phd application manchester

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

How to apply

Apply online

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

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 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

Advice to applicants

• Develop your own research proposal and project title.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
• 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 1,500 word  PhD research proposal. Please state the word count on page 1 of the document.
• 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).

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in-person interview, or video call.

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

How to apply

We recommend that you contact either a member of academic staff or our postgraduate admissions team to discuss your chosen area of research before submitting your application.

Apply through the University's online application system as early as possible in the academic year to allow sufficient time for applying for external funding, and for visa applications and approvals.

You can start your PhD in January, April, July or September, and you may apply up to a year before your intended start date.

Research themes

Decide on your area of specialism by exploring the Department's main research areas.

Research profiles

Find out more about our researchers and their key activities with the University's Researcher Explorer.

We have a range of funding opportunities to support your postgraduate research.

Contact our postgraduate admissions team with any enquiries before you apply.

Get in touch

Once you're ready to apply, submit your application through the University's online system.

Find out more

How to apply

Choosing The University of Manchester for your postgraduate research gives you the chance to carry out your studies in a world-class institution, among respected academics. We are dedicated to carrying out research that will have a significant impact on the world around us.

In this video guide, our Humanities Doctoral Academy will explain the main application steps, admissions requirements and funding opportunities for PGR study in The Faculty of Humanities (please note, this video guide has been prepared for September 2024/ January 2025 entry).

Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.

The below sections detail the main stages of the application process. We recommend that you read all guidance fully, so that you know what to expect when you apply to us.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the Humanities Doctoral Academy in the University of Manchester.

Stage 1: Before applying

Before you start your application, you should:

• Read all guidance thoroughly, and familiarise yourself with the Postgraduate Research application process.
• Develop your own research proposal and project title. Alternatively, you may choose to apply for an  advertised project.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics’ profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research. 
• Consider how you plan on  funding your research  and discuss this with your supervisor.

Writing a research proposal

The Research Proposal plays a key part in the assessment of your application. Your proposal should present your research intentions and design. Your application reviewers are looking for evidence of high quality and strong potential for postgraduate study.

Whilst we recommend that you discuss the content of your research proposal with your proposed supervisor, it is crucial that this piece of writing is your own work. The University uses electronic systems to detect plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for assessment. All Humanities PhD programmes require the submission of a research proposal as part of the application process. The Doctoral Academy upholds the principle that where a candidate approaches the University with a project of study, this should be original. While it is understandable that research may arise out of previous studies, it is vital that your research proposal is not the subject of plagiarism.

Your research proposal should also take  ethical considerations  into account. The University expects all researchers to consider the ethical implications of their research, particularly as they relate to research participants, and to be aware of their wider responsibilities to society, the environment, their profession, the University, and the organisation(s) funding the research.

The format and content of your research proposal will vary depending on your preferred programme, and the particular research you intend to undertake. Research proposal guidance by school:

• Alliance Manchester Business School
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
• School of Environment, Education and Development
• School of Social Sciences (all programmes except Economics)

Finding a supervisor

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial part of your Postgraduate Research journey.

• Help you develop your ideas, skills, thinking and research.
• Put you in contact with academics in your field, and refine and the team you might work with.
• Strengthen your funding applications.
• Support you at every stage of your research journey.

Your supervisor's research interests should therefore closely align to yours. The fit between your proposal and supervisory team is taken into account in application and funding decisions. Details on recent publications, ongoing projects and particular research interests are all available on our  academics' profiles . 

You may reach out directly to potential supervisors. Most potential supervisors will be happy to provide pre-submission feedback on a well-developed draft proposal that closely matches their research expertise. Please note that contact can only be informal, and no decision can be made on your application until it is submitted and processed through the Humanities Doctoral Academy. 

If an academic is interested in supervising your project, make sure to include their name on your application form. 

Funding opportunities

At this stage, it is important to consider how you plan on funding your research. This is because your funding applications tie in closely with your programme application. For example, your funding intention may influence your research proposal; your supervisory team; the content of your programme application; and when you submit your programme application.

We would also recommend that you discuss this with your supervisor, and ensure that they are happy to support your funding applications.

Section 9 of the online application form asks if you have secured or intend to apply for funding. Please detail fully all of the competitions in which you would like to be considered. There is no limit to the number of competitions you may enter, but all must be detailed in your online application form to ensure you are included.

Further information on funding can be found on our  funding page . Relevant competitions are also listed on each programme overview page.

Stage 2: The application form

To apply for any programme in the Humanities Doctoral Academy, you must complete and submit the  online application form .

You can submit an application for September 2024 entry until 30 June 2024, though we would recommend that you apply as early as possible.

Each of our schools have an application deadline for internal funding consideration:

• Alliance Manchester Business School:  1 December 2023
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures:  12 January 2024
• School of Education, Environment and Development: 19 January 2024
• School of Social Sciences:  1 December 2023

Supporting documents

The final section of the application form asks for supporting documents. You must ensure to prepare all required documents, as we cannot assess your application until we have received each of the below:

• A 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. We recommend that you contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process.

Please note, if any documents are in a language other than English, you must provide certified translations in English.

If you have omitted some of the required supporting documentation, we will send you a request and give a deadline to submit the documents. Please upload the requested documentation via the  self-service portal.  If the documents are not received by the given deadline, the application will be closed and not considered for admission. If you are applying for funding, your application must be complete by the relevant funding deadline. Otherwise, you will not be considered in the competition, and your application may be withdrawn.

Individual programmes may have further requirements – please check the ‘Application and Selection’ tab of the relevant programme overview page.

English language

International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency. Ideally, if you have already taken a test demonstrating that you meet the below requirements, please include the certificate with your application in the supporting documents section. 

Most programmes offered in Humanities require the below scores. Please note that individual programme requirements may vary; please check the ‘Entry requirements’ tab of the relevant programme overview page.

• IELTS test minimum score – 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing.
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score – 100 overall, 25 in all sections.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score – 76 overall, 76 in writing.
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a  majority English speaking nation  within the last 5 years.
• Other tests may be considered.

Please note, CAS statements are only issued when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, offer accepted, and a PDF copy of passport received.

If you have not yet taken an acceptable English language test, or if you are unable to demonstrate that you meet the English Language requirements at this stage, any offer you may later receive will be conditional upon sufficient English Language evidence.

Stage 3: Application deadlines

September entry.

You can submit an application for September 2024 entry until  30 June 2024 , though we would recommend that you apply as early as possible.

• School of Education, Environment and Development:  19 January 2024

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form. For more information about funding, including specific funding deadlines, visit our  funding page .

January entry

A January start date is available for programmes in the School of Social Sciences and the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. There are no internal funding competitions at this time, so this entry point is open to externally funded and self-funded Postgraduate Researchers only. The deadline to submit your programme application for January 2024 entry is  30 September 2023 .

Stage 4: Selection process and outcome

After you submit your application, you will receive notification that it has been received. Our admissions team will contact you to let you know if we require any further information. The below sections detail what you might expect from the application process.

Selection process

Your programme application is submitted via the online application form. You will receive an application acknowledgement email confirming it has been received. If you have omitted some of the required supporting documentation, we will contact you via email. We will send you a request via the self-service portal and a notification via email, giving a deadline for submission of the documents. Please upload the requested documentation via the self-service portal.  If the documents are not received by the given deadline, the application will be closed and not considered for admission.

As part of the offer making process, applicants will be required to undertake a formal interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in-person interview or video call. The interview panel will consist at minimum of your proposed primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team.

The interview serves several purposes. It allows us to assess:

• Your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area
• The viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution
• The fit of your project with the supervisory teamThe interview is also an opportunity to discuss with you directly any potential problems with the practical aspects of your studies, and explore solutions together
• In your interview, you will also be expected to give insight into the  ethical considerations  of your research

The interview is a central part of the admissions process, and your responses will be taken into account when we make admission decisions, and for internal funding consideration.

All outcomes are communicated to you via the  applicant self-service , and notification sent via email. During the application process, please monitor your inbox and the self-service portal regularly.

If your application is successful, you will be made either:

• A conditional offer of a place (for example, if you have not already completed your current programme of study or have yet to satisfy the English language requirement);
• An unconditional offer

On receipt of an offer, you should inform us via the self-service portal of your reply. Your offer letter will contain a deadline to return your programme acceptance.

If there are conditions attached to the offer, you need to let us know as soon as they have been satisfied and upload the necessary documentation via the self-service portal. Your offer letter will also contain a deadline to meet any outstanding conditions.

We wish you the best of luck with your application, and hope to welcome you to Manchester soon. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact the Humanities Doctoral Academy Admissions team:

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 1200

To apply online for one of our PhD programmes, you must complete an online application form.

Apply online

• Student intranet /
• Staff intranet

Department of Chemistry

How to apply

We recommend that you contact us to discuss your chosen area of research before submitting an application. Do so by getting in touch with the relevant member of our academic staff, or the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

You are strongly encouraged to apply through the University's online application system as early as possible, to allow sufficient time for applying for external funding, and for visa applications and approvals.

General information

• If you do not have all of the supporting documents required, submit the application along with any supporting documents you do have, and send any outstanding documents by email or post as soon as they become available.
• It is important that you include a supporting statement with your application.
• You should expect to receive a response after a minimum of three weeks. We will be able to handle your application much more quickly if you ensure that you have included all of the supporting documents, and up-to-date contact details.
• Applicants applying for a funded PhD programme or studentship should carefully check the specific programme's application instructions and associated deadlines. Funded programme applicants may need to apply earlier than self-funded applicants.
• There is no deadline for submissions, although early applications may stand a greater chance of success. It is recommended that MPhil and PhD applicants apply at least four months prior to the date of registration.
• It is essential that you meet the English Language criteria for our courses. We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, or TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall. Each component of the tests should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (IBT) 22.

Supporting statement

It is important that you include a supporting statement with your application. It will help us assess your suitability for the course, especially for applicants from overseas. Supporting statements allow us to compare your practical background and experience alongside your academic qualifications. Failure to include this information may delay the processing of your application. 

Ideally, your supporting statement should include:

• why you want to undertake postgraduate research study;
• why you want to do a postgraduate research degree in Manchester;
• any research experience that you have.

If you have completed a research project during your undergraduate/master's study, please also give a short description of the work you undertook, including the following details:

• the research problem;
• your key findings;
• techniques acquired and skills learned.

Research themes

Decide on your area of specialism by exploring the Department's main research areas.

Research profiles

Find out more about our researchers and their key activities with the University's Researcher Explorer.

We have a range of funding opportunities to support your postgraduate research.

Explore funding options

Expression of Interest

Register your interest in one of our programmes by completing our Expression of Interest form

Find out more

Once you're ready to apply, submit your application through the University's online system.

If you require any assistance throughout the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

Get in touch

School of Environment, Education and Development

How to apply

Before you submit your application, we recommend that you read all guidance fully, so that you know what to expect when you apply to us.

To apply for any programme in the Humanities Doctoral Academy, you must complete and submit the  online application form .

Please ensure to include all required supporting documents with your application. A list of required documents is given on the application and selection tab of each programme page.

Read full guidance on the application process.

Find out more

Postgraduate research

Being a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health gives you the opportunity to become part of a vibrant research community.

We offer a broad range of postgraduate research projects in world-leading research groups and labs, with access to facilities, training and support through our Doctoral Academy to give you the best start to a career in research and beyond.

Our training environments include laboratories, social care, public health and clinical settings. You'll benefit from our links with partnering NHS trusts, industry and other institutions.

Start your journey by looking for the right  postgraduate research project  for you.

Stay up-to-date

Join our mailing list to be the first to hear when funding opportunities are launched, when events for prospective applicants are announced, and more.

Start your journey to postgraduate research

Search all of our live, advertised fully and self-funded projects by discipline, supervisor or funding type.

Search projects

Funding and fees

Browse our range of fully-funded programmes and funding opportunities, and learn more about tuition fees.

Browse funding and fees

Types of research degree

Explore the different types of postgraduate research degree we offer including MPhils, PhDs and more.

How to apply

Learn more about our entry requirements, what you need to do before you apply, the application process and our application deadlines.

Find out more

Discover more

Student experience.

Find out about the research community, facilities and training delivered by our Doctoral Academy.

More about the student experience

International researchers

Discover more about being an international postgraduate researcher at Manchester and hear about the experience of other PhD students.

