UKCRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship 2027-28 offers cancer-focused clinical, allied health professional and non-clinical PhD training in a multidisciplinary team science environment. The CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme provides funding for tuition, running costs and role-specific stipends/salaries and aims to develop postgraduate researchers for careers in world-leading cancer research.
The scheme is managed by the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Manchester Centre and hosted within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), a partnership between The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The CRUK Manchester Centre is directed by Professor Robert Bristow and applications are open for 2027/28 entry.
CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship Benefits
- State-of-the-art facilities for cancer researchers and clinical trials support staff.
- Collaborations that provide a seamless link between basic, translational and clinical research to take findings from the laboratory to the clinic.
- Generous stipends/salaries (role-specific) and funding for your university tuition fees and running expenses.
- An intellectually challenging, innovative and supportive environment;
- A diverse and in-depth training programme in transferable skills leading to excellent career opportunities.
- The Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship programme is fully funded covering project running costs, university tuition fees and a contribution to living costs.
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CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Clinical: applicants must be post-registration clinicians and ideally have a specialist training post; fellowships are usually three years in length (may be four in exceptional circumstances); funding available for three years full-time or pro rata for part-time study (min 50%).
- Non-clinical: aimed at recent graduates or final year undergraduates; studentships are four years in length; candidates must hold or be about to obtain a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent; a related master’s degree would be an advantage.
- Part-time awards cannot be less than 50% of full-time; international candidates must select the full-time study option for visa requirements.
- International applicants: funding will cover UK tuition fees and stipend only, with a limited number of full studentships/Fellowships for international applicants awarded to exceptional candidates.
How to Apply for CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship
- Complete a single online application using the online postgraduate application form and instructions provided.
- Applications open: Monday, 5 October 2026; Application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026; Projects live: Monday, 5 October 2026.
- Choose a project from the list of available projects (applicants can only apply for one project) and contact the supervisor ahead of or during your application.
- Register for an account and apply via the University of Manchester online application (select ‘Postgraduate Research’ and ‘MCRC PhD Programme’).
- Provide supporting documents: CV, supporting statement (1,000 words max), two references, certificates and transcripts, and official English language certificate where applicable.
- Follow guidance for Section 9 – Funding Sources: select ‘Yes’, Type of Funding: ‘Uni of Manchester scheme’, Awarding Body: MCRC PhD Studentship, Status of Funding – Awarded, Funding Covers – Fully Funded.
- If shortlisted, you will be notified before Christmas and invited to interview in January; interviews include a paper critique, panel discussion and Q&A.
- For queries contact the Doctoral Academy via fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk or +44 (0)161 275 5608.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 23 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and contact details based on the official programme information.
What is the CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship?
The CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship is a PhD training scheme managed by the CRUK Manchester Centre offering cancer-focused clinical, allied health professional and non-clinical PhD opportunities. It provides a multidisciplinary research environment, training and funding for tuition, running costs and role-specific stipends or salaries.
Who runs the CRUK Manchester Centre Scholarship Training Scheme?
The scheme is run by the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Manchester Centre and is part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) partnership between The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The CRUK Manchester Centre is directed by Professor Robert Bristow.
What funding and benefits are provided?
Postgraduate researchers receive funding for university tuition fees (at the UK rate), running costs and generous role-specific stipends or salaries. The Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship specifically covers project running costs, tuition fees and a contribution to living costs.
What are the key eligibility requirements?
Clinical applicants must be post-registration clinicians, ideally with a specialist training post. Non-clinical applicants should hold or be about to obtain a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent; a related master’s is advantageous. Part-time awards cannot be less than 50% of full-time.
When are applications open and what is the deadline?
Applications for 2027/28 entry open on Monday, 5 October 2026 and the application deadline is Monday, 23 November 2026. Projects also go live on 5 October 2026 and interviews take place in January 2027.
How do I apply for a project?
Select a single project from the list filtered for the CRUK Manchester Centre scheme and submit one online application via the University of Manchester postgraduate application form. Applicants are encouraged to contact supervisors listed in project summaries prior to applying.
What supporting documents are required?
You must submit a CV, a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words) stating your first choice project, two referees (their details provided on the form), academic certificates and transcripts, and an official English language certificate where applicable. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
What are the interview stages and what should I expect?
Interviews include a paper critique by the applicant, a discussion with the panel and a Q&A session. A full itinerary will be provided if selected, and virtual attendance will be offered. Shortlisted candidates are notified before Christmas and interviewed in January.
Are international applicants eligible and what funding is available?
International candidates must select full-time study for visa requirements. Funding for CRUK programmes covers UK tuition fees and stipends; a limited number of full studentships/fellowships for international applicants may be awarded to exceptional candidates through the University of Manchester route.
Who can I contact for queries about the application process?
For queries about applications, projects or eligibility contact the Doctoral Academy at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)161 275 5608. You may also contact supervisors directly about specific projects.
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