glasgow physics phd

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Physics and Astronomy PhD

University of glasgow, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Physics (General) Astronomy

Course type

Our strong collaborations with UK and international institutions contribute to an excellent environment for top quality research.

• We lead QuantIC, the UK's four Quantum Technology Hub
• We host two EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training
• We are a member of Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)

Research groups

We cover a wide range of topics, including solar and plasma physics, cosmology and radio astronomy. Much of our research in solar physics concentrates on the theory, diagnostics and observation of solar flares, complementing our work in more general plasma theory and atmospheric plasmas.

Extreme Light

What could you do if you had a camera so fast that is can freeze light in motion? Or a quatum sensing device that can measure the path taken by a single photon with a precision of a single atom? We are developing the techonlogies that will enable new forms of imaging with applications ranging from seeing behind and through walls to quantum microscopy.

Imaging concepts

We conduct research into new imaging techniques at optical and radio-frequency wavelengths and work closely with collaborators in industry, biology and medicine to apply these techniques in real-world applications. Our main research fields are computational imaging, spectral imaging and biomedical imaging, particularly in the retina.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

The University of Glasgow is one of four ancient universities in Scotland, founded back in 1451. Alumni include seven Nobel Prize winners, Scotland’s First Minister and a Prime Minister, while Albert Einstein gave a seminal lecture on the theory of relativity there in 1933. The university consists of four colleges: College of Arts College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences College of Science and Engineering College of... more

Physics and Astronomy EngD

Full time | 4 years | 23-SEP-24

Physics and Astronomy MSc (Research)

Full time | 1 year | 23-SEP-24

Physics and Astronomy MPhil

Full time | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

Astronomy & Astrophysics Group

Supa school of physics & astronomy, university of glasgow, professor graham woan.

The detection and measurement of astrophysical sources of gravitational radiation. Radio astronomy.

Room 609 School of Physics and Astronomy Kelvin Building University of Glasgow G12 8QQ

Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 141 330 5897 Fax: +44 141 330 8600

Personal homepage (the contents of which are the responsibility of Prof. Graham Woan)

Refereed Publications

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Prestigious scholarship for University of Glasgow physics PhD candidate

A postgraduate student from the University of Glasgow has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Institute of Physics (IOP). Lauren Muir, a PhD candidate in the School of Physics & Astronomy, has been named as one of this year’s recipients of the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is named after the pioneering astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a graduate of the University of Glasgow who discovered the first evidence of radio pulsars in 1967. The graduate scholarship fund was instigated by Professor Dame Bell Burnell and the IOP in 2019 after Dame Jocelyn was awarded the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for her role in the discovery of pulsars. Dame Jocelyn immediately donated her entire £2.3m prize award to the IOP. Her aim was to help counter what she described as "the unconscious bias that still exists in physics research", adding: "I don’t need the money myself, and it seemed to me that this was perhaps the best use I could put it to." The fund aims to improve diversity in physics by offering doctoral scholarships to students from groups currently underrepresented in the physics research community. Those eligible include women, people with refugee status, ethnic minorities, disabled or financially disadvantaged students - and others who would otherwise struggle to complete a course of postgraduate study due to their circumstances. Lauren received the award to support her research proposal, titled ’Nurturing Physics Identity in Undergraduate Students through Learning Communities’.

Lauren is passionate about widening participation and supporting those from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. Her research examines the correlation between students feeling like they are members of a learning community and how strongly they perceive themselves to be physicists. Lauren said: "Today, so much of science relies on collaboration, and therefore when designing our undergraduate courses that will be supporting the development of physicists of tomorrow, it is important to support students in forming communities and working collaboratively. Students with strong physics identities are more likely to stay in the field and have generally higher levels of satisfaction - and these benefits are particularly notable for students from minority groups. "I hope to better understand the relationship between these two pillars of educational practice, and as a result how we can design undergraduate courses that allow those from all backgrounds to flourish." Lauren is one of 10 new awardees announced today. To date, the Fund has enabled 31 students to begin PhDs they would otherwise not have been able to take on. Lauren said: "Receiving the Bell-Burnell scholarship is an absolute dream come true. Over the years, I’ve been told many times that I was too opinionated and that my voice wasn’t important, and there have been multiple instances where I was made to feel like I didn’t belong in a physics classroom because I am a woman. "I’m so grateful that the panel recognised my passion and dedication, it’s an affirmation that the causes I care about are important and that my perspective is valuable. "Furthermore, it feels incredibly validating that all the work I’ve done over the years has now come to fruition. I’ve been keenly interested in physics education research for years, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Astronomy and Physics Education research group in various capacities throughout my time at the University of Glasgow. "These experiences were incredibly formative for me, and it was the first time I felt I truly belonged in the physics department - the people I worked with were a massive inspiration for me and highlighted that I could unite my passions of physics and education. They are a wonderful team of people who care deeply about the work they do, and I am so excited to join them! "I hope to use my platform as a recipient of the Bell-Burnell scholarship to expand the perception of who can become a physicist, and indeed this project will actively promote the School of Physics and Astronomy’s ethos of inclusivity and diversity." Rachel Youngman, Deputy Chief Executive of the IOP, said: "This year I am delighted that we have been able to continue the amazing legacy of Dame Jocelyn in supporting 10 incredibly promising students in furthering their studies and building their careers in physics. "We desperately need physicists to help us meet the challenges of the next industrial age; whether that is in helping make nuclear fusion a viable source of energy production, exploiting the opportunities of quantum computing or helping design faster, smaller and more powerful semi-conductors. "Wherever we look there are problems that need physicists to help solve them and the more diverse we can make the population of physics researchers and innovators the more effective and creative it will be. "The Fund set up by Dame Jocelyn is already helping to achieve this. To date, it has enabled 31 students to embark upon a physics PhD, helping them to start their journey to a rewarding and exciting career. "Already students who have been supported are working across the UK in academia and business helping us solve some of the most important challenges of our times, in low carbon energy, medical sciences, computing and many, many other areas. "This is wonderful news for those awarded grants, who deserve the highest congratulations, but it is also already making an impact on all of our lives thanks to the science it is supporting and will continue to do so for many years to come." Professor Helen Gleeson, Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Leeds and IOP Representative to Council for Inclusion and Diversity, is the Chair of the Fund Committee. She said: "Every year the standard of applications for this fund gets higher and higher and the ten successful applicants have all done incredibly well. "There is no doubt that physics will provide the scientific applications and solutions to so many of the problems we face in our society and economy today and these Bell Burnell award winners will be at the very heart of that work. "I wish them all the best in their future work and will watch their careers with interest!"

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Fellowship positions in gravitational-wave science, Glasgow, UK

• by Christopher Berry
• 2024/05/29 2024/05/29

The Institute for Gravitational Research, at the University of Glasgow, welcomes applications as a host institution for postdoctoral fellowships, such as Royal Society University Research Fellowships and STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships, in all aspects of gravitational-wave research from experimental science and instrumentation development to gravitational-wave data analysis and astrophysics or associated multi-messenger astronomy.

Fellowships are prestigious opportunities that provide multi-year funding for early career researchers to establish their own independent research programmes. Details of applying for fellowships may be found on the attached link.

The University of Glasgow also offers the Lord Kelvin/Adam Smith Fellowship that will provide additional funds (up to GBP 100k) for successful applicants.

To help strengthen applications, all fellowship applications undergo internal review, and applicants are provided with mentorship. Consequently, potential applicants are advised to make contact well in advance of fellowship deadlines. For example, those interested in University Research Fellowships should provide preliminary information of the planned submissions by 10 June and confirm their intention to submit by 18 July.

The Institute is one of the world’s largest and most diverse gravitational-wave groups. It is active in major international collaborations such as the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the LISA Consortium and the Einstein Telescope Collaboration. Experimental work is supported by facilities including a new world-class facility for producing ion-beam sputtered optical coatings in partnership with the Universities of Strathclyde and West of Scotland, and with a new cryogenic prototype interferometer facility for next-generation gravitational-wave detectors with suspended crystalline silicon mirrors under development. Data analysis is supported through access to our local high-performance computing clusters. All postdoctoral fellows have access to training and career development opportunities through the University’s Early Career Development Programme. The School of Physics and Astronomy has Institute of Physics Juno Champion and Athena Swan Silver statuses, and the University is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion.

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Physics (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a Ph.D. in physics at UNH?

Expand your career opportunities within academia, industry or research through our physics Ph.D. program. You’ll work through a core curriculum exploring the fundamental areas of physics while also engaging with electives in your area of interest. You’ll apply advanced methodologies while conducting original research. If you are interested in teaching physics, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue a cognate in college teaching. As a doctoral student in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to receive support through teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships.

Program Highlights

The Department of Physics offers excellent research opportunities for graduate students. UNH physicists are engaged in world-class research in applied optics, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics, education, and high energy theory and cosmology. The Space Science Center fosters research and education in all the space sciences, ranging from the ionosphere to the Earth's magnetosphere, the local solar system, and out to the farthest reaches of the universe. In addition, UNH has just reached the top tier of research universities, Carnegie Classification R1, and our research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year.

Potential career areas

• Government research
• Private industry research/development
• Renewable energy
• Science communication

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Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Physics Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, research or academia. Students will progress from studying a core curriculum encompassing fundamental areas of physics to taking elective classes in their area of interest. They will then conduct original research in a particular research area, leading to their PhD dissertation and defense.

For more details, please consult the physics graduate student handbook .

Requirements for the Program

Degree requirements.

For Space Science students, these courses must include Plasma Physics ( PHYS 951 ) , Magnetohydrodyamics of the Heliosphere ( PHYS 953 ) , and one of Magnetospheres ( PHYS 987 ) , Heliospheric Physics ( PHYS 954 ) .

Students are required to

• demonstrate proficiency in teaching,
• pass the written comprehensive exam, and
• pass an oral qualifying exam on a thesis proposal.

Degree candidates are required to

• register for a minimum of two semesters of PHYS 999 Doctoral Research ,
• pass the oral dissertation defense, and
• successfully submit the final dissertation to the Graduate School.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
• Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
• Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
• Students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of advanced research in physics.
• Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
• Students will be well prepared for postgraduate study in physics and related disciplines, as well as advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : Jan. 15 (for funding); after that on rolling basis until April 15
• Spring : N/A
• Summer : N/A
• Special : Spring admission by approval only

Application fee : $65

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

GRE Optional

The GRE scores are optional, if you wish to provide scores please email the scores directly to the department once you have submitted your application online.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

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• Undergraduate study
• 2025 Degree programmes A‑Z
• Physics / Theoretical Physics

Undergraduate  

Physics / Theoretical Physics BSc/MSci

Physics is the experimental and theoretical study of matter and energy and their interactions, ranging from the domain of elementary particles, through nuclear and atomic physics, to the physics of solids and, ultimately, to the origins of the universe itself.

Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO.

• September start
• Session dates
• Physics BSc (Hons):  F300 4 year degree
• Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons):  F344 4 year degree
• Physics MSci:  F301 5 year degree
• Theoretical Physics MSci:  F340 5 year degree
• Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
• Joint degree options
• Professionally accredited
• Study abroad available

Register your interest for more information

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Why study Physics / Theoretical Physics?

• This degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics
• Lectures are complemented by our observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities at our Garscube Campus
• Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO
• The school has two active societies,  PhySoc and AstroSoc,  run by students, for students

Programme structure

You will gain a basic understanding of the core topics in theoretical physics and the methods of experimental physics, and obtain a solid foundation for further study of the subject. Topics include dynamics, wave motion, properties of matter, thermal physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.

You will train in more specialised experimental techniques and study the latest developments in modern physics research. Topics include physics of waves, dynamics, physics of solids, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, nuclear and particle physics, physics of optics and mathematical techniques.

You will also study Mathematics and other optional subjects in years 1 and 2 : see Flexible degrees .

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics and explore a range of specialist topics of your choice. In the final year, you will work on an independent research project.

The Physics degree programmes emphasise technological applications such as laser physics, semiconductor physics and devices, modern signal processing technology, and magnetic and superconducting materials.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics, and will involve specialised computational project work.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores physics topics in greater depth and includes a more extensive individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Course details

Core courses:

• MATHEMATICS 1

You will gain a basic understanding of the core topics in theoretical physics, receive an introduction to the methods of experimental physics and obtain a solid foundation for further study of the subject. Topics will include dynamics, wave motion, properties of matter, thermal physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.

• PHYSICS 2T: PROGRAMMING UNDER LINUX
• MATHEMATICS 2A: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
• MATHEMATICS 2B: LINEAR ALGEBRA
• MATHEMATICS 2D: MATHEMATICAL METHODS AND MODELLING

You will undergo training in more specialised experimental techniques and expand your awareness of the latest developments in modern physics research. Topics will include physics of waves, dynamics, physics of solids, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, nuclear and particle physics, physics of optics, and mathematical techniques.

You will also study mathematics and other optional subjects in years 1 and 2 : see Flexible degree s .

• MATHEMATICAL METHODS 1
• WAVES & DIFFRACTION
• QUANTUM MECHANICS
• THERMAL PHYSICS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 1
• HONOURS COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
• THEORETICAL PHYSICS GROUP PROJECT
• SOLID STATE PHYSICS
• NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS
• ATOMIC SYSTEMS
• MATHEMATICAL METHODS 2
• QUANTUM THEORY
• GENERAL PHYSICS WORKSHOP

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics, explore a range of specialist topics of your choice, and undertake project work, often within a world-leading research group.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics, and will involve specialised computational project work. In the final year, all students work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups.

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies: see Study abroad .

Entry requirements

For entry in 2025.

You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme . The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.

Summary of entry requirements for Physics/Theoretical Physics

SQA Higher entry requirements

• BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
• Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
• Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
• Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics at AA. (AB may be considered.

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

• MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*)
• MD40 : AABB*
• Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility .

A-level standard entry requirements

• Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics.

IB standard entry requirements

• Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics.

Advanced Entry Requirements for Physics/Theoretical Physics

SQA Higher advanced entry requirements

• Advanced Highers – AAA including Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

A-level advanced entry requirements

• Three A-levels at grades A*AA in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

IB advanced entry requirements

• 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 in Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches), and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry.

Advanced entry is not permitted for the following programmes:

• Physics/Astronomy (FF53/FF5H)
• Physics/Computing Science (FG34/IF13)

2nd year entrants to Physics programmes cannot change degree to study Mathematics at honours level.

Admissions guidance

• Find out more about entry requirements and alternative qualifications

Glasgow International College

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College , who offer a range of foundation certificates.

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International english language testing system (ielts) academic module (not general training).

• 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
• IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

• 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

• 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

• Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Cambridge english qualifications.

• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

• iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
• International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
• International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
• SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
• SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
• West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
• Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
• Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
• Masters degree from English speaking country
• Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses  to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact  External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests  [pdf]

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old . A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website . If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language:  School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study

Career prospects

The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire will equip you to work across a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, petroleum, communications, computing, medical physics, education, commerce and the Civil Service.

Accreditation

Our Physics single and joint honours programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Graduating from the MSci programme sets you on the path to becoming a Chartered Physicist.

Degrees and UCAS codes

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

• STEM in Scotland Scholarship