Nanoscience

PhD

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Full time 3 - 4 years
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Overview

This PhD offers research in nanoscience and nanotechnologies which is excelled by the experimentalists in the Quantum Technology Centre and theorists in the Centre for Nanoscale Dynamics at Lancaster.

In experimental nanoscience we offer projects in quantum technologies and development; studies of superconductor and semiconductor qubits and quantum circuits; quantum metrology; development of quantum dot systems for quantum key distribution; studies of atomic two-dimensional materials including graphene, boron nitride, hexagonal metal chalcogenides and their heterostructures; development and applications of new scanning mechanical and thermal microscopy techniques; development of novel nanostructured materials for telecommunications and for energy applications. We study nanostructures at the record-breaking low temperatures, in a sub-mK range.

In theoretical nanoscience, we offer projects in quantum transport and quantum Hall effect; mesoscopics and fundamentals of nanoelectronics; single-molecule electronics; quantum optics; quantum information processing. We develop theories of new atomic two-dimensional materials using the first principles density functional theory, quantum Monte Carlo modelling, and phenomenological theories. We develop theories of dynamics and kinetics in quantum systems in strongly non-equilibrium conditions using field theory methods. On the side of applied nanoscience, we model devices for electronics and optoelectronic applications.

We collaborate with world leading companies including Bruker, Fiat, and Oxford Instruments. The programme is supported by a selection of training courses providing skills in modern research techniques, special scientific training and transferable skills courses.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Physics, or its equivalent in a relevant subject.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2025/26 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2024/25 was full-time £4,786.

The international fee for new entrants in 2025/26 is full-time £27,550.

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Research Groups

Our postgraduate studies are closely aligned with our Research. Our research is divided into four main themes, and each of these contains sub-groups. In each group, you can find details of available research projects and academic supervisors.

  • Astrophysics

    The Astrophysics group contains teams investigating Observational Astrophysics, Theoretical Particle Cosmology and Space and Planetary Physics.

  • Experimental Condensed Matter

    The Experimental Condensed Matter group contains teams investigating Low Temperature Physics, Quantum Nanotechnology and Nonlinear and Biomedical Physics.

  • Particle and Accelerator Physics

    The Particle and Accelerator Physics group contains teams investigating Experimental Particle Physics and Accelerator Physics.

  • Theoretical Physics

    The Theoretical Physics group contains teams investigating Condensed Matter Theory, Mathematical Physics and the Theory of Molecular-Scale Transport.

Joshua Chawner's story

"Being a part of the physics research here at Lancaster University is an exciting experience. My experimental work in quantum electronics is both challenging and rewarding. The department has all the resources I need to allow the research to flow. I get many opportunities to share my work and learn more at various conferences around the world. I also enjoy helping undergraduate students learn to code, one of the many teaching opportunities available to postgrads. The physics community here is collaborative and helpful in the lab and a great laugh!"

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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