- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- 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
Before applying we strongly recommend that you:
- Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
- Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
- Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor
In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .
Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | N | 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 Fluids and Soft Matter group studies the behaviour and instabilities of complex material systems, from bubble flows to soft tissues, encompassing both curiosity-driven and industrially-relevant phenomena. Current themes include interfacial instabilities in analogues of rigid and compliant porous media, wetting and drying, yielding and flow in complex materials, buckling in metamaterials and biomimetic studies of blood rheology. The group houses the laboratories of the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics (MCND, http://www.mcnd.manchester.ac.uk/ ). Founded in 2000 by the Departments of Physics and Mathematics to ally quantitative experimental investigations, with cutting edge approaches in mathematical and numerical modelling of complex systems. MCND builds on Manchester's outstanding pedigree in fundamental fluid mechanics to provide a modern, multidisciplinary training environment of high international profile, which is unique in the UK.
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 £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
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
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
-
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.