Navigating Changes to Your Studies: Intermission, Transfer, and Withdrawal
A step-by-step student guide to pausing, transferring, or taking time away from your course at Central Film School.
Life during film school can bring unexpected personal challenges, health developments, or changes in career direction. If you find yourself needing to step back, switch courses, or adjust your commitments, Central Film School provides structured options to help you manage your academic journey safely and effectively.
Before making any decisions, it is helpful to understand the formal distinction between taking a temporary break, switching programmes, or ending your studies:
- Intermission: Ceasing your current studies with the intention to return within one year on the same course and level of study.
- Transfer: Transferring from one programme of study to another.
- Withdrawal: Ceasing all studies at Central Film School permanently with immediate effect.
Step-by-Step Request Process
1. Discuss Your Options and Financial Implications
Changing your registration status can have direct implications for your tuition fee liabilities, student loans, or visa status. Before submitting a request, we strongly suggest that students:
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Speak directly with the Student Loans Company or the CFS Accounts team (by emailing accounts@centralfilmschool.com to discuss your tuition fees.
- Speak to our Student Services team for personal advice and support.
2. Submit the Relevant Application Form
Once you have confirmed your financial position and decided to proceed, submit the appropriate online form:
- Submit an Intermittence Request Form if you plan to pause your studies and return within a year
- Submit a Transfer Request Form if you wish to switch programmes of study
- Submit a Withdrawal Form if you want to leave CFS permanently
3. Review and Consultation Meetings
- For Transfer Requests: You do not need to attend a formal meeting. However, a completed form is mandatory, and your request must be formally approved by the Director of Curriculum & Courses before it can be processed. If you hold a Student Route visa, UKVI will be notified of the change.
- For Intermission Requests: You will be invited to meet online with your Course Leader (or the Director of Curriculum & Courses), the Senior Registry & Quality Manager, and the Finance Team. In this session, you will agree on your return date, study plan, fee structure, and support needs. Intermission cannot be granted without formal approval and meeting attendance.
- For Withdrawal Requests: You will be invited to meet with your Course Leader and the Quality & Registry Team to discuss your reasons and explore whether any support plans could enable you to continue. If you choose to proceed, the withdrawal will be processed.
4. Confirmation of Status Change
Once approved, the Quality & Registry Team will email an official confirmation letter to your personal and school email addresses.
- Note for withdrawing students: Your Central Film School email account will be suspended one week after withdrawal, so please back up any important personal files beforehand.
Need Further Advice?
If you have questions about changing your study status, please get in touch with the Quality & Registry team who are always available to help guide you through the process.
