What is the Doctoral Academy?
The Doctoral Academy is a dedicated support network for postgraduate researchers within the Faculty. It provides resources, training and guidance to help researchers succeed in their research and professional development.
Checklist for starting your research
Complete the essential steps to get set up for your doctoral research, from registration and IT access to training, finances and University systems.
Building access
Find out how to get access to buildings in your Department or Institute.
Support offered by the Doctoral Academy
Your research community
You’ll be supported by people within your supervisory team, research group and the wider Doctoral Academy. Find out who they are, what support they provide and who you can turn to for advice throughout your time at Manchester.
During your time at Manchester, you’ll have a supervisory team to guide your research, support your progress and provide advice throughout your programme.
Your team includes a main supervisor, at least one co-supervisor and an academic advisor. You can also seek independent advice and support from your Head of Postgraduate Research.
Your supervisors will be your main points of contact while you are studying. You will have regular supervisory meetings and annual progress reviews and you should ensure that you prepare for these meetings in discussion with your supervisors. You will need your IT account before accessing this guidance.
Main supervisor
The main supervisor takes full responsibility for the overall management and direction of the researcher’s research degree in addition to administrative issues relating to the student's registration, attendance and progress.
Co-supervisor
Your co-supervisor works alongside your main supervisor and brings additional expertise and perspectives to your research.
They may advise on particular areas of your work, provide a second perspective on research matters or provide continuity if your main supervisor is unavailable. The balance of responsibility for the student’s day-to-day supervision should be negotiated between members of the supervisory team, in consultation with the student, as the research progresses.
PGR Advisor (Pastoral)
Your PGR Advisor (Pastoral) is an academic member of staff who provides an independent source of advice and support outside your supervisory team.
You can speak to them about your general progress, wellbeing or any difficulties you would prefer to discuss with someone other than your supervisors. You’ll normally meet PGR Advisors near the beginning of your programme in a group setting and have an individual meeting with your advisor once a year.
Head of Postgraduate Research
Each Department has a Head of Postgraduate Research who can provide independent advice and support if you need it.
You can find more information about your responsibilities and those of your supervisory team in the Supervision Policy for Postgraduate Research Degrees.
During your time at Manchester, you’ll become part of a research group within your Department or Institute. Your research group brings together postgraduate researchers, academics and postdoctoral researchers working in related areas of research.
Being part of a research group gives you opportunities to discuss ideas, share knowledge and learn from others with expertise in your field. You’ll be able to connect with other postgraduate researchers and benefit from the experience and perspectives of the wider group.
Depending on your project, you may also work as part of a wider research team involving researchers from across the University or external collaborators.
Your research group is an important part of your research community, providing opportunities for collaboration, academic discussion and peer support throughout your degree.
Support and development
Develop new skills, make the most of our industry partnerships and access support, training and wellbeing services throughout your time at Manchester. These opportunities can help you build the experience, reputation, profile and credibility to give your future an advantage.
University support
At Manchester, you’ll receive guidance on starting your research and building your research profile. The Doctoral Academy is here to support on a wide range topics, from getting started at the University right through to submitting your thesis.
Additionally, your postgraduate research representatives will advocate on your behalf to enhance the university experience, and each School’s Postgraduate Research Office is here to provide logistical support.
Training opportunities
Postgraduate researchers in our Faculty have access to a suite of workshops and online resources to develop their research, professional and transferable skills.
Coordinated by our dedicated Researcher Development Team, the University’s training provides the opportunity to grow your skillset beyond the confines of your research project and lets you enhance your profile at key events such as the Summer Research Showcase.
Wellbeing support
The Doctoral Academy is here to support postgraduate researchers’ wellbeing throughout their degree. There are services across the University our researchers can access, including cost of living support, disability support and the Academic Advisory Scheme.
Those seeking wellbeing and mental health support can access specific counselling and mental health services tailored to postgraduate researchers.
Our commitments
Our goal is to create an open and supportive environment, with no limits on your achievements. We support your development in three key ways:
Becoming a research leader
Develop your ability to make breakthroughs - large and small - supported by an expert supervisory team.
Tailored education and training
Learn from experts in your field and gain experience working in world-leading facilities.
Building transferable skills
Gain skills for careers in academia, industry, policy or beyond.
We believe in collaboration, so while you’re expected to take responsibility for your specific programme, we’ll create the environment that you’ll need to make an impact in the world.
Together, we’ll ensure that there are no barriers to what you want to achieve at Manchester.
Once you're fully registered
You can access ongoing guidance, forms, processes and resources for current postgraduate researchers on the Faculty of Science and Engineering Doctoral Academy SharePoint site.
Join our mailing list
Sign up for our emails to receive in-depth advice on applying for postgraduate research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
- Get dedicated alerts about projects in your research area.
- Be the first to hear about newly launched funding opportunities and events.
- Receive detailed guides to navigating key topics including funding, projects and supervisors.
- And much more...