PhD Photon Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2023

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.

Full entry requirements

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 Photon Physics group studies the interactions between light and matter and uses light to investigate a range of novel and important systems. The scope of the work ranges from improving our theoretical understanding of the quantum nature of these interactions to developing new spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for material science, medicine and biology. Our experimental work utilises light in its broadest sense, exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum from x-rays to THz frequencies and we employ the cutting-edge facilities available in the  Photon Science Institute   as well as developing new light sources ourselves. This work often studies the physical processes that underpin applications with important real-world impact, such as the development of efficient new solar cells and LEDs for low-energy lighting.

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

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to register for our upcoming webinar for prospective applicants and learn about the steps you need to take to start your journey to postgraduate research.

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

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is offering a number of scholarships to both UK and oversees students. For more information about these scholarships please visit our Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes page or the Fees and Funding page on the Department website for more information on other scholarships and awards available.

Contact details

Department
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact name
Postgraduate Resaerch Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4026
Email
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

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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.