University Academy 92 (UA92) - Manchester

Tengku A.

My 3 years at the university has been wonderful! The staff has always been very welcoming and approachable, greeting you with a smile every morning. My tutors are amazing, always ready to answer any questions and to help us navigate through assignments. I have also received a lot of opportunities when it comes to work experiences and meeting people from the industry making my university experience even more valuable. UA92 is definitely a place worth considering as your higher education placement. The way they do things is different but it truly produces the best results!

A

Was promised multiple comptia, aws and Microsoft qualifications that would be given to use at the end of each block in computer science. Did not receive one or was even talked about until the very last block when it was too late and wasn't even comptia it was a clouds fundamentals. Incredibly misleading. Uni was small and none existent social life. Don't bother coming here especially if it is for tech you will be very disappointed.

Also to the person who replied to my message, I was in my second year in september 2024 and still didnt receive any qualifactions for any module. Wasnt even informed about it. The one who promised us these was Muneeb the previous tech lead who only was with us for the first module of the first year and disappeared after. We was never even told about the whole only certain qualfications for certain modules for the first 2 years? Now everyone is panicking thinking if we are gonna be stuck working in retail for the rest of our lives rethinking our career choices.

Mo Q. S.

UA92 is less of a university and more of an abandoned experiment. Walking in, you’d think there was an outbreak of the plague no students, just empty hallways and an eerie silence. There’s no library, no canteen, no sports hall, no lecture halls, and definitely no proper university atmosphere.

UA92’s marketing makes it seem like a great place to study, but the reality is far from it. Many students quickly realize that the atmosphere feels artificial, you’re forced into the pointless “92 Programme”, which adds nothing to your education. The whole place feels like it was opened before it was even finished, and the “campus” is just one lonely building.

The only minor plus? One module at a time and no exams—but that’s like saying a haunted house has nice wallpaper. If you’re considering UA92, run while you still can.

Arham

I feel welcome over here, it makes doing a degree so much more convenient and enjoyable, not something that I'm continuously looking to get off my shoulders. I could sit for hours in the various seating areas in the University, being productive and relaxing.

Taryn G.

My time at UA92 was the best part of my academic journey. Being a Manchester United fan just made it even more amazing with the opportunities on offer. Thanks to the tutors and the staff who supported me I have managed to go and do a masters whilst also being a lecturer in sport at a college. As I have moved to another university for my masters, it makes me miss UA92 even more as the support they have for students is unmatched and in my opinion, better than any other university out there. This is due to the student focus instead of a brand/grade focus that many other universities follow. For anyone that wants to start their academic journey I will always recommend this place as it has a special place in my heart for how they helped me become the best version of myself whilst they were also supporting me through the lows of my personal life to help me get through it. Thank you UA92!

Eisa R.

Positives:
+ Learning Structure: The six-week modules followed by a one-week break help manage workload effectively, unlike traditional universities that juggle multiple modules and exams. Note that some courses, such as Accounting and Finance, still include exams.

+ Course Options: UA92 offers flexible course durations: one year (Cert HE), two years (Accelerated Degree), and the traditional three-year degree. I completed the Accelerated Degree from September 2022 to July 2024.

+ Classroom Environment: Classes are conducted in smaller rooms rather than lecture halls, promoting a closer bond among students and more personalised attention.

+ Diverse Workforce: A mix of younger and older staff provides varied perspectives and guidance.

+ Facilities: Both the Business School and Old Trafford campuses have breakout spaces with laptop access. Old Trafford has a more vibrant atmosphere, while the Business School can feel less inviting. Cleanliness varies; the Old Trafford campus is generally well-maintained, but the Business School requires improvement, particularly in communal areas.

+ Transport: Easy access to both campuses via Metrolink, with Old Trafford being a quick three-minute walk and the Business School being a 10 to 15-minute walk.

Negatives:
- Overpromised Experience: UA92's external image is appealing, but internal management issues exist, including overworked staff and insufficient skill development for students.

- Toxic Culture: Some staff prioritise self-interest, leading to poor complaint management and ineffective communication.

- Lack of Knowledge Among Staff: Many Business lecturers lack real knowledge and often rely on reading directly from presentations. While some can adequately answer student questions, others struggle to provide meaningful insights. This lack of industry knowledge and understanding of accounting practices limits students' preparedness for real-world challenges.

- Overworked Staff: A few dedicated teachers go above and beyond, but many lecturers lack real-world experience, negatively impacting the learning experience and engagement.

- Feedback Ignored: Student feedback is often disregarded, and frank communication can lead to disciplinary actions, discouraging open dialogue.

- Lengthy Complaint Process: The appeal process is slow and ineffective, with little chance for timely resolution.

- Character Development Classes: The "Character Personal Development" module feels unnecessary at Levels 4 and 5 and would be better suited for Level 6. This should be an opportunity for students to receive tutoring on building industry-related skills rather than reflecting on study block experiences.

Conclusion:
While UA92 has an attractive learning structure and flexibility, significant management and educational quality issues overshadow the experience. The dedication of some genuine and commendable staff stands out, as they truly aim to help students through their journey. However, the lack of practical training, poor feedback handling, and toxic culture remain major drawbacks.

This is my review of my time at University Academy 92, I would highly recommend you to have a look at the Glassdoor reviews.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Beth M.

AMAZING UNIVERSITY

Couldn’t recommend this uni enough, my confidence, academic skills and experience I gained during my time studying Journalism here moulded me into the person I always wished of being. I’ve managed to secure my dream job in a similar industry to what I studied and put it down to the amazing opportunities given at UA92.

Katie B.

Amazing building for work and study. Very friendly staff and students