University of Greater Manchester

The University of Greater Manchester adopted its current name in 2024, having previously been known as the University of Bolton. Its history goes back to the Bolton Mechanics' Institute of 1824, and the institution developed through a technical school and technical college into the Bolton Institute of Higher Education before being awarded university status in the mid-2000s. The university is based on a compact town centre campus on Deane Road in Bolton and forms part of a wider education group that includes Bolton College and the University Collegiate School.

The university describes itself as teaching-intensive and research-informed, with around 11,000 students across its programmes. Subjects include engineering, computing, health, nursing, psychology, education, business, the built environment and the creative arts. More than 30 courses carry professional accreditation from bodies such as the British Psychological Society and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and a high proportion of academic staff hold doctorates. Teaching follows an approach the university calls the Greater Manchester Way, which uses block teaching on many programmes. Facilities include Bolton One, a sports, health and research complex with a swimming pool, climbing wall and gym.

Information for International Students

The University of Greater Manchester accepts international applications directly and through a network of regional representatives, and it maintains branch offices for Africa and for the Middle East and Central Asia. The international admissions team guides applicants through each stage of the process, including the issue of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), Student visa support and enrolment.

The typical English language requirement for undergraduate programmes is IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, while postgraduate courses typically require between IELTS 6.0 and 7.0 depending on the subject. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and the Imperial English test are among the accepted alternatives. Students who need to improve their English can take a ten-week pre-sessional English course before their degree, and many undergraduate subjects are also offered with an integrated foundation year.

Orlando Village, the university's preferred hall of residence, provides self-catering rooms around ten minutes' walk from campus and is popular with international students. Private housing advice is available through the Students' Union. The campus community is described as small and friendly, and an International Society, a multi-faith chaplaincy and wide sports provision help new students settle into life in Bolton.