We intend to start the academic year at the usual time, with our Welcome Week taking place from the 14th September and teaching commencing from 21st September.
Along with our colleagues in all other higher education providers, we are keeping a very close eye on government and Public Health England advice and guidance with regard to coronavirus and social distancing. If any changes or adaptations are necessary, we will update you.
We are planning to run a blended model of face-to-face teaching combined with online teaching. We are not planning to move all of our classes online.
It is likely that all courses will have some online delivery, which may include some classes, tutorials or a mix of both, but we will deliver as much face-to-face learning and support as we can do safely whilst reflecting the need to maintain social distancing on campus.
We are working closely with our University partners to plan for how placements will be supported in the coming year. Due to the Corona virus pandemic and related circumstances beyond our control, we may have to make some changes to aspects such as when your placements are scheduled, how many placement hours are required, or how placements are assessed. However, we have a close working relationship with our placement partners and will endeavour to minimise the effect this may have on you and your studies. Please don’t worry, you’ll have sufficient time to complete all of the required placement hours throughout the programme.
Yes. At UCO, one-to-one support from tutors and our wider support teams is a fundamental part of what makes us unique. We will continue to provide this high level of tutor support in the new academic year although it is likely that some of this will be delivered online, using video conferencing and email. We will however still offer face-to-face support on campus, utilising appropriate PPE and social distancing approaches where necessary.
Yes. Again this is a fundamental part of makes UCO unique. All of our support services are dedicated to continuing to support you as you complete your studies. In the new academic year, it is likely that some of this support will be delivered online using video conferencing, email and telephone, but there will also be face-to-face support available, utilising appropriate PPE and social distancing approaches where necessary.
Yes. Our library and learning resources such as PC rooms will be open for students to use, although we may need to restrict the capacity and also require you to use products such as sanitising hand gel when you’re on campus. At all times however, we will follow government guidance in relation to the use of facilities. Where changes are necessary, we will update you.
The precise amount of online teaching will be decided at course level, to reflect differences such as practical work, placements and equipment needs. This will be communicated to you by your course team before the start of term.
UCO will endeavour to support all students to actively engage in online learning activities. If you do not have a suitable device at home, then you should speak to your tutor or course leader at the start of term. UCO has a number of devices which we loan to students and you may also be eligible to apply to the UCO hardship fund in order to buy a suitable device.
If you have any questions at all about your studies, you should contact your tutor or course leader in the first instance. They will be able to offer advice and support and sign-post you to other support where necessary.
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of your course, then please contact the HE Student Services team on 0161 344 8800 or email info@uco.oldham.ac.uk