University of Exeter, PhD, Physics

The University of Exeter is the 5th in the UK for Physical Science in The Sunday Times University Guide 2013. Multimillion pound investment in ultra fast lasers, nano-fabrication, bio-imaging, clean-rooms and computing facilities. Excellent research facilities include an astronomical observatory, a £1 million supercomputer and a helium liquefier.

PhD Physics’ research activities are concentrated in the four research groups: Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Electromagnetic Materials, and Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials. All research students are assigned to one of these groups, providing a stimulating environment with access to academic and postdoctoral staff, and fellow postgraduate students working in related areas. This group structure provides a very positive support mechanism and it helps research students to sustain productive research; over 90 per cent submit within the deadline period, with most publishing several scientific papers during their period of study.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD at Exeter you should first look at our research pages and decide which research area(s) interest you. You should also look at our range of funded PhD projects which are available. When you apply, you should specify the research group(s) that you are interested in and, if you wish, a particular supervisor. Funded studentships are competitive, so it helps not to be too precise in your choice of project. PhD projects in Physics are usually of three years duration; if you wish to study part-time you should discuss this with your prospective supervisor.