In the current Covid-19 circumstances we are working hard to deliver effective teaching and learning in a secure digital environment.

It is clear that during the 2020/21 academic year and beyond, students will need a personal computing device. So we have produced central guidance on the recommended specification for any device students use to undertake their academic work.

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We have good quality IT workspaces and computing labs on campus, but due to the potential for ongoing social distancing, lockdowns or periods of quarantine, we are advising all students during the 2020/21 academic year to have a personal computing device.

We recommend a laptop for portability, as they may need it on campus, in residences and at home during term time and holidays, and devices must support Microsoft Office Pro Plus (or equivalent), Microsoft Teams and Moodle.

To participate in the learning and assessment for their particular course activities, students may need a different device specification. Departments should provide additional information to their students if required.

We are stressing to students that it is not essential to buy a new device to study at Warwick – a reliable laptop that is less than three years old is likely to be sufficient.

For students concerned about the cost of new equipment, we can confirm that as part of our preparations for this new academic year, the University will provide an IT Bursary of £600 for eligible students to purchase a personal device. The website here provides further details about student eligibility criteria, including the application process, and a communication to new and existing students will go out next week making them aware of the scheme.

For more information and to read the full recommended technical spec, please visit the ITS webpage here.