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Geography by Practice studentship 2026 entry
Fully-funded PhD study for the innovative Geography by Practice programme.
PhD Geography by Practice is a new programme that enables postgraduate students to undertake doctoral level research in innovative projects with a creative component. It offers an opportunity for postgraduate research that combines geographical scholarship and creative practice.
Geography by Practice allows students to submit for assessment a written thesis (up to 50,000 words, excluding references) combined with a practice-based element e.g exhibition, film, audio recording, performance. The two parts of assessment form a composite whole for purposes of examination that together offer a cohesive, original research contribution.
Primary supervision would be delivered by geography academic staff with expertise in interdisciplinary research, creative methods and practice-based research. Potential supervisors in human geography have research expertise in fashion and crafting; digital media and films; storytelling; visual arts exhibitions; music performance; E-zines and creative writing.
Key features of this studentship
- Home (UK) tuition fee at £6000 (full-time) or £3000 (part-time).
- Maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year). Research Training Support Grant at £3000 over the course of the programme.
- Training: Students will benefit from Geography and SEED’s vibrant interdisciplinary research community, including guest seminars, workshops, annual writing retreats, and methods training.
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.
This funding is available to all Home (UK) students applying for PhD Geography by Practice. Please note that existing postgraduate research students cannot be considered for this funding.
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for PhD Geography by Practice including bachelor's (Honours) in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55%.
Stage 1
Submit your completed online programme application for PhD Geography by Practice by 24 April 2026.
We can guarantee eligible applications submitted by this date will be considered in the funding competition. Your programme application must contain all necessary supporting documents and indicate your intention to apply for the Geography by Practice Studentship.
Stage 2
The completed Geography by Practice Studentship Form must be submitted to the Humanities Doctoral Academy by 10 April 2026.
Your full online application must include:
- A 1,500 word PhD research proposal. Please note that for the Geography PhD by Practice you do not need to demonstrate fit to the SEED research priority themes. Under research design and methodology please include a clear discussion of your proposed creative component. Please state the word count on page one of the document.
- A copy of your bachelor's and master's academic transcript and certificate. If your master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
- An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
- The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form.
This award will cover
- Fees (home or overseas) for 3.5 years.
- Annual maintenance stipend (£21,805 per year 2026/27).
- A research training support grant.
This award does not cover
- Any costs incurred through a visa application (including the immigration health surcharge).
- Any costs incurred through travel or relocation.
Offers of funding are not deferrable. If you cannot start your programme by the date mentioned in your studentship offer letter, the award will be withdrawn. You are permitted to re-apply in future.
All Geography by Practice PhD application and studentship application forms must be received by 10 April 2026.
For any queries about the Geography by Practice PhD please contact saskia.warren@manchester.ac.uk.
If you have questions about the admissions or funding application process, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
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