Logo

Our logo shows the ‘Manchester Metropolitan University’ logotype positioned to the right of the ‘spades’ icon.

The logo should always appear in black unless it’s on a dark background. In that case, it should be white.

Always use the official version of the logo, which can you download here. This folder contains both RGB and CMYK versions in various file types likely to be needed across materials and by various users. 

Our secondary logo repositions the logotype underneath the spades. You should only use it when there’s not enough space for the primary logo.

Like the primary logo, the secondary logo should always be black unless it’s on a dark background. In that case, it should be white.

There needs to be space around our logo to make sure it's prominent and easy to read.

This exclusion zone should be at least the height of the words ‘Manchester Metropolitan’ as they appear in the logo.

Don’t position any other design elements in this area, even partially.

Digital

In a digital environment, the logo size depends on the size of the canvas you're applying it to.

Online, the logo should have a minimum height of 40px.

On very small canvases, the exclusion zone around the logo may mean it’s too small to read easily. In this case, you can remove the exclusion zone. But, make sure that the logo never touches other elements of the design such as images or borders.

If you've reduced the logo to its minimum size and it still touches other parts of the design, use the secondary logo instead.

Print

For all printed communications, please follow our size guide. Minimum logo heights:

• A3 – 30mm
• A4 – 21mm
• A5 – 18.5mm

For any non-standard formats, use the nearest A size as a guide.

You should position our logo at the top left when possible. If that’s not possible — eg where the logo would obscure an image — please use one of the other three corners. 

Margins for standard sizes are as follows:

• A3 – 18mm
• A4 – 13mm
• A5 – 9mm

For any non-standard formats, use the nearest A size as a guide.

Correct use

Here are some examples of where we've used the logo correctly on light, dark and photographic backgrounds.

Incorrect use

Here are some examples of where the logo has been used incorrectly:

Exceptional use

Alteration to the logo must only be done with explicit approval from brand@mmu.ac.uk.

*Exceptions may include special print finishes of the logo such as foils or colouring elements of the logo for key events such as graduation or our involvement in Manchester Pride. This example uses the secondary (stacked) logo, rather than the primary logo, as this style of logo balances with the other logos it usually is displayed alongside.

We use our coat of arms in place of the University logo in more ceremonial applications, such as graduation materials and formal gifts.  

If you include the University name, with the coat of arms, make sure it’s the full legal name: ‘The Manchester Metropolitan University’.

Before you use the coat of arms, please gain approval from brand@mmu.ac.uk.

Our coat of arms has a full colour and mono variation. When you use the mono version, it should be in black, reversed, or in a special finish like foil.

Exclusion zone

Ensure there is an exclusion zone around the coat of arms. This is based on the height of the central frame on the shield.

Minimum sizes

Minimum coat of arms heights:

• A5 – 22mm high
• A4 – 30mm high

Minimum sizes should be adhered to, although due to the complex design it should be rendered at a preferred size of 50mm/160px.

In the upper part of the shield, you’ll see a representation of our logo symbol. These six spade-irons stand for hard work and our firmly entrenched position in Manchester’s cultural and physical landscape. The lower part of the shield shows a chequerboard of opportunity, representing the diverse disciplines we offer. The flame symbolises a burning enthusiasm for learning.

The crest shows a lion holding a globe with bees: a symbol of our links with the City of Manchester. The lion is one of the supporters of the City’s arms, and the globe with bees is taken from the City’s crest. For the University, the bees symbolise the activity and hard work of education, while the globe is a nod to the students who come to study with us from all over the world.

The two antelopes supporting the shield are also linked to the City of Manchester — they’re looking outwards in pursuit of knowledge and opportunity. The flames coming from their mouths are a link to the flame of knowledge on the shield.