About The MDU - FAQs

When and where can I see a debate?

Public debates are held on almost every Thursday during university term time. Locations may change so please subscribe to the Chair's email or check our facebook group or calendar for information on upcoming debates. More information on what public debates involve can be found here. If you'd like to debate yourself you can join us for one of our training workshops which take place on Tuedays at 5pm in the Simon building.

Sign up for the Chair's weekly email, check out the MDU Map of useful locations, and join the facebook group

What social events are happening?

Social events are held every few weeks. This year saw everything from paintballing matches against other societies to pub golf. Information on upcoming social events as well as all debates can be found in the Chair's weekly email and on the facebook group

How much does it cost to join?

The current price is £10 for lifetime membership. See how to join the MDU

I’m nervous about public speaking, is it worth it?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even the most confident of public speakers will have found the prospect frightening at first. Speaking to an audience is almost certainly going to be necessary at some point in your life, so conquering your fear at this stage will pay off in future. Most of our debating is actually done in small groups, so it shouldn't be too daunting initially. Before you know it you’ll wonder what you were ever worried about.

What do you usually debate?

Debates cover a wide range of topics, we try to keep the debates up to date and interesting. A schedule of past debates and upcoming debates is available on the site.

How do I get involved in competitions?

Almost every university with a debating society holds its own debating competition at some point during the university year, generally they take place on weekends. Some like the Oxford and Cambridge competitions involve 100s of participants and draw competitors from across the world, others are smaller and may involve only a handful of teams, some are designed specifically for newcomers to debating and don't allow experienced participants. The best way to get involved is to come to one of our training sessions, we will let you know of upcoming opportunities to enter competitions for the MDU.

How competitive are you?

The simple answer here is that it's up to you, many debaters compete on the highest levels and are among the best in the country, others rarely or never debate competitively. Our ethos is that of involvement and learning for all, rather than focusing on a few speakers who we think are most likely to win stuff.

I used to be in the MDU but have lost touch. Is there any way I can catch up with old friends?

We're trying to build up our network of alumni and you're welcome to get involved. We now hold bi-annual alumni dinners, one at the start of the academic year in London and the other in Manchester directly after our Inter Varsity at the end of February. There's also a regular alumni newsletter with a general round-up of what we're up to currently. If you'd like to join us for dinner, or just find out what the hard work you put in on committee all those years ago has achieved please email alumni@mdu.manchester.ac.uk