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Doing a doctoral degree allows you to explore a topic you’re passionate about while producing research that can make a real difference to knowledge in your subject and the world around us.

Applying for a research degree takes time, commitment and ambition. To help you decide if doing a doctoral degree is for you, we recommend doing the ‘So You’re Thinking of a PhD?’ short online intensive. It’s a free resource developed by a group of current Manchester Met PhD students that takes you through the process of doing a PhD from start to finish. 

Your PhD proposal is your chance to show potential supervisors the importance of the research proposed and why you are the right person for the project.

There are different routes to a research degree at Manchester Met. You can:

  • apply for a funded opportunity to work on a specific research project
  • apply for a self-funded place on an advertised project
  • submit a proposal for your own research idea
     

Research application process

  1. Choose the research opportunity or subject area that you wish to apply for
  2. We recommend you discuss your research idea with a potential academic supervisor
  3. When you’ve developed your Thesis Proposal and are ready to proceed, you will need to apply via our online application portal through the specific subject area and submit your draft research proposal. For example, if you are applying for a full-time PhD in Art, you will need to go to the subject page and apply through the route you want to take (ie. PhD Art 3 years full-time). 
  4. Receive the outcome of your application

Advertised research projects

We advertise a wide range of research projects throughout the year.

You can respond to an advertised research project in two ways:

  • apply for a funded scholarship which will cover your tuition fees and living costs
  • apply for a self-funded place

Before applying we recommend that you contact the supervisor listed in the advertisement for an informal discussion around your proposal and application.

Proposing a research project

If you would like to propose your own research project, you’ll need to identify the subject area closest to your interests.

We recommend that you have an initial discussion with a member of research staff about your project and ideas before submitting a proposal through an online application.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may vary depending on the research opportunity you are applying for, so you should look at the relevant programme information before applying.

  • PhD

    Applicants for PhD should normally hold a first or upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Or, a lower second class (2:2) honours degree with a masters degree at merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

    Overseas students will need an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking).

  • Professional doctorate

    You would normally require a good honours degree (or equivalent) and a masters degree in a relevant subject area (usually within a five-year period prior to entry). Or, evidence of having written at that standard, and a minimum of four years working in a professional role.

  • MPhil and Masters by Research

    Applicants for these progammes should normally hold a first or upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification or a full Masters-level qualification.

  • English language requirements

    International students will be required to demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English language ability.

    In order to enter most postgraduate courses the English requirements are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 575, and TOEFL computer-based 230. Please note some courses may have higher English language requirements.

Supporting documents

When you are ready to apply online, you’ll need to submit your application with the following documents:

  • your research proposal
  • two references
  • a copy of your passport
  • your CV
  • qualification transcripts and certificates (with English translation for non-UK qualifications)
  • proof of English language proficiency where relevant

Doctoral Student Thesis Proposal

Tell us about your research idea by submitting this thesis proposal form as part of your application.

Distance Learning

If you are applying for a distance learning research degree, please complete and submit this form as part of your online application.

How to make a successful application

There are many elements to applying for a research degree, from writing a good research proposal to discussing your project ideas with academic supervisors.

Here are our top tips for making the best possible impression in the application process:

  • articulate your thesis topic - indicate clear aims and objectives, key research questions to be answered and the research methods to be used
  • be informed about prior research - investigate your proposed field and be able to position your own study in context of the existing work in the area
  • show added-value - explain why you chose your proposed research topic and suggest why your work will be distinctive and contribute to the development of the field
  • show independent thinking – demonstrate the ability to understand the key elements of your detailed area of work
  • highlight your skills - describe how any prior training has helped focus your proposal and show what relevant skills you have
  • resources - list the resources you think you’ll need for your project
  • consider the broader context - research around your study and be informed about key sources that are available to you
  • find an appropriate prospective supervisor - ensure your chosen supervisor is suitable for your specialism
  • consult with your prospective supervisor - show evidence of initial conversation with your prospective supervisor in putting together your proposal

After you have applied

We will contact you to let you know the initial outcome of your application.

We will send you an offer letter informing you that you have been offered a place of study once we are satisfied with the following:

  • your research proposal
  • the entry requirements have been met
  • you have satisfactory references
  • we have the expertise and resources to be able to supervise you
  • Key dates for 2023/24

    Application deadlines:

    Intake

    Application deadline

    via online portal

    Start date

    September

    07/07/2023

    26/09/2023

    October

    07/07/2023

    02/10/2023

    January

    13/10/2023

    08/01/2024

    April

    12/01/2024

    08/04/2024

    July       

    05/04/2024

    01/07/2024

    Please note all application documents must be submitted by this deadline.

    Application deadlines for funded doctoral opportunities will vary, please check the deadline dates on individual projects when applying.

  • Course start / end dates

    July 2021 /22*

    CourseStart dateSubmission dateCompletion date
    Master’s by Research4 July 20224 July 20234 July 2024
    PhD Part-time4 July 20223 July 20283 July 2029
    PhD Full-time4 July 20223 July 20253 July 2026
    MPhil Part-time4 July 20223 July 20263 July 2027
    MPhil Full-time4 July 20223 July 20243 July 2025

    October 2022 /23*

    CourseStart dateSubmission dateCompletion date
    Master’s by Research3 October 20224 October 20234 October 2024
    PhD Part-time3 October 20224 October 20284 October 2029
    PhD Full-time3 October 20224 October 20254 October 2026
    MPhil Part-time3 October 20224 October 20264 October 2027
    MPhil Full-time3 October 20224 October 20244 October 2025

    *Course dates are provisional and subject to change

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the research application process please contact: pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk.