UNIVERSITY courses at one of Winchester's universities has been cut short by a week over coronavirus fears.

The current academic term at the Winchester School of Art, run by the University of Southampton, has been brought forward by one week -following the national risk level being raised from moderate to high.

It has also postponed all international and UK field trips for the next six weeks, as well as conferences at the university.

Staff have been told there will be no international staff travel on business unless it is essential.

The varsity event, when the university was due to have its sports teams play against University of Portsmouth, at the university did not go ahead on unday.

No teaching will take place this week, but the university remains fully open.

A letter from president and vice-chancellor Mark Smith sent on Friday said: "The Government yesterday moved from “contain” to “delay” phase in its handling of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and the national risk level has been raised from moderate to high. Apart from increased guidance around self-isolation in the event of a fever and a cough, there were no immediate implications for educational institutions.

"At yesterday's meeting of the University’s Business Continuity Committee we have made the pragmatic decision to bring forward by one week the end of this current term to the end of today Friday 13 March 2020.

"We will keep any impact to the absolute minimum and ensure all students can successfully complete their term’s learning. No teaching will take place next week, but the university will remain fully open and operational in line with current Government advice, apart from the planned university closure days around Easter.

Mr Smith continued: "Colleagues will be working hard during the student vacation to put plans in place to support the immediate needs and future opportunities for delivering our teaching and learning, and to ensuring our final year undergraduate and postgraduate students can successfully complete their studies at Southampton."

The university has also made the decision to postpone summer graduation until further notice, so "that we have a longer academic year in which to ensure the successful completion of our students’ education".