Begin your journey to postgraduate research in biological, medical or health sciences.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore postgraduate research or you've already decided that a PhD at Manchester is the right path for you, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Explore our step-by-step guide to our standard application process and gain insights into each stage of the journey.
Keep in mind that this is a general timeline and the steps you take may vary depending on a number of factors including your project, programme or funding.
Learn more about what postgraduate research is, discover whether it's for you and how it could benefit you and your career.
If you’re a UK undergraduate student in the middle year(s) of your degree, gain research experience before you apply with a summer undergraduate research placement.
Make sure you meet our entry requirements and have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers.
Pre-defined projects
The vast majority of PhD opportunities in the Faculty are advertised as pre-defined projects.
If you've decided postgraduate research is for you and discovered you're eligible, start by finding a project or programme you’re passionate about and that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Proposing your own project
If you've already secured funding for your PhD and you have your own research idea, you'll need to start by writing your own research proposal before contacting prospective supervisors working in your field.
It’s important you know whether your project or programme is fully funded or self-funded, and what other funding opportunities may be available if your project is self-funded.
Found a project or programme you're interested in? Reaching out to the listed supervisor and speaking to them about their project, programme or area of research is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
If you're proposing your own research, you should contact prospective supervisors working in your area of research after you've written your research proposal.
Found your project or programme, spoken to your supervisor and considered funding? It’s time to make sure you have everything you need before you start your application.
You’ve submitted your application – what's next? Get ready for interviews, offers, and preparing for your postgraduate research.