Other undergraduate support

Manchester is a truly multicultural university, welcoming more than 44,000 students a year from 170 countries to our friendly campus community. We recognise that our international students may have specific requirements, so we offer additional help to make sure that your transition to living here is as smooth as possible.

For more information on life as an international student at The University of Manchester, visit the following pages:

• Our Student Immigration Team offers support and advice to international students.
• Travel and Visas - some key information you need on travel guidance, support and visa information.
• Accommodation Guarantee
• International Society
• Multicultural Manchester

The University of Manchester is committed to creating a working and studying environment which is free of harassment and which protects the dignity of female and male staff and students irrespective of their sexual orientation, racial or ethnic background, religion or disabled status.

Harassment is offensive and prejudicial to a productive working and studying environment. It is indicative of a lack of respect for the person harassed, undermines his or her position and may have a negative impact upon health, job performance, course work, examinations and sense of personal security.

The University has appointed a team of specially trained academic staff, support staff and students to act as Harassment Advisers. View details of the University's policy and procedures on sexual, racial and personal harassment.

For further information contact the Head of the Office of Student Support and Services or the Students' Union Advice Centre.

The University has Report & Support team which deal with acts of harassment, discrimination, hate or violence. All members of the University community can report something and get support from an advisor.

When you reach the stage of applying for jobs or further study, you will need an academic reference. One of the responsibilities of your Academic Advisor is to provide references, so you should approach them in the first instance. In certain cases, you may wish to approach another member of staff and ask if they would be willing to provide you with a reference.

Please ensure that you inform your referee of any companies, institutions, and organisations that may contact them to request a reference.

There is no need to feel isolated. The Students' Union has societies catering for most international students. In addition the International Society aims to draw together all nationalities on a social basis.

The Student Immigration Team offers support and advice to international students studying at The University of Manchester.

Advice and information are offered in a variety of areas, including immigration issues, accommodation issues, work permits, finance and funding, English Language courses, and academic and personal problems.

Appointments with advisers are available. To meet with one of the advisers contact the Student Immigration team.

All teaching on Alliance MBS undergraduate programmes takes place in the English language.

There are no facilities for the presentation of teaching material or tutorials in any language other than English.

All students are therefore expected to have attained a sufficient standard in English to enable them to understand the teaching material and to be able to effectively communicate with others.

If at any time, you are at all concerned about the standard of your English, in particular, if you think it will hinder your progress on the programme, you should discuss this with the Student Support and Guidance Team or your Academic Advisor.

The University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) offers free workshops and resources throughout the year to support AMBS students with academic writing, speaking and grammar.

For more information and to register for workshops, please visit the UCAE website.

The International Society is part of The University of Manchester’s Student Union. The International Society aims to enhance both home and international student’s time at university by hosting a range of weekly socials, large events and trips. Everyone is welcome to join the community!

The Society is there to support you as you settle into student life and most importantly to help you make new friends from all over the world.

Find out more about the International Society and get involved.

We recognise that some student groups will need specific support during their time at university.

You may belong to one or multiple groups and we’re here to ensure that you can access the information and support you need.

Please find out more about the tailored support for specific communities, e.g. care experienced students, estranged students, commuter students, disabled students, and more.

Financial problems can arise unexpectedly. If you are in a hall of residence you should inform the Accommodation Office if this is likely to affect your ability to pay hall fees on time.

You should also always tell your Academic Advisor or the Student Support Hub team, so they could signpost or refer you to the relevant support available.

The University runs a Living Cost Support Fund, which awards grants to help students overcome financial hardship. It is open year-round to all students, regardless of level of study or nationality.

There are also other means of financial support available.

You may be eligible for different types of funding depending on your personal circumstances. Find out more about funding opportunities.

Transfer between degree programmes within Alliance MBS is permitted only in exceptional circumstances:

Either:

In the first year, students who feel they have genuinely chosen the wrong degree programme may be permitted to transfer to another programme within Alliance MBS. This will normally be within the first two weeks of the first semester. All requests to transfer will be considered on an individual basis.

Or:

On successful completion of the previous year's study indicated by attainment of the pass mark in the relevant programme. This includes those subjects that the student wishes to discontinue upon transfer and where the following conditions are met:

• A place being available on the programme you wish to change to; and
• Meeting the entry requirements of the programme you wish to change to; and
• Final approval from Alliance MBS.

You should make an appointment to see a member of staff from the Student Support and Guidance Team - room 2.091 AMBS. They can advise you on the transfer process and liaise with the Programme Directors, the Director of Undergraduate Studies and your Academic Advisor regarding potential approval for the transfer.

Any requests from BSc International Management (IM) or BSc International Management with American Business Studies (IMABS) students to transfer to the BSc Management with Industrial/Professional Experience programme in the second year must be completed by the end of the first two weeks of teaching in semester one.

IM and IMABS students would not be permitted to join the Management with Industrial/Professional Experience programme after this deadline. You should see the Employability and Placement Officer (AMBS 2.036a) should you wish to put in a request to transfer.

You will be notified in writing if and when the transfer is approved.

Students wishing to transfer to other University of Manchester programmes or to programmes at any other university should seek advice from, and have a discussion with, their Programme Director or Academic Advisor in the first instance. The decision to accept a student on to a non-AMBS, University of Manchester, programme rests with the School to which the student wishes to transfer.

All enquiries should be directed to the relevant School's Admissions Team to ensure they meet the entry requirements and are eligible to transfer.