University of Manchester Three Minute Thesis Competition 2025

The University of Manchester is participating in the national 3MT competition, where Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) present their research in just three minutes using one static PowerPoint slide.

Why take part?

• Improve your academic, presentation, and research communication skills.
• Learn how to explain your research to a non-specialist audience.
• Exclusive 3MT training on 27th February 2025.
• Win great prizes!
  • Winner: £500
  • Runner-up: £250
  • People’s Choice: £100

Competition Rules

• Presentations must be 3 minutes or less.
• Only 1 static slide allowed (no props, animated backgrounds, or media).
• Spoken word only (no poems, songs, or raps).
• Judged based on 3MT criteria.

Eligibility

Open to students who have successfully completed their first year.

Active PhD and Professional Doctorate Research candidates (programmes with at least 2/3 research and eligible for RTP) who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in the 3MT competition at all levels. This includes candidates whose thesis is under submission. Graduates are not eligible.

How to Register

• Register by Wednesday 23rd April 2025 using the online form.
• You will need to be available on Thursday 30th April to compete in the live heats.
• If you are unable to attend the heats in person please email resdev@manchester.ac.uk

Key Dates

• Live Heats: Wednesday 30th April 2025, 12:30-16:00
• Finalists Feedback Session: Tuesday 20th May 2025, 09:30-16:30 (1:1 feedback with Dr Jamie Gallagher)
• UoM 3MT Final: Tuesday 10th June 2025, 13:30-16:30 (Finals event and recording for national competition)
• Confirmation Email: You will be contacted by Friday 25th April 2025 to confirm the details for the live heats.
• Finalists Announced: Finalists announced, Friday 2nd May.
• Send Us Your Slide: 27th April is the deadline to email your slide to resdev@manchester.ac.uk

Important Notes:

• Make sure you are available for all the dates above before registering to participate.
• Sign-up to compete via the MS form.
• Sign-up for the 3MT training session with Dr Jamie Gallagher via the Training Catalogue.
• Guidance Document: A detailed guide on how to create your 3MT presentation and slide can be found here.