Online university lectures ‘should become the norm’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been urged to ensure online tuition at universities "becomes the norm", because of concerns over the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on students.

The University and College Union (UCU), has, in a letter, accused some institutions of adopting a "stubborn position" over requiring in-person teaching because they depended on rent from student accommodation.

The union's comments come as thousands of students self-isolate following a surge in cases at universities.

In her letter, Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said the union – which represents academics and university staff – was "not prepared to take chances with the health of students, our members and the communities they serve".

She said: "It is clear that remote learning should be the default for campus life while we are in this precarious position with the virus.

"Whilst other sectors are being encouraged by the Government to work from home to help control the spread of the virus, universities are requiring staff to travel across their local regions to work onsite and in-person with any number of students.

"We have concerns that universities are taking this stubborn position because they depend on rents from student accommodation - and because your own Government refuses to step in and underwrite universities' lost income for the duration of the pandemic."

Meanwhile, Ni cola Dand ridge, chief executive of the Office for Students (OfS), which is the higher education regulator in England, said her organisation would be "looking very closely" at the quality of education being provided by institutions.