It announced that, due to social distancing measures, it will be impossible to continue high-capacity on-campus lectures like it usually delivers.
The University does, however, plan for students to have some on-campus face-to-face teaching each week, which will be increased as social distancing measures are lifted and additional health and safety measures as introduced to campus.
The announcement came a week after the University of Cambridge announced similar measures on 19 May.
The email clarifies that all those unable to return to campus for face-to-face contact hours will continue to be supported, with all teaching and learning will also be offered online. This means that all students who do not feel safe coming onto campus, or are unable to do so because of health conditions, caring responsibilities, or international travel restrictions, will still be able to complete their degrees remotely.
The University furthermore announced changes to the shape of the 2020/21 academic year, with continuing students - those who have already commenced their studies at Newcastle - to return to campus on a phased basis from 5 October with the first day of teaching on Monday 19 October, two weeks later than originally planned.
When student return to campus they can expect to see "comprehensive safety measures" in place which include physical distancing measures, dedicated exits and entrances and one-way systems.
Furthermore, Newcastle will be one of the first cities to adopt the UK Government’s "test, track and trace".
Students with visas whose expiry dates fall between 24 January and 31 July 2020 have been reassured that if they are unable to leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to COVID-19, their visa will be extended to 31 July 2020.
One student about to start final year said: "I'm glad I can actually go on campus because I was not going to pay £9000 a year for fully online teaching."
Another student said: "It’s reassuring to students wishing to return to campus and see their friends but I wished the email was sent when all the information is received and ready to send out because I still have a lot of questions."
