Getting Ready for Campus
This information is relevant whether you are new to Queen’s, are a returning student, or are a student who has been with us for some time, but not yet travelled to campus. We will update it as required, but does not replace official information you will receive, including information from the Admissions Service in relation to your offer, or your School in relation to your programme next year.
This page contains information on: (Click on the below links to take you directly to the relevant section)
Last Updated: This page was last updated on Monday 20 December 2021.
Teaching Arrangements - 2021-22
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How will teaching be delivered in 2021-22?
Through our Campus Intentions, we have committed to being on campus in September 2021.
What we mean by that is that we are timetabling for normal teaching capacity but will have measures in place such as one-way systems, increased ventilation, face masks in certain scenarios, and increased hygiene measures.
You may have some elements of your teaching delivered via our digital channels. This will be because your Programme Team has decided to retain what was useful about online delivery and use the face-to-face time with you in a different way, therefore be aware that not all of your teaching will be face-to-face.
Therefore you should expect a mixture of face to face and digital all of which are equally important in terms of your attendance and engagement. In person teaching and learning remains our primary mode of delivery as the class room is so vital for the sharing of ideas, developing new thoughts about what you are learning and interacting in person with both your lecturers and fellow students. Learning is a community based activity at Queen’s, so while digital delivery has some major benefits, we still believe in person is as important.
Important Update for January 2022
Having reviewed the developing public health situation and taken some clinical advice, the University has taken the decision to adjust our teaching arrangements for January 2022 as a precautionary measure.
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Will all teaching be online in January 2022?
The majority of teaching will now be delivered remotely during January. Schools will be in touch with students directly when they have had the opportunity to review their arrangements, including regarding any upcoming assessments. Please note that this may not be until the New Year but your School will be in touch as soon as arrangements are clear.
The majority of lectures, tutorials and seminars will be delivered online. However, the following teaching will still go ahead in-person and on campus:
- Teaching that is practical in nature (for example, lab sessions, clinical skills etc.) that cannot be delivered remotely or deferred to a later date.
- Face-to-face teaching that is essential for professional accreditation and/or student progression reasons and which cannot be delivered online or deferred to a later date.
For a minority of students, therefore, it is possible that some classes may need to take place in person and on campus during this period. Where this is the case, your School will contact you directly.
Please be assured that stringent mitigation measures remain in place on campus and that our teaching spaces are fully risk-assessed.
- Can I study online for the whole of Semester 2?
The decision to move online applies only to January 2022 at present. We will continue to adjust our approach and keep you updated as the public health situation evolves.
- Can I still come to campus to study?
Yes - The Library, study spaces and support services will remain open.
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What if I am not able to travel?
We understand that with the global situation this is a question a number of students may have. For some students this may be due to visa delays, for others it may due to disrupted travel arrangements.
Information on arriving in the UK can be found here.
Welcome emails for new students due to arrive in January 2022 have been issued in late December. The email includes a link to a questionnaire where you can give us up to date details of your travel plans and potential delays. If you indicate that you cannot get here on time, your School will contact you to agree whether or not they can support you online until you are able to arrive in Belfast.
- Where can I get more up to date information about travel to the UK?
The University has Frequently Asked Questions which we update in line with both local and national public health measures in light of the pandemic.
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When will I get details of my programme/course?
You will normally only get your full timetable when you finish the enrolment & registration process – this is because it can only be generated once modules have been selected and we are able to do a final allocation on rooms based on module demand.
- Will there be any Transition or Pre- Semester Programmes before the start of Semester 2?
Yes, we will have a Pre-Semester Engagement Programme from 10-14 January 2022 which will include a range of events.
Events will include opportunities to meet other students, learn about campus, and there will be particular events for new international students.
- When does the academic year start?
For most programmes, teaching starts on 10 January 2022. However, there are a number that start later in January. If your programme starts on a different date, you will be made aware of that by the Admissions Service. Research students normally start at this time too but if your School will confirm with you if you have a different start date.
- Can I visit the campus and have a tour?
Yes, you can explore the campus through a guided tour, or by enjoying our virtual campus tour.
We are currently only in-person running tours on Mondays and Fridays, and group sizes are limited in line with current restrictions.
To request an in-person campus tour, please visit this page to find out more information.
- I am an international student – what else do I need to do to prepare for arrival?
Whether you will be coming to Belfast for the first time, or making a return journey, there is lots you can do to help enjoy your time and ease into the next stage of student life:
- Register for any pre-departure webinars or Moving to Queen’s online events
- Take part in the 1845 Challenge: 18 things to do in 45 days to prepare for student life – Access the challenge here: New Students | Returning Students
- Register for the Pre-Semester Engagement Programme. There will be lots of activities specifically for international students, including a mix of virtual and face-to-face events which will allow you to connect with other students
- Get ahead with your classes by exploring our Learning & Studying
You can also keep in touch with the Student Recruitment Teams for your area or your Faculty via the following contacts:
- askqueens@qub.ac.uk
- askahss@qub.ac.uk – for students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- askeps@qub.ac.uk – for students in the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- askmhls@qub.ac.uk – for students in the Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences
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Where can I find information on vaccination arrangements?
We are strongly encouraging all students to get vaccinated as soon as they are able to. We have had pop up vaccination centres on campus and hope to again in the autumn – however please do not wait until you come to Queen’s to get vaccinated if you have the opportunity to do so sooner.
International students will be able to receive a vaccination (first or second dose) in the UK.
The Information for Students Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page sets out key questions on vaccination arrangements including:
- Where can I find information on the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination programme?
- Can international students get a vaccine in the UK?
- Will I have to be vaccinated before I can return to campus?
Given the changing nature of the pandemic, these commitments are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time. For example, if restrictions are increased/eased in the future then facilities and services may not be delivered as described.