Welcome to the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC)

Welcome Messages

Welcome to the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC) at the University of Manchester! You are now part of a School that brings together world-leading research and outstanding teaching. The Arts are essential to the University's mission, aiming to provide students with a high-quality learning experience taught by inspiring academics. Social responsibility and public engagement are embedded in our work, seeking to create knowledge that makes a difference. Our course offering is broad and diverse, committed to inter- and multi-disciplinarity. We encourage you to explore the breadth of opportunities available.

Our research, recognised as world-leading, is underpinned by platforms like Creative Manchester and major research institutes such as the John Rylands Research Institute and Library (JRRIL) and the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI). We also host centres for Jewish Studies, New Writing, and Cultural Practices (ICP).

The School is home to over 5,500 undergraduates and postgraduates, and employs over 350 academic staff, supported by professional services. Resources include the University of Manchester Library (including the John Rylands Library), the Ahmed Iqball Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, the Manchester Museum, and the Whitworth Art Gallery. We also operate cultural assets like The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama and partner with the Confucius Institute. External links include HOME, The Royal Exchange, Contact, Library theatres, the Hallé Orchestra, Instituto Cervantes, Alliance Française, and Societé Dante Alighieri.

This guide is written in conjunction with current students to help you navigate your first year and beyond. We hope you find it useful. Once more, welcome to Manchester!

Message from Programme Directors:

A very warm welcome to the School of Arts, Languages and Culture (SALC) and congratulations on your choice for postgraduate study! As a student on a Manchester Masters programme, you will be part of the SALC Graduate School, a community for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) students. Studying on a Master's programme is a wonderful opportunity for career development, intellectual experience, and personal growth within a great university renowned for its contribution to arts and humanities.

We value your feedback. If you are missing information or have questions, please contact the SALC Student Support Hub via salc.hub@manchester.ac.uk.

MA Egyptology Specific Welcome:

The MA Egyptology programme at the University of Manchester is the only fully online Egyptology postgraduate course in the world. Launched in 2019, it builds on over a decade of online teaching experience. The teaching is influenced by cutting-edge research, providing in-depth knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilisation. It prepares students for careers in the heritage and museum sector or for PhD research. Manchester has a long tradition of Egyptological study, dating back to the Industrial Revolution and the acquisition of artefacts from excavations. Famous Egyptologists like Margaret Murray and Eric Peet have been associated with the University and the Manchester Museum.

Your course tutors, Professor Joyce Tyldesley, Dr Nicky Nielsen, Dr Huw Twiston Davies, and Dr Katherine Slinger, look forward to joining your journey. Once registered, you can log in to your Canvas Community space, titled "Egyptology Distance Learning," for welcome and induction materials.

Student Support and Development Services

Your Student Support Hub is your primary point for advice, support, and guidance from registration to graduation. You can visit, call, or email them. The Student Support and Wellbeing team is also based at the Hub for sensitive matters, offering private 1-2-1 meetings and referrals to specialist services like Counselling and the Disability Advisory Service.

Frequently asked questions and your student handbook are available on the SALC Student Community site, accessible after setting up your IT account.

Location: Lower Ground floor, Samuel Alexander Building (next to the Lime Café). Find us at number 67 on the Campus Map.

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday (10am - 4pm outside of term time).

Contact: Telephone: +44 161 529 3348 | Email: salc.hub@manchester.ac.uk | Follow: [Facebook] | [Instagram] | SALC Students Blog

For more information on university-wide student support, visit the Student Support site.

Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)

Over 19% of students at the University of Manchester have disclosed a disability. DASS provides dedicated support for disabled applicants and students, including:

• Support for applicant interviews
• Academic support: lecture podcasts, automatic extensions, tutor awareness, specific timetabling
• Exam support: extra time, rest breaks, specialist equipment, specific locations
• Library support: individual inductions, loan extensions
• Accommodation support: room adaptations, specific equipment, specific locations
• Mentoring and study skills support
• Notetaking and practical support
• Navigating external funding (e.g., Disabled Students Allowance - DSA)

How to get support from DASS: Register via a quick online form and email evidence of your disability to dass@manchester.ac.uk. A DASS adviser will then meet with you to discuss support options.

