Manchester celebrates 200 years of excellence with new Studentships and Fellowships
28 Nov 2024
To celebrate its Bicentenary, Manchester will build on its research excellence legacy and invest in the future with an ambitious programme to fund and support researchers across its faculties.
Our University has been at the forefront of research-driven learning, development and innovation for the last 200 years. In celebration of this remarkable milestone, we are delighted to be launching a fantastic new initiative – the Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships.
The University is to invest in quality research and professional development by providing more than 200 additional postgraduate research studentships and three-year early career fellowships across its three faculties in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years.
Of the studentships and fellowships available, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is offering 70 studentships and three fellowships, 90 studentships are available in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Faculty of Humanities is offering 12 PhD studentships and 27 fellowships. The studentships cover tuition fees, an annual stipend – which matches the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate – for four years, and a research training support grant covering project costs.
Alongside its initial investment in this programme, the University has launched a £10 million matched funding scheme to catalyse philanthropic support and deliver a total of £28 million in new studentships and fellowships. It is inviting people and organisations who share its commitment to world-class research to join it in supporting the research leaders of the future.
President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison explained: “Manchester is a city like no other – a place where history and innovation meet, where diversity fuels creativity, and where our University stands as a beacon of discovery and opportunity. As we mark our 200th year, this landmark programme demonstrates our commitment to shaping a future that reflects the dynamic spirit of this incredible city, and the importance of philanthropy in delivering this ambition.”
Our research reputation and legacy
Our reputation for research excellence is lauded globally, with 93 per cent of activity assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent under the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Successful applicants who join as bicentenary postgraduate researchers and research fellows will help to build on our status as one of the UK’s top research universities.
Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan commented: “The Bicentenary Studentships and Fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of research at the University of Manchester. We’ve been committed to supporting researchers from all backgrounds since 1824 and will continue to do so for the next 200 years. This is about celebrating our rich history as well as ensuring that our legacy of innovation and excellence continues.
“Our bicentenary postgraduate researchers and research fellows will join a thriving and diverse postgraduate research and fellowship community and be immersed in a stimulating, ambitious and collaborative research environment across our three faculties. They will have access to our portfolio of the highest quality training and support at every career stage, enabling them to develop and thrive in their chosen field.”
How to apply
The University welcomes proposals that foster interdisciplinary research and will aid the University in addressing major global challenges. Themes include digital and artificial intelligence (AI), including robotics; the environment and climate change; health inequality; and the creative industries. Applications are also being accepted on an open theme.
Find out more and how to apply at: