Coronavirus FAQs - for Students, Applicants and Staff

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, ICMP has been working hard to ensure students are provided with appropriate, high-quality higher education support and guidance. Members of the ICMP staff, tutor and student community have successfully collaborated to instigate remote teaching and learning, giving you the means to continue your course, achieve your goals, graduate, or progress to the next stage of your studies. We’re extremely proud of what our staff and students have achieved so far, and are looking forward to welcoming all our students – both new and continuing – as usual in September 2021.

The prospect of starting the new academic year at university may be concerning for many students, particularly given the raised levels of anxiety and worry at this time, but we’re here to set your mind at ease. It’s true, there are many uncertainties – after all, it’s impossible for us to know exactly how or when the ‘lockdown’ will be eased, what social distancing measures will look like in September, or when our international student colleagues will be able to return to London. But we’ve already considered, planned and prepared for a range of scenarios, and have various high-quality and engaging alternative methods of study ready to implement quickly, should the need arise.

So, in the spirit of open engagement, we thought we’d address some of your most pressing questions, with the view to starting a conversation with you. We’re keen to understand what you’re most concerned about, what you expect from us, and how we can provide the choices and opportunities you’re looking for.

Understanding your individual needs

As part of our ‘Confirm your place' process which runs during the summer months, students and applicants will receive a survey asking about their needs so we can find out whether they’re financial, academic, equipment-based, wellbeing-related, linked to disability support, or a combination of these. We anticipate you'll have many questions for us, so we do invite and encourage your feedback.

Current students, please send your queries to our Academic Support team on academic.support@icmp.ac.uk.

New students, please send your queries to our Admissions team on enquiries@icmp.ac.uk in the first instance.

Additional Information

Alongside the information contained on this page, we have also detailed our approach to delivering higher education during the pandemic which was written in consultation with our current student body and provides further detail relating to studying at ICMP during this period.

Current Students

If you require additional support during this period please get in touch. We are here to help and support you throughout your time at ICMP in whatever capacity we can.

Please contact the Academic Support team (academic.support@icmp.ac.uk) or your Programme Leader in the first instance.

Financial Hardship

If you have any immediate financial needs, you may be able to access funding from our Hardship Fund. Please contact studentwellbeing@icmp.ac.uk to find out more. Alternatively, visit the Hardship Fund page on My.ICMP to start your application.

FAQs - Students

What should I do if I'm currently experiencing COVID-like symptoms?

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, please adhere to the latest government guidelines. Let us know as soon as possible using the form below and don’t attend ICMP.

REPORT SYMPTOMS

How do I report a positive COVID-19 test?

It’s crucial we’re aware of any students who test positive to coronavirus. We have an obligation to return data on our students to our regulators and Public Health England, and being aware of any positive cases allows us to act accordingly within our ICMP community. If you do test positive to COVID-19, please let us know as soon as possible using this form.

What should I do if I need to self-isolate?

If you fall into any of the self-isolation categories outlined by the UK Government, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing academic.support@icmp.ac.uk. You can read the latest NHS details about self-isolation on their website.

Is ICMP currently open?

Yes, ICMP remains open with all teams and support services available to students. However, in line with the current country-wide lockdown, we have had to close our buildings. Teaching for Semester B will now be delivered online until government advice changes.

We very much look forward to when we can return to face-to-face learning, using our blended-learning model, as soon as it's deemed safe to do so.

What are the implications of the latest UK Government measures?

On the 5th January 2021, the UK went into a country-wide lockdown. In light of this we have moved all teaching and assessments online until government advice changes. Our buildings will remain closed to students, however all support teams continue to operate as normal. Please reach out to the respective teams if you need support around your academic work, health and wellbeing or are experiencing issues of financial hardship.

If you have travelled away from your student residence over the Christmas period, it's important that you remain where you are and do not travel back to London during this lockdown period. If you have issues with wi-fi or lack of equipment during this period, please get in touch with us and we can see how we can assist you.

Please also continue to check your student email regularly, all important updates will be communicated via email in the first instance.

Where can I find the latest government advice?

The official UK Government coronavirus website should always be your first port of call for the latest advice and guidance on anything COVID-19 related.

I returned home for Christmas, should I head back to London?

During this period of national lockdown, you should remain where you are. With all ICMP teaching moving online, it is not necessary for you to return to London during this period. We’ll advise you accordingly when the guidance changes.

If you cannot reasonably change your travel plans, or need to return for reasons of vulnerability, you must stay at your term-time address and observe all restrictions upon your return. Full guidance can be found here.

What’s happening with assessments?

Assessments planned for early January will be moved online where this is practicable, where this is not possible they will be postponed. Your Programme Leader will be in touch to confirm this with you.

Can I still socialise with my fellow students during this period?

During this period you shouldn't be socialising with anyone outside of your household. For further information please the rules outlined in the latest government restrictions.

I'm struggling with my mental health. What should I do?

ICMP’s Wellbeing Team is available to help and support you with mental health-related issues. Please contact them via student.wellbeing@icmp.ac.uk.

There are also plenty of external resources available if you need to speak with someone at any time:

SAMARITANS
www.samaritans.org
Talk anytime you like, about anything that’s bothering you, in your own way and off the record.
Phone 116 123
jo@samaritans.org.uk
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 or visit give us a shout.

TOGETHERALL
www.togetherall.com
You're not alone. Togetherall is a safe place to talk, share the load and support others like you. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year and is FREE for all ICMP students.

STUDENT MINDS
www.studentminds.org.uk
Supporting you to look after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

NHS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ONLINE
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Looking after your mental health.

I'm struggling financially. Can ICMP help?

If you’re a current student and have immediate financial needs, you may be able to access support from our Hardship Fund. Please contact studentwellbeing@icmp.ac.uk to find out more or visit the Hardship Fund page on My.ICMP to start your application.

How can I connect and collaborate with students during this period?

You can network with fellow students, graduates and tutors using ICMPLife.com – the home of ICMP’s global community. You can also use ICMPLife to keep a check on how your friends and colleagues are coping during the coronavirus pandemic too – so be sure to get in touch and ask if they’re OK.

Why is ICMP not offering mass testing like other universities?

Not all providers of higher education in England are providing the mass testing that’s being discussed in the news. This is because the programme is designed primarily for universities with large halls of residence where students don’t need to travel to the test site using public transport.

At learning facilities where students live in a wide range of locations, such as ICMP, asking everyone to come to a test centre in Kilburn during the lockdown period, in most cases at least twice, will actually increase the risk of coronavirus transmission. Each institution conducts its own risk assessment and acts accordingly. We’ve been advised by our local Brent Public Health services that organising mass testing for ICMP students is not a good idea and may potentially increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission for our students, their families and ICMP’s local community too.

ICMP students are able to access free testing at sites throughout the Borough of Brent, please check your student emails for details and a link to book your test. We encourage all students to get tested.

What happens if I'm clinically vulnerable and can’t attend ICMP when face-to-face teaching resumes?

If you’re in a clinical high-risk category, please make contact with our Academic Support Team and they’ll advise you accordingly. The team can be contacted via academic.support@icmp.ac.uk

What should I do if I am unable to return to London?

If you can’t return to London following this period of national lockdown, please inform our Academic Support Team. They’ll speak with your Programme Leader and advise you about what you should do.

I’m an international student. Will I need to self-isolate after I return to ICMP from abroad?

We strongly advise international students not to return to the UK during the current lockdown period.

Guidance for people entering the UK from abroad is constantly changing. We recommend you visit gov.uk closer to your travel time and follow the relevant up-to-date advice.

Can I switch to learning online entirely?

Whilst our classes are currently being delivered online, we full intend to return to onsite classes as soon as it's deemed safe to do so. If at that point you are unable to return to face-to-face classes we advise you to speak to your Programme Leader at the earliest opportunity.

Can I still hire equipment from ICMP’s hire facility?

During the current period of lockdown our facilities are required to remain closed to students, along with our hire facility.

If you have specific equipment requirements that are critical to completing a piece of academic work please contact us and we will see if we can assist - email facilitiesteam@icmp.ac.uk

Can I still access studios and rehearsal space outside of lessons?

Currently, all ICMP facilities are closed to students. However, during normal operations, which we look forward to resuming in due course, all facilities will again be accessible to current students. We will advise you as soon as we are able to safely open the building again.

When we return to normal opening, our advice remains the same - please ensure you book rooms in advance (through the normal system) to avoid unnecessary travel or having too many students onsite at once.

What should I do if I’m not able to submit my coursework on time?

Please don’t worry! If you’re unable to complete your work on time, you can request additional time due to ‘extenuating circumstances’. Applying is straightforward and more information can be found here.

I’ve borrowed some books from the Library but can’t return them as I’ve now returned home. What should I do?

