PhD by Enterprise 2026
A fully funded PhD programme route that combines research and commercial enterprise.
Accelerating research impact through innovation is central to the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy, including the ambition to become Europe’s most inclusive innovation ecosystem.
The University of Manchester’s PhD by Enterprise is a new four‑year doctoral programme that combines world‑class research with structured entrepreneurship training. The PhD by Enterprise programme supports this by enabling the University’s research portfolio to generate tangible economic, environmental and societal impact through venture creation and enterprise-led pathways.
The programme aims to empower you to translate your research into impactful solutions addressing global challenges such as climate change, health and inequality.
The programme is delivered through Unit M, in partnership with the Doctoral Academy, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Innovation Factory.
Key features of the PhD by Enterprise
PhD by Enterprise offers projects with clear venture or enterprise potential identified at the outset and gives you the opportunity to:
- receive full tuition fee award and maintenance stipend at the UKRI stipend rate;
- receive up to £20,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per studentship, depending on the research project;
- have visa and immigration costs reimbursed for successful international postgraduate researchers;
- progress your research while developing enterprise and commercial capabilities;
- advance your work through relevant Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), alongside market and customer discovery;
- submit a doctoral thesis focused on original research, incorporating a business plan as a defined component.
Available supervisor-led projects
Search for a project
Please use the Find a PhD search below to find projects which are eligible for this funding.
How to be considered
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
All candidate eligibility criteria with be specified in the project advert listing.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language requirements) for their chosen programme before applying.
Applications for 2026/27 entry will open soon.
This award will cover:
- Fees (home or overseas) for 3.5 years;
- annual maintenance stipend (£21,805 p/a 2026/27);
- up to £20,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per studentship, depending on the research project.
The application deadline is 29 May 2026.
If you have any questions about this award, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
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Have a question?
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