University of Bolton

The University of Bolton dates back to 1825 and has a long and distinguished history of providing a quality education. Situated on a modern friendly campus near the centre of Bolton, the University is home to 11,000 students who have ranked the University as No.1 for student satisfaction in the North West, Complete University Guide 2020. Many of our Postgraduate courses are professionally accredited.

Postgraduate study is challenging, exhilarating and a rewarding advancement, whether for career or personal development. A Postgraduate degree sets you apart, and gets you noticed by the best employers. If you want to unlock opportunities, fast-track your career and enjoy more earning potential, then Postgraduate study is for you.

At the University of Bolton, where we are proud to put our students, and their needs, first. The University offers 10 schools/faculties:

• Bolton School of the Arts
• Institute of Management Greater Manchester
• Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
• National Centre for Motorsport Engineering
• School of Creative Technologies
• School of Education and Psychology
• School of Engineering
• School of Law
• School of Nursing and Midwifery
• School of Sport and Biological Sciences

Bolton has strong links to industry, working with organisations like the NHS, Ministry of Defence and Bolton’s Borough Council.

University of Bolton students on Postgraduate study say:

“Throughout my time at the university, I was full supported and encouraged by all the staff and lecturers and even though some subjects were new and challenging at times, I was always able to ask for support and was taught to think at a higher level in order to approach subjects from a broader perspective and create solutions. The MBA degree has enabled me to look at the business world from a different perspective and has allowed me to broaden my horizons and given me the confidence to start my own management consultancy business.” Omar Anwar, MBA Masters of Business Administration.

“I have extremely pleasant and memorable experiences of my time on the programme and the knowledge I acquired has served to shape the trajectory of my research career. The academic staff were very friendly, approachable and always responsive to my academic and related needs and it was a pleasure working with and developing lasting relationships with students from diverse range of national and cultural contexts.” Munmun Azad, MSc International Management.

The university has completely changed my life. I was working in retail when I enrolled and now I’m in a job that I’m passionate about.” Andy Platt, MSc Psychology.

The University has a dedicated Employability Team supporting our students career ambitions; offering one-to-one appointments with a career’s advisor, who can offer personalised advice and help you through the different steps to employment. Once you graduate the careers support doesn’t stop, with graduates offered support up to three years after they leave.

Throughout the year, student career fairs are also organised so students can explore and understand local opportunities. The University’s close ties with international, national and local employers give students an insight into a wide range of employment opportunities.

Over 25 teaching programmes have professional accreditation from the likes of the British Psychological Society, the Chartered Institute of Building and the Chartered Management Institute. In addition to this, 130 of the University’s staff hold PhDs, meaning students are taught by experts in their respective field.

Student-to-staff ratio is low and class sizes are kept purposely small in order to provide a personable and supportive environment.

Postgraduate students can study either a taught or research degree at the University of Bolton. The majority of the taught degrees can be studied on either a full or part-time basis, allowing for students to choose whether they complete their degree in a year or work at their own pace.

Bolton Students' Union is run by a leadership team consisting of a SU President, Student Trustees and NUS Delegate. Their job is to represent University students, and act as their voice.

The SU are also responsible for running both academic and social events, as well as helping make the most out of their experience. There are plenty of clubs and societies to get involved in, learn a new skill and make new friends. They are also ideal for boosting your CV, with skills such as leadership and teamwork coming out of just having a fun time. If you can’t find a society or club for you, you can also start-up your own.

All University of Bolton students are automatically members of the Students’ Union.

Halls of Residence

Orlando Village is a purpose-built, gated halls of residence, arranged in groups of flats. The Halls are split into eight blocks, each containing eight flats of six bedrooms, with a common room.

Orlando Village is in a fantastic location, being only approximately a 10-minute walk away from both the main campus, the town centre, bus and rail station, and are within easy reach of the supermarkets.

For private accommodation, our Student Advisors and the Students’ Union Office can advise you of how to search for private accommodation and what to look for when entering in to a contract with a private landlord. There are many properties available within the Bolton area which range from private houses to private halls of residences.

