Why go to university?
People go to university for many reasons. You could study a particular subject that you're passionate about. Or maybe learn about something completely new or train for your dream job.
Regardless of the course, you will develop skills that you'll use both in and outside of work for the rest of your life.
Whatever your class, ethnicity or country of origin, we want talented students – and staff – who will thrive in a welcoming and diverse environment and make a valuable contribution to society. The University of Manchester offers a number of pre-university programmes to help you take the first steps towards higher education.
You can explore different careers options in bioscience and healthcare. You can also see the range of support we offer students and the options for student finance.
On this page:
Why choose to study at university?
Find out what inspired some of our students to go to university.
Concerned about university?
Find out about the concerns some of our students had before coming to university.
Choosing a subject
Universities offer a vast range of topics and subjects.
You can select a subject that you're currently studying at school, or you can choose something that combines different elements that you enjoy.
Every course is differently across universities, which means what they teach you and how they teach it to you will be different. Even if the degree name it is important that you choose one that allows you to learn what you want.
For example, you could choose a course that allows you to select your modules, or that gives you the opportunity to work for a year (e.g. industrial experience). Some courses could also be combined with a language or with business studies (e.g. with enterprise).
How do you choose a subject?
Watch some of our students talk about why they chose the subject they are studying.
Learning at university
Our students talk about teaching and learning at the university.
Studying biology, medicine and health
Enjoy science and are thinking about a job related to healthcare or biosciences?
A degree in a related discipline will give you the skills and knowledge you need for your career.
Vocational courses
Vocational courses like medicine, dentistry and nursing will prepare you for specific healthcare careers where will help treat patients.
Lab-based courses
Lab-based courses such as immunology and biochemistry will enable you to work as a scientist in a variety of settings.
Biology, medicine and health at Manchester
Watch an overview of some of the courses available if you choose to study biology, medicine or health at The University of Manchester.