Overview
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration
- 4 Years Full Time
- Entry requirements
-
We welcome applications to the PhD Nanoscience from graduates with an excellent degree (first or upper second) or an equivalent international qualification in science, engineering or biomedical disciplines.
Applicants should be enthusiastic and looking for a challenging interdisciplinary research training environment. Fully funded places are available for Home/UK students.
EU/International applicants are welcome to apply if they are in recipient of external scholarships or on a self-funded basis.
For exceptionally academically strong EU/International applicants with demonstrable research potential the CDT may be able to assist with applications to University of Manchester scholarships
- China Scholarship Council and The University of Manchester's Joint Scholarship Programme
-
President's Doctoral Scholar Award
-
FSE Dean's scholarships
Details of these scholarships can be found on the Faculty of Science and Engineering website .
There may also be alternative funding opportunities available for international applicants for more information please visit the University's international student funding advice page .
- Number of places/applicants
- The CDT recruits up to 20 students per academic year, please note not all places are funded by the CDT.
- How to apply
-
In your application you'll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
- Your supervisor's name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- Details of your previous study
- Names and contact details of your two referees
Before applying we also recommend that you read the Advice to Applicants section.
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | N | N | N |
Programme overview
The Graphene NOWNANO CDT offers the opportunity to join a diverse and interdisciplinary group of researchers undertaking a PhD in Nanoscience.
The Graphene NOWNANO CDT was established in 2013 with UK Research Council (EPSRC) funding and is now financially supported by The University of Manchester and industry. Working closely with the National Graphene Institute (NGI) and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), both based at The University of Manchester, the CDT offers a unique environment to undertake ground breaking research alongside opportunities for innovation and collaboration with industry within the fast growing family of graphene and 2D materials.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:
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PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are 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 the postgraduate fees page .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships are available for Home/UK students, which includes full tuition fee funding and an annual stipend, paid monthly, in line with current UK research council guidelines, the stipend payment level for 2023/2024 as a guide is £18,622 per annum.
EU/International applicants must provide their own source of funding to cover all tuition fees and living expenses.
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Graphene NOWNANO CDT
- Telephone
- graphene-nownano@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.graphene-nownano.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
We welcome applications to the PhD Nanoscience from graduates with an excellent degree (first or upper second) or an equivalent international qualification in science, engineering or biomedical disciplines.
Applicants should be enthusiastic and looking for a challenging interdisciplinary research training environment. Fully funded places are available for Home/UK students.
EU/International applicants are welcome to apply if they are in recipient of external scholarships or on a self-funded basis.
For exceptionally academically strong EU/International applicants with demonstrable research potential the CDT may be able to assist with applications to University of Manchester scholarships
- China Scholarship Council and The University of Manchester's Joint Scholarship Programme
-
President's Doctoral Scholar Award
-
FSE Dean's scholarships
Details of these scholarships can be found on the Faculty of Science and Engineering website .
There may also be alternative funding opportunities available for international applicants for more information please visit the University's international student funding advice page .
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 a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests.
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
Other entry requirements
Application and selection
How to apply
In your application you'll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
- Your supervisor's name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- Details of your previous study
- Names and contact details of your two referees
Before applying we also recommend that you read the Advice to Applicants section.
Advice to applicants
- A full CV with no timeline gaps.
- Personal statement. This should be no more than 500 words describing why you wish to be admitted to the Graphene NOWNANO programme and include any additional information you consider relevant to your application.
- Academic transcripts (interim for ongoing programmes).
- Degree certificates for all completed programmes.
- English language assessment certificate (if applicable) We may be willing to consider your application without this document but if successful, any offer of study will be conditional on providing a recognised qualification (like IELTS) that meets the English language entry requirement for this programme.
- Evidence of funding (if applicable).
How your application is considered
We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant undergraduate and postgraduate taught course units in our final decision making of your suitability for the programme.
If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess your eligibility to fulfill the entry criteria.
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
Interview requirements
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
EU/International applicants must include evidence/confirmation they have full funding in place, tuition fees and living costs, for the full four year duration of the programme.
CAS Information
Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.
If you have previously studied in the UK as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.
You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course.
Your CAS number is only valid for one visa application.
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.
