Partners since 2013, Paris School of Business and The University of Manchester offer students a unique opportunity to study at Alliance Manchester Business School, a triple-accredited institution ranked among the world’s best universities. Through this exchange program, students can take a variety of courses, experience a vibrant city, and benefit from dedicated support. Stephanie Nixon, Placements & International Programmes Officer, tells us more about the university’s strengths and what students can expect from their exchange in Manchester.
The partnership with the University of Manchester
Can you tell us who you are and present your university?
My name is Stephanie Nixon, and I am Placements & International Programmes Officer at The University of Manchester. My role is to support the admission of Study Abroad students to our programme – ie. students who are doing their degree at a university outside the UK and who study with us for a short period. Students join us for either a single semester or an academic year, and can either focus on course units in a single subject area, or pick and mix across different subject areas and levels.
Why did you establish a partnership with Paris School of Business?
The University of Manchester is very highly ranked internationally (and the Alliance Manchester Business School specifically was ranked as number 5 in the UK in the 2023-24 Bloomberg Best Business School Rankings). It is triple accredited (Equis, AACSB and AMBA). The partnership between Paris School of Business and The University of Manchester is a good fit because Paris School of Business students continue to receive an excellent education during their period of study abroad and the Alliance Manchester Business School receive students from Paris School of Business who are well-prepared, have very good business backgrounds and contribute much to their classes in the UK.
Exchanges at the University of Manchester
What is the strength of your university? Why should our students come to you?
The University of Manchester is ranked as number 35 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) so students can be sure of a very high standard of education from a prestigious institution. Particularly strong disciplines include Geography, Physics, Business and Sociology. The University of Manchester is a historic institution – it is where Ernest Rutherford carried out his pioneering work leading to the splitting of the atom on our campus, and where the world’s first computer was invented. We have 25 Nobel Prize winners on our current and past faculty and student body. Student Support is also very strong at the University, and all year-long Study Abroad students are guaranteed an offer of University housing.
How many international students do you welcome each year? Where do they come from?
The University of Manchester is a large institution, with almost 40,000 students in total. Of those 40,000 students, approximately 11,000 are international, and approximately 1,000 of those are Study Abroad students, joining us for a single semester or one year. Students from more than 170 countries are undertaking programmes at The University of Manchester.
How do you support international students upon their arrival and throughout their exchange at your university?
Our support extends from pre-arrival to post-departure. We provide admissions support in terms of providing offer letters and the information students will need to apply for a Student Visa; an offer of university housing is guaranteed for all full-year students who meet all application deadlines; we hold Pre-Departure briefings and online social events prior to students leaving their home country; we offer a comprehensive orientation/induction programme after arrival in Manchester; we support course unit enrolments for students; English language support is available free-of-charge whilst students are on-programme; all students can access Counselling/Mental Health support, Disability Advisory Services and academic advisers, as well as join any clubs and societies they choose run by the Students Union and Sport at Manchester; and we support transcript production at the end of a student’s period of study. We offer appointments Monday-Friday for students who have any questions – students can contact us directly at exchangestudy@manchester.ac.uk with any queries.
What types of courses will the students take during their exchange at your university?
Students can choose either to focus all their course units from a single subject area (eg Business), or can pick and mix from across multiple subject areas, for example, adding in Sociology, Law or Politics units. All courses will be at the undergraduate level, but can be selected from years 1, 2 and 3. Students take 25-30 ECTS per semester. Units are listed here.
Student Life and Cultural Experience in Manchester
Are there any cultural activities or events designed to enrich the experience of international students at your university?
Yes, lots! Students are strongly encouraged to join the International Society, which is a great way to make friends both with British students as well as other international students. The International Society organize social events throughout each week, and also organize trips and excursions all over the UK each weekend.
What will our students discover when coming to your country/city?
Manchester is a large, gritty, industrial city, which is home to the largest student population in western Europe (more than 85,000 students live in the city). They will discover a world-famous music scene, a proud sporting heritage (with lots of opportunities to watch premier league matches!) and a walk through Roman ruins and 19th century cotton mills alongside brand new architecture. Manchester is a multicultural, diverse, tolerant, accepting, welcoming city, with beautiful countryside only 30 minutes away.
What advice would you give to a student who is hesitant about studying abroad?
Just do it! Once you’ve graduated and have responsibilities such as families, jobs etc, it’s much more difficult to spend a short, supported time overseas so don’t let the opportunity pass you by. You only regret the things you don’t do in life, so grab the opportunity with both hands whilst you have it. The time will fly by.