Change of candidature
Changing circumstances may mean that it is no longer appropriate for a student to remain registered according to his/her original candidature. Common changes are from full-time to part-time student candidate, and vice versa, and from student candidate to staff candidate. Any such change requires the student to complete an application form for a 'Change of Candidature (PGR)'. Once the change is approved by Faculty, the student will receive a certified copy with an information sheet, which will be emailed to their University of Sheffield email account.
Changing to part-time study
Students may request a change to their mode of attendance, with the permission of their supervisor, from full-time to part-time status and vice versa. Please note that full-time candidates are not permitted to change their mode of attendance to part-time once they have completed their normal, i.e. tuition fee paying, period of registration.
Students who are considering changing from full-time to part-time study should carefully consider a number of factors when reaching their decision:
- To combine study with other commitments requires significant time, energy and resources; it is important that part-time students are aware of the additional load which they are taking on.
- The time taken to complete a part-time degree may be considerable, possibly six to eight years for a PhD, and requires both patience and determination on the part of students.
- It is necessary for part-time students to plan their study time very carefully, to ensure that facilities are available at convenient times and in accessible locations. Given the nature of part-time study, it is especially important to maintain regular contact with your supervisor. This is particularly important for students undertaking research away from the University at a Remote Location site.
- It should be noted that those in the UK on a student visa are not permitted (under UK immigration rules) to study part-time.
Research Council-funded students
Students who are sponsored by a Research Council should be aware that any changes to their student status will need to be notified to their sponsors and may require their sponsor's approval prior to being considered by the Faculty. This includes requests for the following: leave of absence, time limit extensions, change of mode of attendance, changes in supervisors or research topics, transfers and withdrawals, maternity leave. Students should be aware that this may delay the consideration of their request, which should be submitted in good time. You should check the Information for Scholarship Holders web pages for further guidance.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS): Change of programme/research topic
Non-EU/EEA students wishing to change the topic of their research or their programme of study should be aware that they may need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for an ATAS certificate, depending on their new subject discipline. A change of research topic or programme of study cannot be approved until valid ATAS clearance has been obtained. For this reason, students are advised to apply for an ATAS certificate as soon as possible.
The areas requiring ATAS clearance generally fall within the science, engineering and technology disciplines. For further details on ATAS, please contact Student Support and Guidance: international.students@sheffield.ac.uk, or refer to the Student Services Information Desk pages for International Students.
Students whose change of research topic requires them to apply for ATAS clearance will need to ask their supervisor to provide them with an official letter with details of their new area of research. A template letter is available for this purpose from the SSiD website.
Please be aware that students must not commence their new programme of study or research topic if it requires ATAS clearance until their application to change their candidature has been approved by the relevant Faculty.