Cosmology and Astrophysics Research (MPhil/PhD)
Conduct world-leading research in cosmology and astrophysics, exploring the fundamental nature of the Universe
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
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Undertake independent research in cosmology and astrophysics, exploring fundamental questions about the Universe, from dark energy and dark matter to gravitational waves and large-scale structure.
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Join the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), one of the UK’s leading centres for cosmology and astrophysics, working alongside internationally recognised researchers. The ICG is also a member of the South East Physics Network (SEPNet), a consortium of nine world-class universities in the southeast of England.
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Work with world-leading datasets and international collaborations to investigate the origins, evolution and future of the cosmos.
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Apply advanced theoretical, observational and computational methods to analyse astronomical phenomena and test new models of the Universe.
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Produce original research that advances scientific understanding and contributes to global discoveries in cosmology and astrophysics.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Cosmology and Astrophysics at Portsmouth for research?
World-leading research environment
You'll have the opportunity to engage with the SEPNet Graduate Network (GRADNet). By channelling this broad research expertise into one central, combined resource, GRADNet provides a wide range of postgraduate training opportunities.
Global collaborations and networks
Contribute to major international projects including Dark Energy Survey, LIGO, DESI, SDSS-IV and Euclid, and access training through the South East Physics Network.
Advanced facilities and training
Use specialist resources including the SCIAMA supercomputer and benefit from postgraduate training, workshops and conferences through regional research networks.
6th
out of all UK universities and the top modern university for research quality.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Cosmology and Astrophysics 1100%
of our research outputs were judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Cosmology and Astrophysics 2100%
of our impact was rated as having very considerable or outstanding reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Cosmology and Astrophysics 3
What our PhD students say
The PhD programme at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation is fantastic.
The department has a high research output and is one of the only institutes in the UK that has so many experts is astronomy and cosmology all in one place.
This means that the atmosphere in the department is great and there is a lot of support for those writing a doctoral thesis."
Research areas in Cosmology and Astrophysics
Explore the work we're doing across the four areas of expertise in our Cosmology and Astrophysics research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Astrophysics
We're working to better understand the basic building blocks of our Universe, the origin of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and stellar population models. Explore our astrophysics research
Gravitational waves
We're detecting cosmic gravitational waves and developing gravitational-wave observations as an astronomical tool.
Observational Cosmology
We're mapping the Universe on the largest scales to understand dark energy, studying the clustering of galaxies and dark matter, and observing transient events and supernovae.
Theoretical cosmology
We're exploring the inflation of the very early Universe, the impact of dark energy on its geometry and developing tests to monitor its expansion.
Research degree options in Cosmology and Astrophysics
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Cosmology and Astrophysics, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
Please see our research page for the full list of funded PhD projects.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your 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.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class 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.
Fees and funding
Funded studentship opportunities
The Institute of Cosmology & Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth invites applicants for PhD studentships beginning in October 2026. The ICG is one of the leading groups in research on cosmology and astrophysics in the UK.
We are active participants in a wide range of international collaborations, including the Dark Energy Survey (DES), the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) and the Euclid satellite.
PhD studentships starting in October 2026
PhD studentships starting in October 2026 will be available for research in:
- Gravitational lensing
- Galaxy evolution
- Dark energy and cosmology
- Testing gravity on cosmological scales
- Gravitational Waves
- Early Universe physics.
Please see our research page for the full list of projects.
Funding information and eligibility
Studentships funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) cover:
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Tuition fees
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Annual maintenance grant (£20,780, 2025/26 rate)
UK and overseas applicants are eligible (UKRI limits apply to overseas awards).
How to apply
You can use our online application form, and our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
To be considered, apply using project code ICG50710126 by 31 January 2026.
Interviews take place February–March for October entry.
Self-funded applicants are also welcome (project code ICG10291026).
For informal enquiries: icg-recruitment@port.ac.uk
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
- Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
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Access exceptional facilities within our Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) – including our SCIAMA supercomputer.
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Make use of a wide range of postgraduate training opportunities through GRADNet, including specialised schools and student-led workshops and conferences.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Cosmology and Astrophysics by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
