Manchester is a great place to be now (I think anyway) - especially if you're into your music and going out (best clubs outside London). After almost 4 years here I still love the place, and its changed beyond all recognition from 10+ years ago.
Was it Manchester Uni or Manchester Met Uni you applied to for the course? It does seem strange how there are only 15 places... perhaps try something in the same department which has the same modules, as there is bound to be something very similar. My course has 14 people on it technically, but I'm still in lectures with 60 other people half the time. (and 120 of the same people up until this year).