MSc by Research Soft Matter and Liquid Crystals Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2023

Degree awarded
MSc by Research
Duration
12 Months [Full-Time]
Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirements for a Masters research programme is a Lower Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Before applying we strongly recommend that you:
  1. Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
  2. Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
  3. 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 will be funding your research , details of your previous study , names and contact details of your two referees . Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:

Apply now

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research 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 Soft Matter and Liquid Crystals group offers a well-equipped laboratory and strong research activities across a broad range of topics related to Soft Matter, in particular, thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, as well as composite systems based on anisotropic fluids, like polymer-modified liquid crystals, colloidal liquid crystals, and dispersed nano-systems. We are a multi-disciplinary group, which works at the overlap between physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and engineering. As such, we are involved in a large range of collaborations, not only with other groups and centres at the University of Manchester, but also nationally and internationally. For more information please visit our research page:  https://softmatter-dierking.myfreesites.net/  

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.

Note: Although the course requires 1 year full time study, students should expect the process of examination of the dissertation may take several months. MSc degrees are usually awarded several months after the end of the programme.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to find out about our upcoming events and open days.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc by Research (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
  • MSc by Research (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 Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4026
Email
Website
https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/research/areas-of-expertise/physics-of-fluids/
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.