PhD/MPhil Textiles and Apparel

Year of entry: 2023

Overview

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy
Duration
PhD 3-4 Years FT; MPhil 1 Year FT
Entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirements for a Doctorate level programme is an Upper Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Before applying we strongly recommend that you:

  1. Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
  2. Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
  3. Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor

In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .

Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:

Apply now

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N
MPhil Y Y N N

Programme description

Current research in this area is concerned with developing advanced textile materials, technologies and products for a variety of applications, from biomedical devices, advanced composites for aerospace technologies, personal protective devices, sportswear and smart wearables to 3D body scanning and digital platforms for fashion e-business models. Find out more about this research area here .

A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our textiles and apparel graduates have progressed to successful academic careers and industry positions in reputable organisations worldwide.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level. through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference. There are flexible study packages available, as well as a range of  PhD studentships  and  University funding packages . Please contact us to find out more.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to find out about our upcoming events and open days.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500; Band E £23,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500; Band E £54,000
  • PhD (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £2,356; Band B £3,250; Band C £4,750; Band D £6,750; Band E £11,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £13,250; Band B £14,250; Band C £16,750; Band D £20,250; Band E £27,000

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

Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

Department
Department of Materials
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 161 543 4026
Email
Website
https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirements for a Doctorate level programme is an Upper Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent).

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

IELTS:  At least 6.5 overall with no subtest below 5.5.

TOEFL iBT:  At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59.

Further information on language requirements can be found on our website

Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our 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.

Application and selection

How to apply

Before applying we strongly recommend that you:

  1. Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
  2. Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
  3. Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor

In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .

Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:

Apply now

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should have:

You’ll also need to make sure you have the following to hand:

  • Certificates: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation.
  • CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
  • Research proposal: If you are proposing your own project, your proposal should typically range between 1,000-1,500 words and should clearly outline your project title and supervisor. For information on how to write a research proposal, visit our research proposal page .
  • English language proof: All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English language so you'll need to include a certificate or evidence of your English language ability. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
This information will be reviewed and used to shortlist you for a funding interview if appropriate; you should therefore ensure that you address all of the above requirements.

Interview requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the admissions team.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).

You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .

If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.

Programme details

Programme description

Current research in this area is concerned with developing advanced textile materials, technologies and products for a variety of applications, from biomedical devices, advanced composites for aerospace technologies, personal protective devices, sportswear and smart wearables to 3D body scanning and digital platforms for fashion e-business models. Find out more about this research area here .

A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our textiles and apparel graduates have progressed to successful academic careers and industry positions in reputable organisations worldwide.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level. through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference. There are flexible study packages available, as well as a range of  PhD studentships  and  University funding packages . Please contact us to find out more.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

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

The employment prospects following graduation from our research programmes are excellent; our graduates typically go on to research and development and management/consultant positions in industry and careers in academia.