How to apply
Please contact the named researchers for the relevant theme or project if you would like to discuss a potential application.
You can find the name and email address of the relevant supervisor in the project description. Projects are listed on the below theme pages:
- Health organisation, policy and economics (HOPE)
- Quality and safety
- Person-centred care and complex health needs
- Health in a wider context
- Drug usage and pharmacy practice
If you wish to be considered for the NIHR Primary Care Research Studentship and meet our eligibility criteria, you must complete a single online application.
Complete the form following the instructions below.
Key dates
- Application deadline: 6 June 2022
- Interview dates: Week commencing 11 July 2022
Completing your online application
Step 1: Check you are eligible to apply
Applicants should have obtained at least an Upper Second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to primary care research.
A master's degree with relevant training in research methods is desirable but not essential; equivalent research experience will be considered.
This studentship is available to UK nationals and international applicants and provides funding for tuition fees, and a stipend for three years.
International applicant eligibility requirements
We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK.
Funding will cover tuition fees and stipend only. This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only able to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) as outlined on the University's country-specific information page.
Step 2: Choose a theme or project
Decide on the theme or project that is most relevant to your research interests. Specific projects can be found on the relevant theme page listed below.
- Health organisation, policy and economics (HOPE)
- Quality and safety
- Person-centred care and complex health needs
- Health in a wider context
- Drug usage and pharmacy practice
Please contact the researcher listed if you have any queries regarding the theme or project.
Step 3: Register to apply
Go to the Online Admissions Application Form and ensure you read all the instructions carefully.
If you have not already registered for an account, do this first. You can then make separate applications under this account for other studentships you may also be interested in.
Please remember that you should only submit one application for the NIHR Primary Care Research studentship.
Step 4: Create a new application
Create a new application for the NIHR Primary Care Research Studentship.
Select 'Postgraduate Research' as the 'Level of Study' on the application form.
Under Academic Programme, search for and select 'Primary Care and Health Services Research'.
Work your way through the application form, including all details as requested.
For Section 6 – 'Research Details', you must state the research theme or project title.
Step 5: Supporting documents
Research proposal
You must submit a proposal of no more than 1,000 words to support how you identified your preferred research theme or project title.
Personal statement
You must submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words summarising your motivation for PhD study, outlining any research experience and why you want to do a postgraduate research degree at Manchester.
You should also outline why you believe you are suited to undertaking a PhD.
References
We require two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability
These are usually academic references, from a lecturer or professor at your current or previous university. You will need to provide details of your referees in section 10 of the online form. Your referees will be contacted directly after you submit your application and directed to complete our online reference form.
It is recommended that the email address you provide for your referees is related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal use email (for example, john.smith@yahoo.com).
If a personal email address is provided, it may cause delays to your application, as extra steps may be required to verify this.
Certificates and transcripts
These should be from all your current/previous degrees, including official translated copies where applicable.
Official English Language certificate
This should be a valid English language qualification, where applicable. See step 6 below for further information.
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Ensure your CV is current and up to date.
Please note that your application must be complete and contain all required supporting information at the time of submission, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Step 6: Language requirements
In Section 5 of the online application form, you will be asked to provide details of how you meet the English Language requirement.
We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL (iBT) 90. Each component of the English test should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 in all components, TOEFL (iBT 22).
For the writing component, we expect you to have achieved a minimum of 6.0 (IELTS).
If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.
The University accepts a number of English language tests. For more information, see: English language requirements.
Step 7: Acknowledgement
Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement that your application has been received.
After we have received all of your supporting documents, your application will be reviewed by the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team and an academic panel.
Step 8: Interview
You will be kept informed of the progress of your application throughout the application process.
We will contact you directly if we wish to invite you to interview.
If you are invited to interview, you will be notified directly by email. Interviews for this Studentship will be conducted via Zoom.
If you have any queries about this if you are invited to interview, please contact us by emailing admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.
If you are not selected, we will notify you directly that your application has been unsuccessful.
Contact us
For queries regarding the application process or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions team: