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School of Physics and Astronomy

Research Degrees

Researcher in a laboratory.
A research degree involves sustained, in-depth study of a specific area, which is then written up as a thesis for examination.

Doctorate Degrees

The School of Physics and Astronomy offers you the chance to work and research alongside some of the best scientists in the field through taking one of our three research degrees - the three-year PhD, the one-year MPhil or one year MSc by research.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our grade 5a RAE status. Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral backup. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

Applicants who are unsure of which research group they wish to study with may submit more than one application.

The School offers the following Programmes

The degrees of MSc by Research and MEnt Physics and Astronomy (Research) are gained in one of the fields listed below through a programme of taught course work and the submission of a dissertation on a research project. There are 60 credits of taught courses and the dissertation is valued at 120 credits. The taught courses are aimed at bringing the student to the frontier of knowledge in their chosen field. The research project is undertaken by the student under the supervision of a member of staff. The results of the research are written up as a dissertation, which is read and evaluated by two examiners, one external to the university

Masters by Research can be undertaken in the following research groups:

Master of Philosophy

The degree of MPhil involves a research project alone and the presentation of a longer dissertation, which is examined by viva.

Degree Length

The normal length of the MSc and the MPhil is one year. However, both may be taken on a part-time (50%) basis, extending the period of research (and the courses, if applicable) to two years.

Start date

Courses for the MSc start at the beginning of the academic year in September. The MPhil course can be started in September, January, April or July.

How do I find a potential supervisor for my research degree?

Many research students already have a specific research area in mind, or a research supervisor they would like to work with.  For more information about our staff research interests visit:

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