This year, 50% of students at the Manchester School of Architecture are international and our programmes attracted new enrolments from 42 countries. Through multiple contemporary, historical and theoretical agendas, the School continuously nurtures domestic, overseas and exchange students' cultural and contextual literacies.

The School’s inclusive learning environment adopts an ‘internationalisation on campus’ approach supplemented by short-term mobility opportunities. Internationalisation of learning is enriched through engagement with formal, informal and hidden curriculums while working collaboratively with peers, staff, partners, professionals and communities. On campus experiences include studios, workshops, seminars, guest lectures, societies and MSA Beyond alongside community engagement, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Go Global celebrations, practice visits and Alumni networking. Study trips have visited Amsterdam, Barcelona, China, Finland, Hong Kong, Madrid, Marseille, New York and Zurich.

All of the MSA's programmes explore intercultural perspectives, preparing all students for employment or further study around the globe. Our sustained success is reflected in the Global QS Subject Rankings; the Graduate Outcomes Survey and our Alumni stories.

Beyond

Beyond is a community that supports MSA students’ international experience.

MSA academic staff support ideas and activities to support this experience.

We support students with international activities and cultural events, organise invited talks, support the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and look after our alumni.

Our goal is to offer all MSA students the opportunity to share our international experience. We aim to support this process before the start of every academic year with a welcoming event to ask any questions and meet each other, throughout the academic year, and Beyond!

This year (2025-6), we came together to celebrate the Year of the Horse 2026, created beautiful calligraphy, enjoyed joyful activities at Diwali, and gathered at a lovely Iftar event. All with some well-deserved food and drink. We learn from each other and from each other's places and cultures.

We are looking forward to learning and enjoying more in the next academic year, so if you have any ideas to share, our staff are here to listen and support you.

Programme lead
Dr Marianna Cavada (Deputy International Lead)

International events 25/26

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) events 25/26