mathematical physics phd quora

• Schools & departments

Mathematical Physics PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Mathematical Physics

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Research profile

We are a multidisciplinary research group with close connections with the School’s Algebra and Geometry & Topology groups.

You’ll benefit from being not only in one of the largest mathematics research groups in the UK but also part of the Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group – a joint research collective formed in 1999 with Heriot- Watt University and now part of the Maxwell Institute.

The School of Mathematics is a vibrant community of more than 60 academic and related staff supervising 60 students.

Our group pursues wide-ranging interests spanning a number of disciplines. A central goal is to understand the principles behind quantum gravity, through the study of black holes, cosmologies and spacetime singularities, and via the use of holography and the interplay with quantum gauge field theory through the gauge/gravity correspondence.

Particularly fruitful areas of research are the geometry of higher-dimensional black holes and their near-horizon geometries in the context of higher-dimensional generalisations of general relativity.

We’re fascinated by the various manifestations of supersymmetry: in string theory, supergravity and gauge theory. This has led us to several classification results on supersymmetric supergravity backgrounds, including a recent proof of the homogeneity conjecture. In addition we study gauge theoretic moduli spaces using supersymmetry and via integrable systems techniques, displaying an interplay between the algebraic geometry of curves and their associated function theory. This research has led to computer implementations of various algebro-geometric constructions.

Recently we have made progress in some purely mathematical problems suggested by the gauge/gravity correspondence: namely, the classification of certain exotic algebraic structures related to superconformal field theories, as well as that of certain types of homogeneous supergravity backgrounds.

Training and support

Mathematics is a discipline of high intellect with connections stretching across all the scientific disciplines and beyond, and in Edinburgh you can be certain of thriving in a rich academic setting. Our School is one of the country’s largest mathematics research communities in its own right, but you will also benefit from Edinburgh’s high-level collaborations, both regional and international.

Research students will have a primary and secondary supervisor and the opportunity to network with a large and varied peer group. You will be carrying out your research in the company of eminent figures and be exposed to a steady stream of distinguished researchers from all over the world.

Our status as one of the most prestigious schools in the UK for mathematics attracts highly respected staff. Many of our 60 current academics are leaders in their fields and have been recognised with international awards.

Researchers are encouraged to travel and participate in conferences and seminars. You’ll also be in the right place in Edinburgh to meet distinguished researchers from all over the world who are attracted to conferences held at the School and the various collaborative centres based here. You’ll find opportunities for networking that could have far-reaching effects on your career in mathematics.

As well as experiencing a vibrant research environment that brings you into contact with a broad group of your peers, your membership of the Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group will give you access to a dynamic programme of seminars, lecture courses and conferences. There is a dedicated website and blog, and a comprehensive range of graduate activities:

• Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group

You will enjoy excellent facilities, ranging from one of the world’s major supercomputing hubs to generous library provision for research at the leading level, including the new Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at King’s Buildings.

Students have access to more than 1,400 computers in suites distributed across the University’s sites, many of which are open 24 hours a day. In addition, if you are a research student, you will have your own desk with desktop computer.

We provide all our mathematics postgraduates with access to software packages such as Maple, Matlab and Mathematica. Research students are allocated parallel computing time on ‘Eddie’ – the Edinburgh Compute and Data Facility. It is also possible to arrange use of the BlueGene/Q supercomputer facility if your research requires it.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate subject; or a UK 2:1 honours degree plus a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents; or relevant qualifications and experience.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• School of Mathematics funding opportunities

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Graduate School Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5085
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Mathematics
• James Clerk Maxwell Building
• Peter Guthrie Tait Road
• The King's Buildings Campus
• Programme: Mathematical Physics
• School: Mathematics
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Mathematical Physics - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd mathematical physics - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We strongly recommend you submit your completed application as early as possible, particularly if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. We may consider late applications if we have places available. All applications received by 22 January 2024 will receive full consideration for funding. Later applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The course provides a high-level, internationally competitive training in mathematical and theoretical physics, right up to the level of modern research. 

The course concentrates on the main areas of modern mathematical and theoretical physics: elementary-particle theory, including string theory, condensed matter theory (both quantum and soft matter), theoretical astrophysics, plasma physics and the physics of continuous media (including fluid dynamics and related areas usually associated with courses in applied mathematics in the UK system) and mathematical structures underlying physical theory. If you are a physics student with a strong interest in theoretical physics or a mathematics student keen to apply high-level mathematics to physical systems and their underpinning mathematics, both pure and applied, this is a course for you.

The course offers considerable flexibility and choice; you will be able to choose a path reflecting your intellectual tastes or career choices. This arrangement caters to you if you prefer a broad theoretical education across subject areas or if you have already firmly set your sights on one of the subject areas, although you are encouraged to explore across sub-field boundaries.

The MSc offers a substantial opportunity for independent study and research in the form of an optional dissertation which may be worth a single or double unit depending on the amount of work involved.

Pattern of learning and teaching

You will have to attend at least ten units' worth of courses, where one unit corresponds to a 16-hour lecture course or equivalent. 

Depending on how many courses you take in total, and how they split between terms, you can expect to attend two, three or four (or, in exceptional cases, five) lecture courses per term. Each lecture course has roughly two one-hour lectures per week supplemented by roughly four 90 minute classes per term.

The remainder of your study time should be spent on self-study, consolidating on the material covered in lectures, working through the problem sheets set for each class and working independently on your dissertation, if you have chosen to undertake one.

Dissertation

You can opt to offer a dissertation as part of your ten units. 

The dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor and will typically involve investigating and writing in a particular area of mathematics or physics, without the requirement (while not excluding the possibility) of obtaining original results. A dissertation gives students the opportunity to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organising, communicating, and presenting their work, and will equip students well for further research or for a wide variety of other careers.

For single unit dissertations you can roughly expect a one hour meeting with your dissertation supervisor at the end of the first term, followed by a further one hour meeting in the second term. Double unit dissertations would have roughly twice this number of  meetings.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Mathematical Institute and Department of Physics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Mathematical Institute and Department of Physics.

Your performance will be assessed by one or several of the following means: 

• invigilated written exams
• course work marked on a pass/fail basis
• take-home exams
• mini-projects due shortly after the end of the lecture course.

The modes of assessment for a given course are decided by the course lecturer and will be published at the beginning of each academic year. As a general rule, foundational courses will be offered with an invigilated exam while some of the more advanced courses will typically be relying on the other assessment methods mentioned above. At least four of the ten units must be assessed by an invigilated exam and, therefore, have to be taken from lecture courses which provide this type of assessment. A further three units must be assessed by invigilated written exam, take-home exam or mini-project. Apart from these restrictions, you are free to choose from the available programme of lecture courses.

Graduate destinations

Research in mathematical and theoretical physics or industry.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in mathematics, physics, or a related discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

If you wish, you may submit an additional contextual statement (using the instructions in the How to apply section of this page) to provide further information on your socio-economic background or personal circumstances in support of your application.  Further information about how your contextual statement will be used  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some postgraduate research students in science, engineering and technology subjects will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a  Student visa (under the Student Route) . For some courses, the requirement to apply for an ATAS certificate may depend on your research area.

The Mathematical Institute's home is the purpose-built Andrew Wiles Building, opened in 2013. This provides ample teaching facilities for lectures, classes and seminars. The Mathematical Institute provides IT support.

There is also a cafe in the Andrew Wiles Building.

The Department of Physics provides the following facilities:

• teaching space in the Denys Wilkinson building and the Clarendon Laboratory
• use of the canteens in either building
• IT support.

Departments offering this course

This course is offered jointly by the following departments:

Mathematical Institute

Mathematics has been studied in Oxford since the University was first established in the 12th century. The Mathematical Institute aims to preserve and expand mathematical culture through excellence in teaching and research.

The Mathematical Institute offers a wide range of graduate courses, including both taught master’s courses and research degrees. Research and teaching covers the spectrum of pure and applied mathematics with researchers working in fields including:

• number theory
• combinatorics
• mathematical physics
• mathematical finance
• mathematical modelling
• mathematical biology
• numerical analysis.

Graduate students are an integral part of the department, interacting with each other and with academic staff as part of a vibrant community that strives to further mathematical study. As a graduate student at Oxford you will benefit from excellent resources, extensive training opportunities and supportive guidance from your supervisor or course director.

The Mathematical Institute has strong ties with other University departments including Computer Science, Statistics and Physics, teaching several courses jointly. Strong links with industrial and other partners are also central to the department.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

Department of Physics

The six sub-departments at Oxford Physics are Astrophysics, Atomic and Laser Physics, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics and Theoretical Physics. Each of these sub-departments is autonomous, although many of the research projects available are interdisciplinary.

All of the DPhil degrees at Oxford Physics are research-based courses that normally take three to four years of study. You will be expected to carry out your own research in areas drawn from the broad range of research across the department, and will be allocated at least one supervisor who will be your primary contact for guidance throughout your research degree. In parallel with your project, you will be expected to attend a taught course in the first year, comprising lectures, seminars and discussion classes at graduate level.

Whilst working on your research project you will engage in a thorough skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures held in the department by local and visiting physicists, and you will be provided with many opportunities to meet experts in various fields. There will also be opportunity for you to present your work at both formal and informal conferences, seminars and colloquia.

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics:

• Balliol College
• Exeter College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

You are welcome to contact academics involved, however this is not a necessary prerequisite to the application process. If you are unsure of who to contact, you should send an email to the  Academic Assistant  in the first instance.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees: Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your references will support your intellectual ability, academic achievement, academic potential, and motivation, particularly with regard to mathematical and theoretical physics. These will normally be academic references, but one of them may be a professional reference if you have relevant professional experience.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Contextual statement

If you wish to provide a contextual statement with your application, you may also submit an additional statement to provide contextual information on your socio-economic background or personal circumstances in support of your application.

Submit a contextual statement

It is not necessary to anonymise this document, as we recognise that it may be necessary for you to disclose certain information in your statement. This statement will not be used as part of the initial academic assessment of applications at shortlisting, but may be used in combination with socio-economic data to provide contextual information during decision-making processes.

Please note, this statement is in addition to  completing the 'Extenuating circumstances’ section of the standard application form .

You can find  more information about the contextual statement  on our page that provides details of the continuing pilot programme to improve the assessment procedure for graduate applications.

Personal statement: A maximum of 600 words

Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for your reasons for applying, evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study, commitment to the subject beyond the requirements of the degree course, capacity for sustained and intense work, reasoning ability, the ability to absorb abstract ideas and at a rapid pace and an indication of your intended pathway through the programme.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered jointly by the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Physics

• Course page  on the course's website
• Staff and research  in the Mathematics Inst.
• Staff and research  in the Dept. of Physics
• Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 615206

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

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How to Get a Ph.D. in Physics

Last Updated: August 22, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS . Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 148,387 times.

Physics can be an exciting field to go into! You can pursue a career in academics, in government research, or in the private sector. To start on the road to getting a PhD, develop your science and math skills. If you're still in high school and college, you have ample time to focus on your science education; if not, don't be deterred. Even without a science degree, you can find and apply to a PhD program of your choice. After that, all you need to do is complete your PhD program; it's not an easy task, but it's one you can achieve if you set your mind to it.

Developing Your Education in High School and College

• It can help to find a role model. If there are physicists in your community, try contacting them to see if they'll help you in your pursuit. Many may be willing to have you shadow them for a period of time.
• Don't forget to invest time in math classes, as well, as math is essential to physics.
• Make sure you are well-rounded, though. To do well on college entrance exams, it helps to be proficient in as many subjects as possible.

• To do well on these exams, you'll need to prep ahead of time. Your school may offer prep courses, but you can also purchase study guides that have practice tests. Taking practice tests gives you an idea of what the actual exam will be like, so you can go into the test with less anxiety. [3] X Research source

• Though not necessary, it can help to know whether you want to go into theoretical or experimental physics, though it's not a requirement. [4] X Research source

• Ask your professors about opportunities in your college and surrounding area.

Applying to a Graduate Program

• You do not need to be a genius to get a PhD. Graduate school is hard work, but success depends on your dedication more than on your ability.

• Like the SAT and ACT, you can find any number of prep courses and prep materials for the GRE. You can also find practice tests to take online.

• Keep in mind that in some cases, schools will collapse a master's program and PhD into one program. So when you choose a master's program, you may very well be choosing your PhD program, as well.
• 4 Try to meet and talk to physicists. Look into physics talks for the general public in your area or contact a physics department directly. Most places will be happy to give you information and point you to resources about graduate programs.

Determining Your Research Focus

• Take the time to gain some experience. Apply for lab positions so you can get a feel for what it's like to do research in a lab full time.

• Choosing a school with professors whose research you enjoy is a great way to focus your work. As your work gets more individual, you want to work with professors who have similar interests.

• Submit all the appropriate paperwork for your application, including your transcripts, academic references, and your basic application. [10] X Research source
• In many cases, you'll need to write a personal statement or research proposal, as well.

Working on Your PhD

• Try to focus classes on the area you want to write on.
• Outside of class, read as much as you can in your area.

• The best way to get started is to attend department functions so you can start getting to know your professors better, as well as their interests.
• It can also help to talk with older students informally, so you can get an idea of who will be a good fit for you.

• Part of managing your time well is learning to shift your schedule when you need to. If something is taking longer than it should, realize you'll need to cut something else from your day.

• You should also take advantage of courses teaching things like writing grant proposals, which is a great skill to have.

Researching and Writing Your Dissertation

• If you're still looking, consider taking classes with potential advisors. You can also ask to meet with them, though be sure to do your research ahead of time by reading articles the professor has published.
• "What are your expectations for a research student?"
• "How do you offer criticism?"
• "How often will we meet?"
• "How quickly will you get back to me with revisions?"
• Once you've narrowed down your choices, approach the professor and ask them to be your research advisor. If you have an interdisciplinary project, you may need more than one advisor.

• Start with the outline. You fill in the verbiage last, usually. Figure out what you need to say, and divide it into chapters. Work on the supporting figures next. You'll need plenty of figures and tables to support your conclusions. Additionally, reviewers on your committee may not read every word, but they usually look at all of the figures and read the captions to get the gist of what's going on.
• When you write, only write. Give yourself a time span where you allow yourself no option of doing anything else but writing. Sometimes it helps to write in the same office/coffee shop/etc. with another student working on their thesis, if you both can keep each other on task. You can take breaks together and take the heat off a bit.

• However, by the time you're doing your defense, your paper should have been reviewed multiple times by your advisor, which means you shouldn't have any trouble passing.

Expert Q&A

• Don't let money hold you back. Most physics departments will support their students through teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Is your interest more focused on learning or on doing science?
• Would you enjoy actively doing research in physics? All programs require you to take classes or pass exams, but most of your work during a PhD program will be dedicated to doing research.
• What would you pursue once you get a PhD? If what you are after is a particular job or line of work, consider whether you need a PhD for it.
• Are you comfortable with spending a few additional years in a university? Most PhD programs in the United States will take 5-6 years on average.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://mkaku.org/home/articles/so-you-want-to-become-a-physicist/
• ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
• ↑ Sean Alexander, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 14 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/?WT.ac=grehome_greabout_b_150213
• ↑ https://www.elsevier.com/connect/9-things-you-should-consider-before-embarking-on-a-phd
• ↑ http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcphpdphy/apply
• ↑ http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~imarkov/advisor.html
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2015/12/07/what-its-like-to-get-a-phd-in-experimental-physics/#43b503524fe0
• ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/08/what_is_the_value_of_a_science_phd_is_graduate_school_worth_the_effort_.html

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Welcome to the Math PhD program at Harvard University and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Learn more about Harvard’s Math community and our statement on diversity and inclusion.

The Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging offers student affinity groups for graduate students and many other resources.

The Harvard University Office for Gender Equity has dedicated GSAS Title IX resource coordinators who work with and support graduate students.

open. The application deadline is December 15, 2021. -->

The application deadline for fall 2024 admission has passed. Applications for fall 2025 admission will open in September 2024.

For information on admissions and financial support, please visit the Harvard Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Harvard Griffin GSAS is committed to ensuring that our application fee does not create a financial obstacle. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been answered, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

• PhD student
• Faculty member
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PhD track in Physics

WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?

Get ready for a PhD by starting research at an early stage

Be closely associated with the research activities carried out in a world-renowned innovation cluster

Benefit from individual and personalized supervision by a faculty member

• Description
• Associated laboratories
• PhD Tracks Research Projects

As our world faces tremendous challenges related to environmental needs, energy, transport, information technologies, biotechnology or space engineering, physics provides both a means to address some of the most urgent societal issues and a marvelous intellectual challenge. Physics, in synergy with chemistry, materials science, biology, pure and applied mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering or economics has been and will remain the driving force for technological progress. Thanks to its versatile methodologies it is moreover a key tool even for problems that are inherent to these neighboring disciplines. Last but not least, physics harbors some of the most mind-bugling scientific revolutions of the last century, such as quantum mechanics or relativity, providing us breathtaking insights into the structure of matter, the nature of light, the life of stars or the Big Bang. Modern research is both a consequence and a direct continuation of this intellectual adventure, continuing the quest for understanding the world around us.

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris with its world-class Research Center covering all fields of physics as well as its interfaces with chemistry, pure and applied mathematics, biology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics provides a unique environment for students motivated by a PhD Track program.

This five-year PhD Track starts with a two-year period with advanced courses related to the chosen field of study. Students also participate in research projects carried out by Institut Polytechnique de Paris Laboratories involved in the track and attend research seminars. Supervised by faculty or senior  researchers, they benefit from first-class research experience. At the end of the second year, the students who meet the academic requirements receive a Master Degree. Those who have achieved outstanding results and identified a thesis subject and a supervisor in one of the involved Labs are allowed to start a three-year PhD program.

• Provide a coherent training program to students attracted by research, from theory and modeling to experimental physics and applications in various domains
• Acquire a high level knowledge of the scientific basis related to physics or plasma physics and to their applications
• Choose a specialization among a variety of fields related to theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, statistical physics, high-energy physics, biophysics, nanosciences, macroscopic physics and complex systems, lasers and optics, thermonuclear fusion, laser-produced plasmas, space plasmas and low-temperature plasmas, within the rich offer of IP Paris.
• Integrate into the world of research by spending time within the research Labs, conducting a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, writing a research report and preparing a first manuscript for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.

The first two years of the PhD track are based on the Physics [1] Masters year 1 and year 2 at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Every year, the program of every student has to be discussed and validated by his/her tutor, who is a member of the IP Paris faculty. According to the student’s specialization wishes, the course program will be individualized as much as possible.

The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.  During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).

Students choose  three core courses and one optional course  among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Core courses

Elective courses

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Quarter 3 - Internships

During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS

• Fields and particles
• Astrophysics and cosmology

Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasma

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Semiconducting devices
• Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
• Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
• Quantum technologies and quantum materials
• Center for Theoretical Physics (CPHT)
• Photovoltaic Institute (IPVF)
• Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory (LLR)
• Laboratory for Applied Optics (LOA)
• Laboratory for Optics in Biology (LOB)
• Laboratory of Plasma Physics (LPP)
• Laboratory of High Intensity Lasers (LULI)
• Laboratory for Irradiated Solids (LSI)
• Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics (PMC)
• Laboratory for Interfaces and Thin Films (PICM)

Partner laboratory

International  Laboratory  For  Astrophysics,  Neutrino  And  Cosmology Experiments (ILANCE)

For updated information on current research projects and contact details of faculty members working in these areas, applicants are invited to check out the webpages of the laboratories as well as of the “Ecole Universitaire de Recherche” (EUR) in Plasma Science and Training (Plasma_ST).

