University of Manchester: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PGRTA Enhanced PhD Studentship

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The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded PhD studentship through its Postgraduate Research Teaching Associate (PGRTA) scheme in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The program combines doctoral research with paid university teaching over 5 years and 10 months, providing tuition fee coverage, a tax-free research stipend, and a teaching salary. Funding is restricted to applicants eligible for UK Home tuition fee status.

Important Dates / Deadline

  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
  • Expected Start Date: By the end of 2026
  • Program Duration: 70 months (5 years and 10 months)
  • Study Mode: Combined research and teaching
  • Available Positions: 1

Organization

University: University of Manchester

School: School of Engineering

Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Program: Postgraduate Research Teaching Associate (PGRTA) Enhanced PhD Studentship

Location / Study Destination

Manchester, England, United Kingdom.

Who Can Apply

Country Eligibility: Restricted to Applicants with UK Home Fee Status.

The studentship is advertised for UK students, specifically those eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK Home rate.

Eligibility is determined by tuition fee status rather than nationality alone. International applicants who qualify for UK Home fee status may be eligible, but applicants charged international tuition fees are not covered by the advertised funding.

Suitable candidates should:

  • Have a relevant academic background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrate strong motivation for doctoral research and university teaching.
  • Be interested in developing an academic career.
  • Identify a potential supervisor and develop a suitable research project.
  • Be willing to combine research responsibilities with teaching duties throughout the program.

Key Benefits / Funding

The studentship provides a combined salary and stipend package, along with full tuition fee coverage.

  • Annual Tax-Free Stipend: £13,200.80 at the 2026/27 UKRI rate.
  • Teaching Salary: Additional paid income from university teaching responsibilities.
  • Minimum Combined Annual Income: £28,405.40.
  • Enhanced Annual Package Advertised: £28,832.
  • Tuition Fees: Fully covered by the School of Engineering.
  • Funding Duration: 70 months.
  • Stipend Adjustment: Expected to increase annually.
  • Teaching Development: Training in higher education teaching, with an opportunity for professional accreditation.
  • Academic Development: Research supervision, teaching experience, and transferable professional skills.

The advertisement provides two combined annual income figures, £28,405.40 and £28,832. Applicants should confirm the applicable amount with the department.

Main Requirements

The successful candidate will undertake a combined research and teaching program with the following workload:

  • 60% Research: Doctoral research in an approved Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering topic.
  • 40% Teaching: University teaching responsibilities within the department.

Available Research Areas

Applicants may propose a PhD project aligned with one of the department’s strategic priorities:

  1. Space Engineering and Design: Engineering design with applications in space technologies.
  2. Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics: Digital manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, laser engineering, and robotics.
  3. Materials and Structural Engineering: Physics of materials, structural mechanics, dynamics, biomechanics, welding, and structural performance.
  4. Nuclear Engineering: Nuclear fission, fusion, nuclear fuels, graphite, and nuclear policy.
  5. Energy and Thermal Systems: Nuclear thermal hydraulics, solar energy, zero-carbon systems, and energy storage.
  6. Biomedical Engineering: Engineering approaches and technologies for biomedical applications.

Applicants must identify a research topic and establish contact with a potential supervisory team before applying.

How to Apply

Applications are made through the University of Manchester’s PhD application process. Selection for PGRTA funding requires nomination by a lead supervisor.

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DSY802/mechanical-and-aerospace-engineering-pgrtas-enhanced-phd-studentship

Application steps:

  1. Review the department’s research areas and identify a suitable PhD topic.
  2. Contact an academic staff member whose expertise aligns with the proposed research.
  3. Discuss the project with the potential supervisory team and explain your interest in the PGRTA scholarship.
  4. Complete the relevant PhD application before November 15, 2026.
  5. In the funding section, specify that you wish to be considered for the PGR Teaching Associate Scholarship.
  6. Include a written statement explaining your motivation for combining doctoral research with university teaching and how you meet the selection criteria.
  7. Ensure your proposed lead supervisor is aware of your funding interest and prepared to consider nominating you.
  8. If nominated by the supervisor and shortlisted by the Faculty, attend the selection interview.

Documents Needed

The application must include:

  1. PhD Application Form: Completed through the university’s application process.
  2. Written Supporting Statement: Explain your interest in the combined research and teaching program and your suitability for the opportunity.
  3. Research Project Information: Identify the proposed PhD research area and project developed with your potential supervisor.
  4. Funding Declaration: Specify the PGR Teaching Associate Scholarship in the funding section of the application.

Important Notes

  • Country Restriction: Funding is limited to applicants eligible for UK Home tuition fee status. It is not an unrestricted international studentship.
  • Supervisor Nomination Required: Applicants cannot secure funding through the application alone. The lead supervisor must nominate candidates for Faculty consideration.
  • Limited Availability: Only one PGRTA position is advertised.
  • Research and Teaching Commitment: The program requires a 60% research and 40% teaching workload over 70 months.
  • Combined Income: The advertisement quotes both £28,405.40 and £28,832 annually. The final salary and stipend arrangement should be confirmed before acceptance.
  • Full Tuition Coverage: The School of Engineering covers tuition fees for eligible candidates.
  • Teaching Qualification: Participants receive higher education teaching training, with an opportunity for accreditation.
  • Early Supervisor Engagement: Significant contact with the prospective supervisory team is essential because funding decisions depend on supervisor nomination.
  • Selection Process: Candidates nominated for Faculty consideration may be invited to an interview.
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