Welcome to the Greater Manchester

Civic University Agreement

Welcome to the Greater Manchester

Civic University Agreement

Greater Manchester’s Universities are a vital part of everyday life in our city-region, from training the professionals who care for our communities to backing local businesses with research and innovation, and opening doors for people of all backgrounds.

Through the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement, our five universities are committed to combining our unique strengths and working side by side with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, our ten local authorities, and our communities to help build a fairer, greener, healthier and more prosperous Greater Manchester for all.

Our Civic University Agreement

Our shared priorities

Through the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement, we are focusing on four shared priorities – where we can make the biggest difference by working together to combine our strengths:

Explore Our Priorities

OPPORTUNITY & PROSPERITY

HEALTH & WELLBEING

CULTURE

ENVIRONMENT

Our Members

Our five universities are at the heart of Greater Manchester — educating over 100,000 students each year, supporting local employment, driving innovation, and working with the NHS, businesses and councils to strengthen communities and the economy. Together, our universities contribute around £6 billion each year to the region’s economy.

Latest News

  • Audience members seated in a conference room, attentively listening to a presentation or speaker.

    Greater Manchester’s Universities Launch Refreshed Civic Mission

    22 October 2025

  • The 2025 Greater Manchester Civic University Board annual report, showing statistics such as over 83 million people engaged through public events, performances, and exhibitions; 371,502 learner days of Continuing Professional Development training delivered; 108,155 GM students; and support for over 600 local small businesses, with a cityscape background and a logo for Greater Manchester Universities.

    The 2025 Greater Manchester Civic Universities Annual Report

    29 July 2025

  • Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, speaks to crowd from a stage

    Universities Back New Greater Manchester Strategy

    15 July 2025