A pathway into postgraduate research
About the programme
Our Integrated PhD programme is designed to enable self-funded and government funded international students to combine a one-year master's course with a three-year PhD research programme
There are over 90 master's courses across nine subject areas included within the programme, allowing you to prepare for postgraduate research before you progress onto a PhD and one of our self-funded projects.
Benefits of our master's courses
Our taught master's courses in biological, medical and health sciences are strengthened by our highly rated research and significant links with the NHS and industry.
![Researchers observe and write notes about a sample.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/analysing-sample.jpg)
Research project
Your master's includes a research project, and will enhance your knowledge and skills before beginning specialist research in your chosen field.
![A postgraduate researchers analysing data in the lab.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/analysing-research-data-sml.jpg)
How long does it take?
You can study the Integrated PhD either full-time (4 years) or part-time (up to 8 years).
![A student making notes in a lab book.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/student-taking-notes.jpg)
Our reputation
The University of Manchester is ranked 32nd worldwide (QS Global World Rankings 2024) and is #2 for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education 2024). We have been the University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
![A postgraduate student outside of Whitworth Hall.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/postgrad-student-whitworth-hall.jpg)
An international community
Join over 7,000 of our international postgraduate students for a unique and exceptional learning experience.
![A passenger outside an airport.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/passenger-at-airport.jpg)
How it works
Your training pathway
Our Integrated PhD gives you the opportunity to study for an MSc that will prepare you for a related PhD project.
You'll spend the first part of the programme studying on your chosen master's course in biology, medicine and health before moving into one of our PhD programmes, working on research in the same area as your MSc.
Your PhD will be undertaken at Manchester under the supervision of researchers working on a variety of exciting projects. You'll draw on the skills and knowledge you learned at MSc level to contribute to crucial research.
Example pathway: from MSc Precision Medicine to PhD research in omics
Integrated PhD students undertaking our MSc in Precision Medicine would be well-equipped to undertake the 'Predicting response to IL6 inhibition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis' PhD project.
You would be able to apply your master's learning in the principles of stratified medicine to address an important clinical question: whether we can use omics to better target the right drugs to the right patients.
Your MSc-level training in omics technologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, would be directly applicable to this PhD project.
![A researcher placing microcentrifuge tubes into a centrifuge.](/study/research/degrees/integrated-phd/centrifuge_720x405.jpg)
Making an application
Apply for the Integrated PhD
Before you apply
Before applying you'll need to:
- Ensure you have funding to support your master's and PhD.
- Check you meet our Integrated PhD entry requirements.
- Browse our PhD projects listings and identify a self-funded project you’re passionate about or browse our Research Explorer to find a supevisor.
- Contact the named supervisor to discuss your interest in working with them or in their advertised project, stating you are a self-funded international applicant interested in the ‘Integrated PhD programme’.
- Review master’s courses related to your project, or any suggested by your supervisor, and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Application process for the Integrated PhD
Once you've found your project, discussed your suitability with the supervisor, and checked you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re ready to complete an online application.
Full guidance on how to make an application can be found on our how to apply page but please ensure you follow the below tips:
- Only make one application for this programme.
- Ensure you select ‘FBMH Integrated 1+3 Programme’ on the online application form.
- If you select the incorrect programme, your application cannot be considered
- Include the name of your supervisor and provisional project title.
- Include a supporting statement of 1,000 words summarising your motivation for the Integrated PhD, outlining any research experience and your career ambitions.
- Indicate which of our master's courses you would like to be considered for.
Other application information
Please refer to the individual MSc or MRes course page for details of application deadlines.
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second UK honours degree or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK in a related subject area.
A Lower Second honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a master's degree with a Merit classification, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.
Please refer to the individual MSc or MRes course page for detailed entry requirements.
As part of the selection process for the programme, you will be required to attend a short interview.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
Applications
For queries regarding the application process, the projects on offer or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy.
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608
Projects
You may wish to contact supervisors directly about projects. You can find the name of the supervisor on each project, and their contact details in the University's online directory
University of Manchester intercalation queries should be sent to Professor Sue Atley and the intercalation team.