A new survey of international students by the British Council has found a 12% fall in overall international student numbers. There’re around 115,000 Chinese students come to the UK in 2020/21.
“Prospective international students are facing a lot of uncertainty, but many are clearly trying to find a way to keep their overseas study plans,” said Matt Durnin, the author of a report for the British Council.
“There is a window of opportunity over the next two months to create a greater sense of certainty about the upcoming academic year. If responses are clear and quickly communicated to prospective students, UK higher education will face a much more manageable scenario.” Also this is the window of opportunity to do marketing in China and engage with the students.
“The survey of prospective students found that 29% said they were likely to delay or cancel their plans to study. A majority of postgraduate applicants said they would rather postpone the start of their studies until January 2021 than begin with online teaching in autumn, while 46% of undergraduate applicants agreed.” For PBSA this means students are potentially coming later, delaying arrival until January 2021.
Here’s part of the universities’ open day and the format.
1. University of Oxford
Online Campus Open Day: 1st to 2nd July
Course Format: Face-to-face teaching and research supervision will be complemented by high-quality online activities where necessary. This will be subject to conditions prevailing at the time and always with the health and safety of students and staff as the priority.
Oxford University’s teaching methods plan to return to school normally, autumn semester time: October 11, 2020, to December 5, 2020
2. University of Cambridge
The lecture method of Cambridge University is changed to online teaching. Fall semester time: October 6, 2020, to December 4, 2020
3. University College London
Online Campus Open Day: 29th June to 4th July
Course Format: Safety is paramount and as the pandemic progresses, social distancing requirements will guide how much teaching can be delivered face-to-face at any given time.
The UCL FAQ for freshmen stated that applicants from other countries are still accepted. The semester starts on September 28th. “We are making every effort to limit the possible impact of the epidemic on UCL applications. Our admissions team is also doing our best to process all applications and provide admission results as soon as possible.”
UCL fall semester time: September 28, 2020, to December 18, 2020
4. London School of Economics
LSE said that it is committed to opening the campus in September this year to welcome new students and returning students and to provide offline teaching for all students from the autumn semester. However, LSE also emphasized that the specific teaching format (offline teaching, online teaching or mixed teaching) will still be based on scientific advice and government policies.
LSE Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020, to December 11, 2020
5. University of Manchester
Online Campus Open Day: 5th to 19th June
Course Format: In semester 1, large lectures will be delivered online and supported with timetabled activity to structure student’s study week. Students will still have safe, face-to-face contact with academics through seminars, tutorials, practicals and other teaching activities on campus. Exactly how this works will depend on UK Government advice, especially on social distancing, at the time.
The University of Manchester said that all lectures in the fall semester will be changed to online teaching, and the formal course will begin in October 2020. The graduate program also offers another option. You can return to campus for offline study on the recommendation of the British government in November.
UM semester time: undergraduate and prep students start on October 5, 2020, graduate students start on October 26, 2020
6. University of Edinburgh
Online Campus Open Day: On-campus only from Sept
Course Format: The University of Edinburgh will be open and ready to teach at the start of the new academic year, delivering high-quality education to its students. The University intends to use a hybrid approach – a blend of on-campus teaching with online elements that allows everyone to continue with their studies.
At present, the opening time of the University of Edinburgh is scheduled for September 21. The official website warns students that it is expected that many people will apply for the extension, so the university will set a quota “limit”.
Edinburgh Fall Semester Time: September 21, 2020, to December 21, 2020
7. King’s College London
KCL said it plans to start school normally in September, and is actively planning teaching methods such as on-campus teaching and online teaching to ensure that students can get high-quality teaching.
Online Campus Open Day: 20th to 25th July
Course Format: Intention is that small group teaching activity such as seminars will be delivered on campus. Large teaching events such as lectures will be delivered online for at least the first semester.
KCL Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020, to December 18, 2020
8. Imperial College of Technology
The teaching method of Imperial College of Technology is scheduled to return to school normally, and the autumn semester time: October 8, 2020, to December 18, 2020
9. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is delayed to start on October 5th, and the taught master’s degree starts on October 19th. In the new school year, a mixed approach is adopted. Tutor classes are taught face-to-face. Large classes may be online.
10. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow stated that the undergraduate start date for September 2020 is still September 21, and the latest start date for international students is October 5 (except for some majors). There is currently no statement about whether the online course will start. The official website stated that students who wish to postpone enrollment for one year for reasonable and special reasons can apply.
