Overview

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Programme description

Please see the for details regarding the scope of the CDT and its training programme.  

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your programme or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every programme at ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your programme:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Open days

Visit our to learn about the steps you need to take to start your journey to postgraduate research.

Contact details

Department
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
School/Faculty overview

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is a first class or upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent). An ATAS certificate may also be required for some international students.

English language

All applicants must obtain the required English language score indicated below:

IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 or equivalent (with no sub-test less than 5.5) or

IBT TOEFL greater than or equal to 90 (with no sub-test below 22).

Please contact us if you have an alternative qualification and we will make an individual assessment.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Tuition fee TBC by UKRI
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,900; Band B - £32,400; Band C - £37,900, Band D - £45,900; Band E £60,800

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Application and selection

How to apply

Please seethe current list of and make contact directly with the project supervisor/s to inform them of your interest and to discuss the project (providing your CV at this stage would be worthwhile) before, or whilst submitting your application. You can specify more than one project in your application.

Once you are ready to begin the application process, please through ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ online application system for postgraduate research programmes. If you are unable to provide all of the required documents at the time of submitting your application, these can be providedby emaillater (but we do advise that you do this asap). If you are currently studying, it would be useful to see your grades to date. You should be able to get an interim transcript (we know that these grades are often not confirmed) from your course administrator(s).

See the Advice for Applicants section below for more advice regarding completing your online application.

Fully-funded studentships are available to UK residents. It is also possible to consider international (non-UK resident) candidates.

Closing date for applications: 31st January 2025

We examine all applications and shortlist the strongest for interview. The best candidates at interview are awarded studentships and can select the projects of their choice.

If you have any questions about this process,please get in touch with Dr Ed Pickering ( ed.pickering@manchester.ac.uk ) or Dr Aneeqa Khan ( aneeqa.khan@manchester.ac.uk )

Advice to applicants

Advice for completing the online application form:

  • In the section asking about funding, please say 'Fusion CDT Funding'
  • You do not need to write a research prosposal as the projects are already 
  • You may wish to attach a personal statement stating your motivation for studying on the CDT
Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, and is 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.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.

ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

CAS Information

Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.

If you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.

You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.

Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.

Programme details

Programme description

Please see the for details regarding the scope of the CDT and its training programme.  

Special features

Please visit the for more information.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Regulated by the Office for Students

ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .