College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Contents Welcome to The University of Manchester The University of Manchester at a glance Education structure in England Faculties and subjects Our degrees Admissions and entry requirements How to apply for undergraduate study How to apply for postgraduate study Fees and funding Manchester – the UK’s most liveable city Student life Accommodation Jargon buster Our exchange partners
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www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Welcome to The University of Manchester Hello and welcome to our handbook for college and university guidance professionals in America. Inside you will ďŹ nd useful information to enable you to advise your students on some of the practical considerations of studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at The University of Manchester.
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
The University of Manchester at a glance In U.S. News Rankings we are...
56th
11th
6th
World
Europe
UK
in the
We have nearly 38,000 students
in
25% are International students
We are one of the top universities in Europe and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, the UK equivalent to the Ivy League
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in the
And 160 are are from the US
We are the most targeted university by Britain's top employers (High Fliers Research 2015)
We have a degree completion rate of 93%
91% of our graduates go straight into jobs or further study - with salaries starting from ÂŁ22,000 ($36,300)
www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Our core goals: - World-class research - Social responsibility - Outstanding learning and student experience Our University dates back to 1824… The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) founded as the Manchester Mechanics Institute
Department of Industrial Administartion (DIA) established
DIA renamed Department of Management Services (later to become Manchester School of Management)
1918
1965
1824
Manchester Federal School of Business Management established
50th anniversary of the Manchester Business School (MBS)
UMIST 1994
2004
2015
VUoM 1851
1956
Victoria University of Manchester (VUoM) founded
Manchester Business School opened Health Services Management Unit established
_ Manchester courses are very popular; each year we receive over 55,000 undergraduate applications and the number of well-qualified candidates far exceeds the places we have available. _ For students coming from America, studying at The University of Manchester offers competitive tuition fees compared to US institutions. _ Costs average a total of £24,200* ($40,000) per year of study, which covers tuition fees - including charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation - accommodation, and living expenses. *Based on May 1st 2015 rate of USD $1.65 = GBP £1.00
1965
1968
1977 Programme in Research in Science and Technology began
The merger created the ‘new’ University of Manchester as we know it
Department of Accounting and Finance established
_ We offer postgraduate scholarships through the Fulbright-University of Manchester Award and Marshall Scholarship. _ Full-time students are entitled to basic healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS) upon payment of a compulsory annual levy of £150 ($250). _ Courses at The University of Manchester are focused and specialised from the outset, so undergraduate students typically finish after three years and master’s students after one year. _ We have a degree completion rate of 93%. _ We have the largest student community in the UK, including over 9,000 international students hailing from 154 countries.
_ The University is currently undertaking one of the largest ever capital investment programmes in UK higher education. The Campus Masterplan includes over £1 billion ($1.65bn) investment in stateof-the-art buildings and public realm works. _ This includes the establishment of our £61 million ($100m) National Graphene Institute, a bespoke centre for research into the revolutionary material that won the Nobel Prize for Manchester Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov in 2010. _ Eight current prime ministers and presidents have been educated at The University of Manchester, making it one of the top universities in the UK for world leaders (Times Higher Education 2015).
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Higher education structure in England
Faculties and subjects The University is divided into Faculties, Schools, Institutes and hundreds of specialist research groups, all of which undertake pioneering multidisciplinary teaching and research of worldwide signiďŹ cance. Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Year 8 Year 7 Year 6
Doctorate PhD
Year 3 Year 2
Postgraduate /Master's degree MA, MSc, MPhil
Undergraduate degree BA / BSc /BEng
Year 1 Foundation year
The diagram shows the average duration of university courses in England. This varies, and some courses may be one or two years longer in duration.
