Three Minute Thesis: How to enter

Eligibility

The 3MT competition is open to active PhD and Professional Doctorate candidates at all stages of their degree - early, middle and late (program composed of at least two-thirds research) registered with the University of Liverpool. Graduates are not eligible. Participants must be available to present in person at the University of Liverpool final.

Steps to enter the University of Liverpool 3MT Faculty Heats 2026

Please make sure you have read the competition rules and eligibility requirements before submitting your entry. Please also consult our guide to entering the Faculty heat stage of the 2026 competition: Produce your 3MT Entry Video and Slide 2026

For top tips on how to produce a winning 3MT presentation consult these key resources

Watch these four videos produced by Dr Jamie Gallagher, a previous international 3MT winner.  

  • Official University of Queensland, 3MT competitor guide here.
  • How to record your 3MT. Guide here. University of Queensland.
  • 3MT: Three tips to help you prepare a winning presentation. Video here. Australian National University
  • Vitae 3MT (resources, guides and previous national winner videos!) here.
  • How to create a YouTube video from your phone here.

When you are ready:

  1. Produce your 3MT® presentation 
  2. Record your 3MT® presentation
  3. Upload your 3MT® presentation to YouTube
  4. Make your PowerPoint slide
  5. Complete the University of Liverpool 3MT® registration form including the link to your YouTube video. Registration is now open (Deadline to submit the form and your PowerPoint slide is 17:00 (GMT) on Friday 17th April 2026)
  6. Email your PowerPoint slide into researcher@liverpool.ac.uk 

To improve your chances in this years competition attend our 'Introduction to 3MT competition' on 12 February 2026 (online) which can you book here and our '3MT how to produce a winning entry' workshop on 24 March 2026 (book here).

Further 3MT Resources 

  • 3MT: The three most common mistakes. Video here. Australian National University.
  • How a competition changes my academic life. Article here. Jamie Khoo, UK National Vitae Winner 2018 (Peoples Choice). 
  • How to win the 3MT. Presentation here. By Dr Inger Mewburn (aka @thesiswhisperer)
  • Watch 3MT winners from around the world. Videos here. University of Queensland.
  • Presenting your 3MT with confidence. Blog here. Advice from previous UK winners! Taylor and Francis