Degree programme changes

This information is for current students at the University of Stirling who are thinking about changing degree programme. Please read through all the information before making any decisions.

Before you apply

Check the degrees offered by the University

Your first step is to go to the degree programme tables, or the course information pages, to see all the degrees offered by the University. On the degree programme tables, there's details of the Programme Director for each degree programme.

Undergraduate students (UG)

If you want to change to a completely different degree programme, you must speak with the Programme Director of the degree programme you want to change to. Any degree programme change must be approved by them. You can find out who the Programme Director is on the degree programme tables.

If you are on a combined honours degree programme and want to drop one of the subjects and continue with the other subject as a single honours degree programme, you need to email the UG student administration team at ugstudentadmin@stir.ac.uk to request the change. We recommended that you speak with your Programme Director before making the change.

Taught postgraduate students (PGT)

You must speak with both the Postgraduate Admissions team and the Programme Director of the degree programme you want to change to. Any degree programme change must be approved by both.

Get in touch with the Postgraduate Admissions team by emailing postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk and put the subject heading as PGT Degree Programme Change. You can find out who the Programme Director is on the degree programme tables.

Research postgraduate students (PGR)

You should discuss any changes to your programme of study with your Lead Supervisor.

Financial implications of changing your degree programme

Changing your degree programme may impact your fees and funding. The tuition fee can vary between degree programmes. Please refer to the Fees and Funding tab on the course information pages for details of the fees. You can contact your funding body regarding your funding options.

If you have any questions about the financial implications of your degree programme change, please contact the appropriate administration team. You should do this before making your request to change degree programme:

Visa implications of changing your degree programme

If you are in the UK on a Student Visa, please be aware that changing your degree programme may have consequences for your visa. The terms of your visa may not allow you to change your degree programme.

Before making a request to change your degree programme, you must discuss possible implications with Student Immigration Services. Email them at studentimmigration@stir.ac.uk.

When to apply for a degree programme change

You should request to change your degree programme within the first two weeks of the semester. It should be before the module selection deadline. This lets us amend your module selection for the semester and may mean it's less likely you'll need to take a leave of absence or repeat studies.

Requests made after the module selection deadline will still be considered, but please contact the relevant Programme Director about your options before making the change request.

Requests made between the spring grade publication date and the end of the progression decision communications period will be processed after this period ends. See the key dates.

Potential impacts to your studies if you change degree programme

Programme of study

After your discussion with the Programme Director, you'll be told if they approve your degree programme change. They will confirm your programme of study. This will include if you will undertake standard semesters as per the degree programme table; or need to take additional modules; or a variant programme (you'll undertake modules in a different order to the degree programme table).

Taking an additional module will incur additional University fees. These are not covered by standard tuition fee funding.

Module selection

If you request a degree programme change within the first two weeks of the semester (before the module selection deadline), your chosen modules will be updated to match the requirements of your new programme, as approved by your new Programme Director.

If you request a change after the module selection deadline, the modules you have selected for the semester cannot be amended and will remain on your transcript, even if not completed.

Leave of absence

You may be required to take a leave of absence as part of your new programme of study. This depends on your academic history, and when you submitted your degree programme change request. See further information about leave of absence and its implications.

You do not have submit a separate application for a leave of absence if this is agreed as part of your degree programme change.

If your new programme of study includes a leave of absence, it may affect your entitlement to University accommodation, council tax reductions, and other financial support. For more help and advice, please contact the Student Services Hub.

Repeat study

You may be required to undertake repeat study as part of your new programme of study. This will depend on your academic history, and when you submitted your degree programme change request.

Undertaking repeat study may incur additional University fees. It may also impact your eligibility for tuition fee funding, student loans and, if changing from full-time to part-time study, council tax reductions. Please contact your funding body to see what this will mean for you.

New programme end date

Changing your degree programme may extend your studies. This could result in a new programme end date, particularly if you are required to take a leave of absence or undertake repeat study. If required, your record will be updated, and your new end date confirmed, once your degree programme change has been processed.

Personal tutor

Changing your degree programme may result in a change to your Personal Tutor, particularly if your new degree programme sits within a different faculty. Each faculty manages the Personal Tutor allocations for its students. Please contact your new faculty administration team if you have any questions about this once your degree programme has been changed.

Non-standard undergraduate degree programme changes

Degree programmes that lead to professional accreditation by a regulatory body have different entry or application requirements. It's therefore unlikely that a transfer to the following degree programmes can be made:

  • Undergraduate Professional Education (Initial Teacher Education)
  • Undergraduate Social Work
  • Undergraduate Nursing (Adult) and Nursing (Mental Health)
  • Undergraduate Paramedic Science

If you are considering a change either to, or from any of these degree programmes, please contact the relevant Programme Director. They will advise you if you a change is possible, and if there are specific entry requirements or other implications.

The application process and outcome

How to apply to change your degree programme:

  • Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students: Email the Programme Director of the programme you want to change to. Arrange a time with them to discuss your proposed change.
  • Postgraduate Research (PGR) students: Contact your existing Lead Supervisor to arrange a time to discuss your request.
  • Once your request is approved, the Programme Director or Lead Supervisor will contact the relevant Student Administration team. They will outline your new programme of study. Your record will then be updated.
  • The Student Administration team aims to provide you with email confirmation of your request within 10 working days from receipt of the required approval.