Program Overview

PhD/MPhil Atmospheric Sciences

Overview

The PhD/MPhil Atmospheric Sciences program is a research-based degree that explores various aspects of atmospheric science, including physical, chemical, and electrical processes. The program is offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester.

Entry Requirements

• The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honors degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
• Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered.

Application and Selection

• Apply online, including:
  • The name of this program
  • Research project title or area of research
  • Proposed supervisor's name
  • Funding information (if applicable)
  • Supporting statement
  • Details of previous university-level study
  • Names and contact details of two referees

Programme Details

• Degree awarded: Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy
• Duration: PhD 3-4 years full-time; MPhil 1 year full-time
• Programme options:
  • Full-time: PhD, MPhil
  • Part-time: PhD, MPhil
  • Full-time distance learning: Not available
  • Part-time distance learning: Not available

Programme Description

Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences covers three main research themes: earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth. This program includes many areas of atmospheric science, exploring a range of physical, chemical, and electrical processes.

Research Areas

• Radiative transfer
• Precipitation and cloud electrification
• Boundary layer processes
• Aerosol properties
• Cloud physics and chemistry
• Atmospheric pollution in the urban environment

Field Experiments

Field experiments and interpretation of field observations form the largest part of this group's activities. Recent field experiments have been held in locations across the UK and further afield.

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 - £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
  • PhD (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

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.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

This program aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 13: Climate action
• Goal 14: Life below water
• Goal 15: Life on land

School/Faculty Overview

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.

Programmes in Related Subject Areas

• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Geology
• Petroleum Engineering

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