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, or a first degree with an additional Masters degree, or international equivalent, is required.
Applicants with a First Class Bachelor degree, or international equivalent, with proven research experience may also be considered. - How to apply
- Apply online
You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.
We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | N | N |
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.
The Biophysics research group adopts experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to study biological and biomedical systems at molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. In any given system, we often combine these approaches to aim for better and more rigorous understanding of the underlying physics and biomedical sciences. The offered projects are all multidisciplinary. Thus, apart from welcoming postgraduate applicants from physics and chemistry, we often have recruits from biosciences, computing science, mathematics and engineering.
Our main areas of research cover four general aspects: Physics of cell membranes and bio-interfaces, physics of peptides, physics of the heart and bio-systems, AI in medicine.
You can also download our Postgraduate Project Booklet (PDF document, 2.6MB) 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 department teaching opportunities.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A TBA; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A TBA; Band B £3,250; Band C £4,750; Band D £6,750
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £13,250; Band B £14,250; Band C £16,750; Band D £20,250
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: 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 Home 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.
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4026
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/
- 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, or a first degree with an additional Masters degree, or international equivalent, is required.
Applicants with a First Class Bachelor degree, or international equivalent, with proven research experience may also be considered.English language
All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:
IELTS: At least 6.5 overall with no subtest below 5.5.
TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59.
Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .
Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements
Application and selection
How to apply
You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.
We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.
Advice to applicants
Before you start your application, make sure you have all the information and documents you will need:
- Potential supervisor: we advise that you contact a potential supervisor before submitting your application. You can find a list of our Academic and Research staff here
- Transcript and degree certificates: you will need to provide transcripts even if you haven't graduated by the time you apply
- Personal statement: your personal statement shouldn't be longer than a page. For more information on how to write a personal statement see here
- CV
All documents must be provided in English. We prefer them to be submitted in PDF format.
If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. We may be willing to consider your application without this document but if successful, any offer of study will be conditional on providing a recognised qualification (like IELTS) that meets the English language entry requirement for this programme.
How your application is considered
If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers. All appointments are made on merit. The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Interview requirements
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.
If you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.
You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.
Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 applicationDeferrals
Re-applications
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.
The Biophysics research group adopts experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to study biological and biomedical systems at molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. In any given system, we often combine these approaches to aim for better and more rigorous understanding of the underlying physics and biomedical sciences. The offered projects are all multidisciplinary. Thus, apart from welcoming postgraduate applicants from physics and chemistry, we often have recruits from biosciences, computing science, mathematics and engineering.
Our main areas of research cover four general aspects: Physics of cell membranes and bio-interfaces, physics of peptides, physics of the heart and bio-systems, AI in medicine.
You can also download our Postgraduate Project Booklet (PDF document, 2.6MB) 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 department teaching opportunities.
Coursework and assessment
Related research
Related research in the Department is conducted through the following research groupings:
Condensed Matter Physics.
Soft Matter Physics.
Photon Physics.
Theoretical Physics.
For more information on the above research groupings please visit http://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/