
Academic entry qualification overview
English language
If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL (iBT) 90.
Each component of the English test should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 in all components or 22 in TOEFL (iBT). For the writing component in IELTS we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 6.0.
The English language requirements are slightly higher for applicants wishing to undertake the Distance Learning programme. We require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component.
For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .
Please contact us at admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk for further information.
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
Postgraduate Research Study by Distance Learning
In addition to meeting the standard entry requirements, applicants wishing to study through Distance Learning will need to meet some additional requirements. If these requirements cannot be met, the Doctoral Academy reserves the right to reject any requests for Distance Learning, but this will not be associated with the academic assessment of an applicant (ie an academic offer for standard attendance can still be considered).
The Distance Learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and actual presence on campus. It does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PGR study. Distance Learning students must prove that they have the time, commitment, language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.
As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:
- 2.5 days per week minimum study time (part-time students) or full-time hours (full-time students)
- Access to study sites and research participants
- If seconded from employment to undertake the programme - written approval and support from employer for study time
- Adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures
- Consistent computer and IT access
- Broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k
- up-to-date Windows/Mac software
- Webcam and microphone
Applicants should submit an online application form in the usual way, selecting Distance Learning as the form of study. Applicants will then be asked to complete the `DL proforma' which asks for further confirmation of meeting the above requirements, outlining the reasons for wishing to undertake the programme by DL and plans for attending the University as explained in the Teaching and Learning section of the Programme details page.