Recruiting our next Bicentennial PhD students and fellows
23 Oct 2025
Manchester’s landmark programme to celebrate over 200 years of research excellence and invest in the future continues with our second cohort.
The Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships programme, which launched in the University’s Bicentenary year to fund and support new researchers across all three faculties, is open for new applications.
After a successful first round, we are now recruiting a second cohort of Bicentenary PhD students and fellows for entry in the 2026/27 academic year to complete the ambition of providing more than 200 additional postgraduate research studentships and three-year early career fellowships commencing in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years.
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.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our second cohort of students and fellows to our research community and our dynamic, diverse, incredibly inspiring campus, where they too can have a positive impact on our world.”
Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan added: “The Bicentenary Studentships and Fellowships are a significant investment in the future of research here at Manchester.
“Our new cohort will join a thriving and diverse research community and be immersed in a stimulating, ambitious and collaborative research environment, enabling them to develop and succeed in their chosen field.”
Celebrating our research reputation and legacy by investing in the future
Manchester has continued to be at the forefront of research-driven learning, development and innovation for over 200 years. This programme demonstrates our continuing commitment to investing in quality research and professional development. The new cohort is being recruited as we launch our new strategy to 2035, From Manchester for the world, in which we will build solid foundations while creating incredible leaps.
Of the studentships and fellowships available, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is offering more than 30 studentships and three fellowships; 45 studentships are available in the Faculty of Science and Engineering; and the Faculty of Humanities will support six studentships and a number of early career postdoctoral 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, our University also launched a £10 million matched funding scheme to catalyse philanthropic support and deliver a total of £28 million in new studentships and fellowships. We are inviting people and organisations who share our commitment to world-class research to join us in supporting the research leaders of the future.
How to apply for 2026/27
Projects will focus on fostering 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: