University of Salford, Manchester

Located minutes from Manchester city centre, the University of Salford offers an engaging blend of academic excellence, real-world learning, and innovative research. Known for its strong industry links and modern campus environment, the University provides a dynamic and supportive setting for students from around the world. Whether studying science, business, the arts or technology, students find themselves at the heart of a forward-thinking academic community. 
 

STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

The University of Salford delivers an education rooted in industry collaboration and practical application. Teaching is designed to reflect real-world challenges, with courses developed alongside industry partners to ensure graduates are well-prepared for employment. Practical teaching practices including paid placements, internships, live projects, or field trips are embedded in the majority of courses.  

Sustainability is a key focus, with the university taking active steps to embed eco-conscious practices across campus life and academic projects. With a vibrant student body, learners join a supportive and inclusive community that fosters global perspectives and lifelong connections. 
 

HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

The University of Salford has a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century when it was founded as the Royal Technical Institute in 1896, created to support the region’s booming industries. Over the decades, the institution evolved to reflect changes in education and industry, gaining university status in 1967. While its name and scope have transformed, the university has maintained its commitment to accessible, career-focused education. Its long-standing legacy in science, engineering, and media continues to shape its identity today. 
 

SPECIALIST AREAS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

The University of Salford is renowned for its strengths in areas such as media production, health sciences, digital technology, architecture, and engineering. Its close relationship with MediaCity – home to major broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV – supports cutting-edge programmes in journalism, film, and television. Healthcare training is enhanced by state-of-the-art simulation suites while computing and robotics courses are supported by AI labs and dedicated collaborative workspaces. Research plays a vital role, with interdisciplinary initiatives addressing global issues in sustainability, public health, and urban development. 
  

LIFE ON CAMPUS 

The university's main campus, Peel Park, is a green and spacious site adjacent to the River Irwell, combining historic red-brick buildings with cutting-edge modern facilities. Situated just minutes from central Manchester, the campus offers the perfect balance between urban energy and natural green space. Students can enjoy amenities such as cafés, a sports centre, libraries, creative studios, and dedicated study zones. The campus is a lively hub of activity where academic and social life blend seamlessly. 

The Frederick Road campus is just a short walk from the main campus. This campus is dedicated to health and social work-related courses, with the specialist facilities needed to help students thrive. 

Just 15 minutes away from the main campus and ideally situated in MediaCity, home to major broadcasters such as the BBC or ITV is the MediaCity campus. This campus is home to the university’s media-related courses and students can travel by bus for free in between campuses.  
 

STUDENT SUPPORT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

Student support at the University of Salford is comprehensive and personalised. Services include academic tutoring, mental health and wellbeing counselling, career planning, and financial advice. Dedicated international support ensures students from abroad receive help with immigration, adjusting to life in the UK, and academic English language support. Workshops, drop-in clinics, and one-to-one appointments ensure that help is always available, fostering student confidence and wellbeing throughout their academic journey.  

Reach out to Across the Pond for information on scholarship offers.  
 

THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD’S FACILITIES  

The University of Salford offers a wide range of high-tech, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning across a wide range of disciplines. Health and social work students train in advanced simulation suites that provide realistic scenarios to build confidence and clinical skills. Science students benefit from the cutting-edge Bodmer Laboratories, designed to support in-depth practical work. Engineering, computing, and environment students are based in the university’s newest addition to campus, the SEE Building, which features specialist spaces such as a robotics suite, heavy structures lab, and a full flight simulator. Law students develop courtroom confidence through mooting in dedicated mock courtrooms, while digital marketing students refine their content creation skills in a purpose-built media suite. At the heart of creative media education, the MediaCity campus houses professional-grade facilities, including two TV studios (one equipped with a green screen), newsrooms, animation and stop-motion studios, and a fully equipped Foley studio. 
 

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

The Students’ Union at the University of Salford, Salford SU, is a central part of student life, offering events, activities, and advocacy. It runs over 50 student societies, covering interests from anime and drama to debate and environmental action. Societies offer a great way to meet people, explore hobbies, and develop leadership skills. In terms of sports, the university provides a gym, sports hall, and outdoor pitches. Students can join recreational give-it-a-go sports sessions or compete in university leagues. From football to fencing, there are opportunities for all levels, including friendly fixtures and national competitions. For example, the football teams have competed in BUCS leagues and local cup tournaments. If you find a society is missing, you can create your own – all you need is to find at least six like-minded students.  
 

ACCOMMODATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

The University of Salford offers two student accommodation villages. Peel Park Quarter located on the Peel Park campus, is available to first-year undergraduate students. John Lester and Eddie Colman Courts is a short distance from the Frederick Road campus and is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

There are a variety of rooms to suit different budgets and preferences however rooms typically include a desk, storage, and a bed, with communal kitchens and lounges encouraging social interaction. The cost of accommodation covers utilities, internet, and 24-hour security. A mix of self-catered and en-suite options ensures flexibility. Students may also choose to live in private rentals nearby, with support available to guide them through the process.  
 

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS  

The University of Salford welcomes students from across the globe, creating a multicultural and inclusive environment. International students benefit from tailored induction programmes, cultural events, and continuous support throughout their studies. The university’s global outlook is reflected in its partnerships, curriculum design, and diverse student population. Many international students report feeling quickly at home thanks to the friendly community and the university’s commitment to global citizenship. 
 

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS 

Strong industry ties are at the heart of the University of Salford's educational philosophy. The university collaborates with companies across sectors such as media, health, engineering, business, and digital technology to shape curricula and provide opportunities for placements, guest lectures, and networking. These connections help students gain valuable insight and experience, increasing their employability. Some partnerships even extend internationally, offering students a truly global career perspective. 
  

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS 

Students are encouraged to take part in study abroad exchanges and industry placements. The university has partnerships with institutions in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, enabling students to broaden their academic and cultural horizons. Placement opportunities are embedded into many programmes, giving students practical experience in their field of study. These experiences foster independence, global awareness, and valuable professional skills. 
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 

Employability is a key focus at the University of Salford, with extensive support provided by the University’s Careers and Enterprise team. Services include CV writing workshops, mock interviews, networking events, employer fairs, and one-to-one guidance. A dedicated Careers Hub helps students navigate job searches, internships, and postgraduate opportunities. Alumni connections across the globe further enhance networking potential, with many graduates going on to successful careers in their chosen fields across the UK and internationally. 
 

STUDY IN SALFORD, GREATER MANCHESTER 

Salford is a vibrant city located within the Greater Manchester area, one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic urban regions. It is not just home to the famous football club Manchester United. The area blends historical architecture with modern development, cultural institutions with green parks, and independent cafés with international cuisine. Attractions such as the Lowry Arts Centre, Salford Quays, and MediaCity offer entertainment and inspiration, while nearby Manchester city centre provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere, music venues, museums, and shopping. Excellent public transport links make it easy to explore the rest of the UK, and Manchester Airport connects students to Europe and beyond. The region is known for its welcoming atmosphere and is considered a student-friendly place to live. 
 

WHY STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD  

  • Strong industry links and real-world learning opportunities
  • Cutting-edge facilities and modern teaching methods
  • A diverse, inclusive, and welcoming student community
  • Excellent student support services, including international-specific guidance
  • Opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience
  • A lively campus close to the cultural and economic hub of Manchester
  • Focus on sustainability and innovation across all disciplines
  • Flexible and practical degree programmes designed with employers in mind 
     

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

The information on this page has been submitted by the higher education institution itself. If you want to know more, get in touch and one of our student advisors will answer all your questions!

Across the Pond is this university’s official representative for selected countries around the world which, depending on where you are from, means we can help you apply to its courses as well as with gathering all the documents needed to submit an application. We can normally offer a speedier route to help you since the institution is hugely popular and receives enquiries from all around the world on a daily basis. We also have close ties with the university’s international facing staff and as such can explain your grades, your academic background and the educational system in your home country. Our partner universities appreciate that students who apply through Across the Pond get the help they need, not only in terms of submitting the application and supporting documents, but also with everything leading up to arrival in the UK, such as student accommodation, visa and funding information as well as preparing for departure to the UK.

