Top law schools turn to teaching online amidst coronavirus surge
updated on 18 March 2020
Responding to the latest coronavirus update, The University of Law has suspended face-to-face teaching and postponed assessments for a month, with thousands of law students affected. Learning and teaching will be moved online where possible.
The university, which has nine campuses in the United Kingdom, including two in central London, as well as international outposts in Berlin and Hong Kong, released the following statement: “In the interests of the health, wellbeing and safety of all members of the University Community, the University has made the decision to temporarily suspend face to face teaching from Monday 23 March to Monday 20 April.
“During this period, wherever possible we will move learning and teaching online. Assessments scheduled during this period will be rearranged. With the exception of face-to-face teaching, the University will remain fully open and operational in line with current government advice, apart from the planned University closure days around Easter.”
The statement adds: “We understand some students may elect not to attend face-to-face classes in the week commencing 16 March. Wherever possible we will ensure materials are made available online to cover this period. There may be some delay as we focus on preparations for the transition to online learning and teaching.”
According to the Law Gazette, City Law School has not cancelled a civil advocacy exam due to take place this week. The law school explained that it is unable to make decisions relating to Legal Practice Course and Bar Professional Training Course assessments, which are decided by regulators, not individual course providers. City also intends to continue face-to-face learning this week, with all teaching to move online from Monday 23 March, but university premises, including libraries, will remain open.
BBP Law School also provided an update, stating that it will continue to review its options for assessments, which “will depend upon further restrictions the government may impose and any relaxation of rules the regulators may grant”.