More for international students

Undergraduate summer placements

Learn how you can undertake a research experience placement over the summer to prepare you for a PhD, if you're a current undergraduate student.

Got a question?

Got a question about applying for postgraduate research? Get in touch with our Doctoral Academy Admissions team.

Get in touch

Department of Physics and Astronomy

How to apply

Prior to submitting your application we would always recommend discussing with us your chosen area of research.

Speak to either the relevant member of our academic staff or the Postgraduate Admissions Team. We would also recommend applying through the University's online application system as early in the academic year as possible - this will allow enough time for external funding and visa applications and approvals.

Research themes

Explore the Department's main research themes to help you decide on an area of specialism.

Research profiles

Use the University's Researcher Explorer to learn more about our researchers and their activities.

Talk to us first

Please contact our Postgraduate Admissions Team should you require any assistance with your application.

Once ready to apply, you can use the University's online system to submit your application.

Find out more

Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Postgraduate research in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering

We were the first English university to offer an engineering degree, and today we’re tackling society's greatest challenges by applying engineering to humanitarian and environmental concerns.

As a postgraduate research student in Manchester you'll benefit from our outstanding facilities. You'll work with supervisors at the very top of their field; and you'll enjoy links to some of the biggest names in industry.

Explore postgraduate research in mechanical, aerospace or civil engineering

Browse our range of mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering PhD, MPhil and DProf postgraduate research programmes.

Search research programmes >>

Live projects

Start your PhD journey by finding a research project that you’re passionate about.

Search live projects >>

Supervisors

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial part of your PhD journey.

Search for supervisors by name or area of study >>

Browse research themes and find supervisors linked to each theme >>

There are lots of ways you can secure funding for your postgraduate research. Browse our funding pages to find out about available scholarships, studentships and awards before speaking to your supervisor for further guidance.

Find funding >>

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Find out more about fully funded PhD opportunities available through our CDTs, where you can combine research with practical training as part of a cohort and collaborate across research areas, institutions and industry.

Explore CDTs >>

Start your new tomorrow. Find out how to submit an application.

How to apply >>

Discover your tomorrow

Get ready for a life changing experience like no other; find out about postgraduate research at The University of Manchester.

Discover more about our research

Aerospace engineering

Research focused on advances in aerodynamics to improve autonomous airborne systems.

Innovative manufacturing

Research focused on enabling society to maximise the value of the digitalisation of manufacturing processes.

Modelling and simulation

Interdisciplinary research aiming to address computational modelling at multiple scales.

Nuclear engineering

Research to enable the safe operation of current nuclear power stations, with a focus on the future as well.

Resilient systems

Research to address the engineering, policy and societal challenges of adapting to a sustainable society.

Structures in extreme environments

Research into the resilience of structures, machinery and materials, including vibration and extreme loads.

Centres and institutes

Our staff engage strongly with many of the research centres and institutes across the University.

Explore the range of top-class facilities that underpin all of our research.

Start your PhD journey

Browse projects built on your research passion, find a supervisor that shares your vision and discover how your PhD could be fully funded.

• Undergraduate open days
• Order a prospectus
• Subject areas
• Why study at Manchester Met?
• Chat to our current students
• How to apply
• Schools and colleges
• Parents and guardians
• Mature students
• Online learning
• Admissions policies and procedures
• Virtual tour
• Postgraduate open days
• Join us in January 2024
• Find a postgraduate course
• Professional development
• Research study
• Information for employers
• Funding and the levy
• Employer case studies
• Apprenticeship information for students
• Student case studies
• Apprenticeship Research Unit
• How to apply for accommodation
• Living in halls
• Your contract
• Rent a private property
• Course enquiries Ask us a question
• Find your country
• Before you apply
• When you have an offer
• Apply for your visa
• Exchange to Manchester Metropolitan
• Study abroad
• Becoming a partner
• Innovation Work with world-leading academics
• Leadership and growth Get training and support from specialists
• Talent, recruitment and development Connect with our students. Develop your people
• Conferences and events Hire our spaces, technology and facilities
• Championing creative excellence
• Driving economic growth
• Leading sustainability
• Tackling inequalities
• Transforming health
• Case studies
• Research Excellence Framework
• Engaging the public with our research
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Our commitment to researchers
• Why study a doctoral degree
• Choose Manchester Met
• PhDs and Doctoral Degrees

Research degree subjects

Postgraduate research fees.

