Overview
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy
- Duration
- PhD 3-4 Years FT; MPhil 1 year FT
- Entry requirements
-
The standard academic entry requirements for a Doctorate level programme is an Upper Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering 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
The Biomaterials research programmes cover an exciting area of research in the Department focusing both on fundamental understanding of interactions between man-made materials and biological tissues and the development of useful applications. We have close links with the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies and the clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine. There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of PhD studentships and University funding packages . Many of our research students are sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources. Please contact us to find out more.
The subject
The subject of biomaterials covers those materials that are used in the context of biology and medicine, usually to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. In surgery, a biomaterial may be a synthetic material used to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue.
A new area in biomaterials involves the exploration of nanotechnology for drug delivery, biological sensing or tissue regeneration. Examples of these bionanomaterials are small particles that may be used for the delivery of drug molecules to target sites within the body or to detect diseased areas.
Biomaterials are produced using chemical, physical, mechanical processes and they often employ or mimic biological phenomena in order for them to interact with their biological surroundings in defined ways.
Application of research
The clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine, including drug delivery, cancer, wound healing, stem cell technology, repair and regeneration of nerve, tendon, cartilage, bone, intevertebral disc, skin, ligament and cornea.
Industry collaboration
We have strong ties with industry, including ongoing collaboration with Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, and Versamatrix A/S (Denmark), developing novel biomaterial based strategies for wound healing, bone repair, control of inflammation and drug delivery.
See more about this research area at https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk/research/themes/biomaterials/ .
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
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £25,500; Band B £27,000; Band C £30,000; Band D £32,000 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A: TBC; Band B £3,000; Band C £4,500; Band D £5,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £12,750; Band B £13,500; Band C £15,000; Band D £16,000
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.
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 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 'My Best Score'.
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
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 applicationAdvice to applicants
- Research proposal - Typical proposals range between 1,000 and 1,500 words. This should clearly outline a supervisor and project title.
- Bachelor's transcripts and certificates.
- Master's transcripts and certificates (where available).
- CV
If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. 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.
How your application is considered
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 if you are still able to fulfil 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
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 on a Tier 4 visa 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. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.
Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.
Deferrals
Re-applications
Programme details
Programme description
The Biomaterials research programmes cover an exciting area of research in the Department focusing both on fundamental understanding of interactions between man-made materials and biological tissues and the development of useful applications. We have close links with the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies and the clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine. There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of PhD studentships and University funding packages . Many of our research students are sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources. Please contact us to find out more.
The subject
The subject of biomaterials covers those materials that are used in the context of biology and medicine, usually to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. In surgery, a biomaterial may be a synthetic material used to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue.
A new area in biomaterials involves the exploration of nanotechnology for drug delivery, biological sensing or tissue regeneration. Examples of these bionanomaterials are small particles that may be used for the delivery of drug molecules to target sites within the body or to detect diseased areas.
Biomaterials are produced using chemical, physical, mechanical processes and they often employ or mimic biological phenomena in order for them to interact with their biological surroundings in defined ways.
Application of research
The clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine, including drug delivery, cancer, wound healing, stem cell technology, repair and regeneration of nerve, tendon, cartilage, bone, intevertebral disc, skin, ligament and cornea.
Industry collaboration
We have strong ties with industry, including ongoing collaboration with Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, and Versamatrix A/S (Denmark), developing novel biomaterial based strategies for wound healing, bone repair, control of inflammation and drug delivery.
See more about this research area at https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk/research/themes/biomaterials/ .
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.