Curious about what it's like to be a postgraduate researcher at Manchester?
You’ll combine the pursuit of original knowledge and cutting-edge research with your personal growth and professional development.
There’s much more to PhD life though. You’ll become part of a diverse and supportive PhD community in the Faculty and across the University, including many teams, clubs and societies.
Beyond the University, you’ll experience one of the UK's most vibrant cities. Boasting world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more.
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Day-to-day life
What you'll do as a postgraduate researcher
As a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, you'll have the flexibility to manage your own schedule and the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities beyond your project. These daily experiences will contribute to your research as well as your own personal and academic growth.
Reviewing literature
Staying up-to-date with the latest research in your field by reading academic journals and articles to identify gaps and refine your research questions.
Writing and publishing papers
Drafting and submitting research papers, thesis chapters, and articles to share your findings and contribute to the academic community.
Conducting research
Designing and performing experiments, collecting data, and analysing results to test your hypotheses and advance knowledge in your field.
Working with your supervisor, research group, and peers
Collaborating with your supervisor and peers through regular meetings and feedback sessions to refine your research and foster collaboration.
Undertaking lab and fieldwork
Conducting hands-on experiments in your lab or collecting data at your desk to gather evidence and validate your research.
Attending seminars and conferences
Presenting your work and networking with researchers at events to gain insights, receive feedback, and build connections.
Taking part in workshops and training
Participating in sessions to develop research and professional skills, enhancing your expertise and employability.
Supporting with teaching and mentoring
Assisting with undergraduate teaching and mentoring junior researchers to develop your teaching skills and contribute to the academic community.
Taking part in social activities
Engaging in social activities, clubs, societies, and hobbies outside of academia to make the most of your PhD, meet new people, and look after your physical and mental well-being.
A week in the life of a STEM PhD student
Katie describes a typical week for postgraduate researchers working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Researcher stories
Poppy's PhD journey
Hear how Poppy went from an undergraduate degree straight to a PhD in cancer immunology in the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, why she chose The University of Manchester and how she tackled imposter syndrome.
Suraiya's PhD journey
Discover why Suraiya chose to move from Nigeria to Manchester for her PhD in public health, how she has found living in the city with her family and how you could follow in her footsteps.
Alex's PhD journey
Learn how a personal connection to dementia inspired Alex to pursue postgraduate research, how it has helped shape his research on Alzheimer’s disease, and why he chose The University of Manchester for his PhD.
Webinar
PhD life in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health webinar
Watch our webinar and hear from our panel of current postgraduate researchers. They explain what living and researching in Manchester is like and what you can expect from life as a postgraduate researcher.
Chat to our researchers
Got a question about PhD life?
Learn all about PhD life in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and ask a current postgraduate researcher any questions you have about living and researching in Manchester.
