Program Overview

---

PhD/MPhil Ecology and Evolution / Overview

Degree Awarded

• Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy

Duration

• PhD: 3-4 Years Full-Time; MPhil: 1 Year Full-Time

Entry Requirements

• The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
• Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered.

Application and Selection

• Apply online
• Include:
  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e., the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university-level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees

Programme Options

Full-time	Part-time	Full-time distance learning	Part-time distance learning
PhD	Y	Y	N	N
MPhil	Y	Y	N	N

Programme Description

Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences covers three main research themes: earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth.

Understanding the ecology and evolution of life on Earth is a fundamental research challenge and of central importance for most areas of the environmental sciences. Our researchers use ecology and evolutionary biology techniques for conservation biology and informing wildlife management.

We use ecological approaches to study organisms ranging from the smallest microorganisms to the largest plants and animals. In particular, we research how plants grow, how the environment affects plants, and how they interact with the soil ecosystems. Our research is contributing to growing understanding of the impacts of human activities on natural communities and on how we can improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. Furthermore, we study the ecology of microbial communities, which is critical to the function of all ecosystems.

The principles of evolutionary biology allow us to understand biodiversity, disease outbreaks, and competition of invasive species. Research in evolutionary biology employs a range of theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to understand and predict the structure and behaviour of biological systems.

A particular focus is on metabolic responses to environmental change, the role of genetic mutations in microevolutionary processes, and the impacts of natural and sexual selection on the morphology and behaviour of organisms. Our research involves evolutionary genetics and genomics, phylogenetics, molecular and genome evolution, organismal and behavioural evolution, and population genetics.

Fees

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

• PhD (full-time)
  • UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,006.00; Band B - £7,400; Band C - £10,500; Band D - £15,200; Band E - £25,700
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,400; Band B - £31,500; Band C - £37,300; Band D - £45,200; Band E - £59,900
• PhD (part-time)
  • UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,503.00; Band B - £3,700; Band C - £5,250; Band D - £7,600; Band E - £12,850
  • International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,700; Band B - £15,750; Band C - £18,650; Band D - £22,600; Band E - £29,950

Scholarships/Sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships, and awards at university, faculty, and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired, and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

  • Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

• Goal 13: Climate action

  • Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

• Goal 14: Life below water

  • Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development

• Goal 15: Life on land

  • Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss