Switching Courses: academic progression and length of stay

[hiyadoll]

Hello,

I have some questions about academic progression and length of stay. I do not want to get rejected when I re-apply for a T4 visa so any help would be greatly appreciated!

My situation is a bit complicated! I'm an American, and I started studying in Scotland in January 2011 for a BA (three years) in Classical Ballet and Professional Stage Dance. My visa would expire 04/05/14. However, the University has now decided to end its academic partnership with my school and will be closing. I would be able to either finish with an HNC or an HND in professional stage dance depending on if I finish/pass all my 2nd year HND modules by May 7th.

Because my school is closing, it has forced me to consider a career/course change. I’ve had injuries, and I’m getting too old (in the ballet world I'm old.. I'm 22) to audition somewhere else to finish my dance degree. And I don’t think the lifestyle of being a professional ballet dancer is for me anymore... So of course, I to want to do something completely different! lol Sports Medicine.

I got an unconditional offer from Glasgow International College for a Foundation Certificate in Science. It is equivalent to first year at Glasgow Uni as far as I understand and is connected to the Uni. (However, I’m not sure what level it would be compared to an HND or HNC.) I would be guaranteed (if I pass my classes) progress to Glasgow Uni for Sports Medicine (BSc honors) as a second year after the first foundation year. Since my education after high school was arts based this seems like a wonderful pathway to a science based course for me.

However, I am concerned about the academic progression. Is going from an HND in professional stage dance (level 8 in Scotland) to a Foundation Certificate in science appropriate academic progression? Would I have an easier chance of getting my new visa if I didn’t finish my HND modules and only had an HNC (level 7 in Scotland)?

I would need my new visa to be valid for another four years, would that cause problems for me since I’ve been in Scotland on my original course since January 2011?

Thanks so much for your help!