The University of Manchester will be taking part in the national Three Minute Thesis (3MT). Postgraduate Researchers from across the University are invited to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes only using one static PowerPoint slide.

In the UK, the 3MT national competition final is hosted by Vitae. Individual UK universities run their own competitions and put forward one winner per participating institution for the national finals.

Why take part?

3MT develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development to effectively explain research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. You will also have access to a 3MT information session on 11 March 2026 and 3MT participant training on 30 March 2026.

Also, don’t forget the prizes: Winner – £500; Second prize – £250; Third prize – £100

What are the rules?

The rules are simple:

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes (presentations exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified).
• 1 static slide is required to accompany the presentation.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted within the recording.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording.

All presentations will then be judged according to the same 3MT judging criteria

Am I eligible?

The competition is open to all active second and final year PhD candidates and Professional Doctorate Research (including candidates in their submission pending period) by the date of the registration deadline (17 April 2026) and have passed their confirmation milestone.

What is the timeline?

• Find out more by signing up for 3MT information session on 11 March 2026.
• Attend the 3MT participant training on 30 March 2026.
• Complete the registration form on or before 17 April 2026.
• Submit your final 3MT presentation / slide by 28 April 2026 – please email to resdev@manchester.ac.uk
• Heats (in-person) – 30 April 2026.
• Finalists announced – 11 May 2026.
• Finalists feedback session – 20 May 2026.
• UoM Final Event – 11 June 2026

How do I register?

You have until 17 April 2026 to register. You can register using the online form.

Any questions please contact  resdev@manchester.ac.uk