Following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night on the government plans for the easing of lockdown, please find below an important update.

For the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and the wider community it is important that we follow government guidelines.  Please be assured that throughout this time we remain committed to delivering all our students an outstanding education and ensuring everyone has the best opportunity to progress and succeed in their studies.

For students allowed on campus from 8 March

In addition to those students on Medicine, Health and Social Care, Teacher Education and Social Work programmes, the government has confirmed other students studying professional and practical programmes can return to campus from 8 March if timetabled to do so.

Please click here for a list of those programmes who are already allowed on campus and those who will be returning to on campus face-to- face teaching as part of our blended learning approach from 8 March.

Students on these programmes will be allowed on campus where practical teaching, specialist facilities or assessments are needed. All other teaching will continue to be online.  

Please note the date of your return and the amount of time you are expected on campus will vary from programme to programme as well as between levels, depending on your module requirements and their practical components. Please check your timetable for details, which will be finalised on 1 March via Unitimetables.   

Please remember an important part of your safe return is COVID-19 asymptomatic testing:

• Students returning are encouraged to take a COVID-19 asymptomatic test before they travel back to university, where community testing facilities are available to them.
• Upon your return the government is expecting all students, including commuting students, to have received two negative COVID-19 asymptomatic test results, three days apart, before going on campus for face-to-face teaching or to access university facilities.  If you do not get tested, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days before coming on to campus. Click here to book your test – we recommend you book your test five days before you need to be on campus.
• Once on campus the recommendation is for students to take a test twice a week in addition to following the latest government guidelines on social distancing, wearing face coverings and regular hand washing.  Together we can help stop the spread of the virus and ensure your safety on campus and the safety of those around you.

If you are an international student currently living overseas, we will be sending you further advice this week.

Advice for all other students

We are committed to continuing to deliver you a high-quality online learning experience with access to digital resources and remote support to ensure your academic success and wellbeing.

Please follow government guidance, stay where you are and continue to engage with your online learning as planned and your tiemteble will be updated accordingly

After Easter, the government will review the options for the return of all other students. This will be based on the latest data and we will be given a week’s notice ahead of any decision. 

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 If you have any questions or concerns about the above please do not hesitate to contact your Personal Academic Tutor or Programme Director for advice.