In the previous 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (pre-merger), the 'old' Manchester Business School and Manchester School of Management were both rated at the 5th position. Manchester School of Accounting and Finance is one of only two accounting and finance schools in the UK rated at the 6th position by the RAE. According to a survey published by Accounting and Finance in 2008, MBS was ranked as the "world number one for accounting research". The Manchester university has several research centres that are internationally recognized, including those in the areas of decision sciences, employment and labour studies, technology management and innovation, and critical management studies.

The city of Manchester is one of the most thriving and exciting destinations in the world – a place to study, explore your horizons, learn and engage, and most importantly, to enjoy yourself. The city was named as one of the best places in the world to go in 2017 by the San Francisco Chronicle, and the UK’s most liveable city by The Economist.

At the Manchester University, students have the opportunity to take advantage of the institution's excellent sporting facilities to keep themselves fit and healthy, as an attempt to blow off some steam and unwind. There are three fitness suites in the campus, two 50-metre swimming pools, and loads of indoor courts and outdoor pitches; all with discounted rates for students. There are also more than 40 Athletic Union sports clubs to join that cater for all levels, from beginners to elite athletes.

The University of Manchester’s Students’ Union is run by the students, for the students. The biggest students’ union in the UK, it provides them with the platform, resources and constant support to enrich and enhance their time at the University. With more than 300 societies offering a repertoire of choices from knitting to scuba diving, the students are sure to find the right society, that is a seamless fit for them. And even if there isn’t one that is a perfect fit for the students, they have the freedom and space to create their own. Additionally, Manchester’s student media initiatives and outlets are some of the best in the country, including the long-standing Mancunion newspaper, Fuse FM radio station and Fuse TV channel. There are numerous volunteering opportunities through the Student Action programme which includes mentoring young people and working with homeless people and the elderly, giving the students the heartwarming opportunity to engage in philanthropy.

Manchester university also boasts of efficient and tight-knit student support groups. Whichever issue the student is facing - financial, academic, personal or administrative – the groups have experienced and sensitive people and advice centres to help them through tough times. The University runs one of the largest peer-support schemes in Europe, where the students are given access to academic advisers, Residential Life (ResLife) advisers and counsellors. It also provides special attentive support to international students, those with disabilities and those with children.