Choosing the right University can be a time-consuming process. Each institution provides different tools and services that can make the decision extremely difficult. Here is a complete guide on the top 5 Universities in Manchester and what each University provides to students.

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is the most popular University amongst aspiring students as it offers a wide range of academic courses and is part of the prestigious Russell Group. It has an excellent reputation amongst scholars and is currently placed as the 8th best University in Europe and 6th in the UK. 

The University offers a rich, hands-on approach to learning, enhancing students’ personal and academic growth, creating world-class leaders in their field. They offer a large variety of courses that are tailored to every student, ensuring that they get the best out of higher education. The courses provide a mix of learning and development as well as real-life situations that fully equip them to the outside world and prepare them for working life.

The University of Manchester has a notable reputation for being at the research forefront of global challenges. They have many courses that conduct research that helps the world towards issues such as cancer, world poverty, carbon reduction and nuclear energy. These scientific courses have been able to provide specialist research facilities for subjects such as:

  • Worm discovery 
  • Improving treatment for Alzheimers 
  • New arthritis research unit 

If you’re an aspiring academic with a passion for creating future change and developing your specialist skills further, The University of Manchester could be the right choice for you.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University prides itself on being a “leading modern university with a history of education since 1824” and is ranked the 2nd best University in Manchester. The campus is made up of three buildings – All Saints, Cheshire and Bailey, and is located in the heart of Manchester city centre. 

The University provides a mix of academic and vocational learning that is customised for each student, providing them with the best tools for their University experience. It has a reputation for developing the best filmmakers, graphic designers and illustrators from its wide selection of arts courses. 

The University provides a wealth of knowledge surrounding employment after graduation and sets up various careers fairs, industry networking events and guest speakers from appropriate industries to provide advice and guidance on landing your dream job. If you decide to study at Manchester Metropolitan, you can expect to receive a lifetime digital career service that’s offered by the institution.

With industry links to brands such as Nike, Hilton and DHL, it’s a fantastic University to kickstart experience and knowledge in your future career.

University of Salford

The University of Salford was established in 1967 as a public, non-profit university that has a selective admissions process based on students’ academic past and subject grades. The main University campus is located around 2 miles from the city centre and is made up of several school buildings around Salford and Central Manchester.

The University has an exceptional sports reputation. The institution has over 35 different sporting clubs that range from football to frisbee – there’s something for everyone. The main campus also sits on 160 acres of greenery, providing plenty of room for outdoor sports and activities. 

The University is rich in community. The Institution is home to England’s first free public library known as the Salford Museum and Art Gallery – all situated at the University’s main campus and the site is also centred around over 50 different University societies. Through the clubs and societies, the students come together and organise various competitions, events and functions on and off campus that keep them engaged and build new relationships. 

The University’s MediaCityUK campus is right in the heart of Northern Television and film production. It’s a great location to build industry contacts and develop production skills as it’s a short distance from Dock10 studios and Coronation Street’s film lot. 

If you’re passionate about a sporting career or working on the next big TV show, the University of Salford might be the choice for you.

University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is set in the heart of Bolton town in Greater Manchester. It’s highly ranked for student satisfaction and went as far as to rank number 1 in the UK in 2017.

The University has over 11,000 students and 700 academic and professional staff. It offers an excellent working environment and many courses that appeal to students from various fields of interest. 

Located in a community town, the atmosphere is very warm and welcome. Located in between Liverpool and Manchester, it gives the students a great opportunity to explore and experience the nightlife as well as venture into more metropolitan cities.

The course approach to the University centres around vocational learning and industry-lead teaching, providing students with the best setup for the working world and providing them with important networking contacts. 

The University prides itself on building a sense of community with the Student Union which hosts social events that provide services such as student support, career advice and various sporting clubs.

If you’re looking at vocational courses and want to develop your networking skills and hands-on skillset, the University of Bolton could be the one for you.

Royal Northern College of Music

Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a world-renowned international college located in the heart of Manchester and offers a wide variety of courses that cover classical music and the arts. To apply for RNCM, you will be required to undergo the conservatoire application process which involves auditioning for your chosen course.

The college provides 3 major performance spaces as well as a fully-equipped theatre and concert hall, allowing students to experience performing to public audiences and to work alongside professional musicians and visiting artists. RNCM has a reputation for providing essential tools for student development and has been winning various education awards since 2015. 

The college provides exceptional music development with instrument lessons that allow students to develop their instrumental skills as well as social activities to develop skills outside of learning and to find like-minded students.

Are you looking at a career in the arts such as music, theatre and production? Royal Northern College of Music could be the best option for your studies in Manchester.

For further Manchester University guidance and advice, check out Manchester PC’s Complete Student Guide.