Information for new postgraduate researchers (September)
Congratulations on receiving an offer from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health to undertake a postgraduate research degree.
A very warm welcome to you all. We are delighted you have chosen The University of Manchester to study for your postgraduate research degree, and hope you find it a highly rewarding and enriching experience.
Read the full welcome message (PDF, 112KB).
Doctoral Academy Senior Leadership team
Make sure to refer to this page on a regular basis, as it will be updated with important information and documentation.
Events and activities schedule
The University will run a series of events starting from Monday 15 September 2025.
This page will be updated regularly with all new and upcoming events specific to new postgraduate researchers in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Date: Friday 31 October 2025
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: Whitworth Hall
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy cannot wait to welcome our new Postgraduate Researchers!
The session will begin with an introduction from important contacts from the Doctoral Academy. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Doctoral Academy's key professional services staff members as well as your PGR reps, network with tutors and senior tutors, and ask any questions you may have.
This session will provide you with an understanding of the PGR support networks, training and opportunities available to you at The University of Manchester in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Please note that this core training session will be taking place in-person and is not an online event.
Agenda
10am – 10.45am
Registration and networking with stalls.
10.45am – 12.15pm
Presentation/talk - first half.
11.30am -11.45am
Break.
11.45am – 12.45pm
Presentation/talk – second half.
12.45pm – 1.45pm
Lunch, networking (an opportunity to meet different teams from across the university), stalls.
1.45pm – 3.15pm
New PGRs - activities ran by reps at school level (including senior tutors, tutors). Rooms TBC.
3.15pm – onwards
Welcome event for all PGRs.
Date: Monday 29 September 2025
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: University Place, Room 6.207
This is an MRC-specific induction. You will also be invited to attend other Faculty/University induction and welcome events to help you settle when you arrive. You will receive information regarding these in the coming weeks.
At the induction, you will learn more about the programme structure, including bespoke training and cohort activities, and you will meet the DTP Programme Director, Dr Anna Woollams, your cohort tutor Dr Jo Pennock, and colleagues from the Doctoral Academy – as well as your fellow cohort.
The induction will be followed by a DTP social event, hosted at a venue nearby campus by the MRC DTP student committee.
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Time: 1pm
Location: Glass Room, third floor, Core Technology Facility (CTF)
Meet your fellow PGRs in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at this Welcome and Induction event.
Date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Time: 1pm-4pm
Location: University Place, Room 5.206
This will be a good opportunity to welcome new PGR students to the University, and it would be lovely to see you all there.
Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: University Place, Room 3.204
At the induction, you will learn more about the programme structure, including bespoke training and cohort activities.
You will meet the DTP Programme Director, your cohort tutor, and colleagues from the Doctoral Academy – as well as those in your cohort.
Manchester Cancer Research Centre - Division of Cancer Sciences Postgraduate Researcher Welcome Event
Date: Monday 13 October 2025
Time: 12:30pm-4pm
Location: Rooms 104-105, Paterson Building, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX (opposite the Oglesby Cancer Research Building)
Details: Light food and drinks provided.
The Manchester Cancer Research Centre and Division of Cancer Sciences will welcome new Postgraduate Researchers (all funders) to Manchester on Monday 13 October from 12:30pm-3pm (at the Paterson Building). This is followed by a chance to meet wider staff and students from 3pm-4pm (at Oglesby Cancer Research Building).
This event is also open to students/fellows who begun their PhD in January 2025 and may not have attended an MCRC-DCS specific induction event before.
Agenda
- 12:30pm-1pm: Lunch served in Rooms 104-105, Paterson Building
- 1pm-3pm: Talks from MCRC Training Office, Comms Team, Education Chairs and Current PGRs
- 3pm-4pm: Refreshments/networking in the Oglesby Cancer Research Centre foyer
Students based at The University of Manchester campus can claim back bus/train travel costs.
Contact MCRCTraining@Manchester.ac.uk with any queries and to receive the Outlook calendar invitation.
Date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Time: 10:30am – 120pm - followed by a sandwich lunch at 12pm with some of our current PhD students.
Location: Room 104, Paterson Building (view directions)
The CRUK MI induction is delivered by the postgraduate research tutor and manager.
The induction provides information and signposting to key University webpages for essential information throughout the PhD, including handbooks, regulations, code of practice, skills training, equality and diversity, and wellbeing.
The session provides an overview of the CRUK MI research services and current research groups.
Details for this induction will be sent to you by email closer to the date.
Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Location: 1.34 Simon Building
The session will highlight key milestones, offer hints and tips on completing your doctoral programme and provide you with the opportunity to build connections with your peers.
For more information and to book your place, please see the training catalogue.
Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 4pm
Location: University Place, 2.220
The session will highlight key milestones, offer hints and tips on completing your doctoral programme and provide you with the opportunity to build connections with your peers.
For more information and to book your place, please see the training catalogue.
Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Location: University Place 5.206
The session will highlight key milestones, offer hints and tips on completing your doctoral programme and provide you with the opportunity to build connections with your peers.
For more information and to book your place, please see the training catalogue.
Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025
Time: 2pm
Location: Roscoe 1.001
This induction event is for all Bicentenary PGRs joining us in September.
See the University-wide Welcome website and the Students' Union website for more events and further information.
Doctoral Academy
The University has a worldwide reputation based on high-quality teaching and research, and we are sure that your research degree will provide a solid foundation for your future career success.
You are joining the Faculty's Doctoral Academy, which is responsible for all aspects of the Faculty's postgraduate research student activity. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that allows you to excel and reach your full potential.
Offering access to first-class facilities and strong links with regional health-service providers and industry, our postgraduate research degree programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of all our students.
A Guide to your PGR Journey
The Doctoral Academy have created two handy guides (Home and Overseas). These guides are designed to complement the comprehensive resources available on our Doctoral Academy website and the information provided during your induction. They also provide easy quick links the University-wide information as we recognise there is a lot of information shared throughout your time at Manchester.