Coronavirus FAQs
Here at University Centre Myerscough, we are determined to provide the best experience for you during these extraordinary circumstances. We are thinking about some of the questions that you may have and we’ve tried to answer these below. We will let you know any changes via updates to these FAQs, or by direct communication (email or letter).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any changes to the content of the course?
No, there are no anticipated changes to the content of the course. However, depending on Government restrictions in place at the time, changes may be required to some activities (for example, trips and visits may need to be done differently or on an alternative date). We will let you know if there are any changes to specific activities.
Do I have a choice on how I study?
If you have medical, health or other specific requirements for your studies, you will need to get in touch with our Student Support and Inclusive Learning teams who can work with you on a study plan.
Are there any changes to the length of the course?
No, there are no anticipated changes to the length of the course. If the pandemic does continue to impact on any specific aspects that may affect the length of the course (for example, arrangements for placements), we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Are there any changes to how the course will be delivered?
As Government restrictions are lifted, we aim to return to normal on-campus delivery as far as we are able to do so.
We know how important it is that you have normal on-campus face to face delivery and we are planning to maintain this as much as possible following any ongoing social distancing guidelines and health and safety measures.
While social distancing requirements are in place, some large group lectures or modules may include online sessions delivered through our virtual learning environment (Canvas and Teams) until those social distancing restrictions are lifted. However, we will endeavour to keep this to a minimum. Where possible, any online large group lectures or modules will be supported by face to face small group seminars or workshops.
Where possible, all our normal support services and learning resources, such as our Library and HE Centre, will also be provided as normal following the same social distancing guidelines and safety measures.
Are those plans likely to change?
We may have to change our delivery plans if the Government guidance introduces further restrictions, or if we see a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in a particular subject area.
In this instance, we will continue to prioritise the continuation of face-to-face provision, where possible, particularly for practical and lab-based learning.
In the event of any further lockdown periods, we will follow the latest Government guidance. This may mean moving to remote delivery or an increased level of online learning in some areas, where Government guidance requires us to do so, and we will inform you directly if this is the case.
Students will be required to follow Government guidance published as part of any additional restrictions applied locally, including arrangements for travel and moving to and from term-time residential accommodation.
In these circumstances, we will communicate directly with students on what the guidance means for them and we will support students to do so by keeping services for students open.
Will there be changes to the way my course is assessed due to the pandemic?
We are intending that all assessments will continue as normal. However, Covid restrictions may sometimes necessitate changes to some types of assessments (for example, written exams or group work). We will let you know if there are any changes to assessments at the earliest opportunity.
Further support and guidance
If you have any further concerns, please raise these in the first instance with your tutors, Head of Area or Residential Support Team. If you feel your concerns have not been adequately addressed there is a formal Complaints Policy and process you can use by emailing complaints@myerscough.ac.uk.
What support is available to me?
We are aware that the pandemic may have affected some students more than others. We have an extensive range of services to support all our students throughout their studies. All our student support services are available on-campus following any ongoing social distancing and health and safety measures. Some services may be by appointment only and remote meetings may be required in some cases while social distancing requirements are in place.
If you have any questions, or you are concerned about your own, or the health and wellbeing of your friends, please feel free to talk to the Core Team of Student Support and Welfare Officers and Counsellors. If you are a residential student, you can also access the support of our Residential Support Team. Below is a list of key emails / phone numbers for support, should you need them:
- Residential Support team 24hrs: 07889754287
- Safeguarding: safeguarding@myerscough.ac.uk , 01995 642348 / 01995 642205 / 07407304267
- Core / student support and welfare: 01995 642348 (Monday- Friday 9-5)
- Residential Accommodation: reshelp@myerscough.ac.uk (not 24 hours)
- Mentalhealthsupport@myerscough.ac.uk (not 24hrs)
Will my award change because of the pandemic?
No, your award will remain as advertised.
Will the pandemic change the location of where teaching may be delivered?
No, on-campus teaching will continue at University Centre Myerscough (Bilsborrow, Preston centre) as normal. A small number of modules are delivered at our partner UCLan in Preston and these will continue as advertised on the relevant course factsheet, Covid restrictions permitting, or unless informed otherwise by your tutor.
Are there any changes to the cost of the course?
