The University of Kent is preparing to continue using online lectures at the start of the next academic year.

Lecturers at the uni, which has campuses in Canterbury and Medway, will deliver a mix of virtual learning alongside "socially distancing approaches" to any face-to-face delivery.

It comes after the University of Cambridge announced it will hold all lectures virtually until summer 2021.

A spokesman for the University of Kent said the wellbeing of students and staff will be at the "forefront" of all planning.

"Our aim is to ensure that teaching, research and knowledge exchange can be delivered from the start of the next academic year," they said.

"We are preparing for a mix of online delivery alongside socially distanced approaches to any face-to-face delivery.

"Our campuses are also being prepared to ensure they comply with social distancing requirements.

"We will continue to work closely with the students' union, trade unions and staff representatives, as well as drawing on health and safety and national guidance, as we move through this transition period."

The university suspended all face-to-face lectures on March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It shifted to delivering all lectures online and supporting students virtually.

Staff at Canterbury Christ Church are planning to start on time in September.

But a spokesperson said national guidance will continue to shape the university's plans.

"Our staff are currently working on detailed plans, for all eventualities, for how we begin the next academic year, and to ensure that we continue to offer a high quality education and student experience," they said.

"We ar​e working closely with our students’ union and hope to be able to make a decision soon on when we can start to welcome our university community back onto our campuses in Canterbury, Medway and Tunbridge Wells."

The University of Greenwich says it is looking at a number of models for September, including a mix of online and face-to-face teaching and support.

A spokesperson said: “We will be confirming more specific details with our prospective and current students over the coming weeks.

“Prospective students who are considering studying with us should consider joining one of the many online events we have available to hear more about our plans and courses.”

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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