Teaching and learning
At The University of Manchester, you're joining a dynamic and inclusive community of learners.
Among our core goals is to actively link what we teach with world-class research that helps to tackle the world’s biggest questions. We offer our students lots of ways to access our expert staff, sector-leading support and innovative practice.
Every course has its own unique blend of activities, so we can offer you a great learning experience with choice and flexibility. Find out more about how you'll learn during your time with us, and how we'll support your studies.
- Much of your time will be spent on campus, working with teaching staff and your peers in seminars, labs and lectures. You will also have continuous online access to content and materials to enhance and support your learning.
- Much of your learning will take place during scheduled times (or synchronously), where you will meet with teaching staff and other students either in a room on campus or in a virtual room online. At other times you will be working through materials at your own pace (or asynchronously), following a framework provided by your programme and supported by appropriate tools for learning.
- This blended approach allows you to engage with some of your learning at a time and place that works best for you. The exact mix of activities and how they will be delivered (on-campus or online) will depend on what works for each subject area – you will receive further information about what your course will look like from your local programme team.
We’ve worked with our students and our expert colleagues to think about the best advice we can offer to help get you ready for university. Use our Transition Resource to help consider your next steps and prepare for your studies at Manchester.
- Our Library offers training and support for a number of skills you will need to succeed at university – from researching a topic to writing up an assessment, or understanding referencing or copyright.
- Your Academic Adviser is assigned to you by your School/Programme at the start of the year. They can give advice about any academic issues you experience during your course and help you tackle practical issues such as course unit registration, exam preparation and time management, as well as offering pastoral care.
- To help make the transition to university easier, every new undergraduate student joins one of our Peer Support schemes. Your course will offer either PASS (Peer-Assisted Study Sessions) or a Peer Mentoring scheme to support and guide you through your first year. These groups are run by higher-year student volunteers from the same course of study, who’ll be able to provide advice, share their own experiences, and direct you to all the helpful services the University offers. Visit the Peer Support website to find out more and see what the schemes have been up to via @uom_peersupport on Instagram.
- The Disability Advisory and Support Service can provide additional support if you have needs arising from a medical condition, a physical or sensory disability, a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, or a mental health condition that affects your study.
Free choice units give you the chance to explore topics beyond the scope of your main subject, providing new perspectives and skills that complement your degree and give you the flexibility to shape your education according to your interests.
With over 30 units available there’s a UCIL Unit to interest everyone. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Learning a Language or even Forensic Science, UCIL Units are designed to be accessible to students from all degree backgrounds, ensuring a rich and inclusive learning experience.
MEC provides you with numerous opportunities to learn, gain valuable experience and position yourself to secure your desired job or launch your own business.
In addition to our taught units, we offer a range of co-curricular activities, including competitions, speaker events, workshops, and start-up support programmes for students with ambitions to learn and launch their ideas.
If personal problems are affecting your studies or other areas of your life, we offer a range of Student Support services, including mental health and wellbeing support, our Counselling Service, physical health support and financial support.
Visit your School's Student Support Hub to be signposted to those who can help.
The University uses a variety of platforms, including Canvas and Microsoft Teams, to provide the online resources needed to support your learning.
If you need further guidance on how to access materials, our student support – accessing online study resources can help.
Canvas is the University’s central learning environment, and you’ll use it throughout your time studying here to navigate your course, access course materials and lecture recordings, submit your assignments, and more.
Find out more about Canvas, including how to get started with Canvas.
Throughout your time at University you’ll be supported to develop the digital skills and confidence needed for your studies and career. A range of support and development opportunities are available to you – these include being able to:
- Self-assess your digital skills with the Jisc Discovery tool, by completing questionnaires on digital capability, AI and Employability and getting your personalised report
- Learn more about how the Discovery tool can help you in this video [video]
- Enhance your digital and professional development through LinkedIn Learning
- Gain recognition through an industry recognised certification
- Become a Digital Capability Student Rep through the Students’ Union.
Our University is committed to digital equity and you can learn more about this in the Student Digital Equity Charter co-owned with the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
This session is for all new undergraduate students who want to find out more about making a successful start to their academic career at university. The session is led by Jennie Blake from the University Library.
A session for all new international master's and MRes students who want to find out more about making a successful start to their academic career at university. The session is presented by Dr Alfredo Stein, Lecturer Urban Development Planning.
Most of our courses can only be studied on campus. If your chosen course does not include a distance learning option, you must be available to attend activities on campus throughout your studies.