NEW (30 December) Government announces Birmingham in Tier 4 Covid alert level and Student return to University in January delayed

The UK Government has announced today that, along with most of England, Birmingham as a city will move to Tier 4 from midnight on 30th December. You can find the latest guidance on Tier 4 on the government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home).

Under Tier 4 universities remain open and at present it is understood research and education can continue when the University resumes after its Christmas break on 4 January.

The Government has also announced today that, due to the growing number of Covid cases and hospitalisations, the return of students to universities in January is delayed.  It is understood that students on Clinical, Healthcare, Social Work and Teaching courses are exempt from this restriction and can return to University from 4 January as planned. All students returning to University in the New Year will be asked to take two tests as previously set out in guidance sent to students before Christmas.

The University’s on campus teaching is not due to start until 1 February when the 2nd Semester begins. The Government has said the wider return of students currently planned for the two-week period beginning 25 January will be kept under review in light of the situation then with Covid. It is therefore possible that teaching on campus can resume as planned from 1 February. In the meantime, the on-line assessment period in January and the virtual UoBe Festival will continue as previously announced. We do understand and appreciate the difficulties and concerns this may bring for students and we will provide further information shortly about additional support arrangements.

We are currently waiting detailed guidance from the Department for Education and we will be back in contact with students and staff as soon as we are able to provide more information.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Colleges

Professional Services