University of Greater Manchester

Overview

The University of Greater Manchester's history dates back to 1825 when it was founded as a Mechanics’ Institute. The university continues to offer degrees with a strong vocational focus and prides itself on its applied research profile. 

The Complete University Guide’s 2024 UK league tables ranks Bolton in the top 10 for Student Satisfaction. It’s also one of the most diverse student populations in the country, and offers a friendly, welcoming environment. 

Located near Manchester, Bolton offers students easy access to one of the UK’s biggest cities, while also providing easy access to the countryside. The town of Bolton itself has a lot of history and culture to offer, with a range of museums and galleries as well as the historic architecture. 

The town also has a lot of contemporary entertainment on offer, with a wide range of cinema, theatres and recreational activities. There’s also a wide range of cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs for students to really get involved in the student lifestyle. 

Bolton rail and coach stations are both a short walk from the campus, and the town can be accessed by the M60 and M61. As it’s close to Manchester, it’s also only a half an hour drive from Manchester airport, making international travel straightforward. 

The University of Greater Manchester keeps class sizes small to ensure all students get the support and attention they need in class. Many of their courses are professionally accredited, and they offer students learning in modern, industry-standard facilities. 

Many undergraduate courses can be studied on a part-time basis at Bolton, and most of these courses will take four and a half years to complete. A normal undergraduate degree will typically take three years to complete. Some courses have the opportunity to complete a foundation year prior to starting the main degree program, to allow students who might not meet the typical offer criteria to access Higher Education. These degrees typically take four years. You can also extend your degree by adding a year of industrial placement, or a year abroad. These options are dependent on the course you’re studying. 

The university also offers some other types of courses, including foundation degrees and degree apprenticeships. Foundation degrees are two-year courses, equivalent to the first two years of study of a bachelors degree, and you’ll be able to take a year-long top-up course after completing it to get a bachelors. Degree apprenticeships offer workplace-based experience alongside classroom learning and lead to a bachelors qualification. 

Most undergraduate courses at the University of Greater Manchester require between 96 and 112 UCAS points. Most foundation year courses require 48 UCAS points. We’ve provided a selection of courses with entry requirements in more detail. 

For BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, you’ll need 112 UCAS points, and five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and maths. 

For BA Accounting, you’ll need 104 UCAS points as well as five GCSEs including maths and English at grade C/4 or above. 

BSc Computing require 96 UCAS points, with a preference for those with relevant STEM or computing A-levels or Level 3 qualifications. You should also have five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and maths. 

BA English also requires 96 UCAS points, and the university gives preference to applicants with experience of English language and/or literature at Level 3. You’ll also need 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English and maths. 

All entry requirements are subject to change, and the listed requirements are typical offers only, and intended as a guide. You can reach out to the uni’s admissions team with any questions. 

The University of Greater Manchester only has one approved hall of residence, Orlando Village. It has over 350 bedrooms, which are all self-catering. If you choose to live here, you’ll be just a 10 minute walk from the university, and it’s close to bus and rail links. 

Flats are arranged in groups of six, and rooms are graded either bronze or silver. Silver rooms feature a three-quarter double bed and are recently refurbished. All rooms have a washbasin, desk, wardrobe and shelving. All your bills including wifi are covered by your rent payments, and you’ll have a shared bathroom and kitchen in each flat. 

Orlando Village also has on-site laundry, as well as some parking spaces. You’ll also benefit from 24/7 security and a common room with TV and pool table to socialise with residents from other flats. 

If Orlando Village isn’t for you, there are plenty of opportunities to rent privately in the town. The Students Union and Student Service Staff can look over any accommodation contracts you’re given before you sign on to them and give advice. More advice on renting privately can be found on the uni’s private accommodation page. 

The careers service at the University of Greater Manchester can help you plan your career and prepare to apply and interview for your dream role. You can find online support on topics including CV writing, cover letter writing, application forms, psychometric tests and interview practice. 

As well as online, on-demand advice, you can participate in a wide range of on-campus activities and opportunities to develop your employability skills. 

The university offers the Bolton Award, which is a flexible employability program open to all students at any level. You’ll need to complete 35 hours of employability activity, which could be part-time work, volunteering, or participation in Student Union Societies. You’ll also need to have a meeting with a career adviser, attend five employability workshops and finally write a CV and reflective statement, and participate in a mock interview. 

Graduates can also access much of the same support available to students through the Student Hub. As a graduate, you’ll be able to book appointments with the careers advisers and attend events and workshops offered by the university. 

The University of Greater Manchester has a range of scholarships and bursaries available for full-time undergraduate Home students. These awards are additional to the government support you’re entitled to. 

Which awards are available are subject to change, so its best to check the university’s website for the most up-to-date information on availability and eligibility. 

Currently, scholarships and bursaries are available to students on the following courses or who meet the following criteria: engineering students, ex-service personnel, students from partner colleges, care-experienced students and students from low-income households or medium-income households. 

There are also funding packages available for students training to be teachers. Additional nationwide support is also available for disabled students, student parents, and students who have adult dependents. 

More information on national awards and the University of Bolton’s awards can be found on the ‘fees and funding’ section of the uni’s website.