The University of Manchester grew from its humble beginnings as Owens College in 1851 to become the first of the UK's great civic universities. As a full-range university it now has courses covering almost every subject, and has more than 18,000 full-time students, including 2,500 international students, from over 120 countries.

The University of Manchester grew from its humble beginnings as Owens College in 1851 to become the first of the UK's great civic universities. As a full-range university it now has courses covering almost every subject, and has more than 18,000 full-time students, including 2,500 international students, from over 120 countries.

The University of Manchester has a proud tradition of innovation and excellence which continues today. Some of the key scientific developments of the century have taken place here. Rutherford conducted the research which led to the splitting of the atom in Manchester and it is nearly 50 years since the first modern computer was built here.

The University is still at the forefront of new discovery and continues to attract substantial grants from the Government, Europe and major international companies to carry out pioneering research in the sciences, medicine, social sciences and the arts. In the Government's latest Research Assessment Exercise 18 subjects across all the major academic areas received the top 5 or 5* rating, re-affirming the University's national and international research excellence. Manchester is in the very top bracket of the UK's 100 universities, and in the words of The Guardian newspaper, Manchester have "a guarantee of a place in any university super league still to be devised."

Facilities

Study Facilities:
Studying at Manchester, you will benefit from extensive learning and teaching resources. Most departments set aside work and social space specifically for research students, and you will also have access to departmental computing facilities for teaching and individual use. Other key facilities for postgraduate students are organised on a University-wide basis.

Manchester Computing:
Manchester Computing, has an international reputation for its computing services. As Europe's premier University computer service, it provides and supports the entire computing infrastructure, to enable you to undertake your postgraduate study and research.

The campus-wide network, including both commercial and University Halls of Residence, provides the backbone of its service, with high-speed access, not only to University information, but also to national and international networks.

All students have unlimited access to email and the Internet. With more than 6,000 PCs distributed across campus, including libraries and Halls of Residence, there is no difficulty in global communication and research; and for the really enthusiastic, some of the facilities are available 24 hours a day. A wealth of application software is available for use on these machines including word processing and sophisticated search facilities of library resources, through to a range of specialist applications, for example abacus for engineering.

For those with demanding computer requirements, there are a number of specialist facilities, the flagship being the local visualization supercomputer, which is used for compute intensive and data intensive tasks. This multi processor computer has a number of graphics subs systems, which feed a 5m wide screen, and also distributes the graphics output around campus. All of these are available for use by postgraduate students.

Perhaps more important than this range of equipment is access to the world-class support staff at Manchester Computing.

John Rylands University Library:

As a postgraduate student it is vital to have access to the best possible information resources. The John Rylands University Library Manchester (JRULM) is one of the best providers in the UK.
With over 3.5 million printed books, and more than one million manuscripts and archival items, it has the third largest printed collection of any university library in the UK. The Library's printed collections range from manuscripts dating from the third millennium BC in the world-famous John Rylands Library on Deansgate, to comprehensive collections of printed research monographs and current journals held at the Main Library on campus.
Equally importantly, the Library is a leading provider of the most advanced electronic information resources. These resources are distributed electronically across the university campus and beyond, giving you the opportunity to access an enormous range of datasets and reference works as well as over 12,000 electronic journals.

The Main Library on campus has nearly 300 computers in public clusters, training rooms and the Muriel Stott Graduate Research Centre. Many of the JRULM staff members are subject specialists with research degrees ranging from Chemistry to Theology, and are highly experienced in handling reference and information enquiries. They also provide initial and refresher library and information skills courses for all postgraduate students.

The Library has extensive collections of maps, microforms, British and foreign newspapers, theses, reports, videos, standards, official publications, statistics, reference works and archives. It operates effective inter-library loans, document supply and distance-learning services to meet your needs as a postgraduate student.

On the sporting front, the University's facilities are excellent, catering for most sports. There are two, large indoor sports centres, and two, large, outdoor sports grounds with pitches for rugby, soccer, hockey and lacrosse, tennis courts and an athletics track, in addition to a host of sports clubs organised by the Athletic Union.

"Sophisticated but homely, cosmopolitan but northern, you cannot deny Manchester's buzz or its unparalleled music and club scene." Education Guardian

Manchester is an incredible place to live and study. No other city offers students so much in terms of nightlife, culture or attractions.

The University of Manchester is at the heart of a dynamic and expanding city that attracts an increasing number of students, visitors and businesses every year.

Over the past decade, Manchester has emerged as a northern hub of commerce, enterprise and research. Around the city, modern developments housing Manchester's economic and cultural bright young things stand side by side with imposing 18th and 19th century buildings - a reminder of Manchester's rich tradition of industry, growth and innovation.

Particularly agenda-setting and diverse is Manchester's unique culture and lifestyle. The city has award-winning museums and galleries, such as Urbis, City Art Gallery and the University's Manchester Museum. It offers an impressive mix of nightlife, entertainment and eating out, complimented by a European-style café culture. Shopping has reached new heights, with everything from independent boutiques and specialist markets to high street chains and exclusive designer stores, all within easy reach.

Manchester has also developed excellent sports facilities, used for international-level competitions, as witnessed by the 2002 Commonwealth Games - the largest and most successful multi-sporting event ever held in the UK. The University's own sports facilities include the Aquatics Centre, which was purpose-built for the Games.

Accommodation

The University of Manchester prides itself on being a truly international university. Over 2,000 students from more than 150 countries undertake postgraduate study at the University every year (representing 35% of the total postgraduate population) helping to create a rich and cosmopolitan environment. As one of the UK's leading universities you can also be assured that a postgraduate degree from The University of Manchester will be one that is recognized globally. During your time as an international student here you will be a valued member of the University community, studying alongside academic members of staff who are leading experts in their field. You will also be guaranteed a warm welcome and the opportunity to meet, work and socialize with people from all parts of the UK and overseas.

Accommodation Issues

Manchester provide information and advice to students who are trying to find suitable accommodation while they are here in Manchester. A large proportion of students live in single study-bedrooms in University owned accommodation while other students, especially those accompanied by their families live in private sector accommodation. Occasionally, students experience difficulties in their accommodation and Manchester staff can try to help sort things out.

There is a wide range of accommodation available to The University of Manchester's students and a comprehensive accommodation service is available to all students throughout their stay through the Accommodation Office

The Accommodation Office is able to guarantee a place in University accommodation for the following students:

• New full-time undergraduate students including international students who are coming to the University alone and who are studying for their first degree and who have submitted an application for accommodation by 31 August and have firmly accepted an unconditional offer of a place by then.

• International undergraduate students paying the overseas rate of fees are guaranteed one additional year in university accommodation provided that their application for a second year in residence is received by 28 February.

• Visiting and exchange students studying in Manchester for one academic session who have submitted an application form by 31 July.

• New full-time overseas graduate students who have not previously studied in the United Kingdom and who are coming to Manchester alone. The 31 August deadline for receipt of the application form and definite offer of a place also applies.