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The University will commence teaching from 21 September as planned for most courses and we look forward to welcoming you for the start of the new term.
As we prepare for the new academic year and adapt to supporting your learning during the global coronavirus pandemic, the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider community remains our first priority. The University is therefore putting in place a comprehensive range of measures to make sure the campus remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and study.
Visit our Campus Commitment website for information on the commitments we are making to our current and prospective students.
This includes how we will support you on your academic journey through our connected learning model and offer you a welcoming, engaging and enriching student experience with appropriate support and campus measures to protect your health and safety.
The 2020-21 academic year will commence on Monday 21 September 2020. The precise timetable of activity varies between programmes and, due to the nature of the course, some courses have additional teaching / placements / professional practise requirements which fall outside of the normal semester dates.
We consider face to face teaching to be an integral part of a Queen's education and will continue to be so for the 2020/21 academic year. It will be complemented and supported by the use of technology to enhance the learning experience and provide greater flexibility as necessary to meet the needs of students.
Programme teams are currently working on what programmes will look like next year and we hope to be in a position to communicate these changes in early August. You will receive your registration instructions in late August and once registered you will received your timetable as well as the plans your School has for your induction to the University. We appreciate that you would like your timetable as early as possible however, as you can imagine, this is a complex process in light of the Government Covid-19 guidance that universities are required to follow this year to protect the health and safety of staff and students.
We anticipate that some students may not be able to travel to the campus for a range of reasons; however, it is our expectation that as soon as we are able we will move to face to face teaching for the majority of teaching. This will depend on the PHA rules in place at any given time.
We consider face-to-face teaching to be an integral part of a Queen’s education and teaching will be delivered face-to-face, unless social distancing measures mean that it isn’t possible. However in light of the current government guidance there will have to be an element of blended learning. The University will return to face to face teaching as soon as it is possible and always in line with government guidance.
We are committed to delivering a safe campus and will ensure that all guidelines issued by the Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland will be adhered to as a minimum.
The health and safety of students is our first priority. We have put in place a range of measures on campus to minimise the risks presented by the virus and protect you.
The University will provide all staff and students with face coverings, though students may also wish to also bring their own. Staff and students will be asked to wear a mask or face covering as necessary in accordance with relevant health guidelines.
Hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities will be provided across campus, particularly in high traffic areas and the entrance/exit of buildings.
One way traffic systems will be employed where appropriate in buildings to enable effective social distancing.
Screens and additional signage will be put in place where necessary to preserve social distancing measures.
A significantly increased cleaning regime will be put in place so all shared study, teaching and social spaces will be cleaned on a regular basis to the required standard as advised by the Public Health Agency. In most cases this will be several times a day.
Health and safety guidance will be available to all staff and students and all members of the campus community will be reminded of the need to adhere to the guidance and measures in order to protect the health and safety of everyone so that we can support your learning.
We understand that you would like to receive your teaching timetable so that you can get some sense of how often you need to be on campus. Timetabling is a complex process as we schedule multiple instances of teaching. As you can imagine it is made more so this year as we incorporate the social distancing and other PHA guidance into how we deliver face to face teaching. Normally students access their timetable once they have registered for the academic year which will be in the second week in September. If we are able to let you know sooner, Schools will make this available.
Following the recent announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive, it will be mandatory at Queen's from Monday 10 August to wear a face covering "in any indoor public space where it is not possible to maintain social distancing”. This will be applied in relevant parts of University buildings and it is essential for the safety of the whole University community that this is adhered to by staff and students.
This is a rapidly changing and fluid situation so please be aware that the University’s position may change over time to reflect changes to guidance from the NI Executive and Public Health Agency. Please continue to check your University email, University FAQ pages and social media channels for updates.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of a face covering does not reduce the importance of hand washing, good personal hygiene and social distancing, all of which are recognised as the most effective way of avoiding COVID-19.
Study spaces such as those in the libraries and Graduate School, and work areas such as office spaces have already been set-up so that social distancing can be maintained. It is therefore not mandatory for face coverings to be worn when you are at your work or study station, unless normally required as part of your role (for example in a lab or clinical setting). Similarly, one way systems and other appropriate measures have also been applied so that it is not a requirement for face coverings to be worn when moving around University buildings, for example along corridors and in stair wells. However, if you are in communal spaces such as lobby areas of buildings, social spaces and shared facilities where people tend to gather and it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 2 metres, then it is mandatory to wear a face covering from Monday 10 August.
The only exceptions have been specified by the NI Executive as follows;
There are also a small number of work settings where the mandatory use of face coverings also does not apply and staff in those areas have been made aware of this.
This reinforces the previous University position of maintaining 2 metres social distancing or 1 metre plus mitigation that was already in place. For clarity, in addition to the public/shared spaces outlined above, the wearing of a face covering may, in some instances, be one of a range of mitigations used to facilitate work to take place where social distancing of 2 metres is not possible – this is referred to as 1 metre plus mitigation.
It is not possible to be prescriptive about every potential scenario on campus where it may be necessary to wear a face-covering. All members of the community are asked to apply their common sense and act responsibly in line with public health guidance to protect themselves and those around them by wearing a face covering if social distancing cannot be maintained.
It is appreciated that many staff and students will choose to wear a face covering beyond those areas where it is mandatory as outlined above and the University fully supports this position. You should also bear in mind that for personal and health reasons that are not visible, some members of our community will not be able to wear a face covering. All staff and students are expected to respect each other’s choices in this regard.
To facilitate these guidelines, the University has a limited number of re-usable and disposable face coverings available for staff and students, should they require them.
Disposable face masks will be available from week commencing 10 August 2020, with reusable coverings available from week commencing 24 August 2020.
Disposable face masks will be available to students from the Student Guidance Centre and Student Accommodation Receptions in BT1, BT2 and BT9 from Monday 10 August. The Students’ Union on Elmwood Avenue will also have a limited supply for students from Monday 31 August.
The NI Executive have provided guidance regarding the maintenance and disposal of face coverings here and you are asked to familiarise yourself with this guidance.
We have followed all PHA advice and guidance and are communicating regularly with our staff and students. The University's Major Incident Team is overseeing coordination of all relevant activities and liaison with PHA.
The Major Incident Team have implemented a number of measures to reduce the risk of spread within the University including the following. There is more information regarding these measures elsewhere on this page.
Beyond the measures announced, the University remains open in accordance with guidance from the Public Health Agency. We are monitoring the situation closely and we continue to provide as much advice, care and support as we can to our University community.
Further updates will continue to be issued on this FAQs website and by email.
While there is limited activity on the campus, the University is still very much open for business. Most staff and students are working and studying remotely, and research is continuing where possible.
We are monitoring the situation closely in line with government guidance and will advise when it is appropriate to return to campus.
To help keep you up-to-date with the latest support, information and updates, we continue to regularly update information provided on this COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website.
We have also produced a helpful guide for students setting out the wide range of support and services available to you.
This is an evolving situation and staff and students are asked to continue to visit and regularly check the following websites for the latest updates and guidance:
We know that academic worries are one of our students' biggest concerns at the moment. All students can continue to contact academic staff for advice on assessments and academic related work including continuous course work.
In addition, UG students can find support through the Learning Development Service (LDS) via online appointments (You can book an online appointment with LDS and their material is available 24/7 via their website) and through a range of materials to help students continue with their studies.
PGR and PGT can contact The Graduate School for support.
Students may also find material on Canvas which has been posted by their respective tutors to help assist with their studies. You can find key guidance, FAQs, and Training and Support information at: blogs.qub.ac.uk/digitallearning.
We understand that this is a very difficult time and the University’s Student Wellbeing Service is on hand to offer support and guidance to all students whether you remained in Belfast or travelled home within the UK or internationally. All support services are operating remotely and would be very happy to talk to you.
Please contact the Student Wellbeing Service by emailing studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk. A member of staff will get in touch with you directly.
Queen’s Sport facilities (sport@qub.ac.uk) may be closed but the team are still here to help look after your physical and mental health. In partnership with Student Wellbeing they are providing ways for you to keep active while at home with regular fitness activities, mental and wellbeing advice, sports blogs and articles.
Queen’s Accommodation’s dedicated team of residential staff are here to help and support you with any practical needs you may have and also in maintaining your health and wellbeing.
Support includes a listening ear and access to essential provisions through the accommodation food bank.
Activities to support your virtual social life and to maintain friendships that you have made while living in halls run daily, including a daily fitness class with Paul Reynolds.
Details of all the activities can be found in the accommodation e-zine and on social media. Read the latest E-zine here.
Emotional and practical support
For emotional or practical support, the accommodation team are available and can be contacted remotely via the following details:
Phone
The Students’ Union Team continue to provide advice and support services to help support students at this challenging time.
Find out more at: https://qubsu.org/COVID-19/
No.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house/student accommodation for 14 days from when your symptoms started.
Please read the public health guidance setting out what you should do if you experience such symptoms: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance.
Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.
The University’s Student Disability and Wellbeing services (including Counselling) remains fully operational and available to you by telephone and on-line mediums including; email, MS Team Calls and Skype. This includes 1:1; assessments, consultations, coaching therapeutic interventions and bespoke advice, support and guidance through drop-in appointments.
To get in touch you can:
In addition, the service is running a daily social media campaign on self-care tips and a series of webinars focused on wellbeing self-help techniques such as; sleep management, exam and assessment stress and top tips for keeping healthy in lock down. To get notifications and updates on our campaign and webinar series, please follow us on our social media channels:
The Students Union Advice Centre is also continuing to offer a full service of support to you remotely. This includes independent advice and guidance on academic issues, housing, finances, volunteering, employment, etc. Please visit https://qubsu.org/AdviceSU/ for full details on the support offered through Advice SU.
Queen’s Sport is playing a very active role in providing free online training sessions as well as providing other health and wellbeing messaging and advice to students. Please visit http://www.queenssport.com/ActivityProgramme/AdultActivityProgramme/ for further information on classes available.
The University fully appreciates this is a challenging and anxious time for students and in some cases, this may be exacerbated by financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, the University is increasing its hardship funds to support students. This increase is coming from a combination of funds provided by donors and the University. We have also decided to use the money that the University saved as a result of industrial action in the form of withheld pay for this purpose. The funds will be aimed at students who are experiencing financial hardship caused by the exceptional circumstances as a result of COVID – 19.
All students are eligible to make an application to the hardship fund. If you have already received an award this year, you are not precluded from submitting a second application.
The University anticipates a large demand for awards from the funds and will work hard to process and pay applications on a timely basis. You can only apply to the fund using an online application, available by logging into your Qsis Student Account at https://qsis.qub.ac.uk/
For help completing the online application please click here
All supporting documentation requested during the online application process should be emailed to supportfund@qub.ac.uk.
If you do not have all documentation requested during the online application process, please submit a minimum of 2 months of recent bank statements, i.e. February and March. Please ensure that ALL bank accounts held are submitted.
Please note the Student Finance Office is currently closed and supporting documentation can only be submitted by email to the above email address.
Please follow advice published on the PHA website.
Northern Ireland now has full access to the NHS 111 helpline service on coronavirus. Callers should press 1 when they are advised. This service is provided in Northern Ireland solely for coronavirus guidance and not for other conditions.
In the case of medical emergency, call 999.
It makes sense to practice good hygiene and follow advice published on the PHA website.
Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.
We understand this news will cause concern and anxiety among our students, staff, and the wider community.
Our immediate concerns are for the affected student and family, along with the continued health and wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors.
We are working closely the Public Health Agency, who are responsible for taking the lead in any public health issue of this nature.
We are also signposting staff and students to regular updates from PHA. There are a number of support services available which can be accessed via the Student Guidance Centre.
If you are a member of staff concerned as a result of COVID-19, please contact the Staff Wellbeing Service by emailing wellbeing@qub.ac.uk.
If you are a student who is concerned as a result of COVID-19, the University’s Student Wellbeing Service can offer support and guidance. Please contact the Student Wellbeing Service by emailing studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk. A member of staff will get in touch with you directly.
The Public Health Agency has provided advice on self-isolation. Read the advice on the Public Health website here and on gov.uk here.
You should only refer to the latest guidance from the Public Health Agency, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other official authorities. The accuracy of information circulating on social media can not be verified and we ask all members of the Queen's community to remain calm and follow the official advice only.
