Nanoscience

PhD

  • Entry year 2026 or 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.

English language requirements

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

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If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

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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 INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2026-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year 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.

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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. Find out more about our  Charter and student policies.