School of Natural Sciences Scholarship

Supporting you to shape the future

Our School of Natural Sciences is home to researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including physical sciences, materials science and mathematics.

Whether their focus is on theory, fundamental science or new industrial processes, they all share a passion for enquiry into the forces and laws which shape our universe.

This scholarship supports dedicated postgraduate researchers to follow their passion into a fully funded PhD project, designed to deliver impact.

About the scholarship

• Receive a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (2026 / 27: £21,805 per year) for three and a half years.
• Make life-changing breakthroughs in the research area you're passionate about, supported by an expert supervisory team who will ensure there are no limits to what you achieve.
• Become part of our Doctoral Academy and join a diverse community, where everyone is welcome and where people who think differently enjoy calling home.
• At a world-leading research institute with strong industry links you'll gain the experience, reputation and profile to accelerate your development.

Available projects

There are wide selection of projects advertised for entry in 2027 / 28, with over 50 of these achieving funding.

Projects are available in the following subject areas:

• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Fashion Business and Technology
• Materials Science
• Mathematics
• Physics and Astronomy

Search for a project

Please use the Find a PhD search below to find projects which are eligible for this funding.

If the search widget and projects do not display then you can browse our School of Natural Sciences Scholarships on the FindAPhD.com website.

Application process

Each Department will be invited to nominate candidates to Faculty – if nominated you will then be invited to an interview.

• Choose your research project using our FindAPhD search tool.
• Contact the supervisor of the project or projects that are of interest to you. You will be able to do this using the link in the advert. Discuss with them if you would be a good fit for their project based on your academic background and experience.
• Complete an application form before the application deadline (see key dates below). To be considered for a School of Natural Sciences Scholarship project, use this link to complete a formal application form though our online portal . When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your proposed supervisor/s, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You also need to provide a Personal Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project and your CV.
• We will be in touch regarding the progress of your application and the project supervisor may contact you to invite you to an informal interview.

Key dates

For entry in 2027, this scholarship will have two rounds of funding.

Round one

Interviews for these projects are likely to be held on the w/c 7 December 2026.

• Projects announced: 1 October 2026
• Application deadline: 1 November 2026

Round two

Interviews for these projects are likely to be held on the w/c 8 March 2027.

• Projects announced: 16 November 2026
• Application deadline: 15 January 2027

Eligibility criteria

In order to be considered for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are 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).

All appointments are made on merit.

• Have submitted an application by the deadline for a PhD starting in September 2027.
• Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent).
• Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent).
• Be able to demonstrate potential for academic research. This may include contributions to publications / articles, promoting their research to a wider audience, and prizes for research or project work.

Get in touch

Have any questions? Get in touch.

Queries regarding the application process can be sent to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Office.

Email: FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 161 529 3049

Join our mailing list

Sign-up to our newsletter and receive updates about scholarships and funding opportunities, along with further tips on applying for postgraduate research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

And much more...

Sign up

• Find out about the latest featured and live projects.
• Be the first to hear about newly launched funding opportunities and events.
• Listen to advice and tips from current postgraduate researchers and our support teams.

Research areas