Please do not contribute to the circulation or sharing of rumour on social media as this is unhelpful and causes unnecessary anxiety.
All events for Spring/Summer 2020 have been cancelled or postponed. This position is under constant review and may be extended.
We have established an email and call back service for staff and students to try and answer and address any additional questions or concerns. Opening hours are Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, and weekends, 9.00am - 3.00pm. Please refer to this FAQs page in the first instance before getting in contact.
Please email your query to covid19callcentre@qub.ac.uk and be sure to include your telephone number.
If you need personal health advice specifically in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus), you should call the NHS 111 service or your GP. Please do not attend your GP or emergency department without phoning in advance.
Queen's dedicated International Student Support team can provide you with specialist advice in relation to visa and immigration matters including applying for your visa to come to the UK and assisting you with any queries you may have during your time here.
Support from staff will continue Monday-Friday, 9am-5 pm with on-line resources available 24 hours a day.
Online resources
We appreciate that this is an uncertain time and you may be giving a lot of thought as to whether you should stay in Northern Ireland or return home over the summer months. Ultimately, this will be a very personal decision and one which we can support you with by exploring your individual options, concerns and implications.
We have outlined some additional FAQs which may be help you to make your decision which are detailed in this section. After you have read these, if you would still like to talk through your options please contact: studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk to arrange a virtual appointment with a member of the University’s Student Wellbeing Team.
To help assist international students the UK Home Office has introduced a number of temporary measures around visas and immigration in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The International Student Support team have remained up to date with all of these temporary immigration measures and will revise our advice and guidance as soon as each change is published. We would ask students to regularly check the ISS website for further information or If you have a query about the status of your visa. Should you require additional advice please contact ISS directly iss@qub.ac.uk
If you have decided to go home before the start of the new academic year please inform International Student Support. ISS will also be able to advise you on any possible implications for your visa.
If you are a Tier 4 student and wish to work in Belfast over the summer, depending on your course, there may still be a restriction on the number of hours you are permitted to work per week. You can find information on the International Student Support website here – http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/VisasImmigration/WorkingintheUKasaStudent/ – and contact them directly via iss@qub.ac.uk if you have any queries.
If you have any specific questions about your visa or circumstances please contact ISS directly: iss@qub.ac.uk. In addition, The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has a dedicated webpage to provide further advice to International Students and is updated regularly.
If you are in Queen’s accommodation staff can assist you to extend your accommodation contract. Please email: accommodation@qub.ac.uk to request an extension of your contract over the summer months.
If you are in private accommodation we advise that you contact your landlord to ascertain whether you can extend your contract over the summer months.
If your landlord is unable to extend your contract over the summer months, Queen’s Accommodation does offer summer accommodation to students who are not already existing residents. Please email: accommodation@qub.ac.uk to enquire about availability of summer accommodation to meet your needs.
If you are in Queen’s accommodation please email: accommodation@qub.ac.uk to notify Queen’s accommodation staff of your intention to return home including; the date you intend to leave. Upon receipt of your email a member of the team will get in contact with you to discuss your plans further and offer any assistance where possible.
If you are in private accommodation, we advise that you contact tour landlord to advise of your intention to return home prior to the end of your tenancy agreement, again it would be helpful to include the date that you intend to leave. The landlord will then be able to advise you of the process for withdrawing from your tenancy agreement early. Please note; that each private landlord is likely to respond to requests differently, so it is unlikely that any two students will be subject to the same terms and conditions.
If you would like independent advice and guidance with regards ending your tenancy agreement with a private landlord, please contact the University’s Students Union Advice team by emailing: studentadvice@qub.ac.uk
The University fully appreciates this is a challenging and anxious time for students and in some cases, this may be exacerbated by financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, the University has increased its hardship funds to support students.
All Queen’s students are eligible to make an application to the hardship fund. If you have already received an award this year, you are not excluded from submitting a second application. If you are unsure as to whether you are able to apply for the hardship fund on a first or second occasion, please contact Student Wellbeing Service or Advice SU for support, advice and guidance.
You can only apply to the fund using an online application, available by logging into your Qsis Student Account at qsis.qub.ac.uk
For help completing the online application please click here.
All supporting documentation requested during the online application process should be emailed to: supportfund@qub.ac.uk
Please note: If you do not have all documentation requested during the online application process, please submit a minimum of 2 months of recent bank statements, i.e. April and May. Please ensure that ALL bank accounts held are submitted.
The government has published guidance on immigration provisions made by the Home Office for individuals in the UK who are unable to return to specified countries and areas. Read the Home Office guidance.
If you are an International student and have any questions about your visa, please contact International Student Support
Most teaching material will be delivered via Canvas VLE or other digital platforms. Check your Canvas announcements for updates and Queen’s email for specific instructions from your School.
This will depend on the School. You are advised to check your email account.
Guidance and resources to support accessing Canvas is available for students at https://blogs.qub.ac.uk/digitallearning/students/
The University libraries and the Graduate School remains open until Sunday 22 March. If you are experiencing technical difficulties in accessing course material remotely, you should contact the IT Service Desk. Details for how to contact IT Services is available here.
For advice on how to access University web services remotely, please visit our Student Computing web pages.
You should contact the IT Service Desk. Details for how to contact IT Services is available here.
Please contact your School Office if you are concerned about the impact on your studies.
This is simply best practice to allow you to access your data off campus.
The University is putting measures in place for alternative learning and assessment to enable you to complete your courses remotely. Please contact your School for further guidance. You should also check with your home university about credit transfer for courses that you complete remotely.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are unable to give definitive guidance regarding dates by which students should return. The University is putting in place all necessary contingency measures and will continue to communicate with students via email.
All libraries and the Graduate School are closed until further notice.
You will be aware of the announcement from the Prime Minister, instructing everyone to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
The University asks all students to follow these instructions. Please do not let any concerns about your studies stop you from doing so. The only exceptions to this are those final year students on healthcare courses who are preparing to transition in to the NHS or postgraduate research students involved in crucial research who have been asked to continue to come on to campus by their supervisor.
Any students in private accommodation requiring additional support should email: studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk.
The University fully appreciates that the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has caused significant disruption to everyone. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is paramount and we have implemented a range of measures to reflect this which have required a significant degree of adjustment.
In this context, the University has done everything possible to continue to deliver education and teaching. This includes arrangements for the continued delivery of teaching online and for Semester 2 Examinations to be conducted under alternative assessment methods with additional contingency measures for students unable to complete those alternative methods. This is to ensure that as far as possible, students are not academically disadvantaged by the impact of Covid-19 and that they will be able to complete their module requirements for the academic year. In this respect, the University is not anticipating fee refunds to students.
There are two options open to you, each of which is designed to support your progression. You can either:
(i) Submit all assessments due in the current period.
(ii) Defer some or all assessments to the next available opportunity.
This depends on the type of assessment opportunity you are undertaking.
Assessment(s) - Second Opportunity for Full Marks
If your original submission date was on or after 16 March, that was your first opportunity to submit your assessment for full marks. This is the case whether or not you submitted an assessment and received a mark, and whether or not you received an assigned mark if you deferred the assessment. Your second opportunity to take an assessment for full marks will be either in the August assessment period or at the next available opportunity.
In order to avail of the second opportunity at an assessment for full marks you must have applied to your School, within the permitted period, to take the second opportunity for full marks following publication of the module results.
If you are availing of your second opportunity at an assessment, you will be required to complete a new piece of work. This applies to all assessments, including dissertations and research projects.
Assessment(s) passed on or after 16 March 2020
If you received a pass mark for submitted assessments due on or after 16 March 2020 or if you were assigned a pass mark for these assessments, you may use the August assessment period to avail of the second opportunity to take these assessments for full marks in order to improve on the mark attained. This opportunity will be without any financial implications. Following this opportunity, the highest mark will be retained.
Assessment(s) failed on or after 16 March 2020
Having failed to achieve a pass mark either on a submitted assessment or as an assigned mark at the first attempt, you may avail of the second opportunity to take the assessment(s) for full marks, without any financial implications, in the August assessment period. Following this opportunity, you will be permitted a resit attempt at appropriate assessments for a capped module mark, if required.
Assessment(s) deferred on or after 16 March 2020 where a mark was not assigned
If you deferred assessments on or after 16 March and a mark was unable to be assigned, you may take the second opportunity to submit assessment(s) in the August assessment period for full marks, without any financial implications. Following this opportunity, you will be permitted a resit attempt for a capped module mark, if required.
Assessment(s) – First Attempt
If you missed an assessment before 16 March 2020 because of exceptional circumstances that were accepted by the Board of Examiners, your first attempt at the assessment will be in the August assessment period.
If you are unable to take this assessment, you will be assigned module marks based on your previous academic performance where it is possible to do so without compromising academic standards. If it is not possible to assign a module mark, or if you wish to take the deferred assessments despite having received an assigned module mark, you may request a second opportunity to take the assessments for full marks and with no financial implications.
If you attempt the assessment in August and you are dissatisfied with your performance, you may request a second opportunity to take the assessment for full marks and without any financial implications.
Your second opportunity for full marks will take place at the next available opportunity, but we do not yet know when this will be. The highest mark will be retained.
Assessment(s) – Resits
If you failed to achieve a pass in modules, or compulsory elements of modules, completed prior to 16 March 2020, you may resit the assessment(s) in the August assessment period for capped marks.
Following this attempt, you will be permitted an exceptional second resit opportunity for capped marks, if required, at the next available opportunity.
If you are unable to take the resit assessment in August, you will be permitted an exceptional second resit opportunity for capped marks at the next available opportunity.
The August assessment period will take place between Monday 3 – Saturday 22 August 2020 and you will receive your exam timetable by Friday 24 July 2020. Your School will be in touch to communicate specific assessment arrangements.
We accept that all students are currently working in the most exceptional of circumstances, and that daily lives have been significantly disrupted. You therefore do not need to submit an application for exceptional circumstances. Boards of Examiners will take the current
emergency situation into consideration when determining final marks, whilst maintaining academic standards.
For assessments which have been scheduled as an alternative to examinations, it will not be possible to submit after the deadline. These assessments will include additional time to allow for download and upload of the assessment. You should, if possible, report any technical difficulties or disruption experienced during the assessment to your School.
If an assessment is not submitted, it will be assumed that you were unable to submit due to an emergency. Your academic progression will then be considered as if you had chosen to defer the assessment.
For coursework or other continuous assessment, Schools have been encouraged to be flexible with deadlines in the circumstances. Standard penalties for late submission will not be applied. If coursework or continuous assessment is not submitted, it will be assumed that you were unable to submit. Your academic progression will then be considered as if you had chosen to defer the assessment.
Yes, you may opt to defer assessments to the next available opportunity. See the 'What do these options mean for me?' FAQ for further details.
If you are unable or do not wish to undertake the assessment, you may inform your School in advance. However, we understand that this may not always be possible. If an assessment is not submitted, we will assume that you were unable to submit. Your academic progression will then be considered as if you had chosen to defer the assessment.
In order to enable progression and completion, Boards will assign marks where possible for students unable to take their first attempt at an assessment which was originally scheduled before 16 March 2020, during this emergency period. However, Boards will only assign marks where they have sufficient data to do so. You are therefore strongly encouraged to submit all assessments if possible. Where a Board is able to assign a mark, this will normally be based on one or more of:
If you are unhappy with your assigned mark, you will be afforded a second opportunity to take the assessment at the next available opportunity for full marks and with no financial implications. The highest mark will then be retained.
Marks will only be assigned if we can be sure that you have met the relevant programme learning outcomes. If there is insufficient evidence to assign a mark, you will be required to
avail of the second opportunity to take the assessment at the next available opportunity, for full marks and without any financial implications.
Assigned marks will not be given when students are availing of the second opportunity to take an assessment for full marks, nor for resits. Students must submit these assessments to achieve marks.
Not necessarily. Although Boards of Examiners will assign module marks where possible, there may be instances in which there is insufficient data available to assign a mark with confidence. This might include, for example:
Please be assured that if the Board of Examiners is unable to assign a module mark, you will be given the opportunity to complete the assessment at the next available opportunity for full marks and without any financial implications.
What are the progression requirements during the emergency?
To assist progression, Boards may permit undergraduate students to progress from one stage to the next having passed a minimum of four modules (80 credit points) in the current stage of study. However, this concession will only be applied on a case by case basis based on the student’s academic standing if the Board determines that it is appropriate, and if its application is not prevented by programme specific regulations. This decision will be made in the best interests of each student.
