1. Introduction
School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Welcome to the School of Medical Sciences
The University has a worldwide reputation based on high quality teaching and research, and I am sure that your programme will provide a solid foundation for your future career success.
Within the School and the wider Faculty, our goal is to create an environment that allows you to excel and reach your full potential. Offering access to first-class facilities and strong links with regional health-service providers, our programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of all our students. The curriculum of our programmes provides the knowledge and skills you will need in your subject area and all our programmes include an opportunity to carry out an independent research project on topics spanning all areas of biomedical research from molecular to experimental biology and clinical medicine. While subject areas cover a broad range, all our programmes have two common aims:
- To develop your skills in your chosen field of study
- To enhance your knowledge within the field you have chosen. Whether you are a graduate, professional or have a clinical background, the programmes have been tailored to meet your specific needs
As a student of the School of Medical Sciences, you will be expected to take responsibility for your degree, within a supportive environment that fosters your development and helps prepare you for your future career. This handbook will be a useful resource as you progress through your programme. It provides programme-specific information that I am sure that you will find helpful throughout your study. If however, you have questions or would like some further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the people listed in this handbook for further information and assistance.
I wish you every success as you embark upon your programme, and in your future career.
Dr Helen Jopling
Director of Education
The International Foundation Programme
It is a pleasure to welcome you onto the International Foundation Programme, where our aim is to prepare you for studying on the Manchester MB ChB, BDS and Pharmacy programmes. In this programme we use progressive educational methods to improve your application of basic scientific knowledge to clinical practice and encourage you to understand the need for continuous learning throughout your careers.
The IFP uses a mix of didactic teaching and enquiry-based learning (EBL). The programme is delivered with the help of Xaverian College, a long-standing partner of the University of Manchester and they provide most of the content in biomedical sciences and chemistry. Xaverian College has an enviable record of excellence in this field and we are very happy to be working with them. In the University we use EBL to enable you to apply the knowledge gained at Xaverian College to short clinical scenarios or cases. This combination of teaching methods is excellent preparation for your potential entry to the BDS, MB ChB and MPharm programmes.
The course is there to be enjoyed. If you work steadily towards your goal of entering a medical, dental or pharmacy degree programme, you will enjoy it and succeed.
Dr Hazel England
School of Medical Sciences Foundation Programmes Lead
Points of Contact
If you have any queries or concerns at any time during your period of study in Manchester, there is a range of people you can approach.
Foundation Year Lead
Dr Hazel England – hazel.england@manchester.ac.uk
Course Tutors
Dr Jess Clarke – jessica.clarke@manchester.ac.uk
Dr Dominik Ruckerl – dominik.ruckerl@manchester.ac.uk
Xaverian College
Suzanne Thatcher – s.thatcher@xaverian.ac.uk
School Contacts
You can find a list of academic and professional support staff contact details here.
Key dates in the academic year
Please refer to your online timetable for all teaching and timetabled sessions throughout the academic year. You should check your timetable regularly in case of any changes.
For more information regarding coursework and assessment, including submission deadlines, please refer to the Canvas unit spaces.
General university key dates including closure dates can be found here.
Responsibilities of staff and students
The University of Manchester believes that education is a partnership between the learner and the teacher, conducted within a context that provides properly for pastoral care and learner needs. As a student, you may expect to receive the highest quality education alongside high standards of teaching, assessments, clinical placements, resources and support services.
We will expect you to:
- pursue your academic and clinical work with a positive commitment;
- take full advantage of resources and facilities offered by the academic environment, Trust and outreach placements, including contact with staff and other students;
- take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties (academic, clinical or personal) with an appropriate member of staff, however elementary or trivial these problems may seem, bearing in mind that prompt discussion and resolution of problems can prevent difficulties at a later stage;
- submit work when required to do so, attend assessments on time, meet deadlines, and endeavour to take an active, and not passive, role in your studies and placements;
- report promptly to appropriate members of staff, and provide explanations for any interruptions in attendance on your programme (e.g. for medical or personal reasons).
In addition, the University of Manchester expects students and staff to behave in a responsible manner and to treat everyone with courtesy and respect at all times. Unprofessional behaviour and misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action (Regulation XVII Conduct and Discipline of Students).
Canvas
Canvas is the University’s digital learning environment. You will use Canvas to access online teaching material for your course units, in addition to interactive elements to assist your learning. Some Canvas spaces enable you to interact with other students as well as academic staff. Canvas can be used to submit work online and to receive feedback on this work once it has been marked.
MyManchester
My Manchester brings all your online university services together in one place. From My Manchester you can access the student self-service system, which allows you to view your timetable, select course units and access your grades for assessed work.
My Manchester also allows you to access University services including Canvas and your University library account. To access My Manchester fully, you will firstly need to register online at my.manchester.ac.uk
Changing and Updating your personal details on the Student System
To update your personal details in the Student System, you can use the My Manchester Portal. Simply navigate to the ‘My Profile’ tab in the left-hand navigation bar on your MyManchester account's home page to change or update your information. Ensure that all your details are correct and up to date so that the university can keep in contact with you. If you're unsure how the MyManchester Portal works, here's a quick guide to help you get started and understand the main functions of your student platform.
The Student Charter
Our Student Charter, developed jointly by the University and the Students' Union, is an important part of how we establish and maintain clear mutual expectations for the experience of all undergraduate and taught postgraduates. It sets out what we can expect from each other as partners in a learning community.
The Charter provides an overview of the Manchester experience and refers to regulations, policies and procedures; it is not a detailed personal agreement or contract.
Digital Equity
Our Digital Equity Charter, co-created with the Students’ Union, sets out the University’s commitment to ensuring that all our students can effectively engage with their learning and development opportunities.
This charter sets out the University’s commitment to ensuring all students have equitable access to development opportunities, hardware, software, connectivity and study space to effectively engage with their learning and establishes the expectations on students to engage with the opportunities available.
Dignity at Work and Study
All members of the University community, whether staff or students, are required to treat each other in a friendly, courteous and dignified manner. This requirement also applies to visitors and those otherwise associated with the University. The Dignity at Work and Study Policy and Procedures provide more information about University’s commitment to an environment in which there is no tolerance of discriminatory, bullying or harassing behaviour from any member of our community. The Advice and Response service provides support for anyone who experiences such behaviour.
Health and Safety
In most laboratories, you will come across potential hazards. Prior to starting work in any laboratory you should undergo a Health and Safety induction by the safety officer of your laboratory project – it is your responsibility to ensure that this happens. You must ensure that you read any relevant literature relating to Health and Safety given to you at this induction or at any other time in the programme. Refer to the online Health and Safety course unit that you completed at Induction. Laboratory coats must be worn in laboratory areas and will be provided by your supervisor. Project work must be carried out according to the particular guidelines and COSHH regulations for that piece of work or project in the laboratory in which the project is undertaken. Any accidents occurring in laboratories should be immediately reported to your project supervisor.
Learning Resources
My Learning Essentials: The Library provides a comprehensive programme of online skills resources, workshops and drop in support clinics throughout the year designed to help you to develop your academic and employability skills: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/my-learning-essentials.
Feedback & Enquiries: For general enquiries, e-resources support and/or to feedback suggestions please contact the library in person, via phone or online: http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/contact.
Library
The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries. With more than 4 million printed books and manuscripts, over 41,000 electronic journals and 500,000 electronic books, as well as several hundred databases, the library is one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country. Library opening hours are available at: https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/locations-and-opening-hours/
Computers
The University has PC clusters available for use across the campus, in addition to Library laptop and iPad loans.
Developing Digital Skills
Throughout your time at University, you will 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, including 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
- 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 which is co-owned with the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
Social space
The University offers numerous social spaces across campus. In our main buildings, Stopford and Coupland 3, you will find common rooms and comfortable areas for all students to enjoy.
Here is a list of spaces specific to the School of Medical Sciences:
The Stopford Building features a cosy campus space located on the 3rd floor, adjacent to the Student Hub. This facility includes hot water for making tea, coffee, and meals, as well as washing up and handwashing facilities. There are three microwave stations available for heating your food, along with warm and comfortable seating for group study or relaxation. Additionally, power sockets are provided for charging your devices. On the 1st floor, you will find a common room that boasts large group spaces, making it an ideal area to socialise or work with friends.
