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Manchester Metropolitan University

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University Overview

Manchester Metropolitan University became a university in 1992, though its roots date back to 1824, when it was first developed as a center for Technology, Art, and Design, areas of tremendous pride even today.  With a population of over 37,000 students in one of the largest and historically significant cities of the north, campus life is bustling and students will find an opportunity to get involved in over 150 campus organizations.  Over a 1,000 courses are offered across eight faculties including Business; Health, Psychology & Social Care; Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences; Science; and Art.  If you are interested in a first-class education and opportunity to move beyond theory into practice, Manchester Met is the right choice for you.

City Overview

Manchester holds one of the most influential places in English history, being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and one of the premiere textile producers in the country.  Perhaps better known today for its famous Manchester United stadium and its football team, Manchester is a vibrant, interesting, diverse city to explore.  Boasting an array of shopping, art/history museums, restaurants, and music scene, it is a great place to call home while exploring the rest of Northern England.

Program Highlightsmanchester building

  • Courses available in almost any major!
  • The International Office hosts a three day welcome program for new international students.

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester:  Term One runs mid-September to mid-December

Spring Semester:  Term Two runs early January to early April

In some cases, students may be able to extend to Term Three, from late April to late June.

Please see the 2018-19 Academic Calendar for specific dates.  Only single semester study is available at this time.

Academic Focus

  • Exchange students can enroll in any class, provided they meet the prerequisites. Certain fields, such as Studio Art/Design may require significant course work in the field, a professional portfolio and/or may be reserved for continuing local students, and thereby unavailable as an exchange student.  Likewise, semesterized course offerings vary substantially from one term to the next as most course work in the UK is done on a yearlong basis.
  • Generally study aboad students select year 1 courses to meet lower-division requirements.  Year 2 & 3 classes assume a depth of knowledge in the field, and as such, are advised for upper-division, serious students only.
  • Teaching will typically be in lecture format, with less formal discussion sections led by tutors.  A knowledge of library research methods and writing is highly advisable, as is a willingness to read beyond the scope of the course.
  • Final grades are usually based upon a comprehensive exam.   For this, keeping up with assigned and supplemental reading becomes critically important.
  • All work transfers back to San Marcos and can be used to fulfill all graduation requirements.

Language of Instruction

English, in the truest sense

Requirements

  • Class Level:  Upper-division status (completion of 60 units)
  • GPA of 2.75 or above and good academic standing to departure.
  • Prerequisites:  Year 2 & 3 courses generally require significant experience in the field.  If, based upon transcript review, you do not have the necessary prerequisites, you will be asked to consider an alternative course.
  • Special Note to Business Majors:  In order to receive credit for upper-division courses abroad, you must have already completed your Pre-Core course work at CSUSM, though it is advisible to also have foundation course work completed as well.

Units

16 semester units.  Typically this equates to 4 classes/semester.  Module (Class) units at Manchester are usually 15 credits each (7.5 European Credit Transfer Units (ECTs), equating to 4 CSU units each course.

Housing

Pending receipt of housing application, housing assistance will be offered to place students in either the limited university managed accommodations or off-campus housing facilities vetted by the university and managed by housing service, Manchester Student Homes. Bathrooms are usually shared amongst flatmates, but on occasion, exchange students are invited to stay in ensuite dorms (each room has a private bath).  In most circumstances, university managed accommodation will be offered to full year students, so semester students should be prepared to live off campus in one of the suburbs surrounding the city center.  Abundant housing help will be offered after arrival and incoming students will all be placed in short-term hostels until housing is sorted.

Estimated Cost

  • Students pay their normal State University Fee to CSU San Marcos, currently $3,851/semester. No tuition or fees due at Manchester Metropolitan.
  • University accommodation: Currently $575-$850/month.  Off-campus residence: $700-$900 per month.
  • Health Insurance: $265/semester
  • Cost of meals and personal expenses will vary, but average $500 per month.
  • Short terms students should apply for the Short Term Study Visa (90 pounds for stays up to six months) or may apply for the UK General Tier 4 Student Visa (allows students to work up to 20 hours/wk) which is currently 332 pounds, roughly $434 plus shipping
  • Students on approved study abroad programs are entitled to apply Title IV federal financial aid to their program costs.
  • Sample 2018-19 Budget

Application Deadlines

For Fall Semester/Year Study:  March 15

For Spring Semester Study:  October 1

How to Apply

  1. Visit the Manchester Metropolitan University website at http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/international to learn about the university and life in Manchester.  Use www.visitmanchester.com to get a sense of daily life and local events in the city.
  2. Meet with the CSUSM Study Abroad Advisor in Craven Hall 3200 to determine if you are eligible for this program.
  3. Obtain course descriptions from the Module Catalogue for each of the Faculty in which you wish to study.
  4. Consult with a faculty advisor in your major department to determine if Manchester courses will count toward your major. If so, complete a Study Abroad Credit Approval Form. 
  5. Order an official transcript from CSUSM and any other college from which you have taken a semester or more in classes (even if you have already transferred credit to CSUSM).  Please send the transcript(s) directly to Global Education, c/o Tiffany Gabbard, Craven 3200, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, CA  92096-0001 or pick in person and drop off at Global Education (preferred).
  6. Read about international student accommodations.  Accommodation application will be made online after initial acceptance.
  7. Confirm with the Study Abroad Advisor that you are eligible to apply for the faculty you have selected.  Apply using the Worldwide Exchange Application and submit it to the CSUSM Study Abroad Advisor in Craven Hall 3200 along with your other application materials.
  8. Submit additional application details to Global Education here:  CSUSM General Study Abroad Application
  9. Submit your flight details to Global Education here:  Flight Information Form
  10. Attend the pre-departure orientation and consult with the Study Abroad Advisor as necessary regarding the Student Visa process after Manchester acceptance.

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