Student Frequently Asked Questions about attendance and absence
I am an international postgraduate student, why do I have to ask for permission to take holidays during the summer?
Postgraduate programmes are normally 45 weeks of full time study. For PGT students there is normally 4 weeks holiday over the Christmas period and 4 weeks over Easter, so you are not entitled to holiday over the summer. However, the University may grant 2 weeks summer holiday by discretion only. Please use the Student Notice of Absence form to request any summer holiday.
Summer holiday is a particular issue for international students as UKBA expect you to be in attendance on your course throughout the full programme. Consequently, the University needs to know when you are away from your studies. Holiday in the summer is discouraged for international students - some of whom have not been allowed to return to the UK by UKBA in July/August; also international students have an extra 4 months after their course finishes during which they should take holiday.
I am an international postgraduate student, can I complete my dissertation back in my home country?
Yes, if there are no on-campus resources that you need to finish your dissertation. But you need to be aware of the implications of this. If you require a visa to study in the UK, when you return to your home country the University will report to the UKBA that you are completing your studies but from your home country (or other country depending on your request). This means that your UK visa will be curtailed. Therefore if you intend to return to the UK at a later date (e.g. to attend your congregation ceremony) you may need to apply for a visitor visa.
I have been told that I did not attend a class, but I did - what can I do?
It is your responsibility to make sure that your attendance is confirmed during any class where attendance is monitored - i.e. you should make sure that you sign the sheet or scan your card. If you did not do this, perhaps because you were late and missed the list going round, that is your responsibility and nothing can be done after the event. If you are late you should ask other students whether there has been a register and, if there was, ask to sign it at the end of the class.
