In response to comments from the parent of a Manchester University student studying English (Letters, November 9), my son is in the second year of a chemistry degree at Manchester. He has 20 hours of class contact per week (eight of lectures, 11 of laboratory workshops and a one-hour tutorial). He is quite happy with the academic support.
The number of class contact hours varies with subject. Web and hard-copy learning materials produced by academics, the availability of tutors to give one-to-one support, the marking and feedback on formative and assessed work are all part of the package of support available.
Kumari Lane
Surrey