University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom • Founded 1824 • QS 2027 #40 =
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: manchester.ac.uk
Overview
The University of Manchester is a public research university based on Oxford Road in Manchester, England.
It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), institutions that trace back to the Manchester Mechanics' Institution (1824) and Owens College (1846). The university holds a royal charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II and describes itself as the UK's largest single-site university.
It is organised into three faculties, each made up of several schools, supported by cross-disciplinary research institutes and a professional services structure. Manchester enrols over 44,000 students and employs around 12,000 staff, with an alumni network of about 550,000 people from 190 countries.
The Research Excellence Framework 2021 ranked it fifth in the UK for research power.
Its researchers isolated graphene there in 2004, and its Jodrell Bank Observatory, home to the Lovell Telescope, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The university's associated colour is purple.
Location & Contact
Address, phone, email, and online links for University of Manchester are listed below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover University of Manchester's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up University of Manchester are listed below.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Engineering and Physical Science (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Humanities (Faculty) 34 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art History
- Business Education
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- English
- European Languages
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Government
- History
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Leisure Studies
- Linguistics
- Literacy Education
- Management
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Religion
- Sociology
- Theatre
- Theology
- Translation and Interpretation
- Visual Arts
Life Sciences (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neurosciences
- Paleontology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Psychology
- Zoology
Medical and Human Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Social Work
Business (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Finance
- Management
Programs Offered
All active programmes at University of Manchester are listed by degree level.
926 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 277 programmes
Showing 10 of 277.
Master of Business Administration 4 programmes
Master of Philosophy 102 programmes
Showing 10 of 102.
Master's Degree 326 programmes
Showing 10 of 326.
Doctorate 195 programmes
Showing 10 of 195.
Professional Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Postgraduate Diploma 5 programmes
Scholarships in United Kingdom
Funding routes available to students in the United Kingdom are listed below.
How to apply to University of Manchester
A five-step path through the application process at University of Manchester.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse University of Manchester's 926 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
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at University of Manchester 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
Assemble your application package
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
Submit your application
University of Manchester takes undergraduate applications through the UCAS system (ucas.com). Postgraduate applicants apply directly through University of Manchester's own admissions portal at www.manchester.ac.uk instead.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (161) 306 6000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Manchester
Frequently asked questions about University of Manchester.
When was University of Manchester founded?
University of Manchester was established in 1824 (approximately 202 years ago).
In which city is University of Manchester?
University of Manchester is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Is University of Manchester public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at University of Manchester?
University of Manchester has approximately 46,305 students.
What is University of Manchester's ranking?
It ranks QS 2027 #40 =.
What degrees does University of Manchester offer?
University of Manchester offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is University of Manchester's academic structure?
The institution comprises 4 academic units.
Who recognises University of Manchester?
Yes, University of Manchester is recognised by Privy Council.
How do I find University of Manchester online?
You can find University of Manchester online at www.manchester.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
The leading universities in the United Kingdom are listed below — useful for sizing University of Manchester against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United Kingdom typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Members of European University Association (EUA), alongside University of Manchester.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Manchester: universities located close to University of Manchester.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Universities in the United Kingdom with Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes appear below, alongside University of Manchester.
Universities Compared with University of Manchester
Below are universities sometimes compared with University of Manchester.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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