Student FAQ COVID-19 - University of Huddersfield

Table of Contents
January 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Support
Staying safe on campus

Start of term January 2021

What is happening in January with the return to the University?

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to campus when the Government restrictions allow it. We understand that this will not be before mid-February, unless you are studying a course which is exempt from this ruling (see the list below). You can view the Government’s guidance about making travel arrangements and returning to study.

Is the date for the start of term changing?

No. All of our UG, apprenticeships and PGT courses for returning students will start with online teaching on the date planned, this will continue until at least mid-February. Only students on the following courses should travel to campus.

nursing (all branches)
midwifery
allied health professions, which includes:
- chiropodists and podiatrists
- occupational therapists
- operating department practitioners
- paramedics
- physiotherapists
- social work
- pharmacy
- optometry
teaching

How will this affect my timetable?

Your timetable will be updated to reflect these changes in delivery mode. Please check your timetable on a regular basis to ensure you are aware of any changes.

I am an international student, how does this affect me?

You must ensure that you are fully aware of the rules and regulations related to travel and quarantine on your arrival in the UK. More detail can be found on our international enrolment FAQ.

I am a postgraduate research student – how does this affect me?

Postgraduate research students who need access to facilities on campus will be able to access them from 4 January in line with the opening of campus after the Christmas break. Students should discuss their return date with their supervisor. Students who do not require campus access should continue to work remotely.

Will testing for Covid-19 be available at the start of term?

Yes, the new University testing centre will be open from 4 January 2021. It is for staff and students who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 and can be found in the University Sports Hall within Student Central.

If you are returning to your term-time accommodation you should self-isolate and book tests to check that you are negative for Covid-19. If you do not book tests you should self-isolate for 10 days when you arrive back. If you live at home and are coming in to campus for classes we also recommend that you take these tests.

Students on the following courses are allowed back on to campus for face to face teaching:

nursing (all branches)
midwifery
allied health professions, which includes:
- chiropodists and podiatrists
- occupational therapists
- operating department practitioners
- paramedics
- physiotherapists
- social work
- pharmacy
- optometry
teaching

For more information please visit the testing centre FAQ where you can also book a test.

Student Wellbeing

I am feeling isolated and lonely - how should I take care of my mental health?

Some of your classes may be delivered on campus, but others will be online which means you may be seeing other people less frequently than normal, which could lead to you feeling isolated or lonely even on days you are not on campus. It is important to maintain some routine and structure, where possible build in activity such as online learning, exercise, a daily walk (self-isolation guidance permitting), reading or other such activities.

Depending on your School there may be virtual groups you can join – contact your school based support and guidance teams for information on these. There is also a support page for students needing to self-isolate.

Further information on managing isolation can be found through the links below.

NHS

Corona virus and your wellbeing (MIND)

Student Minds

True Student

Save the Student

Other support options can be found here

Togetherall

SHOUT

Staying Safe (suicidal thought planner, help making a safety plan)

Hub of Hope

Bullying or Abuse Related to COVID-19 Virus

All students can access support quickly via Student Wellbeing. The University does not tolerate abuse of any kind within our community. Please report this directly to the police. Alternatively you can report this to us through our report and support tool.

How do I stay healthy?

Good Hygiene Routines

The University has taken steps to ensure a Covid-19 safe campus including ongoing, extensive cleaning in all areas of the campus. New procedures have been implemented for teaching activity on campus, for example carrying out deep cleaning after every classroom-based session, but please do remember the NHS advice about handwashing and hygiene. Hand washing facilities and hand sanitisers are available in key areas and we encourage students to use these regularly.

Face coverings

When on campus we are asking all our university community to wear face coverings unless they are medical exempt from doing so. It is important that we adhere to this advice wherever possible to reduce the transmission of the virus and protect each other.

Accessing Health Advice

Individuals requiring health care and advice are being asked to make contact with the NHS via the 111 phone line and 111 online service. The University Health Centre, during this period, will be using telephone appointments and triage for initial contact. If you are registered with a GP please start your enquiry via phone.

I'm experiencing financial hardship as a result of this situation.

