Funded programmes

Advance your clinical academic career with the fully funded 4WardNorth Clinical PhD Academy. This prestigious programme supports outstanding nurses, midwives, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals and healthcare scientists to develop as future leaders in clinical research.

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Science (NWSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) provides fully funded postgraduate research studentships across psychology, health and wellbeing, and social studies of science, technology and medicine.

Applications open 19 August 2025.

Combine the vocational training of a medical degree with the research expertise of a PhD through our fully funded Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Manchester Centre MB-PhD. Drive new innovations in cancer research and advance your career in oncology and cancer research.

Applications open 6 October 2025.

Shape the future of medical and healthcare sciences with our fully funded Medical Research Council (MRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Engage in research to address key priorities across biomedical, clinical and health service areas and fulfil healthcare needs in the UK and across the world.

Applications open 7 October 2025.

Pioneer the future of innovation and discovery at Manchester with our prestigious, fully funded Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships. Join us in celebrating our bicentenary and contribute to innovative scientific advancements across biology, medicine and health.

Applications open 13 October 2025.

Develop a career in world-leading cancer research through our fully funded clinical and non-clinical Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme. Join a vibrant research environment, benefit from world-class cancer research facilities, and much more.

Applications open 13 October 2025.

Tackle scientific and technological healthcare challenges with our fully funded Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Develop the knowledge, experience, and skills required to address future challenges across biology, medicine and health areas.

Applications open 15 October 2025.

Expand your horizons with a global research opportunity through our fully funded International Partnership PhD Studentships. Undertake your PhD in an area of biology, medicine, and health at Manchester and spend time researching at one of our international partner institutions.

Applications open 24 October 2025.

Become an interdisciplinary bioscientist of tomorrow with our fully funded Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Northwest Doctoral (NWD) Programme in Bioscience. Explore cutting-edge postgraduate research opportunities across biotechnology, genomics and biological sciences.

Applications open 7 November 2025.

Join the next generation of dementia researchers with our fully funded Alzheimer's Society Doctoral Training Centre (DTC). Contribute vital research to find new treatments and approaches to tackle neurodegenerative diseases and dementia, and help improve the lives of those affected.

Applications open 21 November 2025.

Launch your career in basic, translational and clinical cancer research with our Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute PhD Studentships. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge, innovate cancer research and conduct multidisciplinary research in any area from across the whole spectrum of cancer research. 

Led by our Faculty of Science and Engineering, the AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Decision Making for Complex Systems is training the next generation of AI researchers. Specialise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and complex systems, and develop AI methods designed to accelerate new scientific discoveries. 

Train to be a competitive scientist in highly challenging and uniquely exciting interdisciplinary cardiovascular research environments through our fully funded British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence Studentships.

Contribute to pioneering research in heart disease and cardiology with our fully funded British Heart Foundation (BHF) PhD programme. Receive tailored doctoral training through a one-year MRes in cardiovascular sciences before choosing a research project in areas like cell signalling, human genetics, informatics, and bioengineering.

Combine the vocational training of a medical degree with the research expertise of a PhD with our fully funded Kennedy Trust IMPACT Inflammation MB-PhD. Specialise in inflammation sciences and immunology research, and prepare for a future career in clinical research.

Broaden your horizons and gain a global perspective on your field with our fully funded Dual award with the University of Melbourne. Benefit from world-class facilities, research expertise and leading academics at both universities.