The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester, in its present form, was created in 2004 by the amalgamation of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST).

After 100 hundred years of working closely together, both institutions agreed to form a single university, and on 22 October 2004, they officially combined to form the largest single-site university in the UK.

More information about our history can be found on our website with further information about individual rich histories of our Faculties and Schools available here.

The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage, with 26 Nobel laureates among our current and former staff and students.

Manchester was the birthplace of the nuclear age, when Ernest Rutherford’s pioneering research led to the splitting of the atom. The computer revolution started here in June 1948 when a machine built by Tom Kilburn and Sir Freddie Williams, known affectionately as ‘The Baby’, ran its first stored program.

It was here at the University that economist and logician WS Jevons formulated the principles of modern economics, and it was at our Jodrell Bank site in Cheshire that a young Bernard Lovell built the world’s largest steerable radio telescope just after World War II.

Great traditions have also flourished in theology, architecture, mathematics, music, law and many other areas.

The catalogue of virtuosity goes on and on. Many of our current academic staff are world-leaders in their fields and include:

     – British novelist Jeanette Winterson (Centre for New Writing);

     – physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox (Department of Physics and Astronomy);

     – professors Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 (Department of Physics and Astronomy);

     – historian and broadcaster Michael Wood (School of Arts, Languages and Cultures)

Our commitment to academic excellence in research and teaching across all subject areas has been continuously recognised in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject (WURS). The University currently ranks in the top 50 globally for five subject areas: Social Sciences, Business Economics, Engineering, Arts and Humanities and Medical and Health, with the strongest performance in Business Economics and Social Sciences.

Sustainability at The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is deeply committed to sustainability, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources. Here are some key initiatives and programs:

Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Valuing Nature Action Plan: This plan includes measurable goals to enhance green spaces and promote sustainable land management practices. It aims to reduce environmental impact while enriching biodiversity.

Nature Positive Universities Scheme: The University is part of this global initiative to halt, prevent, and reverse nature loss by addressing their own impacts and restoring ecosystems

Environmental Quality

Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2023-28): This strategy outlines the University’s commitment to using its knowledge and influence to lead progress towards a healthier, more sustainable world.

Zero Carbon Campus Commitment: The University aims to achieve a zero-carbon campus by 2038, reflecting its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

Research and Education

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The University integrates the SDGs into its research, learning, public engagement, and operations. It is recognized for its performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Courses and Programs: Various courses focus on sustainability, including environmental science, sustainable development, and related fields. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to address global environmental challenges

You can explore more about their sustainability efforts on the official website.

Our Campus

Our large campus is located close to the heart of the city of Manchester and offers a space for everyone.

     – You can always find yourself a quiet spot to study or head to a collaborative workspace with friends.

     – From coffee shops and bars, to supermarkets and sustainable food shops, everything you need is right here.

     – Our cosy campus spaces provide hot water and microwave stations for students to use.

     – Students can enjoy our many green spaces on campus and discover ways to support sustainability while here.

     – Student Support Hubs are located around campus and are home to expert teams who can help you with a wide range of queries.

Due to its convenient location, it is easy to reach Campus on foot, by bike or using local competitively priced bus and tram services. Most of the places on campus are within walking distance with the majority of the University buildings located on Oxford Road.

You can learn more about our Campus and even take a virtual tour by visiting our website here.

Campus Life

Just like the city of Manchester, The University of Manchester is a truly multicultural university, welcoming more than 44,000 students a year from 160 countries to our friendly campus community.

There are many organisations and societies dedicated to ensuring that you make the most of your time in the UK.

The University of Manchester Students’ Union is a hub for student societies, run by students for students with hundreds of clubs and societies to choose from. The Students’ Union boasts a 2600 capacity venue and smaller venues. We have our own TV and radio stations and our very own newspaper the “Mancunion”.

The Union has lots of lovely places to eat and drink and is also home to over 400 student societies including the International Society and Thai Society of Manchester.

The University is also home to Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library which houses special and rare collections and Jodrell Bank, home to the famous Lovell radio telescope.

Sport @ Manchester

For sport lovers and enthusiasts, we offer hundreds of different opportunities to get involved in sport and activities to get you more active.  From recreational running groups to support for elite athletes, we have something to suit everyone so get involved.

