University of Greater Manchester

Overview

The University of Greater Manchester was initially founded in 1824 as the Bolton Mechanics Institute, before going through a number of changes and eventually being given degree-awarding powers in 1990, and the title University of Bolton in 2005.

Over 30 University of Greater Manchester courses are professionally accredited, including by the British Psychological Society and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Bolton is also a leading UK institution when catering for students with disabilities of all kinds.

The university offers some of the lowest fees in the country for students wishing to study at the University, even after all forms of financial support are taken into consideration. It also recently opened a small campus in the UAE, continuing its commitment to international expansion. Its student population is one of the most ethnically diverse in the UK, with around 25 per cent coming from minority communities.

Services for International Students

A meet and greet service is operated at Manchester Airport for new arrivals at the University of Greater Manchester, while a dedicated Student Support Team also offer free advice once enrolled on finances, accommodation and health.

Ranking

• 119th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 32nd in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Almost half (48%) of the research publications from the Allied Health Professions, including nursing, were rated as “internationally excellent”, or “internationally recognised”, by the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). In Engineering, almost 20% of research publications were rated as “world-leading” and almost a further 40% as “internationally excellent”.

Accommodation

The University of Greater Manchester has two Halls of Residence, providing 700 single study bedrooms on a self-catered basis. The weekly rent is among the lowest rates in the country, and includes heating, water, electricity and internet. A range of accommodation options is also available in the city, and the University can assist students in finding the right place to live.

Location

Bolton is one of the UK's largest towns and has a rich cultural and industrial history. The West Pennine moors area is only 2.5 miles from campus and offers some of the most scenic views in the country. Liverpool and Manchester are both a short train ride away. The University of Greater Manchester is served by Manchester Airport, which runs a direct train service.