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Key Summary
- Manchester ranks much higher globally (top 35 QS) with stronger research intensity and global recognition; Liverpool is still prestigious (top 150) but more teaching-focused and supportive.
- Liverpool is significantly more affordable in tuition and living costs and has more flexible entry requirements; Manchester is costlier and more competitive.
- Choose Manchester for top-tier research, STEM, business, and global prestige; choose Liverpool for better value, a friendlier pace of life, and strong niche programs like veterinary science and architecture.
Have you received an admit from both the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester? Or are you still planning to apply in the upcoming intake?
You are not alone. Since both are similar in more than one way, many students find themselves stuck on the difficult decision of which university to choose between Manchester and Liverpool.
In this article, we will help you make that decision. We will not only compare direct facts about both universities, but also provide real insights to help you make the right decision.
We will cover important aspects like tuition fees, programs offered, ranking, cost of living, and eligibility requirements, among other things.
This Blog Includes:
- Overview of the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
- University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester Rankings
- Most Popular Programmes and Specialisations at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
- Programme Strength at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
- University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester Entry Requirements for International Students
- Tuition Fee at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
- Student Life at University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester
- Notable Alumni and History in University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester
- FAQs
Overview of the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
Both universities have their own unique set of propositions to offer, and both are unique in their own right, with a lot of similarities between them, as there are differences.
Located in the heart of the musical city of Liverpool, the University of Liverpool is a picture-perfect blend of research-oriented mindset, excellent academics, beautiful architecture, and a student life that can only be found in the gorgeous city of Liverpool. What attracts Liverpool even more is its affordability compared to many other top student cities in the UK. Known as the original ‘Redbrick’, the university boasts a large multinational community of students with many a Nobel laureate counted among its most notable alumni.
On the other hand is the University of Manchester, one of the most reputable universities in the UK. It offers a blend of strong academics, modern research culture, and a busy city lifestyle. Students here enjoy a close-knit campus community despite the university’s size, and Manchester gives you plenty of chances to explore part-time work, internships, and cultural experiences. Manchester is slightly more expensive than Liverpool, but many students feel the city’s energy and opportunities make up for it. With a long history and a welcoming international crowd, the University of Manchester is a popular choice for students who enjoy a faster pace of life and a more cosmopolitan setting.
Both universities are founding members of the Russell Group and are well-known around the world. Here is a comparison table of some important facts about both universities.
| University Name | University of Liverpool | University of Manchester |
| Type of University | Russell group, redbrick civic university | Russell Group, a large single-site research university |
| Founded In | 1881 | 1824 |
| Location | Liverpool city centre | Manchester city centre |
| Number of Campuses | 1 | 1 |
| Students body | Approx 33,000 | Approx 44,000 |
| International Students Ratio | 32% | 45% |
| QS World Ranking 2026 | =147 | =35 |
| Students ratio | 47% Male, 53% Female | 45% Male, 55% Female |
| Colleges rating | 4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Tuition & Scholarship | Course-specific competitive scholarships are available; check the live university page. | Course-specific; a wide range of scholarship and doctoral funding, check live university pages. |
University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester Rankings
Let’s start with a simple comparison of the rankings of both universities. Both are well-sought universities by international students and feature in most prominent rankings around the world. Here is a simple comparison of both.
| Ranking | University of Liverpool | University of Manchester |
| QS WUR 2026 | =147th globally | 35th globally |
| QS 2026 Ranking in the UK | 22nd (among UK universities) | 6th (among UK universities) |
| Time Higher Education (THE) World | 143rd globally | 56th globally, and 8th UK |
| THE Impact Ranking | 88th globally for social/eco impact. | 2nd globally for impact rankings. |
| ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) 2025 | Ranked 101-150 globally | 46th globally. |
Most Popular Programmes and Specialisations at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
The University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester both offer a wide range of programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate, foundation/pre-master’s online options. They also offer specialised Master of Research programmes and PhDs, and there are online and part-time options too.
University of Liverpool – Key Strengths and Top Programs
- In the 2025 QS World University Ranking by Subject, Liverpool has 12 subjects in the global top 100, up from 8 in 2024.
- According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Liverpool performs best in Veterinary Science, Architecture, Nursing, and Engineering.
