University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a centre of teaching excellence, world-class research, outstanding student experience, and social responsibility. Part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, it’s institutions like ours that have the greatest responsibility to act as the world faces big challenges. Together, we face this head on.

Founded in 1824 for the advancement of education, we’ve since been home to 26 Nobel Prize winners and worked across disciplinary and geographic boundaries to give the world new ideas, discoveries and innovations.  

Inspired by and connected with our city – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, home to an iconic arts, music and culture scene, and now the driving force of the Northern Powerhouse scheme – Manchester remains at the heart of everything we do. 

We've been making an impact since day one; from creating the world’s first nuclear reaction, to building the modern computer, isolating graphene, pioneering development economics, and transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment across the world. And it doesn’t stop there – our teaching and learning approach creates life-changing student experiences, inspires lifelong learning and shapes exceptional graduate outcomes for global citizens of the future. 

Our facts and figures:

We’re ranked the 6th best university in the UK and 52nd overall in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (2024). 

A truly international university, our community includes more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff, and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries working together to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.  

Our commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is unmatched. That’s why we’re the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in every year of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.  

Our university is a powerhouse of research and discovery; we were ranked fifth for research power – the quality and scale of research and impact – in the UK government’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.  

The institution is the most popular in the UK for undergraduate applications (UCAS 2023 cycle), and it is the second most targeted university by the UK’s leading employers (The Graduate Market, 2024). 

Why Manchester?

Our global recognition:

• 34th best university in the world*.
• We are also ranked the tenth best in Europe and sixth in the UK.

*(QS World University Rankings, 2025)

Award-winning Careers Services:

• Second most targeted university by leading graduate employers*.
• Our global links, job market insight and work experience opportunities will help you prepare for an outstanding career.
• Take advantage of our award-winning Careers Service (StudentCrowd, 2022) before, during and after your time at Manchester.

*(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research)

Top UK city to live in:

• Manchester is the UK's most livable city*.
• The first of Britain's great modern cities, Manchester is a true original; a city that’s proud to do things differently.
• Look forward to an exciting mix of sport, entertainment, art, culture, shopping and much more.

*(The Economist’s Global Liveability Index, 2022)

Inclusive and diverse community:

• Home to one of the UK’s largest international student populations.
• We're proud of our thriving, vibrant and diverse community of students and staff, with more than 44,000 students from 177 countries studying here, and 550,000 alumni worldwide.  

Making a difference:

• Number one in Europe and second in the world for social and environmental impact*.

Social responsibility is one of our core goals and we’re committed to creating a healthier, fairer and greener world through teaching and learning, research and public engagement. With us, you’ll be empowered to make a difference to society and help shape our future. 

*(Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2024)

Our campus- A world-class campus in Manchester city centre:

We trace our history to the Manchester Mechanics’ Institution, founded in 1824, and our journey since has been one of change and innovation.

Steeped in history and always evolving, our home on Oxford Road places community, sustainability and innovation at its heart.

Completion of a £1 billion, ten-year Campus Masterplan has transformed the area, and future developments will continue to improve our research, learning and working environments.

• Historic buildings: Iconic buildings with fascinating histories and world-changing stories to tell.
• An evolving campus: New buildings, major refurbishments and important conservation works.
• Beautiful green spaces: Delightful outdoor spaces to be enjoyed across campus.
• A single campus: Three faculties located within one university campus.
• Cultural institutions: Wondrous cultural institutions in Manchester and the north-west.

As we enter our third century, we’re not letting anything stand in our way as we continue to tackle the world’s biggest problems with unbreakable resolve.