This funding is available to all nationalities.  

This funding is available to students undertaking study in any subject area in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. 

In order to be considered for this studentship you must meet this criteria: 

• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent).
• Master's degree in a relevant cognate subject - normally with an overall average of 70% or above (or overseas equivalent).

Please note this funding is not available to current PhD students. 

Application process

You must submit your completed online application for a place on your chosen Postgraduate Research programme by 12 January 2026. This is to ensure you hold an offer of a place by the time the school committee make their selection.

To enter the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures PhD Studentship competition, you must also submit an application for the ESRC North West Social Science DTP (NWSSDTP)

Your School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Studentship application will be considered based on your programme application; supporting documents; and your NWSSDTP application.

Application form: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/

Your full online application must include:

• A 1,500 word PhD research proposal. Please state the word count on page 1 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.
• A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency.

Successful candidates will be chosen on the basis of:

• Academic merit and preparedness for research
• Quality and feasibility of research proposal
• Consideration of ethical responsibility

This award will cover:

• Fees (home or overseas) for 3.5 years.
• Annual maintenance stipend (this was £20,780 p/a 2025/26).

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.

If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

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