The University is continually investing in its campus and offers state-of-the-art subject-specific facilities. Students enjoy Postgraduate only workspaces, including labs, equipment and software, these are available to support teaching, learning and research in your subject area.

The University’s library houses over 180,000 books, 140,000 e-books and journals, 70 abstracting and indexing databases, as well as computers, group study rooms, silent study areas and access to photocopying and binding services.

Our investment ensures our students are learning in the best possible learning environment, in recent years our investments have included:

• £31 million invested - Bolton One – Health, Leisure and Research Centre, including Sport facilities, Athlete Development Centre, dedicated sport study areas and a working Sports and Spinal Injury clinic all to help students gain real-world experience
• £13 million - National Centre for Motorsport Engineering – A purpose built environment including labs, workshops and teaching space to enhance students’ experience, helping their employability
• £4.8 million - Queens Specialist Building – Purpose built laboratories, state-of-the-art processing rooms. This building houses some of the most advanced specialist industry-standard equipment
• £4 million - Institute of Management – Custom-built management centre

We are committed to providing a high-quality, teaching-intensive education. Our courses are centred around you, offering exciting opportunities to develop your skills and interests, supporting your career ambitions.

The University is based close to the town centre, so you’re close to everything the friendly town of Bolton has to offer. There is plenty to do and see, with the town boasting plenty of restaurants, cinemas, pubs and clubs to suit all tastes.

Bolton also has excellent travel links to the UK’s second capital city, Manchester. The metropolitan city of Manchester is so vibrant and really offers everything your tastes desire.

University gives you a huge opportunity to meet a whole range of new people, joining a Club or Society will enable you to gain an entirely separate group of friends from your course. Societies are run by students for students supported by the Students’ Union, and offer the opportunity for life-long friendships, sporting success and personal growth. 

Societies can play an important role in expanding your social life during your time at the University and also help you to develop transferrable skills enhancing your CV, for example, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Joining a Society will expand your friendship networks, help you grow in confidence, perhaps introduce you to something new or allow you to carry on your passions, which will ensure that you will have a great time here in Bolton.

University of Bolton students on Postgraduate Search say:

“They're really friendly, the societies.”

“Good amount of varied societies available through SU.”

There is plenty of support available for students during their time studying, including a confidential counselling service, a dedicated disability support service, international student support, help with accommodation, financial aid and a chaplaincy.

UK Students: The annual fee for most full-time Postgraduate courses is £5,400, however this fee may vary on select courses.  

Please check individual course listings for specific EU and International fees.

Masters Taught Excellence Scholarship

Students who were awarded a first-class degree at Undergraduate level will be eligible to receive up to £1,500 towards their Postgraduate tuition fees upon a successful application.

100 Year Anniversary of the Great War Award

£500 per academic year is awarded to successful students who have completed a minimum of three years' military service in the British Armed Forces.

Alumni Loyalty Discount

A £1,000 tuition fee waiver is allocated to students who completed their first degree at the University and who are coming back to study at Postgraduate level.

Bolton students are some of the most satisfied in the country, according to the Complete University Guide 2020. What makes them so happy with their choice of University? Maybe it’s our commitment to providing the best possible learning experience, being named No.1 for Teaching Quality in the North West according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. Or it could be our continued investment in our campus and facilities. Or perhaps it’s our focus on employability skills and opportunities.

Come and find out what #UniAsItShouldBe is all about.

Entry requirements vary from course to course, please check individual course listings for specific information.

The University of Bolton has a Research & Graduate School which offers support for all research degree students, with incentives such as weekly workshops, regular monitoring reviews and an induction programme at the beginning of the course, allowing student to regularly engage with fellow students.

Students can undertake an MPhil or a PhD degree, which involves writing a thesis about their particular area of study, with the support of a researcher.

All taught Postgraduate courses at the University follow a similar structure to an Undergraduate course, with students attending lectures and seminars, as well as undertaking exams, essays and coursework throughout the course. Classes are purposely small giving student the benefit of personal contact from their experienced and passionate lecturers.