PhD/MPhil Photon Physics at The University of Manchester

Opportunity	PhD/MPhil Photon Physics at The University of Manchester
Host	University of Manchester
Location	Manchester, United Kingdom
Study Level	PhD / MPhil
Funding	Partially Funded, stipend provided
Stipend	Scholarships, studentships and awards are available at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and o
Application Deadline	Rolling admissions for 2027 entry
Apply	Official application page ↗

About the Position

Research in Quantum Technology for Physics develops new experimental techniques and approaches that exploit quantum mechanics to better our understanding of the physical world.

As a postgraduate researcher in this Department of Physics and Astronomy research theme, you could use state-of-the-art laser facilities at the Photon Science Institute and work with industrial partners, depending on your project.

Apply for one of our advertised research projects, or bring your own research question to a supervisor to develop a proposal.

Programme Details

• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy / Master of Philosophy
• Duration: PhD 3–4 Years Full-Time, MPhil 1 year Full-Time
• Study Mode: PhD Full-time: In person; Part-time: In person; MPhil Full-time: In person
• Year of Entry: 2027

Department

Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester.

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.

The Photon Physics group studies the interactions between light and matter and uses light to investigate a range of novel and important systems. The scope of the work ranges from improving our theoretical understanding of the quantum nature of these interactions to developing new spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for material science, medicine and biology.

Our experimental work utilises light in its broadest sense, exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum from x-rays to THz frequencies and we employ the facilities available in the Photon Science Institute as well as developing new light sources ourselves. This work often studies the physical processes that underpin applications with important real-world impact, such as the development of efficient new solar cells and LEDs for low-energy lighting.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and 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.

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.

English Language Requirements

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5 in all other sub-tests. TOEFL iBT: At least 4.5 overall with no subskill below 4.5. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59.

Fees and Funding

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,238; Band B - £7,700; Band C - £13,200, Band D - £21,200; Band E £36,100
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,900; Band B - £32,400; Band C - £37,900, Band D - £45,900; Band E £60,800

PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,619; Band B - £3,850; Band C - £6,600; Band D - £10,550; Band E - £18,050
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,500; Band B - £16,200; Band C - £18,950; Band D - £22,950; Band E - £30,400

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.

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Contact

• Email: fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Official Link

Full announcement and application portal: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/list/05518/phd-mphil-photon-physics/

Source: manchester.ac.uk - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: Rolling admissions for 2027 entry - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

About University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, medicine, business and the humanities. Its research community connects academic discovery with challenges in health, sustainability, technology and society through collaboration.

Official website: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/

How to Apply

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section. When you are ready to apply, follow these instructions.

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.

Advice to Applicants

Before you start your application, you should have:

• Identified the specific research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or, if you already have funding, determined your own research project and title and discussed this with a supervisor.
• Contacted the project supervisor and spoken to them about your suitability for the project.
• Browsed funding you are eligible for and discussed this with your supervisor, if you don't already have your own funding.

You'll also need to make sure you have the following:

• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research, the area(s) of research you're interested in, why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you've developed.
• Certificates and transcripts: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your current weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
• CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
• English language proof: A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
• Referees: Names and contact details of two academic referees who we can get in contact with and will support your application.

Interview Requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study. Read our interview advice to help you prepare.

Contact Details

Department: Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact name: Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone: +44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email: fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Website: https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
• UK Student Visa Application: CAS, Documents and Financial Evidence