If you suspect you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g., Dyslexia) and haven't been tested, book onto the "Do I have dyslexia?" workshop for information and assessment guidance.

Contact DASS: Second floor of University Place, Oxford Road. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Further contact information is available here.

Your Welcome Week Timetable

Your Welcome Week timetable uses a colour key to highlight mandatory and recommended departmental events. This key is found in the right-hand corner of each timetable page. Your Welcome Week timetable differs from your academic year timetable. You will access your curriculum timetable after completing all 10 steps of registration and selecting your course units.

IT Services

Your University email account is essential for communication with staff. Check it regularly!

Activate your IT account: You will receive your University of Manchester ID and activation instructions from your Admissions team. This is your gateway to university resources. Once activated, you will get a username needed for admissions processes, registration, library accounts, software access, email, internet, Canvas, and My Manchester.

Activate your IT account

My Manchester: This self-service system consolidates online university services, including email, library account, timetable, and grades. Visit My Manchester.

For further guidance, visit the Welcome site.

Registration

Registration at Manchester is an online process. You need to confirm personal details, check course information, and pay tuition fees.

What you need:

• An email from the University inviting you to register.
• Your IT account username and password.
• Personal and contact details.
• Your term-time address (or home address if studying online).
• Your course details.

How to do it:

1. Log in to MyManchester using your IT account details.
2. Go to the 'Registration' tile and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Complete all ten steps. A green '[check]' tick will appear at the end of each step. You can return to previous steps by clicking on them (do not use your browser's back button).

You can complete registration at any time. For full guidance, visit the Welcome site.

Selecting Your Course Units

Make your course selections by 12pm on Thursday 25th September for your timetable to be ready for teaching commencing Monday 29th September. Selections open on Monday 15th September.

Process:

• Find your programme structure on the Student Intranet to check mandatory units and research available options.
• Use the student self-service system via My Manchester to make selections.
• You will be automatically enrolled on core/mandatory units. Check for optional or free choice units.
• Research optional and free choice units using the Course Unit Database.
• Watch the guidance video and instructions before self-selecting units. Additional School guidance is available on the School Intranet.

If you are struggling, contact salc.courseunits@manchester.ac.uk or visit the Student Support Hub.

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors are academic staff associated with your degree programme, providing support and advice throughout your university time. You will receive an email with your advisor's name and contact details at the start of the semester. You can also check via MyManchester under 'Student Services' > 'Student Centre' ('Program Advisor' on the bottom right).

How they can help:

• Personal Wellbeing: Offer calm guidance and suggest methods to cope with stress and pressure.
• Academic Progress: Help you stay on track with studies, develop based on feedback, and explain the 'mitigating circumstances' process if external events affect your ability to study.
• Career/Future Plans: Direct you to development opportunities and careers advice, and can write references.

Your advisor will be introduced during your first week. Feel free to contact them about any issue; they can assist in finding solutions or direct you to other support sources.

University Campus

The University is located on the south side of Manchester city centre, comprising the Oxford Road area (formerly Victoria University of Manchester) and the Sackville Street area (formerly UMIST).

Navigation: Interactive campus maps are available online. All buildings are within easy walking distance. Regular shuttle buses operate around campus. Security can be contacted 24/7 on (0)161 306 9966.

Maps:

• Interactive campus maps
• Accommodation map (PDF, 270KB)
• City map (PDF, 5.4MB)

A self-guided tour app, "Visit UoM," is available on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Accessibility: The campus map shows wheelchair-accessible routes. An accessibility map and building guides are available on the AccessAble website, including a mobile app.

Student Life

Manchester offers diverse and exciting experiences. The School of Arts, Languages & Cultures is centrally located, close to city attractions.

Explore the city using the university's city guide. Stay updated with student news and events on the Student News site, SALC Student Instagram, and SALC Community site.

Engage with the vibrant community by joining one of the hundreds of student societies at the Student's Union, or even form your own. With students from over 190 countries, there's always something happening.

Religion, Faith, and Culture: The University community is diverse. Multifaith Prayer and Contemplation spaces are available across campus, alongside faith and religion-dedicated societies.

Learn from other students and share your experiences on the SALC Student Blog. Contact the Information, Advice and Guidance team to contribute.

Canvas & SEAtS

Canvas: This is the University of Manchester's central learning environment, replacing Blackboard. Use Canvas to navigate courses, access materials, lecture recordings, and submit assignments. The Canvas Student app allows mobile access to course units, discussions, grades, calendars, and messages.

Canvas Guides: Over 200 articles are available in the Canvas Student Guide, with navigation links to related content. Videos for students are also provided.

SEAtS: The SEAtS system allows students and staff to log attendance at scheduled on-campus teaching sessions (lectures, tutorials, labs, seminars). It supports engagement and wellbeing by identifying potential issues early, enabling timely support.

Learn more about SEAtS on the Student Support website.

Canvas Support: For further help, raise a support ticket with the Central Digital Learning team via Connect.

Helpful Canvas tip: When choosing your organisation, select 'The University of Manchester' (not the US institution). The 'Student Getting Started Resources' contain login guidance for the Canvas Student App.

Access Canvas

Language Experience for All Programme (LEAP)

LEAP, part of SALC, offers students the opportunity to study a language alongside their degree. LEAP provides 13 languages at various levels, from beginner to advanced. Courses can be taken for credit as part of your degree or on a non-credited basis (for a fee). They are also open to the public and University staff.

Learning a new language can lead to a C1 (advanced) level on the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). It provides access to diverse knowledge, enhances professional opportunities, improves employability, fosters critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability, and bridges diverse communities.

Taking a LEAP language course for credit is subject to academic approval, entry requirements, language level tests, availability, and timetabling. Check with your School first.

To learn more, visit the LEAP website or attend their Welcome Week drop-in sessions.

Welcome Week Drop-in Sessions:

• Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th - NLG.9
• Wednesday 24th September - Lime Café

Academic Success Programme

Boost your Academic English skills with free workshops and resources designed to build confidence. The programme supports essay writing, presentations, and seminar participation.

Workshop Topics:

• Academic Writing: Assignment structure, critical thinking expression, writing techniques.
• Academic Speaking: Seminar communication, presentation confidence, pronunciation, fluency.
• Academic Grammar: Essentials for academic writing, applying grammar rules.

Special workshops are available at key times, including "Adjusting to Academic Life" (from October) and "Writing Your Dissertation" (from March).

Workshops are delivered online and on campus by experienced tutors, helping you become a more independent and confident learner.

Find out more: manchester.ac.uk/academicsuccessprogramme

Contact us: academicsuccess@manchester.ac.uk

Library

The University of Manchester Library is a vital resource. Familiarise yourself with it early. It offers books, journals, and extensive online materials, including eBooks and journals via the Library catalogue search.

Physical Locations: Main Library and the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons (study and learning centre).

Specialist Libraries relevant to SALC subjects:

• Art and Archaeology Library (Mansfield Cooper Building)
• Lenagan Library for Music and Drama (Martin Harris Centre)
• University Language Centre Library (Samuel Alexander Building)
• John Rylands Research Institute and Library (Deansgate)
• Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre (Manchester Central Library) - specialising in race, migration, and diversity.

Visit the Library website for information on usage, collections, study spaces, IT services, training, skills, locations, and opening times.

My Learning Essentials

My Learning Essentials (MLE) is the Library's programme of skills support, offering online resources and face-to-face workshops for personal and professional development. MLE workshops provide a relaxed group environment to try new strategies. Online resources cover referencing, procrastination management, CV writing, and more, accessible anytime via the Library website.

Benefits: MLE supports all students, regardless of subject or study stage, helping you gain new skills and develop existing ones. It connects you to vital support services like the Counselling Service and DASS. Dedicated careers sessions and skill selection options help prepare you for life after your degree.

Embedded MLE: Some courses integrate MLE online resources and sessions, with materials selected by your tutor to provide specific skills for course units.

