Postgraduate study in the UK’s third largest city. By Lydia Horrex

After graduating from Cardiff University, it was three years before I decided to go back into academia. Researching my options for post-graduate study proved to be a completely new experience. For the majority of students entering postgraduate study, it isn’t the big jump from home comforts to independent living that you might have encountered during undergraduate study; you should already have a good idea about what environment best allows you to reach your academic potential. For me, that perfect environment meant finding a world-renowned university within a prosperous city where I could continue to work full time whilst studying part time. That city turned out to be Manchester.

Manchester is a first-class city in which to study at postgraduate level. It boasts four large institutions covering a wide range of different postgraduate programmes. With a thriving student population and an expanding cosmopolitan business district, the location is perfect for anyone who enjoys student digs or city living. From free open-air cinema evenings to Christmas markets, student freshers week to the football season, Manchester has something to offer all year round. 

In terms of location Manchester is extremely accessible to the rest of the country. The UK’s third largest city is two hours from London by train and Manchester international airport is just 15 minutes by rail outside the city. Other popular cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds are all about an hour away by direct train and if you love the great outdoors the Lake District and Peak District are both within a couple of hours by car or train. Manchester within itself is also a very accessible city. Its four principle academic institutions are all walking distance or a short bus ride from the city centre. Buses, trains and trams are frequent and inexpensive. Oxford Road, the home of Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music happens to be one of the busiest bus routes in Europe.

Due to the diverse population of the city, as a foreign exchange student, it’s easy to move to Manchester and meet new people. As with moving to any new location, what you put in is what you get out, and Manchester has plenty to offer. If you are thinking about moving to Manchester independently I would recommend joining a club or group. Participating in the university orchestra, an international society or local rugby club will help you integrate and help you meet likeminded people. When my flat mate moved to the area she joined the knitting group at our local pub!

Manchester’s oldest institution, Manchester University, has a heritage that stretches back to 1824. In recent years Manchester University has been recognised as offering the widest range of research areas than any other British Institution. With the flexibility of studying part or full time in many postgraduate degree programmes, Manchester University is an attractive option for the mature student. After completing her undergraduate degree and Masters at York University, Felicity Leng is currently studying a PhD in Chemistry and Biomaterials. Felicity’s research interest is targeted drug delivery, and she is enjoying the flexibility to work in interdisciplinary areas such as chemistry, biology and tissue engineering within her studies. When I asked Felicity why she chose to study at Manchester University, she said it was because of the excellent international reputation the university held.

Also located on Oxford Road alongside Manchester University are Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). If you’re interested in advance musical studies in a world renowned institution, the Royal Northern Colleague of Music offers Masters and PhD courses in fields such as Music Performance, Music Psychology, Composition and Musicology. International students make up nearly a third of all students at the institution.

Located just one and a half miles outside the city centre, Salford University is right on the door step of Manchester city centre but is actually located in the neighbouring city of Salford. Salford University has a variety of postgraduate courses ranging from Asian Cinema, International Tourism Management to Robotics and Automation. If you are interested in gaining teaching experience whilst studying at PhD level, Salford University offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships for internal students from the European Union. This scholarship offers the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience within your subject whilst studying towards your PhD.

The North West is a particularly welcoming region in which to complete a postgraduate qualification; Manchester itself being an extremely diverse and colourful location to study. With the choice of institutions and course programmes, coupled with the opportunity to live in a vibrant and prosperous city, Manchester is an extremely attractive option for both national and international students alike.

After studying her undergraduate degree at Cardiff University with one year exchange at UCLA, Lydia is currently studying a part-time Philosophy Research Masters degree at Manchester University.

For more information on Manchester city go to visitmanchester.com