Engagement monitoring on degree-level courses

If you hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa and you're studying an undergraduate or postgraduate course at UAL, read the UAL Attendance policy to:

find out how your course attendance and engagement will be monitored
learn how to apply for authorised absence.

This policy also applies to Study Abroad students and Exchange students visiting UAL.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements

UAL holds a Sponsor Licence. This enables us to issue confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) numbers and to sponsor students for a Tier 4/Student Route visa.

UAL must follow UKVI rules to keep our Sponsor Licence.

We must monitor your engagement

UAL is required to monitor the engagement of all Tier 4/Student Route visa holders who we sponsor. This applies for the duration of their visa. Read more about your responsibilities as a Tier 4/Student Route visa holder and UAL’s responsibilities as your sponsor.

Your course must take place on-campus

All course study must take place on the sponsor’s premises for the course to be an approved qualification. Students must take an approved qualification to be eligible for Student Route sponsorship.

This means that all course study must take place on UAL premises. We're sponsoring you to study on campus in London, including for example lectures, seminars, tutorials, or lab work.

You must attend classes

Students holding a Tier 4/Student Route visa must attend all classes on their course. If you’re unable to attend due to illness or exceptional circumstances you must apply for authorised absence.

If you don’t attend classes and engage with your studies you may be withdrawn from your course, which means sponsorship of your visa will be withdrawn too.

If you have any concerns about your attendance please contact your course team.

Permitted study away from UAL

There are exceptions that allow you as a visa-holder to study in a different location, away from UAL campus. For example:

postgraduate students who need to study away from campus temporarily to carry out research related to their major project (see below)
studying at a temporary authorised location, such as a field trip
going on Exchange at a host institution
going on a work placement.

Course withdrawal

If you're withdrawn from your course for non-attendance, we will report this to UKVI. UKVI will be instructed to cancel your Tier 4/Student Route visa.

You’ll receive an email confirming this and outlining your next steps. Upon receipt of the withdrawal email, you’ll need to prepare to leave the UK within 60 days.

Research leave for taught postgraduate students

If you hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa to study at UAL, we’ve sponsored you to learn on campus in London.

There are 2 schemes where students on taught postgraduate courses can apply to study away from UAL.

Before you apply for research leave you must contact the Student Advice Service to ensure you are aware of any impacts on

your fee status or
any scholarships, bursaries or awards you receive.

Temporary research leave

Students can study for

up to 12 weeks
outside the UK or in a different location within the UK
where the purpose is related to their major project.

You may be allowed to change your location of study for a short period if you need to

collect data for your dissertation or final project
conduct research for your dissertation or final project
carry out art and design practice that is integral to your major project.

Complete your studies outside the UK

Students may be permitted to complete their studies overseas and not return to the UK.

UAL will withdraw sponsorship and as a result, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will cancel your visa.