A formal faculty panel chaired by the Vice Dean (Research), will evaluate project proposals. This panel will also comprise the Associate Dean (Research), the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Research, the Deputy Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research, and the Research Development & Innovation Manager. The faculty panel will assess the project proposal based on the assessment criteria outlined below.

Proposals will also be reviewed by Department PGR Directors/Division Coordinators and School PGR Directors to verify the eligibility of the supervisory team. The process will be supported by the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team.

We anticipate that more project proposals will be selected for advertisement than scholarships available.

Projects will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• The quality of the project, including its conceptual and methodological approach, ethical and risk considerations, and feasibility within the proposed timeframe.
• Alignment of the project with the supervisory team, focusing on the team’s expertise and ability to effectively support the recruited PGR.
• Collaboration with external partners: How well the project aligns with external partners, and the value those partners bring to the project.
• Inter-disciplinarity: The extent to which the project fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement.

The 4 year fully funded scholarship will cover the following:

• Full Home Tuition fees*
• Annual stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (2024/25 rate £19,237pa)
• An annual Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) towards project running costs/consumables, conference/workshop attendance, and career development opportunities (£1,000 pa)
• The visa cost for the successful candidate (reimbursed after issue)

*The difference between the Home and Overseas tuition fees will be covered by the School should an international candidate be recruited.

Supervisors are required to complete a nomination form to recommend their top candidate for consideration in a formal faculty panel interview. The Doctoral Academy Admissions Team will handle the scheduling and organisation of these interviews.

Studentship offers will be extended after all interviews are conducted and in collaboration with the faculty panel. It is expected that up to 30% of the offers issued will be awarded to international candidates across the Programme.

To support the Bicentenary Scholarship Programme, a step-by-step guide outlining the allocation process and the management approach that will be utilised is presented below. This guide is designed to ensure clarity and transparency in how scholarships are awarded, detailing each phase of the process to promote understanding among all involved parties.

Submissions and Assessment of Project Proposals

1. Completed project proposal forms should be submitted to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team at hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk indicating ‘Bicentenary project proposal’ in the subject line. Supervisors will receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt of their submission.
2. The Doctoral Academy Admissions Team will review all submissions to ensure completeness. Should any section of a proposal be found missing, the team will reach out to the main project supervisor for clarification.
3. All project proposals will be compiled and sent for simultaneous review, focusing on the following:

• Department and School Oversight: The Department PGR Directors/Division Coordinators and School PGR Directors will verify the eligibility of the supervisory team.
• Faculty Panel Assessment: The Faculty Panel will evaluate other critical criteria, including ensuring alignment with strategic themes and priority areas.

Advertising of Shortlisted Projects

1. Shortlisted projects will be showcased on the Faculty website, FindAPhD, and social media platforms to maximise visibility and attract top candidates.
2. Interested candidates will be encouraged to reach out to the supervisory team before submitting their applications. Supervisors should respond promptly to enquiries and motivate qualified candidates to apply. The admissions team is available to assist with the review of qualifications and eligibility, if necessary, at this stage.
3. After the application deadline, all submissions will be processed. Supervisory teams will receive an email containing a link to the SharePoint folder, where they can access the applications for their projects. This email will also include a spreadsheet summarising the academic qualifications and, where applicable, equivalencies.
4. Candidates who do not meet eligibility criteria will be informed of their application status at this stage.

Review and Selection of Nominated Candidate

1. The supervisory team will review applications and conduct informal interviews to identify suitable candidates. They will collectively confirm the candidate for nomination.
2. Main supervisors must complete and submit a nomination form for their chosen candidate to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team at hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk, using the subject line "Bicentenary candidate nomination." Supervisors will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.

Formal Interview of Candidates

1. The formal interviews will be conducted by a faculty panel chaired by the Vice Dean (Research). The panel will also include the Associate Dean (Research), the Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research and the Deputy Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research.
2. Invited candidates will deliver a 10-minute presentation on their proposed project, followed by a series of related questions. Supervisors are encouraged to actively support and prepare their candidates for this interview process.
3. An algorithm will be utilised across panels to ensure uniformity in selecting which candidates receive offers.
4. The faculty panel will review and approve the final list of offers, including the identification of reserve candidates. Those not selected will be informed of their interview outcome status by the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team.

Issuing of Formal Offer and Funding

1. The Doctoral Academy Admissions Team will extend formal offers to the selected candidates following the standard process.
2. Since approval of supervisory teams was acquired at the outset, no further approval is necessary at this stage.
3. A formal funding letter will be issued alongside the academic offer for the PhD programme.
4. Offer holders will be provided with a deadline to formally accept their offer and funding.
5. A comprehensive summary of the awarded projects and candidates will be submitted to the Senior Leadership Team for their review.