Your first week

The official start date for the programme is Monday 21 September 2026, when your induction begins.

Your programme induction will be your opportunity to learn what to expect from your foundation year. You'll meet with staff and your fellow students and have the opportunity to get to know the campus.

The International Foundation Programme is taught in partnership with Xaverian College. You will also have the opportunity to visit Xaverian and meet the staff there.

Welcome Week

Once you get started on the programme, you'll be able to see your personalised timetable.

Until then, you can see the Programme Welcome Week timetable (this will go live by Monday 7 September): International Foundation Programme Welcome Week Timetable (PDF).

We are hosting a range of exciting events here in the School of Medical Sciences for Welcome Week:

• A treasure trail designed to give you a tour of the campus and facilities you’ll be using while you’re here - with great prizes to be won!
• Guided tours - a walk around areas of interest to you, by School of Medical Sciences students.
• Hub drop-in sessions - come and have a chat, grab a cup of tea and a biscuit and a cosy chair. We have board games and mindful activities.
• Carnival in the Quad - Stopford Building has a lovely green garden. We’ll have some fun and games on for you, with prizes to be won.

Optional events

We know that every student’s journey to university is different. That’s why the School is running a series of optional events to help you meet others who may share similar experiences.

These sessions are informal, friendly, and a great opportunity to make connections before your programme begins. If any of the groups below sound like you, we’d love for you to join us:

Mature students

Friday 25 September, 10am-12pm

If you’re returning to education or balancing study with other responsibilities, this session is for you.

• Sign up for this event for mature students

International students

Friday 25 September 3pm-5pm

For students joining us from outside the UK - a chance to meet others, ask questions, and settle into life in Manchester.

• Sign up for this event for international students

Mandatory induction courses

There are a series of mandatory induction courses that all students entering the University are required to complete. We recommend you get these courses completed before you start, as they are due for completion early in the semester.

You'll be able to access them as soon as you’re logged in to Canvas.