Temporary Suspension of Studies (TSS)
This information applies to undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research studying at all campuses, as well as online students.
Students on an Edinburgh Business School online programme should contact ebs.enquiries@hw.ac.uk.
A Temporary Suspension of Studies (TSS) is an authorised break in study for an extended period, normally no longer than one academic year. It allows you to pause your studies and return at an agreed date.
In some circumstances, taking a temporary break from your studies may be in your best interests. You may need time away to deal with issues affecting your ability to study effectively:
- Health issues
- Personal circumstances
- Financial difficulties
In exceptional cases, a suspension may also be approved for industrial/work placements or a semester/year abroad that is not a formal part of your programme, where it can be clearly shown that the activity is related or beneficial to your programme of study or research.
Should you apply for a TSS or Mitigating Circumstances?
You should consider submitting a Mitigating Circumstances (MC) application, if your circumstances affect a specific assessment or deadline (i.e. a short-term, unexpected issue that impacts your ability to engage fully with your studies).
A TSS is intended to allow students to take a break from University if they are experiencing longer-term issues which render you unable to engage with your studies.
Further guidance on submitting a MC application can be found on the Mitigating Circumstances webpage.