Overview
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy
- Duration
- PhD 3 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
- Before applying we strongly recommend that you:
- Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
- Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
- 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:
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
Nano and functional materials covers the development and study of novel nanomaterials and their assembly into multi-functional structures and devices for their application in key technological areas. Find out more about this research area at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/materials/research/themes/nano-and-functional-materials/ .
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 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.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A TBA; 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 TBA; 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.
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 '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
- Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
- Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
- 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:
Advice to applicants
Before you start your application, you should have:
- Identified the specific research project, CDT or dual-ward you’d like to apply for, or, determined your own research proposal and project title and discussed this with a supervisor.
- Found a supervisor and spoken to them about supervising your research.
- Decided how you’re planning on funding your research and discussed this with your supervisor.
- The names and contact details of your two referees.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the following to hand:
- 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.
- Research proposal: If you are proposing your own project, your proposal should typically range between 1,000-1,500 words and should clearly outline your project title and supervisor. For information on how to write a research proposal, visit our research proposal page .
- English language proof: All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English language so you'll need to include a certificate or evidence of your English language ability. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
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
Nano and functional materials covers the development and study of novel nanomaterials and their assembly into multi-functional structures and devices for their application in key technological areas. Find out more about this research area at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/materials/research/themes/nano-and-functional-materials/ .
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 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.
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
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.