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Postgraduate

Our postgraduate research environment is vibrant, diverse and internationally connected, offering PhD training across fundamental and applied physics. We host about 120 PhD students working with academic experts and external partners on cutting-edge projects, developing specialist and transferable skills for careers in research, technology-driven industry, finance, computing and innovation, as well as progression to academic careers.

Fully funded PhD positions through STFC and EPSRC funding are available in each of our research clusters:  Accelerator Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics. We are currently coordinator of the STFC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT) on Innovation in Data Intensive Science (LIV.INNO), EPSRC CDT's on Skills and Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN), Nuclear Fusion Power and Digital and Automated Materials Chemistry, as well as European Innovative Training Networks on Medical Accelerators and Antimatter Physics. Our research leaders oversee these programmes and will work closely with you on your research project and in your specific training courses. They will provide you with the international research and training experience you need to excel in postgraduate study and research.

PhD options and research environment

PhD opportunities in the Department of Physics span fundamental and applied research across our core areas, including particle, nuclear, condensed matter and accelerator physics, as well as cross-disciplinary themes such as artificial intelligence and data science, quantum technologies, medical physics, space science and sustainable technologies. Projects are embedded within large international collaborations, doctoral training centres and partnerships with industry and national laboratories, offering students exposure to diverse research cultures and career pathways. Many projects involve co-supervision across disciplines or institutions, reflecting the collaborative and outward-facing nature of our research environment. For more information, see our postgraduate research flyer

Funding routes and how to apply to PhD programmes

Postgraduate researchers in the Department are supported through a range of funding routes, including UKRI-funded doctoral training programmes, externally funded studentships linked to research grants, industry- and laboratory-partnered projects, international schemes and self-funded or sponsored routes. Opportunities are advertised throughout the year, and prospective students are encouraged to identify research themes and potential supervisors before applying. 

List of options for doctoral training centres include: 

Applications are made through the University’s central postgraduate admissions process. We welcome enquiries from UK and international candidates, and we are happy to advise on project availability, funding options and eligibility. Further details on current PhD opportunities and application procedures can be found on this page or by contacting the Department directly.

Continuing professional development

We offer a series of Radiometrics Continuing Professional Development short courses tailored to meet your professional needs. The teaching professionals are pioneers in the sector and members of the Nuclear Physics group, they will provide you with access to leading-edge knowledge and the latest high-level skills.

This programme is aimed at highly motivated mid-career engineers and scientists working in the field of radiation detection in industries including: Nuclear; Healthcare; Military & Security; Scientific research and Manufacturing.