University of Manchester
Located in the UK's second largest city, the University of Manchester ranks as one of the top universities worldwide. Manchester is known for its diversity, and is one of the top immigrant and LGBTQ-friendly cities.
Explore the history of this city with the impressive façade of the neo-Gothic Town Hall, the beautiful Victorian houses, and the reconstructed Roman Fort in Manchester’s Urban Heritage Park. The University of Manchester was created from the joining of Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 2004. The University of Manchester continues to be a place of progressive thinking, research, and teaching, and ranks among the top 30 universities worldwide.
Key information
Student Experience
A Study Abroad State of Mind - University of Manchester exchange 2019-20
Kylea Taylor
Info Session
Stephanie Nixon, University of Manchester
Program details
Areas of Study:
Astronomy, art history, anthropology, archaeology, biology, business*, chemistry, creative writing, drama, earth science, east Asian studies, engineering (aerospace, chemical, civil, materials, mechanical, petroleum), environmental science, European studies, fashion retailing, geography, Greek & Roman studies (classics), international relations, math, Middle Eastern studies, music, neuroscience, philosophy, physics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, urban studies/planning.
Languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
The language centre also gives students access to courses in: Arabic, Catalan, Dutch, English, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Polish, Turkish and Urdu. (Not appropriate for students who major in these languages.)
Courses that may have limited availability due to high demand include: Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Law and Political Science.
Subject areas that are restricted (unavailable) for exchange students include: Architecture, Dentistry, Electrical Engineering, Medicine, Midwifery, Pharmacy.
More Details: Students should consult the "Subject areas with restrictions" and "High-demand subjects" tabs prior to selecting their courses.
Course Information:
Courses at Manchester are called "course units". Students at Manchester must take 60 course units per semester.
One UCalgary half course equivalent = 12 Manchester credits. Course information can be found online.
NOTE: Official Transcripts are not issued for ANY students until early August. If this will affect your ability to graduate (particularly if you will be going in your final year of study), or take up employment etc, this may not be the best program for you.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Semester 1 runs from mid-September to late January. Semester 2 runs from late January to early June.
Semester 1 exams take place from mid-to-late January. It is possible to finish Semester 1 in December if students choose course marked with "AA" (alternate assessment) and will be coming home for winter semester.
Semester 2 exams take place from May to early June.
NOTE: Official Transcripts are not issued for ANY students until early August. If this will affect your ability to graduate (particularly if you will be going in your final year of study), or take up employment etc, this may not be the best program for you.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Find more about cost of living at Manchester.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your University of Calgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at the UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Full year exchange students are guaranteed university accommodation if they apply by the deadline. Single semester students are often placed but are not guaranteed a room. Second semester is usually tight for housing. Students can choose from both catered and self-catered options.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least one full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0(B), including in the most recent semester at the time of application.
Students apply to UCalgary first, then we nominate accepted students who have met the minimum requirements to our partners. Once you have been nominated to Manchester, you will then apply directly to their exchange program. For more details on Manchester's application click here.
Students traveling on passports from countries that don't have English as a first language must prove their English proficiency. For more information about Manchester's requirements click here.
The UK has laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country. Manchester has one of the largest LGBT scenes outside of London and the university has a student society that LGBT students can join.
Students with disabilities can read more about the disability support services available at Manchester.
What is so cool about Manchester?
Among the 25 Nobel Prize Winners from Manchester are Ernest Rutherford and Niels Bohr for their work on the atomic model, as well as Melvin Calvin for his work on the photosynthetic process of conversion of carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains instructions to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We strongly recommend applying to your top three programs, as placement may be competitive. Your applications will be assessed in the order that you rank (first, second, third choice).
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary, so check each program web page and make sure you're aware of any differences! Pay attention to the eligibility requirements and whether supporting documents are needed.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.