Turn your research into real-world impact
Fully funded PhD studentships
The University of Manchester’s PhD by Enterprise is a new four‑year doctoral programme that combines world‑class research with structured entrepreneurship training. The University is investing nearly £2 million in this initiative.
Accelerating research impact through innovation is central to the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy, including the ambition to become Europe’s most inclusive innovation ecosystem.
The PhD by Enterprise programme supports this by enabling the University’s research portfolio to generate tangible economic, environmental and societal impact through venture creation and enterprise-led pathways.
About the programme
PhD by Enterprise offers projects with clear venture or enterprise potential identified at the outset and gives you the opportunity to:
- progress your research while developing enterprise and commercial capabilities;
- advance your work through relevant Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), alongside market and customer discovery;
- submit a doctoral thesis focused on original research, incorporating a business plan as a defined component.
The programme aims to empower you to translate your research into impactful solutions addressing global challenges such as climate change, health and inequality.
The programme is delivered through Unit M, in partnership with the Doctoral Academy, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Innovation Factory.
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Programme objectives
Integrate research with innovation
Advance high‑quality research while developing enterprise skills that support translation and impact.
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Support technology readiness progression
Facilitate progression through TRLs, from early‑stage concepts to deployment, supporting IP development and exploitation.
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Develop commercial capability
Equip you with skills to develop business plans, explore commercialisation routes, and prepare investment‑ready pitches.
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Enable venture creation
Support the formation of start‑ups, spin‑outs, or other impactful enterprises through access to networks, expertise and practical guidance.
Funding
Fully-funded scholarship
Fully funded studentships are available to start in 2026/27 and will include:
- Funding at the UKRI stipend rate
- Tuition fees
- Up to £20,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per studentship, depending on the research project
- Additional support for entrepreneurship training and customer discovery activities
- Visa and immigration costs reimbursed for successful international postgraduate researchers
- Wrap‑around support including coordinated academic supervision, enterprise training, and tailored mentoring from across the University ecosystem
Projects
Discover a PhD by Enterprise project you're passionate about
PhD by Enterprise projects available in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health for 2026/27 entry will be advertised here soon.
In the meantime, visit our projects page to browse all currently live projects from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
These studentships are available to applicants that are eligible for home or international fees.
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 for 2026/27 entry will open soon.
Want to be considered for a PhD by Enterprise 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 PhD by Enterprise projects and discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Found a PhD by Enterprise 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.
Found a project and contacted the listed supervisor?
You can apply via our application portal 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: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding body: PhD by Enterprise
- 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: W/C Monday, 13 April 2026
- Projects advertised: W/C Monday, 13 April 2026
- Application deadline: Friday, 22 May 2026
- Interviews take place: April - June 2026
- Studentships begin: October 2026
Keep up-to-date
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Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
If you have any questions about our PhD by Enterprise programme, contact our Doctoral Academy admissions team by emailing fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
