DiMeN operates a centralised recruitment process. All applications are received via Sheffield, even if the project is based at at Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool or York. Academic staff from across the network are involved in the shortlisting process.
Yes you must apply to two projects. We recommend you contact the supervisors before submitting your application to discuss their research in more detail and inform your decision. If you are shortlisted to the interview stage, you will be asked to rank projects in order of preference. Not all candidates are offered their first choice of project and you may be offered your second so you need to be happy to undertake both projects.
No, you can apply for any combination of projects and institutions.
Yes. You should apply to DiMeN with only one application form - select two projects from the dropdown tool under section D.
The application portal will close at 1pm (UK time) on Thursday 4th December 2025. We will not accept any late entries including those caused by technical difficulties so please avoid last minute applications.
References are not needed for the initial application so please do not complete the references section at this stage. If you are selected for interview we will contact you to request two academic or other appropriate references which will be needed by late February.
We will be holding interviews online in early March 2026 and aim to contact shortlisted candidates by mid February.
We typically receive over 700 applications to DiMeN and therefore it can take some time for non-shortlisted candidates to receive an individual formal rejection. However, we will post more general updates on the DiMeN website during the selection process so please check for new information.
If you are having issues try refreshing, switching to a different browser such as Chrome, or trying again after a break.
The application portal not managed by the DiMeN team. If you continue to experience problems please contact the University of Sheffield admissions team using the chat function on the prospective students page .
Some projects are feasible part-time, however not all of them due to the specific experimental work commitments and you would need to discuss this as an option with the supervisory team before applying. International students must also consider UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) restrictions and contact the host University's international office for advice. Please be aware also that part time students are not exempt from Council Tax.
It is possible to switch to part-time during your PhD according to personal circumstances and this is reviewed locally, on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, we welcome applications from well qualified international candidates, but the number of these places for these students is extremely limited. Fees are covered for successful international fee status students but candidates are required to meet all visa charges, healthcare surcharges, and relocation costs. If you are unsure of your fee status then please see the advice here: www.sheffield.ac.uk/new-students/tuition-fees/fee-status
Due to the exceptional volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to individual queries about application status or provide feedback to those who were not selected for interview.
If you are interviewed but not allocated a place then you will receive feedback.
Updates about the recruitment process, including when interview candidates have been contacted, will be posted on the 'Application Information' page of the DiMeN website. However it may take some time for other applicants to receive a formal rejection through the application system.