PhD BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

How to apply

The BBSRC DTP accepts applications each year from around October-November for entry the following September.  Details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website . You should follow the guidance carefully on how to make an online application.

Advice to applicants

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send all supporting documents (CV, transcripts, certificates, confirmation of funding, English language ability (if applicable) a personal statement).

About the personal statement  

This should be a maximum of 500 words. We recommend that your personal statement summarises:

  • any research experience and your interests;
  • your motivation for postgraduate research study;
  • why you want to do a postgraduate research degree in Manchester;
  • your career development to date;
  • your future career plans;
  • other supporting information: recent publications if any or other research training and experience.

If you have completed a research project during your undergraduate/master's study, please give a short description of the work you undertook, including the following details:

  • the research problem
  • your key findings
  • techniques acquired and skills learned.
See further guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our website .

Interview requirements

We will contact you directly if we wish to invite you to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations.

If you are invited to one of our interview days, you will be notified directly by email.

The BBSRC DTP Recruitment Committee will assess applicants based on CV, academic record and references. Interview panels will consist of up to three academic staff from across the University. You will be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) outlining any research experience you may have (e.g. an undergraduate project) or on the BBSRC DTP project you are interested in. Presentations can be made in PowerPoint format or verbally.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Depending on the project you undertake, you may be required to undertake DBS screening.  We will notify of you this requirement if appropriate.