PhD Condensed Matter Physics / Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active department 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.

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 http://www.condmat.physics.manchester.ac.uk/ and http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/ .

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 please visit our research page .

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.