On the Lower Ground floor of the Coupland 3 building there is a common room area with study spaces ideal for group work.
There are also cosy campus spaces in the following locations which you are welcome to use:
- University Place Drum, open 9am-9pm
- Dover Street Ex Café, open 9am-6pm
- Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, foyer, open 24 hours
- Nancy Rothwell Building, Ground Floor, open 9am-8pm
- Main Library, open 8am-midnight Monday to Friday, and 9am-midnight Saturday and Sunday
- Alliance Manchester Business School, 2.094, open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday
- Samuel Alexander Building departmental hubs, West Wing, first and second floors, open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
University General Regulations
The University has produced General Regulations, which are rules that students and staff must abide by. Academic-related regulations, including degree regulations, policies on assessment and feedback, and attendance monitoring can be found on our Regulations webpages.
2. About your programme
Programme information
Information about your programme, such as programme overview, aims and learning outcomes, etc. can be found here via the SMS Student Support Hub Site.
Occupational Health
The University of Manchester Occupational Health Service provides confidential services to protect the health of staff and students, assessing and advising on fitness for work, training and study, so as to ensure that health issues are effectively managed.
On completion of your foundation year, if you successfully obtain a place on the MB ChB (Medicine) or BDS (Dentistry) 5 year programme, you will be subject to Occupational Health clinical placement screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a mandatory programme requirement and you will be contacted in the first semester of that programme.
Students who enter the MB ChB Programme should also familiarise themselves with the Clinical Education Campus Allocations Policy
Additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes.
3. Assessment and academic standards
Examinations and Coursework
Assessment Information
Please refer to the Canvas unit spaces for more information regarding coursework and assessment, including submission deadlines.
For examination timetable information visit: https://www.exams.manchester.ac.uk/exam-timetable (can also see information about the Policy on Religious Observance for Students).
For information about the examinations policy see the Exams Regulations.
Programme specific assessment requirements
Passing the IFP is dependent upon:
- Achieving the 50% or above Pass mark in Biomedical Sciences (calculated as the mean of the semester 1 and semester 2 exams) at the first opportunity or a Pass mark in the single resit paper at the re-sit opportunity in July;
- Achieving the 50% or above Pass mark in Chemistry (calculated as the mean of the semester 1 and semester 2 exams) at the first opportunity or a Pass mark in the single resit paper at the re-sit opportunity in July;
- Achieving the 50% or above Pass mark for the Literature Review either at the first attempt or at the re-sit opportunity in July;
- Achieving the 50% or above Pass mark for the Skills Report either at the first attempt or at the re-sit opportunity in July;
- Meeting specified attendance requirements
- Successfully completing any fitness to practice requirements (if applicable)
Students who have mitigating circumstances accepted for an assessment will have that attempt declared null and void. They will re-sit that assessment at the same attempt as their mitigated attempt at the next available opportunity.
Students who are repeating The International Foundation Programme (for whatever reason) are required to retake the entire year and complete all assessments, including those assessments they had passed previously.
Students who are repeating a year following acceptance of mitigating circumstances will sit all required assessments at either first or second attempt, as appropriate. If they are re-sitting components they previously passed in their first attempt at that year, they will normally sit that component as a further first attempt.
Prizes and Awards
The top 3 highest performing students in the overall assessment results will receive an award. Winners will be announced to the 3 awarded students via email upon results release, after the August Resit Exam Board.
Examination Boards and Release of Marks
At designated points in the academic year, after each assessment period, all marks and assessments are considered by the Board of Examiners. Members of the Exam Board normally include the Programme Director, Unit Leads, lecturers, including markers and moderators, External Examiners and representatives from the clinical practice areas (where relevant). No mark or grade is finalised until it has been considered by this committee.
You will receive marks and grades after they have been ratified by the Exam Board. It is the job of the Exam Board to review all the students’ results anonymously and make decisions of who can progress or resit exams / assessment.
Statement about the use of Turnitin
The University uses electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. Such systems include TurnitinUK, the plagiarism detection service used by the University.
As part of the formative and/or summative assessment process, you may be asked to submit electronic versions of your work to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University (this requirement may be in addition to a requirement to submit a paper copy of your work). If you are asked to do this, you must do so within the required timescales.
The School also reserves the right to submit work handed in by you for formative or summative assessment to TurnitinUK and/or other electronic systems used by the University.
Please note that when work is submitted to the relevant electronic systems, it may be copied and then stored in a database to allow appropriate checks to be made.
Plagiarism and Academic Malpractice
Information and resources about academic integrity and academic malpractice
- Regulation XVII (Conduct & Discipline of Students)
- Academic malpractice procedure
- Plagiarism and Academic Malpractice - Guidance for Students
- University of Manchester Library My Learning Essentials, including workshops and online resources such as 'Getting started with referencing' and 'Avoiding plagiarism'
- The University of Manchester referencing guide
- An Introduction to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism (Student Guidance Service)
- Student Support Website – Good Study Skills and Avoiding academic malpractice
Referencing and Proofreading statement
University Proofreading Statement
If a student chooses to approach another person to proofread their written work or seeks to use the services of a proofreading service or agency, they must take account of the following principles:
- it is the responsibility of students to ensure that all work submitted is their own, and that it represents their own abilities and understanding. Any proofreading of work that is undertaken by a third party must not compromise the student’s own authorship of the work;
- proofreading undertaken by a third party must not take the form of editing of text, such as the adding or rewriting of phrases or passages within a piece of student’s work;
- proofreading undertaken by a third party must not change the content or meaning of the work in any way
Artificial Intelligence (AI) statement
We urge students to be cautious when using a chatbot or AI tool within their learning. Chatbots and AI tools can be useful, but there are a number of risks associated with using them. Please ensure that you are aware of what is permissible use of AI for each assignment. You can utilise AI to generate ideas, key themes, and plan your assessment but not to write your assessment. Do not use AI to generate text, or partial text for use in your assessment unless the assignment brief explicitly states that this is permitted, otherwise use will be deemed academic malpractice. This is academic malpractice because the words and ideas generated are not your own and not an accurate reflection of your learning. Further to this, the words and ideas generated by the chatbot or AI tool may make use of other, human authors’ ideas without referencing them, which is plagiarism. Where a chatbot or other form of AI has been used, make sure you acknowledge that use. Information on how to cite can be found here: https://manchester-uk.libanswers.com/teaching-and-learning/faq/264824. Some units, for example those on AI and technology, permit the use of AI. However, they require you to sign a code of conduct which must be adhered to. Make sure you understand and follow these codes. If you are unclear on what is permissible, speak to the unit lead or for general information, please read our AI guidelines.
External Examiner
The External Examiner for this programme is Dr Alykhan Kassam who is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education & Programme Lead for Foundation Year for Medicine at Edge Hill University.
The role of the External Examiner
External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment processes of the University to ensure fairness and academic standards. They ensure that assessment and examination procedures have been fairly and properly implemented and that decisions have been made after appropriate deliberation. They also ensure that standards of awards and levels of student performance are at least comparable with those in equivalent higher education institutions.
External Examiner Reports
External Examiner reports relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives and details of any actions carried out by the programme team/School in response to the External Examiner’s comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiner reports or the process for considering them.
Please note that it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments. Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their School contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact the Assessment & Progression Team.
Academic Appeals
An appeal is your way of asking the University to review a recent decision taken by an Examination Board or equivalent body.
You should contact your School in the first instance as it may be able to help you better understand the result or decision you want to appeal against. If you decide to submit a new appeal, you should use the Stage One appeal form.
Remember, you can't challenge a mark or a decision because:
- You are unhappy with it, or
- If you thought you would have achieved a better mark.
4. Student voice
Role of the Student-Staff Liaison / Student Voice Committee
School-level Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs) / Student Voice Committees are a forum for students, student representatives and staff to meet. The Committees are an opportunity to provide feedback on specific issues, make suggestions for improvement and any other aspects about the course, Department/School, or university. You can find detailed minutes of these committees on the School of Medical Sciences Student Information Hub.
Programme Management
The programme is managed and operated in accordance with the policies, principles, regulations and procedures of the University of Manchester. Programme Directors relate to the School and Faculty Postgraduate Teaching Committees on matters relating to admissions, exams, reviews and approval of new programmes and units, quality assurance etc. and policy issues of broad relevance to the School. The Programme Committee will meet at least four times in each academic year and membership should consist of the Programme Director, Deputy Programme Director (if applicable), Course Unit Leads, Professional Support Staff and Student Representatives.
