Physics PhD – Doctoral Research Programme
University of Surrey
Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
The University of Surrey is offering applications for its Physics PhD programme within the School of Mathematics and Physics. The programme provides opportunities for experimental, theoretical, and computational research across both fundamental and applied physics disciplines. Research areas include astrophysics, nuclear and radiation physics, photonics, quantum technologies, medical physics, environmental radioactivity, quantum biology, and soft matter physics.
The School of Mathematics and Physics is home to 54 full-time research-active academic staff and supports a global community of doctoral researchers. PhD candidates benefit from collaborations with leading organisations including the National Physical Laboratory and Royal Surrey County Hospital, and participation in the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) and GRADnet, the largest postgraduate research school in England.
The programme is available in full-time and part-time modes with multiple annual intakes beginning in October 2026, January 2027, April 2027, and July 2027. Full-time study normally takes four years, while part-time study typically takes eight years.
Doctoral researchers will be assigned two supervisors and integrated into dedicated research groups consisting of academics, postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and guest scientists. Students will participate in seminars, postgraduate research forums, interdisciplinary collaborations, and networking activities. Candidates may also join the Institute of Physics as Associate Members and apply for full membership after three years of postgraduate study.
Research themes include:
• Astrophysics and galaxy formation
• Experimental and theoretical nuclear physics
• Radiation detectors and radiological research
• Medical physics and advanced radiotherapy
• Environmental radioactivity
• Photonics and quantum sciences
• Soft matter and biological physics
• Quantum biology
Students will have access to advanced research facilities including ultrafast laser laboratories, nanotechnology and clean room facilities, ion beam analysis systems, high-performance computational clusters, semiconductor physics laboratories, nuclear magnetic resonance facilities, and clinical radiation facilities through associated research partners.
Assessment is based on the submission of a doctoral thesis and viva voce examination. Candidates may submit either a traditional monograph thesis or a publication-format thesis, subject to supervisor approval. A confirmation report assessed by independent examiners is required after 12 months of study.
The University reports that 100% of physics research graduates progress into employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to Graduate Outcomes 2025 data.
[Eligibility Criteria]
• Applicants should hold a first-class or upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent international qualification.
• Applicants with a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree may be considered if they also possess a strong master’s degree with distinction or equivalent overseas qualification.
• International applicants must satisfy English language requirements, including IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component or an accepted equivalent qualification.
• Applicants must submit a satisfactory research proposal and supporting documentation.
• Selection involves application screening, interview performance, and satisfactory references.
[Required expertise/skills]
• Strong background in physics or a related scientific discipline
• Research capability in experimental, theoretical, or computational physics
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Scientific writing and communication abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research groups
• Experience or interest in specialised research areas such as astrophysics, nuclear physics, medical physics, quantum technologies, photonics, or soft matter physics
• Computing, laboratory, and data analysis skills relevant to research specialisation
Salary details
• UK tuition fees (Full-time): £5,238 per year
• Overseas tuition fees (Full-time): £28,300 per year
• UK tuition fees (Part-time): £2,619 per year
• Overseas tuition fees (Part-time): £14,200 per year
• Annual fees are subject to a 4% increase each year of study.
• Fully funded studentships and doctoral funding opportunities are available through STFC Doctoral Training Grants, departmental studentships, Doctoral College funding, and research partner co-funding arrangements.
• Example funded studentships include stipends up to £26,000 per year plus tuition coverage and research training support grants.
Application Deadline
• October 2026 intake (Full-time and Part-time): Sunday, 12 July 2026
• January 2027 intake (Full-time and Part-time): Sunday, 11 October 2026
• April 2027 intake (Full-time and Part-time): Sunday, 17 January 2027
• Applications for July 2027 intake are currently open.