Materials and Physics Postgraduate Research
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Blended Delivery
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
Three year
May 2024
In a nutshell
Are you interested in talking your passion for physics further? The University of Salford welcomes applications to study materials and physics via our MPhil and PhD research programmes.
The prestigious Physics and Materials Research Group encompasses experimental, computational and theoretical areas of physics, chemistry, engineering and mathematics. Our research is primarily focused on applied optics, complexity and nonlinear photonics, hydrogen storage, photovoltaics, functionalisation of graphene, semiconductor materials and thin films.
A research degree offers you the flexibility to conduct your own research project under direct supervision of an academic member of staff. You can study towards a Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Current physics and materials research topics include:
- Applied optics, laser applications and theory
- Chemical physics
- Complexity, applied nonlinear science and metamaterials
- Energy and hydrogen storage
- Extreme conditions
- Magnetism and nanomaterials
- Materials characterisation and modelling
- Structural analysis and functional materials
The University of Salford became the 100th signatory to the Athena SWAN Charter in 2012 making a very public commitment to improving outcomes for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine. We are committed to the IOP's Project JUNO to develop an equitable and inclusive departmental culture for everyone. Read more about it here >>>
You will:
- Research a broad range of fields in physics and materials, including lasers, optics, energy storage and photovoltaics
- Undertake research around an area from your own profession and develop solutions that can be implemented in the workplace
- Earn a doctorate-level degree to take you further in your current career, or provide a gateway into a research career
students accepted
Course accreditations
All about the course
Materials and Physics postgraduate research is available in a range of pathways:
Master of Research (MRes)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Three years full-time
Five years part-time
Our research students have access to a wide range of supervisory expertise, training, and excellent facilities.
The research training you receive will be tailored to your particular needs. Your supervisory team will discuss with you once you join the programme.
Materials and Physics Research at Salford
Find out more about our research staff, our laboratories, the areas of materials and physics we research, and the current projects we're working on.
You will also find a list of suggested PhD topics.
Research Facilities
Our physics laboratories include various spectroscopy facilities (Raman, photoluminescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, spectrophotometry), chemical vapour deposition, high-pressure facilities (up to 2 Kbar high-pressure gas facility and diamond anvil cells for experiments up to 1 Mbar), X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Doctoral School
Becoming a world-class researcher is challenging yet rewarding. It takes amazing dedication and plenty of hard-work.
If you are a current or prospective research degree candidate, find out how our Doctoral school is here to give you support to help you reach your goal.
Contact us
Are you a current or prospective research degree candidate in need of further guidance? Contact our dedicated research team who can help you find the right research programme for you:
Call us: +44 (0)161 295 3482 or +44 (0)161 295 6435 (9am-5pm)
Email us: pgr-supportssee@salford.ac.uk
What about after uni?
Globally, a postgraduate research qualification is usually pre-requisite for an academic career. Today, you will find that many of our PhD alumni hold postdoctoral positions in academic research in higher education.
Our physics and materials postgraduate student alumni have a strong track record in pursuing diverse and exciting opportunities in the private sector, both in the UK and throughout the world. Examples include working in the defence industry (BAE Systems, QinetiQ), the oil and petrochemicals industry (Petroleum Geoservices, ATMOS International), and the semiconductor and commercial coating industries (NXP Semiconductors, Hardide, Cacuum Equipment Ltd.).
Others have secured roles working at instrumentation companies designing new products for scientific analysis (Kratos Analytical, waters) and medical imaging (Agilent Technologies).
What you need to know
MAKING AN APPLICATION
We offer four entry points - January, April, July and October. An application to study can be submitted at any point during the year.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Ideally, you will hold an Honours degree in physics, or a physics-related subject. Please refer to the Entry Requirements section for specific details.
All applicants must attend an interview.
International applicants will require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English Language Qualification.
APPLICANT PROFILE
We are looking for applicants with a passion for furthering knowledge in a physics or materials-related field. Evidence of your ability to study and critically appraise literature independently, is essential.
You will be assigned a supervisory team to help guide and mentor you throughout your postgraduate research and studies. However, you will be expected to take responsibility for managing your learning, and to initiate discussions, ask for support, and be proactive in your approach to study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You might need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.
You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website with your JACS code which will be on your offer letter should you choose to make an application. For further support, please contact our International team at application@salford.ac.uk. If you have any queries relating to ATAS, please contact our team at Salford-ATAS@salford.ac.uk.
Standard entry requirements
Applications for the PhD must have a minimum of an upper second class undergraduate degree. A Masters degree is preferred but not essential. However, applicants without a Masters degree must provide evidence of previous research methods training.
Applicants for the MPhil degree must have a minimum of a lower second class undergraduate degree, or relevant experience.
On your application form, you should include two referees who can comment on your suitability to study at postgraduate level, and you should also indicate a preferred research area or the title of a specific project, where appropriate. You must also indicate the type of financial support you have (or require).
Alternative entry requirements
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.
Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme, if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or by using a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Please contact Admissions for further information.
How much?
As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.