Ordinances and regulations
The following regulations apply to postgraduate study at the University of Manchester and set out the regulatory framework by which these programmes of study are governed and the general context of a student's academic career at the University.
All students registering on a postgraduate programme of study must conform to the relevant University documents in force during the period of study.
Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed to meet the needs of senior professionals who seek to improve their critical thinking and research skills whilst pursuing their profession. The DBA is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of research training and supervised research, the results of which shall be embodied in a thesis comprising evidence of the candidate’s capacity to conduct a comprehensive and critical analysis of the relevant literature and to carry out substantial fieldwork designed to extend current knowledge. The thesis should make an original and substantial addition to knowledge which will also be relevant to a business, government or notfor-profit organisation, and have the potential to make significant improvement to practices.
Regulations: Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) [June 2022]
Archive: May 2021; June 2014; October 2012; May 2012; September 2009; October 2007; February 2007; March 2005
Degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD)
The Degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of scholarship, the competence of the candidate to pursue research and a significant contribution to new knowledge and understanding in the theory and/or practice of any area of medicine. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form and must contain material of a standard appropriate for peer-reviewed publication.
Regulations: Degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) [June 2022]
Archive: June 2014; May 2012; September 2009; October 2007; February 2007; November 2004
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Published Work
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by published work is awarded by the University in recognition of published work which shows convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge.
Regulations: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Published Work[Updated June 2023]
Guidance for the PhD by Published Work [June 2023]
Archive: June 2014; September 2009; June 2007; November 2005; November 2004
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form and must contain material of a standard appropriate for peer-reviewed publication.
Regulations: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Summary of changes: Nov 2024, April 23, Oct 22, June 22, Sep 21, Oct 19
Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Research (Econ) (PhD/MRes Econ)
The Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy / Master of Research in Economics (PhD/MRes Econ) are awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training. Students will satisfactorily pursue an approved programme of research and training which combines advanced study, research methodology and independent research, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the student to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form and must contain material of a standard appropriate for peer-reviewed publication.
Regulations: Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Research(Econ) (PhD/MRes(Econ)) [June 2022]
Archive: Feb 2017; June 2014; August 2011; Sept 2010
Higher Doctorates
Higher doctorates are awarded by the University in recognition of published work and/or other material of high distinction resulting from research, which makes a substantial, sustained and original contribution and addition to investigation, knowledge and/or scholarship, and has established the candidate's authoritative standing in his or her subject.
Regulations: Higher Doctorates [March 2023]
Guidance for Higher Doctorates [March 2023]
Archive: June 2014; June 2007; December 2006; November 2004
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and represent original work that is appropriately located by the candidate within a wider field of knowledge and investigation. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form.
Regualtions: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) [June 2022]
Archive: June 2014; May 2012; Sept 2009; October 2007; February 2007; November 2004
Degree of Master of Science by Research (MSc)
The University may award the degree of Master of Science by Research (MSc) in accordance with the regulations in recognition of the successful completion of an approved programme of training and research.
Regulations: Degree of Master of Science by Research (MSc) [Updated Sep 2018]
Professional, Engineering and Enterprise Doctorate Degrees
A Professional, Engineering or Enterprise Doctorate is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of advanced study and research, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. Such degrees present the intellectual challenge and rigour of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree but are enhanced by additional discipline-specific support and/or taught material in professional and technical areas. They are designed to meet the specific needs of a professional group external to the University, develop the capacity of individuals to work within a professional context and with which they are required to engage in a pedagogic context. The research may be embedded in professional practice, driven by a problem identified from a ‘real world’ context, making a creative and critical intervention in that context, and leading to a practical outcome as well as a theoretically informed written thesis. Professional Doctorates develop a reflexive, critical approach to problems of professional and/or real-world contexts. They provide an opportunity for professionals with a significant body of existing expertise to engage with HE research resource, and their research will have theoretical and practical outcomes – advancing knowledge as well as practice in their respective fields.
Regulations: Professional, Engineering and Enterprise Doctorate Degrees [June 2022]
Archive: April 2020; July 2016; June 2015; February 2015; June 2014; May 2012; May 2011; June 2010, September 2009; October 2007; June 2007; February 2007; November 2004