Here at Staffordshire University, we are doing everything we can to support our students and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic. This page contains all of the latest updates from the University.
If you are a Staffordshire University student studying with one of our Collaborative Academic Partners, please contact the institution in question for information about local arrangements.
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Current status of our campuses
On Monday 4 January 2021, the UK Government implemented a national lockdown with immediate effect. As such, all Staffordshire University campuses are now subject to the same rules, which have replaced the previous four-tier system.
Higher education guidance
In line with the UK Government’s latest national guidance, higher education will remain online until at least mid-February for all except future critical worker courses.
Students who are undertaking training and study for the following courses should return to face-to-face learning as planned:
- Allied health professions, including operating department practitioners and paramedics
- Teacher training courses – Education (initial teacher training)
- Healthcare science practitioner training programme
- Midwifery
- Nursing (all branches)
- Social work
You may also be required to attend campus before mid-February 2021 if – as part of your course – you are due to participate in assessment activities required by a professional regulator or accrediting body in January 2021, and these activities cannot be rescheduled. If this is the case, your course leader will notify you directly.
We have compiled a summary of the latest relevant information concerning the national lockdown, including what the new restrictions mean for our students. This page includes details of changes to teaching and learning; updated assessment arrangements; student travel guidance; testing requirements; and the status of our on-campus facilities.
Please note that new guidance continues to be released by the UK Government and other official bodies on a regular basis, so whilst we may not have answers to all your questions right now, we will continue to do everything we can to keep our University community informed of any changes as further details emerge.
Information about how the new government changes relate to courses offered by Staffordshire University – as well as the latest requirements concerning COVID-19 testing – is also available in our ‘Returning to campus in 2021’ section.
Students who do not study the courses listed above should remain where they are wherever possible, and continue to engage with remote teaching and learning until at least mid-February. This includes students on other practical courses not on the list above.
If you live in University-managed or private rented accommodation, you should not move back and forward between your permanent home and term-time address during term time.
Students studying courses that are permitted to resume face-to-face teaching and learning can meet in groups of more than their household as part of their formal education or training, where necessary.
Students should expect to follow the UK Government’s latest guidance and restrictions. Please socially distance from anyone you do not live with wherever possible.
Further information concerning the national lockdown implemented on Monday 4 January 2021 is available on the gov.uk website.
Returning in 2021 and national lockdown guidance for students
The links below include the latest guidance from the UK Government with regards to the return of students in 2021, the latest national lockdown restrictions, and how these changes affect you.
Additional guidance for people living and working in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has shared the following information, urging Stoke-on-Trent residents to get tested for COVID-19 when displaying any of the following new symptoms, in addition to the three main 'classical' symptoms, however mild they may be.
This is due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases across the city, which are not being confined to one particular area.
If you are showing even the slightest symptoms, however mild, please get a test. There is plenty of capacity. Some people who test positive tell us they waited to get tested as they didn’t have 'classical' COVID-19 symptoms but did feel quite unwell. We need these people to get tested earlier.
Community testing is available and those who don’t have one of the three main symptoms but are feeling unwell can book a test at these sites. You can book a test directly from www.stoke.gov.uk.
Milder symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Feeling very tired for no good reason
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sometimes ‘tummy ache’ in children
National testing sites in Stoke-on-Trent are at Stoke City FC South Car Park and Fenton Manor Car Park. Bookings can be made via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, or ringing 119, where help is available in other languages.