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Checklist for starting doctoral research

Everything you need to begin your research at The University of Manchester. If you have any queries about the any of these steps, you can contact us.

Register

• Right to Study Check: The Right to Study Check for international PGRs.
• Online Registration: Follow the ten steps of registration.

Finances

• UK bank account: Set up a UK bank account.
• ​Bank details:  Add your bank account to My Manchester. If you do not keep these details up to date, you will not receive your stipend.
• Sponsorship:  Externally funded researchers need to obtain a sponsorship letter.
• ​Pay tuition fees: These are due at the time of registration.  Find information on how to pay.
• ​Council tax exemption: Follow the guidance and then request a letter via Student Services Enquiry Form.  Visit the University Letters page for further information.
• Review the research and training grant support guidance.

Wellbeing

• Register with a GP: For access to non-emergency health services by appointment, find a GP on the NHS website. Alternatively, The University has a GP service on campus in Crawford House.
• University support: Review the mental health support available to you and register for Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) if applicable.
• Societies and activities: Additional resources.

IT and essential systems

• IT account: Set up your IT account and University Email. Online IT support is available via Connect. 
• My Manchester: Log in to and bookmark the My Manchester system. Use the My Manchester video guides for assistance. 
• e-Prog: Get started with e-Prog, a University-wide system designed to monitor the progress of a research programme. 
• ORCID: Create your ‘Open Researcher and Contributor ID’ (ORCID). 
• eLearning: Log in to the new platform Canvas. Blackboard is the current virtual learning environment and will be switched off on Friday 17 October 2025. 
• Campus Solutions: Log in to Campus Solutions to update your personal information.  
• Request a laptop: View how to request a laptop. Higher specification will require supervisor approval. 

Essential training

• Health and safety training:  All mandatory training will appear as milestones in your eProg record. You can also view them on our mandatory training page.
• Programme specific training: Some PGRs will have additional training to complete. Your supervisor will be able to advise.
• In-person training: If applicable, you will be contacted about in-person training.

ID card and building access

• ID card: First, ensure you have completed registration. Next, upload a photo. After 24 hours, you can collect your card from the FSE Doctoral Academy Hub from 10am to 4pm Monday-Friday.
• Accessing buildings: Follow the relevant building access instructions for your department.
• Familiarise yourself with your new surroundings: View the user guide for the Nancy Rothwell Building and Engineering Building B.
• If applicable, request desk and office allocation. Contact the relevant Department Operations Team within your School - contact details can be found on our research community page.

Extra steps

• Visit our online Padlet noticeboard for frequently asked questions (FAQs). 
• Attend your Faculty welcome event. 
• Attend your departmental welcome event.
• Connect with all members of your supervisory team. 
• Network with your peers.