We offer a range of Master's by Research funded by different sources, such as research councils, industries or charities. As a MSc-R student, you will become a valued member of a research group. Here you will work with internationally respected academics, post-doctoral research associates and technicians. Find out more about our research groups below.
How to Apply
To apply for a funded Master's by Research, please read the advertised project information carefully as requirements will vary between funders. The project information will include details of funding eligibility, application deadline dates and links to application forms. Only applicants who have a relevant background and meet the funding criteria can be considered.
Current Master's by Research Opportunities
Current Master's by Research Opportunities List accordion
Supervisors
Dr Thomas Jones (Lancaster University, UK)
Professor Kelly Russell (University of British Columbia, Canada)
Project Description
Mantle xenoliths—foreign fragments of the Earth’s mantle lithosphere incorporated into magmas—are a common occurrence within volcanic deposits spanning a wide range of magma compositions and eruption styles. They are frequently used in alkaline and low-silica magmas (e.g., basalts, kimberlites, basanites, nephelinites) to ‘view’ the underlying mantle lithosphere, revealing information about its mineralogical and geochemical composition, thermal state, structural properties, and age. However, despite the widespread use of mantle xenoliths, we do not fully understand the physical processes behind how they are entrained into magmas, transported from depth, and erupted at the Earth’s surface. During this Masters by Research studentship you will investigate these physical processes by examining a suite of mantle xenoliths. Laboratory measurements will generate 3-D models of the xenoliths and enable quantitative descriptions of xenolith size and shape. These new data will be used in transport and eruption models. Their internal texture and petrography will be studied under scanning electron microscopy. Together, these combined laboratory methods will unravel how mantle xenoliths are transported and how they are distributed during explosive volcanic eruptions.
The opportunity, support, and training
You will join a multi-disciplinary team within the Lancaster Environment Centre, one of the largest groupings focused on environment-orientated research in Europe. You will also be part of Dr Jones’ Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) research laboratory and the wider volcanology research group featuring multiple academic staff, post-docs, PhD, and MSc/MRes students. The GFD lab is a new (2022) multi-million-pound research facility generously funded by UKRI, NERC and the Royal Society. Training will cover aspects of physical volcanology, petrology, and fluid dynamics. You will learn how to use specialist laboratory equipment for sample characterisation thereby developing your observational, petrological, mineralogical, and analytical skills You will enhance your scientific writing and presentation skills during group meetings.
General eligibility criteria
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for postgraduate research. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree or equivalent at 2:1 level or above in a relevant subject area. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, mature students, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students can be found on our entry requirements webpage.
Project specific criteria
We are looking for an enthusiastic and determined student who values the opportunity to work on this innovative and timely project. The project would suit candidates from many backgrounds such as geology, environmental science, geography, and engineering or be able to demonstrate the required skills. No prior knowledge of volcanology is required. The candidate will be supported by experienced supervisors with backgrounds in physical volcanology, petrology, and laboratory experimentation and will receive appropriate training.
Studentship funding
Full studentship (UK tuition fees and tax-free stipend in line with current UKRI rates, £20,780 for 25/26) for UK students for 1 year. No additional funding is available for international students.
Enquires
Interested applicants are welcome and strongly encouraged to get in touch to learn more about the MSc-R project. Please contact Dr Thomas Jones thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk for more information.
Key dates
Deadline for applications: Position open until filled. Early applications are advised as we will begin reviewing applications on 2 July 2025.
Start Date: 1 October 2025
Further reading
Russell, J.K. and Jones, T.J., 2023. Transport and eruption of mantle xenoliths creates a lagging problem. Communications Earth & Environment, 4(1), p.177.
Jones, T.J., Russell, J.K., Brown, R.J. and Hollendonner, L., 2022. Melt stripping and agglutination of pyroclasts during the explosive eruption of low viscosity magmas. Nature Communications, 13(1), p.992.
Campbell, M.E., Russell, J.K. and Porritt, L.A., 2013. Thermomechanical milling of accessory lithics in volcanic conduits. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 377, pp.276-286.
Application process
- Download the LEC Funded PhD Application Form and LEC Funded PhD Reference Form
- Complete the Application Form, renaming the document with your 'Name and Application Form' e.g., Joe Bloggs Application Form.
- Submit the completed Application Form and a CV to thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk
- Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted.
- Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk
- Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
- You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
- Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
- Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded MSc-R and is not required as part of this application process.
- Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Submit all applications and references to this email address: thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk
How the application process works
- Select the project you wish to apply for. You can make informal enquiries to the project supervisors if you wish. Please ensure that you check the application deadline dates and eligibility criteria.
- Complete your application by following the links to the application form. At this stage, you are able to apply for more than one advertised project if you wish.
- After the closing date, the Department will consider all applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews can be arranged by Teams or telephone. The timescale for this will vary but is in the region of 4 weeks.
- If you are successful at interview for the studentship, you will be invited to formally apply via the admissions portal online. This ensures that you receive a formal offer of admission. Please submit one application only, and state the studentship that you have applied for in the source of funding section.
- Once a formal offer has been made, you will need to check the conditions in your offer letter and supply any outstanding documents by the required deadlines. If your offer is unconditional then this will not apply to you.
Research Groups
Facilities
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Laboratories
You will find yourself taking advantage of several laboratory facilities at Lancaster Environment Centre. There are our £4.4 million Teaching Labs, for example, as well as specialist facilities for Environmental Chemistry, Noble Gas, and Plant and Soil Ecology.
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Research Facilities
There are no fewer than 15 purpose-built glasshouse modules, 16 controlled environment plant growth rooms, 4 solar domes based at the Hazelrigg Weather Station and a suite of ultraviolet radiation research facilities that can truly claim to be world-class.
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Field Sites
You could find yourself working at a range of catchment science sites across England and Wales, including the local River Eden Valley, or they can travel much further afield to the tropical forests of the Amazon and Borneo.
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Cutting-Edge Technologies
You can be trained to use a range of equipment, such as our Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility, X-ray CT Scanner, Magnetometer or the LI-COR Portable Photosynthesis System, which has the capacity to measure plant gas exchange with exceptional speed and precision.
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Rich Data Resources
Dedicated support staff with expertise in GIS, statistics, modelling, information technology and programming are available to provide specialist training in all aspects of data acquisition, processing and analysis.