C6.11 Writing Dissertations from Abroad¶
Can I Return to My Home Country After Completing a Foundation or Language Course?
Answer: Yes, you can return home, but it is advisable not to. This is because it relates to your main program visa application—renewing your visa directly in the UK is definitely more convenient than doing so from your home country. Additionally, if you encounter any issues with the renewal, you can consult your university tutors immediately, and they will assist you.
I need to remind you: after finishing your foundation or language course and completing all exams, there is usually a long waiting period for results. You can return home during this waiting period, but my advice is to stay in the UK. While returning home will not have any direct impact, there is a crucial prerequisite—you must be certain that you will pass your foundation or language course. For example, a friend of mine booked a flight home immediately after his language exam. Several weeks later, when the results were released, he found out he had failed. At that time, his visa was also about to expire, and the university scheduled a resit later, but he was unable to re-enter the UK because his visa validity was too short.
Therefore, if you need to renew your visa, it is best to wait until the renewal is completed before traveling abroad.
After Finishing All Taught Modules and Exams of My Main Program, Can I Return to My Home Country to Write My Dissertation?
Answer: You can return home to write your dissertation if your supervisor agrees. During the dissertation writing period, your supervisor is required by the university to meet with you every few weeks to discuss your work. You can also ask the supervisor questions in person. These regular meetings count towards your attendance, and the supervisor will inform you of the time and location of the next meeting after each session.
Typically, supervisors meet with students every 1 to 2 weeks. So after a meeting, you can travel to nearby countries during the interval before the next meeting, as long as you return in time and have enough time to work on your dissertation. For example, a friend of mine can write 3,000 to 4,000 words a day—this depends entirely on your personal ability. As for me, I can only write over 3,000 words a day when I’m inspired; otherwise, I might only finish a few hundred words after a week.
If you are unable to attend a meeting or need to reschedule, you must email or call your supervisor in advance and ensure you make up for the missed meeting. It is important to note that this attendance is crucial—your dissertation supervisor holds the key to your dissertation’s success. If you perform well, the supervisor will likely have a good idea of your approximate grade during these meetings. To achieve a First-Class Honours at the undergraduate level, or a Merit or Distinction at the postgraduate level, you need to score highly in your dissertation.
Can I Enter the UK If My Visa Is Expiring Soon? Can I Attend My Graduation Ceremony If My Visa Is Expiring Soon?Answer: If your visa has less than two weeks remaining and you have purchased a round-trip ticket, you can present the graduation ceremony invitation letter issued by the university. As long as your stay in the UK is short and your visa is still valid for a few days before your return, the customs will generally allow you to enter after asking several questions. Remember to print a physical copy of your return flight ticket and the graduation ceremony invitation letter.
Can I Attend My Graduation Ceremony If My Visa Has Expired?Answer: You cannot enter the UK with an expired visa, but you can still attend the graduation ceremony. You will need to apply for a new UK visa, specifically a Standard Visitor Visa. You must purchase a return flight ticket and print a physical copy of your graduation invitation letter.
Can I Return to My Home Country During the Visa Renewal Process?Answer: If you are renewing your visa in the UK, you cannot leave the country during the process. You can travel within the UK, but it is recommended to do so only after your visa renewal has been confirmed. This is because the renewal process may involve an interview that requires your personal attendance, so you should not travel too far during this period. If you are renewing your visa from your home country, the process is the same as when you applied for your UK visa for the first time.