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School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science School of Chemistry School of Computer Science School of Materials School of Mathematics School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering School of Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Humanities
Year 5 Year 4 8
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Alliance Manchester Business School School of Environment, Education and Development School of Law School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Life Sciences _ (Single school)
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences _ _ _ _ _
School of Dentistry Manchester Medical School School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work Manchester Pharmacy School School of Psychological Sciences
www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Our degrees Undergraduate degrees Undergraduate degrees at The University of Manchester are more specialised than those at American universities, meaning students get an in-depth understanding of their chosen subject right from the beginning. This is also the reason why most undergraduate courses take three years - rather than four - to complete. Undergraduate programmes
We have the largest selection of undergraduate courses in the UK and each is informed by world-leading minds, bringing the latest research directly to the classroom.
Programme type
Whether students are studying for a BA, BSc or BEng, they will be able to make the most of our innovative technologies and learning environments, gaining skills that employers value.
Definition
Example
Single honours
One subject major
Geography
Combined and joint honours
Double major or major/minor
English Literature and American Studies
Extra year
Non-credit programmes
Work placement year (Co-Op) Year abroad Master of Engineering
Professional degrees
Professional accredited programmes
Master of Business Studies LLB in Law Medicine
Programme example - BA (Hons) Geography
Year 1
Year 2 Year 3
Key ideas in Geography (10 credits)
Introducing human geographies (10 credits)
Researching Manchester (10 credits)
Environmental processes and change (10 credits)
Introducing human geographies 2 (10 credits)
Physical geography (10 credits)
Tutorials and book review (20 credits)
Tutorials and profile of a research geographer (20 credits)
Optional (10 credits) e.g. Geographies of sustainabilities
Optional (10 credits) e.g. Water resources and development
Optional (10 credits) e.g. Geographies of globalisation
Optional (10 credits) e.g. Environmental pollution
Research design and overseas fieldcourses (20 credits)
Skills for geographers (20 credits)
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Economic geography
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Development & inequality
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Geography of life
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Rivers
Dissertation (40 credits)
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Geography of life
Optional (20 credits) e.g. The Mediterranean landscape
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Energy, society and space
Optional (20 credits) e.g. Islands
Postgraduate degrees The University of Manchester’s postgraduate courses draw upon our world-leading research, our strong links to global industry and association with professional accreditations.
Our Alliance Manchester Business School, for example, is part of a small and select group of institutions worldwide to receive three international accreditations - AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS.
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Admissions and entry requirements Entry conditions will vary from course to course and will be based upon standard US equivalents of UK requirements.
Undergraduates For high school applicants we require: _ A GPA of 3.0 or above _ SAT score of 1800 or above The University of Manchester’s SAT requirements will be updated for 2017 entry to reflect changes to the test from March 2016. More information will be available on our website at www.manchester.ac.uk/usa or contact us directly through our online enquiry form to find out more. *The Designated Institution Code for The University of Manchester is 3737. _ ACT We also accept ACT results, with a minimum composite score of 27 or above. *ACT has assigned college code number 7026 to The University of Manchester. _ AP scores In three subjects, with a minimum score of grade 4 in each. *SAT subject scores will be taken into consideration, however, we prefer candidates to offer AP test scores. *The UK operates a system of 'conditional' and 'unconditional' offers. If we want to make you an offer, but you have not yet taken your AP tests, then we would usually make you a conditional offer subject to you achieving certain AP scores. You can submit your AP scores after you have made your application.
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Community College applicants
_ Students will need to provide high school grades and standardised tests as above. They should also provide details of the credits they have taken at Community College or Four Year College. _ Some degree majors may recognise completed Associates Degree for advanced entry to Year 2 of the bachelor’s degree.
Transferring from a four-year institution _ A GPA of 3.0, preferably 3.3 or above.
_ Students interested in gaining advanced standing* (beginning the course in Year 2), must demonstrate that studies undertaken to date match what has been covered here in Manchester. *Year 2 is the highest advanced standing we offer. _ Alternatives to transferring are to come to the University as a study abroad student, or to complete studies in the US and consider Manchester for a master’s degree.
www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Postgraduate/research applicants _ An undergraduate degree.
_ A minimum GPA of 3.0, preferably 3.3 or above. _ For some postgraduate programmes, the major or content of undergraduate courses may be taken into consideration.
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
How to apply for undergraduate study UCAS is the UK’s centralised online application system through which all undergraduate applications for UK higher education are made. It allows students to apply to up to five different institutions or courses through a single submission.
The University of Manchester’s UCAS code is M20 MANU.
Personal statement vs College essay Part of the UCAS application for students is to write a personal statement, this is their opportunity to convince academic admissions tutors of their suitability for the programme. US applicants need to be aware of the differences between UK personal statements and college essays. Personal statements should demonstrate academic interest, subject specific knowledge, ability and motivation to succeed. The statement will only be convincing if the points are backed up with hard evidence – i.e. examples draw from academic achievements, work experience and extra-curricular activities. This differs a lot from traditional US college essays, where creativity, freedom of expression and sharing personal stories and thoughts are encouraged, but focusing on a particular college and course is discouraged. Topics to cover in the personal statement include: _ interest and passion for the course; _ skills and achievements; _ relevant work experience; _ future plans; _ hobbies and interests.
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High school reference UCAS applications must include a reference from a high school tutor, teacher, principal or head teacher. It should talk about the candidate’s work ethic, interaction with other students and their suitability for further education.
Types of university offers Once The University of Manchester receives a completed UCAS application from a US student, it will make one of three decisions: _ An unconditional offer Student has met the entry requirements and has been accepted on to their chosen course. _ A conditional offer Student needs to pass their exams or get a specific grade in order to be accepted on to their chosen course. _ Unsuccessful Student has not met the entry requirements of their chosen course (e.g. exam grades), so cannot be accepted. Visit www.ucas.com for more information and advice on the application process, as well as tips for personal statements, international student visas and more.
www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
How to apply for postgraduate study The length of postgraduate courses in the UK typically differs from the US, with a master’s taking an average of one year to complete, and PhDs three years.
Postgraduate students do not need to apply through UCAS; applications can be made directly online to The University of Manchester We will need to see: _ evidence of qualifications* _ two references* _ a passport copy* _ research proposal (if student is applying for a research programme) *Students can submit scanned copies initially, but originals will be required for registration Specific guidance for each subject area can be found on the relevant programme profile.
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Fees and funding Studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK can be great value for money for students coming from America.
Prices are competitive compared to equivalent institutions at home and, as courses are more focused and intensive, students benefit from shorter periods of study than in the US or other English-speaking countries. Fees at The University of Manchester cover the cost of study and include charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation. As well as this, full-time students are entitled to basic healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS), upon payment of a compulsory annual levy of £150 ($250).
Federal loans The University of Manchester is recognised by the US Government for FAFSA federal student aid. Many of our students are self-financing and bring their federal and private loans to pay for their education. Our North American Loans team offers a dedicated service for US students who wish to use their federal and private loans to pay for their education. They can help to work out, step by step, how much funding students are entitled to and how to complete loan applications.
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Scholarships The University of Manchester offers a wide range of scholarships to US students. Many of these are awarded on academic merit. _ Fulbright Awards Programme We are pleased to be funding a FulbrightUniversity of Manchester Award for master’s study for September 2016 entry. We have previously hosted Fulbright scholars undertaking master’s courses in Law, Social Anthropology, International Relations and Development Economics. You can find further details on the US-UK Fulbright Commission website and find out how to apply on the US Fulbright website. _ Marshall Scholarship The University offers Marshall Scholarships for graduate study in any subject at either master’s or doctoral level (excluding the MBA). Current and past Marshall Scholars have studied a wide range of subjects, including MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies and MSc International Development.
_ North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM) An initiative that was set up by University of Manchester US alumni, NAFUM is an independent foundation that supports our work and enhances our reputation in the US. The aim of the award is to provide a range of prestigious scholarships to attract excellent students to our University. _ School scholarships Some of our Schools will offer partial scholarships or bursaries; however, these do not always cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses. Details will be advertised on the relevant School website when scholarships are available.
www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Living costs Manchester's affordable cost of living makes it an ideal choice for students who want to enjoy a major city on a budget - it is consistently shown to be one of the most economical places in the UK for students to live. Below is a breakdown of spending for the average Manchester student for one academic year, excluding course fees. It is important to bear in mind that all estimates made by the University are for single students. Estimated living costs 2015/16
Undergraduate (40 weeks)
Postgraduate (52 weeks)
Accommodation (self-catered)
$8,240
$10,000
Meals (excluding meals out)
$3,960
$3,120
Course costs (excluding tuition fees)
$695
$695
Clothes
$660
$860
Local transport
$745
$890
Other general expenses (e.g. photocopying, printing, laundry, phone calls, entertainment, sport…)
$2,640
$3,430
UK Visa health charge
$250
$250
Flight allowance
$1,650
$1,650
Total:
$18,840
$20,895
(£11,415)
(£13,930)
*These costs are intended as a guide only and estimates are based on average annual expenditure of a single student on a full-time course. **For catered accommodation (breakfast and dinner on weekdays), add approximately $577 (£350) to the total.
***Some courses will require students to pay for specific items, materials or activities not covered in the tuition fees, such as field courses. In these cases the University endeavours to keep additional costs as low as possible.
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Manchester – the UK’s most liveable city _ Manchester has been voted the most liveable city in the UK by the Economist Intelligence Unit - ahead of London, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge.
_ Manchester has great transport links; London is just over two hours away, while the rest of the UK - including Scotland and Wales - is in easy reach.
_ The New York Times highlighted the city as a place to visit in 2015, thanks to its fantastic cultural offering, wide variety of sporting events, and sophisticated vibe. Manchester was the only city to make the list.
_ Manchester is ideally placed for visiting European cities; the international airport has direct links to over 190 worldwide destinations, including Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome and more. _ For US students, travel to and from Manchester is convenient – there are regular flights from nine US cities, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Miami.
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Student life University location
Careers service
The location of our campus is ideal; we are close enough to the heart of the city centre to be able to access everything on foot or a short bus ride, while University student accommodation is within easy reach.
A degree from The University of Manchester is recognised across the world, and our graduates are found in many professions in the US. In the UK we are the most targeted university for graduate recruiters.
Students’ union
Our dedicated Careers Service is consistently voted the best in the UK by employers and offers a wealth of support for students across all degree levels, including advice on making career choices, creating plans to actively pursue opportunities and engaging students in a dialogue in a wide range of job sectors that they can work in.
The University of Manchester’s Student Union is the largest in the UK and membership gives students access to more than 450 societies, as well as free and confidential advice and a wealth of ideas for things to do and see in Manchester. See www.manchesterstudentsunion.com for more information.
Sport Playing and being involved in sport is a big part of student life at the University and we offer a wide range of activities, as well as top-quality facilities. There are 42 student-run sports clubs which compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) competitions. There are also campus games and more than 40 hours of free weekly sport and fitness sessions run by professional coaches. For a full list of all sports on offer at the University, visit www.sport.manchester.ac.uk
As well as this, we have more employers recruiting on our campus than at any other university in the UK - more than 7,000 graduate recruiters, from major multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises. www.careers.manchester.ac.uk
Student support Nearly 38,000 students study at The University of Manchester, but we make sure that everyone gets the support they need. Our International Relations team provides dedicated assistance for students from abroad, right from departure in their home country through to arrival in Manchester - and beyond. The Student Support Centre is also on hand to help deal with any questions students may have regarding finance, immigration or student cards. For guidance with visas, please see: ww.manchester.ac.uk/study/international /admissions/visa-guidance
The International Society The International Society can be found on The University of Manchester campus and is a not-for-profit organisation which offers support. for students coming from other countries. As well as providing a warm and friendly environment, the society also arranges regular events and trips to other parts of the country, language classes and an opportunity to connect with a global community of students. www.internationalsociety.org.uk
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
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www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Accommodation Living in University accommodation gives our international students security and their family back home peace of mind. We offer guaranteed accommodation to international students, providing they can meet the conditions of their offer.
With over 8,000 rooms, we have a variety of accommodation types, costs and locations for students to choose from. Much of our residences are very near to the main University buildings, and others are within two miles (three kilometres) of our campus.
Halls and facilities The range of halls and types of room we offer is extensive: from modern self-catering apartments through to traditional college-style catered halls of residence. Students are assured of privacy as all rooms are single occupancy. Facilities vary between halls, with all offering high-speed internet access, and most having social areas, libraries, music rooms and sports facilities.
Accommodation costs
Private accommodation
University accommodation represents great value for money. Residency fees cover internet connection, personal possessions insurance and all utility services.
Manchester has a large supply of private rental accommodation in areas close to the University should students prefer this option.
As an example, fees for 2015/16, based on a 40-week letting period, are: _ $155 per week for a single self-catering room with shared facilities; _ $200 per week for a single self-catering room with en-suite facilities; _ $220 per week for a single room with shared facilities in a catered hall.
Manchester Student Homes operates on behalf of the city’s universities to help students find University-approved accommodation in the private sector, and it provides useful general housing advice and listings of available properties. www.manchesterstudenthomes.com /Accommodation.
Fees vary according to hall and/or room facilities. Please consult our Accommodation Office website for details of individual hall prices: www.accommodation.manchester.ac.uk
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College and University Guidance Counsellor Handbook
Jargon buster
Types of degree/study Undergraduate / first degree / bachelor’s
This is the first degree students do at university, normally lasting 3 or 4 years.
Postgraduate degree / master’s
Completed after an undergraduate degree, can be a taught master's, research master's or PhD.
PhD
A type of postgraduate degree, normally lasting between 3 or 4 years. It focuses heavily on research, and creating new knowledge.
Taught master’s
A postgraduate degree which has more structured modules than a research master’s. It normally lasts for one year.
Research master’s
A postgraduate degree with a focus on research, which often leads into a PhD. It normally lasts for one year.
Foundation year
Foundation courses for US students provide an entry route into many of the undergraduate courses at Manchester.
Types of Student Undergrad/ undergraduate student
A student studying an undergraduate degree.
Postgrad/ postgraduate student
A student studying a postgraduate degree.
Types of University Russell Group Universities
The UK equivalent to the Ivy League, this is a group of universities which are committed to the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research. www.russellgroup.ac.uk/our-universities
University Applications UCAS
All applications to a UK university go through UCAS, who then send of applications to universities on behalf of students. www.ucas.com
UCAS Points
Students are awarded a number of UCAS points for qualifications achieved. Some universities make their offers in terms of UCAS points, The University of Manchester is not one of these and offers for US applicants will be based on American qualifications. www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options/entry-requirements/tariff-tables
Personal Statement
Students write a personal statement (which differs from a college essay) as part of their application. It is a chance for universities to find out more about the individual. www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/filling-your-application/your-personal-statement
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www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Our exchange partners
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Meet us in the US
We have three International Officers dedicated to the US and they regularly make visits and attend exhibitions to meet counsellors and prospective students. For upcoming dates, please visit www.manchester.ac.uk/usa
Visit us in Manchester
If students would like to visit us in Manchester and experience our campus for themselves, our US team will be happy to assist with arrangements. We also hold regular undergraduate and postgraduate open days, to find out when the next one is, please visit www.manchester.ac.uk/study/open-days
Contact us When not in country, our International Officers are on hand to answer any questions about studying at the University. Feel free to contact them: Shayne Langlois, Senior International Officer t: +44 (0) 161 275 8868 e: s.langlois@manchester.ac.uk Postgraduate Enquiries Daniel Annoot, International Officer t: +44 (0) 161 306 1634 e: daniel.annoot@manchester.ac.uk
Financial Support Patrick Ryan, Student Services Manager t: + 44 (0) 161 275 8548 e: funding@manchester.ac.uk International Team t: +44 (0) 161 275 2196 (9.30am–5pm UK time, Monday to Friday) e: international@manchester.ac.uk
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Undergraduate Enquiries Ryan Duncan, International Officer t: +44 (0) 161 306 5678 e: ryan.duncan@manchester.ac.uk