Astronomy and Astrophysics (Research)

The Department of Physics and Astronomy 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.

The department 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.

Research in the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics covers a wide range of fields in astronomy, astrophysics and technology development. Operating the 76-m Lovell telescope and e-Merlin National Facility at the Jodrell Bank Observatory , and hosting the UK ALMA regional centre, as well as strong links with the Square Kilometre Array telescope, the JBCA has extensive expertise in observational radio and mm observational astronomy. We are engaged in world-leading research activities in observational, theoretical and experimental projects within the fields of cosmology, pulsar astronomy, time-domain astrophysics, galactic and stellar astrophysics, solar physics, and instrument development.

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 themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page.