- At the University of Liverpool, there are English, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Petroleum Engineering, Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing, Archaeology, Geography, Architecture, and Marketing, which are among the top and most popular specialisations that most students prefer. For international students, this means choosing Liverpool offers access to subjects with strong global standing in specific disciplines.
- University of Liverpool offers multiple online and distance learning options, especially in management and computer Science.
The table below presents the subject-wise QS World University Rankings 2025 for the University of Liverpool.
| Subject | QS WUR 2025 by subject |
| Veterinary Science | 11 |
| Petroleum Engineering | =40 |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 55 |
| Life Sciences and Medicine | 72 |
| Medicine | 74 |
| Geography | #55-100 |
| Nursing | #51-100 |
| English Language & Literature | #90 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | #51-100 |
| Archaelogy | #51=100 |
| Architecture and Built Environment | #51=100 |
| Marketing | #51=100 |
| Chemistry | #111 |
| Classic and Ancient History | #51=100 |
| Life Science and Medicine | #72 |
| Medicine | #74 |
| Geography | #51-100 |
| Nursing | #51-100 |
| English Language and Literature | #90 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | #51-100 |
| Archelogy | #51-100 |
| Architecture and Build Environment | #51-100 |
| Marketing | #51-100 |
University of Manchester- Key Strengths and Top Programs
Choose the University of Manchester if you are aiming for a world-class ranking, global recognition, and a cutting-edge program in business technology or engineering.
- The University of Manchester consistently ranks in the top 30 universities in the world QS rank. It is strong in STEM, Business and social science, attracting a large proportion of international students to its postgraduate research program.
- The University of Manchester has one of the largest international student bodies in the UK; around 14,500+ international students(out of 44,000+ total) representing 170+ nationalities.
- The top three subjects in the top 10 globally are nursing (ranked 10), petroleum engineering (ranked 10), and architecture (ranked 5).
- There are 44 subjects holding positions in the top 100 in the 2025 QS by subject, like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Law & Legal Studies, Architecture, Planning & Environment.
The table below presents the subject-wise QS World University Rankings 2025 for the University of Manchester.
| Subject | QS WUR 2025 by subject |
| Engineering- Petroleum | #=9 |
| Nursing | #10 |
| Development Studies | #11 |
| Chemical Engineering | #16 |
| English Language & Literature | #18 |
| Geography | #18 |
| Library and Information Management | #20 |
| Sociology | #20 |
| Anthropology | #21 |
| Materials Science | #21 |
| Accounting & Finance | #23 |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | #25 |
| Marketing | #27 |
| Anatomy & Physicology | #29 |
| Mechanical Engineering | #29 |
| Linguistic | #29 |
| History | #31 |
| Natural Science | #31 |
| Engineering and Technology | #32 |
| Life and Science Medicine | #32 |
| Medicine | #33 |
| Engineering- ELectrical and ELectronic | #35 |
| Modern Language | #35 |
| Art & Humanities | #=36 |
| Social Science & Management | #=36 |
| Environmental Science | #=42 |
| Business & Management Studies | #=42 |
| Education and Training | #45 |
| Politics | #45 |
| Biological Science | #49 |
| Mathematics | #49 |
| Physics and Anatomy | #49 |
| Social Policy and Administration | #=48 |
| Psychology | #50 |
| Economics and Econometrics | #=62 |
| Law and Legal Studies | #=62 |
| Computer Science and Information Systems | #=67 |
| Geophysics | #51-100 |
| Earth and Marine Science | #51-100 |
| Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies | #51-100 |
| Archaelogy | #51-100 |
| Statistics and Operational Research | #51-100 |
| Communication and Media Studies | #51-100 |
| Engineering- Civil and Structural | #51-100 |
| Geology | #51-100 |
| Dentistry | #51-120 |
| Performing Art | #51-100 |
| Data Science & Artificial Engineering | #51-100 |
| Classic and Ancient History | #51-100 |
| Philosophy | #101-150 |
Both universities are known for their exceptional education and employability outcomes. Manchester has a slight edge in global ranking and reputation, while Liverpool offers excellent value and a more focused, supportive academic environment.
