Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships

Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers on our Eligibility and entry requirements page. 

More about eligibility and entry requirements

Once you’ve checked you meet eligibility criteria for this programme there are three available pathways:

1. Apply for an advertised project
   Browse our list of available projects and find a project you’re passionate about. Contact the listed supervisor to discuss your suitability for their project and mention you’re eligible for and interested in the Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarship programme.
2. Approach a supervisor
   You are welcome to approach academics you know or you’re interested in working with to discuss research topics and potential projects. You can find academics and get a flavour of our research areas within the Faculty via the University’s Research Explorer.
3. Apply direct
   If you’re not sure which project to apply for or which supervisor to approach you can apply for the programme direct and our Doctoral Academy will support you in finding a project and supervisor.

With all of the above pathways we encourage you to submit an application for the Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarship first.

This will register your interest in the programme and allow our admissions team to ensure you’re supported throughout your application journey.

Found a project you're interested in? Contacting 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.

Learn more about contacting a supervisor

You must include a supporting statement (500 words) that outlines:

• why you believe this scholarship is particularly suitable for you;
• your interests and motivation for postgraduate research study;
• what science/research areas excite you;
• relevant experiences and/or indicators of research and academic potential.

We require two references from people who can judge your academic potential. These are usually academic references from a lecturer or professor at your 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.

The email address you provide for your referees must be related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal email (for example: john.smith@yahoo.com).

Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:

• Supporting statement (as detailed above)
• Reference details (as detailed above)
• Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts (If you are currently enrolled in a Master's programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment, such as an offer letter.)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Please note: A research statement is not required for this programme.

All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the formal online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Before you apply

When applications re-open for 2026/27 entry you'll be able to apply via our application portal using the below details:

• Level of Study: 'Postgraduate Research'.
• Entry Year: ‘2026/27’
• Intake: ‘September’
• Academic Programme: 'FBMH Diversity PhD Scholarship'
• Supervisor: If you have found a specific project and have contacted a supervisor you should add their name here. If you have not identified a project/supervisor, please add programme lead, Dr Anna Hood, as the supervisor and leave the project title blank.

For the funding sources section of the online application form:

• Select 'Yes' from the drop-down.
• Type of Funding: 'Uni of Manchester Scheme'.
• Awarding Body: FBMH Scholarship.
• Status of Funding – Awarded.
• Funding Covers – Fully Funded.
• Leave the remaining boxes blank.

Further information on completing an application can be found on our How to apply page.

Learn more about applying

We will contact you directly if you have been shortlisted for interview.

Applications will be checked for eligibility and assessed by a selection panel chaired by the Faculty's Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research. The panel will include member(s) of the Faculty EDI Committee.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview. We will provide all shortlisted candidates with details of the format of the interview in advance, so you have sufficient time to prepare.

If you're not selected for interview, we will provide you with feedback on your application.