This policy on refunds and compensation outlines the University’s approach to considering whether tuition fees and other relevant costs (for example, mandatory course related costs) should be refunded and/or compensation should be offered in circumstances where the University is no longer able to protect continuation of study for students. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How often are refunds and compensation issued?  

This policy is likely to apply only in very exceptional circumstances as the risks to the continuation of study for students is low.  

2. What do we mean by ‘unable to protect the continuation of study?’   

This usually means where the University is unable to continue to deliver a programme of study, or in the rare event a programme is oversubscribed, or when we are unable to award a degree if we lose our status as a higher education institution.  

3. What support will the University provide for registered students who face programme withdrawal? 

The University commits to a minimum level of support, for example ensuring all affected students can receive the University award as well as advice, support and assistance. Please see the policy for full details on these commitments.  

4. How is payment considered? 

Normally, students needing a tuition fee refund will receive this in full (see policy for more details).  

Students requiring compensation will be considered on a case-by-case basis under the following three factors: 

• The particular circumstances of the matter; 

• The nature of, and how reasonable the loss is, for the student and any steps taken to mitigate such loss, and; 

• The context in which the loss arises 

This student representation policy was created in partnership with the University of Manchester’s Student Union to ensure that all students, no matter what they are studying, are effectively represented and have a voice on matters relating to their education and student experience. It also aims to ensure a consistent approach (where possible) to representation across departments and Schools. This document covers Student Representatives at a School and course/programme level.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What representation does this document cover? 

This document covers Student Representatives (Student Reps), and mostly focuses on School and Course Reps. A job description can be found in the appendix of this policy.  

2. What is expected from Student Reps under this policy? 

Student Reps are responsible for representing the best interests of their peers. Student Reps should be fully engaged and active in their roles and be clear of what is expected of them.  

3. What is expected from the University under this policy?  

Every programme/discipline area should have Student Reps. Schools should be fully engaged in student representation and committed to working in partnership with the Students’ Union to deliver an effective representation programme. Methods should be in place to ensure speedy resolution of student issues brought up through the student representation procedures.  

The Manchester Matrix is the framework the University has developed to display its graduate outcomes. It sets out the eight purposes of a Manchester Undergraduate Education. 

This policy on additional costs sets out the University process for setting expectations regarding the level of additional costs students may face on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, in addition to their tuition fees, and how these are articulated to students.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the definition of an additional cost? 

This policy defines additional costs as essential or optional costs that are not included in tuition fees but are necessary for a student to fully participate in their programme 

2. What is an example of an additional cost? 

Placements such as field trips, or specialised equipment can be examples when not included in tuition fees. 

3. When will students know about any Additional Costs? 

Both compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate1 fee per annum, and any optional costs must be made clear at the point of application and in the programme handbooks.  

This guidance on GTA and postgraduate researchers outlines the key principles, expectations, and support available for PGRs involved in teaching activities. It provides an overview of teaching opportunities, training, fair pay, and available support, aiming to help PGRs balance teaching with their research responsibilities. The University establishes that while PGRs may engage in teaching for professional development, their primary focus remains in their research. Teaching is optional and should be limited to 120 hours annually. Supervisors and teaching staff are expected to ensure teaching does not impede academic progress, additionally, recruitment is managed by faculties, with varying opportunities across disciplines. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What can I expect as a Graduate Teaching Assistant? 

As a GTA, you will support student learning thought teaching activities such as seminars and tutorials. You can expect to receive training and guidance to develop teaching skills. Your responsibilities will align with your Teaching Assistance role and should not interfere with your research progress. 

2. What should postgraduate researchers know before taking on teaching responsibilities?  

PGRs should know that teaching is a valuable opportunity to develop academic and professional skills that must be balanced with their research. PGRs should be aware of workload limits, the require training and available support from their supervisors.  

3. How does the University support postgraduate researchers who teach? 

The University of Manchester provides training for GTAs to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for their role. You will have access to mentorship and guidance from academic staff and resources for teaching development. Your research time will also be protected to ensure that teaching is manageable and doesn’t interfere with research profess by limiting the number of hours than can be worked (please see full guidance document for details).  

This procedure explains the actions to be taken by The University of Manchester when an exceptional event disrupts the normal academic processes and procedures. It prioritises protecting student’s interest by adapting assessment and progression procedures to ensure fair outcomes. This procedure will be implemented when students, PGRs and staff are prevented from completing required progression and/or assessment processes, as a result of serious interruptions to the University’s business and within the normal timescales in line with academic regulations. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What constitutes an “exceptional event” according to the University of Manchester and how these might impact my studies? 

The University defines “exceptional events” as significant disruptions that could impact students and postgraduate researchers, this can include global crises, major institutional changes, or unforeseen emergencies. Other events which may cause disruption to students’ study, such as a fire alarm going off in an exam, are covered in other policies (link the policy).  

2. How does the University protect academic progress?

To protect academic progress, the University of Manchester has measures in place to ensure fairness in assessments, progression, and degree awards during unexpected disruptions. 

3. What can students expect from the University during ‘exceptional events’?  

The University will commit to transparency about the decision-making process and ensure a student/PGR centred approach. The University will take all reasonable measures to safeguard the rights and interests of our students/PGRs.