Postgraduate Taught Students - Return to campus for blended learning: update on face to face teaching

Dear Postgraduate Taught Students,

I wrote to you on Monday to provide an update on our plans for a phased return to face-to-face teaching during the Autumn Term 2020. In my update, I indicated that the latest data on COVID-19 infection levels on our campuses (published on our dashboard) suggests that, notwithstanding the move of Essex County to Tier 2 on 17 October, our campuses remain COVID-secure environments. In order to continue to manage our campuses safely, I confirmed that we had decided to postpone the return to face-to-face teaching for many students in Phase 2 (planned to return to face-to-face-teaching on 2 November 2020).

The allocation of students to phases was based on the learning needs of specific groups of students and their courses. We have prioritised an earlier return to face-to-face teaching for students whose programmes required some face-to-face delivery. I am pleased to let you know that, as a postgraduate taught student, from 9 November 2020, your programme has been approved for a return to face-to-face teaching (if such teaching is scheduled on your timetable as part of the delivery of your course).

I know that some of you have already been accessing face-to-face teaching since the beginning of the term. This decision confirms that, where it is scheduled, it will continue. For those of you who have not, you will be able to access your new timetable on 1 November, and any scheduled face-to-face teaching from 9 November 2020.

When will I receive my updated timetable?

All student teaching timetables will be updated on 1 November 2020 to reflect delivery arrangements from 9 November. Your updated timetable, published on 1 November, will cover the rest of the Autumn term.

If you need more information, your departmental timetable also provides information for all modules and the times, days and weeks that associated teaching events are scheduled. You can use this timetable to see when teaching is scheduled while you are waiting for your personal timetable to be updated.

If you have any questions about your timetable, please read our frequently asked questions. Your Department or School can answer any questions or provide more information about your timetable or your course.

Please be assured that this decision does not affect you if you need to continue or start studying remotely now or at any point during the year. We have planned our programmes to ensure that we can adapt to the changing external environment through the year, and to offer flexibility to you to fit your learning around your own circumstances. You can still tell us at any time by going to the My Essex student portal and completing the Student Study Form. We will update your timetable with relevant links so that you can access classes and lectures remotely.

Can I apply for accommodation on campus?

We have some vacancies in campus accommodation. If you wish to apply for University accommodation, please see information on our website for advice on the next steps. Our accommodation policy is designed to be as flexible as possible.

Updates and Support

We will continue to publish information online through our dedicated COVID-19 webpages to support you as the answers become available. We are working with the Students’ Union to ensure the information we provide responds to the questions you have and the issues that are of most concern to you.

Our Student Services Hub for Colchester, Southend and Loughton are operating in-person, phone, email and live chat facilities and can provide information on our range of mental health and emotional support services. The Students’ Union Advice service is also available for you.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that, if you need to quarantine and/or self-isolate at any point during the academic year, we have developed a full programme to support you. Please remember to let us know by email to ensure appropriate support can be provided: covid19@essex.ac.uk.

I wish you continued success in your studies during this year.

Best wishes,

Richard Stock
Academic Registrar