This document provides information for students interested in pursuing a PhD at the University of Manchester, including details about the PhD application process, funding options, and tips for developing a strong research proposal. It notes that there are over 400 home/EU students and over 100 international students in the postgraduate research community. Funding options mentioned include AHRC, ESRC, and President's Doctoral Scholar Awards, which provide fees and maintenance. The application process generally involves a two-stage process, including applying for admission and separately applying for funding. A strong research proposal of 1,000-1,500 words is a key part of both stages. Contact with potential supervisors is also encouraged.

1. Dr Martina Faller
Director of Postgraduate Research

2. • A large, vibrant and diverse PGR student community:
more than 400 HOME/EU students and more
than100 Overseas
• Wide range of supervisory expertise from world-class
researchers
• Lots of opportunities for interdisciplinary work within
School and with other Schools

3. I want to do a PhD
How do I apply?

4. Apply online
• Research proposal (of about 1500 words)
• Two references
• Academic transcripts
• Additionally:
– Portfolio or writing sample for some programmes
– Evidence of English language ability if English is not your
first language)
– Copy of passport if you need a visa

5. Before Applying
• Consult subject webpages for staff research interests
• Identify potential supervisor(s) and get in touch!

6. I want to do a PhD
Help ... How do I fund it?

7. Funding Schemes
• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC):
fees and maintenance
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC):
fees and maintenance
• President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards (PDS):
fees and maintenance
• School Funding:
– fees and partial maintenance
– fees bursaries

8. AHRC: am I eligible?
• Subject areas: Archaeology; Classics; Dance, Drama and
Performance; English; German Studies; History; History of Art;
Linguistics and English Language; Museum Studies; Music;
Religious Studies; Russian and East European Studies; Spanish,
Portuguese and Latin American Studies; Translation and
Intercultural Studies
• UK and EU applicants only (EU students fees only unless they
meet criteria on previous period in UK (e.g. if took first degree
in UK, or resident for three years))
• full time or part time

9. AHRC: How do I apply?
• Two stages:
– apply for place on programme by 1 Feb
– apply for funding by 1 March
• Funding application requires:
– 1,000-word research proposal
– 2 references

10. ESRC: am I eligible?
• Subject areas:
– Economic and Social History
– Language-Based Area Studies (LBAS) (including East Asian
studies; Latin American and Caribbean studies; Middle Eastern
studies; Russian and East European studies)
– Linguistics
• 1+3 (MA+PhD) and +3 (PhD) schemes; full time or part
time
• UK and EU applicants only (EU students fees only unless
they meet criteria on previous period in UK, e.g. if took
first degree in UK, or resident for three years)

11. ESRC: How do I apply?
• Two stages:
– apply for place on programme by 17 Jan
– apply for funding by 4 Feb
• Funding application requires:
– 1,500-word research proposal
– 2 references

12. PDS
• Eligibility: all Subject areas; UK, EU and Overseas
students; full time or part time
• Two stage application:
– apply for place on programme by 1 Feb
– apply for funding by 1 March
• Application requires:
– 1,000-word research proposal
– 2 references

13. School Awards
• Eligibility: all Subject areas; UK, EU and Overseas students; full
time or part time
• Two stage application; deadlines to be announced
• Some subject areas may offer additional funding; details to be
announced

14. Research proposal
• research problem or question
• research context for this question
• contribution to knowledge
• methods and critical approaches to be used
• the sources you will use, where they are located, and how
they will be accessed
• timescale – what needs to be done when
• any ethical issues raised by the research project

15. Defining your project
• be specific
• be precise
• be assertive
• be practical: a 3-year thesis, a viable project
• avoid jargon
• show that you are informed on scholarship

16. Your record so far
• Specific skills • Qualitative appreciation:
– Research skills awards, examiners’
comments
– Linguistic skills
• Research activities –
– Work experience
conferences, student
– General distinctive
networks
features

17. Help your referees
• References need to be constructive, realistic, and
factual
• Work references may be relevant for professional
doctorates
• Hyperbole doesn’t work
• Talk to your referees. AHRC and PDS guidance give
detailed instructions to referees. Pass them on!
• Supply them with information (transcripts, feedback
sheets, background information)

18. What are the panels looking for?
• Can you identify and articulate a coherent research
project?
• Are you aware of the field, and how the project will
make an original contribution?
• Do you have the methods or critical approaches that
will lead to significant results?
• Sensible choice of sources
• Is it feasible in the time?
• Can/should it be done in Manchester?

19. Summary of the selection criteria
– The Four P’s:
– Person (track record of grades/experience; evidence
from references)
– Preparation (relevance of prior experience; coherent
story of how you have got here, where you are going;
do you have the right skills?)
– Proposal/Project (is it clear? Is it original? Is it viable?)
– Place (good fit between the student and the institution
in terms of resources and research strengths)

20. More information
• Talk to subject PGR representatives today
• Funding info on Graduate School website:
http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/graduatesch
ool/funding/

21. Subject/Division Contact Hours
Drama Dr Jenny Hughes 3.30-5pm SL06 Martin Harris
Classics and Ancient History Dr Polly Low 3.30-5pm S2.11
English and American Studies Dr Anastasia
and Creative Writing Valassopoulos 2-5pm S1.19
French, Italian, German and
Translation and Intercultural
Studies Dr Luis Peréz-González 2-5pm W4.07
2-2.30pm, 3.30-
History Dr Julie-Marie Strange 5pm N2.07
Dr Pedro Ramos Pinto 2.30-3.30pm N3.2
Linguistics and English Language Prof Eva Schultze-Berndt 3-5pm NG12
Dr Martina Faller 2-3pm NG8
SPLAS, EAS, MES and REES Professor Alex Samely 2-5pm WG17
C1.24, Ellen
HCRI Dr Jen Peterson 2-5pm Wilkinson
4.07, Mansfield
Archaeology Dr Stuart Campbell 2-5pm Cooper
R&T Dr Jean-Marc Dreyfus 2-5pm WG20B
2-2.30 and 3.30- 3.08, Mansfield
Art History and Visual Studies Anthony Gerbino 5pm Cooper
Music David Fanning 2-5pm F27 Martin Harris