Physics and Astronomy PhD / MSc (Res)

A PhD in the School of Physics and Astronomy will put you in an excellent position to pursue a wide range of careers, including a future in research, academia or industry, finance and data science. 

Course Structure

What makes a Physics and Astronomy PhD at Birmingham different?

You'll join a world-leading physics department committed to your growth in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. Our physics research is ranked top in the UK for world-leading “4-star-category” research by the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion and holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting our dedication to embedding ED&I principles. You'll thrive during your PhD with our exceptional supervision and inclusive environment.

• Gain access to a world-leading research department
• Join a vibrant and inclusive research community, with ample networking opportunities with PhD students and staff across the School.
• Benefit from a supportive environment provided by your supervisory team, your Research Group, and the School
• Take advantage of tailored skills development and training opportunities designed to enhance your research journey.

• Get tailored supervision, working closely with your supervisory team
• Develop specialised skills through bespoke training opportunities provided at Research Group, School and University level
• Build skills, expertise and experience through your active, ongoing research practice, including presenting at conferences and opportunities for collaboration with international colleagues
• Receive immediate feedback from instructors during workshops, enabling timely corrections and improving your application of concepts

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Physics and Astronomy staff

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Our research areas and groups are:

• Astronomy and Gravitational Waves (Research Groups: Astrophysics; Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy; Sun, Stars & Exoplanets)
• Particle and Nuclear Physics (Research Groups: Particle Physics; Nuclear Physics)
• Quantum Matter and Photonics (Research Groups: Cold Atoms and UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT); Metamaterials and Nanophotonics; Theoretical Physics; Experimental, Condensed Matter Physics)

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Routes in to Research

There are generally two routes to a Birmingham research degree.

• Apply for an 'advertised PhD'

  
  You can apply to an ‘advertised PhD’, which means it is part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or other funding body. Generally, advertised PhDs are associated with the physical and life sciences subjects. Some advertised PhDs will be pre-defined but some may require you to propose your own research.

• Propose your own research

  
  Apply to any of our PhD programmes and propose your own research that is ‘self-funded’ (by you, a sponsor, or other sources not explicitly attached to the PhD on application). Usually you submit a research proposal and identify your proposed supervisor. These are generally associated with the arts and social sciences.

ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

You may wish to pursue academic careers, taking on positions such as Research Fellow, Lecturer, or Postdoctoral Researcher at universities and institutions worldwide.

The demand for physicists spans numerous sectors, reflecting our strong employability record. 

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.