university of manchester phd opportunities

PhDs in Science and Engineering

Offer holders

HELLO TOMORROW

Cdts recruiting this september.

Fully-funded places in Centres for Doctoral Training for nuclear energy and AI.

A Manchester PhD could change your tomorrow.

This is the place where the atom was split, graphene was discovered and AI was born. It could be your home too.

Whether you're interested in a CDT, an MPhil, a PhD, Eng D or MSc by Research, this page will take you through the process of becoming a Manchester postgraduate researcher, from finding your research passion, to knowing how it’ll be funded.

Right, let’s start your tomorrow.

Choose your own path

Join a global institution where you can choose between full or part time projects, develop transferable skills, accelerate your career and forge the future you want.

Innovate and create

Our postgraduate researchers work at the cutting-edge of research, making important breakthroughs, big and small, as we build a better future together.

A different place

Enjoy life in a multicultural city, that people who think differently are proud to call home, and feel you belong as part of our diverse research community.

World leading facilities

We’re home to some of the best facilities in the world, from the biggest electrical infrastructure test facility in UK academia, to the only in-land wave tank in the UK.

Discover your tomorrow

Get ready for a life changing experience like no other.

Ours is a diverse community, with talented researchers from different countries, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs, where everyone is welcome. That's why we've got flexible pathways to support you, whatever your background or career stage. Hear from current postgraduate researchers and discover more about PhD life at Manchester.

Getting started

Is postgraduate research at manchester for you.

At Manchester we actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds, and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We're looking for postgraduate researchers that not only meet our entry requirements but also possess key attributes and characteristics which we think make an excellent Manchester researcher.

Before you start your journey, use our eligibility checker to discover whether you've got what it takes to become a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester.

Check your eligibility

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Sign-up to our newsletter and receive monthly updates and tips on applying for postgraduate research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

• Find out about the latest featured and live projects
• Be the first to hear about newly launched funding opportunities and events
• Listen to advice and tips from currently postgraduate researchers and our support teams
• And much more

Choose your research area

What inspires you.

Your tomorrow should be built on your research passion. Start your PhD journey by finding the research project that best suits you.

Browse across our  nine Departments and research areas ,  innovative Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) , and international joint and dual awards . Alternatively, head straight to  our project search  to find all of our live advertised projects, or to our  supervisor search  to start by finding a suitable supervisor.

Browse by department and research theme

Already know which area you want to research?

Learn more about the research themes and vast range of expertise in each of our nine Departments, and browse live projects for each area:

• Chemical Engineering - including catalysis and porous materials; process integration; and sustainable industrial systems.
• Chemistry - including biotechnology; inorganic, materials, organic, physical, and theoretical chemistry disciplines.
• Computer Science - including computer systems engineering; data engineering; and software systems engineering.
• Earth and Environmental Sciences - including atmospheric sciences; ecology and evolution; palaeontology; and planetary science.
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering - including specialist programme options in electrical and electronic engineering.
• Materials - including biomaterials; fashion management and marketing; metallurgy and corrosion; nanomaterials; and textiles and apparel.
• Mathematics - including applied maths; financial maths; mathematical logic; probability; pure mathematics; and statistics.
• Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering - including environmental engineering; management of projects, and nuclear engineering.
• Physics and Astronomy - including accelerator, nuclear and particle physics; astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology; condensed matter, atomic and biological physics; theoretical physics.

Browse all live projects

Want to search projects across the Faculty of Science and Engineering?

Simply head over to our project search to browse live projects from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and find a project you're passionate about.

Search live projects

Centres for Doctoral Training

Want to combine research with practical training and collaborate across research areas and institions?

Find out more about our Centres for Doctoral Training which offer fully funded PhDs in a range of research areas including advanced biomedical materials, graphene, integrated catalysis, and nuclear energy.

Explore doctoral training

Dual and joint awards

Want to carry out some of your research in a different country?

Discover more about our dual and joint award partnerships with prestigious universities across the world, and opportunities to research in both Manchester and Australia, China, Japan, or India.

Browse joint and dual awards

Found a project you're passionate about and ready to apply? Get started with your application right here.

Find a supervisor

Where to start.

