Project Overview
| Opportunity | BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool |
| Host | University of Manchester |
| Location | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered |
| Stipend | UKRI doctoral stipend rate (amount varies by year) |
| Application Deadline | 4 December 2026 |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
About the Programme
The BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme is a major doctoral training partnership involving The University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, and BBSRC. It is designed to train researchers across modern bioscience while combining specialist PhD research with broader professional and interdisciplinary training.
Programme Structure
Students complete a four-year doctoral programme. In addition to their main research project, students receive access to: specialist scientific training; professional-skills development; workshops; networking; interdisciplinary research opportunities; and industry exposure. Students also undertake a professional internship placement lasting approximately 12 weeks or more. The internship may be completed in one placement or divided across different organisations where appropriate.
Projects
Projects for the 2027/28 intake are scheduled to be advertised from 2 November 2026. Applicants may list up to two NWDP projects at Manchester or Liverpool. Applicants are encouraged to contact their intended project supervisor before submitting the final application.
Funding
These are fully funded BBSRC studentships. The programme provides doctoral funding according to applicable UKRI/BBSRC terms, including: tuition-fee support; annual doctoral stipend; research and training support; and programme-related professional development. The stipend follows the applicable UKRI doctoral rate.
International Applicants
International students are eligible, but the programme states that only a limited number of full studentships can be awarded to applicants from outside the UK. As a result, international funding is particularly competitive. The University states that international candidates must satisfy both academic admission requirements and English-language requirements.
Application Process
Applicants should: check academic eligibility; browse available NWDP projects after publication; identify up to two projects; contact the relevant supervisor; submit the University postgraduate research application; upload all required supporting documents; and complete the subsequent selection/interview process if nominated. Incomplete applications without required supporting documentation will not be processed. Interviews are expected to take place online through Zoom. Candidates invited to interview may be asked to give a short research presentation of no more than approximately 10 minutes.
Application dates
- Applications open: 2 November 2026
- Deadline: 4 December 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 1 March 2027
- Awards announced: Week commencing 15 March 2027
- Start: October 2027
2026/27 UKRI reference rate: the minimum UKRI doctoral stipend is £21,805 per year, tax-free (London institutions +£2,000), effective 1 October 2026.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Official Link
Full announcement and application portal: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funding-fees/funded-programmes/bbsrc-nwdp/
Source: bmh.manchester.ac.uk - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 4 December 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 4 December 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool?
The application deadline is 4 December 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year (UKRI minimum stipend 2026/27).
Who is eligible to apply for BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Manchester.
How do I apply for BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool?
Applications for BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool are submitted directly to University of Manchester through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience 2027 at the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines.
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