University of Bolton
Bolton, United Kingdom • Founded 1982 • World Rank #2658
Overview
Founded in 2004, the University of Bolton is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Bolton (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), North West England.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Bolton is a small-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. University of Bolton offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 20-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
University of Bolton also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where University of Bolton is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape University of Bolton's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute University of Bolton's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 5 items
- Bolton Business School
- School of Arts, Media and Education
- School of Games Computing and Creative Technologies
- School of Health and Social Sciences
- School of the Built Environment and Engineering
Degrees
Also Advanced Diploma; MBA; Executive MBA; Professional Doctorate in Business Administration and Education
Master's 70 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Art Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automation
- Automotive Engineering
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive Sciences
- Commercial Law
- Community Health
- Computer Education
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Processing
- Dental Technology
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education Teacher Training
- International Business
- International Law
- Journalism
- Law
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medicine
- Native Language Education
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Public Health
- Respiratory Therapy
- Robotics
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Psychology
- Social Work
- Social and Community Services
- Software Engineering
- Special Education
- Sports
- Technology Education
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Vocational Education
- Writing
Doctoral 16 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Education
- English
- Film
- Health Sciences
- History
- Leisure Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Production Engineering
- Psychology
- Sports
- Textile Technology
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Advanced Manufacturing (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Clinical and Biomedical Sciences (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical Device Specialist
- Clinical Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Contemporary Coronial Law (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Higher Education Research and Practice (CHERP) (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Islamic Finance (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Leadership and Empowerment (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Opposition Studies (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Pedagogy (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Queens Dental Sciences (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Research for Health and Wellbeing (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Research in BAME Education and Entrepreneurship (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Worktown Studies (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Apprenticeships (Course/Programme) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Off Campus (Department/Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI) (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Arts and Creative Technologies (School) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cinema and Television
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Science
- Dance
- English
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Software Engineering
- Theatre
- Writing
Business (GMBS) (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical and Biomedical Sciences (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Paramedical Sciences
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical Device Specialist
- Clinical Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Preschool Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Automotive Engineering
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Engineering
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Society (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Dental Science
- Health Sciences
- Social Welfare
- Social Work
Law (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminal Law
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing and Midwifery (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing and Midwifery
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below: University of Bolton's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Master of Business Administration
6 programmes
These 6 programmes form University of Bolton's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MBA International (Graduate Entry) Business & Management
MBA (Master of Business Administration) Business & Management
MBA (Executive) Business & Management
MBA (Islamic Finance) Finance, Banking & Insurance
MBA (Global Healthcare Management) top-up Business & Management
MBA (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
25 programmes
These 25 programmes form University of Bolton's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
LLM Law Law
LLM International Business Law Business Law
MSc Psychology Psychology
MSc Psychology (Conversion) Psychology
MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online Psychology
MRes Emerging Psychology Psychology
MSc Engineering Management Business & Management
MSc Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
MSc Mechanical Engineering (Part-time) Mechanical Engineering
MSc Systems Engineering (Mechatronics) and Engineering Management Mechanical Engineering
MSc Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management Mechanical Engineering
MSc Systems Engineering (Electronic) and Engineering Management Robotics & Automation
MSc Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering Robotics & Automation
MSc Software Engineering Software Engineering
MSc Software Engineering (Part-time) Software Engineering
MSc Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Telecommunications Robotics & Automation
MRes Computing Information Systems & Technology
MA Games Development Digital Media & Game Development
MA Dance (Specialist Title)
MA Professional and Commercial Dance
MA (Specialist Title) via Creative Practice Liberal Arts
MRes Educational Leadership Educational Leadership
MRes (Specialism)
LLM by Research
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
2 programmes
These 2 programmes form University of Bolton's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MPhil
MPhil in Innovation Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
Browse 2 programmes of research-degree study at University of Bolton. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
EdD Doctor of Education Education & Teaching
Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Browse 1 programme of research-degree study at University of Bolton. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
120 programmes
University of Bolton offers 120 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
PGCE M 14+ (Specialism)
PGCE M 14+ Science and Technology General Engineering
PGCE M 14+ Mathematics (Numeracy) Mathematics
PGCE M 14+ English and ESOL English Language Studies
PGCE M 14+ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Special Education
PGCE M 14+ Arts and Creative Practice Liberal Arts
PGCE M 14+ Dance
PGCE M 14+ Performance and Creative Arts Performing Arts
PgDip Clinical Practice
PgDip Health and Social Care
PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies Health Sciences
PgDip Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner (General Practice Nursing) Medicine
PgDip Senior Leader: Health and Social Care (Degree Apprenticeship)
PgDip Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) Nursing
PgDip Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) with non-medical prescribing Nursing
PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Nursing
PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) Nursing
PgCert Clinical Practice
PgCert First Contact Practice in Primary Care
PgCert Teaching and Learning in Higher and Professional Education Education & Teaching
PgCert Counselling Skills Counselling & Psychotherapy
PgCert Health and Social Care
