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Research and innovation

Making an impact on the world's key challenges.

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Research
  • Centres and InstitutesExplore our flagship centres, institutes and collaborative networks.
  • Funding and fellowshipsFind out more about the funding opportunities to help your study.
  • ImpactSee our impact case studies and how we are making positive change.
  • ProjectsDiscover the latest project activity across the Faculty.
  • PublicationsExplore some of the latest publications from research staff.

Our research

Driving change on the international stage

Our vision is to deliver world-class research by providing an environment and infrastructure that attracts, develops, and rewards leading researchers.

Research within the Faculty of Humanities is influencing positive change in communities worldwide - by creating innovative solutions to some of the world's major challenges, we have been able to influence policy and practice across areas, including the economy, health, emergency services and cultural sectors.

We continue to work with partners locally and globally to better understand the world around us and make a meaningful difference.

Person walking past a wall of graffiti in the street

93% of our research activity is 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' - REF 2021.

Top 10 in both the QS World Sustainability Rankings and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Ranked 20th in 2025 Times Higher Education global rankings for the most international universities.

The £1.7bn Innovation District, Sister, will create 10,000+ jobs in 15 years.

News

Ancient Egyptian city discovered

Archaeologists from The University of Manchester have played a leading role in the rediscovery of the ancient city of Imet in Egypt’s eastern Nile Delta.

Read ancient Egyptian city story

Ancient Egyptian figurine

Leadership behind bars

A House of Commons event, inspired by Prisoner Leaders, brought together lived experience voices, MPs, and academics to call for justice reform.

Read leadership behind bars story

Group of people sat in Parliament

Uncovering ancient medical texts

The University has secured a major €2.5 million (£2.1 million) grant from the European Research Council to uncover lost medical writings.

Read medical texts story

Ancient Egyptian ruins

Anthropologist awarded book prizes

A book written by Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) Anthropologist, Dr Omer Aijazi, wins multiple awards.

Read Anthropologist book prize story

Fields and mountains

Facilities

Exhibits and bookshelves inside John Rylands library

A showcase resource for our researchers

The library is housed in one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe. Its stunning design and intricate details make it a major landmark and a popular destination.

It holds one of the most significant collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the UK - supporting world-leading research in the humanities and sciences.

It opened to the public in 1900 and has since become a vital part of The University of Manchester and a hub for academic and public engagement.

Work benches and equipment in design workshop

World-leading design lab

Manchester Urban Design Lab (MUD-Lab) is part of The University of Manchester and serves as a leading hub for urban design education, bridging academic theory with practical application, offering students and professionals tools to create contextually responsive urban spaces.

The lab includes core facilities like the Urban Design Studio and a 3D Modelling Workshop, which are used year-round by students. It also provides access to technical drawing toolkits and CAD software.

MUD-Lab hosts events, publishes podcasts, and produces resources like the MUD-Lab Toolkit and Yearbook.

Stage and rows of seats in the Martin Harris Music Centre

Purpose-built performance venue

A vibrant cultural hub featuring two main performance spaces: the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall and the John Thaw Studio Theatre, both designed for high-quality acoustics and flexibility.

The centre hosts a wide range of events including concerts, theatre productions, poetry nights, and public lectures.

It plays a key role in the university’s music and drama education - offering modern facilities such as composition studios and rehearsal spaces. It also maintains strong ties with student societies and academic departments.

Dinosaur skeleton and artifacts in the Manchester museum

European Museum of the Year 2025

The museum houses over 4.5 million objects spanning natural history, archaeology, and anthropology. It includes rare and unique items such as ancient Egyptian artifacts, live amphibians, and critically endangered species'

As the UK’s largest university museum, it plays a vital role in academic research and education, supporting interdisciplinary studies and public engagement.

Following a major redevelopment in 2023, the museum has redefined itself as a space of inclusion, imagination, and care. It features co-curated galleries like the South Asia Gallery.

Paintings and exhibits in the Whitworth gallery

Gallery with an extensive and diverse collection

After a £15 million redevelopment in 2015, Whitworth doubled its exhibition space and seamlessly integrated the gallery with Whitworth Park, creating a unique blend of art and nature

The gallery houses over 60,000 artworks, including pieces by Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso, Hockney, and Bridget Riley. It spans centuries and includes watercolours, textiles, sculptures, and contemporary installation.

Both a cultural and social space. It offers free entry, promotes wellbeing through initiatives and hosts inclusive exhibitions and events that engage diverse audiences.

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