The United Kingdom has always been a destination country for many international students to study abroad. Every year, many students come to study at the UK’s leading universities. The University of Manchester is one of the most famous universities in the UK. It is not only one of the six red-brick universities in the UK but also a top comprehensive university with an international reputation. In order to help students have a more comprehensive understanding of the University of Manchester, this blog provides detailed information, undergraduate and postgraduate application guidelines, and life at the university, which will hopefully help you with your university application.
Basic Information
Name: University of Manchester
Ranking: 6th in UK, 32nd in the world (2023 QS World University Rankings)
Student satisfaction: 86.1%
Employment rate: 81.5%
Share of international students: 45%
Average annual tuition fees: £17,000-£38,000
Average annual living costs: £9,255 for undergraduates, £12,045 for postgraduates
Official website: www.manchester.ac.uk
About the University
Overview
The University of Manchester, abbreviated as “UOM”, founded in 1824, is a world-renowned top comprehensive research university in Manchester, England. It is one of the six famous “Red Brick Universities” in the UK and a founding member of The Russell Group. The University of Manchester is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Its predecessor was the Manchester Polytechnic University, which was founded in 1824, and the Victoria University of Manchester, which was founded in 1851, and the two universities merged in 2004 to form the present-day University of Manchester.
UOM is renowned for its rigorous teaching and liberal academic culture. There is a tradition of innovation as the guiding philosophy of teaching and academic research, and there are more than 10,000 faculty members, many of whom are world-renowned scientists. Many of the world’s most outstanding achievements have been made here, such as the splitting of the atom, the invention of the world’s first programmable computer and the discovery of graphene.
Location
The University of Manchester is located in Manchester, the UK’s number one industrial city and the second largest city in the UK. Manchester is near Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and Blackpool, as well as the Peak District and the Lake District, two of the UK’s major national parks. Manchester’s transport links are well-developed, and it is one of the UK’s transport hubs. There are several direct trains from Manchester to London every day and the whole journey takes only 2 hours. It takes only 3 and a half hours to get to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. There are direct bus and train services to Manchester Airport near the University of Manchester, with trains arriving in just 20 minutes and buses taking less than an hour.
Awards and Honours
The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are UK higher education awards presented biennially since 1994. The University of Manchester is the second most frequently awarded Queen’s Anniversary Prize in the UK (7 times) after the University of Oxford.
Uniersity Rankings
As one of the UK’s top universities, the University of Manchester is firmly in the UK’s top 10 in all significant global ranking lists:
- Ranked 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 8th in the UK and 51st in the world in the 2024 THE World University Rankings
- Ranked 6th in the UK and 41st in the world in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 5th in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (a seven-yearly assessment)
Popular Programmes
UOM has 3 faculties: Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health; Faculty of Science and Engineering; and Faculty of Humanities. Under each faculty, there are several schools. You can visit the official website to check the professional branches under each faculty.
In the latest CUG rankings for 2024, UOM has 25 subjects in the Top 10:
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University of Manchester Business School
The University of Manchester’s Business School is one of the most competitive colleges to apply to yearly. Established in 1965, the Business School is one of the two oldest business schools in the UK, and the University of Manchester’s MBA is a business program accredited by the three leading international business school accreditations (AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS). Manchester Business School is ranked 6th in the world by Forbes magazine for the best international (non-US) two-year MBAs. The ‘Marketing‘ and ‘International Business‘ programmes at UOM Business School have also been ranked in the top 10 globally.
Apply the University of Manchester
Undergraduate Applications
English Language Requirements
Applicants outside the UK usually need to fulfil specific English language requirements to study at the University of Manchester. These requirements vary by programme and faculty but are generally equivalent to IELTS 6.0-7.0 (or 5.5 for foundation programmes).
The specific requirements for each course are described in the individual programme profiles. In addition, UOM accepts a range of English language tests as evidence of English language proficiency, including IELTS, IB Standard Level and IGCSE.
Additional Entry Requirements
Some programmes have additional entry requirements such as work experience, submission of written work at the time of application or having studied a specific subject.
Entry requirements sometimes vary between faculties, so it’s important to check information about individual programmes before applying. Details of the courses you are interested in can be viewed using the Course Finder.
Postgraduate Applications
Application Process for Postgraduate Programmes
Unlike applying for an undergraduate degree, there is no standardised postgraduate application process at the University of Manchester, depending on the programme. Students can find detailed guidance on how to complete and submit a postgraduate application on the Masters and Postgraduate Research Programme pages.
Deadlines
It is important to note that most taught and research programmes do not have formal application deadlines, and it is advisable to apply this morning. For programmes with application deadlines, the deadlines will be shown in the programme details.
Student Statistics
University of Manchester has the largest and most diverse student body in the UK. According to the latest figures released by CUG, undergraduates account for 65 per cent of students and postgraduates (including PhDs) account for 35 per cent. The student body is still predominantly British, with 61 per cent of students coming from the UK, 7 per cent from other European countries and 32 per cent from other countries and regions.
Employment Rate
- In the latest graduate employability rankings released by QS in 2018,The University of Manchester was ranked 5th in the UK;
- in The Guardian’s Employment Rate Rankings 2018,The University of Manchester was ranked 33rd in the world ;
Graduates of the University of Manchester are highly sought after by the world’s top employers, and 94 per cent of students go straight into work or further study after graduation. Before graduation, students can also get career planning advice and training from the University’s Career Service, as well as job search guidance from experienced professionals from a wide range of industries. There is also a job fair at UOM every year during the job search season, where many companies come to the university to talk about what they are looking for.
Information on University Life
Facilities
The University of Manchester is the largest University in the UK regarding floor space, with a total of 240 academic buildings, 24 of which are UK-protected. In recent years, the University of Manchester has maintained a high standard of teaching staff while also focusing on the construction of facilities. With an investment of £1 billion, the University is committed to establishing world-class facilities and services for students and staff, creating a first-class learning and working environment.
UOM’s library is the third largest academic library in the UK, after Cambridge and Oxford. It is also one of five national research libraries in the UK. It has the most extensive electronic books and journals in the UK. The UOM Library comprises 13 libraries, including the Main Library, the Alan Gilbert All-Day Study Room, and the John Rylands Library.
UOM is also home to the Manchester Museum, located next to the main entrance to the school’s South Campus. The museum has an extensive collection of over four million items. There is also a tiny flora and fauna gallery on the top floor of the museum, which houses treasured frogs and fish.
Student Accommodation
UOM’s on-campus accommodation options are still very varied. There are both modern student flats with en-suite bathrooms and traditional buildings. Most of the on-campus residences are close to the main campus, which is basically within walking distance. UOM also has an additional accommodation policy for international students, whereby they are guaranteed a place in on-campus accommodation as long as they meet the application requirements.
On-campus accommodation fees vary according to the accommodation type, and the exact price changes every year. The prices below are for guidance only:
- Single self-catering rooms with shared facilities £98-111 per week;
- Single self-catering rooms with en-suite facilities £140-150 per week;
- Single room with shared facilities in the hall for meals £135-152 per week.
Activities
UOM has the largest student organisation in the UK. And the Students’ Union has some of the best student media platforms in the UK, including the Students’ Union website, and Student Radio. Meanwhile Manchester University has over 400 student societies and sports associations. These societies run weekly events and are a great opportunity for newcomers to make new friends and settle in quickly. There are also a number of volunteering opportunities available each semester, including project planning, fundraising, cultural exchanges, environmental protection, student representation and much more.
Entertainment And Shopping
As the second largest city in the UK, Manchester is also the centre of business, culture and entertainment in the UK. There are two major shopping centres in Manchester, Arndale in the city centre and the Trafford Centre. There is a Gay Village in the city centre which is famous for its rainbow village, rainbow flags everywhere, and many good bars and restaurants.
Manchester is a very vibrant and diverse city. As one of the oldest and most famous universities in the UK, the University of Manchester has many international students applying every year. We hope that you can prepare well and show your strengths in your application. I hope everything will go well in your life studying in the UK!
FAQ
The University of Manchester is a prestigious educational institution known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence. Admission criteria to this university can vary depending on the programme and faculty. Students can check the official website of the university for undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements.
Indeed, the University of Manchester is a prestigious institution, renowned both in the United Kingdom and globally. Boasting a rich history, the university has consistently excelled in research and innovation, contributing significantly to society’s progress. It has produced numerous Nobel laureates and influential thinkers who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.
- Ranked 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 8th in the UK and 51st in the world in the 2024 THE World University Rankings
- Ranked 6th in the UK and 41st in the world in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 5th in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (a seven-yearly assessment)
Yes, the University of Manchester is considered a Tier 1 institution. The University of Manchester has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research, consistently ranking among the top universities in the UK and globally. Its pioneering vision and commitment to delivering high-quality education have set it apart as a top destination for students worldwide.
If you are interested in Manchester study life or other city’s student story. Please check following blogs!