• Scholarships
• Doctoral College
• News and events
• Academic partnerships
• Ethics and Governance
• Responsible metrics
• Internationalisation
• Board of Governors
• Vice-Chancellor
• University Executive Group
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health and Education
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Institute for Children's Futures
• Institute of Sport
• Professional Services
• Honorary graduates
• Environment
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Close Search mmu.ac.uk Search
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Apprenticeships
• Become a degree apprentice
• Accommodation
• Course enquiries
• International
• Study at Manchester Met
• International partnerships
• Business and employers
• Leadership and growth
• Talent, recruitment and development
• Conferences and events
• Our research
• Research Integrity
• Our strategy
• Economic growth
• Current students
• Research study home
• Masters by Research
• Postgraduate research opportunities
• Professional doctorates
• Doctoral loans
• Doctoral training partnerships
• Doctoral scholarships
• Research regulations and guidance
• Doctoral Services
• Academic leadership
• Training and development
• Fund your research degree

PhD and doctoral degrees

Conduct a significant piece of research and make an original contribution to your field.

PhD and doctoral degrees offer you the chance to make a meaningful and original contribution to your chosen field. They require passion and dedication, but allow you to drive your own research and can be a huge step towards your long-term career goals.

By studying at Manchester Met, you will join a successful and collaborative research community. In addition to receiving dedicated support from our expert supervisors and access to our modern research facilities, we will help prepare you for life after your degree.

If you’re thinking about doing a doctoral degree, 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. 

Study a research degree with us

Explore the degrees we offer, our research culture and supervisory expertise. Browse by subject area.

Find a supervisor

Learn about our research community and areas of expertise.

Information on research programme fees.

Fund your research degree or PhD

From self-finance to loans, scholarships to sponsorship, we explain ways to pay for your doctoral research.

Distance learning research degrees

Flexible study options to support your research career.

Development for research students

Supporting you as you build your research career.

Regulations and guidance

Key documents detailing how we regulate and govern our research.

The Manchester PhD Degree

One of the most highly respected doctorate degree programmes across the globe.

The Alliance Manchester Business School PhD degree provides world-class facilities and a supportive research environment in which to study and develop the essential skills for a successful career, whether in academia or industry.

We offer PhD programme pathways in Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in our continued mission to develop socially responsible business and management researchers and research. Our PhD programmes are offered on a 4-year full-time or 8-year part-time basis.

Experience a thriving, internationally renowned research community with interdisciplinary links to key areas across the University such as engineering, health, mathematics and social sciences.

Engage in continuous skills training and research support activities throughout this Doctor of Philosophy programme to support your academic and research needs. 

Develop a set of crucial transferable skills such as presenting, writing and resilience that will set you apart throughout your career.

Why study a PhD degree at Alliance Manchester School?

in the UK for research power (REF 2021)

international centres: Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore

• Full-time: 4 years
• Part-time: 8 years

The Manchester PhD Degree

We continue to attract outstanding researchers of the highest calibre and our PhD 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.

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.

Entry requirements

You will need to check that you meet the PhD degree requirements before submitting an application.

There are a number of PhD funding opportunities available at the School across numerous academic subjects.

Contact the Humanities Doctoral Academy Admissions Team

For further information, please contact us at:

+44 (0)161 275 1200

Find a supervisor

View funding options

Choose your PhD pathway

Research support.

We are committed to supporting your academic and research needs.

Doctoral Research Conference

This annual event forms a key part of the Research Training Programme for first year PhD researchers, providing an opportunity to present and gain feedback on their research from an engaged audience. Leading researchers from the School and external experts deliver presentations and workshops on key topics and there are opportunities for those at a more advanced stage of their studies to engage with, and enhance, the School’s research community.

Development workshop

This workshop, specifically aimed at first year PhD researchers helps the cohort to settle into the programme.

