quantum physics phd uk

• Our research
• Our research groups
• Our research in action
• Research funding support
• Summer internships for undergraduates
• Undergraduates
• Postgraduates
• For business
• For schools
• For the public

Oxford Quantum Institute

Oxford has  more than 60 groups involved in quantum science and technology across the University, making us one of the most diverse and significant groupings in the UK.​

Quantum computers and a broad range of quantum technologies are developing rapidly to the point where applying these across a broad range of science disciplines is becoming practical. The institute will build on our strengths and create the diverse community required to apply these new capabilities to global challenges.​

• News & Comment
• Our facilities & services
• Current students
• Staff intranet

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge
• Qualifications directory
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Term dates and calendars
• Video and audio
• Find an expert
• Publications
• International Cambridge
• Public engagement
• Giving to Cambridge
• For current students
• For business
• Colleges & departments
• Libraries & facilities
• Museums & collections
• Email & phone search

Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations

• Group Members
• Seminars and Events
• Part IB Quantum Mechanics
• Part II Quantum Information and Computation
• Part III Quantum Information, Foundations and Gravity
• Part III Quantum Computation
• Part III Quantum Information Theory

Graduate Applications

The CQIF includes four members of DAMTP Faculty, two affiliated members, and several senior researchers.

We always have to turn away some outstanding applicants: if you are considering applying to us you should also apply widely elsewhere. Applicants who are not UK citizens should also carefully consider the information about funding below, and note the very early deadlines for applications for funding from Foundations and Trusts. Applications to start a PhD in October 2022 will be considered from November 2021 onwards.

Successful applicants are likely to have a first class undergraduate degree in mathematics, physics or computer science, and should ideally also have an M.Sc. or equivalent qualification. Candidates considering applying directly from an undergraduate degree are encouraged to consider applying first to take Cambridge's one-year Masters-level course, the Master of Advanced Study in Mathematics (Part III of the Cambridge Mathematics Tripos). The course includes one or more lecture courses on aspects of quantum information and foundations, as well as courses on a wide variety of other topics in theoretical physics and pure and applied mathematics.

Applications from graduate students to research centres in DAMTP are handled by the Board of Graduate Studies in the first instance, and then administered by the department. Applications for PhD places should thus be made to the Board of Graduate Studies in the first instance, specifying an interest in working at the CQIF in DAMTP. The information needed can all be found on this page . Note that the timetable for applications has some very early application deadlines.

The University's admissions process is quite slow and, beyond the initial acknowledgment of receipt of your application, past experience suggests it could be as late as May before you hear any more from the University. Once the application process has started, your application can be tracked using your self-service account .

Applications for the Part III course should also be made to the Board of Graduate Studies. The information needed can be found on this page .

Our standard method of funding UK and EU graduate students is by grants from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. These are allocated by the department, mostly after the Part III results in mid to late June. EPSRC studentships provide full support for UK students, and cover tuition fees for EU students from outside the UK.

There are some other possible sources for funding (which are not generally restricted to EU students): for example the Gates Foundation, the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, and a small number of the wealthier Cambridge Colleges. Decisions on these scholarships are made in May. Unfortunately (at least for us!), these funding sources are entirely outside our control or influence; in particular there is nothing we can do to get a decision from them sooner than May. Applications to these organisations and institutions need to be made separately. The University's Board of Graduate Studies web pages --- reached from the above-mentioned links --- have some information; anyone needing clarification or advice should contact either them or the relevant organisation. We have no independent sources of support for non-EU students.

While we try to be helpful where possible, there is normally little that we can add to the information given here. We cannot generally comment in advance on the chances of any individual application to the CQIF being successful or offer advice in putting together an application. Applicants may find it helpful, though, to look at the information on our group web pages, and especially useful to look at some of the recent papers of CQIF members, which can mostly be found on the quantum physics archive . (Some recent papers are also linked from CQIF members' personal pages on this site.)

We normally interview  selected candidates once applications have been reviewed: the timetable for these varies from year to year.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• University A-Z
• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Terms and conditions
• Undergraduate
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

Recommended pages

• Undergraduate open days
• Postgraduate open days
• Accommodation
• Information for teachers
• Maps and directions
• Sport and fitness

PhD Translational Quantum Technology AQ

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25: £4,778 (UK) £27,360 (International Students) Further fee information  is available.

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Employability

Quantum technology has been selected by the UK Government as a key area of innovation, moving science into real-world applications. Four Quantum Technology Hubs have been established as flagship projects in this program.

This postgraduate training programme is aligned with the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology, an £80 million collaborative effort led by the University of Birmingham in partnership with the Universities of Glasgow, Nottingham, Southampton, Strathclyde and Sussex, the National Physical Laboratory and over 70 companies.

The PhD programme offers a unique opportunity for students to undertake a research in a multi-disciplinary environment between science, engineering and industry. Students benefit from participating in both the technology translation and applied research activities carried out within the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology, and from the educational programmes offered by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The MRes part of the programme comprises classroom taught quantum physics-oriented modules for students with engineering backgrounds; technology-orientated modules for students with physics backgrounds; and an independent research project that is documented in a substantial thesis. The research project consists of a team element; all students will organise themselves to present a technical demonstration at a national or international conference. There is also an individual research element, which takes place in industry or in relation to a participating company.

The PhD programme will consist of the 1 year MRes carried out at the University of Birmingham and a 3 year PhD project in one of the partner Universities of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology. PhD placements in the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) and industry partners will be supported. Students decide on the PhD project at the beginning of the programme and MRes activities will be tailored to build up specific technical knowledge needed for the PhD.

Why study PhD Translational Quantum Technology at Birmingham?

This course is aimed at students who want to put the engineering or physics skills acquired in their undergraduate study, or their work experience in industry, into practice. Working in a multi-disciplinary environment with close industry interactions, the course will provide a unique ‘lab-to-market’ experience within the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.

The UK is leading globally in this field; this is an opportunity to translate quantum science into real-world impact, relevant to economy and society whilst learning from world-leading experts. 

Year One - Master of Research (MRes)

The MRes will include 70 credits of classroom taught modules and a research project worth 110 credits, consisting of team and individual elements.

Taught modules can be selected from any m-level module offered by the College of Engineering and Physics Sciences. Selection and timetabling will be discussed with the supervisor and tutor at the beginning of the programme and tailored to the individual needs of the student.

The team element of the research project teaches technical, team working, project management, communication and presentation skills with an emphasis on responsible research and innovation. The individual element of the research project focuses on problems relevant to industry and will be carried out in close collaboration with industry partners. This will be assessed by a substantial thesis.

Years Two-Four – PhD

This will be a three-year long research project at one of the Hub’s partner universities. Secondments to industry or the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) can also be supported.

Annual Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year

• £4,778 UK students, full-time
• £27,360 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding .

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

How To Apply

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

First or 2:1 Honors degree in a physics or engineering subject or equivalent qualification.

International Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

English language.

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

The UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology staff covers a wide range of research and development interests. These can be found on the  Hub’s website  and on individual  staff member’s web pages .

The National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology

The Birmingham led UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology is a cross-disciplinary centre, involving staff from the Schools of Physics, Civil, Electrical and Materials Engineering, as well as staff from a number of other Schools across the University. It will translate fundamental science and applied research in quantum sensors and metrology based on atomic probe particles, providing high level educational opportunities in these fields.

The Hub’s research activities include research in the development of sensors for gravity, magnetic fields, rotation, electromagnetic fields and time. It also researches their applications in a diverse range of sectors including aviation, communication, construction, defense, energy, finance, healthcare, oil and mineral exploration, transport and space.

The Translational Quantum Technology programme aims at preparing students for the challenges in translating quantum sensors and metrology devices based on atoms as probe particles into real-world applications. After the programme, students should understand the underpinning science and technology; the needs of end-user applicants; and the impact of these quantum technology devices on society. They should be able to move seamlessly between academia and industry, and translate scientific outcomes into technology.

