Newcastle universities cancel in-person exams amid COVID fears
Many of the assessments have been moved online
Newcastle's two universities have cancelled and rescheduled in-person assessments in January, moving many online.
The move is as a result of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, which has become the dominant strain of the virus in the UK.
With an increasing number of cases in the North East, both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have announced that their in-person exams have been cancelled.
Instead, the assessments will take place online - though courses which require in-person exams will still go ahead.
A statement issued by Newcastle University said the move was to allow students to prepare for their exams with confidence and certainty.
The statement said: "We recognise that there will be some subject areas/modules where an alternative assessment will not be possible, for example because of the requirements of external professional bodies, and these assessments will go ahead in-person as planned. We will be in touch with you on Friday to give you more information on our plans."
Similarly, Northumbria University said those sitting assessments in January would be catered for where necessary.
A spokesperson from Northumbria University said: "Some of our courses require in-person exams to take place as a requirement of the relevant awarding external professional bodies – these will remain on campus following a full risk assessment adhering to all health and safety requirements."
Despite the decision to cut back on social contact during exams, in-person teaching is expected to resume in both universities following the Christmas break.
The spring term for Northumbria University begins on January 321st, while students at Newcastle University will return to lectures on January 31st.