Join the next generation of microbial engineers
Fully funded PhD studentships
The Control and Design of Bioengineered Microbial Cells and Systems (CODE-M) PhD Programme is training the next generation of microbial bioengineers to tackle global challenges in health, prosperity and environmental sustainability.
From engineered biotherapeutics that treat infection and cancer, to microbial communities that protect crops, improve nutrient fixation and turn waste into valuable feedstocks, microbial bioengineers are designing and translating sustainable technologies for global benefit.
The programme - open to home-fee eligible applicants - offers motivated and inquisitive postgraduate researchers with the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills, drive innovation and join the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of engineering biology.
Projects will be advertised and applications for 2026/27 entry will open on Friday, 6 February 2026.
Register your interest in our CODE-M PhD programme to receive an update when the programme goes live as well as other funding alerts and our monthly newsletter.
About the CODE-M PhD
CODE-M is a fully funded PhD programme which brings together The University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool and a diverse range of industrial partners.
As a CODE-M postgraduate researcher, you’ll receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,000 per year through the TechExpert pilot and join a centre of excellence for microbial bioengineering in the North West, working on innovative, multidisciplinary projects that address real-world challenges.
You’ll train alongside experts in synthetic biology, microbiology, microbiome science, biotechnology, omics, health, sustainability and environmental science and benefit from world-class facilities at both institutions.
Why apply for the CODE-M PhD?
Fully funded studentship
Receive an fully funded studentship covering tuition fees at home rate and an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,000 per year (UKRI stipend rate plus a £10,000 top-up through the UK government TechExpert pilot).
TechExpert, part of the TechFirst skills programme, is initiative designed to accelerate cutting-edge innovation, strengthen national research in key technology areas, and support the next generation of leaders in technological research.
In addition to the enhanced stipend, you'll get the opportunity to take part in additional TechExpert activities for up to ten days each year including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry.
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World-leading bioengineering expertise
Benefit from world-leading bioengineering expertise of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, with the combined research excellence of Manchester and Liverpool spanning microbiology, ecology, evolution, genomics, infection, host-associated microbiomes, environmental microbiomes, fungi, mobile genetic elements and phages.
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Collaborative and diverse community
Join a diverse cohort of postgraduate researchers across Manchester and Liverpool, build networks and share expertise throughout your joint training and interdisciplinary research projects.
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Comprehensive training
Join a globally-unique training programme in microbial bioengineering and benefit from strong links with regional and national innovation hubs which will enhance your training and development.
Engage in bespoke training in microbial bioengineering design and control, including a structured first year of cohort-based learning and collaborative rotation projects.
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Innovation, policy and enterprise workshops
Take part in workshops on responsible research and innovation, policy and regulation, and commercialisation—including intellectual property, life-cycle assessment and entrepreneurship training delivered with Manchester Innovation Factory and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre.
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Industry engagement
Benefit from industry knowledge exchange, technology and collaboration through co-developed CASE projects, placements, training workshops, and annual events co-organised with BioNow.
Projects
Discover a CODE-M project you're passionate about
The programme offers cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of microbial bioengineering to deliver solutions for global challenges.
Each project will develop microbial biotechnologies tackling one (or more) of the following challenges:
- Biomedicine
- Clean Growth
- Food Systems
- Environmental Solutions
Projects will be co-supervised by multidisciplinary teams of supervisors with a portion of projects being co-developed with external industry project partners.
Interested in more than one project? You can include up to two projects in your application.
Projects for 2026/27 entry will be live from 6 February 2026.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
Competition for studentships is expected to be high.
These studentships are available to applicants that are eligible for home fees only and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate plus a £10,000 TechFirst stipend top-up per year.
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area.
Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. We seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers.
Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Manchester.
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How to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying
Applications will open for 2026/27 entry on 6 February 2026.
Want to be considered for a Control and Design of Bioengineered Microbial Cells and Systems (CODE-M) PhD programme studentship?
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
Browse all of our CODE-M projects and discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Interested in more than one project? You can include up to two projects in your application.
Found a CODE-M project you're interested in? Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step. This is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
When applying, you'll need to provide supporting documents including:
- Supporting statement
- Reference details: Your referees will be sent an automatic reference request once you submit your application. Please ask them to respond as soon as possible, as you cannot be nominated without these references.
- Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts: If you are currently enrolled on a Master’s programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment (for example, an offer letter).
- Official English language certificates (if applicable): Applicants are not required to meet the English language requirements at the point of application. However, if successful, any offer made will be conditional upon the completion of an approved English language test (such as IELTS) and achievement of the required standard.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A research statement is not required for this programme.
All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of your online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Once you have found your project, you can apply online using the following information:
- Level of study: Postgraduate Research
- Entry year: 2026/27
- Intake: September
For the funding section you should select:
- Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of funding: Research Council
- Awarding body: UKRI
- 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.
After you’ve applied, your application and the supervisors you’ve selected will be reviewed by our panel.
The panel will assess applications and invite potential candidates to interview.
Key dates
Dates for 2026/27 entry
- Applications open: Friday, 6 February 2026
- Application deadline: Saturday, 7 March 2026
- Interviews take place: Week commencing 27 April 2026
- Offers confirmed: Week commencing 4 May 2026
- Studentships begin: October 2026
Keep up-to-date
Sign-up for updates
Be the first to know when CODE-M PhD Programme projects go live and other funding opportunities open.
By joining our mailing list you’ll also receive our monthly newsletter for prospective applicants with featured projects, upcoming events, and application tips.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
If you have any questions about our CODE-M PhD programme, contact our Doctoral Academy admissions team by emailing fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
