- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration
- 3 year PhD, 1-2 years MPhil
- Entry requirements
-
We require:
- An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
- AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
- OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.
NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience.
The four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:
- has not studied in the UK before;
- has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
- has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
- has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.
- How to apply
-
Before applying you must:
- Choose a programme or find a project you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
- Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
- Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
- Read our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.
Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out more.
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MPhil | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Programme overview
- Undertake research in a field you’re passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
- Choose to research at a university ranked and 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
- Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater Manchester.
- Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
- Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.
Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out more.
Open days
Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and events.
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard £5,006, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard £2,503, Low £5,750, Medium £8,625, High £11,750
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,750, Medium £17,500, High £20,755 -
PhD (full-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): Standard £5,006, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500 -
PhD (part-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): Standard £2,503, Low £5,750, Medium £8,625, High £11,750
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,750, Medium £17,500, High £20,755
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Contact name
- Doctoral Academy Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 5608
- FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/
- School/Faculty
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.