For the timebeing, simply keep the book safe until and contact us via email library@icmp.ac.uk to confirm you still have it. We can then ensure a note is placed against your Library record.

When we reopen, if you are still unable to return a book that's left in your student accommodation, we would appreciate you asking any of your ICMP housemates to return the book/s to our reception desk, or to the Library, with a note saying who they are returning the book/s for.

What should I do if I’m dissatisfied with my current experience at ICMP?

If you’re unhappy with your ICMP experience, you should speak with your Programme Leader. They’ll be able to address your concerns and escalate the matter, as appropriate.

Another route is to feedback to us on what is and isn’t working. You can do this through our well-established system of Student Reps and Student Officers, who will feed your concerns into our Student Senate, led by a Student President and Vice-President. Full details on how to access this route can be found here.

Will I be entitled to a refund or compensation as a result of changes caused by COVID-19?

Your rights are protected under UK law and our refund policy applies as normal. We’re doing everything we reasonably can to deliver what we’ve committed to and will ensure you can continue your course and achieve your goals regardless of the coronavirus restrictions imposed on us. If you think you haven’t received the right level of service or support from us, we’ll examine your situation and make sure we resolve your issues. If we’re unable to do so, we’ll consider your case under our refund policy.

We subscribe to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA). If you’ve already studied with us and feel we haven’t applied our policy fairly and appropriately in your specific case, you can ask them to review our decision. The OIA is completely independent and there’s no charge to use this service.

Current advice for applicants

For anyone looking to apply to join us at ICMP in September 2021, this may seem like a complex time. But please know that our application and audition process is running as normal. The entire ICMP team is functioning as normal and are ready to offer support should you need help applying.

We've set out answers below to many common questions we're being asked about new applications, but if you still have queries after reading them, please contact us on +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or via email at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk

If you've not booked your ICMP audition yet, you can do so here:

REQUEST AN AUDITION

FAQs - Applicants

How can I learn more about the ICMP Admissions process and how it's changed?

In short, our admissions process hasn't changed. We're simply working remotely and unable to offer face to face auditions. Our friendly Admissions team remain on hand to give you all the support you need, book your Skype Audition or answer any questions you might have. You can access them via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk by phone 020 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.

I’d like to audition but am not sure how this will work now

We’ve been auditioning overseas students for many years via various online platforms such as Skype, as such, we’re very familiar with the practicalities of auditioning students remotely.

Our experienced assessors will support you in overcoming any issues you may encounter and ensure you get the most from this experience. Auditions are a crucial part of our application process and one which we don’t compromise on. They are as much for you as they are for us, we need to assess your abilities and understand your aspirations, but you also need to ensure that you feel that ICMP is the right fit for you. We’d advise you to be wary of any schools that do not follow this process.

If you would like more information about booking a remote Audition, please contact our Admissions Team via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk by phone +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or use our LiveChat function below. You can also book your audition outside of office hours using this form.

Will any disruption to my exams impact my application to study at ICMP?

Please feel assured that any disruption you suffer due to unexpected covid-related circumstances will have no negative impact on your application to study at ICMP. All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis, but this will not put the applicant at a disadvantage.

Whilst we, of course, consider academic ability within our application process, at this point our primary focus is on the audition/interview element of your application when deciding if ICMP is right place for you as a creative musician.

This advice remains the same for all applicants - UK, EU and those outside of Europe.

I'm an EU/Overseas student and concerned that I may not be in a position to move to the UK this September

We understand that this is a very confusing and uncertain time for everyone. However, what is certain is that it isn't permanent and life will return to normal.

Whilst we do not know what the impacts of COVID-19 will be in September, we can assure you that we are preparing for all eventualities. Should the impact on COVID-19 extend to your country beyond our September start date, we will continue to offer alternative/online delivery methods. These will be available to you until you're able to come to the UK to start your studies in person. If this occurs, this will have no negative impact on your visa - our Admissions team will guide you through this process.

If you are an overseas student needing to take an English language assessment we will be providing updated advice on this shortly. Please continue with your application as normal and our Admissions Team will support you through this element.

Our Admissions team are available to answer all of your questions via enquiries@icmp.ac.uk, by phone +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.

If you're eligible and need to delay travelling to London, we will send you a form to complete to inform us of your circumstances. We will then be in contact to outline how we will support you to continue to study offsite for an agreed period of time.

WHAT IF MY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES STOP ME FROM TRAVELLING TO ICMP IN SEPTEMBER?

Some students, UK and overseas, may have individual circumstances that mean they cannot join us for on-campus lectures at the same time as others. This may be due to a long-term health condition, or because you live with a vulnerable relative, or you may be unable to immediately travel or relocate to London due to local lockdown or restrictive measures.

If you fall into any of these circumstances, or have a legitimate reason not to join us in person in September, we can work with you to establish a plan that supports you to commence your studies offsite. In order to do so, we need you to complete our 'Distance Learning' form and submit this before 1st September.

Once we have received your details, we'll be in contact to outline how we will support you to continue your studies offsite for an agreed period of time.

I was looking forward to attending an ICMP open day, how can I find out more?

Whilst we are disappointed not to be able to welcome prospective students onsite to view our amazing facilities and meet our team, we are able to run in-depth virtual open days. These events will allow you to learn all about ICMP, meet our tutor team and hear from some of our current students. You'll be treated to live music and also be taken on a live guided VR tour of or facilities. Book your place today.

We are also able to offer personalised tours of our facilities to help you get a good feel for why hundreds of students choose to study music at ICMP each year. While we appreciate that this not quite the same as visiting us in person, we’ll still be able to show you around our building and talk you through our facilities.

Visit our Virtual Open Days page to book an open day or request your personal guided tour.

What happens if the UK is still in lockdown in September 2021?

Whilst we do not know what the impacts of COVID-19 will be in September, we can assure you that we will be preparing for all eventualities. Our blended-model of learning has proved very effective and popular with our students during this period and, if required, we are likely to continue with this model to ensure all students are able to access a proportion of their course on-campus. You can read more about our blended-learning model here.

We're very much looking forward to our new cohort of students joining next September. Whether online or face-to-face, we're confident that we'll continue to deliver a world-class educational experience, no different to that which has drawn thousands of students to ICMP over the past 30 years.

If you are based outside of the UK, an online delivery mode will be available to you until you're able to come to the UK to start your studies in person. This ensures you connect with your tutors, fellow students and remain on track with your studies. This will have no negative impact on student visas - our Admissions team will guide you through this process.

Further detail, outlining to our approach to delivering higher education during the pandemic, can be read here

What if I still have concerns about what ICMP is offering in September?

Your rights are protected under UK law. We’re doing everything we reasonably can to deliver what we have committed to and ensure you can continue your course and achieve your goals regardless of the coronavirus restrictions that have been imposed on us, but we acknowledge that things will be different from what you originally expected when you applied to us. If you think our approach won't work for you, we’ll examine your individual situation and make sure we resolve any issues you may have. And if we’re unable to do so, we will support you to look at other options.

Join us in September and progress your career in music

Start your application

Campus Access & Safety

CAN STUDENTS Currently ACCESS THE ICMP BUILDINGS?

In accordance with the UK's current lockdown, ICMP's facilities in Kilburn and Acton are currently closed to students. All timetable lessons have been moved online during this period.

We look forward to returning to face-to-face teaching and reopening our buildings as soon as the guidance allows.

Your Safety

Since the start of the pandemic, we have reconfigured many aspects of our building to ensure our community's safety and safe movement throughout our facilities.

We have instigated social distancing measures throughout our building, both inside and outside. Marked-routes now exist to ensure everyone can safely navigate through the building, these must be followed at all times. We've removed furniture and fittings to ensure everyone can adhere to the 2-meter distancing where possible throughout the building. We have also assigned individual stairwells for moving up and down through the floors and we also now have separate designated entrance and exit doors. Students will enter through the front of the building, ascending the building using the front stairwell, and then descend and exit using the stairwell and door at the rear of the building.

To increase cleanliness for all students and staff using the building, we have a sanitation station within Reception - please ensure this is used upon entering the building. Additional sanitation stations are cited on each floor too - all students and staff are encouraged to use these regularly.

We look forward to welcoming student and staff back onsite in the near future.

Cleaning Procedures

Prior to starting Semester A in September 2020, our cleaning staff intensified their daily procedures, this will continue when we reopen following the current period of lockdown. Cleaning now includes additional focus on all touch-points and surfaces throughout our building, ensuring these are cleaned with anti-viral disinfectant each morning. Throughout opening hours, additional cleaning will continue to take place to ensure touch-points are regularly cleaned.

At ICMP we have an enviable selection of musical equipment and instruments available for students to use onsite. Equipment will continue to remain available to students, but please be assured that every item of equipment will be cleaned following each use.

If you become unwell onsite

When the building re-opens, we ask all those using the site that, should they become unwell whilst onsite, that they report this to staff via the Facilities Desk. This includes any of the known coronavirus symptoms:

temperature/fever
persistent cough
vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of taste or smell

Face Coverings

Staff, students, visitors, contractors, and members of the public must use face coverings whilst onsite at ICMP.

This is out of consideration for those around us. A face covering is normally a cloth or mask covering both the nose and mouth.

Face coverings must be worn (except by those who are exempt) when entering ICMP buildings and in all shared indoor spaces. This includes in-person teaching settings, communal and circulation spaces, offices, meeting rooms and spaces, libraries.

This is to enhance the protection and safety of staff and students, and we ask for full cooperation with this policy. Should you not be able to use face coverings as a result of personal circumstances, please speak to the Wellbeing Team (if you’re a student) or Head of HR (if you’re a staff member). We kindly ask all staff and students to be respectful of this policy and help us in enforcing it in a sensitive and appropriate way.

Do I have to wear a face covering all the time when in the building?

There are limited specific exceptions where face coverings can be removed.

These include single occupancy offices or when seated at a desk in a shared office with protective screening and/or 2m social distancing is observed. This is because where face-to-face interaction, such as speaking with others and movement is minimised the risk of transmission is limited. In addition, staff working in settings with protective screens in place such as reception areas.

Face coverings do not need to be worn when eating and drinking provided 2m social distancing is consistently maintained.

What are the exemptions to face coverings?

In line with exemptions that apply in public spaces such as on public transport and in shops, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering.

This includes (but is not limited to):

not being able to put on, wear, or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.
where putting on, wearing, or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress.
if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip-reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate*.
to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in strenuous activities.
children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons).

*Transparent face visors can be provided by the facilities Team to assist communication between those who lip-read.

Providing evidence
The government advice for those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face-covering is that they should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. Students or staff will not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

All students and staff at ICMP who are exempt from wearing face coverings will be offered the opportunity to wear an additional “copper” coloured lanyard so that they will be identifiable in the building. To make it easier for the students and staff and avoid unwanted confrontation we will encourage all students to do this, but it will be entirely at their discretion. In addition, if the student has a Support Agreement in place they will also have the option to have this information noted in the top header of their Support Agreement, this will be indicated with a simple yes or no answer. Exemption cards or homemade signs can also be carried if preferred.

Getting a lanyard
Students should contact studentwellbeing@icmp.ac.uk. They will be asked to complete a short form linked here Face Mask Exemption Register. Once completed they will be sent confirmation of their request via email which they will then show to reception when collecting their lanyard.

General Coronavirus Advice

WHERE CAN I FIND OFFICIAL UK COVID-19 ADVICE?

You can read the latest UK official information on coronavirus from the following sources:

I FEEL ILL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms.

Stay at home if you have either:

a high temperature (i.e. you feel hot to touch on your chest or back)
a new, continuous cough (i.e. you've started coughing repeatedly).

Please don’t visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You don’t need to contact 111 to tell them you have symptoms, but please inform ICMP either via your Programme Leader or Academic Support so we can note your authorised absence, support you by minimising any impact your absence might have on your academic progress, and help you apply for extenuation from any imminent academic deadlines you may have.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

you feel you can’t cope with your symptoms at home
your condition gets worse
your symptoms don’t get better after seven days.

Only call 111 if you can’t access the help you need online.

Please ensure you’re registered with your local health services in line with current Public Health England guidance.

THE COVID-19 CRISIS HAS AFFECTED MY WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH. WHO CAN I TALK TO?

The coronavirus pandemic and the constraints of being confined to our homes during lockdown have placed a great strain on many students’ physical and mental wellbeing. During this period, our Student Wellbeing team is on hand to direct you to appropriate support if you’re concerned, stressed, anxious or low. You can also access the reassuring online services of Togetherall at any time.

It’s important we do all we can to support our friends, peers and colleagues during this time. We encourage you to keep in regular touch with each other, checking in on your friends’ wellbeing, offering help and support, and making allowances for the pressure we’re all facing. Additional advice is available from the NHS, World Health Organization and music industry sites such as Help Musicians and Music and You.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY EDUCATION. WHO SHOULD I ASK?

The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19, specifically in relation to education. Parents, carers and students can contact the helpline Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm on 0800 046 8687 or by emailing DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Have further questions? Just drop us a line...

Our friendly team remain on hand to give you all the support you need and answer any questions you might have. You can access them via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk by phone +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.