Medicine Medicine & Health 5 years On-campus
Nursing (Adult) Medicine & Health On-campus
Nursing Associate Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Nursing (Adult) Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Midwifery (Pre-registration) Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 5 years On-campus
Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Crime & Forensic Psychology with Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Criminological and Forensic Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling with foundation year Medicine & Health 5 years On-campus
Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling with Foundation Year Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Applied Educational Psychology with Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Applications in Education Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology with Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Sport and Exercise Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Physiotherapy Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Sport Rehabilitation with Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Sport Rehabilitation Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Professional and Commercial Dance Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Accountancy with Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Accountancy Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Law with Foundation Year Law 5 years On-campus
Law Law 3 years On-campus
Crime and Criminal Justice Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Photography with Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Photography Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Animation and Illustration with Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Animation and Illustration Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Film and Television Production Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television With Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Modelmaking and Creature Effects With Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Modelmaking and Creature Effects Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Graphic Design with Advertising with Foundation Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Graphic Design with Advertising Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Contemporary Art Practice with Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Contemporary Art Practice Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Digital Media and Content Creation with Foundation Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Digital Media and Content Creation Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Commercial Surface Design with Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Commercial Surface Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Business Management with Foundation Year Business & Management 5 years On-campus
Business Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Business Management (People Management) with Foundation Year Business & Management 5 years On-campus
Business Management (Supply Chain) with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Business Management (Supply Chain) Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Business Management (Finance) Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Business Management (Marketing) Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Business Management (Retail) with Foundation Year Business & Management 5 years On-campus
Business Management (Retail) Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Digital Management and Marketing Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Entrepreneurship and Business Start-Up Business & Management 2 years On-campus
Medical Biology with Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Medical Biology Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Science with Foundation Year Medicine & Health 5 years On-campus
Biomedical Science Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Civil Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Computing Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Software Engineering with Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Software Engineering Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computing (Cyber Security) with Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computing (Cyber Security) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science With Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Artificial Intelligence Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Community Development and Youth Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Social Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Dental Technology Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Dental Hygiene and Therapy Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Education and Learning Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Motorsport Technology with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Motorsport Technology Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Automotive Performance Engineering (Motorsport) Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Biomedical Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Manufacturing Engineering for England Engineering & Technology 2 years On-campus
Games Design with Foundation Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Games Design Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Games Art with Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Games Art Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Games Programming with Foundation Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Games Programming Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Health and Social Care Social Sciences & Education 2 years On-campus
Health and Social Care with Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Health and Social Care Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Operating Department Practice Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Paramedic Science Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Social Sciences & Education 2 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Bolton
Practical steps to apply to University of Bolton, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse University of Bolton's 156 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at University of Bolton typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
University of Bolton processes applications through www.bolton.ac.uk. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (1204) 900 600. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Bolton
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting University of Bolton as a study destination.
How old is University of Bolton?
The institution opened in 1982 (approximately 44 years ago).
Where is University of Bolton located?
University of Bolton is located in Bolton, United Kingdom.
Is University of Bolton a public or private institution?
University of Bolton operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of Bolton?
Student enrolment at University of Bolton is around 5,000-5,999.
Where does University of Bolton stand in university rankings?
University of Bolton holds rank #2658 globally and #118 in United Kingdom.
What programmes are available at University of Bolton?
University of Bolton delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does University of Bolton have?
University of Bolton has 5 academic units.
Is University of Bolton officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from University has degree awarding powers. Regulated by the Office for Students..
What is University of Bolton's official website?
University of Bolton's official website is www.bolton.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Research output among the United Kingdom's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing University of Bolton's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Member-only fellowships through Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) are open to students at University of Bolton and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Public transport hubs near University of Bolton affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Business & Management. Some the United Kingdom institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Often Compared with University of Bolton
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to University of Bolton. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
