Information for Current Students

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing restrictions, we will continue to make it possible for you to engage in your programme of study in the most meaningful and effective ways.

The Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) reflects progress in introducing new arrangements and support as part of Belfast Met’s continuing response to the COVID-19 crisis.

We are committed to continuing to support to our students, through remote, online and a range of other learning modes, where possible and appropriate.

Your feedback over recent months has helped us to refine our online provision further as we prepare for the incoming year.

Check these pages regularly for updates as you prepare to continue your studies with us.

Latest Update -  28 February 2022

Our Covid regulations remain unchanged. We want to keep you safe.

When on campus, please:

• Wear a face covering. If you are exempt, please wear a sunflower lanyard (available from campus reception).
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Follow the one-way systems and remember that there is only one person in a lift at a time.
• Carry out Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests twice weekly (available from campus reception).
• Report any Covid-19 incidents without delay using StudentCovidReport[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk

Lateral Flow Testing 

For the attention of those students currently coming into college buildings

In May, Belfast Met introduced Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing offering twice weekly LFD testing to all students and staff currently attending College campuses.

While LFD testing is voluntary, we would strongly encourage you to take up the offer to further reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

We are continuing to distribute test kits for those who wish to use them. Collection point details are below:

Titanic Quarter Campus: Mon-Thur, 9am-1pm, main reception / Atrium area

Millfield Campus: Mon-Thurs, 9am – 1pm at the Student's Union (Building 1 Level 2)

Castlereagh Campus: Mon-Thur, 9am-1pm, at the Student's Union.

E3 Campus: Available 10am-4pm at the rear of main reception desk.

Girdwood Campus: Requests for LFD kits at Girdwood can be made by emailing: estatefmhelpdesk[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk[DOT]

If you wish to collect a test kit please follow all social distance guidelines, sanitise your hands and ensure you are wearing a mask at all times.

Further information on Covid-19 Self-Testing is available below. 

Covid Self-Test Help

Covid Self-Test Video

Who is my main point of contact?

Your first and main point of contact is your Personal Tutor / Advisor of Studies.

How do I contact my School admin office?

There are five Schools in Belfast Met and each School covers a particular area of the curriculum.

How do I log in from home?

Select 'Log in' at the top right of the webpage banner. For Students accessing Canvas they select 'Log in' under Student.

Further instructions can be accessed here.

Are you accepting applications for the 2022/2023 academic year?

Applications for Higher Education courses starting in September 2022 are now open.

Applications for Further Education will open in January 2022. 

Apply Now

Can I still access Student Wellbeing?

The Student Wellbeing Service will continue to support our students’ health and wellbeing via electronic means (email/phone/Skype/Zoom) and where appropriate will ensure referral to external specialist services.

How can I access Library resources?

Library open hours can be found here.

Can I still access Careers/Employability services?

Yes, service will be maintained electronically using the careers[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk email address, Skype and Canvas as communication platforms.

How will I access Inclusive learning?

The Inclusive Learning team remains available to provide support to students over email or SKYPE. General queries should be sent to cild[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk

If you are supported by a Learning Support Officer then please email them directly.

How can I contact the Students’ Union while sites are closed?

The Students Union team continues to work remotely, to get in touch please contact - studentsunion[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk

What support are you providing students to help them cope?

The Department for Learner Success is continuing to provide a range of support services for our students. This includes the student counselling and wellbeing services.

The curriculum heads of department have emailed students and provided them with the following:

Student Support

Below are key contact numbers you may wish to put in your phone:
Lifeline: 24/7 Crisis intervention, support and advice line 0808 808 8000
Inspire Wellbeing: 24/7 Student Counselling service provision 0808 800 0032

The on-campus Student Counselling drop in service has been suspended until further notice. However, all student counselling will continue to be provided via Skype and telephone calls.

If you are in need of student counselling services please do not hesitate to contact them 24/7 on 0808 800 0032.

If you have any queries about your course please contact your tutor.

You might also like to check out the UK mental health charity, MIND. They have produced a short guide to managing stress, which you can access here.

How do I contact Student Funding?

The Student Funding team continues to work remotely, for funding advice and guidance please contact - studentfunding[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk

What will happen to my student finance?

Further Education Grants - The Education Authority (EA) where possible, will aim to pay Further Education grants 3rd instalment directly to the student’s bank account during the second week in April.

Childcare Grant - For those in receipt of a Further Education Childcare Grant, the Education Authority will continue to pay the childcare provider where the student continues to study remotely.

FE Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) – payments will continue as normal unless advised otherwise by the Student Loan Company (SLC). For further information check with the Student Loans Company on [email protected]

Training for Success – payments will continue as normal unless advised otherwise by the Department for the Economy (DfE).

Access to Learning Fund – payments will continue as normal unless advised otherwise by Department for Economy.

Will my attendance be marked if I am studying from home?

Yes, your tutor will make a record of engagement on a weekly basis.

How do I access my course online?

We are committed to ensuring that you will be able to continue with your studies during this period with as little disruption as possible.

For most courses this will mean accessing course materials etc via Canvas.

We are engaging directly with those students who do not have access to a digital device or the internet. If you are in this position and have not yet contacted us to let us know, then please do so as soon as possible so that we can look at other forms of delivery. You will find at list of relevant contact details at the beginning of these Frequently Asked Questions.

It is important that you keep in regular contact with your Personal Tutor / Advisor of Studies.

I need help accessing College IT Systems (e.g. email or Canvas). What can I do?

For technical issues, please contact the ITServiceDesk[AT]belfastmet[DOT]ac[DOT]uk

The Service Desk phone number (028 9026 5111) will also work for calls but it is always best to email, if possible.

How are you keeping students updated?

We will continue to issue updates via as many communications channels as possible. You should check these on a regular basis. The channels we will use to communicate with our students are: Canvas, the Student App, All Student emails, social media and our website.

Do I have to wear a face covering (face mask) in College?

We want all of our students to feel safe on campus. In light of the most recent guidance to the FE Colleges all staff, students and visitors will be asked to wear a face covering whilst in the College corridors and other communal spaces. Reusable face masks will be made available.

Where can I find the latest information about COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

It is vital that each of us keeps up to date and compliant with the latest government and Public Health Agency (PHA) advice and guidance.