Manchester Metropolitan University

About Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) is one of the largest universities in the UK, home to a diverse community of over 5,000 international students from over 120 different countries. Located in the city centre, the campus is conveniently located close to Manchester’s world-renowned music, sports and cultural venues.

Manchester Met is known for its quality of teaching, having received an overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). It is also known for its outstanding research, 90 percent of which is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014-2021). Since 2015, more than GBP 400m has been invested into developing teaching facilities, outdoor spaces and infrastructure to create a modern and advanced learning environment.

The university and its professors maintain links across industry and academia, to create work opportunities through placements, internships and graduate roles. Throughout the year, students are able to attend numerous careers fairs and meet potential future employers.

International students are supported throughout their application journey by Manchester Met’s knowledgeable and friendly International Office. This team delivers regular online events and is on hand to help with queries that students have prior to leaving their home countries.

Once international students arrive at Manchester Met, further bespoke support includes extra assistance with immigration, careers, finances, wellbeing and learning, such as English language classes, as well as help from the academic and study skills team. The student hub offers an information service on all student-related matters, with the team able to refer students for further specialist support.

Manchester offers a valuable study experience with plenty of culture, history and character. The city ranks in the top five student cities in the UK (QS Best Student Cities, 2026) and seventh in England for student experience (National Student Survey, 2025). 

Study options

Manchester Met offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses from its city-centre campus. All programmes are enriched by the university’s extensive research activities, and many have been developed with businesses and industry professionals with a focus on employability.

Other study options

There are several routes for students who do not have the entry requirements for direct entry on to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.

Foundation courses provide students with the level of knowledge needed to secure a place at the university. Students can also opt to take preparation courses that lead to the second year of undergraduate courses and to postgraduate programmes.  

Pre-sessional English courses and English language support is available at a cost for international students who do not meet the English language requirements of their degree course. The intensive programmes prepare students for study in the UK and are available at various start dates throughout the year.  

Collaborative teaching partnerships are also available. Through these, Manchester Met works with local partners around the globe to deliver:

• Overseas degree programmes
• Student exchange agreements
• International research collaborations 

How to apply

International students wishing to apply to Manchester Met are encouraged to read the university’s general application guidelines. There is also a specific application guide for international students.

Undergraduate application (foundation year and bachelor's study)   

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a centralised organisation responsible for managing university applications in the UK. UCAS is offered through schools, colleges or British Council Offices if they are a registered UCAS centre. Students can also make an independent application.

Students should follow the steps below:   

• Apply through UCAS (Manchester Metropolitan University’s institution code is ‘M40’)
• Accept the offer
• Meet the offer conditions
• Pay the deposit
• Request a CAS
• Apply for a student visa  

Postgraduate taught application (Masters)

Students can apply online for most postgraduate taught courses. Students should follow the steps below:  

• Follow the ‘How to Apply’ link from the course page and apply through the university’s Online Application Service
• Accept the offer   
• Meet the offer conditions   
• Pay the deposit  
• Request a CAS   
• Apply for a student visa  

Postgraduate Research application (PhD)

This advice focuses on submitting a proposal for a research project:

• Choose a research subject area
• Check the eligibility criteria
• Discuss the proposal with a potential academic supervisor - contacts are listed in the research subject area pages on the university website
• Develop a proposal with the support of a proposed supervisory team
• Submit the proposal, along with any necessary supporting documents using the university’s research degree application form

After submitting a successful application, students should follow the steps below:

• Accept the offer   
• Meet the offer conditions   
• Pay the deposit   
• Request a CAS   
• Apply for a student visa  

Graduate outcomes

Manchester Met has over 350,000 alumni in over 170 countries. The university’s professionally relevant qualifications have a firm focus on industry experience and future employability, in subject areas directly related to what employers really need. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), the panel noted the outstanding quality of the ‘highly effective enhancement of employment prospects’ offered by the university.

Manchester Metropolitan University has excellent industry links with numerous global organisations.    All programmes at the university have been developed with a focus on employability by working in close partnership with business and industry professionals. Many courses include the option of a work placement or internship.

Extensive careers support is offered through the university’s dedicated careers service. In addition to bespoke support, this service puts on regular careers fairs and events for students to improve their employability such as workshops, networking events with industry partners and inspirational guest speakers. Students benefit from lifelong access to a digital careers service after they graduate.

What’s New

Rankings and accolades

Manchester Met continues to uphold its position as a leading modern university in the UK. Recent rankings and accolades include:

• Modern University of the Year 2026 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide)
• 7^th overall in England for student experience (National Student Survey, 2025)
• 131^st place globally in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings (2024)
• Top 40 overall in the UK (Guardian University Guide, and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)
• Top 10 UK university for tourism, travel, and heritage studies; information technology and systems; American studies; and creative writing (Complete University Guide, 2026)

Campus developments

Manchester Met invests heavily in its campuses and course provision, ensuring students have access to top-quality facilities and resources. Current developments include:

• A GBP 390 million development of the university’s Cambridge halls of residence, to develop more than 2,000 new rooms to cater for all budgets and living preferences.
• A full renovation of Manchester Metropolitan Library, replacing the existing library with a purpose-built facility, digitally enhanced and mindfully designed to support and encourage individual and collaborative study, research and innovation.