The programme will create a strongly networked cohort of students with practical experience in academia and industry. It aims:

• to develop students' research and technological skills, and their knowledge of research methods applicable to the specific issues arising in quantum technology-related research;
• to ensure that students are aware of state-of-the-art developments in quantum technology in specific technical and operational topic areas;
• to allow students to develop the understanding necessary to identify new and emerging research needs in the emerging quantum technology industry;
• to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills required to independently undertake a significant research project of relevance to the quantum technology industry including users of quantum technology.

This programme is a unique opportunity to acquire translational skills, including specific skills of relevance to the emerging quantum technology industry.

The UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors is actively engaged with a growing number of industry partners, currently standing at 70 companies from various sectors of the economy. Industry secondments to our partners will foster career prospects.

• Online chat events

UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute

• Opportunities

UCLQ Quantum Science and Technology Institute

Register ...

Read more ...

Welcome to the home of all things quantum at UCL. We bring together over 120 researchers, from quantum computation to quantum sensing, to deliver word-class research and develop new technologies.

Learn more about undergraduate study at UCL, and postgraduate opportunities within UCLQ.                                                  

Find out more about the cutting edge research conducted by UCLQ in different areas of quantum technologies.                             

See the details of our collaborations with Industry, and how UCLQ staff and students are applying quantum technologies to the real world.

UCLQ & Industry: From start-ups to industrial partnerships

YouTube Widget Placeholder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkPv2xNb3uQ

Funnelback feed: https://cms-feed.ucl.ac.uk/s/search.json?collection=drupal-mathematical-... Double click the feed URL above to edit

UCLQ Events:

Quantum at a glance​​​​​.

  Tweets by UCLQuantum

Director's Welcome

Professor John Morton welcomes you to the UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute!

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

PhD Theoretical Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Programme options

Programme description.

The  Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active physics departments in the UK. We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Work on theoretical physics is concentrated in four main areas: complex systems, quantum descriptions of matter and its interactions with light, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Brief summaries of these are given below; more information can be found on the webpages for each group.

• Quantum Theory of Light and Matter

The Quantum Theory of Light and Matter group employs a broad range of numerical and theoretical methodologies spanning from first-principles calculations to quantum field theory approaches, as well as from tensor networks to analytical master equations to explore a diverse array of subjects. Noteworthy focuses encompass the study of quantum materials and their novel properties such as topological phase transition, superconductivity and quantum confinement, theories relating to quantum transport in low dimensions and mechanically distorted systems, emergent phenomena in strongly coupled non-equilibrium systems, quantum thermodynamics, quantum noise, and the dynamics of open quantum systems. The team maintains strong collaborative ties with experimental groups within the Department, as well as with the National Graphene Institute, which significantly contribute to the advancement of these theoretical pursuits.

• Nuclear Theory

The research interests of the Nuclear Theory Group range from low-energy nuclear structure to the frontier where nuclear and particle physics overlap. We focus on 'fundamental' approaches to nuclear physics, linking it to quantum chromodynamics, and have particular expertise in the areas of effective field theory and microscopic many-body theory. Current particular interest include: the responses of nucleons and light nuclei to external fields (being probed with Compton scattering in experiments at Mainz and Duke Universities), and the origins of nuclear forces.

• Particle Theory

The fundamental properties of matter are studied by the theory members of the Particle Physics Group. The Group has particular expertise in almost all aspects of Collider Physics phenomenology, Quantum Chromodynamics, in the Physics of the Early Universe, in Higgs and Neutrino Physics and in Physics Beyond the Standard Model. Our projects are often focused on aspects of theoretical physics that can be tested in ongoing or future experiments on colliders and non-accelerator physics, and in cosmological and astrophysical observations. The connections between particle physics and cosmology are also being explored in collaboration with members of the Jodrell Bank Observatory for Astrophysics.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021. Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page .

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £14,000; Band B £15,000; Band C £17,750; Band D £21,500; Band E £28,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Physics and Astronomy

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

We use cookies to help our site work, to understand how it is used, and to tailor ads that are more relevant to you and your interests.

By accepting, you agree to cookies being stored on your device. You can view details and manage settings at any time on our cookies policy page.

Physics PhD

Key information, full-time - 4 years, part-time - 8 years.

Research brochure

Register for updates

Webinars and events

Why choose this programme

The School of Mathematics and Physics is home to PhD students from around the world, supported by 54 full-time, research-active academic staff. Our PhD programmes provide opportunities for experimental, theoretical and computational research in both fundamental and applied physics, in subjects such as nuclear and radiation physics, astrophysics, photonics, soft matter, quantum technologies and medical physics.

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists around the world and take advantage of our strategic partnerships with organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Royal Surrey County Hospital . We’re part of the South East Physics Network, which is made up of nine leading universities working to deliver excellence in physics ( SEPnet ). You’ll become part of SEPnet’s graduate network (GRADnet), the largest postgraduate research school in England.

We have an excellent graduate employability record, with 100 per cent of our physics research students going on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey, 2023) and the collaborative, interdisciplinary and industry-relevant nature of our research means you’ll make contacts, gain skills and get practical experience that gives you an edge with employers.

Our research ranges from fundamental topics in nuclear theory and astrophysics, to applied research in semiconductor devices and medical physics. Our nuclear physics group is the largest combined experimental and theoretical group in its field in the UK. Our research in astrophysics is dynamic and rapidly growing, and our latest research in quantum technology has resulted in articles published in top international journals. Our research often has strong practical applications, such as the strained layer laser that is today ubiquitous in information technology.

Frequently asked questions about doing a PhD

What you will study

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time study to complete our PhD in Physics.

You’ll be assigned two supervisors, both based at the University of Surrey. Your principal supervisor will be an expert in your area of research and will guide you through your PhD. Together, your supervisors will help you define the objectives and scope of your research, and help you learn the experimental, theoretical and computing skills that you need to complete your research.

As a doctoral student in the School of Mathematics and Physics, you’ll be assigned to a research group with a team of academics, postdoctoral researchers, guest scientists and fellows. Each group has its own seminar programme, giving you the opportunity to learn from colleagues and from guest scientists.

You’ll have regular opportunities to meet other PhD students, academics and staff at our informal postgraduate research forum meetings, and to get involved in organising social or other events.

In addition to the award of a PhD, as a doctoral student you’ll be able to join the Institute of Physics as an Associate Member, and you’ll be entitled to apply for full membership after three years of postgraduate study.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You’ll complete a confirmation report after 12 months which is assessed by independent examiners.

Research support

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Research themes

Astrophysics.

• Multi-scale numerical simulations
• Stellar clusters
• Galaxy formation
• Supermassive black holes
• The hunt for dark matter
• Nuclear and radiation physics.

Experimental nuclear physics

• Physics of exotic nuclei studied with gamma ray spectroscopy, charged particle spectroscopy and radioactive beams.

Theoretical nuclear physics

• Ab initio nuclear structure
• Reactions for stellar nucleosynthesis
• Few body methods for nuclear structure and reactions
• Nuclear matter and neutron stars
• Superheavy nuclei and the creation of new elements
• Resonances and vibrational modes of nuclei.

Radiation detectors

• Fundamental detector physics
• New materials and technologies for detectors
• Novel algorithms and data handling for radiation detectors.

Medical physics

• Trace elements in the body
• Realistic phantoms for medical imaging
• Applications of X-ray tomography
• Radiation transport
• Radiobiology (biological effectiveness and modelling)
• Dosimetry and micro-dosimetry
• Advanced radiotherapy.

Environmental radioactivity

• Gamma ray spectroscopy
• Distribution of radioactivity due to natural and man-made processes
• Optimised sensor placement for radiological research
• Detection of radioactive concealed structures.

Photonics and quantum sciences

• Unconventional semiconductors and nanostructures for new types of lasers and detectors
• Quantum technology based on silicon
• Femtosecond dynamics of electron spins
• Exciton photo-physics in nanostructures
• Quasi-random photonic crystals
• Control of qubits in circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Soft matter

• Integration of nanoscale materials into functional devices
• Non-equilibrium processes in polymer colloids
• Soft polymers and nanocomposites in adhesives
• Computational soft matter, water dynamics in porous media and biological physics
• Fluid dynamics and porous media: magnetic resonance imaging and computational simulation
• Living microbes in hybrid functional materials
• Responsive emulsions and microcapsules
• Adhesives from natural, renewable sources.

Quantum biology

• How quantum coherence is maintained in biological energy harvesting
• The impact of biological noise in quantum coherence.

Our academic staff

See a full list of all our  academic staff  within the School of Mathematics and Physics.

Research centres and groups

Research facilities.

PhD students in Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics enjoy a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities supported by dedicated teams of technical and IT support staff. Some of the larger facilities are mentioned below, with further details available on the web pages of individual research groups.

Research in condensed matter and semiconductor physics is supported by specialist facilities for low temperatures, high magnetic fields and high pressures, in addition to extensive resources for electrical and optical characterisation. An ultrafast (femtosecond) laser laboratory has been augmented with sources of terahertz radiation in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory. The Soft Matter laboratories comprise a comprehensive suite of facilities for microstructural and complete optical/electrical/thermal characterisation of novel materials from atomic force microscopes to ellipsometry. Nuclear magnetic resonance facilities allow study of water transport in important structural materials.

The interdisciplinary Advanced Technology Institute provides access to facilities related to nanotechnology, including chemical synthesis laboratories, class 100 Clean Rooms for fabrication of electronic and photonic devices, electron microscopy and focused ion beams, and extensive ion beam analysis through Surrey’s Ion Beam Centre .

Students also make use of leading international experimental facilities ranging from free-electron lasers for quantum technology research to a wide range of facilities for nuclear experimental physics. Theoretical research in all areas of physics is supported through high-performance computational clusters.

As much of our postgraduate research is collaborative, you will often be required to travel for meetings with other researchers and to access specialised facilities.

Medical physics research will benefit from access to clinical radiation facilities available at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the National Physical Laboratory.

Josh Reding

The facilities are impressive, and they allow me a wide range of approaches to studying my materials. I’m fully in charge of my own lab facility, and I’ve designed, built and run my experiments from beginning to end. The amount of freedom provided to me has been remarkable.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).

International entry requirements by country

English language requirements.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Application requirements

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Student life

At Surrey we offer the best of both worlds – a friendly campus university, set in beautiful countryside with the convenience and social life of Guildford on your doorstep.

Start date: July 2024

Start date: October 2024

Start date: January 2025

Start date: April 2025

• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
• Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

Funding for PhD studentships in physics is available through the Department from a number of sources:

• STFC Doctoral Training Grant: fully-funded studentships are available for students wishing to study nuclear physics or astronomy. These are funded from the UKRI Science and Technology Research Council.
• Departmental and Doctoral College studentships: fully-funded studentships are available for all physics discipline areas, funded through the University’s internal studentship allocation.
• Co-funding with our research partners: the Department has close connections with a wide range of research partners, who may also offer studentship funding. These include the National Physical Laboratory, AWE and other major research organisations.

For an informal discussion about PhD funding options and studentships, please contact the Department in the first instance at  [email protected] .

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Apply online

If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, please provide details of the project instead of a research proposal.

Read our application guidance for further information on applying.

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

1. Select your course

Select the course you wish to apply for.

To apply online sign in or create an account.

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

University of Surrey Admissions

University of Surrey Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH

UK National Quantum Technologies Programme

Transforming the world with quantum technology

The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) is a £1 billion dynamic collaboration between industry, academia and government. It represents and guides the fission of a leading-edge science into transformative new products and services.

The NQTP supports ideas, innovation and investment to secure UK advantage and opportunities in the globally competitive new quantum era. The NQTP acts as a cornerstone for the underpinning scientific research, skills training and international collaboration vital to building a resilient UK quantum-enabled economy.

An evolved vision to create a “quantum enabled economy”, in which quantum technologies:

• are an integral part of the UK’s digital backbone and advanced manufacturing base
• unlock innovation across sectors to drive growth and help build a thriving and resilient economy and society
• contribute significant value to the UK’s prosperity and security.

To achieve this, we aim to make the UK:

• a global centre of excellence in quantum science and technology development
• the ‘go-to’ place for quantum companies or for global companies to locate their quantum activities
• a preferred location for investors and global talent.

Our achievements so far

470+ PhD candidates supported

120+ Hub industrial partners

14 Fellowships funded, with more due in 2022

49 Start-ups generated

£147m awarded to the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

£93m invested in the National Quantum Computing Centre

£214m invested in Quantum Technology Hubs

£40m of Quantum Technology for Fundamental Physics projects funded

Our programme

The NQTP invests widely to turn new era quantum technologies into commercial realities for national advantage. It is also backing and building the scientific research and engineering supply chains.

Our programme will:

• secure the UK’s leading position in quantum technologies
• stimulate market growth, unleashing innovation and a thriving ecosystem
• maintain and build the UK’s excellence in research and technology
• build a resilient network of national assets and mutually beneficial international relationships
• grow, attract and retain talent.

Read more about our programme .

News and events

5 February 2024

UKRI and NQCC invest £30 million in UK quantum innovators

Winners of the UKRI Quantum Testbed Competition will develop and deliver quantum computing testbeds at NQCC’s facilities in south Oxfordshire by March 2025.

15 January 2024

UK is ready to take a quantum leap on technology

Kedar Pandya, Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at EPSRC, writes about the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme

22 November 2023

National Quantum Strategy Missions

In 2023, the government published the National Quantum Strategy, where it committed to publish long-term quantum missions to galvanise technology development.

• Schools & departments

Mathematical Physics PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Mathematical Physics

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

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:

School of Physics, Engineering and Technology

PhD in Physics

Our research community nurtures close to 150 research students, covering everything from nuclear physics and astrophysics to the physics of life. Join our rich and thriving academic community and deliver projects on key research areas in physics.

Your research

As a doctoral student, the focus of your work will be an independent research project.

You'll be part of one of our leading research groups, which bring together expertise in fields such as condensed matter and materials physics , nuclear physics , plasma and fusion science and technologies , physics of life , and quantum science and technologies .

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 322236

Related links

• Research degree funding
• Accommodation
• International students
• Life at York
• How to apply
• School of Physics, Engineering and Technology funding
• Funding for research degrees

Supervision

We encourage you to find out about our academics and get to know how their work and expertise fit your interests before applying. You will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of academic staff and your progress will be continually guided by a supervisor and a thesis advisory panel.

Our academic staff are happy to answer any questions on their research interests or discuss a project you might have in mind.

Find a supervisor

Research excellence

Our physics research is ranked 13th in the UK according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Committed to equality

We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality in science.

Fantastic facilities

Gain access to our state-of-the-art research and laboratory spaces, working with world-renowned physicists to drive progress in science, industry and policy.

Training and support

Our research programmes combine training in specialist areas with wider scientific skills. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods, supporting your growing expertise and enhancing your employability.

Alongside your research, taught modules will help you develop specialist skills and relate your project to developments in the field. You'll choose from a wide range of Masters and undergraduate modules in specialist areas to complement your research.

You'll also take part in a transferable skills programme, covering soft and hard skills.

Course location

This course is run by the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology.

You will be based on Campus West . Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

Entry requirements

You should have, or expect to obtain, an MPhys degree at 2:1 or above, or an MSc in Physics.

We will also consider applicants with a Masters in a closely related field, applicants who have relevant industry experience, and applicants with a BSc at 2:1 or above where sufficient relevant experience can be demonstrated.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Careers and skills

Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications by training you to complete research in a specific area of experimental, computational or theoretical physics. You will become equipped with transferable skills around creativity and innovation, mathematics and problem solving to become an expert in your field, prepared for the next stage in your career.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Career opportunities

• Software developer
• Principal data scientist
• Product engineer
• Academic researcher
• Lecturer or teacher

Apply for this course

Apply for this course (Distance Learning)

Find your supervisor

Advertised research projects

If you are applying for an advertised research project, please include the project name in your application. You should contact the project leader in advance, who may also ask you to submit a full research proposal.  Advertised research projects may be funded or self-funded, as indicated in the advert.

Find a project

Research proposals

If you are not applying for a particular research project, you should contact the member of the academic staff you wish to work with, who may provide you with a research/project outline.

The research proposal needs to describe the nature of your proposed study and give some indication of how you will conduct your research. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that you and your potential supervisor(s) have matching research interests. The proposal should be 250 to 350 words in length. It must be in English, and be your own words.

Scholarships and funding

100 Best universities for Quantum and Particle physics in the United Kingdom

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the United Kingdom ranked based on their research performance in Quantum and Particle physics. A graph of 48.1M citations received by 1.62M academic papers made by 141 universities in the United Kingdom was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Cambridge

For Quantum and Particle physics

2. University of Oxford

3. Imperial College London

4. University of Manchester

5. University College London

6. University of Southampton

7. University of Bristol

8. University of Sheffield

9. University of Edinburgh

10. University of Nottingham

11. University of Leeds

12. Durham University

13. University of Birmingham

14. University of Glasgow

15. University of Warwick

16. University of Liverpool

17. King's College London

18. University of Strathclyde

19. Queen Mary University of London

20. University of Bath

21. University of Sussex

22. University of St Andrews

23. Newcastle University

24. Queen's University Belfast

25. Loughborough University

26. University of York

27. University of Surrey

28. Cardiff University

29. University of Exeter

30. Lancaster University

31. University of Leicester

32. University of Reading

33. Swansea University

34. Heriot-Watt University

35. University of Aberdeen

36. University of Wales

37. University of London

38. Cranfield University

39. University of East Anglia

40. Brunel University London

41. University of Kent

42. London School of Economics and Political Science

43. University of Dundee

44. University of Essex

45. University of Hull

46. Aston University

47. Bangor University

48. University of Salford

49. University of Portsmouth

50. Keele University

51. Ulster University

52. Birkbeck, University of London

53. City, University of London

54. University of Bradford

55. Liverpool John Moores University

56. Royal Holloway, University of London

57. University of Plymouth

58. University of Hertfordshire

59. Manchester Metropolitan University

60. Northumbria University

61. Aberystwyth University

62. Nottingham Trent University

63. University of the West of England

64. Sheffield Hallam University

65. Coventry University

66. De Montfort University

67. University of Stirling

68. University of Huddersfield

69. University of Greenwich

70. University of South Wales

71. University of Central Lancashire

72. St George's, University of London

73. London South Bank University

74. University of Brighton

75. Glasgow Caledonian University

76. Oxford Brookes University

77. London Business School

78. Middlesex University

79. Edinburgh Napier University

80. Bournemouth University

81. Teesside University

82. Goldsmiths, University of London

83. Robert Gordon University

84. Kingston University

85. University of Westminster

86. University of Wolverhampton

87. University of the West of Scotland

88. Leeds Beckett University

89. London Metropolitan University

90. University of Lincoln

91. Staffordshire University

92. University of Sunderland

93. University of Bedfordshire

94. Royal Agricultural University

95. University of East London

96. University of Chester

97. University of Derby

98. University of Bolton

99. Royal Veterinary College University of London

100. Anglia Ruskin University

The best cities to study Quantum and Particle physics in the United Kingdom based on the number of universities and their ranks are Cambridge , Oxford , London , and Manchester .

Physics subfields in the United Kingdom

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges and Departments
• Email and phone search
• Give to Cambridge
• Museums and collections
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Postgraduate events
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement

quantum physics

Topic description and stories.

Diamonds and rust help unveil ‘impossible’ quasi-particles

Researchers have discovered magnetic monopoles – isolated magnetic charges – in a material closely related to rust, a result that could be used to...

Simulations of ‘backwards time travel’ can improve scientific experiments

Physicists have shown that simulating models of hypothetical time travel can solve experimental problems that appear impossible to solve using...

Switching ‘spin’ on and off (and up and down) in quantum materials at room temperature

Researchers have found a way to control the interaction of light and quantum ‘spin’ in organic semiconductors, that works even at room temperature...

Researchers devise a new path toward ‘quantum light’

Researchers have theorised a new mechanism to generate high-energy ‘quantum light’, which could be used to investigate new properties of matter at...

Professor Suchitra Sebastian to receive the Schmidt Science Polymaths Award

Cambridge physicist Professor Suchitra Sebastian to join group of ten recently tenured professors named to Polymath Program, awarded up to $2.5...

‘Back to basics’ approach helps unravel new phase of matter

A new phase of matter, thought to be understandable only using quantum physics, can be studied with far simpler classical methods.

Light used to detect quantum information stored in 100,000 nuclear quantum bits

Researchers have found a way to use light and a single electron to communicate with a cloud of quantum bits and sense their behaviour, making it...

Quantum projects launched to solve universe’s mysteries

Researchers will use cutting-edge quantum technologies to transform our understanding of the universe and answer key questions such as the nature of...

Hidden symmetry could be key to more robust quantum systems, researchers find

Researchers have found a way to protect highly fragile quantum systems from noise, which could aid in the design and development of new quantum...

How to cut your lawn for grasshoppers

Picture a grasshopper landing randomly on a lawn of fixed area. If it then jumps a certain distance in a random direction, what shape should the lawn...

New state of matter detected in a two-dimensional material

Researchers have observed the ‘fingerprint’ of a mysterious new quantum state of matter in a two-dimensional material, in which electrons break apart...

Quantum effects at work in the world’s smelliest superconductor

Researchers have found that quantum effects are the reason that hydrogen sulphide – which has the distinct smell of rotten eggs –behaves as a...

Connect with us

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility statement
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Cambridge University Press & Assessment
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

• Undergraduate courses
• Postgraduate courses
• Foundation courses
• Apprenticeships
• Part-time and short courses
• Apply undergraduate
• Apply postgraduate

Search for a course

Search by course name, subject, and more

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• (suspended) - Available in Clearing Not available in Clearing location-sign UCAS

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees
• Scholarships

Funding your studies

• Student finance
• Cost of living support

Why study at Kent

Student life.

• Careers and employability
• Student support and wellbeing
• Our locations
• Placements and internships
• Year abroad
• Student stories
• Schools and colleges
• International

International students

• Your country
• Applicant FAQs
• International scholarships
• University of Kent International College
• Campus Tours
• Applicant Events
• Postgraduate events
• Maps and directions
• Research strengths
• Research centres
• Research impact

Research institutes

• Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology
• Institute of Cyber Security for Society
• Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries
• Institute of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing

Research students

• Graduate and Researcher College
• Research degrees
• Find a supervisor
• How to apply

Popular searches

• Visits and Open Days
• Jobs and vacancies

Accommodation

• Student guide
• Library and IT
• Partner with us

Your future

• Student profiles

Gain advanced training under the supervision of leading experts and participate in innovative research in physics and astrophysics. The School of Physics and Astronomy's main research interests focus on the physics of quantum materials, applied optics, astrophysics and planetary science.

Key information

• Duration 3 to 4 years full-time
• Start date September, January, May
• Location Canterbury

Our research degrees are based around laboratory and computational research projects. PhD study involves a 3-4 year research project on a full-time basis, or 5-6 years part-time. In all our research degrees you undertake a single, focused, research project from day one, and attend components of our transferable skills modules. You are supervised by a team which comprises your main supervisor(s) as well as supervisory chairs that give independent advice on progression.

Physics and Astronomy at Kent has seen an increase in its Grade Point Average (GPA) to 3.06 in the Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2021. 93% of our outputs are classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (4* and 3*).

Reasons to study Physics at Kent

• Become part of our dynamic research community and work alongside staff who produce innovative and interdisciplinary world-leading research.
• Applied Optics Group (AOG)
• Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CAPS)
• Physics of Quantum Materials Group
• Regular investment in our laboratory facilities means you can access state-of-the-art equipment and computational facilities for your research.

Funded PhD studentships

The School’s latest PhD opportunities are announced throughout the year and can be found on the FindAPhD website or through the University of Kent scholarship finder .

Self-funded applicants

If you have private or other funding you are welcome to apply for a PhD at any time, provided that your research interests are in line with the interests and capabilities of one of our research groups . In order to apply, you need to complete the following steps:

• Identify an academic member of staff who you would like to act as a potential supervisor
• Contact the potential supervisor directly by email to discuss the possibility of undertaking a PhD under their supervision. Please outline your interest in the research, supply a CV including details of all relevant experience and details of how you will fund your study.
• Make an online application to study (click 'Apply now').

Everything you need to know.

Entry requirements, study support.

A first or upper second class honours degree in Physics or Chemistry.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country  and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.  

Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage . 

Examples:  

IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 

PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test 

A degree from a UK university 

A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country 

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways .

Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.

At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.

Scholarships can be broad, or specific to your situation, background or even country – so please do use our scholarships finder to discover the options available to you.

We also have research partnership funding with research councils and government schemes in specific areas of interest that can help you take your research to the next level with additional financial support.

Find out more on our fees and funding page and discover what option is right for you.

Postgraduate resources

The University has top-class facilities for physics and astronomy research, including:

• high-velocity light-gas gun and impact laboratory
• Beacon Observatory with optical telescope
• high-performance computers for astronomical image processing and modelling the properties of materials
• Kent Astrochemistry and Simulation Facility (KASF)
• Photonics Centre and clear air suite for optics research
• newly-refurbished physics and astronomy teaching labs

Interdisciplinary approach

Much of the department’s work is interdisciplinary and we have successful collaborative projects with members of the schools of Biosciences, Computing, Engineering and Digital Arts at Kent, as well as an extensive network of international collaborations.

National and international links

Physics at Kent benefits from £2.5 million of funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The School has collaborations with universities around the world, particularly in Germany, France, Italy and the USA. UK links include King's College, London and St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. Our industrial partners include BAE Systems, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Ophthalmic Technology Inc, Canada. We also have collaborations with NASA, European Southern Observatory (ESO) and European Space Agency (ESA) scientists.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Nature ; Science ; Astrophysical Journal ; Journal of Polymer Science ; Journal of Materials Chemistry ; and Applied Optics .

Researcher Development Programme

Kent's Graduate School co-ordinates the Researcher Development Programme for research students, which includes workshops focused on research, specialist and transferable skills. The programme is mapped to the national Researcher Development Framework and covers a diverse range of topics, including subject-specific research skills, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and teamworking, and career management skills.

The School of Physics and Astronomy has a dynamic research community, producing innovative and interdisciplinary research. Our work has application in many industries, including medical imaging, quantum computing technologies and security. Take a closer look at our range of specialist research centres and groups:

• Forensic Imaging Group (FIG)
• Materials for Electronics and Engineering (MEE)
• Physics of Quantum Materials (PQM)
• Supramolecular Interfacial and Synthetic Chemistry (SISC)

Staff research interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss your proposed research and potential supervision prior to making an application. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘ find a supervisor ’ search to search by staff member or keyword.

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website .

All programmes equip you with the tools you need to conduct research, solve problems, communicate effectively and transfer skills to the workplace, which means our graduates are always in high demand. Our links with industry not only provide you with the opportunity to gain work experience during your degree, but also equip you with the general and specialist skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.

Typical employment destinations for graduates from the physics programmes include power companies, aerospace, defence, optoelectronics and medical industries. Typical employment destinations for graduates from our forensic science and chemistry programmes include government agencies, consultancies, emergency services, laboratories, research or academia.

The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide .

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact [email protected] .

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from  UKCISA  before applying.

General information

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Additional costs

Find out more about  general additional costs  that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Additional research fees

Please note that, due to the technical requirements of certain laboratory-based research projects, some projects incur additional research costs to support consumable requirements.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the  application process  or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

Our friendly team is on hand to help you with any queries you have.

Find the right supervisor for your and your research project.

Experience our stunning campuses.

Everything you need to know about applying to Kent from abroad.

Apply for entry to Physics

• Full-time at Canterbury
• Part-time at Canterbury

Join our community

Supporting your success

We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024 .

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Research excellence.

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

It’s easy to study on or off campus at Kent – discover what is right for you.

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Postgraduate Admissions
• Degrees Offered
• Department of Physics
• About overview
• Our History
• Cavendish Women in Physics
• Cavendish Digital Photo Archive and requests to film in the Laboratory
• Image Request Form
• Cavendish Ambassador Programme
• News overview
• Cavendish Photography Competition 2023-24
• People doing Physics podcast
• Ray Dolby Centre overview
• Residents' Newsletters
• Ray Dolby & Cavendish Laboratory
• Progress Updates
• National Facility for Physics
• Research overview
• Research Groups overview
• Astrophysics overview
• Atacama Large Millimetre Array
• James Clerk Maxwell Telescope - Millimetre-Submillimetre Astronomy
• Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI)
• Planck Surveyor Satellite
• Low Frequency Array (LOFAR)
• Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
• Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI)
• Theoretical Studies
• Radio Astronomy Heritage and Education Centre
• Atomic, Mesoscopic and Optical Physics
• Biological and Soft Systems overview
• Polymer and Composites
• Thin Films and Interfaces
• Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Microscopy
• Optical Manipulation and Micromechanics
• Cellular Biophysics
• Single Molecules
• Tissues - Biomolecular Gels and Networks
• Interfaces, Films and Membranes
• High Energy Physics overview
• ATLAS: a general purpose detector for the LHC at CERN
• Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment (LHCb)
• Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) at Fermilab
• Research and Development for Future Collider Experiments
• The Cavendish Theory Group
• Microelectronics overview
• Quantum Information Processing
• Nanospintronics
• Spin transport in carbon-based, organic semiconductors
• Molecular Engineering
• NanoPhotonics overview
• Semiconductor Microcavities
• Nano-Plasmonic Surfaces
• Elastic Photonic Crystals
• Optoelectronics overview
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Solar Cells
• Transistors
• Physics and Chemistry of Solids
• Quantum Matter overview
• Anisotropic Superconductivity
• Development of new Cryogenic equipment
• Electronic Structure of Correlated Electron Materials
• Exotic States of Matter
• High-Tc Materials
• Hydrostatic Pressure
• Novel Superconductors
• Quantum Ferroelectrics
• Quantum Sensors overview
• Detector Technology
• Scientific Computing
• Semiconductor Physics overview
• One-Dimensional Electron Transport
• Mesoscopic Two-Dimensional Electron Transport
• Electron Transport in Quantum Dots
• Surface Acoustic Waves
• Quantum light sources and detectors
• Low Temperature Scanning Probes
• Terahertz Science and Technology
• Research Facilities overview
• State-of-the-art Electron Beam Lithography
• Molecular Beam Epitaxy
• Device Processing Cleanroom
• Cryostat Systems
• Surface and 2D NanoScience
• Theory of Condensed Matter overview
• Collective Quantum Phenomena
• Quantum Mechanical Methods
• Soft Matter
• Condensed Matter Theory Portfolio Partnership
• Thin Film Magnetism overview
• Magnetic Mesostructures
• Spin Transport
• Research Programmes overview
• The Centre for Scientific Computing Collaboration
• Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability
• Physics of Medicine
• Collaborative Programmes overview
• Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre
• Computational Radiotherapy Collaborations
• Nanoelectronics
• Optoelectronics
• Spintronics
• The Cavendish-Hitachi Collaboration
• The Cavendish-Toshiba Collaboration overview
• Toshiba website
• Research Services overview
• Electron Microscopy Suite
• Knowledge Exchange overview
• KE for Cavendish Researchers
• Cavendish KE working lunch series
• Advanced Materials Characterisation Suite overview
• Publications
• Measurement Techniques and Instrument Technical Literature overview
• Remnant Fields in Superconducting Magnets
• PPMS DynaCool System and Options User Manuals
• Quantum Design MPMS3 SQUID-VSM and Options User Manuals
• Sample Geometry and the Accuracy of Reported Sample Magnetic Moment
• Talks, seminars and events overview
• Cavendish Quantum Colloquium
• Research Group Administrative Contacts
• Studying Physics overview
• Prospective Undergraduates
• Current Undergraduates overview
• QAA reviews & accreditation
• Current courses overview
• Course Overview : Part IA
• Course Overview : Part IB
• Course Overview : Part II
• Course Overview : Part III
• Examinations
• Prospective Postgraduate
• Postgraduate Student Prizes
• Coronavirus Postgraduate Signposting
• People overview
• Principal Investigators
• Affiliated Lecturers
• Emeritus Staff and Academic Alumni
• Staff by Research Group
• Professional Services
• Jobs overview
• Apprenticeships
• Intranet overview
• Living with Communicable Diseases including Covid-19

PhD in Physics

• Ray Dolby Centre
• Studying Physics

PhD in Physics (3+ years)

The majority of postgraduate students (about 110 are accepted each year) carry out research at the Cavendish Laboratory towards a PhD degree.

For admission to the PhD, the Postgraduate Admissions Office normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Masters (Pass) . Applicants should obtain the equivalent of:

• at least a 2:i in a UK four-year "undergraduate Master's" (Honours) degree,  OR
• at least a 2:i in a UK three-year Bachelor's (Honours) degree plus a relevant one/two -year UK Master's degree.

All applicants are assessed individually on the basis of their academic records.

Full-time students must spend at least three terms of residence in Cambridge and nine terms of research. If you are undertaking a placement or internship away from Cambridge for more than two weeks you need to apply for leave to work away.

Final examination involves the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words followed by an oral examination (or viva) of the thesis and the general field of physics into which it falls.

Successful applicants are assigned to a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and joins a research group which might vary in size between 4 and 80 individuals. Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and facilities available.

A list of current research projects is published and available on the  research pages  of our website, and more detailed information about specific research areas can be obtained from the relevant academic staff. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before his or her personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement by the University of attendance at formal courses of lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. In addition, postgraduate students carry out first- and second-year physics undergraduate supervision and assist with practical work and theoretical examples classes in the Department.

Lectures within all the faculties of the University are open to any member of the University, and a physics postgraduate student has the opportunity of attending lectures not only within the undergraduate Physics and Theoretical Physics course, but also in any other subject area or faculty.

Cavendish Laboratory

19 J J Thomson Avenue

Cambridge CB3 0HE

Tel: +44 1223 337200

Email: [email protected]

Site Privacy & Cookie Policies

Privacy notice for our emails to you, social media.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

• Skip to main content

We use cookies

Necessary cookies.

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website. We use Google Analytics. All data is anonymised.

Hotjar and Clarity

Hotjar and Clarity help us to understand our users’ behaviour by visually representing their clicks, taps and scrolling. All data is anonymised.

Privacy policy

• University news
• Archive of news

University of Glasgow launches Centre for Quantum Technology

Published: 29 September 2021

The University of Glasgow is launching a dedicated facility for its quantum research and development projects – the Centre for Quantum Technology

First published: 29 September 2021

<< September

<< previous story

in this issue

next story >>

Related links

• Centre for Quantum Technology
• UK National Quantum Technologies Programme
• Prof Miles Padgett - research profile

University of Strathclyde to Host Applied Quantum Technologies Training Center

• Quantum Computing Business , Research , Ukquantum

Matt Swayne

• March 19, 2024

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Insider Brief

• The University of Strathclyde will lead the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Applied Quantum Technologies.
• The center aims to address the urgent need for skilled quantum scientists and engineers.
• The initiative is part of a larger effort involving two new Centres for Doctoral Training led by Strathclyde.

The University of Strathclyde will help advance quantum technology in the UK by leading the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Applied Quantum Technologies, according to a university news release .

This initiative, directed by Professor Stefan Kuhr of the Department of Physics, is part of a larger effort involving two new Centres for Doctoral Training led by Strathclyde, with the university also collaborating in seven additional projects. These efforts are supported by a substantial investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which has allocated over £1 billion for doctoral skills development in engineering and physical sciences across the UK.

The Applied Quantum Technologies CDT, while recognized for its potential to contribute to the quantum technology field, aims to address the urgent need for skilled quantum scientists and engineers, according to the release.

“This CDT stands as a flagship initiative in Scotland and the UK, playing a crucial role in training the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers,” said Kuhr.

Quantum Technology, based on the principles of physics at the atomic scale, has the potential to impact several critical areas, including communications, measurement and computing. Scientists suggest that the technology will one day enhance the security of global communications through quantum networks, improve precision in fields such as geology and biomedical imaging with quantum sensors and tackle complex computational problems with quantum computing.

In collaboration with the Universities of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt, along with more than 30 industry partners, the CDT aims to equip 80 PhD students with a deep understanding of quantum technology. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the foundational aspects of the technology to its applications in Quantum Measurement and Sensing, Quantum Computing and Simulation and Quantum Communications.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the skills gap in essential technological fields within the UK, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and progress. With plans to train over 4,000 doctoral students in various disciplines over the next nine years, the UK is positioning itself to tackle future challenges and contribute to societal and economic growth through scientific and technological advancements.

Pharmaceutical and Tech Training

Additionally, the University of Strathclyde is leading the EPSRC CDT in Cyber-physical Systems for Medicines Development and Manufacturing (CEDAR), under the guidance of Professor Alastair Florence, Director of CMAC. This program aims to transform the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by developing advanced medicines manufacturing processes. By leveraging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality, CEDAR seeks to train 90 future leaders, equipping them with the multidisciplinary skills necessary to innovate sustainable medicine production, thereby accelerating the delivery of new medicines to patients in a cost-effective manner. This initiative, alongside the Applied Quantum Technologies CDT, showcases Strathclyde’s commitment to addressing critical skills shortages and advancing technological innovation in key sectors.

If you found this article to be informative, you can explore more current quantum news here , exclusives, interviews, and podcasts.

The Future of Materials Discovery: Reducing R&D Costs significantly with GenMat’s AI and Machine Learning Tools

When: July 13, 2023 at 11:30am

What: GenMat Webinar

Jake Vikoren

Company Speaker

Deep Prasad

Araceli Venegas

Quantum Machine Learning Is The Next Big Thing

12 Top Quantum Computing Universities in 2024

Sifting through the Clouds: Polish Researchers Will Test the Utility of Quantum Algorithms for Satellite Imagery

Keep track of everything going on in the Quantum Technology Market.

In one place.

Related Articles

How to grow product through acquisitions?| Nadia Carlsten (Sandbox AQ)

Ravi sundaram, april 15, 2024.

New Method of Measuring Qubits Promises Ease of Scalability in a Microscopic Package

Researchers Going Deep to Investigate The Impact of Radiation And Cosmic Rays on Quantum Tech

World Quantum Day — Putting The ‘World’ Back in World Quantum Day

April 14, 2024.

