Lecture Recording – Student FAQs

No. Not all teaching activities are suitable for recording, and the decision to record rests with the lecturer. Even where a lecture is recorded, parts of the session may be paused or excluded.

You should not rely on recordings as your primary source of learning. Attendance remains essential.

No. Typically, it's only lectures which may be recorded. Tutorials, seminars, labs and workshops, are not normally recorded.

Where possible, your lecturer will inform you in advance about the recording status of a lecture. 

Lecture rooms are also fitted with a recording indicator light to show the recording status:

• 🔴 Solid Red: Recording in progress 
• 🟡 Flashing Yellow: Recording paused 
• 🔵 Solid Blue: Error 

Lecture recordings focus on the lecturer and presentation materials, not on students. However, depending on the layout and technical setup of the teaching space, students may still be visible or audible in the recording.

Lecture recordings are normally available through your Canvas module within 48 hours of the lecture. This allows time for the lecturer to review or edit the recording if required.

Recordings may be embedded directly on a Canvas page or accessed via the Panopto Video area of your course. Select 'Panopto Video' from the course navigation menu to view available recordings.

No. Lecture recordings are designed to support your learning, not replace attendance. Attending lectures provides opportunities for discussion, interaction and immediate feedback that recordings cannot replicate.

You are expected to attend class and use recordings only as a supplementary study resource.

Lecture recordings can support your learning by helping you revisit complex material, clarify points you may have missed in class, fill gaps in your notes and support revision.

See our Making the Most of Lecture Recordings Guide guide for advice on how to use recordings effectively. 

No. By default, recordings cannot be downloaded by students. 

In most cases, no. The University’s lecture recording system provides recordings of sufficient quality, and students should not make their own recordings using personal devices.

If a lecturer gives permission in advance, any recording made is for personal study only and must not be shared or distributed. Recording without permission, or misusing recordings, is a breach of the Student Conduct Regulations and may result in disciplinary action.

If recording is included as part of your ISSA, your lecturer will already be aware. You should follow the guidance set out in your ISSA and contact Accessible Learning Support or your School if you have any questions.

In some circumstances, recording may still not be appropriate, for example where sensitive material is being discussed. If this applies, your lecturer will explain the situation and ask you to stop recording.

Any personal recordings are for your own study only and must not be posted online or shared with others. Misuse of recordings is a breach of the Student Conduct Regulations and may result in disciplinary action.

Yes. Captions should be available for lecture recordings. If you cannot see the captions automatically, turn them on by pressing the 'CC' icon. 

Occasionally, a recording may be unavailable due to technical issues or because parts of the lecture were intentionally paused or not recorded.

If this happens, you should not assume that a full recording will become available. Instead, use the other learning materials provided for the lecture, such as slides or notes.

Remember: Lecture recordings are a supplementary resource and cannot be relied upon as a complete record of the session.