How to apply

Guidance on how to apply to a PhD with us

If you have any questions, then please contact us at PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk

What research area interests you?

Think about what topics you’d like to devote your time and energy to
Have a look at our research pages for inspiration
Our PhD projects are here
We encourage you to email potential supervisors in projects that interest you to discuss the project further

Funding your studies

How funding works is detailed on our funding page

There are three main funding sources:

Funding sources

Funded research projects will pay the tuition fees and give a stipend. This is the main route for domestic students
You can apply to scholarships to cover your fees and stipend. This is the main route for overseas students
If you choose to self-fund your studies, be careful to ensure you can cover all costs, including cost of living

Apply online

Submit your application via our online portal
The course code is P-F3P0 for a PhD in Physics
Put the project title(s) and the associated supervisor(s) in the proposal section of the application; a detailed proposal is not required

Interview

Once your application is assessed you may be invited to interview.
Interview details will be given in your invitation email.
We often host interviews in-person at the department. Your travel expenses are reimbursed if so.
If you are successful you will receive a formal offer email from the university.
Details of your funding follow in a separate email.

Important dates

Apply by these dates to be considered for funded places:

Astronomy and Astrophysics: TBC
Condensed Matter Physics: TBC
Elementary Particle Physics: TBC
Theoretical Physics: TBC
Late funding release for CMP and Theory: March 18th 2026

Ad-hoc interviews for unfilled positions can occur past these dates; check our project page for unfilled positions

Entry requirements

The minimum requirements are an upper second-class BSc honours, MSci or MPhys degree, or international equivalent, in Physics or a related subject.

Competitive projects and funding sources will typically go to students with an MSci or MPhys level degree.

FAQs

I want to contact a potential supervisor for the first time. What should I put in this first email?

Just include your CV and a brief statement in the email body outlining why you are interested in their research.
While we would encourage you to contact as many potential supervisors as you find of interest, it is always best to spend a minute or two personalising your emails to the individual supervisor and their research area.

The online application asks me what the funding source is. I’m not sure which to select.

The options are typically "STFC studentship", "EPSRC studentship", "Chancellor's Scholarship", "Warwick China Scholarship Council", "Self", "Family", "XXXX Government scholarship", and others.
Please do not select “N/A” as this may delay your application.
If you already have an externally funded scholarship, or intend to apply to one, then select as appropriate or enter the details.
For a funded project, this will be typically an “EPSRC studentship” or “STFC studentship” (the EPSRC and STFC are UK Government science research funding bodies). As long as you indicate the project title(s) in your application then we can match it with the funding associated with that project.
Please put PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk as the contact email address.
If in doubt, please contact us at PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk.

The online application asks me for a research proposal. Do I need to write one?

No. The portal asks this as some departments have different processes. For Physics, we advertise our research projects on our project page.
Instead of writing a research proposal, instead put the name of the advertised project(s) that interest you from the project page. Also put the supervisor(s) associated with the project.
You can also use this space to explain your choice of project selection, or you can include this information in your personal statement.

Can I submit additional documents beyond what is requested in the online application? How many references will I need? How does the reference process work?

You will enter the contact details on your online application. They will then be automatically contacted once you submit it. Please make sure their email address is correct!
You should contact your referees in advance to make sure they are aware of this and support your application.
You will need to make sure your nominated referees submit their reference letters on time.
They will receive a secure link to the submission system into which they can upload their letter.

My referee cannot submit my reference by the application deadline. Will my application be automatically rejected?

No, however the reference letter is a valuable source of information for potential supervisors, so your application may be at a disadvantage.

Make sure to give your referee plenty of advanced warning of the application deadline, and don't be afraid to give them reminders.

The referee will only get invited to submit their reference letter from our system when you have submitted your application. Let them know when you do so they can look out for the email.

My referee has encountered a problem with the submission system, or did not receive an invite. Who should I ask to act as references?

Typically your reference letters should come from academics rather than employers, however you should ask whoever is best able to speak to your potential as a PhD student.
These would be people like your undergraduate tutor and your research project supervisor.
The reference letter from your undergraduate/Masters research project supervisor is particularly important for your application. It can be one of the most significant sources of information for a potential PhD supervisor in evaluating your suitability for a PhD.
If you have been in employment since your prior degree then a reference letter from your current employer or line manager can be valuable, particularly if they are able to comment on your capabilities and skills as a potential researcher. However, if you ask an employer it would be best to ensure they tailor the letter in a way that informs us about your suitability for a PhD.

English is not my first language. What are the language requirements for this course? I do not meet the English language requirements. Can I still apply?

Yes, but you will need to satisfy the language requirements before you can start in the event you are accepted.

Potential supervisors will likely ask you about this in your interview, if you are invited to interview. They will want to see a realistic chance that you will be able to attain the minimum requirements.

During the course of an interview, supervisors will be able to make their own assessment as to whether your English competency is likely to be sufficient. Communication is important in a PhD, and will be part of their evaluation of you as a candidate.

I am an overseas student and want to know more about e.g. the visa process. What does my offer email mean? I thought my project was funded, but it talks about fees?

The email offering you a position on the course is separate to the email confirming funding. So don’t be alarmed if the offer email talks about fees; these will be paid for by the funding if your project has funding. Keep an eye out for the second email confirming funding. If in doubt, please contact your project supervisor or contact PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk

What is the difference between a “conditional” and an “unconditional” offer?

A conditional offer will only be turned into an unconditional offer once all conditions have been met. This means that all supporting documents must have been received and verified by university admissions.
The conditions that you need to fulfil should be explained in your conditional offer email. If you have questions about these then please contact us at PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk