Escalation After UCL: Students Target 36 More UK Universities

Following the recent confidential settlement between University College London (UCL) and thousands of students over disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, a wave of new student Covid compensation claims has swept across the United Kingdom's higher education sector. More than 170,000 current and former students have joined forces through the Student Group Claim initiative, sending pre-action letters to 36 prominent universities. These claims allege that institutions failed to deliver the promised in-person teaching and campus experience for which students paid full tuition fees of £9,250 per year.

The timing is critical, as claims related to the 2020-21 academic year must be filed before the September 2026 deadline under the Limitation Act. This development underscores lingering frustrations from pandemic-era teaching shortfalls, where lectures shifted online, laboratories closed, and social aspects of university life evaporated overnight. Represented by Asserson Solicitors, students argue that basic consumer law principles—enshrined in the Consumer Rights Act 2015—entitle them to redress for services not rendered as advertised.

Unpacking the UCL Settlement

UCL's settlement, announced just days ago, involved around 6,000 claimants who had pursued legal action since 2022. The university admitted no liability but agreed to a commercial resolution to avoid a trial scheduled for later this year. UCL President and Provost Michael Spence emphasized the institution's efforts to adapt under government guidance, stating that staff "worked diligently to deliver teaching and student support in unprecedented circumstances."

Lead claimant David Hamon welcomed the outcome, noting it resolved the dispute without court proceedings. Lawyers from Harcus Parker and Asserson, who coordinated the group action, hailed it as a positive step. Shimon Goldwater of Asserson remarked, "This is the end of the claim against UCL, but we continue to represent tens of thousands of students who were at other universities during Covid." This pivot has fueled the broader campaign.

The 36 Universities Now in the Spotlight

Pre-action letters have been dispatched to a diverse roster of institutions, spanning Russell Group powerhouses and civic universities. The full list includes:

• University of Bath
• University of Birmingham
• Birmingham City University
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• City St George's, University of London
• Coventry University
• De Montfort University
• University of East Anglia
• University of Exeter
• Imperial College London
• University of Kent
• King's College London
• University of Leeds
• Leeds Beckett University
• University of Liverpool
• Liverpool John Moores University
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Loughborough University
• The University of Manchester
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Newcastle University
• University of Nottingham
• Nottingham Trent University
• Northumbria University
• University of Portsmouth
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Reading
• University of Sheffield
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Southampton
• Swansea University
• University of the Arts London
• University of The West of England
• University of Warwick
• University of York

These universities represent a significant portion of the UK's higher education landscape, educating hundreds of thousands and generating billions in tuition revenue.

Student Grievances: What Went Wrong During the Pandemic?

Students recount a stark contrast between marketed university life—vibrant campuses, hands-on labs, group projects, and networking—and the reality of Zoom lectures from bedrooms. Practical disciplines like medicine, engineering, and arts suffered most, with labs shuttered and fieldwork halted. One anonymous claimant described attending "one in-person lesson amid endless PowerPoints," echoing experiences at De Montfort University highlighted in prior coverage.

Beyond academics, the holistic university package included access to libraries, sports facilities, and graduations—many of which were virtual or delayed. Staff strikes compounded issues, cancelling further teaching. Goldwater likened it to "paying for a five-star holiday but getting one-star service," emphasizing emotional distress and lost opportunities.

Photo by Rafael Atantya on Unsplash

Legal Foundations: Breach of Contract Under Consumer Law

The claims hinge on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which mandates that services match descriptions and reasonable quality. Universities' prospectuses promised "face-to-face" or "in-person" delivery, yet pandemic shifts allegedly breached this without proportional fee adjustments. Economic analyses peg online delivery value at 25-50% lower, justifying partial refunds.

Prior High Court rulings, like the refusal of a group litigation order for UCL, did not derail proceedings. Instead, they paved individual or grouped claims. Universities cite force majeure clauses, but claimants argue consumer protections override these.

Universities' Defense and Sector-Wide Challenges

Institutions maintain they followed Office for Students (OfS) guidance and government lockdowns, innovating with hybrid models. UCL noted providing redress routes, with many students already compensated via internal schemes. Universities UK has been approached but emphasizes the sector's £1 billion+ tuition surge during 2018-2021 covered adaptations.

Financial pressures loom: amid declining enrollments and funding cuts, mass payouts could strain budgets. Yet, proactive resolutions might mitigate reputational damage. For faculty eyeing new roles amid uncertainty, lecturer jobs in the UK remain plentiful.

Covid's Lasting Shadow on UK Higher Education

The pandemic reshaped teaching irrevocably. National Student Survey (NSS) data showed satisfaction dipping to historic lows in 2021, with 77.5% approving responses but gaps in practical training. Office for National Statistics reported nearly half of students facing academic setbacks, while Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) polls revealed 56% satisfaction with handling but widespread wellbeing declines.

Long-term, entry rates rebounded, but attainment gaps persist, especially for disadvantaged groups. Universities invested in edtech, yet hybrid models linger in a third of courses by 2022-23.

Potential Financial and Reputational Implications

If successful, claims could total hundreds of millions, dwarfing prior refunds like £600,000 awarded in 2022 cases. Per-student asks hover around £2,000-£5,000, factoring loans at high interest. Winners might set precedents, pressuring the remaining 100+ institutions.

Conversely, losses could bolster defenses. International students, hit hardest by travel bans, add complexity. For career advice on navigating HE turbulence, visit higher ed career advice.

Photo by Hữu Phú on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives: Balancing Accountability and Adaptation

Students seek justice for "one of the great injustices of the pandemic," per Goldwater. Universities highlight heroism—pivoting overnight while safeguarding health. Policymakers note OfS protections, but calls for fee reforms grow. Employers value resilient graduates, yet question skill gaps.

• Benefits of resolution: Restores trust, funds student support.
• Risks: Diverts resources from innovation.
• Comparisons: Similar Australian suits yielded modest refunds.

Next Steps for Affected Students and Future Outlook

Eligible students from 2019-22 should assess claims via Student Group Claim (no win, no fee; 35% success fee). Deadlines loom—act swiftly.

Looking ahead, expect settlements or trials reshaping contracts. HE may embed flexibility clauses while prioritizing quality. Rate your experience at Rate My Professor or explore higher ed jobs in recovering institutions. In conclusion, these student Covid compensation claims highlight the need for transparent, resilient higher education.

For UK university opportunities, check UK higher ed listings and university jobs.