The Global Development Institute (GDI) at The University of Manchester is pleased to announce the opportunity for fully funded PhD study through two prestigious partnerships.
Applications Close: 17 April 2025
GDI is offering two fully funded impact-focused PhD studentships for entry in September 2025, with at least one of these studentships designated for one of the identified GDI-SDI projects.
Important Information
- Scholarship Duration: 3.5 years
- Coverage: Tuition fees, a UKRI-level stipend (£20,780 p/a), and visa costs (if required)
Successful candidates will be enrolled in GDI’s established PhD Development Policy and Management programme.
GDI-SDI Impact PhD Studentship
In collaboration with Slum Dwellers International (SDI), GDI invites proposals for impact-focused PhD studentships.
Candidates will receive supervision and research training from leading academics at GDI and SDI staff, with opportunities to explore both academic and non-academic settings, including time spent at SDI’s head office in Cape Town, South Africa, and at least one other city office.
Projects Available
Accumulation, Transformation, and Inequality in African Cities (SDI-IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisor: Dr Thomas Gillespie
- Focus on the impacts of urban infrastructure and real estate investments on inequalities.
Beyond Public-Private Partnerships (SDI-IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisor: Dr Maria Rusca
- Analysis of informal settlements and alternative approaches to public-private partnerships that benefit low-income urban residents.
Youth in African Cities (SDI-IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisor: Dr Nicola Banks
- Exploration of social and economic outcomes for youth, addressing their limited political power and representation.
The Return of Evictions and Tenure Insecurity in African Cities (SDI-IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisor: Prof Diana Mitlin
- Investigation into eviction threats and policies affecting residents of informal settlements.
GDI-Impact PhD Studentship
In partnership with the Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT), GDI is inviting proposals for another impact-focused PhD studentship.
Projects Available
Community Knowledge, Zoonotic Disease, and Environmental Change (IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisors: Dr Charis Enns and Prof Susanne Shultz
- Focus on how environmental changes are affecting zoonotic diseases in marginalized areas.
Community Land as a Pathway to Climate and Biodiversity Co-Benefits (IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisors: Dr Charis Enns and Dr Johan Oldekop
- Research on community land tenure security’s impact on climate and biodiversity.
Opportunities and Challenges for Indigenous-led Carbon Initiatives (IMPACT)
- Lead Supervisor: Dr Charis Enns
- Analysis of Indigenous-led carbon initiatives and their interaction with carbon markets.
Application Details
Key Dates
- Applications Close: 17 April 2025
- Interviews: week commencing 16 June 2025
- Studentships Awarded By: 25 June 2025
- Commencement: October 2025
Eligibility
- A Bachelor’s (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or equivalent).
- A Master’s degree in a relevant subject with an overall average of 60% or above.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 100 overall.
Making an Application
Candidates are encouraged to make initial informal contact with the supervisory team before submitting an application to ensure alignment with research interests.
To apply:
- Apply online for the PhD Development Policy Management programme.
- Select ‘Yes’ to the advertised project, inserting the project title and lead supervisor’s name.
- Indicate funding intention as GDI Impact PhD Studentship.
Required Documents
- A 1,500-word PhD research proposal.
- Copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
- An up-to-date academic CV.
- A supporting statement (max 700 words).
- Names of two academic referees.
- Evidence of English language ability.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
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