Step-by-step Guide to Changing Course (Major/ Minor)
How do I change course?
Any student at the University can request to change programmes during the first two weeks of the academic year and you may be able to change to a different Minor subject. Due to timetable constraints,a limited range of combinations is available after registration. If you wish to transfer to a different Major/Minor combination or to a Single/Joint degree, download and complete the Major/Minor course transfer form. You should also check the general course transfer guidance.
Moving to your second year…
We know that many students would like to keep their options open during their first year and then decide on the absolute best degree for them. In the second semester of your first year, you will need to decide on your final combination. We’ll ask you to think about your programme and what you’ve enjoyed, and ask you to make a decision. There will opportunities to discuss this with your Personal Tutor and academic advisers. We expect that most students will decide to keep their Major/Minor combination. Some might want to adjust the balance to better suit their evolving interests and ambitions.
What is usually possible?
Depending on the modules you have completed in your first year, you may be able to:
- Change your Major to a Single Honours by dropping your Minor subject
- Change some Minor subjects to another: these are limited that can use your first-year modules as a foundation for studies in second and third year
- Change your Major/Minor to a Joint Degree, where a Joint Degree in those disciplines already exists.
What is not usually possible?
- Changing both your Major subject and Minor subject to new subjects
- Swapping your Major subject and Minor subject around
- Adjusting your Minor subject to a Single Honours degree
- Other changes may be considered and students can discuss individual circumstances with departments.
Completing the form:
Firstly, it is important that you discuss your options with your tutor or one of your Academic Advisers.
Once you have decided to transfer you must approach your Programme Administrator to confirm authorisation:
• To transfer from a Major/Minor to a Single programme: approach your Major department and your new department if you are changing subjects. [Please complete sections 1, 2, 3 and 6]
• To transfer from a Single/Joint programme to a Major/Minor: approach your current department and your new Major and new Minor department. [Please complete sections 1, 2, 4 and 6]
• To transfer Minor: approach both departments whose Minor you are transferring from and to. [Please complete sections. [Please complete sections 1, 2, 5 and 6]
The Programme Administrators will then help you complete the form (please ensure all fields are completed), authorise the transfer, and send the form to the Student Operations Team in the Student Services Centre to be processed. The Student Operations Team will process your form and will notify you when your record is updated. They will also notify the Student Loans Company and UK Visas and Immigration of any changes as appropriate.
On the form you need to give your personal details, your current course details and your new course details as well as your signature and the date. [Section 1 and 2]
The form should also be signed in the appropriate sections by any of the academic or professional service staff mentioned above.
What happens next?
You will be contacted by the Student Operations Team, who will notify you of the outcome of your request. This will be done via your University email address. Please note that there may be a delay in processing your change of course request during busy periods.
What can the Education Unit do for me?
If you are unsure whether or not you want to change course, you can come and chat to one of our advisors, who will talk you through your options.
If you are sure you want to transfer, we can help you through the process, and advise you on how to complete the form.We can also refer you on to other support services, such as Welfare, to discuss the implications of changing course.
Who else can I talk to about changing course?The following people and services may be able to help you with various aspects of changing course:
Personal Tutor – You will need to discuss your change of course with your personal tutor.
Academic Adviser- The Academic Adviser[MF1] for your new department can help you fill in your form.
Welfare Service – Transferring course may have financial implications, or if you’re an international student it may impact your Visa. As such, we highly recommend that you book an appointment with the Welfare Service who are based in the Charles Wilson Building to discuss this. Their contact details are 0116 223 1185 and
*Admissions Tutor – If you have made the decision to change your major subject, you will also need to discuss your change of course with the admissions tutor of your new department.
Useful links
University information about transferring course -
University information about transferring to the first year of a new course -
Change of Course Form –
Support and advice for a Major/ Minor Student
[MF1]Gives students access to departmental contact list