The University has a hardship fund (ALF) which students can make an application to. Find out more on the Access to Learning Fund Pages. The Wellbeing Service may also be able to offer advice and support in these circumstances. To contact the Wellbeing Service please email studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk

I am self-isolating and struggling to get essential items such and food and medicine

The wellbeing service can talk to you about local community support. You can contact the wellbeing service through email on studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk

Kirklees, the local Council, are working alongside and local citizens and organisations to make sure that together we can all support our neighbours and communities over the coming weeks. They have set up a website and forms where you can both request and offer support.

Most pharmacies now operate an e-prescription and delivery service. Enquiries about this facility can be made with the GP practice that you are registered with.

Food deliveries can be arranged with all major supermarkets. See the links below for further information.

COVID-19 FAQs - International Students

Drop-In Sessions

If you need to speak to us, we are running regular online drop-in sessions.

International Student Support Drop-in sessions

Monday - Friday 10.00am - 11.00am (UK Time)

How to join?

These session will be hosted online through Zoom

Join the drop-in during the times above or use Zoom Meeting ID: 959 642 421 (no password is required).

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

Immigration Team Drop-In Sessions

Mondays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time).

Wednesdays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time)

Fridays 11:00 - 12:00 (UK time)

These sessions will not be running between 18 December - 10 January.

How to join?

These session will be hosted online through Zoom

Join the drop-in during the times above or use Zoom Meeting ID: 949 762 438

Passcode: 030530

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

What to expect:

Sessions will be on a 1-1 basis and you will automatically enter the queue. Please do not close the holding window or you will lose your place and have to re-join
We will alert you when the session is about to end
When your session is over, please click the red ‘leave’ button, alternately, we can put you into the waiting room if you may need to speak to us again.

Hardship Fund

If you are experiencing serious financial difficulty as a direct result of COVID-19, our emergency support fund may be able to help. The fund is open to applications from international students situated in the UK and on a current course. It is important to note that this is a one-off payment to provide temporary relief that is directly related to the current COVID-19 situation and does not include funding for outstanding tuition fees or accommodation rent for example.

Submitting an application is not a guarantee that a payment will be made, and all applications are subject to providing relevant evidence which is assessed at the discretion of the University. Failure to provide evidence will result in your application being rejected.

To apply for the fund, please complete the online Emergency Support Application Form, providing full details of your situation. You MUST provide evidence to support your application (such as bank statements, job loss confirmation etc).

Applications to the fund are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the University’s decision is final.

If you have any queries regarding emergency financial support, please contact international.office@hud.ac.uk.

What to expect on campus?

We would like to reassure you that we are making the University as safe as possible for our students and staff in accordance with UK government guidelines and, whilst the campus is closed at this moment in time, we have moved resources online so that delivery of our courses is still going ahead and you can still access all the relevant lectures and course materials. Keep checking these pages for regular updates

Campus information, self-isolation guidance

Self-isolation and Stay at Home Guidance

The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:

a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you must stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19. We've also published guidance and support for students self-isolating.

You should review current UK government guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. This guidance says “If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.”

“If you live with others, all other household members need to stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for at least 10 days from when their symptoms appear, regardless of what day they are on in their original 10-day isolation period.”

Should you or any of your friends fall ill while in your student residence, there is guidance on isolation for residential educational settings. Let your halls provider know you need to self-isolate and let them know about the support you may need during this period.

If you are experiencing difficulties self-isolating in halls, please contact your provider or studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk.

What is the guidance and support available to me if I am self isolating in a halls of residence or shared house?

UK government guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection states that “If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.”

“If you live with others, all other household members need to stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days”

If you are living in halls of residence then the ‘household’ would normally include those students living in the same flat or on the same floor who share cooking or washing facilities, or both. Please contact your accommodation provider if your ‘household’ has not been defined for you. Government guidelines also say that you should self isolate in the halls of residence and not move to any other address.

Let your halls provider know that you need to self-isolate and let them know about the support you may need during this period. All of the major providers have support in place to help you with access to shopping and other necessities.

If you are experiencing difficulties self-isolating in halls, please contact your provider or studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk and we can offer assistance. Please also look at the well being web pages Student Wellbeing.

What will happen about my attendance record if I need to self-isolate?

There is no need for you to notify us of your absence. Any face-to-face sessions that you may miss will be disregarded in terms of attendance monitoring. Please continue to engage with sessions as appropriate via Brightspace.

Your safety, campus access and services

Can I use the library?

Our library, computer labs and study hubs are open and operate in line with current social distancing guidelines. There is guidance in place locally on how to use these spaces which we ask all students to observe. Should Government guidance on access to the University campus change, we will notify you.

Can I buy food and drink on campus?

Students studying courses where on campus teaching is taking place are advised to bring their own food and drink to campus where possible as catering facilities are not currently operating.

Will the gym be open?

Our sports facilities are currently closed but we are planning to open them again as soon as it is safe to do so.

Faith Centre

The Faith Centre remains open for private observance of prayers for those staff and students who are time tabled on campus as critical workers or future critical workers.

Does the University work with NHS Test & Trace?

Yes. The Well-being of our staff and students remains our priority. To help ensure that all members of the University community remain safe, the University may share your contact details with the NHS Test & Trace Service or the Local Authority to help with contact tracing. We will only share your data where it is necessary and lawful to do so. For more information on how the University uses your data, please see our privacy notice on our website. If you are contacted by NHS Test & Trace, please make sure you follow their guidance to help protect yourself and others.

IT Resources and support

What IT resources do I have access to?

The digital applications used to enable student learning include:

Brightspace – our web based virtual learning environment provides key course information, learning activities and access to recorded lectures and other teaching sessions.
Microsoft Teams – provides a flexible environment where video conferencing, chat, file sharing and many other features will enable you to collaborate and learn.
MyHud – both an app and website, provides access a wide range of personalised information and digital services relevant to students.
Microsoft Office365 - provides online applications to support student learning. The main suite of MS applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams) are available to students via the University without need for student to purchase their own licences.
Uni-desktop – provides access to a virtual PC providing access to a campus applications and services.
On-line library E-books, Journals and search are accessible through University library service.

All enrolled students have web access to these learning resources.

What IT equipment do I need for my studies?

To access all the support and learning technologies that are available we recommend that you have the following equipment:

A laptop or desktop PC with a camera, microphone, internet access: a laptop is recommended rather than a tablet as laptops better enable completion of assignments and engagement in the digital learning environments. Laptops also enable learning from home, on campus and during travel to and from campus. The computer you use does not usually need to be a high specification, but comfortably run IOS or Windows10. If your computer was new within the last 4-5 years, it should enable you to access the primary applications listed above.

A reasonably fast and reliable internet connection is required to participate in online tutorials and lectures. If your internet connection at home is not very good consider whether you can use an internet connection somewhere else (for example a workplace, library or friend’s house dependent on the Government’s latest guidance) when you need to study online or join an online tutorial. If you are moving into new accommodation don’t forget to ask about the availability of wifi.

A head set or earphones with a microphone. To more fully participate in online tutorials, you’ll need a headset with a microphone. You might be able to use a built-in microphone if your computer has one, but you’ll be able to hear, and be heard, more clearly with a headset.

How do you support students without access to IT facilities?

Our Library and computer labs are currently open and operate in line with current social distancing guidelines – please monitor your emails as we will let you know if this situation changes. We operate a Laptop Loan scheme using a lapsafe system in our Library where you can book out a laptop for your own use, and our Library staff will be able to advise you on how to access this.

The University also has in place a bursary scheme this year to support new first year students who need help in securing appropriate technology for their own use at home.
The details can be found here: https://students.hud.ac.uk/laptop2020/. If you are eligible for an IT bursary, the University will make contact with you directly.

We also have an Access to Learning Fund which we use to help all students who are experiencing exceptional and extraordinary financial hardship. For information follow this link: https://students.hud.ac.uk/help/finance/learning-fund/

Disabled students and wellbeing issues

I need to speak to someone about wellbeing or disability issues. Who do I contact?

You can get in touch with the Wellbeing Services on studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk or Disability Services on disability@hud.ac.uk.

If you are on campus, iPoint can facilitate access to Wellbeing and Disability Services. They are situated at the main entrance to Student Central and are the reception to all student services and more. You can also ring iPoint on 01484 471001.

Please be aware, your appointment with Wellbeing and Disability Services will be online or via telephone unless there are circumstances which require you to meet staff face to face.

I need support with emotional or mental health issues. What type of support is available?

In addition to the appointments with Wellbeing Services, there is a range of other support, such as online information, support for care leavers, a Counselling Service, guidance on staying safe on campus etc.

