UMD Exchange: University of Manchester (United Kingdom)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
The University of Manchester is among the top universities in the world and has an international reputation for its research.  In 2005 and 2006 it was awarded the title "University of the Year".  The University has almost 4,000 academic and research staff, many with international reputations in their subjects, providing students with a stimulating learning environment and the highest standard of teaching.  Manchester is a truly multicultural university, as it hosts 7,400 international students from 180 countries. The University boasts several tourist attractions on campus, such as The Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery, and has a Student Services Centre (SSC), International Advice Team, and the University of Manchester Students' Union that are available to all international students to make them feel at home during their time abroad. 

Host City
The University of Manchester is located in the city of Manchester, which is considered England's second city after London; however, with much lower living costs than the capital. Famous for its English Premier League football teams, Manchester City and Manchester United, and home to some of the best in contemporary and classic art and theatre, Manchester is a great place for a student to call home.  It is one of Britain's livliest and most multicultural cities, buzzing with events, cinemas, exhibitions, clubs and bars that cater for everyone. It offers a vibrant world with which to engage during your exchange abroad experience.

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
As an exchange student, you are required to obtain documents to enter the UK on a Student Visitor Visa or apply for a Tier-4 student visa for the United Kingdom before you leave the US.  The type of visa you obtain depends on length of stay and activities within the UK:  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/.

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

Students studying at Manchester can take classes in several departments at the University, including, but not limited to Archaeology, Art History, Biological Sciences, History, Engineering, Computer Science, Criminology, Environmental Sciences, English, History, Math, Philosophy, Politics, and Sociology.  There are a few restricted departments and some departments that have a high-level of demand, so students should review the list of available classes, or course units, before committing to the exchange.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at the University of Manchester will be converted as follows:

University of Manchester Credit	UMD Credit
1 Manchester credit	0.3 UMD credit
10 Manchester credits	3 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on June 10, 2014.
 
Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

University of Manchester Grade	UMD Grade
40	C -

 

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The University of Manchester has the largest number of places in university-owned accommodation in the UK, with room for more than 9,200 students in halls of residence.  Exchange students who come to the University for a year as part of their degree are guaranteed a room in University-owned accommodation for their time in Manchester.  Students coming for one semester only are not guaranteed accommodation but will almost certainly be allocated University accommodation under normal circumstances. 

More information regarding options is provided here: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/accommodation/list/.

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Manchester’s Students’ Union offers activities to suit everyone’s interests.

International Welcome/Orientation
Manchester provides a lot of information surrounding what to do before you arrive and right after you arrive. This way you feel comfortable settling in!

Counseling & Health Services
You’ll need to register with a local doctor for your health care. The University aids in this process by having students register during Welcome.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*

*This resource guide provides general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.

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