Buckinghamshire New University has announced its plans for all students to receive a blend of face-to-face teaching and online learning across all its courses from September, when its new academic year will begin on schedule.

Work is already underway across the University’s campuses to create a COVID-safe environment in time for the new academic year.

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University, said:

‘We’ll ensure that our students receive as much face-to-face teaching – while observing social distancing rules - as possible. Although we don’t know exactly what public health guidance will be in place in September, we can promise to do everything possible to make our students’ University experience with us as close to normal as it can be in a COVID-safe environment.

‘Protecting the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone in our University community will remain at the heart of all that we do.’

The University has worked with Bucks Students’ Union to develop an accommodation package for 2020/21 to reassure applicants and current students who may be concerned about committing to contracts. Rooms in the University’s COVID-safe student accommodation will start at £80 per week.

Professor Nick Braisby said: ‘It’s important that we do the right thing by our students, and so we’re offering a flexible contract period and won’t be charging deposits. We’ve also promised to release students from contracts at no cost if there’s another public health crisis which prevents them from accessing our campuses.

‘We’ll also make sure that students continue to have access to all the advice and support they need to reach their full potential, through our friendly and approachable University and Students’ Union teams. We’re working in partnership with the Students’ Union to ensure that together we provide the best overall student experience.’