Mancunion

Mancunion
Name	Mancunion
Type	Student newspaper
Format	Tabloid
Foundation	1970
Owners	University of Manchester Students' Union
Headquarters	Manchester
Website	https://mancunion.com/

Mancunion. It is the official student newspaper of the University of Manchester, published by the University of Manchester Students' Union. Established in 1970 following the merger of predecessor publications from the former Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST, it is one of the United Kingdom's largest and most prominent student publications. The newspaper provides news, features, and commentary on university life, local issues in Manchester, and national higher education policy, operating with editorial independence from its parent union.

History

The publication's origins trace back to the separate student newspapers of the Victoria University of Manchester, such as *Manchester University Magazine*, and those of the UMIST. The formal creation of the current title coincided with the merger of the University of Manchester Students' Union and the UMIST Students' Union in the early 1970s. Throughout its history, it has covered significant events affecting the student body, including protests over tuition fees, debates on NUS affiliation, and major developments on the Oxford Road campus. The newspaper has transitioned from a traditional print-focused operation to a major digital publisher, maintaining a regular print edition while expanding its online presence substantially.

Content and sections

The newspaper is divided into several core sections, each with distinct content and editorial leadership. The **News** section covers stories from across the University of Manchester campuses, the Manchester Students' Union, and the wider City of Manchester. **Comment** features opinion pieces and editorials on topics ranging from UK government policy to local issues in Fallowfield and Rusholme. **Science & Technology** reports on research breakthroughs from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and global innovations. **Culture** encompasses reviews and features on Manchester International Festival, music at venues like Albert Hall, and the city's vibrant arts scene. Additional regular sections include **Sport**, focusing on teams like Manchester University Rugby Football Club and Manchester Metropolitan University fixtures, and **Lifestyle**.

Editorial structure and staff

Editorial oversight is managed by a team of elected student editors, led by an **Editor-in-Chief** and a **Deputy Editor**. These roles are typically filled through annual elections conducted by the University of Manchester Students' Union. Section editors for **News**, **Comment**, **Culture**, **Science**, and **Sport** are appointed by the senior editorial team. The staff is composed entirely of student volunteers from across the university's faculties, including the Manchester Business School and the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. This structure ensures the publication remains a platform for student journalism, with training and support often provided in partnership with organizations like the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Notable alumni

Many former contributors have progressed to prominent roles in British media, international journalism, and related fields. Notable alumni include **Andrew Marr**, the renowned BBC political broadcaster and former editor of *The Independent*; **Helen Pidd**, the North of England editor for *The Guardian*; and **John Harris**, a columnist for *The Guardian* and filmmaker. Other distinguished figures are **Michele Hanson**, a longtime columnist for *The Guardian*; **Alex Clark**, a critic and broadcaster for the BBC; and **Owen Jones**, the political commentator and author for *The Guardian*.

Awards and recognition

The publication has been consistently recognized within the student media sector, winning multiple awards at the prestigious Guardian Student Media Awards and the National Student Television Association ceremonies. It has received accolades for its investigative journalism, feature writing, and digital innovation from bodies like the NUS. Individual student journalists from the newspaper have also won awards from the BBC and the Press Gazette, often leading to placements at major outlets such as *The Times*, *Reuters*, and Sky News.

See also

* Student newspaper * University of Manchester * University of Manchester Students' Union * List of newspapers in the United Kingdom * National Student Television Association

Category:Student newspapers published in the United Kingdom Category:University of Manchester Category:Publications established in 1970 Category:Media in Manchester