How to apply
Applications are now open.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.
- January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
- April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
- September entry: 15 June (year of entry)
We recommend you apply as early as possible to ensure you receive full support in selecting the right project/supervisor.
There is no specific funding available for the programme, as it is expected that the majority of students will be supported by their employer or sponsor. We operate a funding scheme through our Doctoral Academy to support the most outstanding students with partial awards. Information can be found on our funding pages.
If you wish to be considered for the PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate, you must complete a single online application.
Please ensure you follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Choose your project
Decide on the project or supervisor that is most relevant to your research interests using the project search. For this programme you can select self-funded projects or develop your own research proposal in partnership with potential supervisors.
You may apply for up to three projects of interest on your application form. You may also wish to notify your prospective supervisor that it is the PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate in which you interested. If you do not know which supervisor and project you wish to apply for, then get in touch and we can help you find a suitable one.
We encourage you to make direct contact with preferred supervisors to discuss your application and the project in more detail, before submitting an application form.
In a small number of cases, it will not be possible to match you to one of your preferred projects. However, we will always endeavour to find you an alternative project by bringing your application to the attention of other potential supervisors.
Step 2: Start your online application
To start your application, complete the online admissions application form. Ensure you read all the instructions carefully.
When on the 'Online Admissions Application' screen, select:
- Level of Study - Postgraduate Research.
- Entry Year – Select the academic year you wish to study in. For example, January and April 2022 are in the 2021/22 academic year and September 2022 is in the 2022/23 academic year.
- Academic Programme - search for and select PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate.
- Section 6 of the online application form asks for Research Details.
- If you are applying for specific project(s), you must state the name of the project supervisor and project title in the format below. You can indicate up to three supervisors here.
- Name of Supervisor – Project Title
- Name of Supervisor – Project Title
- Name of Supervisor – Project Title
- If you are not applying for specific project(s), please provide the proposed area of Research or Project Title. We recommend that you make contact with potential supervisors before applying to find out whether they are able to offer supervision in your preferred area of research.
- If you are applying for specific project(s), you must state the name of the project supervisor and project title in the format below. You can indicate up to three supervisors here.
- Section 9 – Funding Sources. You will need to provide details of how you intend to fund your studies. It is important to give as much detail as possible about your known or expected funding arrangements.
- If you have not secured or do not intend to apply for funding to cover the cost of your studies, you should select No. In this case, you do not need to provide any further details and we will assume that you are funding your studies yourself.
- If you have other sources of funding, please indicate this here and include your scholarship letter, if you have one.
Step 3: Supporting documents
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents.
- Supporting statement
This should summarise:
- your motivation for postgraduate research study;
- why you want to do a postgraduate research degree in 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 following details:
- 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.
- References
We require two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability. 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.
- Email addresses
It is recommended that the email address you provide for your referees is related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal use email (for example, john.smith@yahoo.com).
If a personal email address is provided, it may cause delays to your application, as extra steps may be required to verify this.
- Certificates and transcripts
These should be from all of your previous degrees, including official translated copies where applicable.
- Official English Language certificate
This should be a valid English language qualification, where applicable. See Step 5 below for further details.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Ensure your CV is current and up to date.
Your application will not be considered or progressed until all your supporting documents are supplied.
Step 4: English language requirements
In Section 5 of the online application form, you will be asked to provide details of how you meet the English Language requirement.
We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note that IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.
For the majority of PhD/MPhil applicants, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL (iBT) 90. Each component of the English test should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 in all components, TOEFL (iBT 22). For the writing component, we expect you to have achieved a minimum of 6.0 (IELTS).
Some programmes require overall IELTS 7.0 and in each component. For more information, please check the relevant programme page from the subject listings page.
If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.
For more information about English language tests, see English language requirements.
Please contact us at admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk for further information.
Step 5: Acknowledgement and notification
Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement that your application has been received. Your application will be reviewed, once all of your supporting documents have been received, by the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team to ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements.
If eligibility is met your application will be reviewed by the proposed supervisor(s). Failure to provide the relevant documents may result in your application being withdrawn. We will also prioritise applications with complete supporting documents.
You will be kept informed of the progress of your application throughout the application procedure. If appropriate, you will be invited for an interview either in person or via Zoom.
Please note: If you are made an offer, you may need to apply for an ATAS certificate before applying for your visa. For more information see Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).