2020-21: Our pledge for International Students

We want our students to know what learning and teaching will look like this year, including how courses will be taught. For the 2020-21 academic year the vast majority of our teaching will be carried out face-to-face and on campus. As the safety and security of all in our University community is our absolute priority, we have spent a long time planning measures which will allow us to safely deliver face-to-face teaching. This is our pledge to all students.

• The majority of your scheduled course teaching throughout the 2020/2021 academic year would take place face-to-face on campus.* Exact dates for your course would be sent to you if you enrolled as a BCU student.
• We will offer a flexible arrival across the first four weeks of term for those who need it, with international students allowed to start at any point until the 8th week of term to allow for any quarantine period imposed by the British Government. Should you need to take advantage of this flexible arrival, we will make sure you do not fall behind in your learning by providing you with online teaching which you will need to access at home.
• Our focus is on high-quality, small-group (groups averaging 15) teaching in person, with some digitally-enabled content to ensure no student misses any learning.
• All on-campus activity will be delivered using all necessary safety measures to keep our students and their academic tutors and advisors safe, including social distancing, and use of personal protective equipment, as appropriate.
• You would still be able to take advantage of the academic and social opportunities which University life offers – with on-campus spaces made available to clubs, societies and volunteering run by our Students' Union.
• You would also have access to a comprehensive programme of individual support provided by a range of student services including the Centre for Academic Success (study skills), Graduate Plus (employability skills), our careers service and our library and learning resources.
• Our mental health and wellbeing team, including seconded NHS staff, are here to support you throughout your time with us to ensure you achieve your full potential.

We are continuing to process applications from international students, and you are encouraged to apply even if you are unable to travel to the UK to meet usual timelines.

Our amazing National Health Service (NHS) has taken care of people from around the world during this global pandemic and will continue to do so. In addition to support from the University, NHS services are available to both domestic and international students.

You may have heard about international travel measures being introduced by the UK Government. International students should not worry; the Government has promised it will work with universities to ensure students are welcomed to the UK and are supported on arrival.

We’re frequently updating our website to keep you informed every step of the way. Visit our dedicated FAQs page for more information.

Coronavirus FAQ's

* Please note there are a small number of courses for practising healthcare workers that will have modules delivered fully online in semester one. This exception applies to the following courses: Professional Practice programme; Non-Medical Prescribing; AdvDip/BSc/Grad Cert Fundamentals of Primary Care Nursing (General Practice Nursing); BSc/PgDip Community Health Nursing Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing); BSc/PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visitor); PgCert/PgDip/MSc Safeguarding; MSc Advanced Clinical Practice; BSc/MSc Professional Practice.