PhD Communication Disorders / Programme details

Our PhD/MPhil Communication Disorders programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Communication Disorders.

Communication disorders research is based in the world leading Division of Human Communication, Development and Hearing (HCHD) providing an exciting and rewarding experience. We have particular research strengths in the areas of developmental language disorders (DLD) and social communication and pragmatics intervention , as well as further interests and collaborations on associated factors such as literacy and memory as well as bilingualism.

Postgraduate research study is personalised; flexibility is allowed for the research to evolve and investigate findings not envisaged at the outset of the work. This is complemented by a training structure that provides critical skills training, personal development and progression milestones.

The project will usually be outlined by an applicant seeking to work within a particular research area with a focused plan of research in mind, usually shared and discussed with the potential main supervisor.

Alternatively, the project will be part of a research programme and such projects are usually outlined by the academic supervisor offering the study.

It is important to note that a PhD in Communication Disorders is not a clinical qualification. Instead, it offers opportunity for in-depth study of a particular research question or set of questions.  

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Attendance Requirement for Distance Learning Programme

Students must maintain expected virtual presence and communication with their Supervisor in order to remain registered on the programme and follow all online progression milestones as for any PGR student.

Students must attend, in person, the Welcome and Induction activities organised by the Doctoral Academy in September.  As a result, a September start date is preferable.  Students should also attend, in person, the compulsory `Life as a PhD Student' training.

Students are encouraged to consider undertaking additional training offered via the Doctoral Academy Training Programme .

It is expected that students will spend a minimum of one working week (5 days) in attendance at the University (in addition to welcome/induction days).  This may coincide with formal study weeks (ie in NMSW) and will present the opportunity for the student to spend time with their Supervisory team, visit the Library or local research facilities.

Students must participate in the formal Annual Review meeting, ideally in person, but attendance via Skype etc can be considered.

The final oral examination will be held at the University of Manchester.  Only in very exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to undertake the viva remotely.

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.