2026 University of Manchester & Tokyo Joint PhD Studentship in Physics and Astronomy

This Dual Award PhD project aims to unveil the nature of heavily dust-obscured galaxies and clarify their role in the co-evolution of galaxies and SMBHs by combining advanced millimetre/submillimetre observations with cutting-edge theoretical modelling. The project uniquely bridges observational and theoretical astrophysics through the combined expertise of supervisors at the University of Tokyo and the University of Manchester.

At the University of Tokyo, the student will work with Prof. Kotaro Kohno, a leading expert in mm/submm astronomy and ALMA-based studies of obscured galaxies. UTokyo’s strong track record in analysing high-resolution ALMA data will enable the candidate to extract physical properties such as dust masses, gas content, and star formation rates, revealing the hidden structure and energetics of dusty galaxies.

At the University of Manchester, the student will be supervised by Dr. Rachel Cochrane, whose research bridges theory and observation in galaxy evolution. Dr. Cochrane’s expertise in theoretical studies, ranging from semi-analytic modelling of dusty star-forming systems to integrating simulations with multi-wavelength data, will empower the student to interpret observational results within a rigorous physical framework.

• Table of Content
• About University of Manchester
• University of Manchester PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Manchester PhD Scholarship
• University of Manchester PhD Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for University of Manchester PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

University of Manchester PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of University of Manchester PhD Scholarship

• Up to four fully funded scholarships (all basic level tuition fees, standard living allowances for all four years of programme, including two years of allowances at UKRI equivalent stipends, a travel budget of £2,000, and RTSG budget of £3,000 while at UoM) are available for suitable candidates to commence on this 4-year programme in April 2027. 
• The University of Tokyo will cover the amount equivalent to stipends which is offered by UoM during their stay at UTokyo (2 years).

University of Manchester PhD Scholarship Courses

• Astronomy
• Physics
• Physics and Astronomy

Requirements for University of Manchester PhD Scholarship Qualification

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Programme Board. 
2. Fulfil both institutions’ entry requirements. 

University of Manchester: 

• Hold (or expect to achieve) an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent to be checked with UoM admission team) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent to be checked with [email protected]).  
• All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests or equivalent. Project supervisor teams may recommend a candidate who has excellent English language skills but otherwise has no formal certification of such. 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. 

University of Tokyo - School of Science  

• Meet one of the eligibility requirements for the examination conducted by the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo which are indicated on the following websites:  https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/admission/doctor/index.html (General Admission)  https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/graduate.html (Special Selection for International Applicants) 
• Pass the designated entrance examination. 

University of Tokyo - School of Engineering

• Meet the eligibility requirements for the examination conducted by the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo which are indicated on https://www.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/study-at-utokyo/soe  
• Pass the entrance examination mentioned above. 
• For further information about student eligibility for the Graduate School of Engineering, please contact this email address: [email protected] 

1. Demonstrate willingness to travel to two partner institutions to undertake two years of study at each to complete the programme. 
2. Demonstrate to reflect the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to University of Manchester on www.findaphd.com to apply

To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an application here. Please read this page carefully before starting your application.  

Indicate the title of the project and supervisor when you complete your application, as well as the funding source. This is in the Research Details section of the online application form. For the funding source please reference ‘Dual Award Tokyo University and University of Manchester’. For the programme selection please pick the following relevant programme related to research title ‘PhD Physics and Astronomy’. If you are unable to provide any of the required supporting documents at the time you submit your application, please inform the admissions team [email protected]. 

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the admissions team by emailing [email protected]. 

For more details, visit University of Manchester Scholarship webpage.