PhD Physics

at University of Surrey

Assessment

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.

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.

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 

Experimental nuclear physics
 

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

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 

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 

Quantum biology 
 

• How quantum coherence is maintained in biological energy harvesting 

• The impact of biological noise in quantum coherence 

Radiation detectors 
 

• Fundamental detector physics 

• New materials and technologies for detectors 

• Novel algorithms and data handling for radiation detectors 

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 

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 

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

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve at least 60% or 65% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve at least 55% or 60% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve at least 65% or 70% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

English language requirements
 

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category and at least 7.0 in the writing component.

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.

Annual Tuition Fees:
 

• UK: £4,596

• Overseas: £23,400