Program Overview

PhD Theoretical Physics / Overview

Degree Awarded

• PhD

Duration

• 3 to 4 years (some funding schemes are for 3.5 years)

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 Options

| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning
---|---|---|---|---
PhD | Y | Y | N | N

Programme Description

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.

Work on theoretical physics is concentrated in four main areas:

• Complex systems
• Quantum descriptions of matter and its interactions with light
• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics

Research Areas

• Quantum Theory of Light and Matter
• Nuclear Theory
• Particle Theory

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.