2023: University Year in Review
As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on another year of achievements and celebrations for Manchester Metropolitan, its students, colleagues and the University community.
It has been an outstanding year for the University in which awards and accolades came in quick succession.
We reaffirmed our commitment to providing an outstanding student experience by securing a coveted Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
The Business School was ranked among the best in the world after retaining triple accreditation status and the School of Architecture was named fifth best in the world.
Just this week, the University was named the second-most sustainable university in the UK, putting us in the top three for the past 11 years.
In June, we were named in the world top 100 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 and received recognition for business support and innovation in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework.
Celebrations were also in order from the student perspective as we achieved our best-ever National Student Survey (NSS) results.
In October, Manchester Met proudly retained the University of the Year title at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards and received the prestigious AdvanceHE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.
Graduation ceremonies were also marked by success, with a notable 10% increase in graduate outcomes, showcasing student success and our focus on delivering excellence in career-ready graduates.
The year also marked a poignant tribute to former Vice-Chancellor Dame Alexandra Burslem, reflecting on the enduring influence of her leadership after she passed away in November at the age of 83.
See below for a full round-up of 2023’s highlights.
Investment in the campus
This year saw continuous investment in Manchester Met’s vibrant campus and infrastructure.
In March, Dame Sarah Storey joined us for the official opening of the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, designed to harness expertise, push boundaries, improve lives and shape society.
In the same month, attention turned to the official launch of Grosvenor East – an inspirational venue for training the next generation of actors, writers, journalists and linguists.
In November, the University unveiled ambitious plans for a new cutting-edge library – a dynamic and modern learning environment for teaching and research, with a new home for the Manchester Poetry Library, the North West’s first public poetry library.
Driving Economic Growth
Over the past 12 months, the University has continued to drive sustainable economic progress, boosting skills while increasing employability and innovation.
In a groundbreaking study that hit the headlines across the UK, research showed the pivotal role of independent shops in revitalising struggling high streets thanks to experts from Manchester School of Architecture.
Expanding its global footprint, Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School joined the esteemed Global Business School Network and the Turing University Network, enhancing research capabilities and promoting interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges.
In March, it was announced that green energy and digital technology SME innovation support would be delivered at the Business School as part of a £100m government programme.
While the University will protect the region’s economic growth through new cyber security research to protect consumers, businesses and infrastructure.
Transforming Health
In 2023, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the NHS and our role in supporting healthcare and healthy ageing. To mark this occasion, Manchester Met assisted NHS workers, including members of the African-Caribbean communities, in sharing their personal stories of Trafford General Hospital, the birthplace of the NHS.
In recognition of its outstanding commitment to nursing education, Manchester Metropolitan University also received the prestigious Nurse Education Provider of the Year award.
The University published research supporting workplace health for women in the NHS and explored the long-term impacts of vaping. Collaborations with the UK Sports Institute furthered the understanding of female athlete health.
In June, the University’s sport science research took centre stage as the official partner in Para Swimming at the World Championships. Shortly afterwards, the Insitute of Sport partnered with Sale Sharks to develop and support elite sporting talent while providing the expertise and facilities to shape the future of the sport in the region.
Additionally, groundbreaking research demonstrated the immediate impact of football heading on brain function, enhancing broader discussions on athlete safety and wellbeing.
Manchester Met has also been instrumental in transforming perinatal mental health support for Greater Manchester Police staff. Backed by University research, this initiative signifies a collaborative effort to address mental health challenges in law enforcement.
A valuable insight into cardiovascular health, new research from Manchester Metropolitan University also explained how smoking-triggered heart attacks could be prevented.
Tackling Inequalities
Manchester Met took a proactive stance in addressing societal inequalities, advocating for vital changes to prevent domestic abuse killings. In a new report published in December, Manchester Met argued that public agencies’ responses to domestic abuse need to be strengthened and suggested more needs to be done to protect victims.
Earlier in the year, a new, collaborative project with Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) was launched to boost opportunities for ethnic minority employees to enter leadership roles within the social housing sector.
In September, the University released a new report with the GMCA focusing on emerging trends for substance use in Greater Manchester. Through this research, Manchester Met is actively contributing to the identification and understanding of societal challenges in local communities.
Research showed that 1 in 3 children who had been in care who were more likely to receive a youth justice caution or conviction because the system had failed them.
The University also partnered on initiatives providing support to low-income families.
Driving Creative Excellence
Manchester Met showcased its creative prowess on national and international stages in 2023.
Manchester Fashion Institute students were selected by luxury French fashion house Chanel to contribute expertise to the brand’s iconic catwalk show in Manchester.
The dynamic collaboration between filmmaker Danny Boyle and students from the School of Digital Arts (SODA) resulted in a cutting-edge Matrix-inspired show for Factory International.
The partnership with Factory International didn’t end there.
In October, two talented students created a short film to accompany artwork of 1,500 vinyl records which feature workers involved in the construction of Factory International’s new city centre home.
In February, researchers delved into the linguistic landscape with an interesting study from Dr Derek Bousfield, highlighting the nuanced role of clichés in language and communication.
While in September, a new lingustics book shined a light on the world of accents and discrimination.
In October, Malika Booker received acclaim as her powerful poem secured the prestigious Forward Prize for her evocative work on grief and Caribbean rituals. In June, the Manchester School of Art degree show offered a captivating exploration of societal issues, delving into topics such as food waste, ritual jewelry, the cost-of-living crisis, and autism in the digital age.
Graduating from the Manchester School of Art, 80-year-old Stan Harland achieved a lifelong ambition, whilst alumna Michelle Yeoh clinched the Best Actress Oscar.
Leading Sustainability
In 2023, Manchester Met continued to be a global leader in sustainability, celebrating 11 years as a top three institution and securing the second position in the People & Planet University League. Manchester Met actively participated in the GM Green Summit and COP28, contributing to the development of skills for a future green economy.
Research initiatives explored innovative solutions, such as growing green fashion alternatives from black tea and the University played a key role in discussions on sustainable aviation, stressing the importance of jet fuel alternatives to achieve the UK’s net zero aviation ambitions.
In September, the University welcomed Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre as he praised the University in driving forward sustainable technologies.
To read more about the achievements of Manchester Metropolitan and our commitment to shaping a positive and impactful future, visit the News section of our website or listen to MetCast - the official University podcast. Join us in 2024, as Manchester Met celebrates its 200th anniversary and the important role it plays in delivering skills and innovation from the heart of the great global city of Manchester.
