Physics postgraduate research degrees

Physics at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 6th of all UK universities and the top modern university for research quality

If you're interested in taking your existing expertise and qualifications in Physics into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the perfect place to realise your ambitions.

Physicists observe natural phenomena – the way matter and energy interact – and create laws to explain them. They explore physical matter on every scale, from stars to sub-atomic particles, and energy in all its forms, such as light, motion and gravity.

When you join us to study for a postgraduate research degree, you'll have the opportunity to make your own contribution to the pioneering work we're doing – and play a part in transforming our research into impact.

Our physicists are working to advance knowledge and unlock advanced technology – and from researching new information processing and quantum computing to exploring new materials, we're using our expertise in Physics to power the future, improve industry, security, defence and the environment.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 100% of our research outputs were judged world-leading or internationally excellent, making Portsmouth the top-ranked modern university in Physics.

Research degrees

Find out about our PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication opportunities in Physics below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.

Physics PhDs and MPhils

Explore our pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Physics, or submit your own research idea. 

PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.

Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6-12 months after registering with us.

For more information, please visit our PhD by Publication page.

Duration, fees and funding 

What do my tuition fees cover?

If you're self-funding your PhD, you'll pay tuition fees to the University to cover course and university costs.

Your tuition fees cover:

• The cost of your postgraduate research programme* at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations
• Bespoke training, professional development courses, networking, and research support through The Graduate School
• Research seminars and workshops (university-wide and faculty-specific)
• A contribution to funding to attend a conference or development activity in your research field
• Tailor-made weekly and monthly events, including weekly, themed experienced researcher-led talks and workshops
• Helping you become part of our thriving research community, including Research and Innovation services where 77% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent in REF 2021
• Your graduation ceremony
• Viva examination and administration costs
• The facilities and equipment you need to complete your studies, such as computer rooms, access to laptops, the Library, and laboratories
• Access to resources including electronic journals, alternative guide to funding, and thousands of hours of educational videos on LinkedIn Learning
• University support services including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support and personal tutors
• Membership of the Students' Union (giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice)
• Access to software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite (this includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro)

*Please note that some research programmes may come with additional bench fees.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD or MPhil include a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.

If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.

Along with a supercomputer facility in the ICG, our facilities include a quantum optics lab including lasers, nonlinear crystals, optics and photon detectors, and a time-resolved photoluminescence system. Our LabLine plasma sputtering tool is the only one in Europe, and we are the company’s demo site. We also have fully-equipped laboratories to test microstructure, magnetic properties, thermal properties, conduction properties, dielectric properties and microscopy.

What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

Apply

Current research

Explore the work we're doing across our areas of research expertise in Physics.