Find out more about My Learning Essentials.

Peer Mentors & PASS

Peer Support involves students helping each other within their learning community to enhance the student experience and foster leadership. First-year students join Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Mentoring groups led by experienced higher-year students.

Benefits for you:

• Ask questions to students who have navigated similar experiences.
• A safe space to discuss ideas, problems, and questions.
• Opportunity to meet course mates and build supportive relationships.

Peer Support Goals:

• Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and mutual support.
• Better Experience: Make your university experience the best it can be.
• Leadership: Empower students to become leaders in their learning community.

Get involved in Peer Support to make the most of your university experience.

The Careers Service

The award-winning Careers Service offers support and advice throughout your time at university and for up to two years after graduation. They assist with finding part-time jobs and planning post-university careers.

Services offered:

• One-to-one careers appointments
• Job, placements, and internships vacancy board
• CV and applications advice
• Pathways (on-demand learning modules)
• Interview preparation
• Careers fairs and employer events
• Networking opportunities with UoM graduates
• Exclusive internship opportunities

The Careers Service website provides extensive information on over 20 career sectors, helping you explore opportunities and build relevant skills and experience.

How to get the most out of the Careers Service:

1. Follow @uomcareers on Instagram before arriving for updates.
2. Activate your CareerConnect account after registration. CareerConnect is your hub for events, part-time jobs, and on-demand Pathways (CV building, interview prep). It includes bespoke Pathways for international students and those with disabilities. Book confidential one-to-one appointments via CareerConnect.

Visit Us: Careers Desk, Atrium, First Floor, University Place (Monday-Friday during term-time). Regular drop-ins are also held on campus. Find details at https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/appointments/dropin/.

Social Responsibility & The Stellify Award

Volunteering: Thousands of Manchester students engage in local, national, and international communities through volunteering. It's a chance to learn skills, make friends, help others, and explore Manchester and beyond.

The University provides help to get involved, including lists of opportunities, support for student projects, and taster events. Visit the Volunteer Hub to learn more.

The Stellify Award: This unique award supports personal development and graduate outcomes. The Stellify journey is based on three core principles: Make a Difference, Step up and Lead, and Ethical Grand Challenges. Learn more about Stellify by visiting the website or contacting the Stellify team (stellify@manchester.ac.uk).

Students' Union

Make the most of Manchester with your Students' Union. Run by students, for students, it offers support from the moment you become a University of Manchester student.

Find your Community: The Union hosts over 350 societies. If you can't find a group, you can create your own. Opportunities include the Manchester Media Group for publishing and media experience. They also partner with organisations for volunteering opportunities.

Use your Voice: Get involved in improving your course, the city, or lobbying government. Become an Academic Rep to gather feedback and work with lecturers on solutions. Participate in the 'Union Assembly' or submit suggestions.

Find Support: The Union offers a free and confidential Advice Service covering Academic, Financial, Student Life, Wellbeing, and Housing Support.

Part-Time Work: The JobShop helps match students with jobs within the University, Students' Union, and the city that fit around your studies.

Visit them in the Steve Biko Building or on their website: https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/.

Academic Reps

Interested in making change and developing your programme? Academic Reps are student leaders who gather feedback and work with staff to enact positive change. This role counts towards the STELLIFY award ("Step Up and Lead") and provides valuable experience.

As an Academic Rep, you represent students in meetings, discuss feedback, and work with staff to improve the student experience. Training is provided by the Students' Union; no prior experience is needed, just an interest in improving student experience.

Key skills/experiences gained: Professionalism, Negotiation, Leadership, Communication, Organisational skills, Networking, Problem-solving, Campaigning, Influencing, Working on projects.

Sign up by emailing studentreps@manchester.ac.uk. More details are available at www.manchesterstudentsunion.com/reps.

Contact Details

School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
The University of Manchester
M13 9PL
www.manchester.ac.uk

Come and chat with us on social media and stay updated with SALC news through our blog and Student Community Site!

Social Media: @UOMSALC | @UOMSALCSTUDENTS

SALC STUDENT COMMUNITY SITE