Changing university course after first year - UK

Starting university is a fun but sometimes scary experience. Your first few months are often a whirlwind of making new friends, joining sports clubs or societies, and struggling to find the time to complete your first assignment. 

However, what happens if you realise you’re not enjoying your course after everyone else has settled in? Perhaps it’s not what you expected, or you’re falling behind your course mates? If this sounds like you, you might wonder if changing courses is a possibility.

This blog will cover whether you can change universities after your first year. Plus, we’ll break down the process for changing courses and all the steps you’ll need to take...

Can you change courses at university during your first year?

The good news is that, yes, you absolutely can change courses. However, how easy the process is depends on how far along the course you are, what course you want to change to, and if you also want to move universities.

Changing to a course in your first term is usually pretty straightforward. Most universities will allow you to switch courses and let you catch up on any work you’ve missed. This should be fairly simple if you’re changing to a similar course with the same entry requirements. 

If you’re changing to a completely different course, you must ensure you meet that course’s entry requirements. You might also need to convince your university’s admissions team if you want to move to a popular course. This could include writing a new personal statement and even attending an interview. 

If you’re considering changing to a course at a different university, this will be more complex and time-consuming. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to transferring universities with all the info you’ll need!

Can you change courses at university after your first year?

Don’t panic if it’s taken you a whole year to come to the conclusion that you want to change courses! Sometimes it takes a while to realise that the course you’re on just isn’t for you. 

However, this does mean changing to an alternative course will be trickier. Unless the course you’re moving to has the same first-year modules, it’ll likely mean that you’ll have to redo your first year. 

How do I change course at university after my first year?

Changing courses after your first academic year can be a challenging and confusing process. Don’t worry - we’ve broken it into clear step-by-step instructions to make things easier. 

1. Speak to your current academic advisor

Once you know that you want to change degree courses and know which course you want to move to, the first step should be to talk to your academic advisor or personal tutor. Let them know your reasons for wanting to swap courses. They’ll be able to offer some advice and impartial guidance on the best course of action. 

2. Speak to the admissions team 

Next, speak to your university’s admissions team. They’ll have an in-depth knowledge of your university’s process for changing courses. The admissions team should give you an overview of the process and the steps you’ll need to take. 

3. Speak to the course administrator of the course you want to move to 

It’s super important that you speak to the course leader of the course you want to change to. It will be at their discretion whether or not you’re allowed to change courses. They’ll tell you the grade requirements for their course and if you meet them.

They’ll also know whether there’s room for you on the course and if they can accept transfers. If there’s no space, you won’t be allowed to move.

You should be honest with them about your reasons for wanting to change courses and explain why you’re passionate about studying their course. 

4. Fill in the changing courses form 

The course administrator should give a form about changing courses. What’s on this form will vary between universities, but it might ask about your reasons for wanting to study the new course and why you’re unhappy in your current studies. 

5. Wait for the results of your application

Your application will be considered, and then you’ll be told whether you can change to your chosen course. Unless it’s a very similar course to the one you’re already on, you’ll likely have to start your new course as a first-year. 

Once your application has been approved, you must contact Student Finance to inform them that you're changing courses. If you are starting from year 1, they'll extend your student loan for an extra year.

How UniHomes can help

If you’re allowed to transfer courses, you most likely won’t be allowed to stay in on-campus accommodation for a second year (even if you’ll be a first-year on your new course!).  

That’s where UniHomes comes in…

We offer a huge range of student properties in student cities across the UK. Transferring courses can be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to finally find a place to live and have to set up complex utility bills. UniHomes makes finding your new student home super simple, and every single one of our properties has all bills included!

Check out our fantastic range of student properties to find your dream student house.