MSc by Research Particle Accelerator Physics

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.

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

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.

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.

This information will be reviewed and used to shortlist you for a funding interview if appropriate; you should therefore ensure that you address all of the above requirements.

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.

This is a standard one year full-time research degree which provides the opportunity to carry out a research project while gaining valuable skills and knowledge through a tailored taught package. The programme includes 45 credit taught units and a dissertation project equivalent to 135 credits, creating a standard 180 credit postgraduate MSc by Research programme.

A research project is undertaken under the supervision of a staff member throughout the year together with lectures. Full time is spent working on the project unless attending lectures. A dissertation will be submitted at the year-end. We provide a range of skills training which is particularly focussed on the needs of physics research. 

A research degree in physics is highly regarded by employers as evidence of a thorough training in numerate problem-solving and opens a wide range of possible career choices.  In addition to continuing physics research in industry, an MSc provides the entry level training to undertake a PhD in physics.