Castlefield Gallery Competitors

The University of Manchester is recognised globally for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. Part of the Russell Group, we’re ranked 35th in the QS World University Rankings, 2025 (6th in the UK) and 46th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025. The power of our social and environmental impact has been recognised on a global scale as the only university in the top ten in both the QS World University Sustainability Rankings and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, for our contribution towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our university is a powerhouse of research and discovery; 26 Nobel laureates are among our former staff and students, and we were ranked fifth for research power – the quality and scale of research and impact – in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 2021. Ranked 20th most international university in the world according to Times Higher Education (2025), our community includes more than 44,000 students, 12,800 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries, working together to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. We’re one of the most popular institutions in the UK for undergraduate applications, according to UCAS, and were the most targeted university by the UK’s leading employers in 2024 (The Graduate Market). Learn more at www.manchester.ac.uk.

Salford City Council exists to serve its residents and provides a complete and comprehensive range of services and facilities. The council's mission statement is "to create the best possible quality of life for the people of Salford." Salford is a city constantly changing and moving into an exciting future as a thriving cultural, economic and residential location. It is located in Greater Manchester, covers 37 square miles and has a population of 220,000. Salford is one of Britain’s ‘key growth’ areas, recording the fastest growing population and economy outside of London. It is home to 8,700 businesses who employ more than 140,000 people and MediaCityUK, which has boosted the economy by £1bn in just five years. Investment continues and more than £3.5billion in non residential developments are already planned in Salford over the next 10 years. This is on top of the 17,800 homes which have been granted planning permission in the past five years. ‘Best Place to Work’ at the LGA Workforce Awards 2024.

Cheshire East Council is a unitary authority, serving over 420,000 residents and 20,000 businesses. The council delivers a wide range of services including education, social care, planning, transport, and environmental health. The Cheshire East Plan 2025–29 sets out a bold vision: “Enabling prosperity and wellbeing for all in Cheshire East.” It outlines three strategic commitments: Unlocking prosperity for all – through inclusive economic growth, improved transport, lifelong learning, and a carbon-neutral future. Improving health and wellbeing – by reducing health inequalities, supporting independence, and fostering safe, thriving communities. Being an effective and enabling council – focused on financial sustainability, digital transformation, and collaborative governance. Aligned with the council’s transformation and improvement programme and financial strategy, the plan provides clear direction for residents, partners, and staff, ensuring Cheshire East continues to be a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking place to live and work.