PhD Management of Projects

Our postgraduate research programmes in Management of Projects offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in conflict and dispute resolution, risk management, contracts and procurement, supply chains and inter-organisational relations and sustainable development we drive innovative solutions to promote successful project management. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability. 

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You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.

We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.

We require the following documents before we can consider your application.

• Research proposal outlining your research project. Please see the guidance about what we would expect to be included in a research proposal.
• Bachelor's transcripts and certificates.
• Master's transcripts and certificates (where available).
• CV

Further documentation may be required relating to funding applications. The stages and documentation differ between funding schemes and so this information will be provided following consideration of your application.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document but if successful, any offer of study will be conditional on providing a recognised qualification (like IELTS) that meets the English language entry requirement for this programme

The following information sources may also be of use:

• MACE Virtual Open Day
• Types of research degrees available in the Department of MACE
• Research themes and staff expertise in the Department of MACE
• Overview of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
• Information regarding funding opportunities
• Alternative funding sources
• Overview of The University of Manchester
• Information for international students
• English language courses at The University of Manchester

Our postgraduate research programmes in Management of Projects offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in conflict and dispute resolution, risk management, contracts and procurement, supply chains and inter-organisational relations and sustainable development we drive innovative solutions to promote successful project management. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability. 

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.

A PhD is the target of most postgraduate students who relish the opportunity to undertake a research project with intellectual, scientific, industrial or commercial challenges. Individuals with relevant industrial experience are also encouraged to apply for this level of graduate work, which is of particular value for personal and professional development.

Our research students have the opportunity to develop their skills through robust and flexible training that is designed to:

• Develop the research skills needed to plan and conduct research, write a thesis and disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the international research community;
• Gain understanding of the wide variety of research undertaken within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and in relevant disciplines across the University;
• Equip each student with the broader skills to become world leading industry professionals and researchers in the next generation.

All of our research degree programmes are based on supportive supervision in our outstanding research environment. You will carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Your primary supervisor would be a research active member of academic staff in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Co-supervisors may be from another discipline, another institution or even an external organisation, such as an industrial partner, selected to suit the project scope and specific skills required.

All candidates for the degree of PhD must undertake a skills review at the beginning of their degree to determine their research, transferable and generic skills requirements. The review will provide the basis for a planned programme of skills training and development. The outcomes of the review and programme of skills development must be discussed and agreed by the student and the supervisory team. The supervisory team will be responsible for ensuring that the student has access to the required skills training and development opportunities.

Students admitted to the degree of PhD must demonstrate satisfactory progress before the end of the first year by submission of a progress report which will be discussed at a formal progress meeting with the supervisory team and an independent assessor. Successful completion enables progression into the next year.

During your studies you will be encouraged to give seminars and write papers for scientific journals and conferences. You will also have access to a broad programme of skills training and professional development. This will help you to complete your research effectively and to keep you at the leading edge of developments in learning and teaching, innovation, enterprise and knowledge transfer to help you succeed in future employment.

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and make an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is assessed by oral examination (viva voce).

Graduates from the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering leave with a breadth of strong technical and inter-personal skills and expertise far beyond their particular degree specialism. They progress into a wide variety of careers within engineering (e.g. consulting engineers, R&D companies, construction sector) academia, public services (e.g. civil service, policy change) and commerce (e.g. IT, finance). The acquisition of a PhD degree provides a significant career acceleration and facilitates entry into positions with greater responsibility and diverse opportunities. Furthermore, it increasingly provides entrepreneurial opportunities, exploiting skills and knowledge acquired during the programme.