Studying in the UK
See what it's like to attend university here, from learning styles to study support.
Studying in the UK
Studying in a new country might be different to what you’re used to. Knowing what your academic life will look like in the UK can make it easier to decide what and where to study.
Learning styles in the UK
Your course will be made up of group sessions and one-on-one learning time, depending on what you’re studying. Our teaching methods are designed to challenge you, encourage you to come with your own ideas, and contribute to discussions with your classmates. You’ll receive expert teaching from our staff, and your tutors will help guide you when you need them.
In addition to your timetabled classes, you will be expected to dedicate some of your free time towards your studies.
Here are the main methods of studying.
An important part of the university experience. Lectures are timetabled talks that provide the starting point for a topic. You will be expected to take your own notes, and conduct your own follow up research.
Usually take place in larger groups.
Seminars are generally held in smaller groups than lectures and give you the opportunity to discuss topics with staff and other students. You will be expected to contribute your own ideas and opinions.
This is where you meet your tutor one-on-one, or as part of a small group. Your tutor is there to give you guidance and support. They can suggest possible paths for you to follow or give you feedback on the work you’ve already done. It may be up to you to arrange these meetings yourself.
If you’re studying a practical subject, you will spend time in our highly equipped workshops, laboratories and studios. This will give you access to excellent facilities directly relevant to your course.
You will use them as part of your group study, and may be able to book time in them for independent study too.
This is where you use your free time to conduct your own research or work on assignments. In addition to your timetabled lectures, seminars and workshops, you will be expected to commit some of your free time to your studies.
It’s up to you where you choose to study, but there are many study spaces available on campus.
Our campus
Take a closer look at your new study environment from the comfort of your own home.Attending your course
It will be your responsibility to attend lectures, seminars and study sessions. The more you attend, the better your results are likely to be. This is also a great opportunity to meet other students, make friends and make the most of your time at university.
Registering your attendance
The way you register your attendance will depend on your level of study or type of class. For more information about how to register, visit our enrolment section.
Important information for Student Visa holders
If you have a Student Visa or have a CAS to support a Student Visa application, the University must keep a record of your attendance and report any missed contact points to UKVI. If your attendance is poor, you will be required to meet with the International Compliance team to explain why. Depending on the outcome of this meeting, it could affect your stay and immigration status in the UK.
At the start of each term, we might also ask you to check-in at one of the Student Hubs and complete ‘re-registration’.
If we ask you to attend re-registration, it is compulsory. We might invite you to meet with the International Compliance team to provide additional documents relating to your immigration permission or if your records show that you are at risk of academic failure. We might just need to know that you are in the UK and you are safe.
What we offer you
We want all our students to make the most of their time studying with us. That’s why we provide additional teaching and support to international students.
Here are just a few things you’ll have access to at Manchester Metropolitan.
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Coaching for academic English
To make the most of your time here at Manchester Metropolitan, you need good English language skills. An ability to communicate in English will make studying easier, that’s why we support our students to develop their skills.
Coaching for Academic English provides free English classes for international students in every faculty during the autumn and spring terms, with all classes taught by qualified and experienced tutors. We focus on the skills needed for good quality academic writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
For further details about free English language classes, visit the Coaching for Academic English website.
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Academic and Study Skills tutors
We have academic and study skills tutors based across all faculties. The tutors are available throughout the year to provide support with academic and study skills, including:
- academic writing
- critical reading and writing
- approaches to lectures and seminars.
There is also a specialist numeracy tutor, specific learning difference tutors for students with learning differences, and The Writing Project: free short courses that help students to improve their academic writing skills.
Please see our study skills page for more information about individual support, workshops and self-study materials.
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Students with disabilities
Manchester Metropolitan is committed to providing equal opportunities in education for all students. We will work with disabled candidates to help them access our programmes and overcome any substantial disadvantage that they may encounter as a result of their disability. If you have a disability please bring medical information with you, in English, to support your personal learning plan here.
Please see our disability support page for full details.
Students’ Union, support and societies
Get involved in social activities, access a wide range of professional support, and meet other students.
The Union
Manchester Met’s Students’ Union is one of the largest student organisations in the UK, representing the rights and interests of our 38,000 students. The Union is led by a team of students who are elected by you and your fellow students. Once you have enrolled at the University, you automatically become a member of The Union and have access to a range of services and facilities.
You are never alone
A number of free or low cost health and wellbeing activities are organised throughout the year. In addition, the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service is a team of professionally qualified counsellors, and a wellbeing advisor, experienced in helping students.
Sports and societies
Whether you already participate in sport or would like to try new activities, there are more than 100 sports and activity clubs to get involved with. Many of our teams compete in official leagues against other UK universities and colleges. We also offer a range of free drop in sports and activities across campus, including women only sessions.
