Manchester Metropolitan University
One of the UK's largest universities, in central Manchester, strong in art, design, fashion, business and drama.
- Students
- 33,935
- International
- 22%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 18.1:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- £20,000
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1970
About Manchester Met
Manchester Metropolitan University dates its roots to the Manchester Mechanics' Institute of 1824 and the Manchester School of Design of 1838. Manchester Polytechnic was created in 1970 by merging the College of Art and Design, the College of Commerce and the John Dalton College of Technology, and it became Manchester Metropolitan University in 1992. Today it has around 44,000 students from more than 100 countries, making it one of the UK's largest student communities.
Teaching is organised into four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, Health and Education, and Science and Engineering. Well-known parts of the university include the Manchester School of Art, the Manchester Fashion Institute, the Manchester School of Theatre, the Manchester Writing School and a triple-accredited Business School. Architecture is taught through the Manchester School of Architecture, run jointly with the University of Manchester.
Manchester Met holds TEF Gold (2023) and was named Modern University of the Year 2027 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the second year running. Typical offers of around 104-120 UCAS points (for example BBB for Law, Psychology and Computer Science) make it a realistic choice for students who want a big city-centre campus, creative and professional courses, and optional placement years.
Many Arts, Many Skills
University motto
Why students choose Manchester Met
Creative subjects are taught in the Manchester School of Art, whose past students include L. S. Lowry, Thomas Heatherwick and Peter Saville.
BA Architecture students join the Manchester School of Architecture, shared with the University of Manchester, and graduate with RIBA Part 1.
Many degrees, including Law, Psychology and Computer Science, offer an optional placement year or a year studying abroad.
It was named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year for Scholarships and Bursaries 2027, and its First Generation Scholarship Programme has supported more than 1,000 students.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
Manchester Met does not publish an overall offer rate. It says meeting the typical entry requirements does not guarantee an offer: it also considers predicted grades, the reference, the personal statement and relevant experience, and some courses use auditions, interviews or portfolios.
Typical entry requirements
| A-levels / UCAS tariff | Course-specific, e.g. 120 UCAS points / BBB with a relevant subject for Law LLB and Psychology BSc; BBB with a B in IT, Computer Science, Mathematics or a science for Computer Science BSc; BCC-BBC (104-112 points) plus a portfolio for Fashion BA; AAA plus a portfolio for Architecture BA |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | 30 points or 120 tariff points from three HL subjects (Law, Psychology; Computer Science with HL5 in IT, Computing, Mathematics or a science); 26 points (Fashion); 36 points with 6,6,6 at HL (Architecture) |
| BTEC | DDM National Extended Diploma for Law (Applied Law or Business (Law) only) and Psychology; DDD in IT or Computing for Computer Science; DMM for Fashion |
| English language | IELTS 6 Set by course: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 for Psychology, Computer Science and Fashion; 6.5 with no element below 5.5 for Law; 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no component below 6.0 for Architecture. |
Deadlines
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
Deadline for equal consideration for September 2027 entry.
- UCAS last date before Clearing Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027, 18:00 UK time
Applications received after this are entered into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2027; places depend on availability.
UCAS dates for 2027 entry. Manchester Met's undergraduate pages note that you may be able to apply after the January deadline if places remain.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS (institution code M40) with a personal statement answering UCAS's three questions and a reference. International students can also apply through an approved education agent or via the Manchester Metropolitan University International College pathway. International applicants who accept an offer pay a £5,000 tuition fee deposit to receive a CAS.
What admissions looks for
- Achieved or predicted grades at the typical offer, with any required subjects, such as a relevant A-level for Law or a computing, maths or science subject for Computer Science.
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above where required.
- A personal statement that explains why you want the course, how your studies prepared you and what you have done outside education.
- For creative and design courses such as Architecture and Fashion, a portfolio of your work.
Tips for applying to Manchester Met
- 1 Switch course pages to the September 2027 start date: entry requirements and fees differ by year, and 2027/28 overseas fees were still marked 'to be confirmed' in September 2026.
- 2 For Architecture, remember the offer is AAA or IB 36 and that three arts-based A-levels will not be considered; a mix of science or maths with arts or humanities is preferred.
- 3 If you are from the North West and the first in your family to go to university, look at the First Generation Scholarship Programme (a £1,500 bursary plus £500 for employability).
- 4 International undergraduates were automatically assessed for a £2,000-a-year scholarship for September 2026 entry; check the scholarships page for the 2027 version.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
International undergraduates starting in September 2026 were automatically considered for a £2,000-a-year scholarship, and Vice-Chancellor's International Regional Scholarships target exceptional applicants from selected regions. UK students can apply to the University Success Fund (£200 to £1,500 a year if eligible), sports scholarships and, for students from the North West who are first in their family at university, the First Generation Scholarship Programme.
- £2,000 for each year of the degree
- International undergraduate scholarship (September 2026 entry)
- £200 to £1,500 a year for eligible students
- University Success Fund
- £1,500 bursary plus £500 for employability; over 1,000 awarded
- First Generation Scholarship
Academics
Academic calendar: Academic year starting in September; courses are credit-based (120 credits a year)
Architecture (BA)
Taught in the Manchester School of Architecture with the University of Manchester; RIBA Part 1 validated; AAA or IB 36 plus a portfolio.
Fashion (BA)
Part of the Manchester Fashion Institute, with a portfolio-based application and an optional placement year or study abroad.
Law (LLB)
A moot court room, links to firms such as Eversheds, DWF and Addleshaw Goddard, and an optional placement or overseas year.
Computer Science (BSc)
Taught in the £115 million Dalton building, with a four-year route that includes an industry placement.
Psychology (BSc)
Offers a study year at partner universities in countries including Spain, Italy, the USA, Canada and Australia, or a placement year.
Acting and drama (Manchester School of Theatre)
The drama school where Julie Walters and Steve Coogan trained.
Research
- In REF 2021, 90% of Manchester Met's research impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
- The Institute for Children's Futures and the Institute of Sport are university-wide research institutes.
- Manchester Met was ranked the UK's most sustainable university in the People and Planet University League 2025/26, for a fourth time.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Business and Law
- Faculty of Health and Education
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
87.6% of UK-domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes survey, 2022/23 leavers, HESA data).
Student life
Manchester Met's main campus is in the centre of Manchester, around All Saints and Oxford Road, and the university reports investing £400 million in its campus between 2015 and 2025. The Students' Union sits next to the Salutation, one of Manchester's oldest pubs, with a shop, cafe and bar. Nearly half of students are the first in their family at university, and the student body of around 44,000 comes from more than 100 countries. Sports facilities cater for beginners through to elite athletes.
- The Manchester School of Art building on Cavendish Street is one of the campus landmarks.
- The Manchester Student Society of Architecture is described as the largest of its kind in the UK.
- Rise at Manchester Met lets students earn extra academic credit through projects, volunteering and internships.
- Manchester is ranked in the UK's top five student cities in the QS Best Student Cities 2027.
Housing. Full-time first-year undergraduates who make Manchester Met their firm choice (and international first-years) are guaranteed a room with the university or its approved partners if they book and pay the rental pre-payment by the 31 August deadline.
Location
Manchester is a large city in north-west England with a major music, sport and creative scene and good rail links to the rest of the UK. The campus is in the city centre, so most students live in halls or private housing within walking distance or a short bus or tram ride. The university suggests budgeting at least £170 a month for food and household items, plus rent.
Nearest airport: Manchester Airport (MAN)
Notable alumni
- JW Julie WaltersActress; studied acting at the Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre
- SC Steve CooganActor, comedian and producer (Alan Partridge); trained at the Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama
- LS L. S. LowryPainter of industrial northern scenes; studied at the Manchester School of Art from 1905
- TH Thomas HeatherwickDesigner; studied three-dimensional design at Manchester Polytechnic
- PS Peter SavilleGraphic designer of Factory Records sleeves; studied graphic design at Manchester Polytechnic
- NR Nick ReadFormer CEO of Vodafone Group; BA Accounting and Finance, 1986
- KC Kadeena CoxParalympic champion in athletics and cycling; studied physiotherapy
- JB John BishopComedian and presenter; BA in Social Science from Manchester Polytechnic
Frequently asked questions
What grades do you need for Manchester Met?
It depends on the course: typical offers for 2027 entry include 120 UCAS points (BBB) for Law, Psychology and Computer Science, 104-112 points for Fashion and AAA for Architecture.
What is Manchester Met's acceptance rate?
Manchester Met does not publish an overall offer rate. Meeting the typical offer does not guarantee a place, as it also looks at your reference, personal statement and, for some courses, a portfolio, audition or interview.
How much does Manchester Met cost for international students?
For 2026/27, international undergraduate fees ranged from £20,000 to £21,500 a year for most courses, with Architecture at £32,000. 2027/28 fees had not been confirmed yet, and fees normally stay the same for each year of the degree.
When is the Manchester Met application deadline for 2027 entry?
Apply through UCAS by 13 January 2027 for equal consideration. Applications up to 30 June 2027 may be considered if places remain; after that they go into Clearing.
Does Manchester Met guarantee accommodation?
Yes, for full-time first-year undergraduates who make it their firm choice (and international first-years) and who book and pay the rental pre-payment by the 31 August deadline.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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