Manchester University's Student Population: How Many?

The University of Manchester is one of the largest universities in the UK, with more than 25,000 students. It is also the third-largest university in the UK by total enrolment, receiving over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year. The university offers flexible, multidisciplinary courses and transformational extracurricular activities to help students grow into leaders of tomorrow. The University of Manchester is committed to a zero-carbon future and offers a range of accommodation options located within walking or bus distance from the campus.

The University of Manchester has over 40,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the UK

The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, with over 40,000 students. It is the third-largest university in the UK by total enrolment and is considered one of the most prestigious. The university's main site is in the city centre, south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road, though it is not a campus university as it is integrated into the fabric of the city. Manchester University has three additional residential campuses: the City campus, the Fallowfield campus, and the Victoria Park campus.

The University of Manchester was formed in 2004 following the merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and the Victoria University of Manchester. The current University considers its official foundation year to be 1824, which is when the Mechanics' Institute (later UMIST) was founded. The Mechanics' Institute was established by English chemist John Dalton and Manchester businessmen and industrialists to teach workers the basic principles of science. The Victoria University of Manchester was founded in 1851 as Owens College, following a bequest from textile merchant John Owens.

The University of Manchester is one of the most popular universities in the UK, receiving over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year. It is also a major centre for research and is a member of the Russell Group of leading British research universities. The university has been informally referred to as part of a "golden diamond" of research-intensive UK institutions, along with Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London. Manchester University has attracted the most research income from UK industry out of any UK institution.

The University of Manchester has a rich history of scientific achievement, with 25 Nobel laureates among its former staff and students. This number increases to 26 when including its predecessor institutions. Notable scientists associated with the university include Ernest Rutherford, Osborne Reynolds, Niels Bohr, James Chadwick, Alan Turing, and Horace Lamb.

The university receives over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year, making it the most popular university in the UK by volume of applications

The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, and is the third-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment. It receives over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year, making it the most popular university in the UK by volume of applications.

The university's popularity is evident in the number of applications it receives annually. With over 92,000 undergraduate applications, it stands as the most sought-after higher education institution in the country. This high demand reflects the university's prestige and the diverse opportunities it offers to prospective students.

The University of Manchester has a rich history, tracing its roots to the Mechanics' Institute, founded in 1824, and the subsequent merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and the Victoria University of Manchester in 2004. This merger created a comprehensive academic institution with a strong foundation in scientific principles and innovation.

The university's main campus is located south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road, with additional residential campuses, including the City campus, Victoria Park campus, and Fallowfield campus. The university owns and operates significant cultural assets, such as the Manchester Museum, The Whitworth art gallery, and the John Rylands Library, enhancing the student experience both academically and culturally.

The University of Manchester is committed to providing a well-rounded education, encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities that promote their holistic development. With a strong focus on sustainability, the university aims for a zero-carbon future, targeting zero direct carbon emissions by 2038. This commitment to environmental responsibility adds to the university's appeal, attracting students who are passionate about making a positive impact.

The university's reputation for world-class research and outstanding teaching is further bolstered by its ranking in the Complete University Guide. Ranked 22nd in the UK in 2025, the university emphasises the importance of research with international impact and high-quality teaching. This combination of research and teaching excellence, along with its focus on sustainability and student growth, contributes to the university's popularity and high application numbers.

The University of Manchester's popularity is also reflected in its position as one of the universities most targeted by top graduate employers. This provides students with a head start in their careers, as they are recognised for their employability and sought after by leading organisations.

In summary, the University of Manchester's high application numbers are a result of its prestigious reputation, comprehensive academic offerings, commitment to sustainability, and focus on student development. With a rich history, world-class research, and a forward-thinking approach, the university continues to be a top choice for undergraduate applicants across the UK.

Manchester University is ranked 22nd in the UK and is in the top 25 worldwide

The University of Manchester is a prestigious institution with an international reputation for research and innovation. It is currently ranked 22nd in the UK and is in the top 25 worldwide. With a rich history that dates back to 1824, the university has established itself as a leader in various fields, including the humanities, science, engineering, biology, medicine and health.

Manchester University's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its rankings. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject (WURS) for 2025, the university ranks in the top 50 globally across five subject areas: Social Sciences, Business Economics, Engineering, Arts and Humanities, and Medical and Health. It is also one of only eight UK institutions to feature in the top 100 worldwide for all 11 subject areas assessed.

In addition to its strong subject rankings, Manchester University performs well in national and global league tables. It is the third-largest university in the UK by total enrolment, attracting international students from 160 countries. The university receives over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year, making it the most popular university in the UK by application volume.

Manchester University's research capabilities are also impressive. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, the university was ranked fifth in the UK for research power and eighth for staff quality among multi-faculty institutions. It attracts the most research income from UK industry and has a strong record in securing funding from major research councils.

The university's campus reflects its commitment to excellence, with a £1 billion capital investment programme that includes beautiful heritage buildings and new developments. The campus features cultural assets such as museums, art galleries, concert venues, and the UK's biggest Students' Union, offering over 400 clubs and societies.

Manchester University's rankings, research capabilities, and campus facilities contribute to its reputation as one of the top universities in the UK and worldwide. Its high standings in various league tables and subject areas reinforce its position as a leading institution for higher education.

The university has three faculties: Biology, Medicine and Health; Science and Engineering; and Humanities

The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England. It is the third-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment, receiving over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year, and attracting international students from 160 countries. The university has more than 25,000 students and is considered one of Britain's most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

The University of Manchester has three faculties: Biology, Medicine and Health; Science and Engineering; and Humanities.

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is composed of three schools: the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Medical Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences. The faculty offers a wide range of courses and has a long history of teaching in these disciplines, dating back to the foundation of Owens College in 1851. The medical school is one of the largest in the country, training more than 400 medical students each year.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Faculty of Science and Engineering consists of the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences. The School of Engineering covers a diverse range of specialisations, including chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, among others. The School of Natural Sciences, on the other hand, encompasses departments such as chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, and earth and environmental sciences.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities is a diverse academic unit, housing four schools: the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC); the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED); the School of Social Sciences (SoSS); and the Alliance Manchester Business School. The faculty offers a broad range of programmes, including subjects such as law, economics, philosophy, sociology, history, modern languages, and education.

The University of Manchester, with its three faculties, offers a comprehensive array of academic programmes and research opportunities, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge across various disciplines.

The university has more than 25,000 students

The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, with more than 25,000 students. It is the third-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment, receiving over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year. The university is a popular choice, attracting the most applications in the country. It is also a diverse institution, attracting international students from 160 countries worldwide.

The university has a rich history, with its origins traced back to the formation of the Mechanics' Institute in 1824. The current University of Manchester was formed more recently, in 2004, through the merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and the Victoria University of Manchester. This merger brought together two institutions with a long history of collaboration, dating back a century.

The University of Manchester is committed to providing a well-rounded education for its students. It offers flexible, multidisciplinary courses and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities for their holistic development. The university is also known for its world-class research, particularly in the fields of medicine, nuclear science, and physical science.

The university's main site is centrally located in the city, with its buildings integrated into the fabric of Manchester. It has three residential campuses—the City campus, the Fallowfield campus, and the Victoria Park campus—offering a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs.

The University of Manchester is more than just a place of higher learning; it is a community that transforms its students into leaders of tomorrow. With its strong academic reputation, focus on sustainability, and commitment to society and the environment, the university is dedicated to shaping a better future.

Frequently asked questions