Manchester Metropolitan University

HISTORY

Manchester Metropolitan University (often referred to as MMU, Man Met or Manchester Met) is a public university located in Manchester, England. It was established in 1970 as Manchester Polytechnic and gained university status in 1992. Its headquarters and central campus are in the city of Manchester, and there are additional facilities in Cheshire. The university has its roots in the Manchester Mechanics’ Institution (1824) and the Manchester School of Design (1838).

Manchester Metropolitan University receives approximately 52,000 applications every year, making it the second most applied-to university in the UK after the University of Manchester. It is the fifth largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers. It is an accredited member of the Association of MBAs, a member of the University Alliance, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the North West Universities Association, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the European University Association.

The university is home to the Manchester School of Art and the Manchester School of Theatre. Together with the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University also jointly administers the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) with MSA students classified as students of both universities.

The university developed from mergers of various colleges with various specialisms, including Technology, Art and Design, i.e. Manchester Mechanics’ Institution (founded 1824) and Manchester School of Design (founded 1838). Later, Schools of Commerce (founded 1889), Education (founded 1878) and Domestic Science (founded 1880) were added along with colleges at Didsbury, Crewe, Alsager and the former Domestic and Trades College (f. 1911), latterly Hollings College.

It was granted university status as “Manchester Metropolitan University” by the Privy Council on 15 September 1992 under the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The university absorbed Crewe and Alsager College of Higher Education on 1 October 1992 and the Manchester School of Physiotherapy in 2004.

COURSES

The university was previously located on seven sites, five in Manchester (All Saints, Aytoun, Didsbury, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Hollings) and two in Cheshire (Alsager and Crewe), and has rationalised its estate, reducing the number of sites to two.

The Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Science is split between the Geoffrey Manton and Mabel Tylecote buildings. The Geoffrey Manton Building accommodates the English, History and Economic History, Information and Communications, Politics and Philosophy, and Sociology departments. The Languages departments are housed in the Mabel Tylecote Building.

The John Dalton Building, on Chester Street is the home of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It comprises four schools: the School of Healthcare Sciences, the School of Computing, Mathematics & Digital Technology, the School of Engineering, and the School of Science and The Environment. To the rear of the John Dalton Building is JD tower, housing the university’s main science laboratories including IRM, the Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health.

The Manchester School of Art on the All Saints Campus is composed of four departments: The Manchester School of Architecture (operated jointly with the University of Manchester Faculty of Humanities); Department of Art; Department of Design; Department of Media. The faculty houses the Holden Gallery which has a continuous programme of exhibitions and is open free to the public. The university has invested in improving the Manchester School of Art building granting £35 million to facilitate three changes including: a new building for the faculty, refurbishment of the workshops and renovation of the studios. In 2014 the building was nominated for the Stirling Prize.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

Check online for the most detailed course information including course requirements.

The university encourages applications from applicants returning to education and will consider alternative evidence in order to determine suitability to commence and succeed on a chosen course of study.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

They are one of the most progressive and influential modern universities in the UK, providing a broad range of degree subject areas for the professions, commerce, the arts, service industries and social sciences.

Their 2,500 academic teaching staff, professors and researchers are experienced professionals, with well-established links to ensure that what the students learn is up-to-date. They provide them with lists of essential reading, interesting articles, support materials and resources and key links to the professions and industry.

Their 2,000 professional and support staff are here to help the students get the most out of their libraries, careers service, support and counselling service, IT zones and accommodation. Their specialist technicians will provide much valued assistance in their laboratories and workshops.

They have strong vocational links with business, industry, art and science and with more than 70 professional bodies and associations to ensure the students start their career with the right support.

TEACHING STANDARDS

In the National Student Survey 2015, 85% of eligible students taught at Manchester Met agreed that they were satisfied with the overall quality of their course, with the same percentage agreeing that they were satisfied with the teaching on their course.

The university achieved a successful outcome to the QAA Institutional Audit in November 2009 and will be reviewed again in 2016. In order to enhance employability, all programmes have graduate outcomes that students must achieve throughout their studies.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Dedicated Employability Hub at the heart of the Manchester campus with an experienced team of careers advisers providing advice and guidance on many career options.

Careers website providing students with access to a wealth of information covering work experience, job applications and interviews, as well as thousands of vacancies for work experience as a student, and graduate jobs and employers.

The university hosts major careers fairs for students to meet employers on campus from a wide range of industries.

Their academic and professional staff maintain links in multiple industries and professions to create work opportunities for placements, internships and graduate roles.

Their graduates can receive specialist careers support and advice for up to three years after graduation.