List of Top Universities in Manchester UK in 2025

Why Study in Manchester?

Studying at universities in Manchester is more than just being a part of an amazing university experience with vibrant student life. It is also about getting the best education in a city which is the centre of top industries like technology, finance, media, and healthcare.

The city of Manchester is not only famous for its music venues and art galleries, but it is also popular for being one of the most preferred study abroad destinations in the UK. In addition to this, Manchester universities also have one of the best graduate employment rates, with 95% students of Manchester Metropolitan University finding jobs within 6 months of their graduation.

Here are a few more reasons why you should study in Manchester in 2025:

1. It is home to top-ranked institutes like The University of Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan University that are regarded highly both nationally and globally.
2. Most colleges help students gain practical experience by providing placements and internships.
3. Manchester is also highly affordable compared to other cities in the UK.

List of Top Universities in Manchester

If we do not count specialised institutes like BIMM Institute and University Academy 92, which also offer degree programs. The five main universities in Manchester UK include:

1. The University of Manchester

The first and most popular institute is the University of Manchester. It is highly regarded around the world for its pioneering research, mainly for splitting the atom, developing the first stored-program computer, and pioneering work in economics.

In addition to this, the university also has a large international student body and alumni network, which spans across 190 countries. But what makes this institute stand out from the rest is that it has around 25 Nobel Prize winners who have been associated with it as staff or students.

• Average Tuition Fees: From £20,000 to £59,500 per year for international students depending on the course and program level.
• Ranking: 34th globally and 6th in the UK as per the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Top Courses: Business and Management, Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, and Aerospace), Life Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy), and Arts and Humanities.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University

Another one of the top universities in Manchester for international students is the Manchester Metropolitan University. MMU is known for having a strong reputation in areas like art and design, business and management, and education.

But, what it is highly known for is its triple-accredited business school. The MNU’s Business School is one of the few institutes globally that hold the triple accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB. Lastly, around 30% of its research is rated as world-leading in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

• Average Tuition Fees: From £18,500 to £22,500 per year for international students.
• Ranking: #667 in Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report and 46th in UK rankings by The Times University Guide.
• Top Courses: Business (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management), Architecture, and Art and Design (fashion, graphic design, and fine art).

3. University of Salford

The next on our list of universities in Manchester city is the University of Salford, which has strong industry links. These links play a big role in providing the students with a practical and career-focused education.

The University of Salford is also known for boasting modern facilities that include specialised labs and research centres. What’s more? The university also provides tailored support services, including academic advising, career guidance, and mental health resources.

• Average Tuition Fees: Anywhere between £14,400 and £20,340, depending on the specific course and level of study.
• Ranking: The University of Salford is ranked between 801st and 1000th globally by Times Higher Education (THE). And in the 901-950 band by the QS World University Rankings.
• Top Courses: Animation, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, and Accounting & Finance.

4. Royal Northern College of Music

The Royal Northern College of Music is another one of the top universities in Manchester, which is perfect for anyone planning to study music in this city. RNCM is highly renowned for its high-quality musical education and performance training, particularly within the classical and popular music areas.

Students here also get some of the best performance opportunities which include solo recitals, chamber music concerts, orchestral projects, and opera productions. And Research Excellence Framework (REF) also rated the RNCM as the UK's leading music college for research.

• Average Tuition Fees: The international undergraduate tuition fees typically range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year.
• Ranking: The RNCM is top universities in Manchester citywhich is ranked #5 in the world for Music and within the top 10 for Performing Arts.
• Top Courses: Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus Hons), the Master of Music (MMus), the Master of Performance (MPerf), and the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies.

5. University of Bolton

The last on our list of universities in Manchester UK is the University of Bolton which is perfect for students who are looking for a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The University of Bolton also has a major focus on employability and modern facilities, and has been awarded the silver Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) award.

In addition to this, most graduates also find employment within six months of graduation which shows he university's success in preparing students for their chosen careers.

• Average Tuition Fees: From £15,950 to £25,300 per year, depending on the course.
• Ranking: 30th in the UK as per the 2024 Guardian University Guide.
• Top Courses: Nursing, Civil Engineering, and other Business-Related Programs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a University

With so many highly ranked universities in Manchester, choosing one that best suits your academic goal can get tough. This is especially true if you are an international student who has little knowledge about studying in a new place like Manchester. But don’t worry, here are a few factors that you can consider while choosing between Manchester universities. Read on:

1. Course: Mainly and primarily, look for the course available at these institutes and check if they align with your interests and career aspirations. Compare things like course structure, assessment methods, and potential for specialisations or electives.
2. Teaching Standards & Research: Consider things like a University’s reputation when it comes to teaching quality and research activity.
3. Student Halls & Facilities: Check the kind of student accommodation in Manchester that is available at your preferred university and if it has libraries, labs, and sports facilities.
4. Student Support Services: Studying abroad can get lonely because you have to navigate everything on your own. So check the university's academic support, mental health services, and other support which can make your stay pleasant.
5. Cost of Living: Make sure that you consider the cost of living there by adding tuition fees, living expenses, and the cost of student accommodation near Manchester University as living abroad can be expensive.

Tips for International Students in Manchester

Studying in a place like Manchester is more than just amazing universities and vibrant student life. It also comes with struggles that you might not even know exist, especially if you are an international student. To help you make your experience at colleges in Manchester as good as possible, here are a few tips:

1. Take help from Career Services: Many universities in Manchester UKoffer career services that can help you find great work opportunities, gain experience, and even build your professional network.
2. Join Student Societies and Groups: To make your stay less overwhelming, connect with like-minded people by joining student societies and groups.
3. Create a Budget: Living abroad can be expensive, so try to plan your budget and allocate funds for all Uni essentials along with both recreation and necessities.
4. Shop smart: Try to shop from budget-friendly supermarkets like Morrisons, Lidl, or Aldi, and consider shopping at closing times for reduced items.
5. Follow a Moving Abroad Checklist: Before you arrive at Manchester, make sure that you follow a moving abroad checklist. This will help you sort out important things like accommodation, documents, healthcare registration, and phone plans.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing the right Universities in Manchester UK can not only shape your academic and career journey, but can also give you a chance to build strong industry links. And if you are confused about which one is perfect for you, you can consider things like your goals, budget, and support needs. Also, do not forget to explore reliable options for student accommodation in UK at GraddingHomes.com to ensure a comfortable and convenient living experience during your studies.

FAQs

1. How Many Universities are there in Manchester?

There are five universities in Manchester. These include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, the University of Bolton, and the Royal Northern College of Music.

2. Is Manchester a good city for students?

Yes, Manchester is considered a great city for students because it is home to universities like The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. It also offers great student culture and is comparably more affordable than other universities in the UK.

3. What types of courses can I study in Manchester?

There is a wide range of courses across various disciplines that you can study in Manchester. You can go for both PG and UG courses in top fields like business, engineering, computer science, medicine, law, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

4. Are there good student accommodation options in Manchester?

Yes, Manchester has some great student accommodation options which include both university-owned halls and private student housing options. You can choose from various options that include en-suite rooms, studios, or shared flats, depending on your preferences and budget.

5. Can international students study in Manchester?

Yes, Manchester is a popular study abroad destination in the UK and welcomes students from around the world. The universities in Manchester also offer dedicated services, English language assistance, and a wide range of courses suitable for international qualifications.