MMU is an abbreviation often used to refer to Manchester Metropolitan University, which is a public research university based in Manchester, England. The Manchester Mechanics Institute and the Manchester School of Design merged to become what is now known as Manchester Polytechnic in the year 1970. These two institutions are where the university can trace its roots. After that, in 1992, Manchester Polytechnic transitioned into its current identity as Manchester Metropolitan University thanks to the Further and Higher Education Act passed by the United Kingdom's government.
In addition to being a member of the Association of MBAs and the European University Association, Manchester Metropolitan University is also a member of the University Alliance, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the North West Universities Association, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
In modern times, it has also become the location of the Manchester School of Art, the Manchester School of Theatre, and the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), which is run in conjunction with the University of Manchester.
The top section of the shield on the university's coat-of-arms served as inspiration for the design of the university's logo, which is comprised of six spade-irons aligned in a manner that suggests laborious work and entrenchment.