Access to university facilities from 8 March 2021 for Level 3, UG and PG

Please note we are basing our plans on the timetable as set out in the government roadmap which could be amended dependent on the course of the pandemic.

The information on this story applies to Level 3, undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you are a foundation student, please read our latest update on your teaching and facilities.

You can keep up to date with the latest information on the UK government website.

Spring term

Teaching - remainder of spring term (8 - 26 March)

Teaching for all courses will remain online during the remainder of the spring term.

We have put in place a range of measures designed to ensure that students at all levels of study are not academically disadvantaged in the results and awards you achieve this year.

Access to buildings and facilities (8 - 26 March)

For students who are in London, our college buildings will be open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm from 8 March for self-directed learning until the end of the spring term (26 March).

Some studios and workshops will be available and there will be access to limited technical support, subject to demand and availability of staff. You will need to book a space before you come into college. You will be contacted separately by your college with information about booking a space.

From 8 March, libraries at all colleges will be resuming a click and collect service for access to collections and resources. Learning Zones and library study spaces will also be open with bookable spaces. Details about accessing these services will be available on the library services page.

Our full online enquiry service continues for Libraries, including our Live Chat service offering instant enquiries and referrals service.

You will have access to loan stores from 8 March until the end of term - please check locally for opening times.

There will be limited catering on the larger sites - coffee and snacks only and shops will be open for counter service.

Anyone who comes on site will need to continue to follow any government guidance and adhere to the UAL Community Pledge at all times.

Please note that the High Holborn building will remain closed throughout this period.

Access to buildings and facilities during spring break (26 March – 12 April)

There will be access to some facilities during the spring break and we will send you more details in due course about what will be open and available.

Summer term

Teaching during summer term

For the summer term, we are committed to your return to the blended-learning model operated during the autumn term, subject to the national situation and government guidance.

We encourage students to join us in-person for the summer term when blended learning resumes and there is more access to facilities but it is possible to remain online for the duration of the year if you are unable to travel.

Access to buildings and facilities during summer term

It is our intention to resume blended learning for the summer term as long as no new government restrictions are in place.  Our buildings will be open, and you will be able to access facilities on your scheduled days on campus.

We will still have to carefully manage the number of people in our buildings as we expect social distancing measures to remain in place for the summer term.

We will send more details in due course.

Other Important reminders

Letting us know where you are

In order to plan your course delivery, it is important that we know whether you will be taking part in blended learning in London or online only from elsewhere during the summer term.

Please make sure you update these details on your student portal as soon as possible. You can change your plans at any point during the term but you must update your record.

Adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment

Your course teams have modified your units to enable online delivery this term and blended learning next term (subject to the lifting of restrictions mandated by UK government). We’ve also provided more time for assessment where necessary; your course team will have talked to you directly if it applies to you.

Enhanced health and safety measures in our buildings

The social distancing and safety measures we put in place for you at UAL are extensive and remain robust. Please be aware that some additional changes have been implemented for your safety:

• Unless you are exempt, students attending a UAL building for any purpose will be required to wear a face covering at all times whilst on site.
• Everyone on site must strictly observe social distancing rules, wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds; you must also use hand gel and the other sanitation equipment provided.
• If you feel ill in any way, you must remain at home and not come onto site. If you think you may have COVID-19, you must get tested and follow the NHS Test and Trace and UAL Report and Trace processes.

Community Pledge

All students and staff must adhere to the UAL COVID-19 Community Pledge at all times. This recognises the vital role we all play in keeping each other safe.

Please also remember that on 21 January, the UK government introduced a new £800 fine for those attending house parties, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400. This applies to halls of residence as well as in private accommodation.

Travel restrictions

Strict travel restrictions have been implemented by the government for arrivals into the UK. This includes requirements for both testing and quarantine when arriving from many destinations. It is essential that you carefully review the government guidance before making any travel arrangements.

Please note the university cannot cover the costs you incur as a result of any travel restrictions or requirements.

COVID-19 testing

We encourage staff and students who have no symptoms of COVID-19 to have regular tests at an asymptomatic testing centre. This will reduce the risk of transmission whether or not you are coming onto site.

Community testing for those who have no symptoms is free and is now widely available in the UK.  You should check your local borough or council’s website for the provision of testing in your area. You can also visit our COVID-19 information page for a link to the testing provision in each London borough. 

From 8 – 26 March we will be running an asymptomatic testing centre at London College of Communication. This will be available to all UAL staff and students.  We will share information about opening hours and how to book a test very soon.

If you have symptoms of the virus you must book a test via the NHS.

Reporting self-isolation or a positive test result

If you are self-isolating or you receive a positive Lateral Flow Device or PCR test result, it is essential to report this via the university’s Report COVID form.