AHRC NWCDTP | Faculty of Humanities | The University of Manchester

Shaping the future of arts and humanities research

If you’re passionate about making a real difference through your research, an AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) studentship offers you the support, resources and community to help you thrive.

You’ll join a vibrant, collaborative network of researchers across the region, where innovation, interdisciplinary thinking and tailored training come together to help you grow as a scholar and future leader in the arts and humanities.

Key features of this studentship

A fully funded studentship for three years covering tuition fees, a stipend, and other financial support so you can focus on your research without financial pressures.
Opportunities to work across a wide range of disciplines in the arts and humanities, helping you develop original ideas and fresh perspectives in your research.
A comprehensive training programme, including research skills, professional development and workshops designed to strengthen both your academic and transferable skills.
Engagement with community projects and public outreach initiatives, ensuring your research makes a meaningful impact beyond academia.
A supportive, collaborative academic environment that values your wellbeing and encourages peer-to-peer learning and connection.

How to be considered

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do at The University of Manchester. We know that a diverse research community drives creativity, productivity and research quality, and strengthens our impact on society and the economy.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and career paths. We encourage interest from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.

1. Choose your preferred PhD programme

2. Prepare a research proposal

You’ll need to submit a clear, well-developed PhD research proposal (up to 1,500 words).

Proposal guidance is available by School:

Visit the NWCDTP website for guidance from current DTP students.

3. Find a supervisor

Use our find a supervisor guide to identify potential supervisors in your field of interest.

4. Complete your online application

Complete the online application form for your chosen programme by the stated deadline.

In Section 9 of the application form, enter the following:

Type of Funding: Research Council
Awarding Body: AHRC NWCDTP
Status of Funding: Intend to Apply

5. Upload your supporting documents

A 1,500-word PhD research proposal. If you revise your research proposal after submitting your application, please attach the latest draft of your proposal along with the ESRC NWSSDTP application form to hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
A copy of your bachelor's academic transcript and certificate. If you have completed more than one bachelor's degree, please provide evidence for each.
- Non-English documents must be accompanied by an official English translation.
- If your transcript doesn’t show your GPA or weighted average mark, provide an official document confirming this.
A copy of your master's academic transcript and certificate. If your master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
An up-to-date academic CV detailing your academic record, employment history, publications, and highlighting research-related experience.
The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted via the Referee Portal after your application has been submitted.
A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency.

6. 6. Submit your AHRC NWCDTP forms by the deadline

Your AHRC NWCDTP Application Form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form must be submitted to hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk by 5pm GMT, 3 February 2025.

Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.

We’ll automatically attach the transcripts and references from your programme application to your AHRC NWCDTP application for panel review.

+2 Applications

To be eligible for +2 funding, you must be enrolled on a PhD programme at The University of Manchester with at least two years remaining. You’ll also need to meet the academic requirements for +3 funding, as outlined above.

To apply, submit your most recent 1,500-word research proposal along with a completed AHRC NWCDTP application form to the Humanities Doctoral Academy at hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk by 5pm GMT, 3 February 2025.

We may also reach out to you to request your academic transcripts and references if we do not already have them.

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Have a question?

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AHRC NWCDTP PhD Studentships