Make sure you have everything you need to apply.
Before you start your postgraduate research application, you'll need to know a number of key details about your planned application and have several important documents ready.
Some details may vary by programme or project, please check the specific programme you're applying for before preparing your documents.
The most important thing you need to know is the name of the project or programme you’re applying for.
We do not accept unsolicited applications with no proposed project or supervisor.
Once you’ve found a project or funded programme you’re interested in, you’ll need to get in contact with the listed project supervisor before you apply.
You must have already been in direct contact with a potential supervisor before applying. You’ll need to include their name and the name of your project in your application.
We do not accept unsolicited applications with no proposed supervisor or project.
It's important to understand whether your project or programme is fully funded or self-funded before you apply. If it’s self-funded, you'll need to consider other funding opportunities available to you and how you'll fund your postgraduate research.
Your application form must be accompanied by several supporting documents listed next.
Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Your supporting statement should summarise:
- your motivation for undertaking postgraduate research;
- specifically why you are applying for this project or programme;
- why you want to do a postgraduate research degree at Manchester;
- any research experience that you have.
If you have completed a research project during your undergraduate/master's study, please give a short description of the work you undertook, including:
- the research problem;
- your key findings;
- techniques acquired and skills learned.
This information is especially important for applicants from overseas, so we can fully assess your practical background and experience alongside your academic qualifications. Failure to include this information may delay the processing of your application.
There is no specific word limit for your supporting statement, however, we would recommend two to four pages maximum.
To consider your application we require two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability and can best speak to your capacity to conduct the research project you have applied for.
These are usually academic references from a lecturer or professor at your previous university, however, one of these can be from your clinical or work background, if required.
You'll need to provide details of your chosen referees when you apply. Your referees will be automatically contacted by email after you submit your application and will be directed to complete an 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 address (for example, john.smith@yahoo.com).
You must provide copies of both your undergraduate and, if applicable, postgraduate qualifications, including official translated copies where applicable.
If you are still completing a qualification an interim transcript of marks achieved to date should be provided.
If you're from outside the UK you'll need to provide evidence that you meet our English Language requirements.
This should be provided in the form of a valid English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Lastly you should provide a current and up-to-date CV.