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 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. Note: Most of our partner institutions expect visiting students to have a high level of academic achievement and good organisational skills.
The academic criteria for a place on the International Exchange Programme are similar to those which apply to the placement scheme and it is not possible to undertake both a International Exchange and an industrial/professional experience placement.
More information will be provided in a talk in Welcome Week and you should discuss the possibility of participating in a voluntary International Exchange with your Programme Director. You are also encouraged to contact the University’s International Programmes Office for further details about exchanges or to ask any questions you may have about studying abroad. Please also see the information on Studying Abroad on the University website.