Change of Status (COS) Form
Completion of COS Form
A Change of Status (COS) Form should be completed by students who wish to apply to change their degree programme, to apply for leave of absence, to notify their withdrawal from the University, to notify a transfer to another institution or to request an extension to time limit of study. They are not intended to be used merely to notify changes of modules, for which Unit Choice Forms or Module Add/Drop Forms are available.
We would ask that you also please note the additional guidance available that relates to particular situations (to access this please click on the relevant link(s) on the left side of this webpage) before authorising/approving completed forms.
You may also find the online guide to completing a COS Form (UG version) helpful (click on the link in the See Also box on the right).
Obtaining a COS Form
There are separate COS Forms for UG and for PGT students. The Forms can be accessed via the link from the Downloads box on the right. COS Forms are also issued from the Student Services Information Desk in the Union Building and are available via the `on-line forms´ facility on the SSiD web page. It is particularly important that the accompanying explanatory leaflet is issued with the form (also available from the SSiD web page), since this gives more information on the various procedures, draws students´ attention to the consequences of certain changes, and provides contact points for further support/guidance.
Approval of COS Form
Section 5 of the COS Form allows for departmental approval to be given to each request (confirmation, in the case of withdrawals). Please tick the appropriate boxes, and sign and print your name as shown (two signatures are required in respect of dual degrees). Section 5 also includes space for any additional departmental comments, which enables any conditions etc. to be recorded (e.g. Change of programme only to proceed if student obtains at least grade X in module Y), as necessary.
Completed forms should be returned by departments direct to the Taught Programmes Office in University House (level 6) or by students to the Student Services Information Desk in the Students' Union Building. Faculty approval for the change will then be obtained, and Student Services will amend the student records system as well as notifying the student, their financial sponsor, relevant departments etc. of the approved change.
If you wish to specify that only specific staff signatures from your department should be accepted on COS Forms, please inform the Taught Programmes Office.