Since the outbreak of the pandemic, online learning has almost become the standard teaching model for universities worldwide, and the UK is no exception.
Although many schools declared they would adopt in-person teaching before the start of the new semester as UK restrictions eased, data shows that over 75% of UK universities still conducted some courses online.
This directly led to a record number of complaints received by UK universities over the past year. Of the 2,763 complaints, more than one-third were related to campus COVID-19 controls.
In response, many UK institutions have taken concrete steps and begun publishing their teaching arrangements for the 2022/23 academic year, including specific start dates and the teaching format for the fall semester.
KCL No Longer Provides Online Teaching
According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, King's College London (KCL) will become the first university to fully abandon online teaching following student protests.
KCL has made it clear that the 2022/23 academic year will see a full return to in-person teaching, with no online learning option. Online content will only serve as supplementary teaching and will not replace formal instruction.
In other words, except in special circumstances, all students must attend classes on the London campus; otherwise, they may not be able to graduate normally or even lose their student status.
According to KCL's website, most courses in Semester 2 of 2022 will begin on Monday, September 26. There may be slight variations between different schools, but regardless of the exact start date, all students must arrive on campus and complete registration by October 10, 2022.
Meanwhile, KCL has provided official answers to several student concerns:
Can I still study remotely in 2022/23?
The university will not offer a remote learning option. Online content is only supplementary and will not replace in-person teaching.
How can I prepare for the new academic year?
Students need to check in before the start of the new semester and complete course module registration. It is recommended that students be vaccinated before the semester begins, including the COVID-19 vaccine, the MenACWY vaccine, and two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you cannot be vaccinated before the semester starts, you can also get vaccinated in London. Vaccination is free for everyone in the UK, including international students.
How will KCL respond if London imposes pandemic restrictions?
The university will react quickly and implement appropriate measures when necessary to help protect the health and well-being of our community. This may include a temporary shift to online teaching to safeguard the student learning experience.
UCL Will Open Its Campus to Students in September
Among the nine universities in the "G5" and "Wang-Ai-Man-Hua" groups, only University College London (UCL) has so far updated its specific requirements for the new semester.
UCL officially stated that, except for students enrolled in online programs or those facing pandemic-related emergencies that necessitate online learning, all students must return to campus for the 2022/23 academic year and attend all in-person teaching, including lectures, seminars, and practicals. The campus will be open to all students from September.
At the same time, UCL also indicated that some uncertainty remains about the future, and teaching plans may be adjusted if other emergencies arise.
In addition to UCL and KCL, Durham University, the University of Leeds, Cardiff University, and Newcastle University have also announced their teaching arrangements for the new semester.
Other UK Universities' New Semester Arrangements
University of Leeds
According to the University of Leeds website, starting from September 2022, students will be required to attend various forms of in-person classes on campus.
The university will not provide online versions of in-person courses, but in-person teaching will be supplemented and supported by various digital technologies.
Durham University
As UK pandemic measures relaxed, Durham University said it will provide a significant amount of in-person teaching in the 2022/23 academic year.
However, for students who cannot attend a particular class due to classroom capacity issues, the university will also provide online teaching.
But Durham also stated that it will adjust its planned teaching methods if needed to protect students and staff, and may consider moving content online in accordance with government and other relevant guidance if necessary.
Newcastle University
Newcastle University's website indicates that all students will receive in-person teaching, including lectures, seminars, and small-group teaching, and digital technology will be used to support student learning.
If pandemic restrictions need to be tightened again, the university will reduce face-to-face teaching on campus and increase the use of new methods such as online learning, teaching, and assessment.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is preparing for courses starting from September 2022 to ensure that all forms of courses can proceed smoothly with in-person teaching.
The university will also continue to make full use of online courses for teaching innovation, in order to enhance the student learning experience.
Apart from the above universities that have issued clear notices, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has updated its teaching arrangements for the 2022/23 academic year, but only indicated that there are plans for in-person teaching, without specifically stating whether students must return to campus for face-to-face instruction.
Meanwhile, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of Warwick have not yet updated their teaching modes for the new semester.
For more updates on UK universities' fall semester arrangements, CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to monitor and bring you the latest information.
Pay Attention to University Information and Plan Ahead
Currently, the UK has largely returned to its pre-pandemic state. Arrivals no longer need to take a nucleic acid test or fill out a passenger locator form. Quarantine upon arrival is no longer required, and vaccination is no longer mandatory.
UK universities are gradually resuming in-person teaching, and most institutions say they have a Plan B ready to deal with a resurgence of the pandemic, to ensure normal teaching and instruction.
We also advise everyone, while returning to normal classes, to continue basic pandemic precautions so that you can complete your studies healthily and smoothly.
Students who have already received their 22 Fall UK offer letters can start preparing for their studies in the UK!
For those applying for 23 Fall, it is also important to prepare early, apply early, and plan ahead to get your offers as soon as possible!
