Advice for pregnant students - University of Liverpool

You should also arrange with your Department any absences needed for attendance at ante-natal clinics.
Students whose partners are pregnant may similarly apply to their Departments for interruptions to cover the
birth of their partner's child and also to make any arrangements for attendance at ante-natal clinics with their
partner.
Finance
Your student loan can continue for up to 60 days from the beginning of any interruption of study. You will need
to inform the Student Loan Company of your circumstances.
You will also need to apply for maternity benefit and information about this can be obtained through your antenatal
clinic or from Student Support Services, Student Services Centre, who will also help you with your
approach to the Student Loan Company. See below for information on benefits that can be claimed by students
with dependants. Graduate students in receipt of Research Council or other awards should contact the sponsor
and make arrangements for the suspension of the award during the period of interruption.
Overseas Students
Overseas students are unlikely to be entitled to maternity benefit and the university recommends that they
should return home unless they have sufficient funds to remain in the UK. Overseas students who have financial
sponsors must inform the sponsors of their circumstances and agree an appropriate plan of action. Overseas
students who return home for the birth of the child should note that most airlines will not carry pregnant
passengers after 7 months of pregnancy have elapsed. Also, overseas students returning home should arrange
for continuing ante-natal care in their home country and take with them details of any care they have received in
the UK.
Please contact the International Support Team in the Student Services Centre for more advice on suspending
your studies and returning home. The team can give comprehensive immigration advice and support you with
any concerns you may have. The team can be contacted at ist@liv.ac.uk or for more information call 0151 794
5863.
Special considerations
Field work
If you plan to take part in field work whilst pregnant, this must be specifically addressed in the Risk Assessment
completed by the Department as there may be special risks associated with the field work. You will not be
permitted to take part in field work after 7 months of pregnancy have elapsed.
Year abroad
Students who become pregnant whilst on a year abroad should contact their personal tutor/supervisor to make
appropriate plans to ensure that their health is safeguarded and their academic progress is properly managed.
Mitigating circumstances
If you are unwell during your pregnancy you should let your Department know and provide notes from your
doctor as evidence of this. The University’s Mitigating Circumstances Policy in relation to performance in
assessment and exams is on the web at www.liv.ac.uk/tqsd/pol_strat_cop/mit_circ_policy.doc. There are also
Student Guidelines on Mitigating Circumstances available at
www.liv.ac.uk/tqsd/pol_strat_cop/mit_circ_student.doc.
Returning to the university
Academic considerations
Let your Department know when you are ready to return and plan with your Tutor or Supervisor the optimum
timetable for your re-integration into your programme of study, including the examination schedule.
Finance
Inform the Student Loan Company or financial sponsor of your plans to return to study once these have been
agreed with your Department.