Changing your mode of attendance

All students are expected to attend their classes. Expectations regarding attendance are set out in the Code of Good Practice. If you’re unable to attend you need to raise this with your Mentor. If you’re ill, you need to inform your class or seminar teachers, your mentor, and if you’re ill for over two weeks, the Student Services Centre.

Attendance at classes is monitored and recorded via LSEforYou. If you’re absent from more than two consecutive classes, your Mentor will be advised so we can discuss this with you and try to address any difficulties you may be facing.

If you are a master’s student, it may be possible to study either full or part-time. Undergraduate students can only study full-time.

If you are a full-time master’s student and would like to change to a part-time mode of study, or vice versa, we advise you review this webpage: Change of mode of study, and to discuss it with your Academic Mentor in the first instance.

You will need to complete a Mode of Study Change Request Form. You will need to outline the reasons for wanting to change your mode of attendance. Permission to make either of these changes will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and will depend on the time of year and the teaching and assessments that you have already undertaken.

Changing your mode of attendance will also have an impact on your LSE accommodation if you live in halls of residence, and your visa, so take some time to familiarise yourself with these regulations. 

In some circumstances it may be possible to change the programme you’re studying at LSE. For instance, some students change from a single honours IR degree to a joint honours degree with Politics or History, or vice versa. You have to meet specific criteria to make this change. For example, many programmes have prerequisite qualifications or courses.

We recommend speaking to your Academic Mentor in the first instance. They will be able to provide guidance regarding the process, and whether or not you are eligible to change.

For regulations and full details for both undergraduate and taught graduate programmes see:

Programme Transfer: changing degree programme

If you find yourself in a situation that is making it impossible for you to continue your studies, you might wish to consider interrupting your studies. An interruption is an authorised break in your studies for one calendar year. If you feel that this break may be necessary, the first step is to discuss this with your Academic Mentor.

The process involves submitting a request form, providing evidence outlining the nature of the circumstances that prevent you from studying, and obtaining authorisation from the Department and the Student Services Centre.

Take some time to read the link below, which outline the School’s full interruption policies, before making any decisions:

Interruption: pausing your studies for a year

If you wish to completely cease your studies at LSE, you will need to begin the withdrawal process. This is a major step, as it cannot be reversed. Before you make any decisions about withdrawing from your studies it’s important that you first speak with your Academic Mentor and explore all of the other options open to you. For instance, interruption, extensions, and so on.

If you are finding your studies overwhelming, or your personal circumstances have made it very hard for you to continue your studies, speak to your Academic Mentor, or another member of IR staff; we’re here to help.

More information: Permanent withdrawal from your degree