Socially responsible graduates

We produce graduates who are skilled and knowledgeable workers that can exercise important ethical, social and environmental responsibilities.

Sexual Consent workshops

NUS research shows alarming rates of sexual harassment, assault and rape amongst university students. This workshop responds to demands that Universities take steps to address this issue and forms an important part of the School of Social Sciences’ agenda to create a safe learning environment for all students and promote socially responsibly graduates.

• We give all students the tools to communicate effectively in their relationships, avoiding misunderstandings and putting themselves at risk.
• We explore different people’s boundaries, dissect media messages and look in depth at what consent is and is not, so that there are no grey areas.
• We demonstrate how it is possible to safely intercept inappropriate behaviour and to ask for help.
• We start conversations about consent and appropriate behaviour amongst students, re-setting the terms of student interaction.
• The workshops have been shown to positively effect student life in the longer term, with students reporting sustained changes in attitudes and behaviour.

The workshops are a timetabled activity for all first year UG students during their induction and welcome package each academic year. They are facilitated by experienced external providers in a friendly, confidential and empowering way. The workshops offer students the opportunity to complete a number of interactive activities and provide access to important sources of support both within the university and externally.
For more details, please visit the Blackboard site of the SOCS10031 Dignity and Responsibility in Student Life (available only to UoM students and staff).

Building awareness and skills

You are invited to join in with many social responsibility initiatives during your time with us.

Manchester Leadership Programme

The Manchester Leadership Programme is unique to The University of Manchester and combines academic study and volunteering to ensure you learn the importance of leadership that promotes social, economic and environmental sustainability and gain an insight into some of the key challenges facing 21st-century society.

University College for Interdisciplinary Learning

Our University College for Interdisciplinary Learning encourages you to broaden your educational horizons by taking programmes outside of your discipline in areas of profound social importance.

Opportunities for engagement

• Students can also access our dedicated student volunteering and community engagement team.
• We're home to the UK's largest Students' Union, which encourages you to manage and participate in community-focused projects. This includes working with people of all ages, the homeless and educational bodies.
• We also support you in setting up a social enterprise through funding and competitions with The University of Manchester Innovation Company, UMI3.

Study abroad

You have the opportunity to study abroad, holding many benefits including:

• broadening your horizons;
• improving language skills and becoming more culturally aware;
• gaining fresh perspectives on your subject area and on higher education.