IT will be "business as usual" at the University of Bolton which has drawn up plans to open up the campus in September regardless of "whatever form" the current pandemic takes.

The university campus is currently shut as part of measures to contain the coronavirus, with students being taught remotely.

Vice Chancellor George E Holmes said this week plans were firmly in place to open up the campus at the start of the next academic year "whatever form the covid-19 pandemic takes at that time".

Prof Holmes said: “We know that there is great uncertainty among those looking to start an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course in the autumn.

“However, it will be business as usual at the University of Bolton.

“We are open for applications from students interested in starting degree courses, including Masters Degrees, with us in September 2020 and would be delighted to receive an application from you.”

Prof Holmes added: “We are continuing to follow government guidance and planning for all events.

“If social distancing measures need to be in place when the new academic year begins, we will be fully compliant with innovative ways to keep our students and staff safe on campus.

“We are working hard to ensure that your course can still start regardless.”

The University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kondal Reddy Kandadi, said: “Our teaching and support staff are prepared to deliver great courses and learning experiences for which Bolton is renowned.

“The University of Bolton has been consistently rated number one for student satisfaction in Greater Manchester and top 10 for teaching quality in the UK.”

Prof Holmes said he sympathised with those experiencing disruption to their studies or those who may have had A level exams cancelled.

He said: “We understand the potential impact of this and I can assure you that any applicants who receive an offer from us will not be disadvantaged as a result of school or college closures or A level exam cancellations.

“We are following advice from UCAS, the Department of Education and exam boards and will advise accordingly where we can.”

The accommodation application process is also continuing as normal.

Prof Holmes said: “We will be making special arrangements to ensure that international students can join us safely, keeping local and international students in safe environments.

“We are preparing for a September start as normal but in the event the borders close, we will provide options for you to start your studies via remote, online, learning to keep pace with our UK-based students.”

The University of Bolton is also offering all final year undergraduates the opportunity to engage in postgraduate study, including five Masters degrees focused on career development and employment in key industry sectors, during the academic year 2020/2021, with bursaries available.

It is also offering a £1,000 bursary scheme for students graduating from other UK universities this summer who join a Masters degree at the University of Bolton.

The university has organised two more virtual Open Days on June 2 and July 1, from 10am-1pm, when academic staff and students from across all subject areas, both Undergraduate and Postgraduate, will be on hand to chat with prospective applicants online.

To book a place, please visit www.bolton.ac.uk/opendays, or email: opendays@bolton.ac.uk.