The University College: it’s time to take your pick
Published on 18 September 12
The University College for Interdisciplinary Learning – brand new this year and exclusively for Manchester undergraduates - gives you the opportunity to broaden your educational horizons, to step out of your disciplinary comfort zone and explore subjects that fascinate and inspire.
It's about becoming a more rounded person, extending your learning beyond your degree and opening your mind to the differences and commonalities between a wide range of subject areas.
Courses available range from Essential Enterprise to Physics and the Grand Challenges of Tomorrow, from exploring the connections between Sciences and Humanities to understanding the challenges and opportunities of ageing populations.
The University's outstanding research credentials mean all courses have that added extra, the opportunity to see how knowledge is formed and research is inspired through the collaboration of disciplines.
The College’s exciting courses are credit bearing and count towards your final degree. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from a learning experience that provides the comprehensive skills needed to succeed beyond your time at Manchester.
You came to the University of Manchester to learn. The University College allows you to do that in the very broadest sense.
I’m ready to expand my horizons. How do I sign up?
You need to check with your school undergraduate office or programme office, to see if you are eligible. They will advise you on what courses you are able to choose from and how you go about selecting them.
If you don’t know how to make contact with your relevant office, check your course handbook or ask one of your tutors for help.
My programme does not allow me to take a University College course at the moment – how can I participate?
Ultimately, the University hopes to offer all students the chance to take a wide range of University College courses. However students on some degree programmes, including some professional programmes, are not yet able to make the most of current opportunities.
For students who are unable to access College units at the moment, the University College hopes to provide short taster sessions on a range of topics through the year. These will be promoted in this newsletter, on the College web site’s events page, and through Facebook and Twitter.
There will also be a Signature Lecture Series, showcasing the talent, innovation, and knowledge of the University. These lectures will support and promote wider initiatives, and will build on the strong history of social responsibility and engagement at the University and in the city of Manchester.
The line-up of speakers for the 2012-2013 series includes Nobel Prize winning physicist Professor Sir Konstantin (Kostya) Novoselov, President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, and Chancellor and founder of Urban Splash, Tom Bloxham. See the University College web site for more details.