- Degree awarded
- PhD
- Duration
- 3 to 4 years -some funding schemes are for 3.5 yrs
- Entry requirements
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The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master鈥檚 degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.
- How to apply
-
In your application you鈥檒l need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
- Your proposed name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the
- A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
- Details of your previous university level study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | N | N |
Programme description
The at 91直播 is one of the largest and most active physics departments 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 National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the 91直播 Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.
The field of nuclear physics aims to understand the structure and dynamics of nuclear systems. The field is motivated to answer questions on how the Universe is evolving, how stars develop and how the basic constituents of matter interact. Our research also has applications that benefit society in diverse areas, from medicine and security to power production.
The atomic nucleus is a unique laboratory where the microscopic quantum world merges with the mesoscopic world. The structure, shape and lifetime of nuclei are driven by the interplay of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces between individual nucleons. Remarkably these complex many-body systems display regularities and simple patterns that arise from the underlying nature of the nuclear force. Through precise experimental measurement, these effects and their implications can be studied and address the challenge of understanding the atomic nucleus from first principles, as well as understanding the influence that the properties of atomic nuclei have on astrophysical processes, on other areas of physics and on applications.
Research conducted by the 91直播 group contributes to this international effort and our students have played leading roles in recent scientific highlights.
The 91直播 group collaborates with researchers across the world at international facilities such as CERN and Argonne National Laboratory. Our postgraduate MSc and PhD projects offer the opportunity to work at the frontier of the field providing training in state-of-the-art experimental techniques of transfer reactions, gamma-ray spectroscopy and measurements of hyperfine atomic effects using lasers.
The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021. 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 school teaching opportunities.
For more information about research themes within the department please visit our or view available projects within the department on our .
Open days
Visit our 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:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - TBC; Band B - 拢7,400; Band C - 拢10,500; Band D - 拢15,200; Band E - 拢25,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - 拢29,400; Band B - 拢31,500; Band C - 拢37,300; Band D - 拢45,200; Band E - 拢59,900 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A 拢TBC; Band B 拢7,400; Band C 拢10,500; Band D 拢15,200; Band E 拢25,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A 拢29,400; Band B 拢31,500; Band C 拢37,300; Band D 拢45,200; Band E 拢59,900
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鈥疕ome students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you鈥檒l need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we鈥檇 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 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
- School/Faculty
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 529 3049
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- School/Faculty
-
See: .
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 .
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .