The University of Greater Manchester traces its origins back to 1824[5] with the founding of Bolton Mechanics' Institute.

In 1887, the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute decided that the town's apprentices required technical instruction for the rapidly expanding engineering advances being made at the turn of the 19th century.

Fifteen years later, a new building was opened offering a wide range of technical education choices, with engineering the most popular.

[9] The university is primarily situated on an urban campus between Deane Road and Derby Street in Bolton.

Formally known as Deane Tower, Senate House underwent refurbishment in 2004 to become a centre for design disciplines, research, and consultancy services.

[10] The five-storey building houses academic offices and subject areas including art & design, photography, graphics, media studies, special & visual effects, and psychology.

[11][10] The university has approved and recommends Orlando Village halls of residence, which is owned by McComb Bolton Limited.

In November 2015, the UTC was officially opened by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and named the 'Stoller Building' after the philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller.

[20] Since 2009, the University of Bolton has had a partnership with Western International College Ras Al Khaimah with programmes available at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

[21] In December 2011, the University of Bolton launched its academic centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka,[22] in partnership with the KES Group of Institutions.

It played a role in the forge's manufacturing processes, primarily reshaping white-hot iron billets into materials prepared for further refinement through rollers.

The university also organised cycling "refresher" sessions for interested students, aiming to promote safety and physical activity.

The university's vice-chancellor posited that in addition to cycling's environmental impact, the scheme would help address students' concerns about public transport during the pandemic and foster physical well-being.

Bolton One also offers students an eight-lane, 25-metre competition swimming pool, 50 foot climbing wall and sports hall.

[36] On 17 February 2016, it was announced that the University of Bolton would become the principal shirt sponsors of the Manchester Giants basketball team for the 2016 season.