You can access online support through an online service called Togetherall. This is confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers online self-help information, advice from trained staff and peer support.

There are Support and Guidance staff within each Academic School. Please have a look at your school's web pages for details of these staff and how to contact them.

Can I register with the GP practice on the edge of the University campus?

Yes - you can register with the GP either online or in person. Please note, if you go in person, you will be required to wear a face covering.

If I have a health condition which increases my risk of infection or compromises my immunity, am I expected to come on to campus for face to face taught sessions?

This will depend on the nature of your course. If it is not possible for you to meet the learning outcomes of your course without undertaking practical tasks or work which involve you coming onto campus or working in groups, then it may be difficult to arrange for you to undertake your studies remotely. It will also depend on the impact of your condition, the severity of this and whether the measures taken on campus have sufficiently minimised the risk to you. Each situation will need to be dealt with and agreed on an individual basis and you are advised to contact your course leader and get in touch with Disability Services to discuss this further.

Will campus tours be on offer?

Not at the present time in order to minimise the impact of Covid-19. However, there is an interactive map of the campus showing a number of the facilities on campus such as food and drink outlets, accessible toilets etc. and a document showing the accessible routes around campus, including the accessible entrances and exits to buildings.

All the buildings on campus are named after patrons who are linked with the areas of work of the University. There is also information about how the rooms are labelled to assist you in finding the locations where you will be studying.

There are some short videos of the different floors in the University Library (Floor 2, Floor 3, Floor 4, Floors 5 and 6) Student Central and the main University Reception. You can either click on the screen to move through the different areas or press the play button to watch as automated tour of each site.

If you are on campus and struggling to find a building or room and are worried about arriving late to a scheduled session, staff understand that this is challenging, especially in an environment with one-way systems. Staff at the main University Reception in Harold Wilson Building or at iPoint in Student Central will be able to help you find where you are going.

I need level access to all the spaces on campus; will this be taken into account with the routes around campus?

The routes around campus have considered the need for some students to make use of the lifts. Some lifts have been designated for use in transporting people in one direction e.g. just transporting individuals up to higher floors, and there will be a corresponding lift within the building which travels in the opposite direction.

If there is a one-way system for moving around the campus, but I find this difficult or painful due to my condition or disability (i.e. the route is longer than usual), am I expected to follow the one-way system?

No, you can take the shortest route, even if this is going against the directional arrows or indicators. Please be prepared to respond to questions from staff if they question why you are not following the one-way system and let them know you have a condition that makes this difficult. If you have ongoing issues with this, please contact Disability Services.

I am exempt from wearing a face covering, what will happen if I come on to campus and I am not wearing a covering?

The University is aware that there are certain situations where the wearing of a face covering is difficult and that some conditions or disabilities can be exacerbated by the use of this. Therefore, if you are unable to wear a face covering, this is understood. Staff have been instructed to politely ask people on campus to wear a face covering, so please be prepared to explain that you are exempt.

There are several societies and organisations offering lanyards, badges, downloads for mobile phones etc. which indicate that you are exempt from wearing a face covering. You may wear or display one of these; however, this remains your choice and not an obligation.

I rely on lip reading when communicating with others. Will this be taken into consideration?

Yes. Staff delivering remote online lectures or taught sessions will not be wearing a face covering and are asked to ensure their face and lips are visible on the screen where possible. Staff have also been asked to record their online taught sessions whenever possible. You can therefore watch the session again at your own pace and in an environment to suit you. Taught sessions will be delivered using Microsoft Teams which has a captioning facility. You can turn this on, and the spoken information will be subtitled. There is information about how to use this in the induction module on Brightspace, the University's virtual learning environment.

In face to face sessions on campus, staff can be issued with clear visors and instructed to avoid glare on the visor where possible, so you can continue to lip read. Many of the taught sessions on campus will be recorded through lecture capture. This captures all that the lecturer says alongside the information on the presentation screen.

If you have been recommended radio aids or hearing equipment through the Disabled Students Allowance, please check that Disability Services are aware of this as they can let the academic staff know that they may be required to wear a microphone transmitter. You may need to have a brief conversation with academic staff about wiping down the microphone transmitter when it is passed between staff. If you have been recommended equipment of software for recording lectures yourself, please make use of this and again, check that Disability Services are aware of this.

If my face to face taught sessions are combined into one or two longer days on campus and I become fatigued and cannot attend some sessions, will this be taken into consideration?

Yes. Teaching materials from sessions you have missed can be made available to you. If you are struggling to catch up or understand information from a lecture you have missed, you can request support from your tutors.

In many circumstances you will also have access to the lecture capture of your lectures, so you can watch the presentation and listen to the information. Where this is not available, other options for capturing the information can be put in place. Please contact Disability Services for more information.

Can I be supported through the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) application?

Yes. Our team of advisers are ready to help you through each step of this process online. Registering with Disability Services helps put in place the best possible support at the earliest opportunity and we can work alongside you to complete the application and submit the necessary evidence.

How will my note taking support be provided for remote teaching?

If you require notes from remote teaching provision, we can link one of our note takers to the lecture on Brightspace so they can access the taught session to take your notes.

I need a support worker to be with me on campus, for example a campus guide or a note taker. Can I still access this support?

Yes. Please contact Disability Services to discuss this. Your support worker will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is advisable for you and the support worker to have a discussion around this. The discussion may include ways to minimise physical contact where possible, to socially distance where this can be achieved without compromising your support or identifying ways to reduce the need for you to be facing each other.

Will I be able to access support from my Specialist Tutor or Mentor?

Yes, we will be supporting the majority of students via online meetings. If this causes any difficulties, please get in touch with Disability Services to discuss this in a little more detail.

I need to apply for Extenuation Circumstances but cannot get a medical note from my GP?

We understand that this may be difficult to obtain in the current climate. Please complete the Extenuation Circumstances form giving us as much information as you can and submit without medical evidence. If you have any queries, please contact your Disability Adviser or email disability@hud.ac.uk to discuss this further.

I have adjustments in my examinations to accommodate the impact of my disability. How will this be reflected in any new or revised modes of assessment?

This will depend on the mode of assessment and the reasonable adjustments you have in your PLSP (Personal Learning Support Plan). Adjustments such as additional time, the provision of a support worker or the use of assistive software will normally be applied to any new or revised mode of assessment where relevant. As and when new or revised modes of assessment are confirmed, please check with your School that they are alert to the adjustments detailed in your PSLP. If there are any difficulties with this, please contact Disability Services.

I need to ensure that I frequently eat and drink because of my condition. Will there be facilities on campus where I can purchase food and drink?

There will be limited food and drink outlets open on campus and measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will be in place such as queuing systems, use of contactless payment where possible etc. It may take longer to purchase food. We recommend that you do not wholly rely on this but have your own supply of cold food and drinks. Students will not be able to re-heat their own food on campus for the foreseeable future.

There is the potential that I will experience seizures when on campus. What will happen if I do?

Where appropriate, first aid staff will be called. Personal Protective Equipment will be made available to them, so that they can provide the support you may require.

First Aid staff can be summoned from the security hub at the University Reception in the Harold Wilson building or by ringing 01484 472222.

I experience seizures which can be triggered when spending longer hours at a computer screen. Is there anything I can do to reduce the likelihood of a seizure?

There are several things you could try, although we cannot guarantee how beneficial you will find these suggestions:

You could purchase an anti-glare filter to place over your monitor or computer screen
You could download software which provides you with the option to put a colour filter on your screen. Colourveil is a free app which allows you to choose the colour and opacity of the overlay, although there are several different apps available. You are advised to check the terms and conditions before you download any apps.
You could download f.lux.com, which is a piece of software that adjusts the lighting to reflect the environment you are in and which reduced the blue glare from the computer screen.
You could check whether your display drive is out of date and update this if necessary.
Make use of tinted lenses if you have been recommended these by your optician.
Ensure you take regular breaks to reduce the amount of continuous time you spend in front of a computer screen.

Please ensure you consider the environment where you will be during your online taught sessions to ensure it is as safe as possible, and whether there are individuals around you who may be able to assist should you experience a seizure.

There is very minimum cushioned or supportive seating on campus as most of the seating is now wipe clean hard surfaces. When I am on campus, I need supportive seating in taught sessions, meetings etc. Will this be available to me?

Yes. If you need supportive seating in taught sessions, please contact Disability Services to discuss this and pass on a copy of your timetable as far in advance as you can. Arrangements can then be made for appropriate seating to be made available. Please note, you will be asked to register with Disability Services and to provide some medical evidence of your condition.

