Program Overview

Joint Doctoral Program - University of Manchester

The Joint Doctoral Program between the University of Manchester and IIT Kharagpur is a time-bound PhD program that must be completed within 4 years. The program offers 3 positions with full scholarships.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. For Indian residents, the program is open to graduates with a B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. degree from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10.
2. For residents of other countries, the program is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024).
3. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible.
4. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments.
5. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent).
6. Preferably holds a master's-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent).
7. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, with a proficiency indicated by meeting the requirements, including securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent.
8. For some projects, an ATAS certificate may also be required.
9. Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification, including:

• Educational background matches research project.
• Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritizing a dynamic, agile, and diverse workload.
• Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them.
• Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject.
• Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities.
• An interest in continuous personal and professional development.
• Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research.
• Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility in teaching, research, or experience.

Application Process

Applicants can apply through the online portal. Only one application form is required in the initial stage. If selected, successful candidates may be required to submit other forms as necessary prior to registering for the project. An applicant can choose to apply against only one of the offered projects. The documents that would be required to be uploaded in the portal are:

1. Academic Transcripts
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Research Interest (Max 750 words)
4. 2 recommendation letters
5. Any photo identity proof (Passport / Aadhar Card / Voter ID / Student ID Card)
6. Photo and Signature

Recruitment Process

1. Supervisors from both Institutions will evaluate applications for their respective projects and recommend the names of top candidate(s).
2. The Joint Programme Board involving members from IIT Kharagpur and University of Manchester will select the 3 positions for scholarships based on the merit of both the candidate and the project.

Program Duration and Time Allocated Between Institutions

The program is four years long. The time will be allocated as follows:

• Year 1: Spent at IIT Kharagpur. Coursework must be completed within the first two semesters. Preliminary research activity under joint supervision is initiated in the first year itself. Comprehensive Exam at IIT Kharagpur should be taken and cleared within the first 10 months.
• Year 2: Spent at Manchester. Research work continues at U of Manchester. Supervisor(s) at both ends continually monitor progress. Registration Seminar given in Manchester.
• Year 3: Spent at Kharagpur/Manchester. Research continues. Supervisor(s) at both ends continually monitor progress. Enhancement Seminar given in Kharagpur.
• Year 4: Spent at Manchester/Kharagpur. Thesis work is completed. Synopsis seminar is given. Thesis is submitted to both Institutions and sent for examination as per each institution's rules.

Award of Degree

If a student successfully defends the thesis as required by each institution, both institutions jointly award the doctoral degree. There will be two parchments - each will prominently mention the joint nature of the work and the partner institute's name. The student can walk the stage during convocation/commencement at either or both Institutions.

Funding

• Tuition: UManchester and IITKGP both waive/absorb their respective tuition fees.
• Stipend: IIT Kharagpur awards stipend at the prevailing JRF/SRF rates while the student is resident in its campus. University of Manchester will make available competitive scholarship opportunities while the student is in residence at Manchester.

Post-Study Work Visa

As per prevailing rules of UK and India.

Terms and Conditions

1. Applicant should be a graduate with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10.
2. International applicants, if not an Indian national, should have a visa to study in India starting if needed.
3. An applicant can apply for ONLY ONE project.
4. English Language Proficiency test must be cleared by successful applicants before they are admitted to the Dual Ph.D. programme.
5. Successful candidates may require an ATAS certificate if relevant for the project.
6. Applicant must be in a position to join the program by 15 July every year.
7. Successful candidates must have a valid passport before they can apply for travel to the UK.
8. Successful candidates will receive a tuition waiver from the University of Manchester. Students will receive a stipend while at IIT Kharagpur at prevailing JRF/SRF rates.
9. No funding support will be provided for travel.
10. All standard rules and policies of both institutions will be applicable.