What local Covid-19 restrictions are in place for UCLan campuses and what does it mean for the University?

You may have seen in the news that all areas of the UK are now in one of three ‘tiers’ depending on the number and growth of their COVID cases. Preston and Burnley like the whole of Lancashire, is currently in Tier 3, which means that the COVID alert level is classed as ‘very high’.

In tier 3 Government measures have been put in place to minimise social interactions and reduce unnecessary travel between different areas. However, you will still be allowed to travel and attend university, as this like work, is classed as essential.

New laws mean you cannot meet anyone outside of your own household in their homes, gardens, or in hospitality venues like bars or restaurants. You can meet them outside for a walk, but no more than six people may meet outside. The good news is that in your flat, you will be classed as a household – so you can continue to socialise with those you live with, in the same way you could if you were a family.

Additional restrictions also mean pubs and bars that are not serving substantial food are currently closed in Tier 3 areas, however gyms are allowed to stay open.

Westlakes is currently under Tier 1 ‘medium’ which means you are free to meet with others outside of your household, as long as no more than six of you, and pubs can remain open.

Find out about the tier system on the Government website.

January start arrangements

Can I still apply to start this January?

Due to overwhelming demand some January start courses have closed to international applications. They are MBA, MSc IT Security, MSc Computing, MSc Applied Public Health; BSc (Hons) Nursing Top up and BA (Hons) Business and Management. The deadline for international applications for other programmes is 1 November. Once you have decided which course you want to study you will need to check the entry requirements for your country. As some courses have limited places, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible. View the courses available for mid-year starts.Can I transfer to the University of Central Lancashire from another University? Yes, but first we will need to check what you have studied already and which course you are interested in at the University of Central Lancashire. Do you have special scholarships because of COVID-19? All our standard scholarships and bursaries will continue to be offered for January 2021 entry. You can find out about these on our scholarship page.Will my course go ahead as planned in January?

We’re planning for our courses to start as usual in January, although their delivery may look a little different this year. We are in the process of confirming the details of what January learning will look like for each course, but this will likely be a blend of online learning and face-to-face learning, where safe and necessary to do so. We will share updates on our information page for prospective students and applicants.

What will freshers/welcome week be like this year? We can’t wait to welcome our new students in January. We know it’s important for you to get to know your surroundings and make friends in the early days of starting university. We are planning welcome week now and will be in touch with more information in the coming weeks. How will I make friends and meet my peers this January? Every student thinks about making new friends when they start University, and the good news is, we are here to help! Although the delivery of your course may be a little different this year you will still be able to chat to peers and make friends as our online platform is great for 1-1 and group chats. If you are staying in university halls, then the accommodation team will be on hand to help you settle in and meet other people through virtual events and activities. Your flat will be considered as one household so you will be able to socialise with your flatmates, even if restrictions remain around meeting other people. The Students’ Union also runs a range of sports clubs and societies and a regular programme of online or socially distanced events. How do I access support or discuss arrangements for specific health needs?

If you have medical, health or other specific requirements for your studies it is best to get in touch with our Inclusive Support team who can work with you on a study plan for the coming academic year.

International students

January start arrangements

Can I study part-time?

Part-time study options are not usually available for international students due to visa requirements.

How will interviews work?

We are conducting interviews by Microsoft Teams or telephone where it is necessary for you to have an interview. We will be in touch to arrange this with you following receiving your application and an initial assessment of your suitability. Please wait to hear from us to arrange this.

Will courses in January start as planned?

Courses that start in January will start as usual and we are looking forward to growing our international student community.

What is the date of last enrolment?

We appreciate the additional challenges students are facing this year; and many of those challenges are beyond your control. For this reason, we are allowing for a later date of arrival/enrolment of 29 January (for international students).

However, please note that this year international students are required to enrol online – you will receive a direct email with detailed instructions on how to do this. It is important that you complete this exercise as soon as you are able to do so.

What English Language tests are you accepting?

In view of the current circumstances, we have expanded our list of recognised English language qualifications for entry in January. Please visit your home country page, and here you will see all the general qualifications we accept, but also if we accept any specific qualifications from your country, such as your High School certificate.

My results are delayed / my exams have been cancelled - what should I do?

We are currently monitoring the situation in all of our international markets. If you have an individual specific concern, please email us.

When and how should I submit my outstanding documents?

Our courses will be starting in January and so you need to continue to submit your documents as originally planned, but please do not submit them by post as some teams are working remotely so will not receive them. If you are having trouble securing any documentation due to COVID-19 please let us know by emailing iadmissions@uclan.ac.uk

How do I get from the airport?

Even if you have to quarantine on arrival into the UK, you are still able to travel to your registered address.

Nearer to January you will be able to book an airport collection, and we will send you more details nearer the time. You can also take the train or a taxi. There is a direct rail link between Manchester airport and Preston train station. Full details of the train services are available on our welcome pages.

You are required by law to wear a face covering on all public transport in the UK and this includes private hire taxis and our airport collections, so please make sure you bring one with you.

In countries where lockdown is still enforced and there is an active travel ban, how do students from that country join the course in January?

If a travel bans remain in place in January, we would encourage students to defer their study plans until September 2021 if there is a September intake of this course.

I am starting a course in January but I will have to quarantine when I arrive. How will I collect my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

We are waiting for confirmation of the Biometric Residence Permit collection process as temporary arrangements were put in place for September. We will provide more information on this as soon as we can.

I’m an international student, my government is saying flights will be cancelled for the foreseeable future, how will this impact my studies if I can’t attend university in January?

Because we deliver teaching in lots of different ways we have planned for this scenario. We expect to make most of our teaching resources available online and offering online alternatives to lectures, seminars etc for people who need them. Please check your emails and this page for updates.

EU & International Students

International Students – Before you Arrive

Arriving in the UK

International Students – First Few Days

Visa Advice

Useful Information

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