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.

As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. 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.

You will learn through a mixture of as many live teacher-led classes as possible, as well as interactive activities and resources delivered in a virtual learning environment.

A VLE is a virtual learning environment, the online hub for your programme. Here, you will find recorded lessons, collaboration tools, helpful materials, and more.

Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff communities, as well as providing a quality blended learning experience, is at the heart of all of our planning and decision-making. By listening to your feedback and by following guidance provided by the government, public health authorities and the University, we have put the following measures in place to help you feel confident ahead of arriving on campus:

• Risk assessments of all our International Study Centre buildings 
• Hand sanitisers in all our International Study Centre spaces 
• Face coverings are available to you
• Regular deep cleaning for all our buildings 

We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.

We have planned for a number of scenarios should government regulations and requirements change at any stage meaning we can’t deliver courses on campus as intended.

Your experience, education, safety and welfare will always be our number one priority, and our centres already have additional health and safety measures in place, as well as experienced teachers and support staff - offering one to one support at every stage.

Should any social distancing restrictions be introduced, we would make all appropriate changes to the ISC, for example through the introduction of one-way systems and updated signage and rules in the centre. This would of, course, limit the amount of students we can accommodate for face-to-face teaching, so you may need to undertake more of you studies online during any period of social distancing. This will be clearly communicated to you by the ISC staff and our teaching and welfare teams will be there to fully support any transition of learning delivery you may have.

In the event restriction are introduced which means we are unable to deliver any face to face teaching for any period of time during you studies, you learning will be delivered completely online while this is the case. Delivered through a virtual learning environment, you'll remain part of an engaging international community online where you will experience different cultures and make new friends.

While we hope for no significant changes during your time with us, we have an experienced team who have dealt with these restrictions previously and will make sure you will experience the same level of exceptional, high-quality teaching regardless of whether you study virtually or face to face. Academic guidance, tutorial sessions, careers support and personal and welfare support is all available virtually from the same specialist staff. Where necessary you’ll be part of a community of students, connected through live classes, discussion groups, and online social events and activities where needed and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

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 the University of Leeds when you progress.

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 the University of Leeds.

The Leeds International Study Centre is located at Carnegie Stand, at the world-famous Emerald Headingley Stadium in the Headingley area of Leeds.

You can easily get to the Leeds International Study Centre by bus, taxi or an Uber car.

United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. People from all around the world, of all cultures, beliefs and religions live here. The UK has a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel that will make you feel welcome.

Leeds is the third largest city in the UK, located in Yorkshire. It is surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales and three other national parks. The city has excellent transport links to York, Manchester, Liverpool and London.

The weather in the UK changes often, but it is not extremely hot or cold. It could rain and be sunny all in one single afternoon. It is a good idea to pack a coat to bring with you. During the summer, in some parts of the country temperatures may reach 20 degrees and in the winter they do not often drop below 0 degrees Celsius.

You can buy food from around the world in one of many shops and supermarkets located in Leeds. Cafes and restaurants around the city serve Chinese, Italian, Indian and Mexican food, so you will be able to try something new or eat food that reminds you of home.

The Leeds International Study Centre organises fun events for students, so that you can meet your new teachers and make new friends with your classmates. As a student at the Leeds International Study Centre you can also get involved with sports, societies and groups at Leeds Beckett University.

Learning a new language can take some time, so try not to worry. You can help others understand you more easily by speaking clearly and slowly. You can also repeat what you have said. If you don’t understand someone, you can politely ask them to repeat what they have said.

Most students feel homesick sometimes – this is a natural way to feel when you are living away from home. There are many things you can that will help you feel less homesick, such as keeping in regular touch with family and friends over Skype and talking to other students at the Leeds International Study Centre who will be feeling the same way as you.

You can always talk to tutors and staff at the Leeds International Study Centre. They are friendly, understanding and the best people to speak to if you have any issues or concerns, whether it is about your studies or something more personal. They will also be able to advise you where you can get further help and advice.