Course content - 4-week Pre-sessional (online)
If you have an unconditional offer for The University of Manchester you can study our 4-week Pre-sessional course.
The course aims to:
- raise your level of academic skills;
 - improve your confidence working in an academic environment;
 - help to prepare you for studying at this University.
 
Each week you will work towards completing an academic task, such as a group presentation, seminar discussion or producing an academic poster.
Each week your studies will include:
- 12 hours per week of tutor-led sessions in groups of up to 18 students;
 - approximately ten hours per week of interactive tasks to be completed either in study groups of up to five students on campus, or individually online;
 - an individual tutorial meeting of approximately fifteen-minutes with your tutor, or a 30-minute group tutorial meeting with your study group and tutor.
 
Sample timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30am - 11am* Tutor-led session  | 
Academic task:  An introduction to poster presentations  | 
Academic reading: Navigating a journal article  | 
Academic writing: Rewording information from sources  | 
Academic speaking: Delivering poster presentations  | 
Individual tutorials | 
| 11am-11.30am | BREAK | ||||
| 11.30am - 1pm Tutor-led session  | 
Academic research skills: An Introduction to the University libraries  | 
Academic reading: Taking notes when reading  | 
Academic writing: Incorporating sources into your writing  | 
Academic speaking: Delivering poster presentations  | 
Individual tutorials | 
| 1-2 hours Individual study  | 
Academic research skills: Evaluating sources  | 
Academic task: Preparing poster presentation  | 
Academic writing: Reference lists  | 
Academic study skills: Weekly reflection & goal setting  | 
|
*All times are local, UK time
All materials will be electronic and accessed via Canvas, which is our central learning environment (CLE).
Online tutor-led sessions will be delivered via Zoom. There will be help accessing these, as well as technical support throughout the course.
Online students must have access to:
- access to a laptop or tablet - mobile phones are not suitable;
 - a fast reliable internet connection (we recommend a broadband speed of 5mbps; and a minimum speed of 2mbps);
 - a browser such as Google Chrome/Firefox/360 Secure Browser;
 - a webcam;
 - a microphone;
 - headphones.
 
On campus students must have:
- access to a laptop or a tablet - mobile phones are not suitable;
 - a fast, reliable internet connection (we recommend a minimum speed of 2mbps).
 - a webcam;
 - a microphone;
 - headphones.
 
