PhD Politics / Careers

Year of entry: 2024

Career opportunities

I stand firmly convinced that the collaboration, guidance, and mentoring of my supervisors, along with the Politics departments technical training,

will generate unparalleled opportunities not only for my research, but, my career more broadly.

Konstantinos Achilles Kanellopoulos / PhD Politics student

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a PGR and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future .    

Our programme aims to enable you to become more aware of your developing researcher identity, equipping you with the skills you need during your PhD and prepare you to integrate into the researcher community.    

We offer training sessions to build your skills and confidence in writing and presenting, with specific sessions on viva preparation, thesis submission and preparing for your Review Panel.    

You will also have access to a range of workshops, covering areas such as:

  • increasing research impact through blog posts; 
  • making the most of social media;   
  • publishing in journals; 
  • applying for fellowships;  
  • designing academic posters; 
  • improving time and self-management. 

In addition, our Humanities training hub ResearcherDevelopment@Manchester gives you additional training opportunities in public engagement, wellbeing, language training and teaching, alongside more specialist courses in tools and software such as Python, R and NVivo.     

Methods@manchester , meanwhile, is an initiative that gives you the chance to learn from the very best in research methods expertise at Manchester and beyond. Regular talks, workshops and other methods-related events are organised throughout the academic year.   

Finally, taking a placement provides a great opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange and to develop professional networking opportunities for your future career development.  

We have established Postgraduate Researcher Exchange programmes with a small number of institutions around the world, offering you the opportunity to visit another institution, access research resources and experience another academic culture as well as build professional networks.  

Successful applicants will receive some funding towards travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence, education materials and/or other education-related costs.  

For more information, see training and development .