MSc by Research Soft Matter and Liquid Crystals Physics

Year of entry: 2027

Degree awarded
MSc by Research
Duration
1 Year FT or PT equivalent
Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this MSc by Research is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

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

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.
Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research Y Y N N

Programme description

The 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.

TheDepartment 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 Soft Matter andLiquid Crystals group offers a well-equipped laboratory and strong research activities across a broad range of topics related to Soft Matter, in particular, thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, as well as composite systems based on anisotropic fluids, like polymer-modified liquid crystals, colloidal liquid crystals, and dispersed nano-systems. We are a multi-disciplinary group, which works at the overlap between physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and engineering. As such, we are involved in a large range of collaborations, not only with other groups and centres at the University of Manchester, but also nationally and internationally. For more information please visit our the .

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class 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.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our or view available projects within the department on our .

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.

Open days

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

Fees

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

  • MSc by Research (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
  • MSc by Research (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 tuition fee for each project will depend on the cost of running the project, including, required access to laboratory facilities, equipment and materials needed to carry out the research, and whether the project is lab-based or desk-based. We therefore estimate the fee based on different bands.

Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum may be applied depending on fee status and band. For general fees information please .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

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

For more information about our scholarships, to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Contact details

Department
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
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. .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .