What is a research degree?

A research degree, sometimes called a doctorate or doctoral degree, offers you the chance to shape your own learning by researching a specific topic that you’re passionate about. It is the highest degree awarded by universities in the UK.

Under the guidance of an expert, you’ll take full responsibility for your own work and be allowed the freedom to make your own contribution to your chosen field.

Research degrees delve deep into existing real world problems, help us understand the world around us, and shape the future through innovation.

A vital element of postgraduate research is the opportunity to learn and develop specialist skills that you can apply to the workplace, aiding both personal and professional development.

  • Postgraduate students using a laptop in a library.

    Why study a doctoral degree?

    Find information about studying for a doctorate and help to decide if a research degree is right for you.

    Find out more
  • A postgraduate researcher peers at a tray of moss through a mini magnifying glass

    Choose Manchester Met for your doctoral degree

    Discover what makes us a great place to do a PhD, including the support provided to our doctoral students.

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  • A profile shot of a student on Manchester Met campus.

    PhD and doctoral degrees

    Conduct a significant piece of research and make an original contribution to your field.

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  • Researcher placing an object in a temperature test chamber at the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre

    Masters by research

    How to take your first step towards a career in research.

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Manchester Met provides excellent student services, academic staff, laboratory facilities and an incredible supervisory team who gave me constant support and guidance throughout my research.
Saravjeet Bawja
PhD student, Food and Nutrition
Institute of Food Science and Technology Young Scientist 2019
Manchester Met provides excellent student services, academic staff, laboratory facilities and an incredible supervisory team who gave me constant support and guidance throughout my research.
Saravjeet Bawja
PhD student, Food and Nutrition

Institute of Food Science and Technology Young Scientist 2019

Postgraduate research profiles

As someone who is semi-retired, I wanted to spend my time feeling challenged and intellectually active. Doing my PhD is a way of staying intellectually engaged, alert, alive and curious. I can’t think of anything else I could have been doing that could have challenged me as much as doing this PhD has done.
Richard
Research Centre for Applied Social Sciences
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My experience at Manchester Met so far has been amazing. I would definitely recommend it. The growing investment and focus on research in the University is really good.
River
Health, Psychology and Communities
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The PhD process here offers a flexibility that you might not find elsewhere, and you can be creative in exploring ways of developing your research. There is an emphasis on taking ideas from different places, especially philosophical and methodological ideas.
Tam
Education and Social Research Institute
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As an international student, I find it a friendly research community here at Manchester Met. All the PhD students are very willing to help each other. The University facilities are good, the set-up of the labs is very organised and the lab technicians are really helpful. I like living in Manchester too, the lifestyle and nightlife is very good.
Anastasia
Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine
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I would definitely recommend Manchester Met as a place to do a PhD. The academics offer really good support for the students. The campus is fantastic and I love the city. I am proud to be part of a group of scientists there.
Patricia
Centre for Bioscience
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What I specifically like about Manchester Met and my Research Centre is that everyone is focussed on being very practical and making a contribution. We are doing analysis and research aimed at influencing government policy. There is a focus on the practical application of research and the impact on people.
Rebecca
Decent Work and Productivity
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I enjoyed all of my PhD experience at Manchester Met. The amount of knowledge and skills I gained in three years was unbelievable, including professional and self-development skills. The University has great teaching and research facilities and you will be helped with everything you need.
Mohamed
Centre for Bioscience
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