PhD/MPhil Medicine

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what undertaking postgraduate research at Manchester is like. Find out about our  upcoming open days .

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

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

About the personal statement   

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

This information is especially important for applicants from overseas, so we can fully assess your practical background and experience alongside your academic qualifications. Failure to include this information may delay the processing of your application.

See further guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application  on our website  .

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

Medical postgraduate research study at Manchester is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our students have access to first-class facilities and work within a vibrant research community with strong links to regional health service providers and industry.

Research opportunities are multidisciplinary, spanning biomedical, clinical and health policy areas. Examples include investigating the origin of diseases at the cellular/molecular level, developing clinical interventions for targeted therapies, and improving health and social care for patients and populations.

Projects in the area of medicine are often specified in advance, with applications encouraged for pre-defined research studies. Alternatively, we encourage research proposals from applicants seeking places through direct contact with academics and research groups.

Often, the most rewarding projects are those developed in partnership between applicants and potential supervisors in overlapping areas of interest. 

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.

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.

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.