University Academy 92

What University Academy 92 does

University Academy 92 (UA92) is a UK-registered, private for-profit higher education provider headquartered in Old Trafford, Manchester, founded in 2019 as a joint venture between Lancaster University and Manchester United's Class of 92 (Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt). The institution delivers undergraduate degree programmes across four academic verticals (World of Business, World of Digital, World of Media, World of Sport), awarded by Lancaster University, with delivery sites at its main campus on Brian Statham Way and inside Old Trafford Stadium. UA92 generated £14.8m in revenue in FY2024/25 (up 26% year-on-year) from approximately 1,217 students, achieving its first positive EBITDA of £0.2m, and operates 11-50 employees.

UA92's core products are 3-year degrees, accelerated 2-year degrees (~20% cheaper), a 1-year Certificate of Higher Education, and a Level 3-6 apprenticeship portfolio (ICT, Multi-Channel Marketing, Cyber Security, Data Analyst, DevOps, Data Science, Digital Marketing). Differentiating features include the 92 Programme for character development, an AM/PM timetable enabling part-time work, multiple annual start dates, and the £5,000 'Make It For Real' support package including Microsoft Surface device and travel. Technology infrastructure is conventional HE: UCAS application portal, Turnitin plagiarism detection, plus a Digital Media Lab and Digital Academy co-developed with Microsoft.

Revenue streams comprise tuition fees (via UK student finance), government apprenticeship funding, student accommodation, and event venue hire. Go-to-market is sales-led through UCAS, direct applications, Clearing, Open Days and employer apprenticeship channels. UA92 holds a TEF Silver award (2023, youngest provider to achieve this), Ofsted Good rating for apprenticeships (2023), and partnerships with Manchester United, Salford City FC, Lancashire Cricket, Microsoft, KPMG, Barclays, NatWest, Cisco, Navitas and Foundation 92. Recent leadership change: Professor Zainab Khan appointed CEO in February 2026, succeeding Sara Prowse who oversaw 1,500% student growth over five years.

Name

University Academy 92

Legal name

University Academy 92

Website

https://ua92.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

University Academy 92 is a UK private higher education provider founded in 2019 by Lancaster University and Manchester United's Class of 92, delivering Lancaster University-awarded undergraduate degrees and apprenticeships across Business, Digital, Media and Sport at its Manchester and Old Trafford Stadium campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Apprenticeship training
• Digital skills education
• Sports industry education

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Revenue from undergraduate degree programmes including 3-year, 2-year accelerated, and Certificate of Higher Education courses. Students access tuition fee loans through UK government student finance system.
2. Apprenticeship Funding: Government funding for apprenticeship programmes covering Level 3, 4, and 6 apprenticeships. Employers may also contribute to training costs.
3. Accommodation Services: UA92 Academy Apartments provide student accommodation, generating additional revenue stream
4. Event Spaces and Venue Hire: Meetings and event spaces available for hire to businesses and organizations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

University Academy 92 (UA92) is a UK higher education institution offering undergraduate degree programs in Business, Digital, Media, and Sport, all awarded by Lancaster University. It also delivers government-funded apprenticeship training at Levels 3, 4, and 6, a 1-year Certificate of Higher Education, and additional services including student accommodation and venue hire. Teaching is delivered at the UA92 Main Campus in Old Trafford, Manchester, and at Old Trafford Stadium.

Product overview

University Academy 92 (UA92) is a higher education institution offering a portfolio of undergraduate degree programs across four academic disciplines: Business, Digital, Media, and Sport. The core products are undergraduate degree programs (3-year and accelerated 2-year formats) and Certificate of Higher Education programs, all awarded by Lancaster University. UA92's unique offerings include the 92 Programme (character and personal development), Make It For Real support package (£5,000 value), and specialized football-related degrees taught at Old Trafford Stadium. The institution also offers apprenticeship programs at various levels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• World of Business Undergraduate Degrees Undergraduate degree programs covering Accounting and Business Management, Business Management, and Accounting and Finance, with input from KPMG, TalkTalk and CIMA. Designed for prospective undergraduate students seeking industry-connected business education.
• World of Digital Undergraduate Degrees Digital technology degree programs co-developed with Microsoft and industry partners, focusing on software development and computer programming. Targeted at prospective students pursuing digital and computing careers.
• World of Media Undergraduate Degrees Media and journalism programs covering Journalism, Sports Journalism, Media and Communications, and Sports Media and Communications. For students seeking careers in journalism, broadcasting, and media.
• World of Sport Undergraduate Degrees Sport and exercise degree programs with links to Manchester United, Salford City FC and Lancashire Cricket. For students pursuing careers in sport, exercise science, and sport management.
• Business of Football BSc (Hons) Degree focusing on the commercial and strategic side of the football industry, taught at Old Trafford Stadium. For students targeting football business, management, and analytics careers.
• Football Broadcast and Journalism BA (Hons) Media and journalism degree preparing students for football broadcasting and commentary roles. Developed with BBC Sport, ITV, Channel 4 and CNN professionals, with placements through Salford City FC, Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club.
• Accelerated 2-Year Degree Programs Accelerated degree options allowing students to complete full Lancaster University-awarded degrees in two years instead of three, at approximately 20% less cost. Six modules per year.
• Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) One-year foundation programmes equivalent to the first year of a degree, providing progression to Year 2 of applicable degree courses. 64 UCAS tariff points required.
• Apprenticeship Programs Apprenticeship offerings including Level 3 ICT, Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer, Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist, Level 4 Data Analyst, Level 4 DevOps, Level 6 Data Science, and Level 6 Digital Marketer. Delivered for UK employers to develop workforce capabilities.
• Student Accommodation (UA92 Academy Apartments) UA92 Academy Apartments provide student accommodation, generating an additional revenue stream. Available to UA92-enrolled students.
• Meetings and Event Spaces Meetings and event spaces available for hire to businesses and organizations at UA92's Old Trafford locations.
• Digital Academy Multi-million pound Digital Academy facility launched to expand digital skills training capacity and host the World of Digital portfolio, with co-developed courses with Microsoft.

Quantifiable outcome

• 26% revenue growth to £14.8m in 2024/25
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Lancaster UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founding partner alongside the Class of 92. Awards all UA92 degrees. Provides academic oversight and quality assurance for programmes.
• Manchester UnitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor strategic partner providing mentors, guest speakers, insight days, internships, and live project briefs across sport, digital, media, and business courses. Teaching spaces provided at Old Trafford Stadium as part of campus.
• Salford City FCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partner led by Class of 92. Coaching, physio, and management teams bring teaching to life in classroom. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.
• Lancashire CricketsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partner supporting students with guest speaker sessions, mentoring, and work experience programmes. Venue hosts international fixtures, conferences, and music concerts.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed digital courses with emphasis on software development and computer programming. Provides technology partnership including Microsoft Surface devices for student support packages.
• KPMGsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner providing input into business programmes with workplace experiences such as insight days, masterclasses, and guest lectures.
• TalkTalksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner providing guest lectures and industry insights for media and business courses.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partner providing exemptions and accreditation for accounting and business management programmes.
• Foundation 92supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable foundation established by Class of 92, supporting community initiatives and student engagement.
• CiscosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner sponsoring Pioneering Final Year Project award and providing technology and networking education support.
• Altrincham FCsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFootball partnership allowing students to gain practical experience in football industry through internships, projects, and real-world insights.
• English Football League (EFL)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing insight into professional football operations and career pathways across football business.
• BarclayssupportingOthersMajor employer providing internship opportunities for UA92 students, including 10-week Operations Analyst internship programme.
• NatWestsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerator Programme partner where students deliver marketing campaigns for real businesses like Pink Link Ladies.
• CompTIAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership providing technology certification and career development pathways for digital students.
• Navitas Pty LimitedsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUA92 Global partner through Navitas providing international student pathways and global education services.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BIMM University: For-profit UK specialist higher education institution focused on creative industries, providing applied, industry-linked degrees — comparable niche private HE positioning.
• BPP University: Private for-profit UK higher education provider focused on vocational, professional and apprenticeship programmes with strong employer partnerships — directly comparable for-profit HE model and apprenticeship-heavy revenue mix.
• University of Law: For-profit specialist UK university offering career-focused degrees and apprenticeships with strong employer linkages; operates a similar niche vocational HE model to UA92 with a single-subject specialisation.
• Arden University: Private UK university delivering flexible, blended and online degree programmes targeted at working adults — comparable for-profit HE model serving non-traditional cohorts.

Broad incumbents

• Lancaster University: Co-founder of UA92 and degree-awarding partner; established public research university whose brand and QA framework UA92 leverages, offering a useful benchmark for credibility and quality perception.
• Kaplan UK: Large private provider of higher education, professional training and apprenticeship pathways in the UK — comparable scaled for-profit HE/apprenticeship operator and pathway provider.

Others

• Study Group: Global higher education pathway and preparation provider partnered with UK universities for international and foundation-year students; comparable pathway/international recruitment infrastructure adjacent to UA92's international segment.
• Navitas: Global education pathway provider partnered with UA92 via UA92 Global for international student recruitment; adjacent enabling player that supports international student funnel comparable to UA92's segment mix.

Emerging players

• Into University: UK charity focused on widening participation and supporting disadvantaged young people into higher education — overlapping social-mobility mission and recruitment overlap with UA92's disadvantaged-community segment.

Regional players

• Wrexham Glyndŵr University: Small, newer UK university focused on applied, career-oriented programmes and widening participation, with celebrity-profile ownership — comparable newer, applied, regional HE provider competing for similar non-Russell Group applicants.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/UA92MCR
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCsWX6bOinSqRSyChJzj-wTQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/UA92MCR
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ua92mcr
• Instagraminstagram.com/ua92mcr/?hl=en
• TikToktiktok.com/@ua92mcr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University Academy 92