Students as Greater Manchester Citizens

We want our students to develop as global citizens, with a strong sense of place and a connection to the communities around them. That journey starts in Manchester.

Partner Enabled Learning

Our Manchester 2035 strategy sets out the ambition for every student to take part in partner enabled learning. This means working with local employers, public bodies and community organisations as part of their course, through activities such as service learning, consultancy projects, codesigned briefs, placements, school outreach and cultural collaborations. Through cross-disciplinary projects, students bring fresh perspectives to partner organisations while gaining real-world experience that combines academic excellence with community impact.

Students are already making a difference locally. Our Living Lab supports communities through student-led research.

Our dentistry students provide essential treatment to people most in need, working with local partners to improve oral health and develop socially responsible professional practice.

The Justice Hub, legal advice centre based on campus and in East Manchester, supports local communities by offering free legal advice, delivered by undergraduate students supervised by qualified legal practitioners.

Student Volunteering

Our students volunteer with organisations and communities across Greater Manchester, supporting local people and places while developing a strong sense of social responsibility. From working with neighbours to developing green local areas to volunteering at food banks and community organisations, these experiences help students understand their role as good neighbours and active members of Manchester’s communities.

Greater Manchester Graduates

More than a third of our graduates stay in Greater Manchester, supporting public services, driving innovation and strengthening communities. Through their work in areas such as healthcare, education and sustainability, they continue the University’s long-standing civic mission to make a difference locally and globally.

• Find out more about some of our graduates who are making a difference in our city region here.