Programme Strength at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
Both universities offer a wide range of globally recognized programs. The University of Manchester excels in research-intensive fields and STEM disciplines, while the University of Liverpool stands out for its strong professional courses, innovative teaching, and career-focused learning. Here are the total numbers of programmes at the University of Liverpool vs. the University of Manchester:
| Course | Number of Courses available at the University of Liverpool | Number of Courses available in the University of Manchester |
| BA | 217 courses | 339 courses |
| BJMC | 18 courses | 24 courses |
| BPharma | 7 courses | 2 courses |
| BSN | 5 courses | 2 courses |
| BArch | 4 courses | 7 courses |
| BDS | 4 courses | 5 courses |
| LLM | 11 courses | 5 courses |
| LLB | 4 courses | 22 courses |
| MBBS | 2 courses | 3 courses |
| PG Certificate | 17 courses | 3 courses |
| MA | 70 courses | 55 courses |
| MArch | 5 courses | 5 courses |
| MPhil | 110 courses | 60 courses |
| MPharm | 1 course | 3 course |
| BEd | 2 courses | Does not offer |
| Others PG (9 courses) | Others PG (4 courses) | |
| PG Diploma (6 courses) | Does not offer |
University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester Entry Requirements for International Students
The University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester are both quite competitive and attract high-achieving students from around the world.
University of Liverpool
- Academic Reputation: The University of Liverpool is well known for its research-led teaching and flexibility in admissions.
- Academic Requirements: For the Undergraduate program, the applicant must have completed Class 12 (CBSE, ISC, or State Board) with an overall score of 70-80%, depending on the program. For highly competitive courses like engineering, computer science, and business, students may need 80% or above in key subjects. Foundation programs are available for students who don’t meet direct entry requirements. For postgraduate programs, you must pass your bachelor’s with 60-70% from a recognised institution. Some courses accept 55% with relevant work experience.
- English Language Requirements: The university accepts all English proficiency tests; scores required vary by course, but requirements are generally as follows.
| Exam | Score for UG | Score for PG |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 78+ | 88+ |
| PTE | 54+ | – |
- Foundation Pathway Option: University of Liverpool Foundational Years and pre-Master’s programs for students who do not meet direct entry criteria.
- Additional Requirement: The University of Liverpool can give a waiver and may consider students with lower grades if supported by a strong personal statement or relevant experience. The University of Liverpool is known for its student-friendly and inclusive admission policy.
University of Manchester
- Academic Reputation: The University of Manchester is globally ranked higher, which makes it more competitive and selective to get admission.
- Academic Requirements: For UG courses, applicants must have completed Class 2 (CBSE, ISE, or State Board) with at least 80–90% overall, depending on the program. For postgraduate programs, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with 65%-75% from a recognised institution. Some top programs like MBA, engineering, and medicine may require 70% or equivalent.
- English Language Requirements: The University of Manchester may require a high score in the English Proficiency test. Here are the general requirements.
| Exam | Score for UG | Score for PG |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90+ | 95+ |
| PTE | 65+ | — |
- Foundation or Pathway Options: The University of Manchester for a limited pathway option for International Students.
- Additional Requirement: Admission procedures for the University of Manchester may require interview portfolios or aptitude tests for a specific program. This university maintains strict and highly competitive admission criteria, especially for STEM, business, and medicine programs.
Note: In MBA and Postgraduate courses, Manchester demands higher GPAs and GMAT scores, while Liverpool is relatively lenient.
Tuition Fee at the University of Liverpool vs the University of Manchester
A comparison of the average tuition fee for UG and PG courses at both universities reveals that some of the courses have a similar cost of study, while others have a wide difference. So, while the actual cost will vary by your course, Liverpool, on average, has a lower cost of study.
| Average Fee | University of Liverpool | University of Manchester |
| Average Fee (UG) | GBP 17,000 – GBP 35,000 per year for international students | GBP 31,000 – GBP 33,500 per year for international students |
| Average Fee (PG) | GBP 18,000 – GBP 32,000 per year, depending on the course | GBP 27,000 – GBP 35,000 per year, depending on the course |
Comparison of Fees for Popular Courses
Here, we directly compare the difference between the fee structures of some popular and commonly chosen courses at the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester:
| Courses | Average Fee at University of Liverpool | Average Fee at University of Manchester |
| PGDM/ MBA | GBP 32,950 | GBP 50,000 |
| MSc | GBP 33,125 | GBP 28,000 |
| B.Tech/ BE | GBP 29,100 | GBP 34,000 – 37,900 |
| BBA | GBP 12,500 | GBP 31,500 |
| BSc | GBP 12,500 | GBP 33,100 |
Cost of Living in Liverpool vs Manchester
While we are on the topic of fees and costs, let’s also quickly go through the average cost of living in both of these cities.
The average estimated cost of living for international students at the University of Liverpool ranges from GBP 15,000 – GBP 16,000 per year, while at the University of Manchester, it is around GBP 16,500 – GBP 17,500 per year.
| Expenses | Cost of Living at the University of Liverpool | Cost of Living at the University of Manchester |
| Accommodation | GBP 6,330 approx/ year | GBP 7,200 approx/ year |
| Food | GBP 3,030 approx/ year | GBP 3,500 approx/ year |
| Transportation Cost | GBP 1,130 approx/ year | GBP 1,250 approx/ year |
| Other Utilities | GBP 4,530 approx/ year | GBP 4,800 approx/ year |
Student Life at University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester
Together with our students, we have established a robust campus community at the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester.
University of Liverpool’s city-centre campus offers award-winning housing, a superb Sports and Fitness Centre, a Guild of Students, and libraries that are available around the clock during the academic year. The University’s Guild of Students, located in the centre of campus, provides access to enlightening opportunities. There are plenty of activities to get involved in that can help you make lifelong friends, learn something new, and improve your employability, including more than 200 societies, a plethora of volunteer opportunities, and an incredible array of sustainability projects.
Notable Alumni and History in University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester
Both the University of Manchester (UoM) and the University of Liverpool (UoL) have long histories and extremely accomplished alumni, especially in the scientific and medical domains. Even so University of Manchester has a greater number of Nobel Laureates and a history more closely linked to groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs
| Universities | Nobel Laureates | Example of Notable Alumni |
| University of Liverpool | 26 | Benedict Cumberbatch (Actor), Brian Cox (Physicist/ Broadcaster), Alan Turing (Pioneer of Computing), Anthony Burgess (Author), Dame Christabel Pankhurst (Suffragette Leader). |
| University of Manchester | 10 | Clive Barker (Author/Director), Sir Ronald Ross (First British Nobel Laureate), Victoria Berbyshire (BBC Presenter), Sir Joseph Rotblat (Nobel Peace Prize winner) |
Also Read: University of Manchester Scholarships For International Students
University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester, both universities are prestigious Russell Group, offering high-quality education and a wide range of programs for international and domestic students. While Liverpool is known for its strong program in veterinary science, archaeology, and related fields, Manchester stands out with its extensive research opportunities, top global ranking, and a large number of highly ranked programs in science, engineering, and business.
FAQs
Over the years, our passion to learn, create, and inspire has brought us recognition worldwide. The University of Liverpool is proud to be listed as one of the first civic universities and as the 19th best in the United Kingdom out of the top 150 universities worldwide.
Student experience as a founding member of the Russell Group, a top 150 university worldwide (ranked 147th in the QS World University rankings 2026), a top 20 university in the UK (18th in the YT and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026), and the University of the Year 2025 (Educate North Awards).
Both universities are top UK Universities, but you can choose the university depending on your goal. Choose Manchester if you want a higher-ranked, research-focused university with strong global recognition, or choose Liverpool if you prefer a more supportive, flexible, and affordable university with a friendly atmosphere.
Ans: Yes, if you want to study at a globally top-ranked and research-driven university, Manchester can be worth the higher living costs. But if you prefer a more affordable, supportive, and relaxed student life, Liverpool is the better choice.
Both Liverpool and Manchester are student-friendly and safe, but Liverpool often feels more comfortable and welcoming for international students. It is smaller, easier to get around, and has a strong Indian community. Manchester is larger and more vibrant, offering more opportunities but with a faster pace of life.
Yes, the research opportunities differ between the two universities. The University of Manchester offers large, globally recognised research faculties like the National Graphene Institute, and more competitive, high-impact projects. The University of Liverpool provides strong, accessible research options with good mentoring and flexibility, especially at the undergraduate level. In short, Manchester is ideal for large-scale, cutting-edge research, while Liverpool suits students looking for supportive and hands-on research experience.
Yes, there is a significant difference in upfront cost; Manchester typically commands higher fees for international students. However, your actual cost will depend heavily on your chosen course and how much scholarship you secure.
This was all about the University of Liverpool vs University of Manchester. If you need to know university-specific application processes in any country, connect with our experts at 1800 57 2000 and book a 30-minute free counselling session.
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