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 Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

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

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

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).

Students can also exit with Master of Research (MRes).