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FACTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

Established: 1896 as the Royal Technical Institute; university status awarded 1967 

Location: Salford, Greater Manchester, England  

Population of Salford: Around 250,000 

Closest airport: Manchester Airport is about 25 minutes away by car or train  

Student population: Around 20,000 

International students: Around 4,000 

Nationalities on campus: Over 100 
 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE/CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE 

  • Designed to precise technical specifications, the University of Salford’s acoustics laboratories are home to one of the largest acoustics research groups in the world. Amongst other things, acoustic diffusers designed here have been used around the world by the likes of Universal Music Mastering Studios. 
  • The University of Salford’s campus at MediaCity is a centre for broadcast media, film production, journalism, animation, and digital technologies, located next to media giants such as ITV and BBC and many other innovative media start-ups. 
  • The University houses Energy House 2.0, one of the world's most advanced energy-efficiency test labs for buildings, used in collaboration with industry partners including Barratt Developments. It has become world-renowned for pioneering work in urban sustainability, smart cities, construction, and environmental design. 
     

FUN FACTS 

  • His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, served as our first University Chancellor from 1967-1991.
  • Pink Floyd’s drummer, Nick Mason, once played a gig at the University early in the band’s career.
  • The University’s Energy House 1 has a full-sized Victorian house inside a lab used for groundbreaking energy research. 

 

WHY CHOOSE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD 

  • The main Peel Park campus is only minutes away from Manchester city centre, giving you the best of both worlds - access to one of the UK’s most dynamic cities, rich in career opportunities, culture, and entertainment, while enjoying the benefits of a more affordable, campus-focused lifestyle. With excellent transport links, thriving industries, and a large student population, the location offers both big city benefits with a strong community feel.
  • Salford has a campus at MediaCity, a global media hub where the BBC and ITV have key operations.
  • Practical learning opportunities such as paid industry placements, internships, live projects, field trips or guest speakers are a key feature of most degree programmes. 
     

NOTABLE ALUMNI  

  • Peter Kay: Comedian and actor
  • Jason Manford: Comedian and television presenter 
  • Christopher Eccleston: Actor, famous for, amongst others, the ninth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who
  • L.S. Lowry: Famous artist 
     

NOTABLE ACADEMICS  

  • Noor Al-Naser: specialist in Terrorism and the Middle East. She served as a Senior Prevention of Violent Extremism Programme Officer with the International Organisation for Migration in Iraq. Currently, Noor is a Senior Officer for Programme Management at the UNOCT in Doha, Qatar, while continuing her part-time lecturing. 
  • Trevor Cox: a Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford. He is a former president of the UK’s Institute of Acoustics and was awarded the Institute of Acoustics Tyndall Medal. He has broadcast for BBC Radio on shows including The Physicist’s Guide to the Orchestra. He won an ASA Science Writing Award for his popular science book Sonic Wonderland, where he describes the oil tank which broke the Guinness World record for the longest echo.
  • Professor Rob Young: in 2013, Professor Rob Young was appointed Chair in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Salford. His work is split between field conservation projects, primarily in Brazil, and zoo-based research with a focus on both animal welfare and species conservation. Throughout his career, he has published research on approximately 50 different animal species, from giant anteaters to humans, and is the author of around 150 scientific papers and a textbook on zoo animal welfare. 
     

UNIVERSITY OF SALFORDS RANKINGS  

  • The Guardian University Guide 2024 ranked Salford as one of the top 15 institutions in the country for fashion-focused courses.
  • Peel Park Quarter, the undergraduate student accommodation, has been ranked as the second best in the UK in 2020 by StudentHut.
  • In the 2024 People & Planet University League, Salford was ranked as the 8th most sustainable university in the UK.
  • In the Global Liveability Index 2022 Manchester was ranked as the 28th most liveable city globally, beating cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.  
     
Cam Tu
Human Resources, Management, University of Salford

Studying in the UK has been a life-changing experience for me, and the University of Salford has played an important part in making that experience so rewarding. From the academic environment to personal support, there are many aspects… Read more

Rachel
Communication, Public Relations, University of Salford

The University of Salford was a place where I ticked dreams off my wish list! As a complete beginner with no experience in my field, I was able to live the dream of experiencing university life abroad and also gain valuable experience… Read more

Sofia
Fashion, University of Salford
⭐ Who I Am and Why I Chose to Study in the UK

My name is Sofia, and I’m an Italian student passionate about fashion and creativity. I’ve always wanted to expand my horizons and learn in a diverse and inspiring environment. Choosing to… Read more

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