The Global Development Institute (GDI) at The University of Manchester is offering fully funded PhD studentships through two prestigious partnerships. These studentships focus on impact-driven research and are available for international and domestic candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarships cover tuition fees, a UKRI-level stipend, and visa costs where applicable.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for these studentships, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Background:
- A Bachelor’s (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent).
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field with an overall average of 60% or above, and a minimum of 60% in the dissertation (or overseas equivalent).
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in writing and at least 6.0 in other sections.
- TOEFL (Internet-based): Minimum score of 100 overall, with at least 25 in all sections.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score of 76 overall, 76 in writing, and 70 in other sections.
- Alternatively, candidates who have completed a degree in a majority English-speaking country within the last five years may be exempt.
- Additional Requirements for Specific Studentships:
- Applicants for the GDI-SDI Impact PhD Studentship must demonstrate operational experience or strong engagement with urban development challenges, ideally from a civil society perspective.
- Applicants for the GDI-IMPACT PhD Studentship should have fluency in a language spoken in northern Kenya and experience working with civil society organizations focused on Indigenous rights.
- Candidates from Global South countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Program Details
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Scholarship Coverage:
- Full tuition fees
- UKRI-level stipend (£20,780 per annum)
- Visa costs (if required)
- Enrollment: Successful candidates will join the PhD in Development Policy and Management programme at GDI.
- Research Structure:
- Supervision by leading academics from GDI and key partners.
- Research training at both academic and non-academic institutions.
- Fieldwork placements at partner organizations such as SDI in South Africa and IMPACT in Kenya.
Available Projects
GDI-SDI Impact PhD Studentship
- Accumulation, Transformation, and Inequality in African Cities
- Beyond Public-Private Partnerships
- Youth in African Cities
- The Return of Evictions and Tenure Insecurity in African Cities
GDI-IMPACT PhD Studentship
- Community Knowledge, Zoonotic Disease, and Environmental Change
- Community Land as a Pathway to Climate and Biodiversity Co-Benefits
- Opportunities and Challenges for Indigenous-led Carbon Initiatives
Application Process
How to Apply
- Initial Contact: Applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisory team to discuss their research alignment.
- Online Application: Submit an application for the PhD in Development Policy and Management.
- Research Details:
- Under Section 6, select ‘Yes’ for ‘Are you applying for an advertised project?’
- Insert the project title as specified in the listing.
- Funding Information:
- Indicate ‘Uni of Manchester Scheme’ as the funding type.
- Awarding Body: ‘GDI Impact PhD Studentship’.
- Status of Funding: ‘Intend to Apply’.
- Required Documents:
- A 1,500-word PhD research proposal (Times New Roman, 12pt font, word count stated on page 1).
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts and certificates.
- Official English translations for documents not in English.
- Official verification of GPA or weighted average mark.
- An up-to-date academic CV.
- A supporting statement (max. 700 words) explaining the candidate’s motivation and relevance to the research.
- Names and contact details of two academic referees.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 17 April 2025
- Interviews: Week commencing 16 June 2025
- Studentship Offers Issued By: 25 June 2025
- Programme Start Date: October 2025
Apply Now
Interested candidates should apply online through the official University of Manchester PhD application portal. For complete guidelines, visit the official Call for Applications.
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For queries regarding this studentship, contact:
Email: [email protected]
These fully funded PhD studentships at GDI offer a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact research that directly informs policy and practice. If you are passionate about development studies and meet the eligibility criteria, apply now to be part of this prestigious programme!