The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is not a campus university, as its buildings are located across Manchester city centre. However, it is still informally referred to as campus' and is made up of two parts: north campus (on Sackville Street) and south campus (on Oxford Road).

  

Background and History

The University of Manchester was founded in its current form in 2004, when the Victoria University of Manchester and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) merged together. However, the University of Manchester's origins can be traced back to 1824, with the formation of UMIST. The Victoria University of Manchester was founded as Owens College in 1851. Today, the University is one of the UK's six red brick universities, and part of the 20-strong Russell Group of research intensive universities.

Location and Accessibility

By rail (Manchester Piccadilly): The north campus' is a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station. Leave the station at the Fairfield Street entrance (where the taxi rank is), cross London Road and proceed down Fairfield Street straight ahead. Continue down Fairfield Street and the Sackville Street building is on your left. Meanwhile, the south campus' entails a longer walk. Fortunately, there is an excellent bus service from the Fairfield Entrance of the station (bus number 147) which runs across the whole Oxford Road campus'.

By road: Manchester is easily linked to the M6, M56 and M62. Some parking is available at the University, but the safer bet is to use the multi-storey car parks at both Booth Street West and Charles Street.

Ease of access for disabled students: Most buildings and facilities are wheelchair friendly, and accommodation designed for people with disabilities is available. For further information, call 0161 275 7512 or email [email protected].

What's on Offer

Undergraduate: BAEcon, BSc, BEng, MEng, BA, MChem, MML, IPML, BDS, MEarthSci, LLB, MMathPhys, MBChB, MNeuroSci, BNurs, MOptom, MPharm, BASS, BSocSc, MTCP. Postgraduate: MSc, MA, MRes, MBA, PGDip, LLM, MDPH, CPD, MusM, CPD, PGCE, PGCert, MPlan.

Entry Requirements

Entrance requirements to specific programmes vary, but AAA or ABB at A Level is the most common prerequisite.

University Accommodation

Incoming students can choose between 29 halls of residence/flats which are spread across a variety of locations, from the city centre to Victoria Park and Fallowfield. There is a choice of catered/self-catered and en-suite/shared bathrooms.

Private Accommodation

Alternatively, you may prefer a flat/house share if you don't fancy University accommodation. The most popular areas for house shares are Fallowfield and Hulme, although there is a massive choice of areas to live in. With this choice comes a huge variety of rent prices, so make sure you thoroughly shop around for the best deal.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Manchester is made up of four faculties: the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences.  

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The University of Manchester is a world leader when it comes to research. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise placed the university third in the UK in terms of research power, just behind Cambridge and Oxford.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at postgraduate or undergraduate level. Fees are also likely to be considerably higher for overseas students than those from the UK/EU. For a full list of fees it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.  

Financial Support

Bursaries are available, based on household income. The system is linked to Student Finance England, meaning you don't have to apply for a bursary as your household income details (given as part of your student finance application) will be passed on to the University, who will then work out whether you are entitled to a bursary or not.

Academic Facilities

The University's John Rylands University Library (JRUL) is one of only five National Research Libraries. It is home to 4 million books and manuscripts, 41 000 electronic journals and 500 000 electronic books.

Other on-site Amenities

The University's student union is, in its own words, more than just a cheap bar. There are opportunities to join societies, volunteer and get involved in student media. The union also houses one of Manchester's major music venues (The Academy) and, of course, a cheap bar.

Medical and Social Care

The Robert Darbishire Practice, located in Rusholme, is independent from the University but still caters for its students. Meanwhile, chaplaincies across the city are available for every faith.

What's on in the Area

Not much needs to be said here, because everything is going on. Quite simply, Manchester is one of the world's most exciting cities to live in and has a vibrant arts scene and amazing nightlife.

Moving On

The University runs an extensive careers service which aims to improve the employability of it students, past and present. There is a strong focus on delivering skills and knowledge, whilst also providing a variety of courses, services and events.

Well-known alumni include Ed O'Brien (Radiohead guitarist), Mark Radcliffe (DJ), Ed Simmons and Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers), Ben Elton (comedian), Jack Whitehall (comedian), Andy Duncan (chief executive of Channel 4), Keith Edelman (MD at Arsenal FC) and Margaret Beckett (former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs). The University of Manchester counts 25 Nobel Prize laureates amongst its alumni, four of whom are currently on its staff: more than any other university in the country.

Is the University of Manchester the place for you?

Come to the University of Manchester if you want to combine living in one of the world's most exciting cities with studying at one of the UK's fastest-improving universities. You may be after a university that has the same all-round strengths as the University of Manchester, but don't fancy the vast campus and prefer somewhere more compact. In this case, have a look at the University of Sheffield or University of Liverpool.