Why study in the UK?
When choosing where you will take your degree, you may ask: “Why study in the UK?”
Choosing the right destination for your overseas study is important. Here are five reasons why the UK is a fantastic option for international students.
Shorter degree course
A standard UK bachelor's degree lasts three years, and most master's courses are just one year long.
This means you can get your qualification faster, and pay fewer years of tuition fees, than in other destinations like the United States or Australia.
Explore our extensive range of undergraduate and taught master’s courses as well as our postgraduate research options right here in Manchester.
High quality education
The UK is home to many of the best institutions in the world and our university is ranked 6th in the UK and 34th globally in the 2025 QS World University rankings.
Our teaching focuses on small group work and one-to-one tuition, equipping you with skills that appeal to employers and we’re the most targeted university by the UK's top 100 recruiters according to the Graduate Market in 2023 Report.
Stay in the UK after you graduate
The Graduate visa allows international students who successfully complete their degree to work or look for work in the UK for up to two years after an undergraduate or master’s course, or up to three years after a PhD programme.
Manchester has been voted the top UK city to live in based on The Economist's Global Liveability Index. The city has also been voted among the best cities in the world by Time Out (2022) readers.
A wide range of subject areas
You'll find almost any subject area covered, at undergraduate, master's and postgraduate research level.
The UK's diverse culture
The UK is a multicultural country, and its main cities have very diverse populations. In a city like Manchester, you'll meet people from all around the world, especially with a population of around 540,000, 91 cultural groups and an estimated 200 languages spoken, according to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Manchester has a proud history of music, science, sport, literature and more. Whether you are exploring our famous music venues where the likes of Oasis and The Stone Roses emerged or cheering for Manchester City or United, there is so much to immerse yourself within.