Postgraduate research in physics
The Department of Physics is home to 25 academics and around 100 PhD students, undertaking research projects from nuclear physics to semiconductor lasers. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 45 per cent of this research was classified as ‘internationally excellent’, and 10 per cent as ‘world leading’. We pride ourselves on research excellence in a friendly atmosphere.
PhD
Programme
As a PhD student in the Department you will be working with supervisors who will define your research project with you, and help you learn the necessary experimental and computing skills. You will be working on our state-of-the-art experimental or computing facilities. Typically, you will meet your supervisor(s) at least once a week, usually more often at the beginning of your PhD. The PhD starts with an induction programme, includes some courses in the first year and typically lasts three-and-a-half to four years.
www.surrey.ac.uk/physics/study/pgr
Entry Standards
A First or Upper Second class degree in engineering or physical sciences, or equivalent overseas qualification, or a Lower Second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required). Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status. Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent).
Funding
The Faculty has a number of fully funded PhD studentships for suitably qualified UK and EU nationals who can demonstrate the appropriate residency requirements. Other funding opportunities also exist within different research centres.
Fees
New overseas students - £14,440
Continuing overseas students - £13,780
Fees for UK/EU students will be available soon.
www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012
Apply now
Programme length
36–48 months full-time
45–96 months part-time
In suitably qualified cases, provision can also be made for a collaborative degree in conjunction with work elsewhere, whilst the student remains in full employment.
Start date
1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July
Research director
For general enquiries
T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk
For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1483 686128
E: gradschoolfeps@surrey.ac.uk
Physics research overview
Research
The research in the Department ranges from fundamental nuclear physics to applied medical physics, and includes interdisciplinary areas such as photonics and biological physics. Areas of current special interest are:
- Development of new types of nanomaterials, for example, using mixtures of carbon nanotubes and polymers
- Modelling soft matter, including soft solids and dynamic processes in cells
- Studies of the electron energy levels in novel crystals and nanostructures, and the photon modes in novel microstructures
- Nuclear reactions as probes of exotic nuclei
- Studies of the structure of highly unstable nuclei
- The development of novel materials for measuring ionising radiation
- Studies of radiation in the environment
Research environment
The Department has first-class facilities, including state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy and femtosecond lasers. It also houses specialised facilities for radiation detector characterisation and radiation imaging. Staff and students work at international accelerator facilities for nuclear physics, including CERN (Switzerland), GSI (Germany) and TRIUMF (Canada). The research groups all have programmes of exciting and stimulating seminars given by leading scientists from the UK and Europe.
physics Research Group
Soft Matter
Soft condensed matter is one of the fastest growing fields of physics. It encompasses a wide range of systems, such as self-assembling nanostructures, liquid crystals, biological cells, polymers and nanomaterials. The group’s research combines experiment and theory to answer questions about the structure, properties and dynamics of soft systems. It is supported by international companies such as Akzo Nobel, Cytec and Lafarge. Soft matter exhibits a very rich variety of fascinating phenomena, which lead to a wide range of everyday applications, from foods to adhesives, and also to high-tech applications in optoelectronics, sensors and ‘smart’ surfaces. The group has an international profile, and research discoveries have been highlighted in world-leading journals, including Science and Nature. Particular strengths include modelling protein dynamics, liquid crystal elastomers, water dynamics in cement, novel nanocomposites, and polymers in coatings and adhesives.
www.umi.surrey.ac.uk/research/SCM
Apply for postgraduate research in physics
PhD Programme
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