PhD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy

To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our virtual open week or future on-campus and international events.

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Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

The current deadline for consideration in internal funding competitions is 15 March 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Before you start your application, you should:

1. Develop your own research proposal and project title.
2. Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
3. Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents:

• A 3,000 word PhD research proposal.
• Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
• An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process.
• International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS).

This programme provides advanced training to develop innovative research in all areas of science, technology and innovation policy.

Our research covers a number of research themes within the Division of Innovation, Management and Policy (IMP) Research in the division ranges from firm level analysis of managing innovation to inter-firms relations and system dynamics. It covers innovation and entrepreneurship, through creativity and design, including imagination; managerial and organisational cognition, and cognitive adaptation; developing management capabilities for innovation processes across firms and country boundaries, and governance of inter-firm relations, including outsourcing, alliances and M&As; competitive dynamics of professional service firms, especially those oriented to design and creativity.

We continue to attract outstanding researchers of the highest calibre and our PGR population is one of the largest in the UK, with around 45 researchers joining us each year. As a graduate of one of the world's most innovative and ambitious doctoral research schools, you'll be sought after by leading universities, top business schools, government institutes and private sector organisations.

We embed the PhD into the research life and culture of the School by assigning you to research centres and groups. You will be active in the research life of your centre, organising external seminars, presenting your work to peers in internal seminars, and designing and presenting posters on your PhD. Providing robust and systematic research training is a core strength of our PhD programme. To be able to take full advantage of the training opportunities that are offered, you should reside in or within commuting distance from Manchester. We strongly encourage any candidates who do not reside locally to enrol full-time.

Whatever your future plans, make the most of your exceptional talents with a PhD from Alliance MBS and give yourself the opportunity to make an impact.

The PhD programme in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy offers an annual entry point of September.  Complete applications must be received by 30 June - please refer to the Entry Requirements information for further details.  However, if you wish to potentially be considered for our funding opportunities, earlier deadlines will be in place.

Admitted students will be supervised in the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research in the Alliance Manchester Business School. There are also opportunities for additional mentorship from specialist faculty engaged in science and technology research in other units at the University of Manchester.

Our Postgraduate Researchers follow a robust, systematic and flexible research training programme designed to:

• complement their own immediate requirements as they plan and write their thesis;
• introduce them to the variety of research undertaken within the Business School; and
• equip them with the broader skills to become leading edge business and management science researchers in the next generation.

The timetable runs from September to May each year.  Postgraduate Researchers are required to attend research training sessions and workshops at the School and submit various pieces of assessed work throughout this period.

Postgraduate Researchers are assessed in a number of courses as part of their research training programme. In addition, their progress is assessed at various stages of studies through the annual progress review process.

Alliance Manchester Business School

AMBS is one of the largest business and management schools in the UK and part of the UK's biggest university - The University of Manchester. Facilities include:

• Study zones, quiet areas and break-out spaces to study and relax
• Inspiring teaching, events and meeting spaces
• New offices for our academic divisions and research centres
• Eddie Davies Library with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the bustling Oxford Road Corridor
• Three catering outlets: The Mill restaurant and event space, Café 65 and The Hive Café
• Data Visualisation Observatory
• Behavioural Research Laboratory
• Three outdoor courtyards where staff, students and visitors can take a well-earned break

The University of Manchester Library

Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.

We have a tradition of producing high quality doctoral research. Many of our graduates hold academic positions in top universities and public agencies around the world. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue academic and research careers in science and technology studies, policy and public administration, and interdisciplinary centres linking science, engineering, medicine, environment, energy and related fields with public, societal, and policy domains. Graduates may also pursue careers with think tanks, government, non-profits, or industry.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a Postgraduate Researcher and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future.