Program Overview

PhD/MPhil Cognitive Neuroscience

Overview

The PhD/MPhil Cognitive Neuroscience program at the University of Manchester offers students the opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges in biology, medicine, and health in a world-leading research environment. This program prepares students for their future careers in research, academia, or industry.

Degree Awarded

• Doctor of Philosophy

Duration

• 3-4 years PhD
• 1-2 years MPhil

Entry Requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD program. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Programme Options

Programme Overview

• Undertake research in a field you're passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
• Choose to research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training program and progress into a career in research, academia, or industry.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time)
  • UK students (per annum): Standard £5,006, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500
• PhD (part-time)
  • UK students (per annum): Standard £2,503, Low £5,750, Medium £8,625, High £11,750
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,750, Medium £17,500, High £20,755

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high-quality education that prepares them for the future, and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

Programmes in Related Subject Areas

• Biosciences