The Degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Three Years
Doctor of Philosophy
This degree course gives a full training in physics research. Students work within one of the research groups of the school, under the supervision of a member of staff, and this work is written up as a thesis.
In the first six months postgraduates do a mixture of research and coursework. Physics postgraduates attend up to six lectures a week of taught course units. Students entering with an MPhys will take fewer courses than those with a BSc. Postgraduate students then produce a research report which is assessed by their supervisor and by interview with two other academic staff members. Subject to satisfactory performance in these, they then work full time on their research (a progress report is produced at the end of the second year), culminating in the submission of their thesis, which is assessed by an interview with two examiners, one external to the university.
During this time, students take a full part in the research life of the school, participating in seminars and colloquia. They are encouraged to take part in annual presentation sessions at which they describe their work to new postgraduates and to academic staff in other research fields. It is usual that a presentation of the research work takes place at one or more international conferences in the three year period
Detailed information regarding this programme can be found in our handbook.
Enterprise Doctorate (EntD)
The Enterprise Doctorate (EntD) is a doctorate in business creation and knowledge transfer modelled on the Engineering Doctorate. The core of the EntD is a project which embraces research work and commercialisation extending from the concept to commercial exploitation. The course develops research skills, advanced understanding of a specialist area and enterprise, the ability to evaluate innovation and the confidence to take forward an entrepreneurial business idea. There is a taught component to the programme which is assessed and forms an integral part of the degree; this provides the foundation of understanding underpinning the programme. Unique characteristics of the programme are its use throughout of subject supervisors, enterprise advisors and mentors; plus the highly resourced Business Creation Unit. For further details please visit the MSEC website: http://www.msec.manchester.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/entd/index.htmlAdmissions
Candidates for a PhD programme are normally required to hold a first or upper second class honours degree from a British university, or an equivalent qualification. In addition applicants will be required to present evidence of reasonable proficiency in English, if that is not their first language.Financial Support
There are also other sources of financial support, like Research Council Awards, University Studentships, etc.Start date
The course can start in September, January, April or July.Contact Us
For further information, application forms for postgraduate study and copies of our postgraduate prospectus, email pg.physics@manchester.ac.uk, or write to:
The Admissions Officer
School of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Manchester
Manchester
M13 9PL
United Kingdom
Telephone: (+44) (0)161 306 3673
Fax: (+44) (0)161 275 4279