- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration
- 48 Months Full Time
- Entry requirements
-
Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 bachelor's degree (or overseas equivalent), in a relevant discipline, plus a master's degree or extensive research experience. Applicants can be internal or external to The University of Manchester.
- How to apply
- Apply online
You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.
We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 3: Good health and well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- Goal 15: Life on land
Programme options
Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
---|---|---|---|---|
PhD | Y | N | N | N |
Programme overview
- Embrace the challenge of living abroad in one of the world's most famous cities.
- Form part of a talented cohort seeking to address sustainable development challenges through research in bio-economy solutions, and choose from a range of projects spanning synthetic and systems biology.
- Develop a global perspective and international fluency to benefit your future development, opening the door to exciting new job opportunities.
Open days
Fees
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.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 15: Life on land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Chemistry
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4026
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.synthetic-biology-dual-phd.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.
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.