The remit of the committee will be to:
- Oversee the teaching, assessment and examining arrangements;
- Monitor cohort progression including failure rate, withdrawal rate;
- Evaluate the extent to which the learning outcomes are achieved by students;
- Monitor, maintain and enhance standards of all aspects of the programme;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and of assessment in relation to programme learning outcomes;
- Evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the teaching and learning methods employed;
- Review and revise the programme in the light of any relevant Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) benchmarks, any other relevant external and/or professional requirements and developing knowledge in the subject area;
- Receive, consider and respond to feedback from students, employers and external examiners;
- Where the need for change is identified, effect the changes quickly and efficiently;
- Produce an annual action plan via annual monitoring;
- Produce reports for periodic review
- Produce relevant information for an Institutional Audit;
- Review programme documentation, e.g., programme handbooks, programme specifications, promotional literature and programme website;
- Ensure suitable and efficient arrangements are in place for recruitment, admission and induction.
The Programme Committee acts as a curriculum development team for the Programme. The Programme Committee will report to a School, or Department, or Faculty level committee. The Programme Director is responsible for the management of the programme, and the Programme Committee is established to support the Programme Director in the carrying out of their responsibilities.
Student representation and Student feedback
Student Representation
A Student Representative is a student leader and works in partnership with the University staff and Students’ Union to represent the views and experiences of student peers.
The programme’s Student Rep is expected to:
- Complete general SU training & specific school or programme training
- Contact your cohort (other students on your course) to introduce yourself & gather feedback
- Work with staff, the SU and other reps to act on feedback and enact change
- Use existing data to suggest improvements to student experience
- Attend regular staff-student meetings to deliver feedback & propose change
- Attend Faculty level feedback meetings (i.e. Faculty Forum)
There is a dedicated team in the Students’ Union available to support reps with each aspect of the role, along with staff contacts in each programme who help to facilitate the staff-student meetings. Further details of training will be provided for reps once elected and information about additional support/activities for student representatives can be found on the Students’ Union website http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/reps.
Course Unit Evaluations
The quality of teaching on the programme is monitored in part by student feedback. Thus it is very important that you make your views, good and bad, known. At the end of each course unit, and at the end of the programme, you will be asked to complete an anonymous course unit evaluation form. In addition, please let the course unit leader or the programme director know at any time if you feel there is a problem with a particular area of the programme.
Use of University unit surveys and other questionnaires
University surveys provide one of the easiest ways to share your opinions and feedback on your experiences as a student. Throughout the academic year, all students have the opportunity to take part in at least one University-recognised survey.
Your feedback from these surveys is used across the University to implement real and positive changes to the student experience, from course specific changes to updating facilities and the support we provide you.
Student Complaints
If you have any concerns about your course or a service, we'd always recommend that you try to resolve the issue informally in the first instance. However, if this is not possible or you aren't happy with the outcome you can pursue a formal complaint via the university complaint procedure.
5. Attendance requirements, interruptions and mitigating circumstances
Attendance Requirements
Monitoring your attendance is part of our commitment to providing a supported learning environment in which students are encouraged to develop knowledge, understanding and the range of skills and attributes expected of a Manchester Graduate. It encourages your active participation in all learning activities through regular attendance. Further information is provided in our Policy on Recording and Monitoring Attendance and Engagement and Regulation XX Monitoring Attendance and Wellbeing of Students.
You should ensure that you are familiar with your programme attendance requirements and make sure that, if you have any difficulty in following them, that you inform your School.
Your are expected to log your attendance at all timetabled on-campus sessions using the Student Engagement and Attendance System (SEAtS). You can download the SEAtS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you are unable to access SEAtS on your phone or do not have a smartphone, you can log your attendance using the SEAtS webpage. Your academic or teaching staff will provide a QR or PIN code so you can check-in to your timetabled teaching session. If you cannot attend an on-campus timetabled session you must log your absence on SEAtS.
For further information on SEAtS including top tips, video guides and frequently asked questions, please visit the student support page at: https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/seats/.
Student Engagement
Students are expected to attend and engage with all scheduled teaching and learning sessions. unless alternative arrangements or flexibility in attendance has been agreed for individual students. This includes both on-campus teaching as well as online/blended, distance, or remote learning modes of delivery.
If you are unable to attend any timetabled session, you are required to complete an absence form. This should be done as soon as possible in SEAtS. Click ‘here’ for how to create an absence in SEAtS.
If you are struggling to attend it may be a sign that you need further support. You can reach out to Student Support and Wellbeing team (sms.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk) to find out about the support services available at the university that might help you with your wellbeing. You may also want to consider applying for mitigating circumstances if your absence impacts on any assessments, which the Student Support and Wellbeing team can support you with.
Work and Attendance for International Foundation Programme
You are required to attend the Programme during the semester dates published. You are expected to take full advantage of all available teaching and learning opportunities; you must be prepared for changes to your published timetable. We expect you to attend all timetabled sessions (and stay for the entire session). You should also be prepared to attend meetings with members of staff, when required, sometimes at short notice. As such, it is important to keep the University up to date with your contact details, and to check your University timetable and email account daily.
Whilst full attendance at all teaching and learning opportunities (100%) is expected, the programme recognises that 100% attendance is not always possible and has placed an absolute minimum attendance of 80% for each component of the programme. Therefore, your attendance on the Programme is carefully monitored. Poor attendance (less than 80% per semester) may affect your progress through the programme. This includes absences due to Religious festivals and illness.
Attendance is compulsory in all timetabled events. A record of attendance will be kept for the following timetabled sessions:
- EBL sessions
- Face to face and online lectures
- Lab skills sessions
- Academic skills classes
- Xaverian College classes
- Meetings with tutors and academic advisors
If you are prevented from attending any of these sessions you must immediately report your absence via the SEAtS app.
Both full attendance and punctuality are core professional skills. Late arrival to teaching is recorded as non-attendance. You may be prevented from entering the session, usually due to health and safety reasons. Persistent lateness can reflect an underlying unprofessional attitude and can impede your progress on the MB ChB, BDS or MPharm Programmes or may result in disciplinary action.
If you fail to meet the programme's full attendance expectations you will be contacted by the school attendance team. If there is no improvement in attendance you will be asked to attend a formal meeting with the Year Lead to explore the reason for your absence and discuss and agree any support the School can offer to enable you to improve your attendance. Please note that failure to attend 14% of your teaching sessions will result in your sponsor being informed.
If your attendance falls below programme requirements you will be given a formal notice that you must discontinue your studies and are not permitted to sit the examinations. As a result of this, you may then be required to return to repeat a component or the entirety of the year or be excluded from the Programme. Exclusion from the programme can result in tour Student Visa being curtailed.
If you have to discontinue your studies as a result of this, you have the right to submit an academic appeal against that decision within ten working days of the notification of the decision. Should you be successful in your appeal, you will be permitted to re-start the component and/or take the examination at the next available opportunity.
You must keep a record of your own attendance - if absences all occur within a short space of time, there may not be the opportunity to receive a warning; it is your responsibility to ensure that your attendance remains above the minimum requirement for each component, including all timetabled teaching sessions.
Notes:
- If your studies are discontinued because of failure to comply with specified attendance requirements, the Progression Committee will consider the reasons given for non-attendance when deciding whether assessments should be taken at first or second attempt in the repeat year.
- If you are repeating a year because of failure to comply with specified attendance requirements, then failure to meet the attendance requirements in your repeat year (in the absence of accepted mitigating circumstances) will result in your exclusion from the Programme.
Consequences of paid employment
Whilst working part-time can be beneficial, it’s important to find the right balance between work and university life. It is usually recommended that you work no more than 15 hours a week during a semester, as it may start to affect your studies. The consequences of paid employment will not normally be regarded as grounds for mitigation (see Section 5.06).
If you’re an international student, most visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and full-time outside of term. However, some visas can vary, so it’s important to check your specific visa to confirm this.
Procedure for reporting ill health - student self certification of absence
Please refer to the sections above called:
- Attendance Requirements
- Student Engagement
How to change, interrupt or withdraw from your Programme
Interrupting your studies
If you come across some difficulties during your studies which mean that completing the semester or year is not possible, you might want to consider a temporary interruption from your course. This means taking a break out of study.
The grounds for an interruption are generally the same as those for requesting mitigating circumstances and can be found in the policy on the student support website. If your circumstances have lasted or are expected to last for a significant period or may impact on a significant amount of units on your programme it may be better for you to apply instead for an interruption to your studies.
If an application to interrupt a programme of study is approved, it would normally be to help you to recover from medical problems, or problems of a personal or financial nature which are having, or may have, a negative impact on your performance. However, your School has the flexibility to consider and make decisions on whether to approve requests for interruption for other circumstances too.
More information, including a step-by-step guide, can be found on the Interruptions page on the Student Information Hub.
To start the process of an interruption to your programme, you will need to meet with The Student Support and Wellbeing team to discuss your situation to decide if an interruption is right for you. You can book a meeting with a member of our student support and wellbeing team to discuss your circumstances, studies and support. This meeting can be online or in-person (In the Stopford Building at the SMS Support Hub) and will be a chance for you to speak to one of our team members about all the challenges you are facing and what is available to you - it is also just an opportunity to be listened to in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Please get in touch with us at sms.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk.
Withdrawing
If you're considering withdrawing from your course - or “dropping out” of university - it's important to take time to reflect and gather the right information. Leaving your programme can have implications for your student finance, accommodation, and overall financial situation.
If you come across some difficulties during your studies which mean that completing the remainder of your degree is not possible, you might want to consider a withdrawal from your course. You can withdraw from your programme at any point.
If you express a wish to withdraw, you will be invited to a meeting to discuss your options. You may decide that a temporary interruption to your programme would be a better option for you or there is other support that we can put into place for the remainder of your programme to allow you to continue.
To start the process of withdrawing from your programme, you should complete the Withdrawal Application Form.
You may wish to speak to someone from the Student Support and Wellbeing team first to discuss your situation to decide if a withdrawal is right for you. You can book a meeting with a member of our student support and wellbeing team to discuss your circumstances, studies and support. This meeting can be online or in-person (in the Stopford Building at the SMS Support Hub) and will be a chance for you to speak to one of our team members about all the challenges you are facing and what is available to you - it is also just an opportunity to be listened to in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Please get in touch with us at sms.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk.
More information can be found on the Withdrawals page on the Student Information Hub.
Mitigating Circumstances and Short Extensions to Coursework
Short Extensions to coursework
If personal circumstances affect your ability to submit an assessment (not including exams or presentations), you may be eligible to request a short extension (5 working days) to your submission date (on top of any DASS automatic extension you may be entitled to).
Requests for short extensions can be made up until your assessment submission date and time. If your request is being made after the original due date of your work you will need to submit a mitigating circumstances form to be eligible for consideration for an extension.
For further information, including the link to apply please refer to Assessment Extensions.
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances are personal or medical circumstances which are unforeseeable and unpreventable that could have a significant adverse effect on your academic performance. You should only submit a mitigating circumstances application if you consider it serious enough, and the timing critical, to have affected your performance in your assessed work and examinations.
You should submit your mitigating circumstances application form before your exam or assessment deadline. You have up to five working days after your deadline to submit mitigating circumstances. Requests for mitigation submitted after 5 working days will not be considered without strong evidence for why the circumstances were not, or could not, have been notified before the deadline date. Further support on how to write your applications for Mitigating Circumstances can be found on the Student Information Hub.
All mitigating circumstances applications must be supported by independent third party evidence. For further guidance regarding acceptable evidence please refer to the Evidence guidance section of the SMS Student Information Hub.
Please note that not informing the University of circumstances due to personal feelings of embarrassment and pride or having concerns over the confidential treatment of requests for mitigation, are not considered to be credible and compelling explanations.
For further information please refer to the Mitigation Circumstances section of the SMS Student Information Hub.
Policy on Supporting Health, Fitness and Return to Study
The University is committed to supporting students and recognises the impact that a student’s health, wellbeing, behaviour and conduct can have on their academic progression and wider university experience. Issues with any of these may affect a student’s fitness to study. The University’s Policy on Supporting Health, Fitness and Return to Study provides further information.
