Overview
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy
- Duration
- PhD 3-4 Years FT; MPhil 1 Year FT
- Entry requirements
-
The minimum academic entry requirement for a PhD in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD OR any upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) and a Master’s degree merit (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD.
- 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.
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
The Department of Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.
Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.
A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our graduates work in the most prestigious institutions and organisations throughout the world. Much of the Department's research has a significant impact on society and commerce; such as the development of new welding techniques enabling more fuel-effecient jet engines, and a new class of high performance, low density magnesium alloys to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption in the aerospace and automotive industries.
The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level. There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of postgraduate research studentships and projects , and funding, scholarships and awards with many of our research students sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources.
Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.
Open days
Fees
Fees for entry in 2024 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2023 were 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; Band E £23,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500; Band E £54,000 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £2,356; Band B £3,250; Band C £4,750; Band D £6,750; Band E £11,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £13,250; Band B £14,250; Band C £16,750; Band D £20,250; Band E £27,000
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
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 Materials
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- 0161 543 4026
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.materials.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
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 5.5. in each sub-test.
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
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.
Advice to applicants
- Checked you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for postgraduate research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
- Identified the specific research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or, if you already have funding, determined your own research project and title and discussed this with a supervisor.
- Contacted the project supervisor and spoken to them about your suitability for the project.
- Browsed funding you are eligible for and discussed this with your supervisor, if you don't already have your own funding.
- 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.
- English language proof: A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
- Referees: Names and contact details of two academic referees who we can get in contact with and will support your application.
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 Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.
Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.
A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our graduates work in the most prestigious institutions and organisations throughout the world. Much of the Department's research has a significant impact on society and commerce; such as the development of new welding techniques enabling more fuel-effecient jet engines, and a new class of high performance, low density magnesium alloys to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption in the aerospace and automotive industries.
The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level. There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of postgraduate research studentships and projects , and funding, scholarships and awards with many of our research students sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources.
Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.
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.
Scholarships and bursaries
In the Department of Materials we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The employment prospects following graduation from our research programmes are excellent; our graduates typically go on to research and development and management/consultant positions in industry and careers in academia.