PhD Plant Science
University of Manchester
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( 4.1)

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Different course options
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

The University of Manchester

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

The University of Manchester

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Biological Sciences
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Domestic
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Course info

Programme descriptionOur PhD Plant Science programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Plant Science.Food security and a healthy diet within the context of a growing global population and climate change has become major challenges of our time, particularly if this is coupled with the need to find more sustainable and renewable sources of biofuels and chemicals.Research in Manchester addresses both these issues, firstly by engineering plant ...Read more

Programme description

Our PhD Plant Science programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Plant Science.

Food security and a healthy diet within the context of a growing global population and climate change has become major challenges of our time, particularly if this is coupled with the need to find more sustainable and renewable sources of biofuels and chemicals.

Research in Manchester addresses both these issues, firstly by engineering plant development to generate plants that have a higher yield, improved nutrition and are also more resistant to external stress and, secondly, by exploiting plants and microalgae to generate renewable and sustainable biofuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Well-characterised model plants such as Arabidopsis, as well as crops and natural species, are used in interdisciplinary approaches that entail interactions between groups across the University.

A range of funding agencies, as well as industrial sponsors, support our research projects. After graduation, our students go on to have successful careers in plant sciences, industry or academia.

Three major themes run through our plant sciences research:

  • manipulating plant development to increase yield and stress resilience;
  • biochemistry and genetics of plastids and their use as cell factories;
  • optimising plant defence at the cellular level.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one year (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

Career opportunities

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
63/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
22nd

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000

£27,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500

£27,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Manchester
Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Manchester Piccadilly  0.3 miles away
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