Frequently Asked Questions

See Entry requirements, dates and fees

Contact us on languagecentre@mmu.ac.uk

You need to download an application form, available here: How to apply

You will need to send the completed form to pgt.arts.humanites@mmu.ac.uk

We also accept other language qualifications such at PTE (Pearson), TOEFL and Cambridge Certificate. For a full list, view our English Language Requirements.

If you need further information, please contact us.

Yes, although most students have an offer from Manchester Metropolitan. Please note: Other universities may require you to take an IELTS test after completing our English course – check with your university.

Yes.

We aim to process applications within three working days; however, at peak times, this can take longer.

Once you have sent your form to our International Office on pgt.arts.humanities@mmu.ac.uk, please contact us at the Language Centre on languagecentre@mmu.ac.uk.

You need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate. Our entry requirements are based on IELTS scores as these help us to offer you the correct course.

Due to recent UK Visas and Immigration changes, if you need to apply for a UK visa you need to take the IELTS for UKVI test. The standard Academic test will not allow you to apply for a UK visa.

You need to meet our entry requirements in order to receive an offer.

See the entry requirements, dates and fees

These are the minimum levels you need to start one of our English language courses so that you have a good chance of being able to progress onto your degree course. If you require a higher level on your degree course (e.g. IELTS 7.0), we will advise you of which course length is most suitable for you.

No. However, if you apply or pay for your course less than one month before the start date, we cannot guarantee you a place. You also need to leave time to apply for your visa. To check current visa processing times in your country, see the UKVI website.

You will receive details about how to pay in your offer letter. You should not pay any fees until you have an unconditional offer. Please note: Payment must be made in full to reserve your place on the course. We are unable to accept deposits.

You will receive details about how to pay in your offer letter. Your sponsor will need to provide a Financial Guarantee letter for you. The University will request payment from your sponsor when you enrol on your course.

No. Refunds are only issued if your visa application is refused or the Language Centre cancels your course. 

If you improve your IELTS scores, and we have a space available on a more suitable course, you can change to a shorter course. We will refund the difference in fees if the change is requested no later than 30 days before your original start date. However, if you improve your IELTS and wish to withdraw from the course, your course fees are not refundable. 

No. Students must be no younger than 18 years old on the first day of their English course.

For the 40, 30, and 20 week pre-sessional we recommend a Short-term Student visa. We can send you a Short-term Student Visitor Visa when you have paid for the course and accepted the offer. For the 10 and 5 week pre-sessional courses it is best to study with a Tier 4 visa.

Yes, you can use your Short-term Student visa if it expires after the last day of your Language Centre course. Please send a copy of your visa with your application form. For more information about student visas, see the International website.

We will help you to apply for a CAS number for your pre-sessional course when:

1. you have accepted our pre-sessional course offer; and

2. you have paid the full course fee.

In some circumstances we may be able to issue you with a Combined CAS number covering both your Pre-sessional course and degree programme. We will advise you on this when we make you an offer.

As long as you applied for your Language Centre course with a UKVI IELTS test, and you achieve the required level of English for your pre-sessional or Manchester Metropolitan degree offer, you will not need to take IELTS again.

Yes. International students can use our Coaching for Academic English service. Coaching for Academic English is free and includes English and academic skills classes, 1-2-1 writing consultations and self-study materials. 

All of our teachers have professional English language teaching qualifications which meet the requirements of British Council accreditation.

They have many years of experience living and teaching abroad, including China, Oman, Thailand, Mozambique, Peru and many European countries.

You will not take an IELTS exam as part of your course, but you will be assessed by The Language Centre in all four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you achieve high enough scores, it is possible to progress to another course at Manchester Metropolitan without taking an IELTS test.

You will be given a timetable on the first day of your course.

Please note that all our English language courses are full-time courses. Usually teaching takes place every morning for three hours (with a break), with some afternoon sessions and cultural trips. 

Your books and all other course materials are included in the course fee.

Yes, you will have regular homework to help you develop your English after class. The homework will be varied and include reading and writing, as well as individual or group research tasks.

If you go to Coaching for Academic English Conversation Club, you will have a chance to meet British students and international students from other courses. You might also meet students who are learning about teaching English.

You will also have the opportunity to meet British and other International students if you join one of the many University clubs or societies, or the International Society.

Yes. We organise activities in and around Manchester, and Saturday trips to other cities or areas of the north-west. All our activities/trips are optional so you can choose what you want to do.

Please note that you will need to pay for any activities you choose to do.

See some of the activities we offer here: The Language Centre Social Programme

If you are studying on the pre-sessional course, contact the Accommodation Office to help you find student accommodation close to the University.

If you are studying on the pre-sessional course, contact the Accomodation Office to help you find student accomodation close to the university.

Homestay accommodation with a host family is a great way to learn more about Manchester and the UK, and to practise your English outside of the classroom. The University is working with Hosts International, who arrange homestay accommodation. Hosts International is registered with the British Council, and has over 180 homestay options in Manchester. All host families have English as the main language spoken in the home. Please quote ‘Manchester Met Language Centre’ on your booking request. NB. The contract for Homestay accommodation will be between you and Hosts International. We recommend that you seek independent legal advice if you are unsure what this means for you. Manchester Metropolitan University cannot accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity however occasioned, sustained or suffered by you as a result of any such arrangement. Any queries on the Homestay Arrangement should be directed to Hosts International Ltd., 76 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7SA.

You will have full access to the Manchester Metropolitan Library, and you can also use our Language Resource Centre, which has private self-study areas, satellite television, and a Sanako language laboratory. There are many computer rooms on campus with free internet access, and all students can use free wifi.

Yes, there is a multi-faith prayer room on campus, very close to where you have your classes.