Presentation skills workshop

Aimed at second year PhD researchers, this practical workshop builds your communication and presentation skills which are crucial for your professional career. There is a mix of activities such as individual coaching, group exercises, interactive scenarios and one-to-one training.

The work draws on the rehearsal model of experimentation and feedback which aims to encourage you to experiment and adopt new behaviours by working on posture, pauses, volume and other skills.

Writing retreat

Aimed at final year PhD researchers, the 2-day writing retreat enables you to progress your writing projects and produce a range of written outputs, typically PhD chapters, books, conference abstracts, journal articles and research proposals.

Benefits of the session include:

• Growing research-oriented interactions and relationships
• Building confidence in research and writing
• Creating cross-disciplinary research conversations

Conference and fieldwork support

You will be able to take advantage of a range of support available from both the School and the University to cover conference, travel and research related expenses.

Specialist business databases

The University Library's Business Data Service provides access to excellent database facilities and extensive data management support including:

• WRDS (CRSP, Compustat, TAQ, Optionmetrics, Board Ex, Execucomp, FISD)
• Thomson One Banker
• Global Financial Data
• Thomson Reuters Tick History

Find out more about the Library's Business Data Service >>

Research training programme

Throughout the PhD programme you follow a robust, systematic and flexible research training programme designed to:

• Help you plan and write your PhD thesis
• Introduce you to the variety of research undertaken at the School
• Equip you with the skills to become a leading researcher

As a doctoral researcher, you will choose from the following core units when forming your Research Training Programme. Please note that offerings are subject to change.

PhD Accounting and Finance • Advanced Financial Theory • Advanced Finance Research Seminar • Current Issues in Empirical Finance • Advanced Financial Accounting Theory • Market Based Accounting Research • Advanced Accounting Research Seminar • Assurance and Credible Reporting

PhD Business and Management • Research Philosophy and Introductory Methodological Issues • Developing Research Contributions • Quantitative Research Methods • Qualitative Research Methods

PhD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy • Developing Research Contributions • Advanced Topics in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy • Scope and Theory in Science and Technology Policy • Advanced Methods in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Analysis

Optional units

In addition to Core Units, you may also choose from the following elective units when forming your Research Training Programme. Please note that offerings are subject to change.

PhD Accounting and Finance • Advanced Corporate Finance • Additional Research Training • Qualitative Research Methodology • Units from the PhD Business and Management offerings • Units from the NWSSDTP (as part of the Module Exchange arrangements) • MSc units from the Economics Department

PhD Business and Management • Case Study Research • Comparative Case Study Analysis • Epistemology • Exploratory Factor Analysis • Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis using NVivo • Multiple Regression • Navigating the Publication Process • Reviewing and Evaluating Manuscripts • Structural Equation Modelling • Units from the NWSSDTP (as part of the Module Exchange arrangements)

PhD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy • Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods • Quantitative Methods • Qualitative Research Methods • Units from the NWSSDTP (as part of the Module Exchange arrangements)

Specialist subject units

You can also choose from a range of subject-specific units that cover the wide variety of specialisms studied at PhD level. Subject areas include:

• Accounting and Finance
• Corporate Strategy
• Decision Sciences and Operational Research
• Healthcare management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems
• International Business and Management
• Operations Management
• Organisational Psychology
• Organisational Studies
• Public Sector Management
• Science, Technology and Innovation

Library services

You will have access to a wide range of bespoke services and support throughout your PhD.

Exclusive study space

You will have access to exclusive postgraduate-only study space which facilitates both group and private study. You will also have access to all sites of The University of Manchester Library – one of the UK's largest and best resourced academic libraries.

Online data sources

You will have access to one of the largest collections of specialist information sources in the UK. Search for journal articles from top-ranked peer-reviewed publications or access a wide range of data and reports from a variety of market-leading information providers such as Thomson Reuters, Mintel and Euromonitor.

Specialist financial datasets

The Finance Zone gives you access to one of the UK’s most comprehensive collections of specialist financial databases used by top researchers around the world including Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Compustat, Datastream, Thomson ONE, WRDS plus many more.

Read more about the Finance Zone >>

Training programmes

The Business Data Service runs specialist training sessions throughout the academic year focusing on a wide range of research, tools, skills and techniques including EndNote and SPSS. We also provide tuition on our full suite of specialist financial business datasets and guidance on obtaining certification for the Bloomberg and Datastream platforms.

