3 months, you must apply for a new ATAS certificate within 28 days of this change. Note however that delays in granting ATAS clearance are common, therefore you are advised to make your application as early as possible.  

If the content of your programme changes, you must apply as soon as you know about the changes and send evidence of your application to the Doctoral College Office.

If you need to apply for a new Student visa, you must obtain ATAS clearance before the University will issue your new CAS. 

Submitting an application

You should submit your application via the ATAS website.  The application is free of charge and typically takes at least 30 working days to be processed.  Processing times are slower between April and September so apply as soon as you can.  Your certificate will be valid for a visa application for six months from the date of issue. 

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