Re-applications
Programme details
Programme description
The Graphene NOWNANO offers a four-year doctoral training programme leading to the award of a PhD in Nanoscience. Our aim is to train the next generation of scientists who will be able to realise the huge potential of graphene and related 2D materials and drive innovation in the UK, Europe and beyond. Graphene has been dubbed a miracle material due to the unique combination of superior electronic, mechanical, optical, chemical and biocompatible properties suitable for a large number of applications. The potential of other 2D materials (e.g. boron nitride, transition metal and gallium dichalcogenides) has become clear more recently and is now leading to the development of the so-called `materials on demand, i.e. materials with desired properties, not readily available in nature.
There has been an explosion of research and development activity in these two areas all over the world which has led to companies such as inov-8 successfully incorporating graphene into an award winning commercially available product.
The University of Manchester is the birthplace of graphene research and has continued to lead the field in a huge research expansion from the fundamental physics of graphene and related 2D materials to chemistry, engineering, characterisation and bioapplications. Lancaster University is an important partner, providing complementary expertise in theoretical modelling and niche experimental techniques.
The Graphene NOWNANO CDT provides a wide-ranging interdisciplinary PhD programme that develops postgraduate researchers into thinking and working collaboratively across traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Programme Structure:
Year 1 - September to March
Taught component of the programme. Students complete four lecture courses that have been custom developed to cover different aspects of the science and technology of nanomaterials and their applications. Two enquiry-based learning (EBL) projects are completed and two extended lab projects. EBL and lab projects are done in small groups comprising students with different undergraduate backgrounds, which facilitates peer-to-peer learning and provides experience of working as part of a research team.
During this time students will decide upon a project which they will undertake for the rest of the programme. (Link to research projects).
Year 1 April - end of Year 4
Students work on their research projects with their supervisors whilst partaking in CDT events and further skills training.
Aims
The Graphene NOWNANO CDT is unique in that PhD students select their research project during the first six months of the programme rather than having a project pre-allocated prior to admission.
We aim to offer students a new and updated list of research projects every year by academics from all participating departments at The University of Manchester. The majority of the projects are interdisciplinary, involving collaborations between research groups in different academic departments, so most students will have at least two supervisors.
Students are provided with a project booklet that includes the project title, the project background and descriptive outline as well as the contact details of each supervisory team. A poster presentation session is arranged so that students can discuss each of the projects of interest to them in more detail directly with the project supervisor. We strongly recommend that each student arranges a further meeting to visit the facilities and members of the wider supervisory team before making their final selection.
Here are some of the research projects chosen by the 2020 cohort to give you an idea of the types of projects that you could possibly undertake:
- Understanding intercalation of few-layer crystals: a physicist's approach
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Quantum twistronics in superconductors and magnetic materials
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Molecular transport through atomically thin capillaries fabricated using van der Waals assembly
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Optimising van der Waals heterostructures using transmission electron microscopy
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Modelling interfacial quantum phenomena in 2D materials
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Unconventional magnetic orders and excitations in 2D materials
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Electrophysiological characterisation of epilepsy in glioblastoma mice using graphene transistor arrays
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Nanoscale thermal management
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Self-heating systems based on graphene/polymer nanocomposites
Special features
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.
Teaching and learning
To prepare students for truly innovative interdisciplinary PhD projects, the Graphene NOWNANO CDT programme commences with a six-month taught programme of lecture course and literature and lab based projects. These cover a wide range of topics including fundamental and applied materials physics, chemistry, engineering, technology (nanofabrication, self-assembly, device manufacturing), characterisation (spectroscopic techniques, microscopy) and applications from device engineering to nanomedicine.
The programme consists of four lecture courses, two extended 12-week laboratory projects and two enquiry-based learning projects.
The emphasis is on team work, with the projects typically done in small groups of mixed-subject backgrounds. So if you are a physicist, you can expect to work with a chemist, an engineer and a biologist, etc.Coursework and assessment
Assessment will be a combination of group and individual work in the form of presentations, worksheet calculations, online tests/quizzes, lab reports and written reports.
Programme unit details
There are three core units which all students cover during the programme.
Core 1: Fundamentals of Graphene and Nanomaterials 1
This unit will be delivered during semester 1 using a combination of lectures and workshops and will be assessed by coursework.
Part 1: 2D materials from a solid state physics perspective
Part 2: Device fabrication and application of 2D materials
Part 3: Basic nano-mechanics and practical considerations
Part 4: Chemical approaches towards nanomaterials fabrication
Core 2: Introduction to Nanoengineering
This unit will be delivered during semester 1 using a combination of lectures and practicals and will be assessed by presentation and coursework.
Part 1: Microfabrication techniques
Part 2: Electron microscopy
Part 3: Electrical measurements
Part 4: Basics of optical characterisation of 2D materials
Core 3: Fundamentals of Graphene and Nanomaterials 2
This unit will be delivered during semester 2 using a combination of lectures and practicals and will be assessed by presentation and coursework.
Part 1: Key aspects of biological and medical applications of graphene based materials
Part 2: Photoelectron spectroscopy and its applications to 2D materials
Part 3: Identifying and characterising nanostructured materials - working in groups to develop a strategy to identify an unknown nanoscale device, reveal its properties and functions.
Alongside these core units, you will also choose one optional unit to study.
Option 1: Fundamentals of Nanoelectronics
This unit will be delivered during semester 2 using a combination of lectures and workshops and will be assessed by coursework.
Option 2: Fundamentals of Molecular Modelling
This unit will be delivered during semester 2 using a combination of lectures and practical's and will be assessed by essay.
You will also complete two Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) modules and two Laboratory based projects across both semesters.
EBL projects are student-led reviews exploring a specific topic, conducted in groups of approximately four. These in-depth studies offer the opportunity to delve into the literature and develop an original piece of work designed to gain a deeper understanding of the subject and encourage critical literature review skills. Students will complete two projects during the taught programme, with the opportunity to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
- Recent EBL topic examples are:
- Topological properties of electronic bands in 2D materials
- Permeation through 2D lattices
- Making spin count: exploring future spin based technologies
- The science behind 2D materials for imaging, drug discovery and biosensing
- Solving problems in information security with 2D materials
Our laboratory based projects lasting 12 weeks give the opportunity to explore the more experimental side of a variety of topics. Each of the projects is designed to be self-contained, allowing students to make significant contributions to the research group. As with any research project, there will be many opportunities for students to put forward original ideas and help influence the direction of the research. During the programme the students will complete two group lab projects. Recent lab project examples are:
- Atomic force microscopy for imaging biological samples
- Graphene/2D material based field effect devices and optoelectronics
- Crating domain walls in magnetic nanowires
- Low temperature electronic measurements of 2D materials
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships, including full tuition fee funding and monthly stipend payments, are available for UK/Home students.
EU/International applicants must source their own funding and evidence this within their applications.
Programme collaborators
What our students say
The taught part of the course has given me a better understanding of some of the interdisciplinary aspects of nanomaterials research.
As I carry on through my project the CDT provides me with both a wide-reaching network of academics and students, and a streamlined way to secure access to equipment and resources outside of my department. As a Chemistry graduate it was very useful to have lectures on important topics which I didn't previously understand properly, such as solid state physics.
Michael Greaves / Researching 3D printing to develop MXene-based batteries of all shapes and sizes.
Bonnie Tsim CDT student researching Electron/electron correlations in two-dimensional materials (2DM) and 2DM heterostructures
Facilities
Disability support
CPD opportunities
As part of the CDT you will be offered training in:
Commercialisation of Research
Media Engagement
Public Engagement and Outreach
Health and Safety
Introduction to Research
A dedicated programme of researcher development courses that progresses alongside your PhD
Team Building & Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Academic Writing
and much more!
Careers
Career opportunities
- It's never too early to start thinking about your career
- Setting yourself up for success
- Developing a research profile
- Commercialisation of research
- Excursions to industry
- University careers service with a dedicated PGR emphasis
- Bespoke 1-2-1 careers advice
- Engagement with an active CDT alumni
The CDT actively promotes student participation in placements/secondments/internships that will both broaden your skills and experiences and widen your network of colleagues.
Working closely with our business engagement partners and the GEIC we support students looking for opportunities to engage with industry and academic colleagues throughout the world.
Graphene NOWNANO PhD students have gone on to develop careers within academia, industry and the UK government office for science working as; research associates, biomedical scientists, entrepreneurs, software developers, engineers, materials scientists, computational mathematicians and many more.