91Ö±²¥

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at 91Ö±²¥ is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK.We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

TheDepartment has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: the Photon Science Institute, the 91Ö±²¥ Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the Department.

The research within our Particle Accelerator Group is focussed on machines associated with high energy particle physics and medical physics. The former entails breakthrough research on anti-hydrogen, on machine design for LHC high luminosity and high-energy upgrades, novel very high gradient acceleration plasma and dielectric schemes, and Terahertz radiation sources. The medical physics work entails the design of dramatically new machines and on biological and dose delivery aspects of very high energy particle beams for improved treatment of cancer via radiotherapy. The associated experiments are conducted at world class laboratories, including CERN, the CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications)/VELA (Versatile Electron Linear Accelerator) facility at Daresbury laboratory, the Christie NHS Trust and the Photon Science Institute. To discuss the potential for a studentship and the current availability of projects, please contact our group PGR coordinator Dr Morgan Hibberd ( morgan.hibberd@manchester.ac.uk ).

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 department teaching opportunities. Projects are funded by STFC, EPSRC and other sources.

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.

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research to find out about upcoming open days and webinars .

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the
• 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.

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Before you start your application, you should have:

• Identified the 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 and spoken to them about your suitability for the project.
• 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 91Ö±²¥, 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.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at 91Ö±²¥ is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK.We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

TheDepartment has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: the Photon Science Institute, the 91Ö±²¥ Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the Department.

The research within our Particle Accelerator Group is focussed on machines associated with high energy particle physics and medical physics. The former entails breakthrough research on anti-hydrogen, on machine design for LHC high luminosity and high-energy upgrades, novel very high gradient acceleration plasma and dielectric schemes, and Terahertz radiation sources. The medical physics work entails the design of dramatically new machines and on biological and dose delivery aspects of very high energy particle beams for improved treatment of cancer via radiotherapy. The associated experiments are conducted at world class laboratories, including CERN, the CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications)/VELA (Versatile Electron Linear Accelerator) facility at Daresbury laboratory, the Christie NHS Trust and the Photon Science Institute. To discuss the potential for a studentship and the current availability of projects, please contact our group PGR coordinator Dr Morgan Hibberd ( morgan.hibberd@manchester.ac.uk ).

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 department teaching opportunities. Projects are funded by STFC, EPSRC and other sources.

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.

This is a standard one year full-time research degree which provides the opportunity to carry out a research project while gaining valuable skills and knowledge through a tailored taught package. The programme includes 45 credit taught units and a dissertation project equivalent to 135 credits, creating a standard 180 credit postgraduate MSc by Research programme.

A research project is undertaken under the supervision of a staff member throughout the year together with lectures. Full time is spent working on the project unless attending lectures. A dissertation will be submitted at the year-end. We provide a range of skills training which is particularly focussed on the needs of physics research. 

A research degree in physics is highly regarded by employers as evidence of a thorough training in numerate problem-solving and opens a wide range of possible career choices.  In addition to continuing physics research in industry, an MSc provides the entry level training to undertake a PhD in physics.