Beginning your research
As you arrive in Manchester, your focus shifts to starting your PhD and understanding what to expect in your first weeks as a postgraduate researcher.
This includes completing registration, getting set up with University systems and engaging with induction, training and the support that will guide your research and personal development from the start of your programme.
Registration
How to register
You can register for your postgraduate research programme from 1 September.
Once registration opens, you'll receive an email from The University of Manchester with key information about the registration process and what you need to do.
If you hold an unconditional offer, have accepted your place in the portal, and have completed the right to study process, you will be able to register once registration opens.
If you still have outstanding conditions or checklist items, such as ATAS clearance, you must complete these before you can register.
If you do not receive the University registration email, or you have questions about the process, please use the University's Help and Support website and enquiry form.
Financial registration
As part of the registration process, you'll need to complete your financial registration so the University knows how you intend on paying for your tuition fees.
If you're funded by a third-party, for example, a charity, a commercial or international organisation, you'll need to submit a sponsor letter to the Student Finance team.
If you're self-funded, you'll need to pay for your tuition fees up front before you arrival to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Further information about finance and funding can be found on the 'Preparing for your PhD' page.
Getting set up
Student card collection
After you complete both academic and financial registration, you'll receive an email inviting you to collect your student card.
During September, card collection takes place in the Main Library by appointment only. At other times of year, you can collect your card from the Doctoral Academy Support Hub, 1.93 Simon Building, open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
If you complete registration after 30 September, please contact the Doctoral Academy to arrange a time to collect your student card.
Email: FBMH.doctoralacademy@support.manchester.ac.uk
Bank details
If you receive stipend payments, you will need to add your UK bank details through the Student System after registration.
You can do this by logging into your My Manchester account.
If you don't currently have a UK bank account, then you will need to set one up.
Further information about finance and funding can be found on the 'Preparing for your PhD' page.
Laptop and computer provision
As a postgraduate researcher, you're entitled to a university computer or laptop.
You can request a device once you have completed registration. Guidance can be found via IT Services. You should discuss this with your supervisor before making a request, as some areas have provision for desktop computers.
IT support
IT Services provides a full range of support for postgraduate researchers.
You can access support for help with your account, systems and devices once you've registered.
Induction and welcome events
Events for new postgraduate researchers
Date: Thursday 1 October 2026
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 and you'll then have the opportunity to meet the Doctoral Academy's key professional services staff members.
You'll learn about the PGR support networks, training and opportunities available to you in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Please note that this core training session will take place in-person, and is not an online event.
- 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.
(NOTE: You'll be able to register for the event above once you have your manchester.ac.uk email address)
Date: Monday, 29 September 2026
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Location: Room 2.219, University Place
This is an MRC DTP-specific induction. At the induction, you will learn more about the programme structure, including bespoke training and cohort activities, and meet the DTP Programme Director, Dr Rainer Hinz, your cohort tutor Dr Jo Pennock, and colleagues from the Doctoral Academy – as well as fellow PGRs from your cohort.
The induction will be followed by a DTP social event, hosted at a venue nearby campus by the MRC DTP student committee.
Date: Monday, 19 October 2026
Time: 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: Paterson Building
The Manchester Cancer Research Centre and Division of Cancer Sciences will welcome new Postgraduate Researchers on Monday 19 October from 12:30pm-4.30pm at the Paterson Building.
Further information will be confirmed soon but if you have any questions please contact MCRCTraining@Manchester.ac.uk.
Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: Room 103, Ground Floor, Paterson Building
The CRUK MI induction will be 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, and will be followed by a sandwich lunch at 12pm with some of our current PhD students.
Full details for this induction will be sent to you by email closer to the date.
Date: Monday, 1 October 2026
Time: TBC
Location: TBC
Welcome event for new postgraduate researchers starting on the new British Heart Foundation Multidisciplinary PhD Programme in September 2026.
Further details to follow.
Starting your PhD
Your first steps
Beginning your PhD is the start of a new stage in your academic and professional development.
Taking time to understand the structure of your programme, the people supporting you and the systems you'll use will help you settle in quickly.
The University provides an online resource for new postgraduate researchers, covering what to expect as you begin, how to approach your early weeks and where to find support.
All researchers are required to create an ORCID iD and make it known to the University.
ORCID gives you a unique professional identifier that connects your research activity and outputs throughout your career. It is widely used by publishers, funders and institutions, and registration is free.
You can create your ORCID account after you have completed registration.
Once you've registered, you should arrange your first meeting with your primary supervisor if you haven't already done so.
Your supervisory team will guide your academic progress and support the development of your project. Some students will also have co-supervisors, bringing additional expertise to the research.
When you arrive, you will receive information on mandatory and optional training and development opportunities you can access within the Faculty and across the University.
This includes sessions offered by the University's Researcher Development team, Faculty-specific training sessions designed for postgraduate researchers in biology, medicine and health, and training based on your project and development needs.
Managing your PhD
Monitoring progress and support
During your PhD, you'll be required to use eProg, the University's online progression system. By the end of September or early October, your eProg will be updated with key milestones, which you should review and discuss with your supervisor.
We will share more information about eProg separately once your programme begins.
In October, we will confirm your Advisor, who is separate from your supervisory team and provides independent pastoral support throughout your programme.
Your Advisor is there to offer a different perspective on your experience, particularly if you have concerns you do not feel able to raise with your supervisors directly.
You will be invited to an initial group meeting in October, followed by opportunities to meet with your Advisor individually each year. You can also contact them at any point during your PhD if you need support.
The Doctoral Academy Handbook is your main reference point throughout your programme. It brings together key contacts, policies, processes and guidance for every stage of your PhD.
Support, wellbeing and community
Life beyond research
Starting a PhD comes with a lot of new information, systems and expectations.
Whatever you need help with, you'll find the support you need at Manchester.
Student support
There are a range of support services available to you through both the Doctoral Academy and University Student Support, where you can access services and resources to support your day-to-day wellbeing as a postgraduate researcher.
Community and networks
Your PhD is a great opportunity to meet new people and network as part of our wider postgraduate research community.
Alongside your academic work, you can get involved with postgraduate researcher networks and groups, Students' Union activity, and societies that will help you meet others, build connections across the University and make the most of your time in Manchester.
Staying up to date
Connect with us
As an offer holder, you will receive updates from the Faculty and University by email, including your registration information and invitations to webinars and events when you arrive.
You can stay connected through our social channels, get in contact via email or visit us on campus when you arrive:
- Bluesky: fbmhdocacad.bsky.social
- Instagram: @fbmh_docacad
- Facebook Group: Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health PGR Offer Holders for 2026/27
- Email: FBMH.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk
- On campus: FBMH Doctoral Academy Support Hub, 1.93 Simon Building (open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday)