Online learning

If you are issued a CAS to study in the UK you need to arrive in the UK by 30 June 2022. However, you will be able to complete your course online under certain circumstances (such as your own personal circumstances or enforced restrictions) which are subject to approval under our specific academic regulations or by continued approval by the UK Visas and Immigration service. Your course must end after 30 June 2022 and you must follow the application process to inform of us your reasons for wanting to complete your programme online, which will be subject to approval. Details of this process and guidance can be found here.

As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. Whilst it is possible to access and interact with most course content using a tablet or smartphone, these devices will not work for assessments. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.

Computer

While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.

PC

• Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Mac

• Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Internet Connection

Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.

Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed

Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed

Zoom Restricted Countries

Zoom is used for access to virtual classroom and is therefore an important part of all courses. Zoom is unavailable or restricted in several countries, with the full restricted list available here. While Zoom may still work from the countries listed, individuals should test Zoom using their own equipment to ensure connectivity.

If you are issued a CAS to study in the UK, you can arrive on-campus in the UK at any time until 30 June 2022. If you wish to complete your studies online, and your programme ends after 30 June 2022, you will need to follow the application process as set out here. If approved, you can complete your studies online. However, if you do not apply or are not approved for this, you will need to arrive on-campus in the UK before 30 June 2022.

• Assessments will be held virtually via coursework submissions. We use Turnitin software which scans for plagiarism and other forms of academic impropriety.
• There may be some skills that we can't assess online such as practical lab skills and we are looking at alternatives for students impacted by this. As government travel guidance is changing regularly, we will provide more guidance on assessments and exams relating to specific programmes of study in due course. These will be in line with approaches taken by our university partners and, as appropriate, with guidance that is due to be issued by the UK government’s Department for Education.

There has been no change made to this aspect of our programmes. You will continue to work towards the same targets, and we will be supporting you to achieve these through online sessions.

On successful completion of your programme you will of course be supported in your transition to degree programme studies.

Due to the current travel restrictions, UK Visas and Immigration have issued new guidance permitting international students to begin their studies virtually from their home country without requiring a visa.

If you begin your studies virtually from home, when the situation allows, we will support you in transitioning to in-Centre learning and a CAS will be issued to enable you to make your Student visa application to continue your studies. In the unlikely event that you are unable to obtain a visa we have amended our refund policy to include a number of instances when a refund would be payable as the circumstances may dictate.

Terms and conditions apply.

We are committed to working with every student on the options to continue studying with us.

If you cannot travel to the UK for the start of the first term or semester, you can start your studies online from home. Starting your studies online will ensure you can still achieve your academic and career goals and progress to your chosen university degree, on time, from wherever you are in the world.

If you do decide to start your programme from home, you can try virtual learning for 21 days before you make an important choice about how to continue with your education. If, within 21 days, you decide not to continue with your studies online, you can still select to defer your place, or withdraw from your studies with a full refund*. For further details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions page on our website.

_{*provided you have an online attendance level of 80% or more}

To accept your offer of a place to study, a confirmation payment is required comprising an administration fee of £260 and a £1,000 security deposit.

Even if you begin your studies virtually from home, we hope you will be able to return to studying in Centre during your course and the deposit payment is required in advance to confirm your place as usual. This will minimise the risk of unnecessary disruption to your studies that may be caused by demanding payment at a later date for you to be able to travel and continue with your studies in Centre .

The security deposit is primarily held against any damages incurred to Centre property and related expenses. It may also be offset against any outstanding fees or debts incurred by you throughout the duration of your course. On completion of your course, any monies left after deductions made for any amount outstanding at that time will be refunded to you within 90 days.

Prior to enrolling to begin your studies virtually from home, you will also need to pay a minimum of £6,000 of your tuition fees in advance. You can make this payment at any point between confirming your place and enrolling online to begin your studies. It is beneficial for you to make this payment early, as you will then gain access to Prepare for Success – a virtual preparation course designed to give you a head start in your studies.

When you are able to travel to the UK, we will issue you with a CAS* so you can make a successful visa application that's valid for the length of your course, ensuring you have the flexibility you need.

We’ll ensure that you have all the information and support you need for your move to the UK.

You should check government health and travel advice regularly before making any plans to travel.

_{*subject to meeting the entry requirements}

No, once you have applied and been approved to complete your course online you will not be able to apply for another CAS and travel to the UK for face-to-face studies for your pathway. You will be able to apply for your next visa and commence studies in the UK as normal for your progression degree at University of Sussex.

Yes, providing it is a Study Group issued CAS and you are not on an Integrated CAS, you will be able to apply and if successful the CAS will be withdrawn. This will not affect CAS application for your future studies at University of Sussex when you progress.