Tuition fee payments and costs remain the same and tuition fee loans remain available as normal. Please make sure you continue to make arrangements to pay your fees as you would normally. Any additional costs for your course are detailed on the relevant course factsheet. We will let you know what you need to do if there are any changes.
What financial support is available for me?
We know that many of you will have been affected financially by the pandemic and we have a wide range of bursaries and scholarships available to support you in your studies. All our standard scholarships and bursaries continue to be offered and you can find out about these on the Fees and Finance page on our website.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Finance Team (studentfinance@myerscough.ac.uk) to discuss the financial support available to you.
What Covid-19 safety measures will University Centre Myerscough put in place?
While Covid restrictions are in place, we have detailed risk assessments to ensure our students and staff are protected. The main arrangements are around social distancing, hand sanitisation and cleaning regimes. While Covid restrictions are in place, all students are also provided with face coverings which they are expected to wear on campus at all times and while travelling to campus on public transport.
Where students have specific requirements due to Covid such as those who need to self-isolate, international students and those whose personal circumstances may affect their ability to participate in remote learning, we will discuss arrangements and support requirements on a case by case basis to ensure that those students can continue with their studies, where possible.
We will keep these measures under review as Government guidance changes and further details of our Covid-19 safety measures will be provided through tutorials, signage and regular information updates.
What happens if there is an outbreak at University centre Myerscough?
Our Covid safety measures have been highly successful in ensuring that the number of positive tests for our staff and students on-campus has been extremely low throughout the pandemic. However, if someone tests positive in a curriculum group or residency accommodation household, we will assess the impact on others in the group and let them know if an isolation period is required. In the event of isolation being required, we will continue to provide access to lectures, learning materials and assessments through remote delivery to minimize disruption to your studies.
Information for Enquirers/Applicants
Can I apply to start next September?
Applications are open for September as normal. Please see the relevant course factsheet on our website for details of how to apply.
Will the changes in the calculation and publication of A-level and vocational level 3 results have any impact on my application or offer?
The changes in calculation and publication of A-level and vocational level 3 results should not affect the offer we make you. We assure you that all awarded grades will be treated as robustly and consistently as any other year. We will still make you a conditional offer which we will be able to confirm as soon as results are available.
Can I transfer to University Centre Myerscough from another higher education course?
Yes, but first we will need to check what you have studied already and which course you are interested in at University Centre Myerscough. Please contact or Admissions Team in the first instance (HE@myerscough.ac.uk)
I am an international student? How does this affect me?
Our admissions team will be liaising with you prior to the start of the academic year to confirm the arrangements for your offer and for starting the course. You should continue to supply your documents and make arrangements for your deposit as usual. The advice from the UK Government on visas and travel arrangements is being regularly updated so please keep an eye on the UK Government website.
What support is available to me for my studies?
We are aware that the pandemic may have affected some students more than others. We have an extensive range of services to support all our students throughout their studies through our central support services in the CORE and through our Inclusive Learning team for students who have additional learning needs or DSA requirements. Further details of our support services are available on our website: https://www.ucmyerscough.ac.uk/students/support/.
What financial support is available for me?
We know that many of you will have been affected financially by the pandemic and we have a wide range of bursaries and scholarships available to support you in your studies. All our standard scholarships and bursaries continue to be offered and you can find out about these on the Fees and Finance page on our website. Please do not hesitate to contact our Finance Team (studentfinance@myerscough.ac.uk) to discuss the financial support available to you.
Can I still book my accommodation?
Yes, bookings for our residential accommodation will be open as usual. Everyone who has accepted their offer will receive details from us letting you know how to book your Myerscough residential accommodation. Further details will also be available on our website.
What will welcome week be like?
We can’t wait to welcome our new students in September and we are planning a range of welcome week activities for you to get to know your surroundings and make friends in the early days of starting your course.
We are also planning some pre-arrival activities over the summer which are going to be a great way to get you started even before the course starts. We will be in touch with more information prior to the start of your course.
What if I want to defer?
We would encourage you to start your courses as planned. The wider impacts of the global pandemic are not yet known so it is still a good time to get started with your studies.
How will this pandemic affect future job opportunities?
We are facing a global pandemic so we do not yet know how job prospects will be affected in the UK or around the world. We believe that the more experience, skills and knowledge graduates have the more employable they will be when the pandemic is over.