Improved Performance of Superconducting Qubits Makes Investigation of Sapphire Substrates Compelling as an Alternative to Silicon

December 14, 2023.

Princeton University Researchers Make Breakthrough in Connecting Distant Quantum Devices

James dargan, april 13, 2024.

University of Texas at Austin’s Quantum Science Institute Will Bridge Basic Research and Applied Science

April 9, 2024.

UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre Joins IBM Quantum Network

April 12, 2024.

Aliro Quantum Introduces Aliro Simulator For Organizations Designing And Building Quantum Networks

Join our newsletter.

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Breakthrough promises secure quantum computing at home

The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy. This advance promises to unlock the transformative potential of cloud-based quantum computing and is detailed in a new study published in the influential U.S. scientific journal Physical Review Letters .

Never in history have the issues surrounding privacy of data and code been more urgently debated than in the present era of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. As quantum computers become more capable, people will seek to use them with complete security and privacy over networks, and our new results mark a step change in capability in this respect. Professor David Lucas , Oxford University Physics

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, paving the way for new applications which could transform services in many areas like healthcare and financial services. It works in a fundamentally different way to conventional computing and is potentially far more powerful. However, it currently requires controlled conditions to remain stable and there are concerns around data authenticity and the effectiveness of current security and encryption systems.

Several leading providers of cloud-based services, like Google, Amazon, and IBM, already separately offer some elements of quantum computing. Safeguarding the privacy and security of customer data is a vital precursor to scaling up and expending its use, and for the development of new applications as the technology advances. The new study by researchers at Oxford University Physics addresses these challenges.

‘We have shown for the first time that quantum computing in the cloud can be accessed in a scalable, practical way which will also give people complete security and privacy of data, plus the ability to verify its authenticity,’ said Professor David Lucas , who co-heads the Oxford University Physics research team and is lead scientist at the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub, led from Oxford University Physics.

In the new study, the researchers use an approach dubbed “blind quantum computing”, which connects two totally separate quantum computing entities – potentially an individual at home or in an office accessing a cloud server – in a completely secure way. Importantly, their new methods could be scaled up to large quantum computations.

‘Using blind quantum computing, clients can access remote quantum computers to process confidential data with secret algorithms and even verify the results are correct, without revealing any useful information. Realising this concept is a big step forward in both quantum computing and keeping our information safe online’ said study lead Dr Peter Drmota , of Oxford University Physics.

The results could ultimately lead to commercial development of devices to plug into laptops, to safeguard data when people are using quantum cloud computing services.

Researchers exploring quantum computing and technologies at Oxford University Physics have access to the state-of-the-art Beecroft laboratory facility , specially constructed to create stable and secure conditions including eliminating vibration.

Funding for the research came from the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation (QCS) Hub, with scientists from the UK National Quantum Computing Centre, the Paris-Sorbonne University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Maryland, collaborating on the work.

The study ‘Verifiable blind quantum computing with trapped ions and single photons’ has been published in Physical Review Letters .

DISCOVER MORE

• Support Oxford's research
• Partner with Oxford on research
• Study at Oxford
• Research jobs at Oxford

You can view all news or browse by category

• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Watch us on Youtube
• Latest Explore all the latest news and information on Physics World
• Research updates Keep track of the most exciting research breakthroughs and technology innovations
• News Stay informed about the latest developments that affect scientists in all parts of the world
• Features Take a deeper look at the emerging trends and key issues within the global scientific community
• Opinion and reviews Find out whether you agree with our expert commentators
• Interviews Discover the views of leading figures in the scientific community
• Analysis Discover the stories behind the headlines
• Blog Enjoy a more personal take on the key events in and around science
• Physics World Live
• Impact Explore the value of scientific research for industry, the economy and society
• Events Plan the meetings and conferences you want to attend with our comprehensive events calendar
• Innovation showcases A round-up of the latest innovation from our corporate partners
• Collections Explore special collections that bring together our best content on trending topics
• Artificial intelligence Explore the ways in which today’s world relies on AI, and ponder how this technology might shape the world of tomorrow
• #BlackInPhysics Celebrating Black physicists and revealing a more complete picture of what a physicist looks like
• Nanotechnology in action The challenges and opportunities of turning advances in nanotechnology into commercial products
• The Nobel Prize for Physics Explore the work of recent Nobel laureates, find out what happens behind the scenes, and discover some who were overlooked for the prize
• Revolutions in computing Find out how scientists are exploiting digital technologies to understand online behaviour and drive research progress
• The science and business of space Explore the latest trends and opportunities associated with designing, building, launching and exploiting space-based technologies
• Supercool physics Experiments that probe the exotic behaviour of matter at ultralow temperatures depend on the latest cryogenics technology
• Women in physics Celebrating women in physics and their contributions to the field
• Audio and video Explore the sights and sounds of the scientific world
• Podcasts Our regular conversations with inspiring figures from the scientific community
• Video Watch our specially filmed videos to get a different slant on the latest science
• Webinars Tune into online presentations that allow expert speakers to explain novel tools and applications
• IOP Publishing
• Enter e-mail address
• Show Enter password
• Remember me Forgot your password?
• Access more than 20 years of online content
• Manage which e-mail newsletters you want to receive
• Read about the big breakthroughs and innovations across 13 scientific topics
• Explore the key issues and trends within the global scientific community
• Choose which e-mail newsletters you want to receive

Reset your password

Please enter the e-mail address you used to register to reset your password

Registration complete

Thank you for registering with Physics World If you'd like to change your details at any time, please visit My account

• Quantum mechanics
• Opinion and reviews

Entangled entities: Bohr, Einstein and the battle over quantum fundamentals

Philip Ball reviews Quantum Drama: From the Bohr-Einstein Debate to the Riddle of Entanglement by Jim Baggott and John L Heilbron

Next year sees the centenary of the summer in which German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg sought refuge from hay fever on the North Sea island of Helgoland. There, he figured out how to express the perplexing spectroscopic observations of atoms – whereby they absorbed and emitted light at well-defined, characteristic frequencies – in mathematical form. Heisenberg’s mentor, Danish physicist Niels Bohr, had proposed that the spectra could be understood on the assumption that an atom’s electrons may possess only specific energies, switching from one energy level to another by emitting or absorbing a single “quantum” of light with an energy proportional to its frequency. That quantum hypothesis for light had been proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905, and Bohr had developed it into a new theory of the atom – albeit one that made no sense in classical terms.

By expressing the permitted energies of these “quantum jumps” as a matrix of experimentally observed values, Heisenberg transformed the ad hoc , nascent quantum theory into a genuine quantum mechanics. His matrix algebra implied that it was not possible to simultaneously know both the position and the momentum of a particle with arbitrary accuracy. This “uncertainty principle” suggested that quantum physics imposed limits on the knowledge we can have about the atomic world.

Bohr, Heisenberg and their collaborators in Copenhagen went on to argue that this restriction is fundamental. It is not that we are doomed to remain ignorant about exactly how things are, but rather that there is no meaningful “how things are” until they are measured. The suggestion sparked a good-natured but trenchant argument between Bohr and Einstein that lasted for much of their shared lifetime. “Einstein could not make the concession. It would rub out separate, individual objects, essential traits of an acceptable world picture,” write John Heilbron and Jim Baggott in their new book Quantum Drama : From the Bohr-Einstein Debate to the Riddle of Entanglement . Baggott, a physicist and science writer, and Heilbron, a historian of science who died in 2023, tell the history of quantum mechanics, from its inception to today’s cutting edge of quantum information technology.

