Particle Physics in Uni. of Manchester-Review and comment.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the MSc program in Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, with a focus on the suitability of the program for specific research interests such as String Theory, Quantum Gravity, and Dark Matter and Energy. Participants share their insights and experiences regarding the university and its physics department, comparing it to other institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster is seeking verification and additional information about the Particle Physics program at the University of Manchester, particularly regarding its alignment with their research interests.
  • Some participants express positive sentiments about the university and the city, citing good experiences from acquaintances.
  • One participant notes that the theoretical particle physics group's focus at Manchester may not align well with the original poster's interests in Quantum Gravity and String Theory, suggesting that the program is more oriented towards phenomenology and QCD.
  • Alternatives to Manchester are proposed, including MSc programs at Imperial, Cambridge, Durham, and others, which may better suit the original poster's research interests.
  • Specific faculty members, such as Prof. Pilaftsis, are mentioned as being relevant to the original poster's interests, but the overall fit is questioned.
  • Opportunities in the US for pursuing String Theory without a prior MSc are also mentioned, indicating a broader context for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views regarding the suitability of the University of Manchester for the original poster's research interests, with some supporting the university while others suggest it may not be the best fit. No consensus is reached on the overall quality of the program in relation to specific research areas.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of aligning research interests with departmental focus, indicating that the original poster's interests may not be fully supported by the Manchester program. The discussion also reflects varying perceptions of different universities' strengths in specific areas of particle physics.

sigmatjj84
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Particle Physics in Uni. of Manchester--Review and comment.

Hi everyone,

I am applying a MSc in Particle Physics at Uni of Manchester. I've done some research on the university ranking by subject area, student's reviews...etc. which are posted on the net. But I am hoping to get more info and verification from you all. Just to be sure I am making a right choice.

For your information, I am especially interested in String Theory, Q. Gravity, Dark Matter & Energy..etc. I have contacted few of the faculties in Manchester University and they are all very friendly, this is one of the main reason why I choose Manchester but still I want to know more.

Excluding the top 5 universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL... do you guys recommend the particle physics group in Manchester (anyone studied there before)? How is the Manchester particle physics group if compares to other uni like Uni of Durham, Uni of Edinburgh, Uni of Bristol and so on who also have a strong group in this field?

I really appreciate any comment from you guys. Thank you.
 
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I haven't studied there, but I know people who have, and they only say good things! Not only about the Uniersity, but about the city itself.

Sean
 


Hey, Manchester is a great uni with great professors and a strong physics dept, also a great city to live in.

The one thing I would say is your research interests (QG, string theory) don't really seem to match the theoretical particle physics group's interests. Manchester is much more phenomenology (i.e. you might do things like create Monte Carlo simulations of various processes to simulate what might be observed in the LHC etc), and also they do lots of QCD (similar to the Cavendish Lab at Cambridge). Pilafstis is probably the closest to stringy you will find here, but I think if these truly are your interest you might be better with Imperial MSc in Quantum fields and Fundamental forces, or maybe even part III at Cambridge DAMTP, and the Durham MSc is pretty good for this too. If you don't mind going furhter a field there is the Perimeter Scholars programme in Canada too.

The groups I have found in the UK that do hardcore Stringy/QG research are: DAMTP Cambridge (realistically requires part III before entry, which can be a bugger to fund), Oxford Maths Inst (again I'm sure most people here will have part III or some equivalent), Oxford Physics, Durham, Edinburgh Maths, Nottingham QG group (Maths Dept), Imperial Physics...
Also String Theory dominates research in the US, so you could start a PhD there without need for an MSc at all, and work on String Theory too.
 


Thanks for the reply man. Ya, Prof. Pilaftsis is probably the closest to string you will find there. You sound like you have been there, I wonder?

Haven't looked at Perimeter Scholars programme in Canada yet, will check on it.
 

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