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites.

Completion of a Bachelor in physics , with highest honors, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may be directly admitted into the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

• Transcript 
• Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
• CV/resume 
• Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for 2022-2023 are subject to increase

• Regular fees: 243€
• Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
• Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator.

• Luca Perfetti

General enquiry

• [email protected]

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your  preferred fields of study and research in your motivation  letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred  PhD  Track subjects among the list below.   Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities , you can also visit the web pages  of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM,  LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, O mega) affiliated to the physics department  and  indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in "Physics"

• Guiding electric discharges in air using femtosecond laser filamentation
• Laser diagnostics of pulsed nanosecond plasma for biomedical application
• Ionization waves at a plasma-semiconductor interface
• H2 plasma for enabling phase-transformations during in-situ observations of the growth in the NanoMAX transmission electron microscope
• Turbulence in Fusion Plasma; Wave propagation in turbulent plasma in presence of sheared flow
• Collective plasma wave amplification for multiple laser beam configuration in the context of Laser MJ
• Intense attosecond light pulses from a relativistic plasma mirror
• Towards extreme beams and strong-field quantum electrodynamics experiments
• Coherent Beam Combining femtosecond digital laser
• Innovative concepts for particles plasma acceleration and radiation emission in laser
• Modern approaches to hydrodynamics: effective actions and gauge/gravity duality
• New approaches to quantum field theory
• Branching processes and applications
• Probabilistic and spectral insights onto diffusion-controlled reactions in chemistry and biology
• Structural imaging of healthy and pathological tissues using multiphoton microscopy
• Large-scale multiphoton microscopy of developing heart and brain tissue
• Understanding quadruplex formation by C-rich DNA sequences: the i-motif
• Corneal Transparency Diagnostics By Smart OCT and Deep Learning
• Novel Modeling of Coherent Multiphoton Microscopy Contrasts
• Mid-infrared femtosecond spectroscopy in proteins
• Early Detection and Identification of Diseased Human and Vegetal Tissues Using Visible / Infrared Polarimetric Microscopy Combined with Conventional and AI-based Image Analysis
• Mueller polarimetric imaging for biomedical diagnosis
• Modeling of polarized ligth interaction with the uterine cervix
• In vivo nonlinear optical microscopy of nervous tissue: lipid and metabolism imaging
• Correlated quantum matter and quantum information
• Ultrafast dynamics of electrons in quantum materials
• Theoretical study of electron-phonon coupling and of carrier dynamics in materials for potential photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications
• Collective electronic fluctuations and their influence on materials properties
• Re-using model results to determine materials properties:connector theory approach
• Structural, electronic and magnetic instabilities in two-dimensional complex oxides
• Spin-dependent charge dynamics in dilute nitride and defect-engineered semiconductor quantum structures and devices
• Electronic processes in nitride semiconductor quantum structures and devices
• Plasmonic Nanocrystals for Infrared Optics: Synthesis & Application
• Rare earth doped nanocrystals: Nano-sources of light for novel applications to medicine, energy harvesting, and quantum optics
• Theory of Many-Body Quantum States
• Theoretical study of the physical and optical properties of some metal oxide oxide surfaces for greenhouse gas sensing applications
• Probing the quantum properties of spin defects in 2D materials
• Uncovering a new law of physics in quantum materials
• First-principles theory of high-performance permanent magnets 
• Quantitative Acousto-Magneto-Plasmonics
• Neutrino physics and astrophysics using neutrino observatories in Japan
• Physics at the infinitely large and the infinitely small scales of our Universe
• Study of the Higgs boson properties at the CERN LHC
• Studies of jet quenching in the quark-gluon plasma with the CMS experiment at the LHC
• From ordinary matter to deconfined matter using the Large Hadron Collider