IDPM PGT Welcome Letter 2010 - School of Environment and ...

social events such as barbecues, quizzes, shopping trips, dances, campus and city tours. In order
to attend these events you will need to book a place at
www.manchester.ac.uk/international/supportservices/orientationcourses/.
There are societies within the University through which it will be possible for you to meet a
number of postgraduates from Britain and overseas, particularly the International Society. The
International Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation unique to Manchester. Based
on Oxford Road it provides a social and supportive environment for all international students. You
can access their website at http://orgs.man.ac.uk/intsoc/.
As you will appreciate, your programme will be conducted in English. You will be assessed in
academic work against the same criteria applied to any other candidate (British or overseas)
registered for a Masters degree in the Faculty. No compensation is given either by internal or
external examiners to overseas students who may experience difficulties in the medium of
English in their written assignments.
The University can offer a variety of English Language courses throughout the year as well as
intensive classes which can be taken before you begin your studies. For further information,
please visit the University Language Centre website at www.langcent.manchester.ac.uk/english/.
The University Language Centre also offers international students a one-to-one tutorial service to
support them in their written academic work. Home students may also be referred for an
appointment if they are experiencing particular difficulties. Each academic writing tutorial is based
around a sample of the student's own writing - submitted at the time of making the appointment –
allowing the tutor's advice to be tailored to the student's specific needs. Feedback will focus on
areas such as structure, referencing and appropriate use of English. The academic writing tutorial
service is available during term-time throughout the academic session. Tutorials last for up to one
hour and students are restricted to one tutorial per semester. This service is free of charge to
students. More information is available on the web at
http://www.langcent.manchester.ac.uk/english/academicsupport/tutorial-service/
Fieldcourses
Some programmes** will travel overseas for fieldcourses. It is important that if your programme
contains fieldwork, that your passport is valid for one year after your return date from the
fieldcourse and your UK visa, if you need one, for six months. Dates and destinations for
fieldcourses are usually confirmed within the first few months of the academic year within which
the fieldcourse is taking place.
Some fieldcourse destinations will require that you have vaccinations before departure. If this is
the case, they will be provided by University Student Occupational Health Services. However, you
will need to have your full vaccination record with you in order to be vaccinated. Prior to your
arrival in Manchester, you should contact your doctor if you are unsure about your vaccination
history and ensure that you bring your vaccination record with you.
Attendance
The academic year runs from September through to September. Students are expected to remain in
the UK throughout this period. You are likely to have assessment work to complete during both
Christmas and Easter vacation periods. The programme ends in September and it is a course
requirement that you stay at least until that date (or until your dissertation has been completed and
submitted).