Overview

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

Programme overview

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health postgraduate research page to start your journey.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health postgraduate research events page to find out about upcoming open days and events.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Contact name
Doctoral Academy Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 5608
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/
School/Faculty overview
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 IBT with an overall score of 100 (with a minimum score of 25 in each component)
For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements, including English language, see entry requirements from your country .

Professional entry qualification

Additional requirements for distance learning students

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:

  • full-time hours availability;
  • 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.

Other entry requirements

Additional requirements for distance learning students

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 employer for study time;
  • the ability to adhere 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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2025 were 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 (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

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

In the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health we offer a wide range of fully funded studentships and scholarships covering postgraduate research tuition fees, research costs and an annual stipend for living costs.

Discover more about postgraduate research fees and funding

Application and selection

How to apply

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:

If you already have your own funding:

Supporting documents

You'll also need to make sure you have the following documents before you start your application:

  • 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

The deadline for applying for postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health depends on when you intend to start your research and how your project is funded.

If you are applying for one of our funded programmes, please refer to the deadlines detailed on the relevant page .

If you’re applying for a project that isn’t part of one of these programmes, our final application deadlines are:

  • January 2026 entry: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
  • April 2026 entry: Thursday, 15 January 2026
  • September 2026 entry: Tuesday, 15 June 2026

Programme details

Programme description

This postgraduate research programme in midwiferygives you the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged on an innovative research project 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.

4-year PhD (full time and full time distance learning options only)

This is a four year PhD programme for students who:

  • have not previously studied research methods
  • have studied research methods but not in the UK
  • have limited English language skills
  • have not completed a master's degree.

In this programme, the first year is a foundation year designed to prepare you for the following PhD programme.

This will include completing taught research methods units from our MRes in Health & Social Care , developing a research proposal with your supervision team and English language tuition (if English is not your first language).

We also offer a standard three year PhD programme (as well as MPhil ) for students who do not require the foundation year.

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.

Coursework and assessment

Our PhD programmes follow the University's methods of assessment for PhD study and student progress is monitored via a detailed electronic system (e-prog) using a standard set of progress and monitoring forms.  

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.

4-year PhD  

In order to complete the foundation year and progress to year 2 all students must pass 4 MRes units with a mark of 50% or higher. Students will also write a proposal of about 2,000-2,500 words that will provide a platform for an end of year 1 meeting with supervisors and advisor; this is not formally assessed. Students will also be expected to complete English language tuition as required.

You will submit a continuation report at the end of 23 months. 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 3.

At the end of Year 3, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 4, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

What our students say

Visit our PhD life page to discover life as a postgraduate researcher at Manchester or read our postgraduate research student blog .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

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

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.