Joint-award between The University of Manchester and IISc Bangalore

The University of Manchester (UoM) and the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore have partnered to offer a joint-award PhD programme in a variety of projects across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, with applicants spending four years across Manchester and Bangalore.

Broaden your horizons, take advantage of the incredible opportunity to conduct your research in two countries and benefit from world-class academic supervision of two leading institutions.

Why undertake a joint-award?

• Embrace the challenge of living abroad in a brand new country.
• Form part of a talented cohort seeking to address challenges across science and engineering, and choose from a range of projects.
• Develop a global perspective and international fluency to benefit your future development, opening the door to exciting new job opportunities.
• Boost your intercultural skills and become part of a talented pool of prospective employees for UK academia and industry.

About the programme

The joint-award programme builds upon the strategic partnership that has been developed between The University of Manchester and IISc Bangalore.

Students enrolled on the newly launched programme can expect to benefit from the world-class academic supervision of two globally renowned universities as they spend two years based at each institution.

Competitive scholarship opportunities will be available for successful applicants to secure a varying degree of support including tuition fee sponsorship and top-up awards for living costs.

Admission for the third cohort of students for The University of Manchester and IISc Bangalore Joint-Award PhD programme is currently being rolled out.

Further information - including details of how to apply and a list of available projects - will be published soon.

Open call for project proposals

Project proposals are now being accepted for consideration as part of the Joint-award between The University of Manchester and IISc Bangalore.

Applications will open for candidates to apply for approved projects at the leading institution on week commencing 27 January 2025 and will close on 7 April 2025.

To submit your project for consideration, please check your project is eligible according to the below criteria, then download and complete the project proposal application form and email it to The University of Manchester and IISc Bangalore, by 6 January 2025. Download guidance notes for completing the application form.

Project eligibility

In order to receive approval, a project must have:

• An agreed joint project supervisory team comprising at least a main supervisor and co-supervisor from The University of Manchester and a main supervisor from IISc Bangalore.
• Main supervisors who are both permanent members of academic staff of their respective institutions.
• Confirmation that the joint project supervisory team have agreed a project title and leading institution.
• An agreed outline project plan with milestones and timelines showing the progression of the PhD over the 4 years.
• Confirmation from the joint project supervisory team that they have collective access to the resources, other than tuition fees and living allowances, to enable the proposed PhD project to be executed.
• Confirmation from the supervisor team of their availability to discuss with, interview and rank according to the leading institution timeline (see attached).
• Supervisors have undertaken an appropriate Export Control self-assessment for the project in line with The University of Manchester requirements and must have conducted a compliance risk assessment for the project (e.g. ATAS clearance and export control clearance) and put mitigating measures in place.

The following desirable characteristics will also be used to rank these proposals:

• Demonstrated extent of previous collaboration between the IISc Bangalore and The University of Manchester supervisory teams
• Demonstrated strength of joint project supervisory team
• Demonstrated value added of the project arising from the collaboration between IISc Bangalore and The University of Manchester
• Demonstrated (as evidenced by an appropriate letter of support or email) an extent of involvement of a suitable business, NGO or government agency partner
• Potential of research to address strategic research priorities of India, UK or global challenges.

Available Projects 

Project proposals are currently being accepted for consideration.

A full list of available projects will be published here on week commencing 27 January 2025.

Funding

Funding for this dual-award programme includes tuition fees and standard living allowances at both institutions for all four years, including two years at UKRI minimum stipend rate while in Manchester.

Eligibility

UoM based projects:

1. Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with UoM admissions).
2. Ideally, hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with UoM admission team).
3. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the English language requirements and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent OR equivalent. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK Home Office for the issue of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests.
4. Willingness to travel to the partner institution to undertake 2 years of study if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments.
5. Demonstrate to reflect the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification:
   • Educational background matches research project.
   • Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team.
   • Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 
   • Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them.
   • Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject.
   • Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities.
   • An interest in continuous personal and professional development.
   • Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
   • Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research.
   • Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, in teaching, research or experience.

How to apply

There are four fully funded studentships available for suitable candidates to start this four-year programme: Two at IISc Bangalore in August 2025 and two at The University of Manchester in October 2025.

Candidates will need to meet all of the minimum entry requirements.

Applications will open for candidates to apply for approved projects at the leading institution on week commencing 27 January 2025 and will close on 7 April 2025. Further details of how to apply and available projects will be available soon.

Contact info

If you have any queries about the programme, please don't hesitate to get in touch:

• for Manchester, email Doctoral Academy.
• for international relations, email Bangalore.