What Will My Masters Studies Look Like Next Year?

For many applicants who are looking to apply for postgraduate study, the past few months have been an uncertain time, with the possibility of a normal start to study in question. At the same time, the changing job market means that the opportunities that a Masters can offer are more valuable than ever.

Since there has been more certainty about what can be done to mitigate the risk of COVID, as well as the tentative relaxation of guidelines around social distancing in the UK, universities across the country are working hard to ensure that they are safe and secure for students joining them to live, learn and discover in the autumn.

While every University will be different in their approach, here is how The University of Manchester is preparing to welcome students from around the world, and across the UK in October.

Following careful consideration, The University of Manchester has confirmed that we will be offering a blend of both online learning and face-to-face tuition, designed to ensure a safe and enriching learning experience. Students will be able to access their lectures online, through virtual spaces that allow them to watch their academics’ recordings on demand, allowing them to organise their studies in a way that suits them.

While government social distancing guidelines are still in place, the campus will be kept safe through extensive cleaning procedures, as well as measures such as one-way systems. These measures will allow students to have face-to-face teaching with world-leading academics in smaller groups for seminars, tutorials and practical classes.

As in any year, the first priority of universities is the wellbeing of all returning students and new arrivals. Especially in light of current circumstances, we will offer help and support as you adjust to a new way of learning.

On arrival, students will receive two washable face masks and clear guidance on how our teaching spaces, libraries, study spaces and labs will operate to ensure everyone’s safety. The support services offered by the University, ranging from the Careers Service to our Disability Advisory and Support Service, will be on hand to help as ever – they’ll also be aware of and prepared for all of the new challenges students like you may face at the current time.

An important part of the student experience is to meet new people and start to build friendships. We’re confident that students coming to Manchester will have a positive student experience and plenty of opportunities to make friends, whether that be through their halls or their course, both in person or online.

The University of Manchester will support students in following the UK Government’s quarantine guidelines upon arrival in the UK. Students taking up places in the University’s Halls of Residence will be able to move in up to two weeks early without any extra charge, in order to allow them to safely quarantine before they start their studies. To ensure students’ safe arrival, we have coordinated a joint effort with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, major airlines, and Manchester Airports Group to allow for the safe arrival of all students into the city at the start of term in September.

Over the last few months, we have been continuing to keep our halls and support services open for those who needed to remain in accommodation during the pandemic. Building on this experience, staff and residence teams working in University-owned accommodation are well prepared to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students.

To give flexibility to students struggling due to the temporary closure of English language test centres, in addition to TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE and IELTS – the University now accepts TOEFL iBT Special Home edition and LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator / C1 Expert tests.

The UK government has confirmed that international Masters students will be eligible for the new 2-year Graduate Route visa, even if they start their studies online next semester, as long as they arrive in the UK by 6 April 2021. This means that students will not be disadvantaged starting this academic year. Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for a period of two years. Graduates will also be able to switch into skilled work visas once they have found a suitable job.

This information is more important than ever, so we've made all of the materials from our recent postgraduate taught virtual open week available to catch up on demand, allowing prospective students to explore all that institution has to offer in the comfort of their own homes.