Pioneering discovery since 1824
Pioneer the future of innovation and discovery
The University of Manchester has been at the centre of discovery for the past 200 years and, as we look forward, our researchers will continue to pursue solutions to the most pressing global challenges that affect our world, our societies and our health.
To celebrate our bicentenary and drive discovery and innovation in bioscience, biomedical and health research, we are proud to announce the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships.
Prestigious fully funded PhD studentships
Commencing in October 2025, the University is making a major investment into postgraduate research including 70 fully funded PhD studentships in the Faculty over the next two years.
Join us at the forefront of world leading research spanning our Faculty and Schools, with studentships targeted across four major interdisciplinary research themes.
As a Bicentenary PhD Studentship Postgraduate Researcher, you will join world leading research teams, and benefit from vibrant training and research environments, dedicated support through our Doctoral Academy, and become part of an inclusive, supportive, and thriving PhD student community.
About the programme
Receive a prestigious, fully funded studentship
Benefit from a prestigious, fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (2024/25: £19,237 per year) for four years.
Tackle key global challenges in a research area you're passionate about
Embark on a project you're passionate about in one of our key research themes and receive guidance from an expert supervisory team:
- Addressing impacts of the environment and climate change on our health;
- Advancing discovery through interdisciplinary life sciences research;
- Empowering our research through advanced data science, digital technologies and AI;
- Tackling the causes and consequences of health inequalities.
Access world-class research facilities and training
Benefit from excellent training and research facilities in a world-leading, 4* research environment (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), as well as a vibrant and supportive environment that will maximise your growth as a researcher.
Broaden your horizons
Gain access to funding to help you broaden your horizons and travel for collaboration, conferences and development opportunities.
Join a vibrant and diverse research community
Become part of our Doctoral Academy and join a vibrant and diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 researchers.
Benefit from comprehensive training and support
Receive comprehensive training provision and support from our Doctoral Academy and Researcher Development team to enhance your research skills and career development.
Projects
Pursue your research passion
Further information about projects for 2026/27 entry will be available from October 2025.
Over 30 Bicentenary PhD Studentships will be awarded in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health for 2026/27 entry with projects available across four major research themes:
- Addressing impacts of the environment and climate change on our health
- Advancing discovery through interdisciplinary life sciences research
- Empowering our research through advanced data science, digital technologies and AI
- Tackling the causes and consequences of health inequalities
Applicants will be able to apply for up to two projects in their single application.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
We will consider candidates from the UK and overseas who have obtained, or are about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject area.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language requirements) before applying.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. For more information see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement.
.png)
How to apply
Ready to start your journey to postgraduate research in biological, medical or health sciences?
Applications are closed for 2025/26. Applications for 2026/27 entry will open in October or November 2025.
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply for our Bicentenary PhD Studentships with our step-by-step guide.
We will consider candidates from the UK and overseas who have obtained, or are about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject area.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language requirements) before applying.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. For more information see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement.
Browse our Bicentenary PhD Studentship projects and discover one you're passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Projects for 2026/27 will be advertised from October 2025.
Found a Bicentenary PhD Studentship project you're interested in? Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
Once you have found your project and contacted your supervisor you can apply online for up to two projects by completing a single application using the the following information:
- Level of study: select 'Postgraduate Research'
- Entry year: Select the academic year you wish to study in. For example, September 2025 is in the 2025/26 academic year
- Intake: Select 'September'
For the funding section you should select:
- Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding body: FBMH Bicentenary PhD
- Status of funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
Further information on applying and what you need to include can be found on our 'How to apply' page.
Key dates
Dates for 2025 entry
- Projects announced: Thursday, 28 November 2024
- Applications open: Thiursday, 28 November 2024
- Applications close: Friday, 10 January 2025
- Interviews take place: W/C Monday, 10 March 2025
- Studentships awarded: W/C Monday, 17 March 2025
- Studentship begins: October 2025
Further information about Bicentenary PhD Studentships for 2026/27 entry will be available from October 2025.
Fellowships
Bicentenary Fellowships
Commencing in early 2026, the Faculty has established the Bicentenary Early Career Research Fellowships to support exceptional early-career, post-doctoral researchers with strong potential, providing them with the opportunity to grow into future leaders in bioscience, biomedical, and health research.
Up to three Fellowships are available to applicants with less than three years of post-doctoral research experience.
Stay up-to-date
Sign-up for studentship and fellowship updates
Receive updates about our Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Bicentenary Fellowships, and hear about the latest opportunities as soon as they’re launched.
Have any questions?
If you have any questions about our Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships contact our Doctoral Academy admissions team.