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PhD in Physics (2024 Entry)

PhD students in Physics at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our Physics PhD.

Pursue cutting-edge research on PhD in Physics alongside field experts at the University of Warwick. Warwick's Physics Department will provide you with a hands-on approach at the forefront of modern physics.


Course overview

Our Physics department offers guidance and information on the PhD in Physics and further information on the available research themes.

Physics Staff DirectoryLink opens in a new window

Teaching and learning

The PhD course has a taught component consisting of graduate level training and transferable skillsLink opens in a new window.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related subject.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research themes

Condensed Matter Physics including:

  • Surface and Interface Science
  • Thin Films
  • Semiconductors
  • Analytical Science
  • Microscopy
  • Nanoscience
  • Two Dimensional Materials
  • Medical Physics
  • Bio-Physics
  • Superconductivity and Magnetism
  • Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics, Ferroelectrics and Crystallography
  • Multi-Ferroics
  • Ultrasonics
  • Magnetic X-Ray Scattering
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Solid State NMR
  • EPR
  • Diamond
  • Quantum Phenomena

Theoretical Physics including:

  • Quantum Information Theory
  • Disordered Quantum Systems
  • Electronic Structure Theory
  • Molecular Simulation
  • High-performance Computing
  • Complexity Science
  • Soft Matter

Elementary Particle Physics including:

  • ATLAS
  • Detector Development
  • LHCb and other B Physics
  • Neutrino Physics
  • T2K

Astronomy and Astrophysics including:

  • Binary Star Evolution
  • Extra-Solar Planets
  • Gamma- Ray Bursts
  • High-speed Astrophysics
  • 3D radiation-hydrodynamical simulations

Fusion, Space and Astrophysics including:

  • Magnetic and Inertial Fusion Power
  • Space Physics
  • Solar Physics
  • Magnetohydrodynamic Wave Dynamics

Find a supervisor

Learn more about our groups and projects.Link opens in a new window

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department content block about careers

Physics at Warwick

Physics is about beautiful ideas and deep questions

Physics aims to observe and explain the behaviour of the physical universe. It looks for laws which apply everywhere and to everything. One of the joys of physics is seeing how a simple principle, established after studying one problem, can go on to explain seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Research courses

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.