Course summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester 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. The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester 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 Biophysics research group adopts experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to study biological and biomedical systems at molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. In any given system, we often combine these approaches to aim for better and more rigorousunderstanding of the underlying physics and biomedical sciences. The offered projects are all multidisciplinary. Thus, apart from welcoming postgraduate applicants from physics and chemistry, we often have recruits from biosciences, computing science,mathematics and engineering. Our main areas of research cover four general aspects: Physics of cell membranes and bio-interfaces, physics of peptides, physics of the heart and bio-systems, AI in medicine. 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 themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page . 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.
How to apply
International applicants
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
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’s 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.
Sponsorship information
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.
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL