University transfer in the UK

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in one of these situations:

• You started a course… and it’s just not what you expected.
• You like the subject, but the university doesn’t feel right.
• Life happened (work, family, money, health) and you need a different setup.
• You’re a mature student in the UK and you’re thinking: “I can’t waste time. I need the right course and the right timetable.”

Here’s the good news: a university transfer in the UK is possible.
And no, it doesn’t automatically mean you “failed” or that you must drop out.

But you do need to do it properly — because timing, credits, and Student Finance can make the difference between a smooth switch and a stressful mess.

Let’s break it down like a normal conversation, not like a university handbook.

What is a university transfer in the UK?

A university transfer basically means moving from:

• one university to another university, or
• one course to another course (sometimes inside the same university),
• and ideally keeping as much of your progress as possible.

In real life, people use “transfer” to mean different things:

• switching course (same uni),
• switching university (same course),
• moving into second year somewhere else (advanced entry),
• or even restarting from year 1 because credits don’t match.

So when you hear “transferable courses” or “course transfer”, think:
“Can my current modules/credits be accepted by the new place?”

The procedure of transferring to another university

There’s no single universal procedure that works for every uni, because each university has its own rules. But most transfers follow the same pattern:

1. You check if your new course accepts transfers (especially into year 2).
   
2. You speak to both universities (current + new).
   
3. You apply (sometimes UCAS, sometimes direct).
   
4. You sort out credits, paperwork, and your student finance.

UCAS even mentions that if you’re transferring to another university, you might need to apply via UCAS again — but sometimes the university can accept you without a full application using a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA).

H2: Can you transfer from one university to another?

Yes, you can. But two things decide how “easy” it will be:

1. Is there space in the course?
2. Will they accept your previous credits/modules?

Some universities accept students into the second year and even third year (advanced entry), but not all do.

H3: Transferring uni after first year

This is the most common scenario.

If you’ve completed year 1 and passed your modules, you might be able to:

• transfer into year 2 somewhere else,
• or transfer but restart year 1,
• or transfer to a slightly different course where only some credits match.
  

The big “make or break” factor is module compatibility.

Even if the course title is similar, the content can be different. And universities will check learning outcomes, credit values, and assessment style.

Universities that accept second-year transfers

Some universities openly mention they accept advanced entry (2nd or 3rd year) on many undergraduate courses — London Met is one example.

But even when a uni accepts second-year transfers, it’s not guaranteed:

• space can be limited,
• some departments are stricter (health-related subjects, competitive courses),
• credit transfer might be capped.
  

That’s why the best move is to ask the admissions team directly before you apply.

Changing course vs transferring university – which is best?

Here’s a simple rule:

• If you like the university but hate the subject → change course.
  
• If you like the subject but hate the university → transfer university.
  
• If you hate both → full reset is sometimes the healthiest option.

UCAS also points out that if the university still feels like the right fit, you may be able to transfer to another course they offer.

Changing uni course (course transfer at the same university)

This is usually the easiest option because:

• you’re already enrolled there,
  
• you already have access to the student support team,
  
• you might keep your timetable, accommodation, and routine.

How to transfer courses (same uni):

1. Speak to your personal tutor / course leader.
   
2. Ask if the new department has space.
   
3. Check entry requirements (some courses still require specific background).
   
4. Get written confirmation from BOTH departments (current + new).
   
5. Ask about credit transfer (what modules can carry over).

Entry requirements:
Some courses accept you based on your current university performance, especially if you’re a mature student and you’ve proven you can study at degree level.

Acceptance from both departments:
This matters more than people think. Your current department must confirm your status, and the new one must confirm they’ll take you.

Transferring credits:
Credit transfer can happen through credit frameworks like CATS points (credits that can be moved between institutions).
But each university decides what they accept.

Quick reality check:
If you’re changing from something close (e.g., Business → Marketing), it’s usually smoother.
If you’re changing into something tightly regulated or competitive, it can be harder.

And a very important example: biomedical science to medicine.
A lot of people search “universities that allow transfer from biomedical science to medicine”, but Medicine is usually a separate, extremely competitive route with strict entry rules — so you’ll often be looking at reapplying rather than “transferring”

If you’re happy with the university but not with the subject, changing a course can be easier than a full university transfer.

Course transfer to a new university

This is a bigger move.

In some cases you will need to submit a new application, and that often means:

• new personal statement explaining why you want to transfer,
  
• university reference (sometimes),
  
• proof of your current transcripts / module results.
  

UCAS states that you may need to fill out a UCAS application to transfer to another university, unless the provider uses an RPA route for direct acceptance.

So yes, “ucas transfer university” is a real thing people do — but it depends on the new university’s process.

How to transfer universities in the UK (step-by-step)

Here’s the clean step-by-step plan that saves stress:

1. Decide if transfer is right for you
   Be honest: is this a transfer… or do you actually need a break, a defer, or a different life plan for 6 months?
   
2. Research universities and eligible courses
   Search for courses that:

• accept transfers,
• offer advanced entry (year 2),
• match your timetable needs (especially for mature students).

3. Check entry and credit transfer requirements carefully
   This step is where most people mess up.
   Even if you left school without standard A-levels, universities may accept you because you’ve already studied at degree level — but you still must meet department rules.

       4. Contact the new university informally
           Before you apply, email/call:

• admissions,
• the department,
• ask: “Do you accept transfer students into year 2 for this course?”

5. Speak to your current university
   Talk to:

• your tutor/course leader,
• registry/student records office.
  
  Ask for:
• transcript,
• module list,
• confirmation of attendance dates.
  

6. Apply – via UCAS or direct
   Some transfers go through UCAS, some are direct applications. UCAS notes you may need to use UCAS when transferring, unless your provider can accept you via RPA.
   
7. Arrange accommodation & logistics
   If you’re moving city, plan early:

• tenancy end dates,
• deposits,
• commute plans.

8. Update Student Finance (and visa sponsor if applicable)
   If you’re funded, you must update Student Finance when you change course/university. Student Finance entitlement is typically based on the standard length of the course plus an extra year (“gift year”

You can also review general entry requirements for mature students.

Things to check before switching universities

Before you jump, check these five areas:

• Your real reason (academic, personal, financial).
  If you’re burnt out, a transfer won’t automatically fix that.
  
• Module compatibility
  Credit transfer is never “automatic”. Many universities use RPL/APL processes to decide what counts.
  
• Reputation and outcomes
  Look at placements, industry links, and support — not just rankings.
  
• Your support network
  Friends, childcare, transport, work schedule. Mature students need a setup that fits life.
  
• Student Finance impact
  This is huge. A transfer can reduce remaining funding if you’ve already used study years.
  

Student Finance and money when you transfer university

This part is where you need to be smart.

In many cases, student finance is calculated as:
length of course + 1 extra year, minus any previous years of study.

So if you:

• repeat a year,
  
• restart,
  
• or transfer and lose credits,
  

…it can affect your remaining entitlement.

Maintenance Loan:
Your maintenance loan can also change if:

• Your new uni would be in London (higher support),
  
• Your new uni would be outside London (lower support),
  
• Your household circumstances change.

Bursaries/scholarships:
If you received a university bursary, you might lose it when you leave — and you might need to reapply at the new university.

If you’re unsure whether transferring or taking a break is the right move, it can help to talk your options through with an adviser.

Downsides of changing universities

Let’s be honest: switching universities is not always a win.

Possible downsides include:

• losing credits and repeating a year;
  
• extra costs (moving, deposits, travel);
  
• not finding space in year 2 or year 3;
  
• social disruption and a fresh adjustment period.
  

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it — it just means you should do it with open eyes.

If you’re not sure whether transferring or taking a break is the right move, it can help to talk your options through with an adviser.

FAQs

Can I transfer from one university to another in the UK?

Yes. Transfers are possible, but depend on space, entry rules, and credit transfer decisions.

Is it hard to transfer to another university?

It can be easy or hard depending on course competitiveness, module matching, and timing. The earlier you ask, the better.

Can you get rejected as a transfer student?

Yes. You can be rejected if there’s no space, your grades/modules don’t match, or the course has strict requirements.

Can you transfer universities after first year?

Yes — it’s one of the most common times to transfer, especially if you can carry credits into year 2.

Do all universities accept transfer students?

No. Some do, some don’t, and many accept transfers only on certain courses. Always check with the department.

How many times can I transfer universities?

There’s no single legal limit, but practically:

• each transfer can affect Student Finance entitlement,
  
• and repeated changes can make acceptance harder.