Students ask to repeat year to make up for course chaos

THERE has been a rise in the number of university students asking to repeat the year, with one vice-chancellor saying he has seen a five-fold increase.

The proportion of undergraduates seeking to defer their studies is now “significantly higher” than it has been in previous years, according to Prof Steve West, who leads the University of the West of England. He said “We have already had a number of students who have suspended their studies, they have already chosen to delay and repeat the year.

“The number is significantly higher than previous years. Each year we would probably have around 100 students want to repeat the year – this year it is four or five times that amount.”

His remarks come amid mounting frustration among approximately one million students who do not know when they will be allowed to return to campus. Medical students and those training to be teachers and social workers were allowed to return in January, and those taking practical or creative arts courses were invited back on March 8. But humanities and social sciences undergraduates have all been told to stay at home until further notice.

“They are paying exactly the same fee as every other student and they are being denied access to the university and the facilities,” Prof West said. “There is a huge inequality and unfairness in that.”

Experts have warned that repeating a year – either because students feel they have missed out on academic or social opportunities due to the pandemic – is “not a cheap option”.

Nick Hillman, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said it could cost students £40,000 as they are taking on an extra year of debt as well as missing out on earnings by delaying their entry into the labour market.

Earlier this week, university chiefs wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to give “urgent” clarity on when students can return to campus. They warned that forcing university students to stay at home is “illogical” when they are able to go to spas, zoos and theme parks from Monday.

Prof David Green, vice-chancellor of Worcester University, which has seen a 34 per cent rise in demand for student counselling, said: “If we are not allowed to bring the students back soon there is a danger of a mental health pandemic being created unnecessarily.”

A Government spokesman said a timeline for the return of all students was under review and an update was due “by the end of the Easter holidays”.