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Research focus

Electronic, optical, structural and magnetic properties of novel solid-state materials. In particular, novel semiconductor structures and nanostructured materials such as nanocrystals and nanowires. Theoretical studies use quantum mechanical approaches and involve massively parallel supercomputing.

Our development of new approaches to quantum modelling is changing the size and complexity of systems that can be modelled. Experimental work takes place at synchrotron facilities in Europe and America. Related work takes place with colleagues in the Emerging Technology and Materials group.

Research focus

We explore the structure and function of cells. The aim is to create artificial life and build machines based on biological parts.

You'll need an understanding of biological physics.

Projects include protocell development and the construction of a cyborg robot.

We'll use techniques including:

• single-molecule manipulation
• atomic force microscopy
• scanning tunnelling microscopy

Research focus

• Galaxies and the interstellar medium.
• The source of the galactic magnetic field and its influence on the structure of the galaxy.
• Cosmology, particularly the early universe and its origin in the big bang.

Research focus

Coherent optical control of atomic collisions in ultracold gases by femtosecond laser light for the study of problems in fundamental physics. This includes the measurement of time dependence on the fundamental constants of nature.

We also research metrological protocols for the characterisation of broadband light. This is specifically related to the application and foundational aspects of quantum mechanics.

Research focus

The theoretical study and modelling of the quantum properties of matter and light.

This includes the fundamental aspects of:

• the nature of superfluids
• the principles of quantum mechanics
• state-of-the-art technological applications of quantum transport
• quantum sensing

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the . This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact. 

Throughout your studies you'll work closely with your supervisor. In the initial stages your research will be guided by the supervisor. As you gain confidence and expertise, we’ll increase your responsibility for the day-to-day running of the project.

You'll be trained in all aspects of physics research, including the oral and written presentation of your work.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our Postgraduate Committee provides impartial academic advice and guidance throughout your studies.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• wellbeing
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Home fees for research degree students

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.