If you need supportive seating in an appointment, please inform the member of staff you are meeting ahead of time.

Placement FAQs 2020-21

The economy has been severely disrupted by the impact of Covid-19 across the UK and globally. We recognise that placement opportunities for students in 2020-21 are likely to be restricted and more competitive than ever. Many organisations will not be in a position to make the same commitments as previously.

These FAQs are relevant to students on a sandwich year placement, or a short placement, whether mandatory or optional. It does not apply to students whose course incorporates work-based learning throughout e.g. allied health professions or education.

This guidance has been produced with reference to the QAA’s eight contingency planning principles for placement provision. Link to the QAA guidance

I’m thinking about a placement, what are my options in 2020-21?

Not all options are open to everyone and you should check with the placement team in your School. However, some or all of the following models are available:

Start the placement in autumn 2020 and complete requisite hours/weeks as normal.
Progress to final year to complete degree without sandwich year.
Interrupt studies for 2020-21, return to take up placement in autumn 2021 and progress to final year in September 2022.
Begin the placement any time up to January 2021 (home students only due to visa restrictions) and undertake casual work or independent study in the meantime.
Progress to final year to complete degree, remain on sandwich route and undertake a placement during the 2021-22 academic year.

When is the deadline to confirm my placement choice?

30 September 2020, unless your School advises it will accept a later confirmation (in limited circumstances only)

What is the minimum duration for my placement?

It is 22 weeks for a placement starting in January 2021 (home students only). The January start option is only available to home students due to visa restrictions for international students, including EU students once the UK leaves the European Union. International students should contact immigration@hud.ac.uk for further advice on visa rules with regard to placements.

For a placement starting before Christmas 2020, it will normally be longer and at least 60% of the usual duration – your School team can tell you exactly how much this will be for your course. All placements must give sufficient opportunity for you to fulfil the learning outcomes. If you are undertaking a shorter placement, you are expected to engage in independent study or casual employment whilst you are not in the placement setting. Where hours are used rather than weeks to calculate the commitment, a 35-hour working week is assumed.

Does remote working count?

The University expects you to work in a supervised environment. However, remote working is a legitimate part of the professional experience across a wide range of employment sectors and it is quite possible to supervise remotely. If you are required to work partially or fully ‘off-site’, your school will check with you that you have received sufficient information from your employer to enable you to do this safely and individual arrangements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you’re working from home, your placement provider will be required to carry out the same risk assessments as they would for all their staff who are working from home and you will be required to follow your employer’s protocols.

How late can my placement start?

We want to be flexible and we recognise that it is a very uncertain time for a lot of companies. Your placement must be complete, graded and moderated by the relevant Course Assessment Board. In most cases, this will mean the latest start date could be January 2021. The January start option is only available to home students due to visa restrictions for international students, including EU students once the UK leaves the European Union.

What is my student status during this year?

You will enrol on your placement year as normal, even if it starts late, and be charged placement year fees. See the Student Finance information on the website for further details.

What would happen if I take up the offer of a later placement that is subsequently cancelled?

If you agree to take a later starting placement, you must accept the risk that if the placement cannot go ahead, you will have to change your plans. If possible, your School might be able to give you a ‘virtual placement’ e.g. a company report or piece of consultancy with modified assessment to ensure you can continue the sandwich year as planned. If not, we will allow you to interrupt your studies and return the following year. This might be to a new placement and continue with the sandwich route, or you might choose to complete your final year without a placement. This will be subject to availability and your personal circumstances. If you have an agreed start date but then need to interrupt due to circumstances beyond your control, we will refund your placement year tuition fee. We advise you to check the implications of interruption with Student Finance England. Our student finance team can also provide support and advice if you need it.

If my placement starts late, what do I do in the meantime?

We expect you to engage in independent study in the meantime or seek casual employment. Your School may ask you to do some preparatory work before your placement starts, for example a personal development plan and/or skills assessment with reflective commentary. If you are required to submit this work as part of your summative assessment (Placement report/Portfolio) your School will advise you of this.

If my placement finishes early, what do I do for the rest of the year?

