Overview
In the 19th Century Manchester, nicknamed ‘Cottonopolis’, was the hub of the cotton industry with a market exchange, textile warehouses and banking establishing Manchester as one of the great industrial cities of the world.
At the same time, Manchester city officials, traders, and citizens became influential anti-slavery activists and engaged political advocates for abolition, pressurising the British government and slave traders with petitions, and boycotts. Leading tradesmen established key institutions in Manchester such as The Guardiannewspaper (then the Manchester Guardian) and educational facilities, some of which went on to comprise the current University of Manchester.
The value in studying subjects in humanities (whether politics, economics, business, development, urban planning or arts and culture) comes from the seriousness with which we can engage with, and learn from, the past. Studying our past and reflecting on our present allows us to create a different, and better, future.
The summer school experience will include:
- Academic sessions taught by leading experts
- Opportunities to learn and apply research methodologies, which you can use in your undergraduate projects or dissertation
- Study in the John Rylands Research Library with access to the Anti-Slavery Archives and the UK Pop Music Archives
- Access to Manchester’s historic sites, vibrant cultures, music and food. Experience first-hand why the New York Times named the city as one of their ‘top places to go’ in 2024.
Accommodation
You will stay in a single, en-suite, self-catered room with a shared kitchen at our Unsworth Park student residence.
Unsworth Park is on the Fallowfield Campus, about an 8–10-minute bus ride from the main campus.
If you arrive on Saturday, 19 or Sunday, 20 July, you will have access to our meet and greet service at Manchester Airport, including travel from the airport to the student residence. We also offer transfers from the student residence to Manchester Airport on Saturday, 26 July.
Who can apply?
This summer school is for students, who are currently studying a bachelor’s degree, in any subject at Morehouse College, Spelman College, Vassar College, or Xavier University in the USA.
There are no formal academic or English language requirements, and students can be from any year of study. Students must be over the age of 18.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a visitor visa before traveling to the UK, or you might be eligible to apply for one upon arrival at the airport.
To check if you need a visa, visit the Standard Visitor Visa page.
Tuition fees & costs
If you are a student from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Vassar College, or Xavier University, summer school tuition fees are £850. This covers tuition, accommodation and scheduled social events.
You will also need to budget for living costs, such as food, travel and personal expenses.
You are required to arrange your own travel and health insurance before arriving in Manchester.
We understand that circumstances may change after payment of fees. If you think you might be eligible for a refund, email us at humsinternational@manchester.ac.uk. Learn more about our refund policy.
How do I apply?
Please complete the Faculty of Humanities Summer School registration form. Early application is advised because the programme will close when all places have been allocated.
A payment link for the summer school fees will be sent once the registration form is received.
Payments should be made within 14 days of receiving the link.