Everything you need to know about claiming compensation for your COVID-era education at Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, St Mary’s University College, or Stranmillis University College.
Who can make a claim?
You may be eligible to claim if you were enrolled as a student at any Northern Ireland university or university college on a taught programme between September 2020 and 2024 and you received hybrid or remote learning instead of the in-person education you were promised when you enrolled. This includes students from:
- Queen’s University Belfast – all faculties and schools
- St Mary’s University College – teacher education programmes
- Stranmillis University College – teacher education and early childhood programmes
- Ulster University – all campuses (Belfast, Magee, Jordanstown, Coleraine) and all faculties
Both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes are covered.
What is the legal basis for the claim?
The claim is based on two main grounds. First, breach of contract: when you accepted your offer and enrolled at your university, you entered into a legally binding contract with the institution. University Terms and Conditions typically state that the institution will endeavour to deliver programmes as described and require consultation with students before making major changes to programme delivery. If your university failed to deliver in-person teaching as promised—particularly after PHA guidance indicated it was safe to return—this may constitute a breach of contract.
Second, breach of consumer protection laws: as a student, you are a consumer for the purposes of the Consumer Rights Act. Under this Act, educational services must be provided with reasonable care and skill, and information provided about the service (such as prospectus descriptions of in-person teaching) becomes a term of the contract. Your university’s failure to deliver the education as described may breach these statutory protections.
Won’t the universities just blame COVID-19?
The universities will likely argue that COVID-19 was a “force majeure” event beyond their reasonable control, relying on force majeure clauses in their Terms and Conditions. However, we have strong arguments to counter this defence.
Force majeure clauses are construed strictly by the courts. Universities must show that the pandemic genuinely prevented them from performing—not merely that it made performance more difficult or expensive. Crucially, force majeure clauses typically require institutions to take “reasonable steps to minimise the disruption” and adverse impact on students. If universities continued hybrid delivery after guidance indicated it was safe to return to in-person teaching, the pandemic was no longer the cause of the breach—the institutions’ own policy choices were.
Additionally, the breadth of the force majeure clause may render it unenforceable as an unfair term under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation will depend on your individual circumstances, including the tuition fees you paid, the proportion of your course delivered remotely, and any consequential losses you suffered. Compensation typically covers the difference in value between what you were promised (in-person education) and what you actually received (hybrid or remote learning). Some students may also claim for accommodation costs incurred while being taught remotely, or for equipment purchased for online learning.
Do I need to have made a complaint to my university at the time?
No. While evidence of complaints and your university’s responses may support your claim, you do not need to have complained at the time to be eligible. Many students were told that hybrid delivery was temporary or unavoidable, and may not have realised they had grounds to complain.
Will this affect my degree or relationship with my university?
No. Your degree remains valid regardless of this claim. Your university cannot revoke your degree or take any adverse action against you for pursuing a legitimate legal claim. Litigation of this nature is increasingly common in the higher education sector, and universities understand that students have a right to seek redress for breach of contract.
How will the case be funded?
RP Crawford Solicitors can apply for various funding options to include ATE (after the event insurance), legal aid and legal expense insurance. English law firms often agree to Conditional Fee Agreements (commonly known as “no win, no fee” arrangements) or litigation funding. This means you may be able to pursue your claim without paying legal fees upfront but the solicitor can take a percentage of your compensation. This is illegal in Northern Ireland, and you should not enter into this arrangement. At RP Crawford we do not take anything from your compensation payment.
Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many claims settle through negotiation or mediation before reaching court. If the case does proceed to trial, it is likely to be managed as a group litigation, meaning you would not need to give evidence individually unless your case is selected as a “lead case.”
What documents do I need?
Ideally, you should retain any prospectus materials, offer letters, enrolment confirmations, timetables, and correspondence with your university. However, do not be deterred from registering if you no longer have these documents—we can assist in obtaining evidence to support your claim.
How long will the case take?
Litigation of this nature can take 18 months to 3 years or longer, depending on whether the universities choose to defend the claims vigorously or enters into early settlement discussions. We will keep you informed of progress through our Newsletter.
What is the deadline to claim?
The limitation period for breach of contract claims in Northern Ireland is 6 years from the date of breach. For students who enrolled in September 2020, this means some claims may become time-barred as early as September 2026. It is essential that you register your interest as soon as possible to protect your position.
ACT NOW – THE CLOCK IS TICKING
You have only 6 years from the date of the breach to bring your claim. For many students, limitation deadlines are fast approaching.
Don’t let your right to compensation expire. Register today.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR CLAIM NOW
It takes just 2 minutes to complete our form and secure your place in the claim.
