Overview
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration
- 3-4 years 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 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250 -
PhD (full-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500 -
PhD (part-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250
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.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
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.
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.
We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For each of the components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of 6.0 (IELTS) or 22 (iBT).
English language requirements for our distance learning programme are:
- IELTS 7.0, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component
- TOEFL 100 internet based (with a minimum score of 25 in each component)
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.
As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.
As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:
- at least two days per week minimum study time (part-time students) or full-time hours availability (full-time students);
- access to study sites and research participants;
- if seconded from employment to undertake the programme,approval and support from your employer for study time;
- adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
- consistent computer and IT access;
- a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
- up-to-date Windows software;
- a webcam and microphone;
Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.
Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.
Application and selection
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.
Advice to applicants
Before you start your application, you should:
- Identify the programme or find the specific research project you'd like to apply for.
- Contact the listed project supervisor and speak to them about your suitability for the project.
- Understand how your project is funded or, if you are self-funding, you should have an idea of how you are funding your project and have discussed this with your supervisor.
If you already have funding:
- Find a specific self-funded project and contact the project supervisor to talk to them about your suitability for the project; OR
- Determine your own research project and title, find a potential supervisor in this research area and contact them to discuss supervising your research.
Supporting documents
You'll also need to make sure you have the following documents before you apply:
- Personal statement
- Certificates and transcripts
- CV
- Confirmation of funding (if you are self-funded)
- English language ability
- Names and details of two referees to support your application
Visit our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more about the information required for each of these supporting documents.
Any missing information 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)
Interview requirements
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Re-applications
Programme details
Programme description
Our PhD/MPhil Midwifery programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Midwifery.
This postgraduate research programme in midwifery gives students the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people's lives and in health and social care.
We particularly welcome students from all health and social care disciplines who have an interest in exploring related subject areas.
3-year PhD (FT, PT, FT Distance Learning, PT Distance Learning options)
The PhD programme of study consists of:
- high-quality supervision by two members of staff with appropriate expertise to guide the PhD applicant throughout the study ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided;
- research and transferable skills training and support;
- taught course units in core research methods;
- independent study;
- an advisor to offer pastoral support.
In addition to the support and guidance of the supervision team, students will have access to a comprehensive, tailored training programme.
Students will meet with their supervisors during induction week (and the beginning of each subsequent year) to undertake a skills audit to identify their learning needs and devise an individualised training programme.
A mandatory transferable skills unit is offered that includes:
- managing literature and searching;
- project management;
- research governance;
- involving patients and the public in research;
- ethics and academic writing.
There is also the option of additional training in research methods, completing taught master's-level units.
Special features
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.
Teaching and learning
Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.
Coursework and assessment
Students must submit work at specific stages, review their progress, identify their learning and development needs, and meet with their supervisors throughout their course. Some meetings and evaluations are informal, while others are formal and documented.
3-year PhD
You will submit a continuation report at the end of 11 months (23 months if part-time). This will summarise your knowledge and skills in your topic of study and your ability to apply this to produce a robust research plan to complete your study.
It is examined by two external examiners by a viva examination, and must be passed to progress to Year 2. Any taught units that are taken in full must also be passed to progress to Year 2.
At the end of Year 2, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 3, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.Scholarships and bursaries
Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.
For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the funded programmes and funding opportunities pages.What our students say
Facilities
You will have access to Jean McFarlane Building which houses student study space, seminar rooms, IT facilities, interpersonal skills laboratories and lecture theatres.
The wider facilities of the University are of an excellent standard, with one of the best library collections and resources in Europe.