The University boasts 3 Sports Centres, the Sugden Centre, Manchester Aquatics Centre and the Armitage Centre. The University has also invested in City based sports facilities which means they are affordable and accessible for our students.

More information can be found on the UoM Sport website.

Accommodation

At The University of Manchester we offer a range of University accommodation, so you can choose the style, facilities and location that bests suits you.

Our halls of residence are located across three residential campuses – City, Fallowfield and Victoria Park – all of which have their own unique features, catering options and amenities.

All new, full-time undergraduate and international postgraduate students are guaranteed the offer of a room in University halls of residence.

If you would like to learn more about the University accommodation, please visit our Accommodation website.

Being a large city, Manchester offers a wealth of private sector accommodation options. Students who are looking for privately rented accommodation can visit Manchester Student Homes, a university-run housing service that offers free independent advice for students.

Currently ranked 34th in the world and 6th in the UK (QS 2025), the University offers courses across English language, Foundation, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s and Postgraduate Research.

Here is a selection of popular courses offered by the University.

Undergraduate Courses

     – Arts, Languages, and Cultures

     – Biological Sciences

     – Business and Management

     – Computer Science

     – Engineering (various disciplines)

     – Environmental Sciences

     – Humanities

     – Law

     – Medicine and Health

     – Physical Sciences

Postgraduate Courses

     – Advanced Computer Science

     – Business and Management including the MBA programme

     – Data Science

     – Education

     – Engineering Project Management

     – Global Health

     – International Development

     – Law (LLM)

     – Neuroscience

     – Psychology

     – Public Health

You can explore the full list of courses and find more detailed information on our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages.

There are a number of areas at our large, comprehensive University that match the aims of the National Strategy of Thailand.

The Global Development Institute (GDI) at The University of Manchester is a leading centre for research and teaching in international development. Here are some key points about GDI:

Overview

Established in 2016, combining the strengths of the Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM) and the Brooks World Poverty Institute.

Mission: To advance social justice through interdisciplinary research and impactful projects.

Research and Impact

Focus Areas: Politics of development, agrarian and urban changes, digital and migration challenges, global production networks, and development organisations

Achievements: Ranked second in the UK for Development Studies in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Academic Programs

Undergraduate: BSc Global Development, exploring social, economic, and environmental challenges globally

Postgraduate: The UK’s largest university-based postgraduate centre specialising in international development.

GDI offers Master’s and PhD programmes with a vibrant research community.

Community and Collaboration

Global Network: Over 60 academics from five continents, up to 100 PhD students, and numerous partner organizations

Events and Speakers: Hosts a variety of speakers, including former heads of state and leading development thinkers

You can find more detailed information on the official website.

Collaborations between The University of Manchester and Thai institutions

In 2015 The University of Manchester established a partnership with Chiang Mai University offering a school-wide exchange programme for students and staff from each institution. The current agreement is in place until 2027.

News or clippings or other media about the university associated with Thailand or Thai academic institutions.

Thai princess visits Manchester to find out about health research

Thai princess visits Jodrell Bank Observatory

Royal Thai Embassy visit to the University

 

Alumni information

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul is a Thai businesswoman, sports administrator, and philanthropist. She is a Director of G Steel (founded by her husband Dr. Somsak Leeswadtrakul). She also serves as co-founder of Asia Metal, Chularat Hospital, Leo Global Logistics and Arnoma Hotels Group along with G Steel and GJ Steel.

Khunying is the President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, has served on the Thai Olympic Committee, and is a Member of the IOC representing Thailand.

Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa, BEconSc(Hons) Economic Science 2011

Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa is the Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital, the largest blockchain and digital asset group of companies in Thailand. He has over eight years of experience in the crypto industry, including Founding coins.co, Thailand’s largest bitcoin wallet company. He is also a subcommittee member at Thailand’s Office of Trade Competition Commission and a member of the World Economic Forum. Topp is a well-known speaker on cryptocurrency, blockchain technology and fintech.

Subhasakdi Krishnamra, BSc(Hons) Chemical Engineering 1986

Subhasakdi Krishnamra has been a Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Thailand since 2002. He is a member of the Deloitte SEA Management Committee, and the SEA Talent leader, responsible for leadership development, growth and talent delivery programs. He is also a Board member of the Deloitte Global Japanese Services Group Council.

More information about The University of Manchester alumni groups worldwide can be could on our Global Networks page.