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
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 | 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
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 -
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.
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
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 Resaerch 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
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:
Advice to applicants
Before you start your application, you should have:
- Identified the specific research project, CDT or dual-ward you’d like to apply for, or, determined your own research proposal and project title and discussed this with a supervisor.
- Found a supervisor and spoken to them about supervising your research.
- Decided how you’re planning on funding your research and discussed this with your supervisor.
- The names and contact details of your two referees.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the following to hand:
- Certificates: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation.
- CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
- Research proposal: If you are proposing your own project, your proposal should typically range between 1,000-1,500 words and should clearly outline your project title and supervisor. For information on how to write a research proposal, visit our research proposal page .
- English language proof: All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English language so you'll need to include a certificate or evidence of your English language ability. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
Interview requirements
Deferrals
It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).
You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .
If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.
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 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.
Additional programme information
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.
Related research
Related research in the Department is conducted through the following research groupings:
Biological Physics.
Condensed Matter Physics.
Soft Matter Physics.
Theoretical Physics.
For more information on the above research groupings please visit www.physics.manchester.ac.uk
Scholarships and bursaries
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.