Microsoft 365 Copilot early adopter learning cohort now underway
13 Apr 2026
Our first colleague ‘early adopter’ cohort will begin to receive licenses and training this week.
Following the announcement of our sector first collaboration with Microsoft to roll out Microsoft 365 Copilot to our whole community, we have been engaging with students and colleagues in open fora, early focus groups, leadership and local meetings. We have been listening to and collaborating with students and colleagues from across our university to shape our approach to roll out, adapting the sequencing, communications and training offer.
Our early cohort of approximately 2000 colleagues will now help shape the roll out experience for all future cohorts by providing critical feedback on communications, training, guidance materials and the support they receive as they navigate the colleague learning catalogue.
Who is in our early cohort?
From 13 April 1,100 colleagues who registered for the Microsoft 365 Copilot early cohort are now beginning to receive access and start their learning. They join more than 1,100 colleagues who already have licences and took part in the successful Microsoft 365 Copilot pilot between 2024 and 2025.
Together, these 2,200+ colleagues will play a key role in experiencing Microsoft 365 Copilot in practice and helping to shape the guidance, learning and support that will underpin the future, wider rollout.
Over the coming weeks, early cohort participants will take part in a supported learning experience, including live sessions, expert guidance, and opportunities to share feedback and practical use cases.
Ready to get started?
If you’re not part of our early cohort but want to get ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot you can:
- Watch a short introduction video: Introducing M365 Copilot - University of Manchester.mp4
- Complete the AI at the University of Manchester Essential Course to understand responsible and secure use of AI
- Clean up your files, this not only has environmental benefits but will also enable Copilot to access the most up to date version of documents and make it work more effectively
- Access more information and the latest news via the SharePoint hub
Engagement and feedback
Alongside early cohort activity, engagement with colleagues and students is continuing throughout April.
Faculty leadership and open meetings are providing opportunities for colleagues to learn more about the Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout and ask questions.
You can also share feedback or raise questions at any time via this form.
Related information
- Microsoft 365 Copilot SharePoint hub: FAQs, training materials and programme updates
- AI at Manchester Essential course (Canvas)
- AI Hub: guidance, principles and resources to support responsible AI use
- Responding to your questions from the Microsoft 365 Copilot Town Hall