Intermission (undergraduates and taught courses)

What is Intermission?

 

If you are experiencing significant challenges that are impacting your studies, you can apply for an authorised temporary break from study. This is known as ‘intermission’. 

You should contact your Tutor if you are considering intermitting.

Things to consider

 

  • Will the courses you would like to take still be available? 
  • Intermitting students are not ‘students’ are therefore financial support is paused. You will need to pay Council Tax. 
  • Your entitlement to student loans stops during your intermission, and you must notify the Student Loans Company. Entitlement to University fee loans is limited to the number of terms of the original course + 1 additional year. 
  • Your Tier 4 visa will be suspended, and you will need to leave the UK. You will need to apply for a new visa when it is time to return. 
  • If you leave after 21 days of the first day of Full Term, you are liable for the University Composition Fee for that term. 
  • You are liable for your accommodation costs. If you are living in College, you may apply to the Bursar for a reduction in rent. 

    If you have any questions, contact your Tutor who will be able to provide further clarification.

    How do I apply for Intermission?

     

    Undergraduate students

    1. Talk to your Tutor and Director of Studies (DoS). 
      • Your Tutor will write a statement outlining why you wish to intermit. 
      • Your DoS may set conditions for your return to study (e.g. a mock exam). 
    2. If you are intermitting on medical grounds, you must provide up–to-date medical evidence and sign the Student Declaration form to consent to your medical information being released to the University. 
    3. Your Tutor will send these documents to the Tutorial Office who will complete your application form. 
    4. Your application will be sent to the Examination Access and Mitigation Committee (EAMC) who will notify the outcome of your application in due course. 

    Please note that not all applications can be permitted. Intermission cannot be taken for less than 1 full year.

    Taught master's students

    1. Talk to your Tutor and Director of Studies (DoS). 
      • Your Tutor will write a statement outlining why you wish to intermit. 
      • Your DoS may set conditions for your return to study (e.g. a mock exam). 
    2. If you are intermitting on medical grounds, you must provide up-to-date medical evidence and sign the Student Declaration form to consent to your medical information being released to the University. 
    3. Your Tutor will send these documents to the Tutorial Office who will complete your application form. 
    4. Your application will be sent to the Examination Access and Mitigation Committee (EAMC) who will notify the outcome of your application in due course. 

    Please note that not all applications can be permitted. Intermission cannot be taken for less than 1 full year.

    Postgraduate students

    1. Speak to your Tutor and Supervisor as soon as possible. 
    2. Apply for intermission via your CamSIS Self-service.  
    3. If the reason for your intermission is medical, financial, or for personal reasons, relevant evidence must be submitted.  

    The University website has further information on medical and non-medical intermission.

    Returning from Intermission

    If you intermitted for medical reasons, you must not return to Cambridge without medical evidence that you are fit to do so. 

    If your reason for intermitting was financial, you must provide evidence showing that you can meet the financial commitments involved in resuming your studies. 

    The College strongly recommends that all returning students attend the University Counselling Service’s ‘Returning from Intermission’ workshops. 

    Contact your Tutor if you have any questions about returning after intermission.

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