Skip to main content
What types of page to search?

Popular pages: Undergraduate Postgraduate PhD Accommodation Research International students

Alternatively use our A-Z index.

How to apply

Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in due course. Find out more about what you need to do before you apply, the application process, and what happens once you've applied.

Find out more about what you need to do before you apply, the application process, and what happens once you've applied.

1. Check you're eligible

Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the programme, and check you have the skills we’re looking for in our international postgraduate researchers.

2. Find a project

Browse all of our MRC NW-DMS projects once they're live and discover one at either The University of Manchester or the University of Liverpool which you're passionate about and matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

Interested in more than one project? You can include up to two projects in your application.

3. Contact the primary supervisor

Found an MRC NW-DMS project you're interested in? Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.

4. Complete your application

Have you found a project and contacted the listed supervisor? When applications open for 2027/28 entry, you'll be able to apply via our specific MRC NW-DMS online application form. This is a separate application form specifically for candidates of this scheme. Applications shouldn't be made through either university's usual online application system.

When applying, you can select up to two projects in one single application. This can include two projects from one institution, or a project from each institution. 

Late or incomplete applications, or applications not made via the specific MRC NW-DMS application form, won't be considered. 

Once you've applied, you'll receive a confirmation email. You should reply to this email as soon as possible with all of your supporting documentation.

Prepare your supporting documents

Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement
  • Degree certificates and transcripts If you are currently enrolled on a Master’s programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment (for example, an offer letter)
  • Official English language certificates (if applicable): Applicants are not required to meet the English language requirements at the point of application. However, if successful, any offer made will be conditional upon the completion of an approved English language test (such as IELTS) and achievement of the required standard
  • Two referees: Please note that only referee contact details are required at this time. References will be requested by the MRC NW-DMS DLA administration team only for candidates invited to an interview
  • Passport
  • Evidence of settled/pre-settled status/indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK (if applicable).

A research proposal is not required for this programme.

Once you've prepared your documents, you should complete your application using the guidance in the next step.

6. Submit your supporting documents

In addition to the specific MRC NW-DMS online application form, please submit supporting documents as follows to University of Liverpool via email: NW-DMSrecruitment@liverpool.ac.uk. Please use the email subject line: MRC NW-DMS DLA application [insert your full name] so we can match your email submission to your online form submission.

Please submit the documents in the following format only:

  • Each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: [candidate surname, candidate name – [document]]. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – personal statement; Jones, Jamie – BSc transcript
  • Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, personal statement, transcripts and certificates. Don't submit photos of certificates
  • Don't combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.

 The NW-DMS interview

If you are invited to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations, you will be notified directly by email. Interviews take place via Teams and the MRC NW-DMS Recruitment Committee will assess applicants based on CV, academic record and references.

Interview panels will consist of up to three academic staff from both universities. During the interview, you will be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) outlining any research experience you may have (e.g. an undergraduate project) or about the MRC NW-DMS project you are interested in. Presentations can be made in PowerPoint format or verbally.   

If you are not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, we will notify you directly that your application has been unsuccessful.

Key dates

Dates for 2027 entry

  • Projects advertised: Monday, 26 October 2026
  • Application deadline: Friday, 27 November 2026
  • Interviews take place: Week commencing 8 February 2027
  • Studentships awarded: Week commencing 22 February 2027
  • Studentship begins: October 2027.

Contact us

Have any questions? Get in touch.

If you have a question about our MRC NW-DMS, please email our University of Liverpool Doctoral Training team at doctrain@liverpool.ac.uk.