Thinking about undertaking a PhD with A³RO?

Doctoral research in A³RO is a full-immersion research journey from day one rather than a taught course. We expect doctoral researchers to design, lead, and implement a substantial research project alongside our entire team.

Before submitting a formal application, we encourage you to browse our People page and reach out to any of our directors or researchers whose work aligns with your interests.

What to Include in Your Inquiry?

When you contact us to discuss a potential PhD project, please attach a two-page research proposal covering these key areas:

• Topic: A Clear statement of your core area of study.
• Research Question: What specific problem or gap in knowledge are you trying to address?
• Proposed Methodology & Framework: Theoretical framework & chosen methods (how you will collect, produce, and analyse your data and experiments)
• Expected Research Outcomes: What will your research create? This could be a new framework, a digital tool, a physical model, or a novel design process for complex challenges like sustainability.
• Contribution to Knowledge: Who will benefit from your findings? Highlight the key scholars, academic fields, or journals that your work targets.
• Fit with A³RO: Why do you want to pursue your PhD with us specifically? Tell us which of our research labs [CPU], [IC], [FP], areas, or publications you aim to build upon.

Additional Information Required

Alongside your proposal, please provide brief responses to these key points:

• Intended Start Date: What is your target start date? Our usual intake begins in September or October.
• Funding Model: What is your funding plan? Do you have external funding pathways, or are you prepared to undertake your PhD as a self-funded student?
• Topic Flexibility: How flexible are you with your research topic to create a strong alignment with [CPU]lab, [IC]lab, [FP]lab? Tell us which primary existing skills and interests you wish to take forward.
• Relevant Research Skills: Clearly explain the existing research skills you bring to the A³RO. Examples include:

• Literature: Scholarly synthesis and critical theory
• Qualitative: Interviews, ethnography, and observational studies
• Quantitative: Surveys and statistical futures
• Participatory: Workshops, community engagement, and co-creative methods
• Simulative & AI: Agent-based modelling, graph modeling, and machine learning
• Digital: GIS & Python coding
• Narrative & Media: Storytelling, speculative design, archival work, or media production

• English Proficiency: Minimum academic English proficiency is a requirement for admission. Please see the official university guidance pages or inquire with admissions if you have questions.

Institutional Guidelines & Admissions

For full details regarding entry requirements, administrative fees, and official university deadlines, please refer to the MMU Postgraduate Research Overview page.

Ready to submit?

Follow the step-by-step process on the MMU PhD How to Apply Guide.