Manchester Momentum
A coaching programme empowering undergraduate students from Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage to reach their potential.
Manchester Momentum is the University’s coaching programme designed specifically for undergraduate students of Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage.
With workshops delivered by GRIT, the Programme gives you the opportunity to work one-to-one with a trained coach throughout the academic year.
Alongside these coaching sessions, you’ll have the chance to join community events and activities that bring students together and offer a space to share experiences, build connections and learn from one another.
To be considered for Manchester Momentum, you must:
- be an undergraduate student at The University of Manchester;
- be in the second year of your course;
- identify as Black, Pakistani or Bangladeshi;
- hold ‘Home’ student status (UK residency for tuition fee purposes).
Your coach will work with you one-to-one, dedicating their time and energy to focus on your personal and academic development. Your coach will support you in setting meaningful goals, exploring strategies to achieve them, and reflecting on your progress throughout the year.
By working closely with your coach, you’ll have a space to focus on yourself, your professional growth and university journey, you’ll:
- Build confidence and motivation in your studies to approach your academic work with purpose.
- Strengthen practical skills such as time management, revision techniques and critical thinking.
- Benefit from tailored 1-2-1 coaching sessions, helping you to set, reflect on and adapt your goals as you progress throughout the academic year.
- Develop a stronger sense of belonging at the University by connecting with supportive peers who understand your journey.
- Access university services and support networks to enhance your success.
- Academic confidence – feel more assured in your studies and your ability to tackle challenges.
- Time management – learn to plan your workload and deadlines effectively.
- Revision and study strategies – practice approaches that help you to perform at your best.
- Critical thinking – analyse, evaluate and reflect on your ideas and decisions.
- Goal setting and reflection – set achievable goals and review your progress regularly.
- Self-awareness and resilience – better understand your strengths, identify areas for growth and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
- University engagement – discover and make use of the wider University resources, services and networks that support you.
- Communication and interpersonal skills – gain confidence in expressing yourself and building supportive relationships.
You will be matched with a coach to set goals focused on your individual needs. Together, you’ll create a plan and reflect on your progress throughout the year.
You’ll also participate in a GRIT workshop alongside fellow students. The workshops are interactive personal development sessions designed to help you build confidence, resilience and self-awareness. Throughout the workshop you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your values and goals.
After you complete the Programme, we’ll host a celebration with your coach and peers.
Timeline
| What happens | When |
|---|---|
| Apply online | Before 24 November |
| Get matched with a coach | December |
| Join the launch event | December |
| Attend the GRIT workshop | December |
| Start 1-2-1 coaching sessions | December to April |
| Community activities | December to April |
| Celebration | May |
Applications are now open for the 2025/26 cycle of Manchester Momentum and will close on Monday, 24 November 2025 (5pm).
Please follow the link below to submit your application. Applications received after the closing date cannot be considered.
Apply now: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
If you need any support with your application, including reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements, please contact the Manchester Momentum team at studentcoaching@manchester.ac.uk.
FAQs
At The University of Manchester, data shows that not all groups of students achieve degree outcomes at the same rate. Currently, Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage students are less likely to achieve a First or Upper Second degree compared to their white peers, this is referred to as an ‘awarding gap’. In 2021/22, the awarding gap was 12.5% for Black students and 9.3% for Asian students overall, with Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage students most affected.
Manchester Momentum is a targeted intervention which forms part of the ‘Coaching’ activity outlined in the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP). It focuses support where the data shows the biggest gaps, while also complementing wider work across the University to improve inclusivity, belonging and success for all students. For further information on how the University is working on institutional strategies to improve the awarding gap, you can read the APP.
Second year is the perfect time to reflect and plan for success. By this stage, you’re more familiar with university life but may also notice challenges you want to overcome or changes you would like to implement. We also use your first-year results as a baseline to track the impact of the Programme on your academic progress.
The APP highlights that ‘Home’ students from Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage are at the greatest risk of lower degree outcomes. Manchester Momentum focuses on these groups to provide targeted support where it can make the biggest difference. International students continue to be supported through other University initiatives.
You won’t be able to choose your coach, but we aim to create pairings that work well for both the coach and you.
Coaches may not share your background or discipline but are there to ask thoughtful questions, listen and help you set and achieve your goals.
If the coaching relationship doesn’t feel right, there may be the option to switch to a different coach. Get in touch with us to discuss.
Coaching is about helping you set your goals and the best way to achieve them. A coach won’t tell you what to do – instead, they’ll ask questions, listen and help guide you to find solutions that work for you.
Mentoring usually involves learning from someone with more experience in a similar field, while academic advising focuses on course-specific choices or study planning. Coaching is different because it’s tailored to your personal growth, confidence and success – both inside and outside of university.
Not at all. You can still take part in the Programme while on placement. The key is good communication with your coach and a commitment to scheduling sessions around your timetable and placement commitments. Coaching can even help you navigate challenges and make the most of your placement experience.
The Programme runs from December to April. Coaching sessions last around 1 hour, and you’ll meet your coach a minimum of six times during this period. Coaching sessions can be hybrid, with a mix of in-person and online sessions, depending on what works for you and your coach.
Before your coaching sessions begin, you’ll take part in the Programme launch event and a GRIT workshop to help you get started.
Yes – coaching sessions are confidential. What you share with your coach stays between you, unless you disclose something that means we need to seek further support for your safety or wellbeing.
It’s important to note that coaching is not the same as counselling or mental health support. Coaches are there to help you set goals, reflect, and grow. If you need specialist wellbeing support, your coach can guide you towards the right University services.
While group activities and events aren’t compulsory, we highly encourage you to take part. They’re a fun way to connect with peers, build your network and feel part of the Programme community. The more you get involved, the more you’ll gain from the experience!
Manchester Momentum is for any eligible student who wants to develop themselves. The Programme isn’t just about academics; it’s also about personal growth, confidence and skills for life and work.
The most important thing is to meet the eligibility criteria and be honest in your application about what you hope to get out of the Programme.
Since we are working to generate date on successful interventions to address the degree awarding gap, priority will be given to students who are not already on track to get a First, based on data from their previous year of study.
Get in touch
Email the Manchester Momentum team at studentcoaching@manchester.ac.uk.