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Course transfer

Last updated:
28 September 2026

UAL is committed to supporting you to fulfil your creative potential. We want you to succeed on your course and have a positive learning experience. Being on the right course is an important aspect of well-being and the UAL student experience.

If you’re thinking of changing course, find out more about what you need to do. Follow the steps in the course transfer process.

Students can request to change from the UAL course on which they are enrolled to another UAL course.

  • Your course transfer request may be approved or rejected by UAL.
  • We will consider course entry requirements and the availability of places when assessing your request.

If you’re a Home student, a course transfer may affect your student loan or your fees. If you hold a Student Route visa there may be both financial and visa implications.

You must make sure you understand how your student loan, fees, other funding or your visa will be affected by a transfer. All students can talk to a Student Adviser to answer any questions about how a course transfer will affect you.

The course transfer process is expected to take between 3 and 5 weeks to complete, but may take longer.

Students can request to change from the UAL course on which they are enrolled to another UAL course.

I’m studying at a different university. I want to use the transfer process to join UAL

You cannot transfer into UAL. If you’re a student at a different university, you must apply to UAL as an external candidate.

Find more information on our courses and how to apply.

I’m studying at UAL but I want to join a different university

You cannot transfer out of UAL. If you’re interested in joining a different university you must use their application process.

Contact your chosen university for further information about what to do next.

Undergraduate course transfer requests

There are 3 points of transfer for undergraduate students:

1) New students who wish to transfer immediately. Submit your request before the enrolment deadline in your first term. Your transfer request may be declined if you reapply for a course that you were already rejected for during the admissions process.

2) At the end of the Autumn term or Block 1 (depending on your course structure) in the first year. Submit your transfer request before the end of Term 1. In-year transfers will not be considered after this point.

3) Transfers at the end of the academic year/year 1 of your current course can also be agreed.

You cannot transfer between years

Students who have started year 1 of a course cannot request a transfer directly to year 2.

Students on year 2 or above of a course cannot transfer internally to year 1. You must apply as new student through the admissions process.

Transfers after year 1 into year 2

You can transfer into year 2 at the end of the academic year/ year 1.  To transfer at the end of the academic year, submit your transfer request before the of the Summer term/ end of Block 2.

Transfers into year 3 or year 4

Transfers will not be accepted into the final year of an undergraduate course. For example, you cannot transfer from your current second year to the third year of a 3-year BA course.

Transfers to BA Architecture

Internal transfers into BA Architecture at Central Saint Martins are not permitted because the course is RIBA / ARB certified.

Postgraduate taught course transfer requests

If you are a Postgraduate student on a taught course, please contact your Programme Administration team and course team for advice on suitable points in the year to transfer.

Depending on your course unit structure it may not be possible to transfer to another course.

UAL Online students

If you’re registered for a course with UAL Online you can request a transfer to another course delivered by UAL Online. Contact your Student Success Team who can advise you on the process.

It’s not possible to transfer:

  • in the middle of a teaching block
  • if you have an existing failed unit.

If you’d like to transfer to an in-person course offered by UAL, follow the standard application process for that course. Find more information on our courses and how to apply.

Diploma in Professional Studies students

If you want to transfer to a course with an optional Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) year, speak to your Programme Administration team first.

Study Abroad and Exchange students

Contact the study abroad team at studyabroadoffice@arts.ac.uk.

The transfer process is expected to take between 3 and 5 weeks to complete but may take longer.

Check the transfer request deadlines before you apply.

Step 1: speak to your current course team

It can take a little while to settle into any new course and start to enjoy it.

If you’re considering a change of course, speak to your course tutor first. They will be able to support you in confirming if a change of course is the right decision for you. Additional support may be available to help you to succeed on your current course.

You can also speak to:

You must continue to attend all timetabled classes on your current course whilst your request to transfer is being processed.

Step 2: check your fees, funding and scholarships

Transferring course may affect your student loans, funding or finance.

  • If you’re a Home student, a course transfer may affect your student loan and/or your fees.
  • If you’re in receipt of a US Title IV Federal or private loan you must check the impact on your funding.
  • If you are in receipt of a scholarship for your course, check before you apply to ensure your scholarship will not be affected.

All students can talk to a Student Adviser to answer any questions about how a course transfer will affect you.

Step 3: check your visa and immigration status

If you hold a Student Route visa there may be both financial and visa implications for a course transfer.

Once you begin your course, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has rules about changing courses. Read more about the UKVI conditions for course transfers. All  transfer requests for applicants who hold a Student Route visa are reviewed and must be appeoved by the UAL Immigration Compliance team.

All students can talk to a Student Adviser to answer any questions about how a course transfer will affect you.

Contact the Student Advice Service
Call: +44 (0)20 7514 6250 
Get in touch online

Step 4: apply for a course transfer in your UAL Portal

Log in to your UAL Portal. Under ‘My Enrolments’ you’ll find the ‘Request to Transfer’.

You’ll need to confirm:

  • that you’ve spoken to your current course team and when that happened
  • the College and course that you’re requesting a transfer to.

You’ll be asked to briefly explain why you would like to transfer. If you're a visa holder you'll be asked a few extra questions.

Once submitted, your request to transfer will then be reviewed by the new course Programme Administration team and the new course team.

Step 5: attend an interview

You may be invited to attend an interview with the new course team:

  • Check your UAL email regularly for updates.
  • Log in to the UAL Portal to accept or decline the interview date and time.
  • The interview may be in-person or online.

If you’re concerned about your request, contact your current course Programme Administration team for updates.

Step 6: receive a decision on your course transfer request

The transfer process is expected to take between 3 and 5 weeks to complete, but may take longer.

Until we notify you of a decision on your course transfer request you’re expected to:

  • continue to attend all timetabled classes on your current course
  • continue your work on your current course
  • successfully complete any units you are currently studying.

Check your UAL Portal and UAL email regularly for status updates.

If your request is approved

If your request is approved, the decision on your transfer will be sent via email.

Your new course Programme Administration team will tell you how to connect to your new course, including Moodle registration and how to access your new timetable. They’ll send you further information on materials for your new course.

If your request is rejected

If your transfer request is not approved, we will let you know the decision via email.

You may wish to discuss your options with your current course team or Student Services. You can continue to study on your current course.

Read the UAL course transfer policy (PDF 306KB).