A statement from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood - Sunday 15 March 2020 (update at 15:30)

The COVID-19 crisis is moving fast and we understand that this is causing growing anxiety amongst students and staff. A communication has been sent to all students and staff today with the latest updates, which are as follows:

As of today, our general guidance remains in line with Public Health England and government advice. This means that the University will remain open for students next week, although we will be transitioning to online delivery of teaching.

We also recognise that with increasing countries restricting travel many students, particularly (but not exclusively) international and EU students, will want to return home whilst they can. As previously communicated we want students to be assured that they can do this without any concerns about being absent from the university. Likewise, we will continue to support those students who choose to stay.

We ask that all students follow the correct process to record that they have left the campus:

For an international student with a T4 Visa: the process to notify of absence can be found here.

For a UK/EU Student: the process to notify of absence can be found here.

One key additional change is that for international students with a Tier 4 Visa the current regulations about a maximum 8 week (or 60 days) absence have been relaxed by the UK Government meaning that if students cannot return as planned they will not face any penalties or visa restrictions as a consequence of the current situation

Colleges

Professional Services