Students in Hertfordshire are unhappy with the prospect of further online studies as the new term begins.

The University of Hertfordshire has responded to a petition signed by more than 400 people after students found a significant amount of classes would remain online this year.

Angry students have vowed to pressure the establishment in a bid to overturn their unpopular decision.

Students at the university have started to receive their first timetables for the new academic year, with some claiming they only have online classes scheduled - prompting the petition.

More than 400 people have now signed the petition as of today [Friday, September 10], which claims that the cost benefits of virtual learning are being put ahead of student's preferences.

The petition comes as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said that universities should be teaching in person where possible.

However, one University of Hertfordshire student, who lives in student accommodation, has found his timetable is currently only showing online teaching for all four of his modules.

They questioned the University's decision to press ahead with virtual learning after a summer when major festivals returned and clubs were allowed to open.

The student, who did not want to be named, said: "With us being allowed back in clubs and venues like Leeds Festival, how can they [decide] online lessons are still ok?"

The University said their campuses will be fully open ahead of the new academic year, and they had listened to students and evolved our teaching and learning delivery" over the past 18 months.

However, anonymous Instagram account, The University of Memefordshire, which started the petition said: "Students deserve the university experience they were promised. Like always, we won't be taking the pressure off until we see a real change."

In response, the university has said timetables have not yet been finalised, and all students will receive in-person, on-campus teaching.

They added the decision to continue online teaching will allow students to benefit from more flexibility.

A University of Hertfordshire spokesperson said: "We can't wait to welcome our students back to campus for the new academic year. All students will receive in-person, on-campus teaching sessions this year.

"Timetables are being finalised as students continue to register for study and will be complete and confirmed during Welcome Week (week commencing Monday 27 September).

"We have listened to students and evolved our teaching and learning delivery since the start of the pandemic and as well as in-person teaching we have increased the availability of high-quality online resources and recordings.

"We know students enjoy flexibility and have benefited from online sessions as well as the University's tailored on-campus teaching in smaller lectures, group seminars, tutorials and one to ones.

"Our campuses will be fully open shortly and students will be able to also make full use of learning and social spaces and all of our facilities."