How to apply

You'll need to complete and submit our online application form to apply for a postgraduate research programme at The University of Manchester.

2024 programmes

We're now accepting applications for our 2024/25 admissions cycle.

Due to system maintenance, our online application portal will be unavailable from 8am on Tuesday, 2 April until 2pm on Thursday, 4 April. 

Apply now for our postgraduate research programmes.

Please be aware that the things you need to do before you submit your formal application may vary according to the programme you are applying for.

You can find specific guidance for each subject area on the relevant programme profile.

Application checklist

  • Make a note of the application deadline, if there is one. We generally advise you to apply as early as possible. If you are applying to a specific programme with attached funding, application deadlines are often at the beginning of December, or even earlier for the start of the programme the following September. If you are planning to apply for a scholarship or award that is not attached to a particular project, it is normally stipulated that you hold an offer of a place from the University before applying, so you are encouraged to apply early.      
  • Choose and make contact with your potential supervisor.
  • Make sure you have evidence of prior academic qualifications to hand, such as certificates or transcripts to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements.
  • Provide evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language. Please note that some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your programme.
  • Identify two referees who can comment on your previous academic background and suitability for the course you are applying for. Let your referees know that the University will be contacting them directly for a reference.
  • Prepare a research proposal/piece of academic writing, if required. This will be specified on the relevant academic School website.
  • Prepare a personal statement/statement of purpose, if required. This will be specified on the relevant academic School website.
  • Prepare your CV – this is required for certain funded or project-linked awards.

Application form

You will be asked to set up an account that will enable you to save your application and come back to it at a later date if you wish.

If you need support, use our videos on how to create an account and how to submit an application.

Once you begin your application, use the left-hand navigation to move through the sections of the form, you can 'check your information' at each stage.

Clicking on this will either:

  • ask you to complete missing information or to correct formatting (such as dates);
  • mark the section of the form as 'complete';
  • ask you to upload supporting documents, if needed.

If you cannot upload supporting documents, there is often a field for you to give a reason why so you can still submit your application. We will then provide you with instructions on how to provide supporting documents via an online portal.

Apply now for Postgraduate research courses

Frequently asked questions