STUDENTS will make a staggered return to the Durham University campus in line with revised Government guidance, this month.

The university is to make mass testing available from today for staff and students returning to the city for the new term after the Christmas/New Year break.

University vice-chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge, said:”Our teaching term will begin on Monday January 11 with wholly online teaching in all programmes.

“Pending further Government guidance, we plan to return to a blended teaching model for most programmes from Monday January 25, with a smaller number following a week later.

“In line with the guidance, we have asked students to delay their return to Durham until shortly before their face-to-face teaching begins.

“For various reasons some students will return to Durham earlier, and they will also have our full support

“We will support students studying from their home address by reducing college residence charges for those who do not return to Durham during weeks one, two and three.”

Prof Corbridge said during last term there was no evidence of virus transmission within its Covid-secure teaching environments.

He added: “We are extremely mindful of the impact that Covid-19 restrictions, which are necessary to limit the spread of the virus, have on our university community and we will continue to support students who are self-isolating during Term 2.”