Program Overview

PhD Soft Matter and Liquid Crystals Physics

Overview

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.

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.

Application and Selection

• 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) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • 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

Programme Details

• Degree awarded: Doctor of Philosophy
• Duration: 3 to 4 years (some funding schemes are for 3.5 years)
• Programme options:
  • Full-time: Y
  • Part-time: Y
  • Full-time distance learning: N
  • Part-time distance learning: N

Programme Description

The Soft Matter and Liquid Crystals group offers a well-equipped laboratory and strong research activities across a broad range of topics related to Soft Matter, in particular, thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, as well as composite systems based on anisotropic fluids, like polymer-modified liquid crystals, colloidal liquid crystals, and dispersed nano-systems. We are a multi-disciplinary group, which works at the overlap between physics, chemistry, materials science, biology, and engineering.

Research Areas

• Soft Matter
• Liquid Crystals
• Thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals
• Composite systems based on anisotropic fluids
• Polymer-modified liquid crystals
• Colloidal liquid crystals
• Dispersed nano-systems

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.
• To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor.

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.
• This programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

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.
• 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.