No. You will be required to complete a new piece of work. This will apply to all assessments, including dissertations and research projects.
We hope that module results will be available on Qsis by 1 September 2020. If this date needs to change we will let you know.
We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that, as far as possible, online assessments are fair and secure. Online assessments have been successfully implemented across the University throughout the Semester 2 assessment period. Therefore, we are confident that this is a fair and secure method of assessment.
As always, we expect our students to conduct themselves in an honest and professional manner. Any suspected cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, contract cheating or other misconduct will be dealt with according to the existing Procedures for Dealing with
Academic Offences. There are several penalties which can be imposed under the Academic Offences Procedure, up to and including expulsion from the University.
At this time, due to the uncertainties regarding how long current, or similar, restrictions may be in place, the University is not in a position to determine when this will be. We will take advice from government and the Public Health Agency over the coming months.
For specialised or logistically demanding assessments, the next available opportunity may be when the next cohort of students is assessed.
It is our aim, as far as possible, to build accessibility into our assessments so that you do not need to request a further adjustment. However, if you receive details of an alternative assessment and think that you may require a reasonable adjustment, please contact your Disability Officer. If we are unable to facilitate a required reasonable adjustment, you will you will be considered under the relevant regulations and will be given the opportunity to complete the assessment at the next available opportunity on campus.
For more information for Students with Disabilities please go to: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/disability/Covid-19-Info.
For some healthcare students your Centre/School will be liaising with the national regulator to confirm the details of any alternative assessments required. This could mean that there may be some differences from the approach used for other degree programmes. Your Centre/School will keep you fully informed of the assessments that have been agreed with the national regulator, where this is a requirement.
Under the Academic Appeals Regulations (Taught Programmes), you may appeal a decision of the Board of Examiners about progression, assessment or awards. For example, you may appeal the outcome of an August assessment if there was a procedural irregularity in the assessment process which had a demonstrable impact on your academic outcome.
However, you cannot challenge academic judgement and, therefore, cannot appeal a mark you have been assigned or the decision not to assign a mark, and additional marks will not be awarded. If you do wish to appeal, you must complete the appeal form and submit it to appeals@qub.ac.uk on or before 12 noon on Wednesday, 16 September 2020. You should consult the Guidance for Students. Advice and guidance is also available from AdviceSU and the Students’ Union.
If you have specific questions which are not answered above, please contact your School Office. Your School will endeavour to respond promptly to your question but may not always be able to provide an immediate response. Given these are exceptional circumstances, in some instances, questions will need to be escalated. Reponses will be communicated as swiftly as possible.
No, as you will be undertaking your dissertation at this time, you may opt to take the second opportunity at an assessment completed on or after 16 March at the next available opportunity. However, this may have implications for the award of your Master’s if you have not met all relevant academic and professional requirements.
When reviewing your options you should carefully consider your current workload in order to decide if undertaking a second opportunity at an assessment is feasible alongside the work required to complete your dissertation.
The full range of support available at this time is detailed in the updated Guide to Student Support Services. Further support is available from the Graduate School.
If, following the August assessment period, you have outstanding Semester 1 modules and have not attained sufficient credit to progress in accordance with your programme regulations, you may not progress to your dissertation. You will be permitted an exceptional second resit attempt, under the Resit Addendum, at the next available opportunity. Following this exceptional resit attempt, your progress to the dissertation will be considered.
As dissertation projects differ substantially between disciplines, your School will provide you with tailored advice about the dissertation process and specific timeframes.
We recognise that the completion of dissertations that rely on physical access to laboratories, archives, libraries, special collections or fieldwork sites may not be possible given current circumstances. You should contact your dissertation supervisor in order to determine whether an alternative dissertation that uses data and resources that can be accessed remotely is appropriate. This discussion should consider the overall scope of your project to ensure that the dissertation is both manageable and appropriate and that its completion, by the agreed deadline, is achievable under the circumstances.
We understand the exceptional pressures which have been experienced by PGT students during the lockdown situation and have therefore put in place arrangements for extensions to the submission deadline for your dissertation. We will contact you again very soon with more detail on the operation of the extension provision.
The Graduate School will continue to deliver its Virtual Summer Programme, providing academic, professional skills and careers support as well as ways for students to connect and look after their wellbeing. Check your weekly update, emailed on Tuesdays to your Queen's email address, or look online at http://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/. If you need assistance, contact the Graduate School's virtual reception team.
Subject Librarians are continuing to support students in finding resources and to assist with your research data. Further information and updates on services available to you can be found at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/InformationServices/TheLibrary/UsingtheLibrary/HelpandSupport/ServiceAvailability/
The full range of support available throughout the summer is available in the updated Guide to Student Support Services.
If you submit your dissertation after 16 March 2020, and you are dissatisfied with the mark awarded, you will be afforded a second opportunity to take the assessment again for full marks under the Supplementary Regulations. You will, however, under these circumstances be required to submit a new dissertation.
If this first submission resulted in a failed module mark, you may choose not to complete a new research project or dissertation to avail of the second assessment opportunity for full marks, but instead choose to resit the module for a capped mark by revising and resubmitting the original dissertation by the deadline advised by your School.
Your dissertation supervisor should be available to provide advice and support on the implications of each option.
If you have achieved or been assigned marks for all of your modules, you will be awarded your Master’s, subject to having met all relevant academic and professional requirements. If you then take a second opportunity at an assessment after this point which results in an improved module mark, we will issue you with a new degree parchment if the improved module mark results in a higher degree classification.
If you defer or are unable to take an assessment and the Board is unable to assign you a module mark, we will not be able to award your Master’s until after you have completed your assessments.
The safety of our staff and students is paramount.
Given the on-going spread of the virus both at home and abroad and the rapidly changing travel restrictions being put in place internationally, the University is now advising staff and students against all but essential travel for business or study outside of Northern Ireland. You are asked to carefully consider your travel plans and cancel or rearrange them unless absolutely essential.
For the avoidance of doubt, activities such as student recruitment trips, visits to partner institutions, conference attendance and field trips are not considered essential.
This advice will remain in place until further notice. Any change to this advice will be published on this page. Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice. The University will ensure that students are not disadvantaged academically by following this advice.
