University of Bolton
Bolton, United Kingdom • Founded 1982 • World Rank #2658
Updated May 2026
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.
156 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 92 programmes
Showing 10 of 92.
Master of Business Administration 6 programmes
Master of Philosophy 2 programmes
Master's Degree 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Foundation 2 programmes
Higher Diploma 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
Postgraduate Diploma 9 programmes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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