PhD/MPhil Palaeontology

Programme description

Research is directed towards dinosaur limb mechanics, including computer modelling of dinosaur gait, trackway formation and interpretation, including LiDAR digital mapping of sites, palaeopathology, taphonomy, and embryology. The Manchester team is also active in palaeoecological studies of dinosaur sites, the study of fossil lagerstatten in general, and in arthropod taxonomy and palaeoecology.

How to apply

Apply online

You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.

We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, make sure you have all the information and documents you will need:

• Potential supervisor: you can find a list of our Academic and Research staff here
• Research proposal: for advice on how to write one click here
• Personal statement: your personal statement shouldn't be longer than a page. For more information on how to write one see here
• Two academic references: please contact your referees and ask them to email their reference letter and referee report form to . We do not request references on an applicant's behalf and it is your responsibility to ensure your referees know how to provide your reference to us
• Transcript and degree certificates
• CV

All documents must be provided in English. We prefer them to be submitted in PDF format.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree or international equivalent, in a relevant science discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent).