Cambridge University scraps in-person lectures for 2020-2021

LONDON: There will be no faceto-face lectures in the University of Cambridge in the next academic year beginning October 6 as part of plans to deal with coronavirus pandemic that has left British universities reeling with financial and other challenges.

Teaching in the current Easter term in Cambridge was moved to online in April, but university authorities have now decided to continue to teach and hold exams online in 2020-21. If the official advice changes, it may be possible to hold some small teaching groups in person.

Cambridge is among several universities bracing for lesser number of Indian and other non-EU international students turning up when the next academic year begins in September-October. The university sector has sought a bailout from the government.

A Cambridge spokesman said: “The university is constantly adapting to changing advice as it emerges during this pandemic. Given that it is likely that social distancing will continue to be required, the university has decided there will be no face-to-face lectures during the next academic year”.

“Lectures will continue to be made available online and it may be possible to host smaller teaching groups in person, as long as this conforms to socialdistancing requirements. This decision has been taken now to facilitate planning, but as ever, will be reviewed should there be changes to official advice on coronavirus.” Universities moving to a virtual learning environment will deprive students of “campus experience”, which is one of the key attractions of international students to come to the UK.

REUTERS Cambridge sent students home and moved all its teaching online in April as the UK went into lockdown.