February 2021 update 

These continue to be difficult and challenging times. France officially came out of lockdown (confinement) in early December 2020. Since that time, a 6 p.m. curfew has been in place across the country. Shops, parks and outdoor spaces and public services are open, but bars, restaurants, cinemas, and museums remain closed until further notice.

In accordance with French government regulations, as of 5 February 2021, the University of Kent Paris School is now able to return to face-to-face teaching in small groups.

Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity must read our Code of Conduct carefully and adhere to all polices outlined within it. All classes will take place in a socially distanced format at our study centre at Reid Hall.  Please remember in particular:

• Masks must be worn at all times on the premises
• Follow social distancing guidelines.
• Wash your hands regularly.

Those students who do not wish to attend class in-person or are unable to do so, can continue to join their classes remotely.

The University would like to remind all students and staff to look after themselves, keep safe, adhere to the Code of Conduct and support each other.

Please address any questions to paris@kent.ac.uk.

December 2020 Update

Since the decision was made to move all PSAC teaching online, government restrictions have remained in place with regard to the delivery of face-to-face university teaching. Our priority is the safety of staff and students and our support of the government measures to overcome the pandemic. We will continue to review the situation as it evolves.

FRENCH GOVERNMENT UPDATES

On November 28, the French government announced that France would begin the process of “déconfinement”, or gradually stripping back lockdown measures. At this stage, plans are still vague, but the French government has announced that universities are likely to re-open their doors in late January 2021, with in person teaching beginning approximately two weeks after this date. Looking ahead to the Spring Term, which starts on Monday 18 January 2021, we hope to return to face-to-face teaching as soon as we are able to do so, in line with government guidance. 

If government measures allow, we hope to be able to welcome all incoming students to Reid Hall from 20 January, and return to face-to-face teaching (for applicable modules) shortly thereafter. We expect the first week or two of the Spring Term to be delivered 100% online, in accordance with French government guidelines. Some modules will be delivered 100% online over the course of the entire term, whereas others will be delivered in a face-to-face format.  

More information on restrictions currently in place in France can be found here.

WELCOME WEEK: 18-22 January 2021 

Welcome week will begin for all incoming students (students beginning their programmes in January 2021, but also students coming to Paris after spending the Autumn Term at our Canterbury campus) on Monday, 18 January. We highly recommend that all students join us in Paris by this time if possible; however, please note that it is vital to have good internet access to participate in all welcome week sessions.  The vast majority of our sessions will be held virtually, with a few in-person meetings where possible. We will be releasing the welcome week programme shortly.

SPRING TERM DATES

23 December 2020-3 January 2021 (inclusive): Christmas closure. All university offices will remain closed over this period, and re-open virtually on Monday, 4 January 2021. Please note that University staff will answer all messages received during this time after 4 January 2021.  

18 January 2021: Spring Term begins/welcome week for all incoming students. We strongly advise all students to return to Paris before 18 January if they are able. Please check any travel restrictions in place before travelling to France. 

20 January 2021: French Government announces updated Covid guidelines. 

25 January 2021: Spring Term classes begin (Week 14) for all Paris programmes/modules. All classes will begin online. 

5 February 2021: Expected return to face-to-face teaching (with social distancing measures in place) in applicable modules.  

We will continue to monitor government announcements and hope that we will be able to deliver face-to-face teaching as early as possible in line with our Covid-19 Code of Conduct. We will keep all staff and students informed of our plans as soon as the situation becomes clearer in the new year. 

Photo credit: (c) Guillaume Bontemps / Ville de Paris (December 2020)