Program Overview

PhD/MPhil Plant Science

Overview

The PhD/MPhil Plant Science program at the University of Manchester offers students the opportunity to tackle the challenge of providing food security in a changing climate using plant science and prepare for their future career.

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 programme.
• A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Application and Selection

• Apply online
• Before applying, you must:
  • Choose a programme or find a project you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
  • Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
  • Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
  • Read our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.

Programme Details

• 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 programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.

Programme Options

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

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

Careers

• The PhD/MPhil Plant Science program prepares students for a career in research, academia, or industry.