PhD/MPhil Textiles and Apparel / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

The Department of Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.

Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.

Current research in this textiles and apparel 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.

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.

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 an extensive range of postgraduate research studentships and projects , and funding, scholarships and awards with many of our research students sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

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

In the Department of Materials we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

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 .