Postgraduate research (PhD)

The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research host around thirty doctoral researchers studying a wide variety of exciting topics around the study of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy and management.

Apply

You can apply for our PhD research programmes through the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS):

Scholarship and funding

Details of PhD scholarships are available online:

ESRC studentship funding

Both of our doctoral programmes are eligible for funding support from the UK Economic and Social Research Council, through the North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership. Funded scholarships for both programmes are currently available through the Business and Management Pathway.

Applications for this studentship funding are made by the prospective student through the admissions team here at the University of Manchester, after the offer of a place on a programme has been made by the University to the prospective student. Applicants need to send a completed standard studentship application by the deadline advertised at the linked page. ESRC studentships pay the tuition fees plus a maintenance stipend (£18,622 in 2023-24) and a research support grant to help with costs associated with conference attendance, training etc. EU and international students are eligible to apply for studentship funding but 70% of studentships are reserved for ‘home’ students (UK nationals, Irish nationals and those with indefinite leave to remain or settled status).

Research focus

The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research has a particular interest in candidates working in areas complementary to our research themes, especially:

  • AI in science
  • Governance of emerging technologies
  • Innovation districts and university led innovation eco-systems
  • Industry 4.0 (AI, robotics, IoT, etc.)
  • S&TI Policy evaluation
  • AI and technology foresight
  • Health and medical innovation
  • Innovation in creative industries
  • Entrepreneurship and regional development
  • Design in innovation
  • Sustainability supply chains
  • Finance and financialisation of sustainability and innovation
  • Technological sovereignty, economic security concerns and ST&I policies

Eligibility

We are looking for those with:

  • a high merit or distinction level masters degree from an internationally recognised university in an appropriate topic;
  • good English skills; and
  • a relevant topic for study backed by a proposal that demonstrates an ability to work with academic theory.