International voluntary exchange programme

The University has a International Exchange Programme that allows students to spend part of their Degree Programme in another country.  A period overseas during your third year is a requirement if you are taking one of our degrees with a language (see Section Language degrees), but you can also use the scheme if you are not studying a language and wish to have the opportunity to experience different modes of teaching and a different culture. There are two approaches to this type of exchange – in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden a large number of degree courses are now taught in English, so you do not need to speak the language to study in these countries. You may find it an advantage to study the language of the country when you are there, but it is not a requirement.  You may be competent in another language due to family or residential reasons, or you may be taking one of the Language units offered by the Language Centre. Alternatively, worldwide exchanges to English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, etc.) are also an option.

Any voluntary overseas exchange must be in your second year only (the first semester) and is for one semester.  You may be able to take courses that are not available to you in Manchester, but in all cases you must obtain the permission of your Programme Director.  The courses you take will be assessed by the overseas university and will contribute to your degree in place of units you would have taken in Manchester. In order to be eligible for this scheme, you must obtain an average of 60% (and no fails) in Year 1.

You should discuss the possibility of participating in a voluntary International Exchange with your Programme Director. Applications for this scheme are coordinated by the International Programmes Office and the deadline for applications is early February of your first year.  In order to apply, you must attend a compulsory session run by the International Programmes Office (in December/January).  Further information about the process is available here: http://www.goabroad.manchester.ac.uk/ It is not possible to undertake both an International Exchange and an industrial/professional experience placement.