Research degrees (Master & PhD)

Embark on a journey into the exciting world of advanced physics research and academic discovery.

We offer an engaging and innovative environment for our research degree programs. Our department is renowned for its world-class research, and we provide opportunities for both Masters and PhD candidates to delve into cutting-edge physics research. Whether you are passionate about particle physics, driven by discoveries in quantum technology, or fascinated by theoretical physics, our programs are designed to cultivate your scientific curiosity and propel your academic career.

The Department of Physics will be holding an on-line Open Event for PhD applicants interested in Particle Physics and Astronomy and Quantum Materials and Technology on Wednesday 4 December 2024 from 14:00 to 16:00.

Please email to register for this event.

Research degrees

Master degrees

MSc Physics by Research

One year MSc Available in any research area
100% extended research project

Many students take this degree in order to get a taste of research without an initial commitment to a three-year PhD. However approximately 50 per cent follow on with a PhD. MSc Physics by Research may also be taken by those qualified to BSc level who desire to progress to doctoral studies.

Although MSc Physics by Research is available in any research area we are also offering a one year

MSc Physics by Research: Physics and the Climate

Use Met Office datasets with Machine Learning (ML) algorithms (python)
- Compare different datasets
- Look for evidence of climate change: compare ML methods with more conventional statistical methods
- Use ML to make predictions about climate data
- Use ML to learn more about UK climate and how it is evolving
Requirements:
- PH3040 (for Royal Holloway students)
- an interest in climate and atmospheric science
- an interest in computing

Please find more information on these courses and how to apply here.

PhD degrees

September 2025 entry

Please email to register for this event.

Applications for PhD degrees are via our Applicant Portal
Application deadline for Particle Physics and Astronomy applicants is 31 January 2025 or 15 November 2024 if applicants are eligible and would like to apply to the Bell-Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund
The first cohort of Particle Physics and Astronomy candidates will be invited for interview to be scheduled in the two consecutive weeks commencing Monday 17 February 2025
We accept applications until all available vacancies are filled
For Quantum Materials and Technology applicants, when submitting your application through our Applicant Portal, please also email the supervisor named on your application. They will then contact you re availability of studentship and interviews etc
Prospective applicants who would like to visit in person please email

Background

Typically, we accept 10 students annually onto PhD programmes in our research groups. Studentships are funded by UK Research Councils, the European Commission, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), CERN, Diamond Light Source and Royal Holloway. We also have joint PhD studentships with our other research collaborations. We may also accept students who are self-funded or supported from other sources.

Projects

We use FindAPhD to advertise specific research projects that require PhD students and the current list is below. We welcome students with an interest to pursue a PhD in our research areas (condensed matter, particle physics, particle astrophysics, theoretical physics, astronomy, nanotechnology and quantum devices and accelerator physics). In this case please contact the relevant group contact on the research group pages or search the list of projects available below.

Applying to us

Applications for PhD degrees are via our Applicant Portal. Physics PhD candidates do not require a detailed research proposal. A short statement explaining your reasons for choosing the research area and relevant experience, a CV and relevant transcripts should be uploaded instead.