Find out more about the Business Data Service >>

You will have access to a dedicated stock of business, management and research-based titles.

Tailored induction

You will receive a tailored induction to the library service focusing on research needs at doctoral level.

Daily updates

Research snapshots and updates delivered via Twitter. Our dedicated research blog ‘Business Research Plus’ will keep you up-to-date with all the latest tips and expertise from the Alliance MBS Library Team.

Support services

Research consultation sessions provide drop-in clinics for business data queries. You can also book a one-to-one consultation appointment with a member of the Business Data Service team and we are happy to provide tailored support for individual research projects. This is supplemented by online support services that are available at any time.

Career opportunities

The Manchester PhD prepares you for a research career in academia or for opportunities in business, government and non-profit organisations. 

Graduates have progressed to positions at the following organisations:

• Bank of America
• Banque de France
• Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago,
• CASS Business School
• Central Bank of Chile
• Lancaster University
• London Business School
• London School of Economics
• Morgan Stanley
• Singapore Management University
• Universidad de Chile
• University of Leeds
• Warwick Business School

Other research options

Master of philosophy (mphil).

The Master of Philosophy is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time, postgraduate research degree. You will carry out a substantial research project and may take advantage of the research training available to PhD students.

Master of Research (MRes)

The Master of Research in Management is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time, Masters degree designed to give you the opportunity to build your knowledge of specialist areas of business and management and to develop the research skills essential for doctoral research. Many students who complete an MRes go on to apply for a PhD.

PhD researcher wins major award for climate impact research

Monday, May 16, 2022

PhD researcher Tiancheng Yu has been honoured by the UK Academy of Sustainable Finance, Accountability and Governance (ASFAAG) for co-authoring a major study into the impact of environmental regulations on businesses. >>

Classes of 2020 and 2021 celebrate their graduation

Monday, April 4, 2022

Alliance MBS 2020 and 2021 celebrated their graduations on campus on 24 and 25 March. >>

PhD researcher wins award from Alan Turing Institute

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Alliance MBS PhD researcher Thu Trang Dinh has been recognised by one of the most prestigious organisations in data science. >>

PhD student receives posthumous degree

Friday, July 30, 2021

Alliance MBS PhD student Nestor Romero, who passed away last year, is to be awarded a posthumous degree from The University of Manchester. >>

AMBS PhD researcher wins University Making a Difference Award

Monday, June 7, 2021

Congratulations go to Alysha Shivji, AMBS PhD researcher, who has won the 2021 University of Manchester’s Making a Difference award for Outstanding Benefit to Society Through Research. >>

View PhD news

Take the next steps...

• How to apply
• Find a PhD supervisor

• Campus Life
• Carsey School of Public Policy
• College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
• College of Health & Human Services
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Life Sciences & Agriculture
• Cooperative Extension
• Graduate School
• Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics
• School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering
• Thompson School of Applied Science
• UNH Manchester
• UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
• Faculty/Staff

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on YouTube

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on LinkIn

UNH Today RSS feeds

UNH Today is produced for the UNH community and for friends of UNH. The stories are written by the staff of UNH Marketing. Email us: [email protected] .

Manage Your Subscription     Contact Us

UNH Today  •  UNH Main Directory: 603-862-1234 Copyright © 2024  •  TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH) USNH Privacy Policies  •  USNH Terms of Use  •  ADA Acknowledgement

Leni and Michelle Lemos sit outside of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. The mother-daughter duo are both graduating from MBA programs at UNH and will walk together at the May 17 commencement ceremony.

When Michelle Lemos enrolled in UNH’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the spring of 2020, she meticulously planned her academic journey, aiming for a May 2024 graduation. Little did she know her daughter, Leni, would be joining her at the ceremony –  not just as a guest, but as a fellow graduate from the full-time MBA program.    

This unique dual graduation was sparked by an unexpected twist in Leni’s career plans.  

“It’s definitely an experience,” Michelle reflects. “How often does a parent-child pair graduate doing the same thing? I think it's great.”  

