University of Manchester: School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Welcome Guide

Welcome Message from SALC's Head of School

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 and international reputation. SALC aims to provide students with a high-quality learning experience, guided by inspiring academics using state-of-the-art resources, making graduates highly sought after by employers. Social responsibility and public engagement are embedded in SALC's activities, creating knowledge that makes a difference. SALC offers one of the broadest and most diverse course offerings in arts, languages, and cultures in the UK, committed to inter- and multi-disciplinarity. Students can take course units from across the School, offering a breadth of opportunity. SALC's research, recognised as world-leading in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), is supported by Creative Manchester, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library (JRRIL), and the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI). It also hosts centres like the Centre for Jewish Studies, Centre for New Writing, and the Institute for Cultural Practices (ICP), all combining rigorous research with external engagement. The School is home to over 5,500 undergraduates and postgraduates, employing over 350 academic staff and supported by professional services staff. Resources include the University of Manchester Library (including the John Rylands Library), the Ahmed Iqball Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, the Manchester Museum, the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, and the Confucius Institute. External partners include HOME, The Royal Exchange, Contact Theatre, Hallé Orchestra, Instituto Cervantes, Alliance Française, and Société Dante Alighieri. This guide is written in conjunction with current students to help navigate your first year.

Welcome Message from Head of English

Congratulations on your examination success, and welcome to the University of Manchester! As the Head of English, the department ensures the English degree programme runs smoothly and supports students. Information, including the Welcome Week timetable, will be posted on the Welcome Week website (www.welcome.manchester.ac.uk) and sent via email; checking your university email account regularly is important. During Welcome Week, you will meet your academic advisor and attend a meeting for all new English Literature students, which is crucial for receiving information. Preliminary reading lists for 2025-26 are being finalised, with suggestions provided to help students get ahead.

First Semester Courses and Books to Buy

In your first semester, you will study three course units. The first, English Literature Tutorials, will be introduced by your academic advisor during Welcome Week; no preparatory reading is required. Your second course unit is Mapping the Medieval, focusing on two key texts. Please purchase these specific editions:

• Beowulf: A Verse Translation, trans. by Seamus Heaney, ed. by Daniel Donoghue, 2nd ed (Norton, 2019)
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation, trans. by Simon Armitage (Norton, 2009)

For Reading Literature, texts are still being finalised. You can get ahead by reading:

• Samuel Beckett, Endgame (Faber and Faber, 2009)
• Melissa Harrison, All Among the Barley (Bloomsbury, 2018)

Student Support Hub

The Student Support Hub provides advice, support, and guidance from registration to graduation. Visit in person, call, or email. The Student Support and Wellbeing team is also based at the Hub for 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. The Hub is located on the Lower Ground floor, Samuel Alexander Building (number 67 on the Campus Map). Opening hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (10am-4pm outside term time). Contact: +44 161 529 3348, salc.hub@manchester.ac.uk. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and the SALC Students Blog. More information is available on the University's Student Support site.

Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)

The Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) supports disabled applicants and students. Services include support for applicant interviews, academic support (e.g., lecture podcasts, extensions, tutor awareness, specific timetabling), exam support (extra time, rest breaks, equipment, locations), library support (inductions, loan extensions), accommodation support (adaptations, equipment, locations), mentoring, study skills, notetaking, practical support, and help with external funding like the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To register, complete an online form and send evidence of disability via email to dass@manchester.ac.uk. A DASS adviser will then discuss support options. For those without evidence or who wish to speak before registering, book a Quick Query appointment. If you suspect a Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g., Dyslexia) and haven't been tested, attend the 'Do I have dyslexia?' workshop. DASS is located on the second floor of University Place, Oxford Road, open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Further contact information is available on the DASS website.

Your Welcome Week Timetable

Your Welcome Week timetable uses a colour key, found in the right-hand corner of each page, to distinguish mandatory from recommended events. Joint Honours students should refer to timetables for both subject areas and attend relevant talks and socials. Your Welcome Week timetable differs from your academic year timetable. Your curriculum timetable will be accessible after completing all ten registration steps and choosing your course units.

IT Services

Your University email account is essential for communication with staff. Activate your IT account using the unique University of Manchester ID and instructions sent by Admissions. This account is your gateway to university resources. Upon activation, you receive a username needed for admissions processes, student registration, library accounts, software access, email, internet access, Canvas (virtual learning environment), and My Manchester. My Manchester is a self-service system consolidating online university services, including email, library account, timetable, and grades. Visit the Welcome site for further guidance.

Registration

Registration at Manchester is an online process requiring confirmation of personal details, course information checks, and tuition fee payment arrangements. You will need your University email invitation, IT account username/password, personal and contact details, term-time address (for study location, including online), and course details. Log in to MyManchester using your IT account details, navigate to the 'Registration' tile, and follow the ten on-screen steps. A green tick confirms completion of each step. You can return to steps as needed. Full guidance is available on the Welcome site.

Selecting Your Course Units

Course selections must be made by 12pm on Thursday 25th September for your timetable to be ready for teaching on Monday 29th September. Selections open on Monday 15th September. Find your programme structure on the Student Intranet to identify mandatory units and research optional units. Use the student self-service system via My Manchester. You are automatically enrolled on core/mandatory units. Research optional and free choice units using the Course Unit Database. Watch the guidance video and instructions before self-selecting. Additional School guidance is available on the School Intranet. For assistance, contact salc.courseunits@manchester.ac.uk or visit the Student Support Hub.

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors are academic staff members 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. You can also find your advisor via MyManchester under 'Student Services' > 'Student Centre' > 'Program Advisor'. Advisors help with personal wellbeing, academic progress (including mitigating circumstances), and career/future plans, offering references and directing you to development opportunities. They are available to contact about any issue, and can assist in finding solutions outside their expertise.

University Campus

The University campus 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). Interactive campus maps are available to help you navigate. All buildings are within easy walking distance, with regular shuttle buses connecting campus points. For security, contact the Security team at any time on (0)161 306 9966. Accommodation and city maps are available online. A self-guided campus tour can be found by searching "Visit UoM" on app stores. Campus accessibility information is provided on the campus map and the AccessAble website, including an app for mobile devices.

Student Life

Manchester offers diverse experiences for students. The School of Arts, Languages & Cultures is centrally located, close to city attractions. Explore the city using the university's city guide. The SALC Student Blog features posts from students on various experiences, and contributions are welcome via the Information, Advice and Guidance team. Join hundreds of student societies at the Students' Union, or create your own. Stay updated on student news and events via the Student News site, SALC Student Instagram, and SALC Community site. The university community is diverse, with students from over 190 countries, offering numerous campus activities. Multifaith Prayer and Contemplation spaces are available, along with faith and religion-dedicated societies.

Canvas & SEAtS

Canvas is the University of Manchester's new 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. The Canvas Student Guide offers extensive articles and videos on using the interface. SEAtS is a system for logging attendance at scheduled on-campus teaching sessions and activities. It supports engagement and wellbeing by identifying potential student difficulties based on attendance patterns, enabling timely support. Learn more about SEAtS on the Student Support website. For Canvas help, raise a support ticket with the Central Digital Learning team via Connect. When selecting your organisation in Canvas, ensure you choose 'The University of Manchester' (not the US institution).

Language Experience for All Programme (LEAP)

LEAP, part of SALC, offers students the opportunity to study 13 languages alongside their degree, from beginner to advanced levels. Courses can be taken for credit as part of a degree or on a non-credited basis for a fee. They are also open to the public and staff for a fee. Completing LEAP courses may lead to a C1 (advanced) level on the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). Learning languages enhances professional opportunities, employability, cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability. Check with your School for academic approval, entry requirements, language level tests, availability, and timetabling constraints before enrolling. Visit the LEAP website or attend their Welcome Week drop-in sessions.

Academic Success Programme

The Academic Success Programme offers free workshops and resources to build confidence and improve Academic English skills for essays, presentations, and seminars. Workshops cover Academic Writing (structure, critical thinking, techniques), Academic Speaking (seminar communication, presentation skills, pronunciation), and Academic Grammar (essentials, rules). Special workshops are available for Adjusting to Academic Life (from October) and Writing Your Dissertation (from March). Workshops are delivered online and on campus by experienced tutors. Find out more at www.manchester.ac.uk/academicsuccessprogramme or contact academicsuccess@manchester.ac.uk.

Library

The University of Manchester Library is a vital resource. It provides access to books, journals, and extensive online materials, including eBooks and journals via the Library catalogue search. Physical locations include the Main Library and the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. Specialist libraries relevant to SALC subjects include the Art and Archaeology Library, the Lenagan Library for Music and Drama, the University Language Centre Library, and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre is an open-access library specializing in race, migration, and diversity. Visit the Library website for more information on using the Library, collections, study spaces, IT services, training, and locations.

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 for learning new strategies with peers. Online resources cover referencing, procrastination management, CV writing, and more, accessible via the Library website. MLE supports the entire student community, regardless of subject or study stage, helping to develop existing abilities and gain new skills. Partnerships with services like the Counselling Service and DASS connect students to vital support. Dedicated careers sessions and skill selection options prepare students for post-degree careers. MLE resources and sessions may also be embedded within degree courses.

Digital Humanities

Discover how digital tools and methods can explore subjects in new ways and understand how digital technology shapes our world. Digital Humanities course units complement studies with training in digital methods and understanding digital media's impact. Explore methods like mapping, text mining, and data visualisation to transform reading, understanding the past, and communicating ideas. Develop skills in critical data analysis, recognising algorithmic bias, designing digital projects, and communicating complex ideas. Gain confidence in applying digital approaches to humanities questions. Create and curate digital projects, developing specialist expertise. Courses are held in Digital Humanities Labs, with laptops provided; no prior technical experience is required. Course units also cover debates on digital media, technology, and culture, such as data collection and civil liberties, or AI ethics. The Minor in Digital Humanities is available for Single Honours students (40 credits/year). Completing two Digital Humanities course units earns a Certificate in Digital Humanities. Find more information at https://www.digital-humanities.manchester.ac.uk/study/minor-in-digital-humanities/ or contact the Programme Director, Dr Giulia Grisot (giulia.grisot@manchester.ac.uk).

Peer Mentors & PASS

Peer Support involves students helping each other within their learning community to improve the student experience and foster leadership. First-year students join Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Mentoring groups led by senior students. Leaders receive training and ongoing skill enhancement. Benefits for students include asking questions to experienced peers, gaining tips and tricks, having a safe space for ideas and problems, and meeting fellow students to build relationships. Peer Support aims to encourage teamwork, enhance the student experience, and empower students as leaders.

The Careers Service

The award-winning Careers Service offers support and advice throughout university and for up to two years after graduation. They assist with finding part-time jobs, exploring post-university careers, and making the most of time in Manchester. Services include one-to-one careers appointments, a job/placement/internship vacancy board, CV and applications advice, on-demand learning modules (Pathways), interview preparation, careers fairs, employer events, networking opportunities, and exclusive internship opportunities. The website (www.careers.manchester.ac.uk) provides extensive careers information across various sectors. To maximise benefits: follow on Instagram (@uomcareers) before arrival, and activate your CareerConnect account (www.careerconnect.manchester.ac.uk) after registration. CareerConnect is a central hub for events, jobs, and Pathways modules (CVs, interviews), with bespoke support for international students and those with disabilities. Book one-to-one appointments via CareerConnect. Visit the Careers Desk in the Atrium, First Floor, University Place, or attend regular drop-in sessions. Further information on drop-in locations is at https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/appointments/dropin/.

Social Responsibility

Become a Volunthero: Students volunteer in local, national, and international communities to learn skills, make friends, help others, and explore Manchester and beyond. The University provides lists of opportunities, support for student projects, and taster opportunities. Visit the Volunteer Hub for more information. The Stellify Award supports personal development and graduate outcomes. Its three core principles are: The Ethical Grand Challenges, Make a Difference, and Step up and Lead. Learn more about Stellify on its website or by 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 a community with over 350 societies, encouraging students to join existing groups or create new ones. Opportunities include the Manchester Media Group for publishing experience and volunteering partnerships. Use your voice to improve courses, the city, or lobby government. Becoming an Academic Rep allows students to gather feedback and collaborate with staff for positive change. Participate in the 'Union Assembly' or suggest ideas. The Union provides a free and confidential Advice Service for academic, financial, student life, wellbeing, and housing support. The JobShop assists students in finding part-time work and improving their CVs. Visit the Students' Union in the Steve Biko Building or at https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/.

Academic Reps

Consider becoming an Academic Rep for your course to drive change, develop your programme, and close the feedback loop with staff. Reps are student leaders who gather feedback and work with staff on improvements. The role contributes to the STELLIFY award's "Step Up and Lead" component and provides experience in meetings, feedback gathering, and project work. As an Academic Rep, you represent students in staff meetings, discussing feedback to enhance the student experience. Training is provided by the Students' Union; no prior experience is needed, only an interest in improving student experience. Key skills gained include professionalism, negotiation, leadership, communication, organisation, networking, problem-solving, campaigning, influencing, and project work. Sign up by emailing studentreps@manchester.ac.uk or visit www.manchesterstudentsunion.com/reps for details.

Contact SALC

School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL. Visit www.manchester.ac.uk. Stay updated with SALC news via social media, the blog, and the Student Community Site: @UOMSALC, @UOMSALCSTUDENTS.