For students affected by the epidemic and unable to enrol in 2020 or considering an extension to 2021, the University of Glasgow can arrange a refund of the deposit.
University of Glasgow fall semester time: September 21, 2020, to December 18, 2020
11. University of Warwick
According to the official website information, Warwick’s school opening time remains unchanged, and overseas exchange studies are also planned as usual, but the school will also pay close attention to changes in the situation.
Warwick University Fall Semester Time: October 5, 2020, to December 12, 2020
12. St Andrews University
Scotland’s oldest university, St Andrews University, stated that it will “adopt two modes of instruction in the fall of 2020.” St. Ann said: “For freshmen and old students who can safely arrive at the school, they can study normally on the campus of St. Andrews University.”
St. Andrews University Fall semester time: September 14, 2020, to December 18, 2020
13. Durham University
Durham University said that it welcomes freshmen to enrol and plans to begin offline classes on October 5. At the same time, Durham University also said that the specific method of teaching depends on the British government’s blockade measures. High-quality online teaching is also ready.
Durham University Fall semester time: September 28, 2020, to December 11, 2020
14. University of Southampton
The FAQ page of the Southampton epidemic situation does not give the first-semester start method, but the start time is set to September 24.
University of Southampton Fall semester time: September 24, 2020, to December 12, 2020
15. Lancaster University
The official website of Lancaster University said that the university is preparing for online teaching in the fall semester, and plans to start school on October 5, 2020.
The official website information shows that the university is making all-round preparations so that it can provide teaching at any time. The teaching method may be online teaching, face-to-face teaching, or a combination of online and offline.
16. University of Exeter
According to British media reports, a spokesperson for the University of Exeter has confirmed that all lectures will be changed to online courses. The school is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2020.
17. University of Leeds
According to the official website of the University of Leeds, it is still planned to start school normally in September this year. However, due to the epidemic situation, the following adjustments may be made: flexible arrival dates; some online courses are provided in the first semester, or the start date of offline teaching is delayed.
Leeds University Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020, to December 11, 2020
18. University of Sheffield
Online Campus Open Day: 27th June, 11th July
Course Format: Face-to-face teaching in small groups, where social distancing may still be maintained, supported by digital delivery.
The University of Sheffield said it hopes to start school in September instead of January. Freshman Week is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 21. If there are any changes, we will notify you in time.
University of Sheffield Fall semester time: September 28, 2020, to December 19, 2020
19. Queen Mary University of London
QMUL University’s official website information stated that it plans to start school normally in September this year. If students are unable to return to campus, they can also postpone enrollment until September 2021. However, deferred admission can only be applied once, and the duration cannot exceed one academic year.
Queen Mary University of London Fall Semester Time: September 14, 2020, to December 11, 2020
20. University of Birmingham
The start time of Birmingham remains unchanged, and the welcome week starts on September 21. Besides, it will provide tuition discounts for students who continue to stay in the university for a master’s degree.
University of Birmingham Fall Semester Time: September 21, 2020, to December 20, 2020
21. Oxford Brookes University
The school’s vice-principal confirmed to the students that it still plans to start school in September, although it still requires a certain social distance. The university also plans to teach online, “This will completely replace face-to-face teaching or be used with some face-to-face teaching methods.”
Online Campus Open Day: 27th June
Course Format: Committed to remaining flexible and adaptable and will be preparing to ensure they can support students whatever the circumstances in September.
22. York University
Charlie Jeffery, vice president of York, told the students in an email that the school will start as scheduled in September. The email also revealed that the planned first semester of online courses and face-to-face teaching are in parallel.
York University Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020, to December 4, 2020
23. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is considering the start plan for the next academic year, and the start date has not changed (September 21). In the absence of open days, the University of Nottingham will provide a series of online lectures, videos, and instant discussions, so that the target freshmen can talk to students and teachers.
Part-time master’s courses start in October 2020 or January 2021 (University will give final decision before June 12)
24. University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle said that the start date of the new academic year will remain the same (September 28), but students will be notified if there are changes. He also said that if the epidemic is still serious by that time, a mixed distance and face-to-face teaching model may be adopted.
Newcastle University Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020, to December 18, 2020
25. University of the Arts London
Online Campus Open Day: 16th and 17th June.
Course Format: A mix of on-campus and online activities.
The method of teaching at the London University of the Arts is undecided, and the start date has been postponed. Fall semester time: October 19, 2020, to December 18, 2020
26. City, University of London
Online Campus Open Day: 27th June
Course Format: May temporarily start programmes online until such time that teaching can take place in person, or a combination of both face-to-face and online, depending on restrictions.
The official website of the University College London said that it plans to start school normally in September, but it will also review the current plan.
University of London City College Fall semester time September 21, 2020, to December 4, 2020
27. Cardiff University
According to Cardiff University’s official website information, the president of the university issued a message to faculty and staff on May 21st that he planned to return students to campus and student dorms in September. The message also pointed out that this plan will be carried out when feasible, and said that employees will be notified of the latest news at any time.
Cardiff University Fall Semester Time: October 5, 2020, to January 31, 2021
28. Coventry University
Online Campus Open Day: 19th, 20th June and 10th, 11th July
Course Format: Making full preparations to allow them to offer the greatest flexibility they can.
Coventry University’s teaching methods are undecided, and the campus remains closed. Fall semester time: September 21, 2020, to December 4, 2020
29. Royal Holloway College
The official website information shows: Royal Holloway still plans to open the school on September 21st. The FAQ about the extension said: Occasionally, there may be applicants who want to extend. We also have standard application procedures. However, under the current circumstances, it is recommended that you wait until the official instructions are published before applying.
In the upcoming new semester, the school has adapted to face-to-face and online courses and has communicated their choices to students who cannot go to the university. Some courses are scheduled to start in January
Royal Holloway College Fall Semester Time: September 21, 2020 to December 11, 2020
30. Loughborough University
For undergraduate courses, Loughborough University said it is planning to start classes this fall. The school will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of the British government. If the course start date needs to be changed, the school will contact the student. For graduate programs, Loughborough University said it will make arrangements for students who cannot be returned to school due to the outbreak, including online courses and some courses offered on campus during the first semester. Besides, for some courses, the school also offers the option to postpone enrollment until January 2021.
Loughborough University Fall semester time: September 28, 2020 to December 11, 2020
31. University of Liverpool
Online Campus Open Day: 19th to 20th June
Course Format: Aim is to provide every student with a mix of face-to-face teaching in smaller group classes and laboratories (not large lectures) and virtual teaching sessions.
According to the official website, Liverpool was among the first universities to cancel face-to-face courses earlier this year, but the start of the next school year will remain unchanged. For students affected by the epidemic, the University of Liverpool will allow one year delay in admission and application. The latest registration date of the school is two weeks after the start of school (October 12). Liverpool University Fall semester time: September 28, 2020 to December 18, 2020
32. Queen’s University of Belfast
The Queen’s University of Belfast plans to return to school normally, autumn semester time: September 21, 2020 to December 18, 2020
33. University of Essex
The University of Essex plans to return to school normally. Fall semester time: October 8, 2020 to December 18, 2020
34. University of Leicester
The method of teaching at the University of Leicester is undecided and may be taught online. Fall semester time: September 28, 2020 to December 18, 2020
35. University of Reading
The University of Reading official website stated that it plans to welcome students back to campus at the beginning of the fall semester, but it also depends on the government’s guidance before the start of school.
University of Reading Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020 to December 11, 2020
36. University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen postponed the start of school on September 21.
Aberdeen University Fall Semester Time: September 21, 2020 to December 18, 2020
37. University of Bath
Course Format: Face-to-face small-group teaching and research supervision will be complemented by high-quality online activities where necessary, particularly large group lectures. This will be subject to conditions prevailing at the time and always with the health and safety of students and staff as the priority.
The University of Bath stated that it plans to provide undergraduate degree programs normally in September, and all applicants will be notified of any changes. At the same time, the University of Bath said that it is preparing for the September postgraduate course, but because of uncertainty about how travel restrictions will develop, if necessary, the school may adjust the teaching method to online teaching.
University of Bath Fall Semester Time: September 19, 2020 to December 11, 2020
38. University of Surrey
The official website of the University of Surrey stated that it plans to return students to classes on campus, and it also indicated that it would adopt a combination of online and face-to-face teaching.
University of Surrey Fall semester time: September 28, 2020 to January 29, 2021
39. Swansea University
Swansea University’s teaching methods are undecided, and the start of school may be delayed. Fall semester time: September 21, 2020 to December 11, 2020
40. Aston University
Online Campus Open Day: 3rd July
Course Format: Blended learning approach that combines both online and on-campus teaching. Aston University’s official website stated that it planned to start school normally in September, and any adjustments will update the information on the official website.
Aston University Fall Semester Time: September 27, 2020 to December 19, 2020
41. University of Sussex
Online Campus Open Day: 28th to 30th July
Course Format: They will be adopting a blended approach with a mixture of remote learning and safe campus-based learning experiences.
The method of teaching at the University of Sussex is undecided and may be taught online. Fall semester time: September 21, 2020 to December 11, 2020
42. University of East Anglia
A spokesperson for the University of East Anglia said that the university is preparing to adjust the teaching method for the fall semester to online teaching. It is reported that if necessary, UEA may also use a combination of online and offline teaching. The spokesman said the university hopes to provide courses for students on campus and welcomes new students and returning students to campus, but it depends on government guidelines.
East Anglia University Fall Semester Time: September 28, 2020 to December 18, 2020
43. University of Kent
The University of Kent plans to return to school normally, the fall semester time: September 28, 2020 to December 18, 2020
44. University of Lincoln
The teaching method of Lincoln University in the UK is a combination of online and offline. Fall semester time: October 5, 2020
45. Sklad University
The official website of the University of Sklader said that it planned to start school normally in September, but it will decide after the start of the school to evaluate the situation at that time.
The University of Sklader Fall Semester Time: September 13, 2020 to December 18, 2020
46. Ulster University
Ulster University’s official website stated that it planned to start school normally in September, and any adjustments will update the information on the official website.
Ulster University Fall Semester Time: September 21, 2020 to January 25, 2021
47. University of Dundee
The start of Dundee University is delayed by 3 weeks.
Postponed to October 5 (Monday) start of school.
48. Stirling
The start date of the undergraduate course at Stirling University remains temporarily unchanged.
The 2020/21 semester will begin on September 14.
49. Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University stated that if the original start date is changed, students will be notified “as early as possible”.
50. Abertay University
Abertay University postponed the start of school on September 21.
51. Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University postponed the start of school on September 28.
52. Glasgow Caledonian University
The GCU postpones the start of the semester. Welcome Week starts on September 29 and teaching starts on October 5.
53. Bournemouth University
At present, the opening time of Bournemouth University has not changed, the official website page said: Currently working based on normal operation in the autumn, but will continue to pay attention to government suggestions or modify plans.
54. London Metropolitan University
Online Campus Open Day: 3rd to 9th July
Course Format: Developing dual delivery to comply with any social distancing and other Government guidance that may apply at the time. If unable to do that safely then will plan to offer the first semester online (where appropriate) so students can make a start from home, then join on campus for the second semester.
55. South Bank University
Online Campus Open Day: 20th June
Course Format: Delivering lectures online in semester one. Depending on advice from the UK Government, and where they think it’s safe to do so, they plan to enhance this remote delivery with some on-campus provision.
56. Sheffield Hallam University
Online Campus Open Day: 25th June
Course Format: Planning a mixture of face-to-face campus-based and online teaching for the first semester of the 2020/21 academic year.
57. Manchester Metropolitan University
Online Campus Open Day: 5th to 19th June
Course Format: Changed all programmes to deliver one unit at a time to be more flexible and to support students and reduce risk and stress. Units will be taught one after another, using a blend of online and on-campus teaching, flexing the blend throughout the year as circumstances change.
58. Liverpool John Moores University
Online Campus Open Day: 22nd to 26th June
Course Format: Several plans for bringing the university back together in line with public health guidance and they do not anticipate this affecting their academic calendar.
59. University of Brighton
Online Campus Open Day: Selection of online events
Course Format: Delivering academic programmes through a planned blend of socially distanced campus-based teaching and enhanced digital learning.
60. Bath Spa University
Online Campus Open Day: On-campus from September
Course Format: Making plans for some scenarios, including a blend of online and face-to-face teaching depending on government guidance in place in September.
61. University of Bradford
Online Campus Open Day: 20th June
Course Format: Courses will be delivered through a combination of educational technologies and face-to-face teaching on campus.
62. University of Huddersfield
Online Campus Open Day: 22nd June to 3rd July
Course Format: Aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as possible, supported by online teaching where necessary.
