PhD by Enterprise (Faculty of Humanities) – Fully Funded Doctoral Programme 2026 Entry
The University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom
The University of Manchester offers the PhD by Enterprise programme within the Faculty of Humanities, a distinctive four-year fully funded doctoral pathway designed to integrate high-quality academic research with structured entrepreneurship and innovation training. This programme enables postgraduate researchers to develop original research projects with clearly identified enterprise or venture potential from the outset, supporting translation of research into real-world economic, social, and cultural impact.
The programme is delivered through Unit M in collaboration with the Doctoral Academy, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Innovation Factory. It forms part of the University’s strategic commitment to accelerating research impact and fostering innovation-led doctoral training.
Postgraduate researchers enrolled in the programme undertake advanced doctoral research while simultaneously developing enterprise and commercial capabilities. The structure supports progression through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), alongside market validation and customer discovery activities. A defining feature of the programme is the integration of a business plan component, which constitutes approximately 20% of the final doctoral submission alongside the traditional research thesis.
The programme supports work across major global challenge areas, including climate change, health inequalities, and broader societal transformation. It also provides access to a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, including academic supervision, entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and opportunities for venture creation such as start-ups and spin-outs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for postgraduate research study at the University of Manchester. This includes holding, or being on track to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK honours degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject area within the humanities or related disciplines. The programme is open to both UK (home) and international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications are welcomed from candidates with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, and the University actively promotes equality of opportunity across all applicant groups.
Required expertise/skills
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability and research potential in a relevant humanities discipline such as business, management, economics, social sciences, or interdisciplinary fields aligned with enterprise and innovation. A clear interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, or knowledge transfer is essential.
Candidates should have the ability to undertake independent research at doctoral level, with strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Experience or interest in translating research into applied or commercial contexts is advantageous. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to engage with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders are highly desirable.
Salary details
Fully funded studentship covering tuition fees at the standard rate and providing a UKRI-equivalent maintenance stipend (approximately £21,805 per annum). Additional funding support may include up to £20,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), depending on the project, as well as support for entrepreneurship training, customer discovery activities, and related research costs.
Application Deadline
29 May 2026