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial part of your PhD journey.

• Tell you more about a project and the team you could work with.
• Nominate you for one of our funding scholarships.
• Sponsor your proposed research idea.
• Support you at every stage of your research journey.

Search for researchers by name or area of research

Found a supervisor and spoken to them about supporting you and your application for postgraduate research? Get started with your application right here.

Fund your research

Find the funding you need.

There are lots of ways you can secure funding for your postgraduate research.

Depending on the project you're applying for and when you're applying, there are a range of options available to you:

• Funded projects - when browsing projects filter your search by 'Funding Status' and check the 'Funding' section to see whether the project itself is already funded.
• University, Faculty and Department funding - if the project you're interested in isn't funded, use our funding database below to browse scholarships and awards which you may be eligible to apply for, or speak to our admissions team or your supervisor about other potential sources of funding.
• Self-funded or government sponsored projects - if you're self-funded or government funded then we'll need to see proof of funds or a letter from your sponsor when you apply.

Search our funding database

Additional funding support.

Funded projects and scholarships aren’t the only ways you can fund your postgraduate research.

• Postgraduate loans – you might qualify for a non-means tested loan from the UK Government. Paid directly to you, these re-payable loans contribute towards the cost of your study.
• Funding for students with disabilities – talk to our Disability Support Office about the external sources of financial support that might be available.
• Work while you study – our schools and faculties offer additional opportunities to supplement your income, including tutoring and graduate teaching assistant roles.

Thought about how you'd like to fund your postgraduate research and all set to apply? Get started with your application right here.

Meet our researchers

Hello charlotte.

"I really love just walking around Manchester; there’s something for everyone here."

Hear how Charlotte balances her research, teaching and life in a city she calls home.

Meet Charlotte

Hello Toufic

"Life as a postgraduate researcher varies."

Toufic tells us about the ups and downs of his research and how he's taking advantage of the industry links at the University.

Meet Toufic

"Manchester really stood out for me because there are so many world leading projects going on here."

Jie tells us about her research and the opportunities she's discovering.

Why Manchester?

Your future starts here.

A brilliant campus, at the heart of the UK's most liveable city.

Discover our campus

Explore the city

What's next?

Progress your application.

So, you've found a research area to focus on, and a supervisor to support you. You also know how you want to fund your project. But what's next?

1. Check the specific entry requirements and tuition fees for your programme in our  course profile section .

2. Read our short guide to what you'll need to start your application.

3. Make sure you have all of your information to hand before you start the form. Use our application checklist to tick off everything you need.

4. Complete our online application form

Your application checklist

Start your new tomorrow.

Not long to go now...the final step is your application.

Before you apply, remember that your application is more likely to be successful if you have already made contact with potential supervisors , to find out if they are able to offer supervision in your area of interest.

Apply for an advertised project or CDT

You won’t need to submit a research proposal, you'll just need the relevant project title and supervisor(s).

Apply for your own research project

You’ll need to submit your research proposal and the name of the supervisor/s you have identified as part of your application.

Got a question? We're here to help!

Not sure where to start or got a question about applying, funding or something else?

Chat to our friendly application team today

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Department of Chemical Engineering

Postgraduate research in chemical engineering

Our breadth of research expertise and highly advanced facilities make us an ideal choice whatever your doctoral interest.

Facilitating research across chemical engineering and bioscience, chemistry, mathematics and analytical and measurement science, means we can offer you the benefits of a large multidisciplinary institution at the same time as ensuring you are given personal support for your professional development.

Explore postgraduate research in chemical engineering

Browse our range of chemical engineering PhD, MPhil and MSc by Research postgraduate research programmes.

Search research programmes >>

Live projects

Start your PhD journey by finding a research project that you’re passionate about.

Search live projects >>

Supervisors

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial part of your PhD journey.

Search for supervisors by name or area of study >>

Browse research themes and find supervisors linked to each theme >>

There are lots of ways you can secure funding for your postgraduate research. Browse our funding pages to find out about available scholarships, studentships and awards before speaking to your supervisor for further guidance.

Find funding >>

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Find out more about fully funded PhD opportunities available through our CDTs, where you can combine research with practical training as part of a cohort and collaborate across research areas, institutions and industry.

Explore CDTs >>

Start your new tomorrow. Find out how to submit an application.

How to apply >>

Discover your tomorrow

Get ready for a life changing experience like no other; find out about postgraduate research at The University of Manchester.

Discover more about our research

Advanced functional materials and analytical science

Development and analysis of a wide range of advanced functional materials.

Biochemical and bioprocess engineering

The sustainable biological production of a wide range of products using advanced technologies.

Catalysis and porous materials

Research into heterogeneous catalysis, membranes and separations, porous media and more.

Multi-scale modelling

Development and use of modelling and simulation tools to address research challenges.

Process integration

The design, optimisation and control of chemical and biochemical processes.

Subsurface energy systems

Subsurface systems play a critical role in the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy.

Sustainable industrial systems

Identifying sustainable solutions for industrial systems on a life cycle basis.

Our staff and students have access to the University’s range of excellent modern facilities.

Centres and institutes

We work with a number of interdisciplinary University research centres and institutes.

Start your PhD journey

Browse projects built on your research passion, find a supervisor that shares your vision and discover how your PhD could be fully funded.

Economics PhD programme

Our PhD in Economics is designed to train students for a rewarding career in economic research. With our 5-year programme, students receive rigorous training and sufficient time for producing original research.

Admission to the PhD programme is highly competitive as we typically only admit roughly 8-10 students per year, all of whom are usually funded. We place a high value on attracting the best minds, who will become valued members of our active research environment. Our students typically go on to teaching and research careers in academia, but also to positions in government, research institutions or the private sector.

Full Economics PhD course profile

We have launched a new five-year PhD programme, which consists of two years of coursework, followed by three years of independent research. Our new programme structure is aligned with that of top institutions in the US and the UK, providing students with rigorous advanced training and sufficient time for producing independent research. Furthermore, our training centre is part of the ESRC's accredited  North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) .

Over the first two semesters, students take eight courses, including compulsory units in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and mathematics. In the summer months, students then complete a dissertation, which is the first step towards the preparation of an eventual PhD thesis.

This year of the programme is equivalent to a MSc in economics. Students with a high level of performance in an equivalent degree can enter directly into year 1 of the programme.

In this year, students take advanced PhD-level courses. All students must take core units in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and research skills. Students must also choose one additional field course. Students may also be allowed to take additional units from one of our partner institutions within the NWSSDTP, from other departments at Manchester, or one of our advanced-level MSc units. There is also the option of taking units in subsequent years.

In addition to coursework, students also prepare a detailed research proposal. Since the research questions described in this proposal and the approach to addressing these questions are a significant part of the training in year 1, students are advised to start working on the research proposal as soon as possible.

Year 2 and beyond

After finishing the coursework, students have three years of independent research, with a possibility of an additional year (for writing up). In this phase, students will work on completing their job market paper, as well as other papers that will be part of their PhD thesis. Students will participate in the  PhD conferences , which consists of both the internal conference and the NWSSDTP conference. Students are also expected to attend regularly  research seminars  in their field and the  Manchester Economic Seminar series .

It is expected that during these three years, students will produce three pieces of substantive work, at least two of publishable quality. Submission to at least one international conference in economics is also expected and highly recommended.

In addition, students must present their work at least once in a weekly  seminar  related to their research area. PhD students also organise a weekly seminar series, and students are expected to attend and present in this seminar series as well.

Supervision

Normally, a student's supervisory team will consist of a main supervisor and a co-supervisor. Students are assigned a supervisory team upon entry into the programme, regardless of point of entry (i.e., year 0 or year 1).

When applying to our PhD programme, students are advised to identify  potential supervisors . Details on recent publications, ongoing projects and research interests are all available on our academics' profiles. Although guarantees cannot be made, we will do our best to match your area of research to the most suitable supervisor.

Your potential supervisor should be able to give you advice on developing your  research proposal , which must be included with your application to the programme.

Almost all of our students receive some form of funding. All of our applicants will be considered for scholarships from the University, which cover tuition fees and include a stipend. There is also the possibility to compete for ESRC funding . To search for current funding opportunities, please use our funding database search tool .

