Ready to turn your research into real‑world impact?

The University of Manchester’s PhD by Enterprise is a new four‑year doctoral programme that combines world‑class research with structured entrepreneurship training.

Background

Accelerating research impact through innovation is central to the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy, including the ambition to become Europe’s most inclusive innovation ecosystem. The PhD by Enterprise programme supports this by enabling the University’s research portfolio to generate tangible economic, environmental and societal impact through venture creation and enterprise-led pathways.

The University is investing nearly £2 million in this initiative.

About the programme

Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) will:

  • progress their research while developing enterprise and commercial capabilities;
  • advance their work through relevant Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), alongside market and customer discovery;
  • submit a doctoral thesis focused on original research, incorporating a business plan as a defined component (approximately 20%).

The programme aims to empower PGRs to translate research into impactful solutions addressing global challenges such as climate change, health and inequality.

The programme is delivered through Unit M, in partnership with the Doctoral Academies, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Innovation Factory.

Programme objectives

  • Integrate research with innovation
    Enable PGRs to advance high‑quality research while developing enterprise skills that support translation and impact.
  • Support technology readiness progression
    Facilitate progression through TRLs, from early‑stage concepts to deployment, supporting IP development and exploitation.
  • Develop commercial capability
    Equip PGRs with skills to develop business plans, explore commercialisation routes, and prepare investment‑ready pitches.
  • Enable venture creation
    Support the formation of start‑ups, spin‑outs, or other impactful enterprises through access to networks, expertise and practical guidance.
  • Provide wrap‑around support
    Offer coordinated academic supervision, enterprise training, and tailored mentoring from across the University ecosystem.

What you need to do

These studentships are available to applicants that are eligible for home or international fees.

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area. 

We actively welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

All appointments are made on merit.

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