Einstein never tired of concocting new objections to the “Copenhagen” view. At the Solvay Conference of 1930 in Belgium, which brought together the leading physicists of the day, he confronted Bohr with a paradoxical thought experiment involving a heavy box hanging from a spring, containing a photon (that escapes) and a fixed clock. Bohr produced a response to the puzzle that assuaged many doubts but seems not to have satisfied Bohr himself. “He fretted over it for the rest of his life,” say Heilbron and Baggott. “A rough sketch of the apparatus was on his blackboard the day he died.”

Einstein’s opposition exposed the deeply counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics – most famously in a thought experiment devised in 1935 with his younger colleagues Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen. This “EPR [Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen] experiment” showed that, once two particles have interacted, quantum mechanics seemed to insist that their properties thereafter remain interdependent, such that a measurement elicits impossible instantaneous signalling between the two. Erwin Schrödinger, who shared Einstein’s antipathy to the Copenhagen view, named this effect “entanglement”.

To Einstein, the EPR paradox could be resolved only by assuming that the entangled particles had fixed properties all along, albeit ones that were unobservable and thus characterized by “hidden variables”. The problem was that both Bohr’s and Einstein’s interpretations made identical experimental predictions. With no obvious way to resolve the question, it was set aside, and many researchers in the 1940s and 1950s deemed such “foundational” questions pointless or even unseemly. Who cared, when quantum mechanics worked so well in practice? This was the attitude famously characterized by American physicist David Mermin as “shut up and calculate”, which was particularly dominant in the pragmatic US. Taking an interest in such issues could be tantamount to career suicide. “You’ll never get a PhD if you allow yourself to be distracted by such frivolities,” Mermin was told at Harvard, according to the book. He remarks that “it was a very unphilosophical time”.

Nobel laureate Murray Gell-Mann charged Bohr with having brainwashed a generation of physicists into thinking that the puzzles of quantum mechanics had all been long solved

In her 1999 book Quantum Dialogue , historian of science Mara Beller accused Bohr and his colleagues of imposing their Copenhagen orthodoxy and marginalizing or ridiculing alternative interpretations such as David Bohm’s “pilot waves” and Hugh Everett’s “universal wavefunction”, also known as the “many worlds” interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nobel laureate Murray Gell-Mann charged Bohr with having brainwashed a generation of physicists into thinking that the puzzles of quantum mechanics had all been long solved. But Heilbron and Baggott show that it’s fairer to lay the blame on the apathy of the community at large. As Paul Dirac said of the theory’s metaphysical conundrums: “Many people live long and fruitful lives without ever worrying about [them].”

Thirty years of ‘against measurement’

That attitude began to change, however, in 1964 when the Northern Irish physicist John Bell figured out a way to distinguish the so-called hidden-variables models from no-frills quantum mechanics. All it needed was some serious thought – “There was nothing in Bell’s inequality that was not known to the quantum founders,” the authors say.

Ironically, Bell came up with his celebrated test because he wanted to find a flaw in Bohrian quantum mechanics. So did the first person to conduct the test experimentally, John Clauser, working with Stuart Freedman at the University of California at Berkeley. Yet that experiment, and the many others later carried out, have unfailingly supported quantum mechanics alone and ruled out any hidden variables – at least those that apply locally to assign each particle fixed properties at a given position before measurement. (That does not mean Bohr is right, although it seems nearly impossible to salvage Einstein’s position.) The book gives a superb account of the resurgence of interest in quantum foundations that followed from the work of Bell and Clauser, involving in particular Clauser’s fellow 2022 Nobel laureates Anton Zeilinger and Alain Aspect. Far from being empty philosophizing, such studies now undergird technologies such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography.

Quantum Drama tells a complex story with a vast cast. While the authors sometimes demand a lot from their readers, I have never read a better account: balanced, authoritative and spiced with elegant wit. Describing a trip to Japan made by several of the early quantum pioneers, Heilbron and Baggott describe how on a walk past a pagoda “Heisenberg spontaneously climbed it and, standing on its very apex (width ∆q) on one foot in a howling wind, happily maintained an uncertainty ∆p too small to knock him over.”

This book won’t be all things to all people. As with Heilbron’s earlier book Niels Bohr: A Very Short Introduction , its description of the Bohr atom is so technical as to be nigh impenetrable to all but specialists, creating a formidable hurdle so early in the book. And there are other occasions, such as in the descriptions of Bell tests, where one longs for a pithy summary of qualitative meaning among the details. At times the reader is thrown a succession of comments from experts without much indication of how to navigate their contradictions.

But if this makes the book occasionally challenging for the general reader, the payoff for perseverance is considerable. As the author of a popular-level account of quantum mechanics, I hesitate to suggest leaving such efforts aside in favour of this more substantial volume – but I would certainly recommend treating all such accounts with caution until you have read this one.

• 2024 Oxford University Press 352pp £25hb

Want to read more?

• E-mail Address

Philip Ball is a science writer based in the UK, whose latest book is How Life Works (2024), e-mail  [email protected]

Physics World Careers

Providing valuable careers advice and a comprehensive employer directory

Africa's quantum future offers a beacon of hope

Discover more from physics world.

• Research update

Giant quantum tornado behaves like a black hole in miniature

• Quantum computing

Europe plans to build 100-qubit quantum computer by 2026

IOP Publishing and Physics World celebrate World Quantum Day

Related jobs, senior quantum scientist, university professorship (w3) "quantum materials", principle physicist, related events.

• Quantum | Conference IQT The Hague 22—24 April 2024 | The Hague, Netherlands
• Quantum | Conference Quantum.Tech USA 24—26 April 2024 | Washington DC, US
• Quantum | Conference IQT Vancouver-Pacific Rim 4—6 June 2024 | Vancouver, Canada

Skip to content

School of Physics

College of sciences, search form, school of physics – physics & startup seminar - professor christopher monroe (duke university and formerly ionq, inc).

Quantum Computing Meets Wall Street

ABSTRACT: Quantum computers exploit the bizarre features of quantum physics -- uncertainty, entanglement, and measurement -- to perform tasks that are impossible using conventional means. Quantum computing research has historically been led by academic and government groups, but this is changing fast.  This is especially true for technologies such as individual atoms and photons, where the challenges ahead are essentially engineering and not physics.  (That the behemoth companies have chosen quantum technology that nobody knows how to scale may be more driven by hype and fashion than rational thought.)  I will summarize adventures in taking an unconventional technology from the university lab to industry and the associated (mostly sociological) challenges. It remains a great challenge to build a quantum computer big enough to be useful for society, but the good news is that in some technologies we don’t see any fundamental limits ahead, and industry will play a critical role.

BIOGRAPHY: Christopher Monroe is the Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Duke University. He is also the Co-Founder and former CEO and Chief Scientist of IonQ, Inc., the first pure-play public quantum computing company. Monroe has pioneered nearly all aspects of trapped ion quantum computers and simulators, from demonstrations of the first quantum gate, monolithic semiconductor-chip ion trap, and photonic interconnects between physically separated qubits; to the design, fabrication, and use of full-stack ion trap quantum computer systems in both university and industrial settings. He is a key architect of the US National Quantum Initiative, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, the UK Institute of Physics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Event Details

Date:  Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Location: Howey N201/N202

Related Media

For More Information Contact

Professor Daniel Goldman

Georgia Tech Resources

• Offices & Departments
• News Center
• Campus Calendar
• Special Events
• Institute Communications

Visitor Resources

• Campus Visits
• Directions to Campus
• Visitor Parking Information
• GTvisitor Wireless Network Information
• Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
• Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
• Barnes & Noble at Georgia Tech
• Ferst Center for the Arts
• Robert C. Williams Paper Museum

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 Phone: 404-894-2000

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 404.894.2000

• Emergency Information
• Enable Accessibility
• Legal & Privacy Information
• Human Trafficking Notice
• Title IX/Sexual Misconduct
• Hazing Public Disclosures
• Accessibility
• Accountability
• Accreditation

© Georgia Institute of Technology