- Degree awarded
- PhD
- Duration
- 3 to 4 years -some funding schemes are for 3.5 yrs
- Entry requirements
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The minimum academic entry requirement for a PhD in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD OR any upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) and a Master’s degree merit (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD.
- How to apply
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In your application you’ll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
- Your supervisor’s name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- Details of your previous study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | N | N |
Programme description
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, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.
Research in the Condensed Matter physics group is exceptionally broad, from electronic, optical, mechanical and magnetic properties of a large family of atomically thin, two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures to the physics of quantum fluids, intercalation-induced superconductivity in layered and two-dimensional materials and mass transport through atomically thin channels in 2D-materials based membranes.
The focus in 2D materials research has now shifted from studying the properties of graphene to `materials on demand' - heterostructures assembled with atomic precision, comprising 2D crystals with a variety of electronic properties - insulators (hBN), semiconductors (phosphorene, MoS2, WSe2, etc.), superconductors (NbSe2, TaS2), 2D magnets (CrI3) - which allows creating devices with desired properties, not readily available in nature. Furthermore, many new atomically thin crystals are being isolated and investigated, further expanding the library of available 2D materials with diverse and often highly desirable properties. Our research is supported by extensive cutting-edge facilities in the Schuster building and the National Graphene Institute, including clean-room microfabrication, measurements and characterisation.
The quantum fluids research is supported by unique measurements systems, including ultra-low temperature rotating cryostats. More information is available at on the Condensed Matter Physics Group page and Graphene page .
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.
The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021. 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.
For more information about research themes within the department please visit our themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page .
Open days
Fees
Fees for entry in 2024 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2023 were as follows:
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PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; 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 £2,356; 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.
The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are 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 the postgraduate fees page .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.
For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
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
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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.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.