- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy
- Duration
- PhD 3-4 Years Full-Time, MPhil 1 year Full-Time
- Entry requirements
-
We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree or international equivalent, in a relevant science discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent).
- 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 |
| MPhil | Y | Y | N | N |
Programme description
Planetary Science applies a fundamental knowledge of isotopes and chemistry together with new observations to understand natural systems. Together with a strong history of designing and building many of its own instruments, group research interests extend from extraterrestrial systems and early solar system processes to addressing some of the key resource and environmental problems society faces today.
We work on precious samples from the moon, mars, rare meteorites and samples returned by NASA missions. Research includes understanding the processes forming the solar system starting material, the rate and timing of the formation of meteorites and early solar system bodies leading to the formation of the terrestrial planets.
We have projects that study how the Earth's mantle works and those that reveal the workings of volcanic systems in place like Iceland. We use isotopes to trace ocean circulation and climate change, investigate safe carbon dioxide sequestration and understand drinking water contamination processes that can affect millions.
Open days
Fees
Fees for entry in 2023 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2022 were as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £4,596; Band B £6,000; Band C £9,000; Band D £11,000; Band E £16,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £25,500; Band B £27,000; Band C £30,000; Band D £32,000; Band E £37,500 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A: TBC; Band B £3,000; Band C £4,500; Band D £5,500; Band E £8,250
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £12,750; Band B £13,500; Band C £15,000; Band D £16,000; Band E £18,750
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
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4026
- pgr-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ees.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.