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PhD in Astronomy

Course overview.

The Institute offers the opportunity to study for the PhD degree, for which the normal duration of study is three to three and a half years. The format is almost exclusively research based, although students attend a number of short courses during their first year focusing on research-related skills. The typical PhD intake each year is between 10 and 13 students.

PhD projects may be exclusively theoretical or observational but many combine aspects of both and the majority involve sophisticated data-analysis techniques. It is normal for students to attend several relevant conferences/workshops during their period of study. Most students working on observational research projects will undertake observing trips (depending on the requirements of their project) to telescopes overseas. Full funding for Home and some Republic of Ireland and Overeas-fee students is via the award of one of our Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership or Centre for Doctoral training studenships.  All eligible students, including those with Home- and Overseas-fee status, will be considered automatically for an STFC studentship. 

Several STFC data-intensive science PhD positions will also be available where the full costs of maintenance and fees are also covered. The data-intensive science Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) PhDs are of four years duration, including a six month work placement with a company [with data science activities]. If you might be interested in such a PhD position it would be helpful to indicate that on the application form. 

A number of Overseas-fee PhD students are admitted each year, with scholarships from other sources, including the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Trust and the Gates Cambridge. A few secure funding from organisations in their own country.

You may also be interested in postgraduate research opportunities in Cavendish Astrophysics and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics . A separate University application is necessary for each department where you wish to be considered for a PhD place.

The University's minimum academic requirement for admission as a Ph.D. student is the equivalent of a good UK 2.1 four-year undergraduate honours degree (five-year from Scottish universities). However, competition for Ph.D. places at the Institute is such that offers of admission are made almost exclusively to students who hold, or are expected to receive a strong first class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. If you are studying for a degree overseas and are unsure of its UK equivalent, please contact  [email protected] for advice.

In the United Kingdom students will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree leading to an "integrated" master of science, or similar qualification. In other countries, including the majority of Europe, India and the USA, a three- (or four-) year undergraduate degree followed by a two-year masters degree is necessary. Unfortunately, while not the view of the Institute of Astronomy, the University does not equate a four-year bachelors degree from Australia or New Zealand as equivalent to a UK integrated master of science degree. Formally, a separate master-degree is required to satisfy the Ph.D. admission requirement.

A number of factors are considered when assessing applications, including undergraduate academic record, relevant research experience and availability of project/supervisor in the selected subject area. The competition for the limited number of Ph.D. places available means that for students graduating on a North American-related "GPA scheme" (maximum 4.0), essentially all successful applicants will have a GPA of at least 3.8.

The short, research-only, Ph.D. degree is suited to students who have an undergraduate degree in astrophysics or theoretical physics. Students whose initial training is in another discipline, such as mathematics or computer science, usually need to acquire a masters level qualification with a substantial astrophysics- or physics--based element. For applicants interested in more theoretical research areas, the one-year MASt in Mathematics or our  MASt in Astrophysics are options for acquiring the necessary background in astrophysics prior to commencing study for the Ph.D. Typically, each year, several students completing these courses are offered admission for a Ph.D. at the Institute of Astronomy.

Please see our  Academic Requirements FAQ for further useful information about first degree requirements and some specific information for applicants educated in the USA.

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astrophysics

Topic description and stories.

Early universe crackled with bursts of star formation, Webb Telescope shows

Among the most fundamental questions in astronomy is: How did the first stars and galaxies form? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a partnership...

Humanity’s quest to discover the origins of life in the universe

Scientists from the University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago have founded the Origins Federation, which...

Non-detection of key signal allows astronomers to determine what the first galaxies were – and weren’t – like

Researchers have been able to make some key determinations about the first galaxies to exist, in one of the first astrophysical studies of the period...

Can cosmic inflation be ruled out?

Astrophysicists say that cosmic inflation – a point in the Universe’s infancy when space-time expanded exponentially, and what physicists really...

Hubble sees new atmosphere forming on a rocky exoplanet

For the first time, scientists using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have found evidence of volcanic activity reforming the atmosphere on a rocky...

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...

Cambridge researchers awarded European Research Council funding

Five researchers at the University of Cambridge have won consolidator grants from the European Research Council (ERC), Europe’s premiere funding...

AI shows how hydrogen becomes a metal inside giant planets

Researchers have used a combination of AI and quantum mechanics to reveal how hydrogen gradually turns into a metal in giant planets.

‘Lost’ world’s rediscovery is step towards finding habitable planets

The rediscovery of a lost planet could pave the way for the detection of a world within the habitable ‘Goldilocks zone’ in a distant solar system.

Professor Andrew Fabian awarded Kavli Prize

Professor Andrew Fabian from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy has been awarded the 2020 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics, one of the world's most...

When Professor Didier Queloz spotted a light emitting from a star many light years away from the Earth, he thought it signalled the end of his PhD.

Professor Didier Queloz wins 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics for first discovery of an exoplanet

Queloz jointly wins the 2019 Physics Nobel for his work on the first confirmation of an exoplanet – a planet that orbits a star other than our Sun...

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Astrophysics

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Astrophysical dynamics

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About the group

The group carries out research into a wide range of topics involving astrophysical fluid dynamics and nonlinear dynamics. Specific astrophysical interests include the dynamics of astrophysical discs, planetary formation and evolution, extrasolar planetary systems and stellar magnetohydrodynamics (particularly dynamo theory, magnetoconvection and the physics of sunspots).

Applications are welcomed for PhD studentships in the Astrophysics group (closing date 4 January 2024 ).

PhD opportunties

A wide range of possible research topics is available and we welcome enquiries from potential applicants. The closing date for applications is 4 January 2024 .

Discs are ubiquitous in astrophysics and participate in some of its most important processes. Most, but not all, feed a central mass: by facilitating the transfer of angular momentum, they permit the accretion of material that would otherwise stay in orbit. As a consequence, discs are essential to star, planet and satellite formation. They also regulate the growth of supermassive black holes and thus indirectly influence galactic structure and the intra-cluster medium.

Atomic astrophysics

Atomic physics plays a key role in astrophysics as astronomers' only information about a particular object comes through the light that it emits, and this light arises through atomic transitions. The main astronomical body that we study is the Sun and, in particular, the hot atmosphere of the Sun called the corona. The best parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to study the corona are the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-rays.

Centre for Mathematical Sciences, home of DAMTP and DPMMS

Shearing box simulations of gravitational instability in disks (Antoine Riols)

PhD Applications

We welcome applications for PhD studentships. The group, together with the Atomic Astrophysics Group, has allocated funding from STFC for astrophysics research studentships that are available from October 2020. Studentships are normally allocated around Easter. However, depending on circumstances, some may be advertised at other times. To find out if you are eligible and for further information regarding the application procedure and funding please check out http://damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/astro/about/phd.html .

Some possible projects in astrophysics and potential supervisors are listed on our research pages . Potential supervisors may also be contacted individually. Information relating to research projects undertaken by current PhD students can be found on the group members page where there are also links to personal websites where available.

The above links provide coverage of research activities within the group but please do not hesitate to contact via email Virginia Mullins (Group Secretary) or one of the staff members listed if you have any other queries or require further information regarding research opportunities within the group.

Recent Publications

Damtp astrophysics seminars.

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As a postgraduate student at the Cavendish laboratory you would be joining an institution with an illustrious history of innovation and discovery and a current programme that builds on that tradition.

Postgraduate Students in the Department study for one of the following qualifications:

• Master of Advanced Studies (MASt in Physics) , 9 Months
• MPhil in Data Intensive Science ,10 Months
• MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe (PSLU) , 10-month
• MPhil in Physics (by research) , 1 year
• MPhil in Scientific Computing (taught/research), 1 year
• PhD in Physics (by research), 3+ years
• Interdisciplinary PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NanoDTC)   (initial common training period + research), 3.5+ years
• PhD in Computational Methods for Materials Science - 4 year

Applications for admissions

If you decide to make an application, you are advised to do so as early as possible. This will increase your chances not only of acceptance but also of being considered for funding. 

All candidates should consult the course directory for funding deadlines

We hope that the above information is helpful as we wish to encourage good applicants. Should you choose to apply, we will try to reach a decision in the Department without undue delay before passing on your papers for further consideration by the Colleges, the Degree Committee, and the Postgraduate Admissions Office. You should not take any steps to come to Cambridge before you receive an admission letter from the Postgraduate Admissions Office stating that you have satisfied all conditions.

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Graduate Program

Astronomy Department graduate students (September 2022)

The Department of Astronomy offers a rich and varied program in theoretical, observational and experimental graduate work leading to the PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Students are not accepted for a separate master's degree program. Research is carried out at the  Harvard College Observatory , which shares buildings and general facilities with the  Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory . Together the two observatories constitute the  Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics —a large and diverse research setting which provides opportunities in nearly every branch of astrophysical work, from atomic physics to cosmology, using the full range of techniques from gamma ray detectors through radio antennas. Follow these links to learn more about  facilities  and  research areas .

Over 360 PhD scientists are engaged in work at the Center for Astrophysics (CfA), providing students with an unusually wide choice of thesis topics and stimulating opportunities for both formal and informal learning through courses and seminars. Graduate students at Harvard benefit from this diverse environment, have access to extensive facilities, and pursue their work in a supportive and stimulating setting.  We hold ourselves accountable to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment for all students, as outlined in our Graduate Student Community Values.

The program of graduate study is designed to make Harvard PhD students first-rate researchers with a broad knowledge of astrophysics and competence in teaching. To do this, we have constructed an advising program and a set of requirements to help students develop their astrophysical understanding, and to carry through a successful thesis in a timely way.

The  Director of Graduate Studies and the Committee on Academic Studies  are in charge of the graduate program.

See pictures from the grad student Astro 214 class trip to Arizona to learn how to use the Whipple Observatory.

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Course closed:

Astronomy is no longer accepting new applications.

The assessment for the Astronomy MPhil degree is exclusively by research and a project and supervisor must have been identified prior to a formal application being made by the student. There is no taught element. The degree is not suitable for physicists and mathematicians wishing to prepare for a research PhD in Astrophysics and the number of students admitted is small.

Historically, most MPhil students have secured funding for their MPhil studies through applications to scholarship programmes such as Churchill, Gates and Marshall.

The aims of the programme are:

• to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Students wishing to undertake a PhD in Astronomy must make an application for admission to the PhD via the Applicant Portal in the normal way here .

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

12 months full-time, 2 years part-time, study mode : research, master of philosophy, institute of astronomy, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Physics PhD
• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Astronomy PhD
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD

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