University of Manchester

Established under its current name in 2004, the University of Manchester came about through the joining of two Manchester based universities which have been operating since the 19th century. 

Manchester is a member of the UK’s Russell Group, a prestigious network of red brick universities that are known for their academic heritage and quality of teaching. The university has an international reputation and draws students from across the world. Manchester counts 25 Nobel Prize winners among its current and former staff and has the highest number of Nobel Laureates on its staff out of all the UK universities.  

Students at Manchester will learn and socialise at its large campus site, which is located near the centre of the city and is recognisable for its Victorian architecture and numerous facilities. 

Manchester is one of the most popular student cities in the UK and boasts one of the largest student populations in Europe, with nearly 100,000 students across five higher education institutions. The University of Manchester has recently been rated 19th in the UK by Complete University Guide 2024. 

This cosmopolitan city in the heart of the north of England offers students an attractive mix of nightlife, culture and professional opportunities, as well as easy access to the rest of the UK. 

Students at the university will benefit from a diverse range of teaching techniques, made possible due to Manchester’s modern facilities and teachers who are active in the development of their field. The university is known worldwide for the pedigree of its scholars and is home to more Nobel laureates than any other university across the UK. The University of Manchester also has an international reputation for research, supported by a faculty of leading academics and prominent scholars. 

Postgraduate students at Manchester are able to choose from over 550 postgraduate programmes, including master’s courses, PhDs and other doctoral research programmes. The university offers MSc, MA, MBA, MRes and MPhil qualifications in addition to PhD and professional doctoral qualifications. 

The university also maintains a robust selection of online programmes, as well as offering hybrid learning options for on-campus students to help them study flexibly around their other commitments and fit their education around their life. 

Students applying for a postgraduate course at the University of Manchester will need to meet a number of academic and non-academic entry requirements.

Students who do not speak English as their first language will need to provide evidence of English language ability to a level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 to 7.5. 

Some courses may also have additional entry for criteria, such as written submissions as part of the application process, previous qualifications in certain subjects, or completion of a minimum amount of relevant work experience.

For example, applicants to the MSc Accounting will need to achieve a 2:1 or higher degree in subjects such as accounting, business administration, business management, economics or commerce. High scoring GMAT or GRE results are also recommended to maximise chances of success.

Applicants for the MSc Developmental Biology will need to have a 2:1 or higher graded undergraduate degree in a biological or medical science discipline. 2:2 grades may be considered if the applicants can show relevant research or professional experience as part of their application. 

Out of all the universities in the UK, Manchester is the most targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers according to High Fliers Research, 2018. In addition to this, around 93% of the university’s graduates were found to be in further studies or employment within six months of their graduation (Higher Education Statistic Agency, 2017). 

Manchester University supports its students’ employability throughout their studies, with its course curricula often designed in collaboration with industry partners and other relevant organisations. Professional skills and development activities are a part of many postgraduate study options at Manchester, allowing students to prepare for academic or professional success while they build subject matter knowledge. 

Students at Manchester are supported by its careers service, which offers tailored advice and resources to help students identify and achieve their professional objectives. From one-on-one consultations to a directory of internship, graduate and part-time opportunities, as well as support with CV and interview preparation, students have various options when it comes to improving their job prospects. 

Accommodation

Students attending a postgraduate course at the University of Manchester can choose from a range of accommodation options for the duration of their studies. 

The university maintains several halls of residence that are exclusively for postgraduate students studying at Manchester. They range from single-room units with shared bathroom and catering facilities, to accommodation for families or couples with private facilities and up to three-bedrooms. 

It’s also possible for postgraduate students to find a place in mixed residences with undergraduate learners, but in these cases postgraduate residents are often grouped together. 

University halls of residence can be found in several locations around the city, all well-connected by public transport to the main university buildings. 

Postgraduate students often decide to live in privately rented accommodation while at Manchester. The city is home to several neighbourhoods that are particularly popular with graduates, such as Fallowfield and Wythenshawe, and students will be able to choose from hundreds of student properties across Manchester. 

Manchester is the 6th biggest city in the UK by population, with more than half a million residents. This vibrant urban community is highly diverse and is particularly known for its energetic music scene, industrial heritage and modern cultural offerings. 

The University of Manchester supports postgraduate students from all backgrounds, lifestyles and financial situations through the provision of various scholarships and bursaries. These awards are designed to recognise academic merit or financial need, and help students cover the tuition fees and living costs associated with studying. 

Postgraduate applicants to Student Finance England will be automatically assessed for bursaries through Manchester’s Student Services Centre. 

The university offers an alumni discount on across all of its master’s courses across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and the Faculty of Humanities. This entitles all students who have already completed a degree at Manchester to a reduction in tuition fees of up to £3,000. 

Students at Manchester are also able to make applications to the university’s Living Cost Support Fund at any point in the academic year. This fund awards small loans or grants to students on the basis of financial need and is designed to help students address issues such as unpaid utility bills or food insecurity occurring as a result of financial hardship. 

There are also various subject-specific scholarships available through academic departments, as well as a wide range of awards offered by external organisations, which students can browse and apply for through the university’s directory.