Partner content
Research at the cutting edge:
PhDs in Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester
Where an engineering education at Swansea University can take you
Research at the cutting edge:
PhDs in Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester
Research isn’t always easy – but it can be life-changing. The University of Manchester does not shy away from bold and innovative research. For more than 200 years, it has been pioneering change in science and engineering, from the splitting of the atom to the discovery of graphene. Its research makes a global impact because its world-leading facilities make it possible to work at the forefront of global change. And at the heart of all of it all is a diverse research community that is waiting to welcome the next generation of changemakers.
In short, a PhD in science and engineering from The University of Manchester could be life-changing – for others and for you.
Global change, Manchester-made
You’ll be contributing to work that has seen Manchester ranked in the world's top 10 for research impact for six years running,* with the potential to make breakthroughs in global challenges. It’s experiences like these that make the university’s researchers wanted by top employers.
It’s not just about what happens in the lab, though. The University of Manchester wants you to grow beyond your research through the communities formed through clubs, societies and its doctoral academy. It’s located in a city of trailblazers, and they want to help you find your place in their home.
Beginning a postgraduate research journey with The University of Manchester could take you anywhere. Whether your future is in tackling climate change or leading innovations in artificial intelligence, it has expert supervisors ready to take you to the top of their field. They’ll supervise your work at state-of-the-art research sites like the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and the Manchester Institute for Biotechnology, while the university’s links to key industry partners will help you apply your findings directly to science and engineering enterprises in the wider world.
“The people here create a ‘Manchester culture’, something that’s really inclusive. It’s a great thing to feel!”
Chithrambary, PhD researcher in the Department of Materials
*Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2019-2024.
Research. Fully funded.
Research in science and engineering is critical to solving the challenges we face today, and The University of Manchester wants to attract researchers of the highest calibre to contribute to their work. Its fully-funded faculty and department scholarships reflect this commitment, helping to foster research excellence regardless of circumstance. It offers a range of opportunities with opportunities including a doctoral stipend, the chance to take up teaching assistant roles and to collaborate with other institutions.
Innovative research pathways
Meanwhile, dual-and joint-awards foster collaboration with international institutions including The University of Melbourne and The University of Tokyo. Postgraduate researchers on these programmes spend their degrees studying across two countries, benefiting from the facilities and research expertise in both.
The university recognises that for its researchers to be innovative, research pathways need to be innovative too. That’s why, in addition to its traditional PhD programmes, it hosts a number of Centres for Doctoral Training, as well as dual- and joint-awards with different institutions.
Manchester’s Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) offer postgraduate researchers the opportunity to research within a cohort, all focusing on a priority research area. Through CDTs, researchers have access to in-depth, skills-specific training, collaboration with industry partners and access to research facilities across the UK. CDT studentships are fully funded, meaning that all tuition fees and research fees are covered, and participating researchers receive an annual, tax-free stipend of £19,237.*
* UKRI stipend for 2024/25 postgraduate researchers. Stipend amount subject to change.
Hear from the researchers
Charlotte wanted to research what she loves – synthesis in inorganic chemistry – but with genuine real-world applications. She is now researching her passion, designing and synthesising new materials for OLED devices, on a fully funded PhD with a monthly stipend. Her research's impact is such that she has started patenting her results.
“I’m really lucky to have a great relationship with my supervisor. It can be challenging at times, but I know that he just wants me to be the best scientist that I can be.”
“I applied to The University of Manchester because of its academic reputation.”
Charlotte, PhD researcher in the Department of Chemistry
Toufic found a research community where he belongs in Manchester. He’s attended conferences to showcase his research and formed a support group of friends in his lab. In this community, he’s thrived, developing his skills in data analysis, project management and scientific methodology.
"It’s really not as daunting as you might think. My advice? Don’t be afraid, just go for it.”
“I’m proud to be part of this family of world-class scientists involved in groundbreaking research.”
Toufic, PhD researcher in the School of Natural Sciences
Jie is accelerating her career with her PhD. Attracted by the world-leading projects at The University of Manchester, she is now taking full ownership of her research. She has attended multiple conferences — including travelling to Cape Town — as she engages with state-of-the-art conversations in her field.
“You are going to be the expert in this field. You are going to be better than your supervisor.”
“At Manchester, there's a lot of collaboration with industry and other universities which is great when you look for a job.”
Jie, PhD researcher in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
An enriching education awaits at The University of Manchester.
Copyright © 2024 Study International, official representative of The University of Manchester