Fully funded PhD scholarships for candidates from groups under-represented in postgraduate research
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all our activities. We are committed to improving the diversity of students and staff, actively encouraging and supporting careers in research and higher education, and embedding EDI principles to ensure a positive and inclusive research environment.
Launched in September 2023, the Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships provides fully funded PhD studentships for candidates from groups under-represented in postgraduate research. The scholarship will support those who demonstrate the potential for research and academic excellence, and a high motivation for postgraduate research.
Key features
Fully funded scholarships
Fully funded scholarships covering PhD tuition fees and stipend for 4 years.
Projects guided by your interests
Successful applicants will be supported in identifying a project and supervisory team across any of our three Schools, guided by your interests.
Prestigious university opportunity
Opportunity to be affiliated to one of our major funded PhD programmes.
Support and guidance
Dedicated support and guidance for all successful candidates throughout their programme.
Community and peer engagement
Opportunity to participate in community engagement and peer mentorship activities.
Eligibility
Open to UK-domiciled applicants who qualify for home fee status
These scholarships are open to UK-domiciled applicants who qualify for home fee status, who hold or be expected to be awarded an Upper Second class bachelor's degree, and are from one of the following groups currently under-represented* in postgraduate research:
- Asian/Asian British - Bangladeshi
- Asian/Asian British - Indian
- Asian/Asian British - Pakistani
- Asian/Asian British background - Mixed
- Black/Black British - African
- Black/Black British - Caribbean
- Black/Black British - Other
- Black/Black British background - Mixed
* Eligibility will be reviewed annually and amended in line with available EDI data.
As with all of our postgraduate research programmes, we actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds, and support applications from those returning from a career break. All appointments are made on merit. See our EDI statement for more information.
Webinar
Catch-up on our webinar
Want to learn more about our Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarship?
Catch-up on our webinar - which took place on Monday 28 October - to hear from programme director Dr Anna Hood, learn more about the scholarship and find out how to apply.
Scholarships and financial support
World-leading research
The scholarships will support PhD research across our three Schools, covering biological, medical and health sciences. Successful candidates will join world-leading research teams, and become part of the dynamic and vibrant research community at Manchester.
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Supportive environment
The scholarships offer a supportive research and training environment, and a skills and career development programme designed to support progression to future careers in research, higher education, the healthcare sector or industry.
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Financial support
This scholarship provides financial support including tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rate for 4 years with a £1,000 per year enhancement.
Projects
Projects available across biological, medical and health sciences
You will be supported in the process of finding a project by the Faculty's Doctoral Academy.
While having a project in mind is not a requirement for application, we would encourage all applicants to explore our research areas and opportunities.
We have a range of projects currently advertised across our programmes and research areas on our projects page. Projects are continually listed here throughout the year depending on the timelines for funded programmes and, as a result, we can't guarantee availability or selection of a specific project until after interviews have taken place.
We actively encourage applicants to apply directly to our funded programmes and be considered for those schemes alongside the Excellence in Diversity scholarships. You should submit a separate application for the Excellence in Diversity scholarships scheme, which will register your interest in the programme and allow the admissions team to ensure you are supported through your application journey.
Candidates are also very welcome to approach academics within our Faculty to discuss research topics and potential projects. You can find academics and get a flavour of the research areas within the Faculty via the University's Research Explorer.
Application process
Step-by-step guide to applying.
Applications are now open for 2025/26
To make an apply for this scholarship please follow the information and step-by-step guide below carefully. You must submit your completed online application and all relevant supporting documents prior to the deadline.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadline. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We require two references from people who can judge your academic potential. These are usually academic references from a lecturer or professor at your previous university.
You will need to provide details of your referees in section 10 of the online form. Your referees will be contacted directly after you submit your application and directed to complete our online reference form.
The email address you provide for your referees must be related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal email (for example, john.smith@yahoo.com).
When on applying online, ensure you select the following:
- Level of Study: select 'Postgraduate Research'.
- Entry Year: select the academic year you wish to study in. For example, September 2025 is in the 2025/26 academic year.
- Academic Programme: select 'FBMH Diversity PhD Scholarship'. If you select the wrong programme, your application may not be considered.
- Research Details: Section 6 of the online application form.
- Supervisor: If you have found a specific project and have contacted a supervisor you should add their name here. If you have not identified a project/supervisor, please add programme lead, Dr Anna Hood, as the supervisor and leave the project title blank.
For the funding sources section of the online application form:
- Select 'Yes' from the drop-down.
- Type of Funding: 'Uni of Manchester Scheme'.
- Awarding Body: FBMH Scholarship.
- Status of Funding – Awarded.
- Funding Covers – Fully Funded.
- Leave the remaining boxes blank.
You must include a supporting statement (500 words) that outlines:
- why you believe this scholarship is particularly suitable for you;
- your interests and motivation for postgraduate research study;
- what science/research areas excite you;
- relevant experiences and/or indicators of research and academic potential.
You must also provide copies of both your undergraduate and, if applicable, postgraduate qualification, including official translated copies where applicable.
If you are still completing a qualification, an interim transcript of marks achieved to date should be provided.
We will contact you directly if you have been shortlisted for interview.
Applications will be screened for eligibility and assessed by a selection panel chaired by the Faculty's Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research. The panel will include member(s) of the Faculty EDI Committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview and we will provide all shortlisted candidates with details of the format of the interview well in advance, so you have sufficient time to prepare.
If you're not selected for interview, we will provide you with feedback on your application.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline, as late applications will not be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applications open: Monday 7 October 2024
- Application deadline: Monday 11 November 2024
- Interviews: W/C 13 January 2025
Contact us
Got any questions? Get in touch.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please get in touch with our Admissions team.
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608
