MSc by Research Particle Accelerator Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
Master of Science (Research)
Duration
12 months (full-time)
Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this MSc by Research is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

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 proposed 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.

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research Y Y N N

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

Programme description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK.We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

TheDepartment has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the Department.

The research within our Particle Accelerator Group is focussed on machines associated with high energy particle physics and medical physics. The former entails breakthrough research on anti-hydrogen, on machine design for LHC high luminosity and high-energy upgrades, novel very high gradient acceleration plasma and dielectric schemes, and Terahertz radiation sources. The medical physics work entails the design of dramatically new machines and on biological and dose delivery aspects of very high energy particle beams for improved treatment of cancer via radiotherapy. The associated experiments are conducted at world class laboratories, including CERN, the CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications)/VELA (Versatile Electron Linear Accelerator) facility at Daresbury laboratory, the Christie NHS Trust and the Photon Science Institute. To discuss the potential for a studentship and the current availability of projects, please contact our group PGR coordinator Dr Morgan Hibberd ( morgan.hibberd@manchester.ac.uk ).

Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some department teaching opportunities. Projects are funded by STFC, EPSRC and other sources.

Note: Although the course requires 1 year full time study, students should expect the process of examination of the dissertation may take several months. MSc degrees are usually awarded several months after the end of the programme.

Open days

Visit our Events and Opportunities page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc by Research (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,006.00; Band B - £7,400; Band C - £10,500; Band D - £15,200; Band E - £25,700
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,400; Band B - £31,500; Band C - £37,300; Band D - £45,200; Band E - £59,900
  • MSc by Research (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,503.00; Band B - £3,700; Band C - £5,250; Band D - £7,600; Band E - £12,850
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,700; Band B - £15,750; Band C - £18,650; Band D - £22,600; Band E - £29,950

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 to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Contact details

Department
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
https://www.physics.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.