How to apply
Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadlines
Most funding opportunities (internal and external partners – list here ) require you to have submitted a PhD application by 1 st February 2023, at the latest. However, we recommend that you apply in advance of this date as it can be advantageous to have a PhD offer already in place prior to application for funding.
If you are applying for, or have secured, external funding (for example, from a government or employer) or intend to self-fund then you will need to have submitted an application by 30 th June 2023, at the latest. Unfortunately, you will not be able to apply to the PhD programme after this deadline has passed.Advice to applicants
Your completed application should include:
- two references, one of which should be familiar with your academic work, on headed paper from the institution, signed, dated and stamped;
- a degree certificate and transcript for your bachelor's and master's degrees;
- a research proposal;
- evidence of your English language proficiency;
- a detailed CV.
Admission to studying for a PhD or a Professional Doctorate is highly competitive, so please allow as much time as possible to prepare your application, browse our research pages and academics' profiles, and familiarise yourself with the application process and any important deadlines.
Your supervisor will be an important part of your PhD programme.
It's a close relationship over several years, through which you develop your ideas, skills, thinking and research.
Your supervisor's research interests should therefore closely align to yours.
If you aren't applying for a specific project, you'll need to find potential supervisors who will support your research.
Details on recent publications, ongoing projects and particular research interests are all available on our academics' profiles .
We strongly recommend that you approach academics who complement your research interests before you apply.
Most potential supervisors will be happy to provide pre-submission feedback on a well-developed draft proposal that closely matches their research expertise.
For more guidance, see our guidance on How to write a research proposal .
If you identify an academic who is interested in supervising your work, you may be able to receive advice and critical feedback that helps you to make your proposal stronger and more competitive.
This is particularly beneficial if you are considering applying for funding.
Please send your proposal to one potential supervisor at a time only, copying in mailto:pgr-geography@manchester.ac.uk. .
If you are not sure who would make the most suitable supervisor for your research, feel free to contact the email address above.
Your draft proposal will then be passed on to suitable colleagues, if appropriate.
How your application is considered
- the availability of two appropriate supervisors;
- the relevance and strength of your research proposal;
- your academic standing and relevant professional experience.
When you submit an application, you will receive notification that it has been received. Our admissions team will contact you to let you know if we require any further information.
We aim to process all applications within six weeks and will contact you with our decision as soon as possible.
Interview requirements
You may be required to attend an interview in person or via Skype.