Dear students,
I hope you have enjoyed a peaceful festive period, despite the challenging circumstances, and are looking forward to returning to your studies in 2021.
You will have seen media coverage yesterday of the government announcements regarding plans for the start of next term affecting schools and universities. Last night Michelle Donelan, Minister of State for Universities, shared plans to minimise the number of students travelling in January to reduce the transmission of coronavirus as cases rise across parts of England. She has been clear that there is no evidence that university sites are unsafe, but that any mass movement poses a risk at this point in the pandemic.
The Minister stated that only students on specified courses will be able to return for educational activities on a university site from 4 January. We know these to include medicine, allied health and physician associate programmes, but are seeking clarification from the government on the position with other programmes as we have received conflicting information this evening. We will update you as soon as we can tomorrow on any adjustments for the start of term.
I know that the continued uncertainty is frustrating, but we want to be confident we are sharing the correct information to help you make plans.
With best wishes
Professor Jenny Higham
Principal