6. Support for students
Student Support microsite
The University’s Student Support site is a central place for you to access support services, resources to support your day-to-day wellbeing and find answers to common queries. The site provides essential advice, information and guidance for students.
Student parents and carers can find specific student study support information for them at: https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/tailored-support/parents-network/
The role of the Programme Director, Academic Advisor and Student Support Hubs
Your Programme Director
Programme Directors lead the academic development of the programme and Chair Programme Committee meetings. They also attend relevant Teaching and Learning Committees, and Examination Boards. They act as one of your key contacts and will liaise with student representatives. Programme Director also monitor the delivery of the programme and will act proactively on feedback to address any emerging issues to ensure a positive student experience.
Your Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors are members of academic staff associated with your degree programme and/or School, who are here to support you throughout your time at university. All new students are invited to attend a meeting with their Academic Advisor as part of Welcome and Induction activity. Following that, your Advisor will make contact with you at least twice a semester during each year of study, so look out for their emails and respond to any invitations to meet, or to share with them how you’re getting on.
Through a combination of scheduled meetings and ad hoc communications your Advisor will get to know you, in order to help you to make the most of your academic potential and your time at university. Manchester is a big place – your Advisor is a point of contact for you and can signpost you to resources and opportunities you may not otherwise have been aware of.
Student Support Hubs
The Student Support Hubs are here to provide you with help and guidance. Whether you need career advice, wellbeing support or help with course information, the Hubs team will be able to point you in the right direction. There are nine Student Support Hubs located across campus. You’ll be able to access the same University support services from every Hub, no matter where you’re usually based or what subject you’re studying. If you have a query about your particular study programme, you can visit your ‘home’ Hub, which will be located within your School.
Students’ Union and SU Advice Service
The University of Manchester Students’ Union is one of the largest student unions in the country, with approximately 40,000 University of Manchester student members. The organisation is democratically run, with eight sabbatical officers (elected annually) directing our work. However the overall responsibility for the Students’ Union is overseen by our Board of Trustees, who have ultimate responsibility for the organisation. The Students’ Union Advice Service can provide information on academic, finance, student life and housing issues.
Counselling and Mental Health Service
The Counselling and Mental Health Service is available to all students. The service provides confidential counselling by a team of professional counsellors for students who want help with personal problems affecting their studies or well-being. It is a free service. You can contact the Counselling Service via their website to make an appointment or to access self-help resources and workshops.
Disability Advisory and Support Service
The Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS), aims to assist students who are affected by substantial and long-term conditions. If you choose to register with DASS the team can assess and identify your individual support needs whilst studying at the University.
With your consent, the Disability Advisory and Support Service will inform the School of your condition and suggest ways in which the School and academic staff can support you throughout your duration of your studies as part of your individual support plan. If you choose not to disclose the details of your disability/support needs to the School, please note that this will affect the level of support that the School is able to provide.
Occupational Health
The University of Manchester Occupational Health Service provides confidential services to protect the health of staff and students, assessing and advising on fitness for work, training and study, so as to ensure that health issues are effectively managed.
Careers Service
The Careers Service offers support and advice throughout your time at The University of Manchester, to help you make the most of your time here and best prepare you for your future.
Stellify
The Stellify Award is a unique University of Manchester award supporting your personal development and graduate outcomes alongside your studies.
The Stellify Award gives you the chance to make a difference in a way that feels authentic to you, your passions and interests. Through volunteering, leadership roles and ethical grand challenges, you’ll not only take action to help causes you truly care about, but will also be prepared for life after university and will enter the world of work feeling confident in your abilities.
International Society
The International Society has more than 6,000 members from more than 130 different countries, making it a great place to meet friends and make contacts during your stay. Its members, many of whom have themselves experienced living away from their native country, aim to ensure students have a rewarding experience in the UK.
The society arranges weekend trips around the UK, offers over 40 different classes each week and organises over 100 different social events throughout the year, helping you to make the most of your time in the UK.
University Centre for Academic English
The University Centre for Academic English courses are designed to help students learn and improve in all areas of English Language.
One of the main advantages of studying English in the University Centre for Academic English is that courses are specially designed to take students from A2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages right through to the levels needed for undergraduate or postgraduate study, or research.