PhD Nanoscience DTC: The University of Manchester

Course description

NOWNANO builds on the world-leading expertise in all nanoscience within Manchester and Lancaster universities to offer a broad interdisciplinary doctoral training centre. PhD students will receive initial training that will show them the breadth and potential of nanoscience, before they focus on mastering one specific area of the subject. This area could range from studying the most exciting materials in nanoscience, such as graphene, to applying nanotechnology in drug delivery or making new biomaterials. Throughout the research training the cohort will meet and discuss their research, building a group of outstanding scientists that will help to lead world research in nanoscience in the future.

The NOWNANO DTC PhD takes four years because the challenges presented by nanoscience are inherently interdisciplinary, and to make a contribution in this area requires training that crosses discipline boundaries. Postgraduate students in the DTC will be provided with a great awareness of developments outside the narrower remit of their research project and be able to discuss and reflect on a range of science that falls within the heading of nanoscience and its exploitation.

Career opportunities

Successful graduates will progress within a wide variety of roles in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly expanding fields of R&D, with an expected global value of over a trillion dollars by 2015 and with much of this value coming from work in information technology. New technologies are required to underpin this future industry, and the research to be pursued within the DTC will target exploitable technologies and contribute to producing the innovative workforce needed. The application of nanotechnology in medicine is in both the current NIH roadmap and in the RS 2005 report and is one of the grand challenges in the EPSRC nanotechnology strategy.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: They welcome applications from graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a good degree (first class or upper second) in a relevant discipline, such as physical sciences, an appropriate branch of engineering or medical disciplines.

English language: In addition, applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already posses a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL and attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 ( with no sub test less than 5.5), TOEFL 570 usually with 5.0 in the TWE (Computer-based 230 or above or Internet-based 88-89 or above).