At a glance

Completion of a £1 billion, ten-year Campus Masterplan has transformed the area, and future developments will continue to improve our research, learning and working environments.

A campus like no other

Idyllic spaces and characterful buildings, old and new, make our campus truly unique.

The Old Quad
The Old Quad, at the heart of campus, was recently redeveloped as part of our bicentenary celebrations.
Whitworth Hall
Ceremonial Whitworth Hall, built between 1898 and 1902, holds our graduations and examinations.
The Nancy Rothwell Building.
Completed in 2021, the Nancy Rothwell Building is our home of engineering and one of the largest educational spaces in Europe.
University Place.
Distinctive University Place – or the "Tin Can" as it is affectionately known – is unmissable on Oxford Road.
Brunswick Park.
Opened in 2018 following a redevelopment of Brunswick Street, the hugely popular Brunswick Park is the largest green space on campus.
Alan Gilbert Square.
Situated between the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Square is a popular spot for students and staff alike.
Manchester Museum.
The much-loved Manchester Museum reopened its doors in February 2023 following a £15 million renovation.
The Beyer Building.
Opened in 1887, the Beyer Building is one of the most striking buildings in the Old Quad – with leaves around the windows and a large andesite boulder in front of it.

Our campus through time

We trace our history to the Manchester Mechanics’ Institution, founded in 1824, and our journey since has been one of change and innovation.

This is certainly true of our campus, which has evolved over time – and will continue to do so into the future.

An old image of Owens College.
Horses and carts pass along the familiar sight of our University buildings on Oxford Road.
Old picture of the Christie Library.
Built between 1895 and 1898, the Christie Library predates Whitworth Hall and today houses the much-appreciated Christie Bistro on its first floor.
An old image of Whitworth Park.
Whitworth Park, nestled close to campus and next to one of our cultural institutions, the Whitworth, remains a popular and picturesque green area to this day.
An old image of Sackville Street Building.
A very old photograph shows the impressive Sackville Street Building, of North Campus, in all its glory.
An old image of the Entrance Hall in Sackville Street Building.
Statues once lined the opulent Entrance Hall of Sackville Street Building on North Campus.
An old image of Renold Building.
The striking Renold Building on North Campus (site of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, or UMIST) was opened in 1962. It is now set to be a key feature of ID Manchester – promoting science and technology innovation.
An old image of cars in the Front Quad.
Parked cars fill the Old Quad – now remodelled into a scenic green space promoting sustainability, historic integrity, accessibility and biodiversity.
An old image of the University bridge.
Many will remember the old University bridge that crossed Oxford Road. Today the revamped area includes the Alliance Manchester Business School and University Green.

Historic campus tours

Take self-guided tours of the University during 2024, our bicentenary year – in person and on campus, or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Find out more about our historic campus tours.

Bicentenary Way

The Bicentenary Way installation, located in Brunswick Park and opposite the Queen’s Arch, tells the story of our origins, our innovations and the people behind them since 1824.

Find out more about Bicentenary Way.

Bicentenary Way stones in situ.

What's next?

Sister (formally ID Manchester)

Sister (formerly ID Manchester), Manchester’s new £1.7bn innovation district by the University and Bruntwood SciTech on North Campus.

Find out more about ID Manchester.

Artist's impression of Sister (formally ID Manchester)

Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Project

The redevelopment of student accommodation at Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall in Fallowfield.

Find out more about the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Project.

Artist's impression of Fallowfield campus redevelopment.

Campus events

Open days

Discover more about our university open days.

Find out more about our open days.

Woman in front of the Queen's Arch on campus.

University events

Explore upcoming events across The University of Manchester.

Find out more about university events.

Attendees at a food market on campus.

Community Festival

An annual event welcoming local friends and neighbours onto campus.

Find out more about Community Festival.

Attendees enjoy a helter skelter at Community Festival.

Campus information

Maps and travel

Make your way to and around the University with our maps and travel advice.

Find out more about maps and travel.

A cyclist on campus.

Sustainability on campus

We embed sustainable practices into all systems and processes across campus.

Find out more about sustainability on campus.

Sun shining through a tree's leaves on campus.

Using campus

Open to the public

Many of our inspiring spaces, both on and off campus, are open for your enjoyment.

Find out more about our institutions open to the public.

Woman sits in the cafe at the Whitworth.

Conference venues

We provide a choice of amazing spaces for events of different sizes.

Find out more about our conference venues.

Two conference attendees sit together and chat.

Facilities

A wide range of our facilities are available for use by organisations and the public.

Find out more about our facilities.

Students work together in a computer lab.