As long as your placement meets the minimum requirements outlined above and your tutors are satisfied that you have met the learning outcomes, we expect you to engage in independent study in the meantime or seek casual employment.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet all the learning outcomes, you will either need to interrupt your studies (see FAQ above) or it may be possible for you to demonstrate the learning outcomes through an additional activity and assessment set by your school. The exact circumstances will be assessed on a case by case basis and it is not possible to guarantee in advance that you will be able to finish the sandwich year.

What support is available for me?

Placement units in schools and the Careers and Employability Service (CES) are available to help students in the search for a placement. It’s difficult to anticipate the volume of opportunities that will become available, but the new levels of flexibility will appeal to existing and new placement partners.
Specific placement preparation advice and guidance should be provided by your school’s placement unit. In the first instance you should contact them for subject specific advice.

Additional and more general advice can be accessed from CES to support your preparation for placement. CES can help with:

placement search and application
CV and interview
placement retractions
understanding placement offers and placement conditions

Where will I live whilst waiting for the placement to start?

You need to be aware that the student loan is significantly lower during placement year and you must budget for relocation / accommodation costs for the whole year. We hope that most students will be able to stay at their home address when not actively employed on placement and study/prepare from that base.

If you are concerned about your financial situation before or during the placement, you should contact the Student Finance Office. International students may also seek advice from the International Office

Is it possible to flip the final year and the placement year?

If you would like to take your final year in 2020-21 and then consider a placement in 2021-22 in order to achieve the award of a sandwich degree, this might be possible. However, it is subject to availability and there are no guarantees. It is currently only available to students who have already secured a placement and whose employers are willing to defer their role for a year, or to those students on an accredited degree. If you are in any doubt, you should speak to your placements team.

Can I still do a placement overseas?

The University has placed restrictions on international travel in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the advice of the UK government and the terms of the university’s insurance policy. If you are a UK student you will not be able to travel overseas to take up a placement immediately. The University therefore recommends that you approach the placement provider to ask for flexibility in relation to the start date, and if possible, a period of remote working until you are in a position to relocate (or both). You must avoid international travel until the restrictions are no longer in place. Any travel during this period will not be covered by the University’s emergency assistance travel insurance policy. Given the current risk levels and the fluctuating situation globally, we would also not permit you to travel under an alternative insurer’s policy at present.

If you are a UK student, this may be possible from January 2021, subject to any travel restrictions and the FCO’s advice about travel to different countries. However, this cannot be guaranteed, and you must accept the risk that your placement will not be able to go ahead and you may need to interrupt your studies.

You should always follow all local laws and regulations but also take heed of FCO advice which may change during your placement.

If I’m an international student currently in my home country, can I undertake a placement there next year?

Yes, you can, subject to your employer being able to assure us of an adequately Covid-secure working environment. This will be assessed on a case by case basis. Your School will arrange a remote placement visit if travel restrictions on staff continue to prevent an onsite visit.

I’m an international student and I’m having trouble getting my DBS clearance; what should I do?

We are aware that in some countries, DBS-equivalent services are closed or suffering delays due to Covid. If your course requires you to have DBS clearance before you go on placement, speak to your School immediately. We will work with you to try and find a solution. It might be possible to find an alternative type of placement where a DBS is not required, either with the same provider or with another. If this isn’t possible, we may be able to arrange for you to start the placement later and/or do a shorter placement. If none of these options are available, you may need to interrupt your studies until the DBS clearance can be provided. Any solution is likely to be dependent on your individual circumstances, so it is really important that you tell us, as soon as you know there might be a problem.

What if companies offer part time placements due to social distancing and capacity issues in their premises?

Your placement should ideally be full time but part time may be acceptable as long as the overall placement time is sufficiently long. So, a longer part time placement could be equal to a shorter full time one. If a proportion of your role involves remote working, this commitment is included in the overall hours. You should contact your placement team in School if you have any questions about part time opportunities.

Student FAQ relating to Covid-19 virus

If you are a student or a member of staff and have symptoms of Covid-19 or have had a positive test

Start of term January 2021

Campus information, self-isolation guidance

Placement FAQs 2020-21

IT Resources and support

Student Accommodation

International Students

Campus Cleaning

NHS COVID-19 app

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Wellbeing

International students

Disabled students and wellbeing issues

COVID symptoms or positive test

Support for Students

Staying safe on campus

Campus preparations

Campus cleaning measures

Assessment for academic year 2020/2021