Understand the Issues that Matter

Ethical Grand Challenges are now available only to postgraduate taught students. The final deadline for completion is 30 September 2026.

Undergraduate students should enrol on UCIL Short Courses, which will be available to all students from Welcome Week 2026.

For master's students only: The Ethical Grand Challenges are interactive online activities that give you the tools you need to become a more socially responsible graduate. You will tackle social injustices and navigate ethical dilemmas in the workplace.

The Social Justice Challenge allows you to learn about a variety of themes including race, gender, higher education, homelessness, mental health and energy. The Workplace Ethics Challenge allows you explore ethical issues related to different workplaces, for example health, education and global business.  

What do I need to do?

You will need to complete both Ethical Grand Challenges to achieve the Understand the Issues component of Stellify.

The Social Justice Challenge and the Workplace Ethics Challenge are both online, will take around 1 hour, and can be completed in your own time around your studies. 

For postgraduate students who have completed or partially completed the Ethical Grand Challenges as an undergraduate student:

• If you have completed one Challenge as an undergraduate you should now complete the outstanding Challenge, plus two extra modules from within the Social Justice Challenge. This equates to around four hours of activity across the two Ethical Grand Challenges. 
• If you completed both Ethical Grand Challenges as an undergraduate please contact stellify@manchester.ac.uk. 

When do I need to do it by?

• For undergraduate students, the Ethical Grand Challenges must be completed by 31 May 2026.
• For master's students, the Ethical Grand Challenges must be completed by 30 September 2026.

How do I show I've done it? 

When you complete the online challenge in Canvas, your participation will be verified by a short multiple choice quiz or series of tasks in Canvas. The Challenge will show as complete in your Canvas account.

UCIL Short Courses

UCIL Short Courses are interactive online learning experiences that help you develop new perspectives and skills. You’ll explore real-world challenges and discover how interdisciplinary thinking can support positive change.