Russell Group comment on plans for autumn term teaching

Commenting on plans for the return of students for the autumn term, a Russell Group spokesperson said:

"Russell Group universities are looking forward to welcoming all students back on campus for the start of the new academic year and returning to a more normal set up as soon as possible.  

"They are prioritising interactive in-person teaching, and are preparing for most seminars, small group classes and lab work to be taught in-person. This will maximise space on campus for group learning as well as for social events and support services that we know are important to students.  

"An element of online learning, which was also an important feature of university courses pre-pandemic, will continue – both to enhance learning and also to provide the flexibility to respond to public health measures or local outbreaks where necessary while minimising disruption. We know that many students see benefits in keeping some lectures online, welcoming the increased flexibility in the learning process, greater accessibility and reduced anxiety about missing course content. 

"Universities have invested significantly in the shift to blended learning, and are working to ensure the aspects of teaching, learning and assessment that have been effective online during the pandemic can be retained and built on for the future for the benefit of all students.  

"This investment has come at a time when per student funding for UK higher education has been falling. To guarantee quality and student choice can be maintained, and to meet additional rising demand on top of the demographic increase in 18-year-olds expected over the next decade, the Government should prioritise long-term sustainable funding for teaching on a per student basis at the next spending review."