Two Different Paths to UNH   

Michelle, who lives in Barrington, worked in administrative support at New Hampshire Sea Grant , located on the UNH campus, for more than 10 years and strongly desired to grow her career with the organization.    

“I was at a place where I just kind of maxed out what I could do, and I didn't necessarily want to leave because I love my job. But I wanted to do a different kind of work, and I always gravitated toward data, marketing and reporting,” Michelle says.   

She identified the information system and business analytics option within the online UNH MBA program and enrolled after discussing career growth with her boss.   

Leni graduated from Middlebury College in 2023 with a degree in economics and a minor in environmental studies. She initially had a job lined up with an energy consulting firm in Boston, but her start date kept getting pushed back, and the opportunity eventually fell through.   

“Since my mom was going to UNH, my dad suggested that I look into UNH programs, and I found the one-year MBA,” Leni says. “Economics is very interdisciplinary, and the MBA allowed me to focus on more business-specific classes. I wanted to learn more about business, and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a master’s degree.”

Leni is also focusing on the information systems and business analytics option and is obtaining a UNH carbon footprinting certificate online.  

Finding Their Place in the MBA Program

For Michelle, returning to school, even online, required a period of adjustment due to the intense study schedule.

“It was strange at first taking tests again and reading and writing papers,” Michelle says. “But I mostly enjoyed it. Probably because going back to school and learning was on my terms. No one forced me to do it. It was because I wanted to learn.”   

Leni faced a separate set of challenges in the accelerated full-time MBA program. The pace was brisk, with four classes packed into shorter terms.  

“It was an adjustment from my last semester as an undergrad,” Leni says. “I found the cohort model useful, especially the first term when we all took the same four classes. That allows you to bond with classmates and work in groups.”   

A Unique Dynamic    

As soon as Leni enrolled in the full-time MBA program, Michelle realized that their graduation dates would align, and it quickly became a fun discussion among family and friends.  

Leni says the unique dynamic came up a few times in discussions with her classmates.  

“We would sometimes discuss elective courses, and I would say, ‘Oh, my mom is in that class,’ or someone would ask me, ‘Is your mom’s name Michelle?’” Leni says. “Any time that I would mention that we were graduating together, the reaction was, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so cool.’”  

Even though the pair were never in a class together, they still embraced a shared experience, often coming together to communicate about their workload, discuss their courses and instructors, swap books and carpool onto campus for work and school.

“I actually got to drive her to her first day of school at UNH, which was unique for us because I never drove her to high school because she was boarding at Phillips Exeter,” Michelle says. “We drove into school together the first couple weeks as she was getting acquainted with the campus, and then she made friends and didn't want to drive with me anymore.”   

Leni credits her mother with a crucial last-minute save regarding her graduation attire.   

“I missed the cap and gown ordering deadline, and she was able to pull through for me,” Leni says. “I heard that you could get some at the bookstore, so I texted her because I didn’t know where the bookstore was. She got it for me because she knew my busy schedule.”   

Future Aspirations After Graduation   

For the Lemos family, this year’s graduation is just one of several momentous occasions in a busy period. Last year, Leni graduated from college and her younger brother from high school. Next year, the streak will continue with her sister’s college graduation.   

“We’ve had fun with it,” Michelle says. “For me, it was already going to be a major accomplishment. Having my daughter with me makes it especially memorable.”   

Even though things didn’t work out as initially planned, Leni says she is grateful to have gone through this experience with her mother. She also acknowledges that things may have worked out for the best because she gained a more significant business understanding that she hopes will translate into a renewable energy and sustainability career.    

Leni just started a seasonal job as the sustainability manager for Live Nation Entertainment at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire.

“With my high school and undergrad experiences, I was sort of only seeing this one path: you graduate, move to a city, and get a job in consulting and investment banking, and that's what I saw many of my friends doing,” she says. “But being at UNH opened my eyes to multiple opportunities. I could still work in a city, but there are also jobs in sustainability locally.”  

Michelle is transitioning to a new role with NH Sea Grant, where she has taken on more responsibilities and is working closely with executives.   

“Maybe we should go together to get our Ph.D's,” Michelle jokes.   

Written By:

Related articles.

Center for Business Analytics Expands Professional Development Access

Partnering to support graduate school

Changed for the Better