However, if any students wish to return home before teaching finishes on the 27 March as a result of the pandemic, the University will ensure that they suffer no academic disadvantage. This includes contingency measures for assessment. However, you must consider the requirements of you visa, if applicable. If you are an international student from outside the EU and intend to return home early or need additional advice, please contact International Student Support via immigration@qub.ac.uk.
Those Queen’s students currently on placement outside of Northern Ireland are advised to check the latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office which has recently changed. In line with this advice, we strongly encourage students currently studying or working outside of the UK to return home. You should not allow any concerns about your studies stop you from following this advice. If you need assistance, please email coronavirus-guidance@qub.ac.uk so we can help. Hardship funds are available should you wish to return but financial barriers are preventing this. If you return home early from placement anywhere (including within the UK) the University will ensure you suffer no academic disadvantage. If you need additional advice, please contact your School Office in the first instance.
You should make an informed decision and consider that the global situation is changing rapidly including border restrictions.
In line with FCO advice, we, as a University, are suspending travel where the FCO is advising against all travel or all but essential travel. Please continue to refer to the FCO website for the most up-to-date advice. The University continues to monitor and review the situation.
To help keep our people safe, all future business travel must now be booked through the University's Travel Management Company, Selective. Selective is a local company which provides 24/7 emergency assistance to all University staff who experience flight or accommodation changes or cancellations, and provides vital management information to the Serious Incident Group when there is a significant event that could impact travellers, such as COVID-19.
As always, it is of the utmost importance that University staff remain safe and healthy during any trips in connection with University business. All business travellers are responsible for reviewing official guidance (FCO, PHA) and University guidance regularly and must ensure that travel arrangements are made with their safety and wellbeing as the ultimate priority.
Read the latest official travel advice on the (FCO) website.
Given the on-going spread of the virus both at home and abroad and the rapidly changing travel restrictions being put in place internationally, the University is now advising staff and students against all but essential travel for business or study outside of Northern Ireland. Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.
Given the on-going spread of the virus both at home and abroad and the rapidly changing travel restrictions being put in place internationally, the University is advising students against all but essential travel for business or study outside of Northern Ireland. You are asked to carefully consider your travel plans and cancel or rearrange them unless absolutely essential.
For the avoidance of doubt, activities such as student recruitment trips, visits to partner institutions, conference attendance and field trips are not considered essential.
This advice will remain in place until further notice. Any change to this advice will be published on this page. For students considering Study Abroad or Erasmus next year please see the section below.
Please contact the University’s travel provider, Selective Travel, on +44 (0)28 9044 2073 or qub@selective-travel.co.uk, to change your travel arrangements.
Staff or students should contact Queen’s University Belfast’s Insurance Section for advice on making a cancellation or curtailment claim. Please ensure that you have saved all relevant documentation – receipts and booking confirmations.
Insurance staff will provide the most appropriate claims form and then advise and manage the claims process with UMAL.
For further advice, please contact the Insurance section on 02890 971484 or email insurance@qub.ac.uk.
In the case of staff or students needing emergency medical treatment while on university approved travel, advice and support is available through UMAL on a 24hr basis:
Tel: +44 (0)2920 662425
E-mail: UMAL@global-response.co.uk
Please quote the Queen’s University Belfast reference: UMAL170
To help keep our students and staff safe, all future placement/study must now be booked through the University's Travel Management Company, Selective. Selective is a local company which provides 24/7 emergency assistance to all University staff who experience flight or accommodation changes or cancellations, and provides vital management information to the Serious Incident Group when there is a significant event that could impact travellers, such as COVID-19.
In this instance, if your travel was not booked through Selective, but your School approved the travel / activity to be funded by your Research Training Support Grant, the University will reimburse you for costs that you were unable to reclaim from the event organiser / through your personal travel insurance or credit card company. You will not be allocated additional RTSG.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is currently advising against all but essential international travel, and Queen’s has restricted all staff and student international travel to “essential travel only”.
If your placement is due to start after 31 July 2020, then our advice at present is that it will go ahead. However, due to the fast changing nature of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the University is monitoring the situation very closely, and we will be in touch as soon as possible if this advice changes.
We recommend that you contact your employer and ask if is possible to defer your start date to 1 August 2020 at the earliest.
We are continuing to nominate students according to partner university procedures and deadlines, and encourage you to follow the application instructions you receive from your host university as normal.
Please contact the Global Opportunities Team at erasmus@qub.ac.uk to advise them of this in the first instance. The University is currently exploring alternative arrangements for students who are not able to go abroad in Semester 1, and we will provide further information on this in due course.
We normally advise students to refrain from paying for travel or accommodation for an international placement until they have received written acceptance from their host organisation or university. In addition to this, given the current Covid-19 situation, we would advise students going on placement in the autumn of 2020 to hold off making travel or accommodation arrangements for the time being, where this is possible.
If your placement is due to start in August 2020, we would advise that you contact the Global Opportunities Team at erasmus@qub.ac.uk in advance of making any travel and/or accommodation arrangements.
If you have a compulsory placement as part of your degree, the University will put in place alternative arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of your degree programme. The details of these arrangements will vary from programme to programme, and will be communicated to you directly by your School in the event that your placement is cancelled.
You should contact the Global Opportunities Team at erasmus@qub.ac.uk. Please be aware that we are receiving a high volume of emails and will be prioritising emails from students in need of urgent assistance. We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
As a returning student, we know that you will have many questions about what next year will look like for you. You will know from previous communications that we plan to start the academic year on 21 September 2020 as planned, unless you are on a programme with an earlier start date which you should already know about. Teaching will be a blend of online and face to face – though of course this will very much depend on the social distancing rules in place at the time. Your programme teams are working hard at the moment to complete the assessment and marking process as well as begin to translate your programmes into an accessible online format. Bear with us while we do this – but we will communicate with you what those changes will be and how they will impact with you.
Unfortunately, in order to reduce the risk of spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus), we have taken the decision to postpone graduation ceremonies this summer. We appreciate this is disappointing for many but the health and wellbeing of our staff and students is our priority. We are making the this decision as early as possible to try and help families avoid incurring additional expense in terms of travel.
Further information is available at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/home/Graduation/BeforeGraduation/GraduationFAQs/
Information for researchers, particularly about adaptations to research methods and ethics can be found here.
We recognise that the impact on students will vary depending on the nature of your research, the stage you are at, the timeframe for different lockdown / distancing measures, and your personal circumstances, including caring responsibilities. You and your supervisor should be in regular dialogue about the impact of the COVID-19 situation on your research project, and any work you can be undertaking now or changes that can be made to mitigate the impact. This should be recorded in the Research Student Lifecycle, and will be used to generate a University-wide picture of impact on research students.
A library collection service went live at the end of last week for staff and research students, and Master’s students can also make requests to their subject librarian. The Library has established a guide to additional online databases and e-books, available here.
PGR students who were registered during the 2019-20 academic year (excluding students starting a research degree programme after 23 March 2020, but including those re-registering as a returning student), in all years of study and including those on thesis only status, will be eligible to for 3 additional months of registration (6 months for part-time students). This additional time will not incur additional tuition fees or other charges.
Some students will not need it because they will be ready for submission within the normal period of study, or their funding body may be providing funding for an extension, but for anyone who needs further time, the APR panel will ensure that this additional period of study is activated on your behalf at that point.
How do I get the additional time added to my research degree?
If you are not ready to submit at the end of your normal period of studies (or end of funded period for those funded for more than 3 years), this time will be added with no additional fees, and without the need for you to make a case.
To have this time added, we are using existing procedures relating to progress monitoring. Students who are completing the final year of their normal period of study would discuss their plans to achieve submission with their APR panel. If you are not ready to submit at the end of the normal period of studies, the panel will then recommend to your School Postgraduate Research Committee (SPRC) that you have the 3 months added after your normal period of study (or after your funding completes if this is longer than your normal period of study), and may also be able to indicate whether you would go to Thesis Only after the 3 months, or if your progress would need to be further discussed at that point. The normal period of studies is defined by Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes 4.3 (e.g. For PhD student 3 years (FT) or 6 years (PT)). The SPRC will ensure that the extension is put in place for you with Student Registry.
For students due to complete their normal or extended period of study at a time that does not align to having an Annual Progress Review (e.g. if you have periods of temporary withdrawal or started outside of October, or if you are funded beyond the normal period of study) - if you need the additional 3 months to complete your research, you will need to identify this to your School, normally via your Supervisor. They can ask the SPRC to approve this request and ensure that the extension is put in place for you with Student Registry.
If you are in need of this time, it will be added with no additional fees, in line with existing School Postgraduate Research Committee (SPRC) procedures. This considers a student's registration status at the point of coming to the end of their normal period of studies as defined by Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes 4.3 (e.g. For PhD student 3 years (FT) or 6 years (PT)). For funded students awarded a studentship of more than three years duration the additional 3 month fee free period should be applied immediately after the funding end date, if necessary.
PGR students do not have to apply for this extension or to make a case for their work having been impacted by the pandemic. It is available to everyone who needs it, and it will be added to your record in the context of the final APR that you complete during the final year of your normal period of study.
If your normal period of study is due to come to an end at a time when you do not have an APR scheduled imminently, you should highlight your need for the additional period of registration approximately 3 months ahead of the end of your normal period of study to your supervisor. Your supervisor will then ask the School Postgraduate Research Committee to process the additional 3 months on your behalf, and this will be actioned by the Postgraduate Records team.
You may be in a situation not covered by any of the options below. If you get in touch with your School, they will work with Student Registry and Postgraduate Awards to determine how this applies to your situation.
For Tier 4 visa holders, in many cases you will have time on your visa to allow you to avail of the additional three months without a visa extension. However, if you find that you will need to seek an extension to your visa you can contact International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) within three months of the expiry date of your visa to discuss options for this.
The University will be moving to a connected learning environment in September, but access to facilities will begin before then. Many areas have already started implementing their re-entry into laboratories, based on principles established at University level, but by necessity operationalised at the level of School or research team. Please do ask your supervisor about how this will impact you.
If you are hoping to re-start your field work, please discuss this with your supervisor. At present a return to fieldwork must be approved on a case-by-case basis by your Faculty Dean of Graduate Studies (AHSS) or Research (EPS and MHLS). Where it can be undertaken safely and in line with Covid-19 measures, and where risks are assessed (including transportation to site, accommodation requirements and student health and wellbeing), this may be permitted to resume.
Returning to office workspaces is not among the initial priorities for returning to campus. However, if you need to pick up a book or materials from your workspace on campus, this can be easily arranged by contacting the School Office staff in your School.
We are making plans for re-opening of McClay Library and Graduate School working spaces from 3rd August, and we will communicate further as those plans develop.
Information relating to ethical approval and changes in methodology to accommodate social distancing can be found on the Researchers and Funding FAQs page.
As always, please contact your supervisors to discuss how best to approach your particular situation.
Please be assured that institutional support for PGR students will continue to be reviewed in the light of continuing disruption, data collected from students about impact, and funding body positions.
All funded postgraduate researchers (PGRs) in receipt of a stipend will continue to be paid as normal, unless they take a temporary withdrawal (Leave of Absence).
We are updating funding body positions as they are communicated to us. If you are aware of a communication that is not here, please send the details to pgawards@qub.ac.uk.
A number of major funders have already confirmed their positions.
For UKRI-funded students, you can see the latest position at https://www.ukri.org/news/coronavirus-impact-on-ukri-supported-research/
Those of you in your final year who are funded by Research Councils as part of a Doctoral Training Programme/Centre for Doctoral Training will have submitted your cases for funded extensions via your DTP/CDT. UKRI definition for ‘final year students’ is those whose funding ends 1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021.
For Wellcome Trust at: https://wellcome.ac.uk/grant-funding/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-grant-applicants-and-grantholders. We are awaiting further information from them on how requests for costed extensions will be operationalised.
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions position from the European Commission is here.
We continue to work closely with the Department for the Economy, another major funder for PGR students at Queen’s. The Department for the Economy has indicated that, within their own funding pressures, they are prioritising the case to provide extensions for PGR students at the same stage of study as those identified for support by UKRI (funding due to end 1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021). They have now confirmed a financial allocation to Queen’s, we hope to be in a position to provide more details by the end of next week, once we have finalised a fair process of allocation.
Responses from a range of research funders (not specific to postgraduate research students) can be found on the University’s Researchers and Funding FAQs.
For international students sponsored by government or other organisations in their home country, please stay in touch with Carole Maslowski (c.maslowski@qub.ac.uk), and we will continue to monitor the position for you. We are actively involved in a Russell Group sub-group that met for the first time this week to work on an RG-wide approach to key international funders, the purpose of which is to agree an approach with them on how we can together support your needs.
For students who are experiencing financial hardship, the University’s Hardship Funds have been extended and you are encouraged to make an application. See the information here for more details about how to apply.
The University is looking into this as a matter of urgency. Should you be facing immediate difficulties, you may wish to seek support from the Queen’s Hardship Fund.
This is an option for any research degree student who is unable to make progress on their research at this time. We recognise that this may not be the best option for you, as it will stop your stipend payment if you are a funded student, and advise that funded students need not take this step at this time. We are continuing to work with other Universities to seek clarity from funding bodies on their position.
If you are a self-funded student who is unable to make any progress on your research at this time, then taking a temporary withdrawal is a way to pause the time and fee payments for your research degree.
Discuss your situation with your supervisor, to determine whether there are different methodologies that can be used, or other preparations you can be undertaking at this time, such as preparing for annual programme review, writing and communicating your research, and building skills for your research.
All postgraduate students, including those who are on a temporary withdrawal during this time, will continue to have access to wellbeing support through the University, and to personal development, employability and training support through the Graduate School.
Department for the Economy (DfE) provide an annual RTSG amount (normally £900 for the full year) to their students to assist with incidental expenses related to their research e.g. travel and accommodation costs for a conference or to purchase a laptop.
In the light of the current Covid-19 situation, and with students now having to work from home, the restrictions on the use of RTSG have been eased (for the remainder of this current academic year in the first instance). Reasonable expenses incurred while facilitating home research can now be claimed. They include the following:
This list is not exhaustive and normal school purchasing protocols continue. In some cases items above can be purchased less expensively through the university procurement system. If you have any queries surrounding RTSG then liaise with your School contact in the first instance or email: pgawards@qub.ac.uk.
Students who receive RTSG as part of a Doctoral Training partnership (DTP) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) should contact the relevant administrator for any queries surrounding its use.
Queries have been raised regarding carrying forward RTSG to the next academic year in the light of conference cancellations and travel restrictions. The funding body sets funding conditions which require unspent funds to be returned at the end of the year, which remains the case at this point.
Research students who need access to securely stored data remotely through a VPN service can contact their Director of Graduate Studies / PGR to request access. Access to the service will be decided on a case by case basis.
Provisions have been made for students to access equipment for working remotely where they do not have equipment available. If you have equipment or specialist software needs, discuss with your Supervisor / Director of Graduate Studies, who can raise with Information Services.
Annual Progress Reviews (APRs) and Vivas have been successfully carried out in a remote setting across the University. Where a student’s situation does not easily permit this to take place at the moment, regulations have been relaxed to permit students to proceed to re-register for the next academic year on the basis that the APR is subsequently completed within three months of re-registration. Where a milestone meeting is held remotely, the meeting should be conducted in compliance with the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes (6. Progress).
Where it is not possible, the meeting should be postponed. This should be rescheduled to the next available date, in agreement with the student.
Given the time of year, students are encouraged to continue with their APR meeting (digitally) to have the opportunity to complete this academic milestone before deciding to take a temporary withdrawal if they cannot progress with their research remotely. The APR panel is the ideal place to discuss the impact of the current situation on your research, and panels are supportive of the fact that this has been a very challenging time for you.
Where possible, viva examinations will be conducted remotely. This should be arranged at School-level using video conferencing software such as Skype or Microsoft Teams. The written agreement of all participants of the viva should be obtained in advance. These arrangements would also be contingent on there being appropriate resources available in the School to conduct the meeting digitally and that everyone involved is still available on the scheduled date. Where a viva is held remotely, the examination should be conducted in compliance with the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes (7. Assessment/Award).
Vivas can also be delayed at the student’s request, but please bear in mind that it is difficult to know at which point they will be able to take place in person. Guidance has been developed to support Schools who are organising remote vivas to consider elements which may be different to an in-person examination and to adapt accordingly in the best interests of the candidate.
Yes, if you are continuing to work on your research degree you should still give at least 3 months’ notice to the SPRC of intention to submit your thesis.
Yes, your School will continue as normal to appoint internal examiners and nominate external examiners for approval by the Research and Postgraduate Committee.
Given the evolving nature of this situation, and the affect that it may have on staff availability, this process may take a bit longer than usual. It is, therefore, important that you submit your Intention to Submit well in advance to allow your School the appropriate time to complete this process.
If you have any concerns, you should discuss with your supervisor in the first instance.
The approved copy of a student’s softbound thesis will be uploaded electronically by the School on the student’s behalf. Students should liaise with their Supervisors or Postgraduate Office as appropriate.
The final approved thesis should be uploaded electronically to Pure by the student upon completion of the Thesis Deposit Form by Supervisor and Examiner. The Deposit Form should be sent to Student Registry by the School on the student’s behalf.
Students will be expected to submit hardcopies of the final approved thesis within two weeks of the University campus re-opening to students. In cases where the student is unable to submit the hardcopies for legitimate reasons, the School should arrange to submit the hardbound thesis on the student’s behalf.
Full instructions can be found here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/srecords/Examinations/Postgraduate-Research/SubmissionProcess/
Many research students have a valuable skill set to contribute to efforts to deal with Covid-19. A number from across a range of disciplines have returned to clinical practice, or taken up roles with research laboratories. It has been agreed that a student wishing to undertake this work should continue to be registered as a student, and have access to latest research through Library systems. If you would prefer to take a temporary withdrawal, your School can process this through pgr.records@qub.ac.uk, and indicate the reason as Covid-19 related research.
If a student will be paid for this work (outside of the NHS, where an agreement is in place), to stop their stipend at this time, the School can email pgawards@qub.ac.uk. Otherwise fee and stipend payments will continue during this time. Your funding body may not allow you to work alongside your funded research, so do contact PG Awards to discuss your specific situation.
Queen's University Belfast is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
For more information please read our Equality and Diversity Policy.
Queen's University Belfast is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101788
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