Will West Country universities open in September despite coronavirus lockdown?

Many universities across the West Country say they are "committed" to reopening their doors for students in September, despite potential coronavirus restrictions.

The University of Bristol recently became the second in the country to move lectures online for the next academic year.

But, it is a move many others say they will not be following.

The University of Plymouth, and the University of Exeter both say they will be doing all they can to allow new and returning students on to campus and into lectures.

  • UNIVERSITY OF BATH

The University of Bath say they "intend to be open for the next academic year with students on campus".

It adds it will be doing "everything possible" to welcome new and returning students.

The University adds it could "phase the start dates" for courses to give students as much flexibility as possible while adhering to guidelines.

Credit: The University of Bristol

  • UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

All lectures will be moved online for the 2020/2021 academic year. Student supervisions, seminars and tutorials will be taught on campus in small groups.

In a statement the university's Vice-Chancellor and President confirmed the measures which will work alongside social distancing guidelines as long as they remain in place.

Despite questions regarding a change in tuition fees, the university confirms they will remain unchanged.

Credit: The University of Exeter

  • UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

The University says it is currently finalising plans for the start of the academic year, with the "health and safety of everyone on campus the overriding priority".

It plans to adopt a "blended learning approach to combine face-to-face teaching with guided online learning".

Campuses will remain open while it is safe to do so - and will be adapted for social distancing.

Credit: Falmouth University

  • FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY

Falmouth University says it has no plans to change the term start date and "looks forward to welcoming back current students in September".

It is doing "everything we can to limit the potential impact of the Coronavirus pandemic", and added it was continually assessing advice provided to the public and Higher Education providers.

Credit: University of Gloucestershire

  • UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE

The University of Gloucestershire says it intends to open for students in September - but adds it expects, "some of the first semester will require a combination of online teaching and on-campus activity​."

It says a priority for the coming weeks will be to "work out how we can best re-open some of our buildings for those students who need to get access to specialist facilities over the next couple of months, particularly where their academic year continues over the summer."

Credit: Plymouth Marjon University

  • MARJON UNIVERSITY

Marjon say it plans to "return to campus to start teaching at the usual time in September".

It says while life will be different it is "committed to your experience being both safe and fun".

Credit: University of Plymouth

  • UNIVERSITY OF PLMYOUTH

The University of Plymouth says its campus will "be operational, with our students able to participate in lectures, face-to-face tutorials and seminars".

Options for remote access or online and blended learning will also be available alongside face-to-face learning.

It added that, there would be access to laboratory and studios, fieldwork, placements, the library, and all student support and welfare services.

Credit: UWE Bristol

  • UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND

UWE say it will be introducing a new digital programme in September, aimed at ensuring students are "ready for the start of teaching in October".

The personalised support - known as Teaching Block Zero - will enable students to build up their digital skills and knowledge.

It added that - government guidance dependent - it hoped to welcome students on to campus accommodation from October, and was keen, "for our new students to have the full student experience on campus as much as possible."

UWE says it is currently planning how it can facilitate face-to-face teaching from October and provide students with opportunities to use labs, studios and other facilities.