International Study Centre

Study your programme virtually from home

We will get you to where you want to be

Studying with us in 2021 is about putting your education first. We understand that as excited as you are about beginning your journey with us, you may prefer to start your studies from home. This is why we're created virtual learning opportunities to ensure you stay on track to achieve your dreams.

Flexible study options for starting in, or after October 2021

Start your pathway programme from home and keep your education on track*. If you are unable to travel to Lancaster, you can study virtually from the comfort of your home and join us on campus at a later date**. By beginning your studies online, you'll benefit from virtual teacher-led learning with our experienced staff and a wide range of learning and social activities. 

Why study virtually at Lancaster University International Study Centre?

Keep your studies on track

Start your studies virtually from home in order to keep your studies on track, achieve your dreams and be ready to progress to university in 2022.

Smooth transition to campus

When you travel to the UK, you will be supported by our detailed transition plan. We'll ensure you have a smooth transfer to studying on campus and settle in with no disruption to your studies.

High quality education

You will experience the level of exceptional, high-quality teaching regardless of whether you study virtually or on campus.

Supportive community environment

Academic guidance, tutorial sessions, careers support and personal and welfare support is all available virtually from the same specialist staff. You’ll be part of a community, connected through live classes and discussion groups, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

How does virtual learning work?

Everything you need to study your programme is delivered through a virtual learning environment. You'll be part of an engaging international community online where you will experience different cultures and make new friends. You will benefit from:

  • Virtual teacher-led learning
  • Online international community
  • Experienced teachers and support staff
  • One-to-one support at every stage
  • Supportive staff to help you transition to the UK

You will even have access to our exclusive Prepare for Success programme, which will help you get the most out of your online studies – as well as the rest of your education.

21-day money back satisfaction offer‡

We want to make sure you are confident on your pathway to academic success. That’s why when you start one of our virtual programmes, you will have a 21-day introductory period to experience learning online.

If within the 21-day introductory period you choose not to continue your studies virtually, you have two options available:

  1. Defer your place to a future intake
  2. Withdraw your place at no extra cost

“The International Study Centre provides us with guidance on how to use virtual learning. We can ask for any help and support from our tutors. I believe that online learning gives me all of the knowledge I need to know my industry.”

Anna from Russia studied International Foundation Year in Business and Management

We will get you to where you want to be

Frequently asked questions about virtual learning

  • 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 or College 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 £235 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 or College 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 or College.

The security deposit is primarily held against any damages incurred to Centre or College 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 £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

What happens next?

If you have decided virtual learning is for you, you can apply using our online application form. Your Student Enrolment Advisor will then contact you and support you every step of the way. Already have an offer? Accept your offer and confirm that you would like to start your programme virtually from home.

No matter where you are in the world, you’re still an International Study Centre student – and we’re here to help you. We’ll support you throughout your studies, and once you travel to the UK, support you in transitioning to campus life.

*Please note that this information is subject to approval by the University. Government guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is regularly changing and therefore we will continue to review and adapt the measures that we’re putting in place to safeguard our staff and students. Students should continue to check government health and travel advice regularly before making any plans to travel. We will continue to communicate with you in the event of any changes.

**Move to on-campus teaching to be determined. 

‡Provided you have an online attendance level of 80% or more

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.