Use this checklist to make sure you have everything in place as you begin your research.
Some steps only apply to certain researchers, such as international or externally funded students.
You will need to activate your University IT account (details below) before accessing some of the systems listed.
If you have questions about any of the steps below, contact the Doctoral Academy.
Complete your University registration before you start your research.
- Complete a Right to Study check if you are an international researcher. Follow the Right to Study Check guidance.
- Complete online registration. Follow the ten steps of registration.
Once you are registered, make sure you can access the buildings and facilities you need.
- Get your student ID card. First complete your University registration, then upload a photo. After 24 hours, you can collect your card from the FSE Doctoral Academy Hub, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
- Arrange access to your building. Follow the building access instructions for your department.
- Get to know your building. If you are based in the Nancy Rothwell Building or Engineering Building B, view the building user guide.
- Request a desk or office allocation if you need one. Contact the relevant Department Operations Team. You can find contact details on the research community page.
Set up the University systems you will use throughout your research.
- Set up your IT account and University email. Follow the IT account guidance You can get online IT support through Connect.
- Access My Manchester. Log in to and bookmark My Manchester. You can also use the My Manchester video guides for help getting started.
- Get started with eProg. You will use eProg to record and monitor progress throughout your research programme. Read the eProg guidance.
- Create an ORCID. Set up your Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID).
- Access Canvas. Log in to Canvas, the University's online learning platform.
- Check your personal details. Log in to Campus Solutions to review and update your information.
- Request a University laptop if you need one. Follow the laptop request guidance. Higher-specification equipment will require approval from your supervisor.
Complete the financial steps that apply to you.
- Set up a UK bank account if you need one. Follow the guidance on setting up a UK bank account.
- Add your bank details to My Manchester. Make sure these remain up to date so that you can receive stipend payments. Find out how to add or update your bank details.
- Provide a sponsorship letter if you are externally funded. Follow the guidance for sponsored students.
- Pay your tuition fees if required. Tuition fees are due at registration. Find out how to pay your fees.
- Apply for Council Tax exemption if you are eligible. Read the Council Tax guidance and request any documentation you need through the Student Services Enquiry Form. You can find further information on the University letters page.
- Check what research and training costs you can claim. Read the research and training grant support guidance.
Check which training you need to complete at the start of your research.
- Complete your mandatory health and safety training. Required training will appear as milestones in your eProg record. You can also check the mandatory training guidance.
- Check whether your programme has additional training requirements. Your supervisor can advise you about any programme-specific training you need to complete.
- Attend required in-person training. If this applies to you, you will be contacted with details.
Find out what health, wellbeing and disability support is available while you study.
- Register with a GP. Use the NHS Find a GP service or register with the GP service on campus.
- Find out about mental health and wellbeing support. Explore the support available to postgraduate researchers.
- Register for disability support if you need it. Find out about the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS).
- Explore other support and activities. See additional resources for postgraduate researchers.
Make sure you know how to access the resources and specialist support available for your research.
- Explore Library support for postgraduate researchers. Use the Library's postgraduate researcher guide to find resources, training and support.
Finally, start making connections with the people and communities that will support you during your research.
- Attend your Faculty welcome event.
- Attend your departmental welcome event.
- Meet your supervisory team. Find out more about working with your supervisory team.
- Connect with other postgraduate researchers. Look for opportunities to meet and network with your peers.
- Check the Doctoral Academy noticeboard. Visit the online noticeboard for useful information and frequently asked questions.
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.