Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Met has a great reputation for providing the kind of degrees which prepare students for careers, whether that be in business, arts or professional services. It’s always been an institution with a vocational slant – in fact, it was formed as part of the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute in 1824, an organisation which aimed to give tradespeople lessons in science. Since then, it’s gobbled up various institutions, merging with colleges of art, business and technology to become Manchester Poly in 1970. It was granted university status in 1992, and since then has had a massive investment in its buildings to turn it into the progressive, modern institution it is today.

The School of Art is particularly well-thought-of - Salford’s own LS Lowry went there in the years after the First World War. It’s also home to the Manchester Schools of Theatre, responsible for producing some of Britain’s favourite actors and performers, like stand-up comedian John Bishop and the late actor, Richard Griffiths.

Some £350 million has been invested in Manchester Metropolitan University recently, so expect some seriously shiny facilities. Even the Student Union has had an upgrade to a new £10m building, with an events space large enough for 700 people. For some sunny day relaxation, head to All Saints Park – although you may find many of the 36,000 students enrolled here have beaten you to it.

Facilities
The Manchester campus has 10 different places that serve food and drink dotted about its various buildings. These range from small cafes serving barista coffees and sandwiches, to canteens serving main meals, soups and salads. It’s also home to the Student Union building, which has its own bar, pub, shop and plenty of seating space.

Disabled access
All buildings at MMU are fully accessible to those with mobility issues. Car parking spaces can be booked in advance, and there is also on-street disabled parking around the campus. Hearing loops are available in lecture theatres. If you have any specific enquires, call the university on 0161 247 1565.

Eating and drinking
The city’s best places to eat are just a short stroll away from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Housed in what was, in less-enlightened times, the city’s Deaf and Dumb Institute, the décor at this bar, restaurant and music venue is just as quirky as its name. The beautiful building has been restored to its former glory and is situated right in the heart of the Manchester Met campus. Expect a great atmosphere, vegan food and classic cocktails.

There's no need to schlep to the Curry Mile to get great Indian food when you’ve got a restaurant like Arnero on your doorstep. Serving North Indian street food in elegant surroundings, Arnero is becoming a firm favourite on the Manchester restaurant scene, serving up favourites like tandoori-cooked kebabs using aromatic spices and handpicked herbs.

Getting to Manchester Metropolitan University
Although Manchester Metropolitan offers courses in Crewe (at its Cheshire campus), its main facilities are in Manchester city centre, at the All Saints campus. Manchester Airport is 10 miles from MMU’s All Saints campus, and the journey takes less than 30 minutes by road - a black cab will set you back about £25. Alternatively, jump on a train. There’s a service from the airport to Oxford Road, a short walk from campus, or hop on a train to Piccadilly and get the 147 bus.

By car
Manchester Metropolitan University is easily reached by road, being a short distance from the M56, M60 and M602. Follow the signs for Universities, or input the postcode M15 5JH into your sat nav. Just be warned that parking can be tricky and expensive when you get here, with limited on-street and multi-storey options.

By bus
Take the 147 bus from Manchester Piccadilly to Oxford Road. Or just grab any bus going towards South Manchester. The 41, 42, 43, 85, 111, 250, 256 all stop at MMU’s Manchester campus.

By tram
Or you could take a tram - you can walk to the campus from St Peter's Square Metrolink Stop in just 10 minutes.

By train
All Saints campus is a five-minute walk from Oxford Road Station. If you’re coming into Manchester Piccadilly, it’s a 10 to 15-minute walk or a very quick ride on the free 147 Oxford Road Link bus. From Manchester Victoria, get on the free Metro Shuttle bus service 2 (green) and get off at Chester Street.