Page Components

Within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, technical staff look after a broad range of specialist workshops, studio spaces and technical facilities, along with the specialist equipment you’ll use within these spaces.   

You will also find technical staff at the various Resource Centres across the faculty where you can get advice and support, as well as loaning portable equipment and purchasing resources you need for your creative practice.   

On this page, you will find the latest information on how to access Technical Services support, resources and specialist spaces, and how you can contact the teams. 

Digital Arts

Creative Makers

  • How can I access the Makers workshops?

    Most queries can be answered by visiting our dedicated ‘Faculty Arts and Humanities – Technical Services’ Moodle pages.

    There you will find mandatory digital Code of Conduct and Workshop Awareness sessions, information on opening hours, workshop specific contact details and other useful resources such as short videos, material pricelists and much more.

    You can also pop into the relevant workshop to discuss your query in person. Standard Opening Hours are 9:00am - 4:30pm.

  • What do I need to do before using the workshops?

    In order to access any of our specialist areas, you will need to complete the ‘Makers Code of Conduct Induction Course’ found under the ‘Makers Team’ tab on the Technical Services Moodle Page.

    Once complete, other resources will become available in specialist subject areas relevant to your course of study, such as workshop awareness inductions.

    After completing mandatory courses on Moodle, you will be able to book a space or induction within a given workshop. It is important to book onto your machinery inductions as soon as possible, where a member of technical staff will induct you on the machinery or equipment, at the allocated time.

    Never use any machinery and equipment unless a Technical Services member of staff has inducted you. 

    Please visit our dedicated Moodle page for answers to specific questions.

  • I need to use the Ceramic and Plaster workshops, what do I need to know?

    If you want to access the Ceramics and Plaster workshops, you will need to complete the ‘Makers Code of Conduct Induction Course’ and the Ceramics and ‘Plaster Digital Awareness session’ via Moodle.

    Depending on your course, certain inductions will still be timetabled.

    Pass Rate is 100%. Please visit our Moodle page for more information and to complete your digital content sessions.

  • I need to use the Printmaking Workshop, what do I need to know?

    If you want to access the Printmaking workshop, you will need to complete the ‘Makers Code of Conduct Induction Course’ and the ‘Printmaking digital awareness session’ via Moodle.

    Pass Rate is 100%. You may also be required to submit a digital positive making form via Moodle.

    Please visit our Moodle page for more information and to complete your digital content sessions.

  • I need to use the Bookbinding workshop, what do I need to know?

    If you want to access the Bookbinding workshop, please complete the Makers Code of Conduct Induction course and either the ‘Bookbinding Workshop Awareness Session’ and/or the ‘RISOgraph Awareness session’.

    Please visit our Moodle page for more information and to complete your digital content sessions.

  • I need to use the Print workshop, what do I need to know?

    If you want to access the Textile Print workshop, you will need to complete the ‘Makers Code of Conduct Induction Course’ and the ‘Textile Print session’ via Moodle.

    Please visit our Moodle page for more information and to complete your digital content sessions. 

    If you would like to arrange some digital printing, you can find further information on our Moodle page.

  • What do I need to do before using the stitch and textile workshops?

    In order to access any of our specialist areas, you will need to complete the relevant Health and Safety Induction for the Stitch and Textile Workshops. These are organised by your course leaders and will be scheduled in for you. After completing mandatory Health and Safety Induction, you will then need to attend the relevant inductions to each workshop and the equipment. 

  • How can I access the stitch and textile workshops?

    You will need to have the relevant inductions before you can access the equipment in the stitch and textile workshops. Inductions are requested through your course leaders. You cannot use any machinery and equipment unless a Technical Services member of staff has inducted you. To ensure the workshops are running as efficiently as possible it is extremely important to turn up for your timetabled sessions. If you are unable to attend, please let your tutor know as soon as possible. 

  • How can I book in to use the stitch and textile workshops?

    Once you have been inducted onto the equipment you will be able to use that piece of equipment, although some of the equipment must have a time slot booked by the relevant technician. Any equipment that needs to be booked will be covered in the inductions. All supporting equipment must be booked through the Thread Store, you will not be able to request equipment outside of the Thread Store opening times. 

  • I need technical advice, how do I get in touch?

    As always, we are happy to help with any questions you might have. You can drop into the workshops or email the relevant technical staff for advice. You can also visit our Moodle pages for more information.

Thread store

  • What is the Thread Store?

    The Thread Store is a Resource Centre which supports the Stitch and Textile workshops. You will find supporting technical tools and materials for the technical equipment in the workshops. This service is only available to the relevant Stitch and Textile Courses. You will need to register to the Thread Store by visiting our Moodle page and completing the online thread store induction and registration. Items in the Thread store are connected to relevant inductions, and you will not be able to loan equipment until these inductions are complete. For more information please visit our Moodle page, email us at threadstore@mmu.ac.uk or call on 0161 247 1066. For short notice equipment loans (less than 24 hours notice), please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Engineering Makers

Live Productions

Manchester Fashion Institute

Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) Resource Centre

  • Where can I find information about the Resource Centre?

    The Resource Centre is a place where you can get the supplies you need for your classes. The starter packs are found here and different components you will need for your timetabled classes and self-directed studies. There is also a limited supply of fabric and haberdashery components, fabric swatches, how to guides and a list of fabric and haberdashery suppliers and manufacturers. You can also loan a range of items such as half scale mannequins, MFI Collections garments, books and polystyrene mannequins and heads. These are booked via Connect2. Please also email us for any other enquiries and the technical team will direct you to a technician to help with your query: MFIResourceCentre@mmu.ac.uk 

AV store

  • I need to register to use the AV store, how do I do this?

    Please email the AV store providing your:

    • Name
    • Student ID number
    • Course

    For instructions on using the online AV store, watch our Connect2 Student Guide video or visit our Manchester School of Art Bookings webpage

  • I need technical advice, who can I speak to?

    We are here to help and support you. Please email: avstore@mmu.ac.uk or call 0161 247 1299 if you would like to arrange an appointment for technical support. 

    You can also visit our Moodle pageConnect2 system, contact us by email or ask to arrange a Microsoft Teams meeting.

  • I want to book equipment, how do I do this?

    Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please use the Connect2 booking system to prebook technical equipment.

    Once booked, you will receive confirmation of your collection date and time, and an alternative date and time will be provided in Connect2, which will be confirmed by the AV store if required.

  • I missed my collection appointment, what can I do?

    If you missed your collection appointment by 10 minutes or more and did not inform the AV store, your equipment will be returned to available on Connect2 and a ‘strike’ will be recorded.

    Please ensure you contact the AV store by email or calling 0161 247 1299 if you are running late for an appointment. 

  • I missed my return appointment, what can I do?

    If you missed your return appointment by 10 minutes or more and did not inform the AV store, please rebook your appointment following the instructions above. To ensure the facility runs smoothly and allow all students fair access to technical equipment, Code of Practice fines will be applied if you repeatedly fail to return equipment during your allocated appointment slot. Please see the store’s Code of Practice for further information. 

  • How can I book technical equipment at the Hive Lockers?

    Please use the online AV Store Connect2 booking system to prebook equipment. You can prebook up to 14 days in advance of collection. Certain high spec items require that you undertake an induction before you can borrow them. You cannot borrow equipment without the appropriate induction. For most loans, you can collect them from the Hive Lockers in Grosvenor East. For larger loans, you will be required to collect from The AV Store in Chatham. Please report any missing items or faults as soon as possible. Borrowers are liable for any loss or damage to equipment. 

  • How long can I borrow technical equipment for?

    You can borrow equipment for up to three working days. If you are unable to collect your reservation but still require the items, please contact the AV store on 0161 247 1934. You can also email digitalmediahive@mmu.ac.uk. All uncollected, reserved items will be cancelled. All prebooked items must be collected or returned before 4:00pm. Items will not be loaned out or accepted back after this time. 

  • How can I return technical equipment to the Hive?

    You must return equipment to where you collected them from, either The Hive Lockers or The AV Store on the due date and time. If you choose to keep equipment beyond the agreed due date for return you will incur a fine. Please see The AV Store’s Code of Practice for further information. 

  • What do I do if I need to cancel a booking?

    Bookings need to be cancelled via email before the end of your allocated collection day otherwise this will be noted as a no-show on your account.  

  • What can I be fined for?

    Fine charges for late return of items are as follows: 

    • Equipment Band 1: £1 per day fine.(items up to £10 in replacement value: ie. USB cables, extension leads, headphones, card readers etc.)  

    • Equipment Band 2: £2 per day fine. (items £10-£100 in replacement value: ie. Zoom H1s, Manfrotto tripods, Velbon tripods, chargers, Rode Videomics, Samson C01U Studio Condenser mics, XLR cables etc).  

    • Equipment Band 3: £3 per day fine.(items £100 and above: ie. Tascam DR100-MKIIs, Zoom H2ns, H4ns, H6s, Canon Legrias, Canon 700Ds, 600Ds, Rode lav mics, Rode NTG-2 mics, E-image tripods, Rode boom poles, Mojo Kits, Beyerdynamic M58 mics, Sony ECM44B mics, Audio Technica lav mics etc.)  

    • Equipment Band 4: £5 per day fine. (items £1,000 and above: ie. Canon XA20s, Pro Sound Kits etc.) Fines are paid using your Safecom account and are charged on overdue items.  

    If fines are outstanding, your borrowing rights will be withdrawn until such time as those fines are paid. In the event of a fine exceeding the cost of the replacement equipment you will be charged the lesser value. If you fail to return an item after 30 days, you will be invoiced for a replacement. 

Make More Store

  • I need to purchase materials, what do I do?

    If you’d like to make a purchase at the store - just drop in to see us and order at the counter. Alternatively you can access our catalogues via our Moodle page. 

  • I need to use equipment, what do I do?

    Our inkjet printers and sublimation printers are available to book for hourly slots through Connect2. If you’ve never used Connect2 to book slots on our printers before, please email makemore@mmu.ac.uk and we’ll add you to the system using your student I.D number. Alternatively, please just pop into the store and we’ll be happy to add you onto Connect2 at the counter too. 

  • How can I use the vinyl cutter?

    Please submit a vinyl cutting order via email – makemore@mmu.ac.uk.  Instead of bringing your Adobe Illustrator file into the store on a USB, please email it as an attachment to makemore@mmu.ac.uk and we will contact you to discuss your design. You can find more information on our vinyl cutting process in our online paper and art supplies catalogue. We also have a handy video on our Moodle page which explains how to set up your artwork properly for the cutter. 

  • I need technical support, how do I get in touch?

    As always, we are happy to help with any questions you might have. You can pop in for a chat at the counter or alternatively send an email to makemore@mmu.ac.uk. We also have resources and information on our Moodle page to help you make the most of the Make More store. 

Creative Practice and Galleries

Print City

  • Where is Print City based?

    Print City is based on Ground Floor, 5 Archway, Turing House, M15 5RL—just behind Birley Campus.   

  • What do I need to do before using the facilities at Print City?

    At PrintCity, we offer several convenient ways to access our 3D printing service.  

    • Submit your 3D print files, exported to STL or 3MF format, along with any specific instructions you have or seek our advice, via email: printcitystudentjobs@mmu.ac.uk. Our dedicated PrintCity Technical Services team will handle the printing for you, providing a bureau service to ensure your projects come to life seamlessly.  

    • For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, we welcome you to pop into PrintCity in person for an in-depth consultation. Our Technical Services experts will be on hand to offer guidance and insights into your 3D printing needs, helping you achieve the best results for your projects.  

    • If you’re looking to experience 3D Printing hands-on to print projects yourself, we offer the opportunity for students to utilize our FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technology directly. Simply book an induction session, typically held on Thursday mornings, by contacting us at printcitystudentjobs@mmu.ac.uk. Once inducted, you can use our technology on a first-come, first-served basis. This option empowers you to bring your ideas to life with 3D printing while ensuring you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.  

  • When is PrintCity open?

    PrintCity is open for student access 9:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays. 

  • How can I get Technical support at Print City?

    Email printcitystudentjobs@mmu.ac.uk with your query and a member of the team will help direct you to the right support.

  • I want to book out a 3D Printer, how do I do this?

    PrintCity does not book out 3D Printers. We do, however, offer hands-on access to our FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D Printers on a first come-first served basis, following an induction. PrintCity is open for student use between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. Inductions can be requested by e-mailing printcitystudentjobs@mmu.ac.uk. To use any other type of 3D Printer, or have dedicated access to a specific technology, we can discuss on a case-by-case basis. 

  • How long will it take to 3D Print my project?

    The completion time for your 3D printing project depends on several factors, including the length of our production queue and the availability of technology. Additionally, the size of your print and material use determines the printing time. If your 3D print includes a roof or overhangs, there may be support material that you’ll need to remove during post-processing, which should also be factored in. It’s important to note that your 3D print is rarely finished the next day. We recommend allowing up to a couple of weeks for your project to be completed, especially during busy periods.  

  • Do we pay for 3D Prints?

    Yes—we accept cost codes or payment via the e-store. We will send you a payment link after completion of your project. PrintCity only charges for material use and so the cost of our 3D Prints is low in comparison to industry. 

  • Do you turn off the 3D Printers overnight or weekends?

    If a 3D printer is actively working on a project, we do not turn it off in the evening, or at weekends. The time required for 3D prints to complete varies significantly, ranging from just a few minutes to as long as a week. The duration depends on various factors. 3D printers are safe to run unattended, therefore, we leave the 3D printer operational until your job is successfully completed. 

  • I would like to attend a 3D Print Workshop—who do I speak to?

    PrintCity offers bespoke 3D Print workshops on different areas of 3D Print, from slicing files all the way through to post-processing and Design for Additive. We offer these to all areas of the university- cross faculty. If you think your course or unit might benefit from one of these bespoke workshops, then ask your tutor to contact g.buller@mmu.ac.uk 

  • I would like to learn Fusion 360—who do I speak to?

    PrintCity occasionally offers Fusion 360 Workshops led by our academic team—please contact us at printcitystudentjobs@mmu.ac.uk.

  • I have multiple 3D Print Projects to Print. Can I use multiple machines or send you multiple files to 3D Print?

    If you have been inducted and wish to use more than one 3D Printer at a time, then we would ask that you check with a member of Technical Services staff first as availability depends on capacity. If you have multiple projects to e-mail us, then we would ask you to group them into as few e-mails as possible and be clear with your print instructions.