PhD Physics

Year of entry: 2020

Overview

Degree awarded
PhD
Duration
3 to 4 years-some funding schemes are for 3.5 yrs
Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2i class UK Masters honours degree or international equivalent is required or a first degree with an additional Masters degree or international equivalent.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply online

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N

Attend an open day

Programme description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK.  We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute; the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics; the Dalton Nuclear Institute; and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.  In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Strong research activity exists in a broad range of physics topics funded by the Research Councils including EPSRC, STFC, BBSRC, the EU and industry.  All the research groups offer well-equipped laboratories and computing facilities and are involved in a wide range of collaborative projects with industry and other academic departments in the UK and overseas. 

For more information about our postgraduate research programmes, please visit:   https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/research-areas/?code=PA

You can also download our  Postgraduate Project Booklet 2019/20  (PDF document, 2.5Mb) which contains details of research projects available within the department.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2014.  Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up.  Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

Fees

For general fees information, please visit: Postgraduate Fees

Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resources higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.

Contact details

Department
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact name
Recruitment and Admissions Office
Telephone
+ 44 (0) 161 306 3673
Email
Website
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/physics
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

A minimum of a 2i class UK Masters honours degree or international equivalent is required or a first degree with an additional Masters degree or international equivalent.

English language

IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each sub-test

TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with no less than 22 in each sub-test

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your course.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements for your country .

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Programme details

Programme description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK.  We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute; the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics; the Dalton Nuclear Institute; and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.  In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Strong research activity exists in a broad range of physics topics funded by the Research Councils including EPSRC, STFC, BBSRC, the EU and industry.  All the research groups offer well-equipped laboratories and computing facilities and are involved in a wide range of collaborative projects with industry and other academic departments in the UK and overseas. 

For more information about our postgraduate research programmes, please visit:   https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/research-areas/?code=PA

You can also download our  Postgraduate Project Booklet 2019/20  (PDF document, 2.5Mb) which contains details of research projects available within the department.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2014.  Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up.  Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

Coursework and assessment

For information about course work and assessment please visit our  Course handbook

Research in the School is conducted through the following research groupings:
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS.
BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS.
CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS.
NONLINEAR AND LIQUID CRYSTAL PHYSICS.
NUCLEAR PHYSICS .
PARTICLE PHYSICS.
PHOTON PHYSICS
THEORETICAL PHYSICS.

For more information on the above research groupings please go to our website at www.manchester.ac.uk/physics

Scholarships and bursaries

Details of all available scholarships can be found on our Financial Support page.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk