University of Bolton

Dating back to 1825, the University of Bolton began life as the Bolton Mechanics’ Institute which served the town’s rapidly expanding need for engineering skills as the Industrial Revolution began.

It became the Bolton Technical School and then Bolton Technical College, before being split into two separate organisations, the Bolton Institute of Technology and the Bolton College of Education. They then merged in 1982 to create the Bolton Institute of Higher Education.

It was given the right to grant taught degrees in 1991 and to award research degrees in 1995. It was given university status in 2004.

There are over 60 nationalities represented in the student body and among faculty, which is a reflection of the Greater Manchester area’s diversity.

It also has an academic centre in Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates and has established international links with a number of overseas academic establishments in China, Germany, Singapore, Greece, Malaysia and Malawi.

The on-campus state-of-the-art sports facility, Bolton One, includes a 25m swimming pool, 50m climbing wall, competition-level trampolines, large sports hall and a fully equipped modern gym.

There is an onsite Job Shop which aims to help students find part-time jobs while studying and the free extracurricular programme, the Bolton Award, links students with volunteering experience and skill development workshops. It is also on the doorstep of the Pennine Moors, which are perfect for hiking, kayaking and horse riding.

One of the largest towns in England, Bolton has a wealth of restaurants, a 12-screen cinema multiplex and a bowling alley. It’s 20 minutes from Manchester city centre, which also has an international airport.