Changing Studies
The process to follow if you want to request any changes to your enrolment at the conservatoire.
What changing your studies means
You may decide you wish to change which programme you’re studying whilst at the conservatoire or change specialism within your current pathway, from performer to composer, for example.
BA Music programmes also have a choice of modules, you can elect to change these within a permitted time period.
Some students may realise programmes at the conservatoire are not right for them or require a break from enrolment, if this is the case they can explore different options for what to do next.
Programme Transfers & Module Choice Changes
This section contains information for if you want to make a change to your programme, specialism, or modules.
Examples of Programme Transfers
- Changing to new programme: MA Dramaturgy to MA Musical Theatre (Creatives)
- Changing your combined degree combination: BA Music (Classical with Jazz) to BA Music (Classical with Popular)
- Changing your specialism within a programme: BA Music (Classical) Performance to Composition
- Changing to a course with a different duration: BA Music (Jazz with Foundation Year) (4 years) to BA Music (Jazz) (3 years)
Programme Transfers Process
Students may apply to transfer at the end of an academic year for the following year, or by the end of Friday of week 2 of the current academic year.
In the first instance, you should discuss your request with an academic manager for the programme you want to change to and a member of the HE Course Administration team.
If your transfer entails repeating a level of study or transferring to a longer course, you should also discuss your intentions with the Fees & Funding Team so that they are aware of the financial situation. Most transfers do result in a change in course duration.
If you are an International Student who is studying at Leeds Conservatoire under a student visa, you must also email studyvisas@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk to discuss your intentions.
Once you have had the necessary discussions, you should gather supporting evidence and submit an enrolment change request on My Portal, see these instructions for how to do this.
Module Choice Changes
If you are on an Undergraduate Music programme, you choose different modules for your 2nd & 3rd years of study.
You can request to change your optional modules up to the end of Friday of the second week of term of the current academic year.
Please see the Module Choices Information on Space to access the Request to Transfer Module Form.
- Any changes are subject to capacity as well as timetable availability, and unfortunately we may not be able to approve all requests
- You should continue to attend sessions as per your current timetable until the request has been approved
- We will contact you when your request to change has been approved and your timetable has been amended or to notify you that we are unable to make the change and explain why it isn’t possible
- It is your responsibility to catch up on work that you have missed
- We only accept requests via the Request to Transfer Module Form
Suspending Studies
Suspending study is a temporary break from your programme.
Suspending Study Process
A suspension of studies is a voluntary leave of absence from your course, this break is for a defined period of time as agreed with your Academic School.
Discuss your desire to suspend study with an Academic Manager and HE Course Administration, they will explore the academic implications with you to inform your decision. If you do agree to proceed with a suspension of study, you must also set a date when you will return to your programme with the Academic Manager.
There will be a financial implication to suspending your studies, it is vital you contact the Fees & Funding team to seek advice before submitting your request to suspend.
If you are leaving student accommodation during your break from studies, you may wish to contact the Accommodation Team for advice, see the next section for additional information.
Once you have had the necessary discussions, you should gather supporting evidence and submit an enrolment change request on My Portal, see these instructions for how to request a suspension of study.
Key Contacts For Suspending Study
Access to Conservatoire Services For Suspended Students
Whilst on your break from studies, your access to some conservatoire services changes until you resume your studies.
Accommodation
If you live in student halls of residence (including Joseph Stones), you will be expected to leave your accommodation. Please contact your accommodation provider for more information. You can use your Confirmation of Suspension of Study letter, which will be sent to you via email, as proof that you are no longer a student.
If you have any issues with your accommodation, or you need any advice regarding accommodation prior to your return to study, please contact the Accommodation Team.
Students that are in privately rented accommodation are advised to contact their landlord or private housing provider as soon as possible.
Library
Access to the Library is retained, however borrowing rights are suspended until you re-register.
IT Services
Whilst you are suspended, you will retain access to your Conservatoire email address. We will correspond with you regarding your return to study through this email address so it is important that you check this regularly.
You will also retain access to Microsoft Office 365 and the VLE systems, however access to specific course and module pages on Space will be suspended.
Student Support
Access will be restricted during a period of suspension until such time as you re-register for your course.
You will be able to access general advice, guidance and signposting, but you are unable to access to counselling services and specific support during your period of suspension.
To ensure adjustments related to any form of disability are in place for your return to study, please contact the Disability Support Team (disability@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk).
You can apply for Student Funding from May, remember no funds will be released if you do not register in September. If you apply late, you may not receive your loan at the start of term. Contact the Fees & Funding Team (StudentFunding@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk) if you have any questions about your entitlement.
Room Access
During your period of suspension, you will be unable to book or use practice rooms, studios or other conservatoire teaching spaces; as personal access to all conservatoire rooms and studios is suspended until you re-register.
An enrolled student may sign you in as their guest at reception, and you are performing, rehearsing, or recording with them.
Withdrawing From Studies
Leaving your programme of study at Leeds Conservatoire.
Withdrawing From Your Course
If you are thinking about withdrawing from your course, you are strongly advised to discuss this with an Academic Manager, Course Administrator, or any other member of staff you would feel comfortable discussing this with.
The member of staff will explain the withdrawal process and may be able to provide you with support to enable you to continue with your course, or advice as to suitable alternatives to withdrawal.
Make an appointment with an Academic Manager by contacting HEAdmin@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk, or you can email an Academic Manager directly to arrange an appointment.
Contact the Student Funding Team to discuss your intentions so that you are aware of the financial implications of your withdrawal.
If you are in student accommodation, you may wish to contact the Accommodation Team.
Once you have had the necessary discussions, you can submit an enrolment change request on My Portal, see these instructions for how to request a suspension of study.
Key Contacts For Withdrawing or Transferring
Transferring to another institution
Leeds Conservatoire understands that there may be occasions where a student wishes to transfer to another institution and is supportive of those decisions. If this is the case, you are advised to discuss this with an Academic Manager and the Student Funding Team.
You should investigate the application and credit transfer procedures at the new institution, as they vary between different institutions. You can refer to our programme and module specifications, and you will be issued with a transcript of your results at the end of each academic year; you may wish to use to support your application.
If you are studying at Leeds Conservatoire under a student visa should seek advice from the new institution with regard to applying for a new visa.