We view teaching experience as an integral part of the PhD programme. Therefore, PhD students are provided the opportunity to work as Graduate Teaching Assistants (which is paid), beginning in their second year.

In recent years, some of our students have completed internships at the European Central Bank and the Bank of England during the course of their studies.

The department provides resources to support students going on the job market. This includes practice interview sessions, as well as introductory talks on the European and American academic job markets. These talks are aimed towards year-five PhD students, but are open to all students.

In recent years, our PhD students have obtained research positions at universities, central banks and policy institutions. Please see a list of our  recent placements .

How to apply

Apply to the Economics PhD programme using the university's  online application system .

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Department of Materials

Postgraduate research in materials science and fashion business technology

We are the largest Department of Materials in Europe, attracting the best research talent from across the globe.

We are the home of graphene and our continued investment in materials includes the creation of our £235 million Henry Royce Institute.

Whether your interests lie in hard science subjects such as biomaterials or metallurgy, or social science subjects such as consumer behaviour, marketing or business management, there are a range of study packages and funding options available to you.

Explore postgraduate research in materials and fashion

Browse our range of materials and fashion PhD, MPhil and MSc by Research postgraduate research programmes. 

Search research programmes >>

Live projects

Start your PhD journey by finding a research project that you’re passionate about.

Search live projects >>

Supervisors

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial key of your PhD journey.

Search for supervisors by name or area of study >>

Browse research themes and find supervisors linked to each theme >>

There are lots of ways you can secure funding for your postgraduate research. Browse our funding pages to find out about available scholarships, studentships and awards before speaking to your supervisor for further guidance.

Find funding >>

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Find out more about fully funded PhD opportunities available through our CDTs, where you can combine research with practical training as part of a cohort and collaborate across research areas, institutions and industry.

Discover more >>

Start your new tomorrow. Find out how to submit an application.

How to apply >>

Discover your tomorrow

Get ready for a life changing experience like no other; find out about postgraduate research at The University of Manchester.

Discover more about our research

Biomaterials

The development of new materials, from their chemical synthesis to their use for medical treatment.

Coatings and ceramics

Research into the development of advanced ceramics and coatings for structural and functional applications.

Fashion management and marketing

The research of operations management, consumer behaviour and more, in fashion and textiles.

Imaging and characterisation

Research into advanced materials conducted by using a suite of outstanding X-ray and microscopy facilities.

Metallurgy and corrosion

A research area dedicated to the performance of metals and alloys in demanding environments.

Nano and functional materials

The development and study of novel nanomaterials for their application in key technological areas.

Polymers and composites

Research focused on developing advanced polymers and multi-functional composites.

Textiles and apparel

We're developing advanced textile materials, technologies and products for a variety of applications.

Centres and institutes

Our school is home to research centres that specialise in aerospace innovation and material performance.

To underpin our research and teaching activities, our school is home to a range of modern facilities.

Start your PhD journey

Browse projects built on your research passion, find a supervisor that shares your vision and discover how your PhD could be fully funded.

• Food@Manchester
• About Food@Manchester
• Funding Opportunities
• PhD Opportunities
• Other food related PhD opportunities in the University of Manchester

Food@Manchester PhD topics

Title: Sustainable food systems in Europe: the production systems

Description:

Food is not only essential to our lives but also forms an important part of our cultural identity and plays an important role in the economy. People put much attention with regard to its taste and its effects on health. However, the impact of food production on the environment is less well known.

The food sector is now facing challenges towards a sustainable supply system, with better food quality, higher food safety and less environmental impacts. This PhD project will focus on food production systems. It will use case studies from towns in different European Union countries to explore different food production systems and the influence of social, cultural and climate change factors on their development to explore how energy resources and resulting CO2 emissions linked to food production can be cut in different countries.

The research results will help to provide recommendations to food producers and policy makers on potential pathways for future sustainable food production system in Europe.

This project will be a connected to another PhD project on ‘ Sustainable food systems in Europe: a consumption-based approach project.

Title: Sustainable food systems in Europe: a consumption-based approach

This will be a joint project with the ‘ Sustainable food systems in Europe: the production systems ’ project. This project will start about one year later than its sister project, in order that it can apply some of the results from the technical impacts of key food products gathered from the joint project. This PhD project will then use case studies of towns in different European Union countries to assess the food consumption of key food projects of these countries and explore the influential factors behind the consumption habits, such as culture, weather and average household income. The research results will contribute to a more sustainable food consumption-consumer behaviour and recommendations will be made to food producers and the policy makers on the potential pathways of a future sustainable food production system in Europe.

Supervisors: Prof. Alice Bows-Larkin , Dr. Mirjam Roeder , Dr. Josephine Mylan

Location: University of Manchester

Contact: [email protected]

Other food related PhD opportunities in the University of Manchester can be found here:

http://www.food.manchester.ac.uk/phdopportunities/otherfoodrelatedphdopportunitiesintheuniversityofmanchester

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The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

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• School of Chemistry (Development)

Funded postgraduate research

Search our projects database to find available PhD/MPhil projects. You can filter by research area, supervisor or funding type to find the right projects for you.

The database includes projects from our Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP), which are funded PhD programmes as well as PhD projects for self-funded applicants.

President's Doctoral Scholar Award

The University of Manchester offers more than 100 studentships every year through the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award scheme, launched by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell. These awards allocate full funding for doctoral study, as well as a £1,000 enhancement.

PDS Award holders will also be invited to attend a series of exclusive events where they will have the opportunity to meet the President and Vice-Chancellor, interact closely with the University’s academic community, and network with other PDS Award students. In addition, each PDS Award holder will receive a President’s Doctoral Scholar medal at graduation.

• Find out more about the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award

Faculty PhD Studentships

The Faculty of Science and Engineering has historically made up to a further 10 PhD studentships (also known as Dean’s Awards ) in previous years although this is not normally announced until around February time.

These awards are open to all nationalities and research areas within the Faculty. The awards have been allocated to outstanding applicants seeking PhD training opportunities, based on the academic track-record of applicants and evidence of research potential.

EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Studentships

The University continues to be successful in securing funding from the EPSRC. The School awards between 7-12 studentships a year. These fully-funded studentships are available in a range of academic disciplines and provide funding for fees and stipend at the Research Council UK rates. Projects will be supervised by an inter-disciplinary team of academic staff.

Projects will be advertised in the list at the bottom of this page.

BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Studentships

The University of Manchester is one of the largest and most successful centres for biological and biotechnological focused research and training in Europe. Researchers span the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and receive more BBSRC funding than any other university in the UK. The University of Manchester is one of the 12 BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnerships. We are currently training over 100 PhD students in the DTP. The Manchester BBSRC DTP is looking to recruit between 20 and 25 students each academic year. These fully-funded studentships are available in a range of academic disciplines and provide funding for fees and stipend at the Research Council UK. Projects will be supervised by an inter-disciplinary team of academic staff.

Each year the School advertises project on the BBSRC Website .

MRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Studentships

Our Medical Research Council (MRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) encourages the pairing of novel multidisciplinary PhD research with the next generation of leaders in health and biomedical provision. We provide a framework of postgraduate research training that supports the development and career progression of MRC-funded PhD students. Through specialised training over three and half years, the MRC DTP equips early-career researchers across a range of disciplines to apply their expertise into unmet healthcare areas of UK and global importance. Research opportunities span the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We have existing studies in areas as diverse as neuroimmunity, circadian regulation and the effects of exercise on early psychosis. We have more than 50 students across our MRC DTP community at Manchester.

If you have any questions regarding the application process including how to apply please visit the MRC Website .

CSC-University of Manchester Joint Scheme

The University of Manchester has a formal agreement in place with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to develop research collaborations between the UK and Chinese universities/research institutions.   The University will cover the full tuition fees for the period of the relevant Programme as outlined in the formal offer letter (usually three years).  CSC will provide living allowances as prescribed from time to time by the Chinese Government, and will cover the round trip international airfare for students from China to the United Kingdom, via and passport application fees.  

Further information and entry criteria can be found on the Faculty of Science and Engineering website .

Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Taught and Research Master’s student

PGL loans were introduced by the Department of Education and the first cohort commenced in September 2016.  The PGL loans support up to £10,000 per student for the purpose of Masters study.  PGL for Masters Study will be a contribution towards the cost of studies i.e. it will be at the student’s discretion to use the loan towards tuition fees, maintenance cost or other costs.  It is non-means tested and is paid directly to the student.  

Further information can be found on the Student Finance England website .

Doctoral Loans

The UK government has confirmed that new doctoral loans will be available for those studying PhDs (and equivalent doctoral programmes) from 2018/19.

The loan will be for a maximum of £25,000 over the duration of the course.

UK nationals, who are ordinarily resident in England, aged 59 or under, who are not already receiving funding via a UK Research Council, will be eligible. The government is currently considering making EU students eligible.

The loans will be available for all types of doctoral study (eg PhD, as well as all professional doctorates such as DBA, EdD), at all UK universities.

Additional information will be published to this page once further information has been confirmed by the UK government. A summary of the main features of the loan is available on FindaPhD.com .

Search for a project

Search our projects database to find available PhD/MPhil projects. You can filter by research area, supervisor or funding type to find the right projects for you. The database includes projects from our Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP), which are funded PhD programmes as well as PhD projects for self-funded applicants.

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Funding opportunities

There are a number of scholarships available to PhD researchers.

There is a range of awards on offer, covering tuition fees and a generous stipend.

Application deadlines vary, so please check the information below carefully.

The below is a selection of funding opportunities available for postgraduate research study. Other country specific awards may exist.

Fees and funding

See the full PhD funding database.

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Postgraduate research funding opportunity search

Our database contains details of funding opportunities available across the University. Use the search function to identify the types of funding most appropriate to your individual circumstances.

Alternatively, you may view all postgraduate research funding opportunities .

Funding opportunities for PhD study

In addition to our funded PhD programmes, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health provides funding options from internal and external sources for our postgraduate research applicants.

All of our fully funded scholarships and awards are displayed below including awards for international candidates, UK candidates from underrepresented groups, and Chinese candidates. 

Alternatively, you can search our live project listings to find advertised fully funded projects or visit our funded programmes page to browse the fully funded programmes and schemes we offer in partnership with research councils and industry partners.

Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships

Fully funded studentships for candidates from groups under-represented in postgraduate research.

Find out more

China Scholarship Council (CSC) Joint Scholarships

Scholarships for Chinese PhD students through a joint scheme between the University and the CSC

President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Award

Studentships for outstanding international (non-UK) candidates seeking PhD opportunities.

Humanitarian Studentships

Prompted by the acute need for support for University students and staff fleeing Ukraine, and similar situations around the world, our University is creating an emergency fund to provide support for students and academics from countries affected by armed conflict who have been displaced as a result of war.

For the academic year 2023/24, funding will be available on a needs-priority basis to support PhD studentships or transfers so that new and existing PhD researchers are able to complete their programme in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

Please contact us directly to discuss this further, and we can advise on eligibility and funding availability. We will provide more information on any further funding opportunities for future cohorts in due course.

Email:  [email protected]

Studentships

Each year, we have a number of studentships on offer to eligible applicants.

These studentships are:

• funded by awards from UK research councils (i.e. BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, ESRC, AHRC), plus some charities;
• linked to specific PhD projects within the laboratories of named supervisors.

We also offer CASE studentships, backed by an industrial sponsor.

For a list of available PhD studentships, look at our  projects database  and search for opportunities that are funded and open to eligible applicants.

Other financial support

You may be eligible for the government's Doctoral Loan   for course fees and living costs.

MPhil students may qualify for the Manchester Master's Bursary .

International sponsors

Each year we accept a large number of applicants who have obtained scholarships from their home country or government.  These include Commonwealth Scholarships, Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau (SACB), CONACyT and China Scholarship Council .

If you are unsure whether there are any scholarship opportunities that apply to your country, please contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team at  [email protected] .

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Some of our  funded programmes  have specific deadlines which may be different to those above.

Use our database to search our live, advertised full and self-funded PhD research projects.

Funded programmes

Browse our fully funded PhD programmes, including doctoral training partnerships and industry funded schemes.