Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Improve community health and wellbeing

Undertake multidisciplinary research to improve the future health of local and international communities.

Choose from our flexible pathways

We offer PhD, MPhil and MSc by Research degrees. Options include full-time and part-time study.

Join a thriving research community

Our start well, live well, age well mission brings together researchers across disciplines.

Benefit from our advanced facilities

Labs feature a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and a tandem liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer.

Maintain your clinical practice

Postgraduate clinicians can get involved in the Manchester Movement Unit while working on research projects.

Get personal and professional training

We provide a comprehensive development programme for research students.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

  • Biomechanics
  • Clinical and economic outcomes
  • Musculoskeletal health and wellbeing, including spine, shoulder and knee
  • Neurology
  • Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Qualifications you can study

You can do a research degree on campus or remotely through distance learning. Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD Health Professions — three years full-time, six years part-time
  • Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time
  • MPhil — 18 months full-time, 36 months part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International students must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding