Physics
As physicists, we’re passionate about understanding the world around us. From the origins of galaxies and dark matter, to developing ultra-fast lasers and exploring the sub-atomic world, we seek to understand how the world works, and to harness this understanding to improve lives.
Our physics courses put you on a fascinating path of scientific discovery, with topics spanning the breadth of this diverse subject.
Home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including a student observatory and high performance computer facilities, we have a strategic partnership with the National Physical Laboratory and host world-leading research groups. These include our Astrophysics Research Group, our Photonics and Quantum Sciences Group and our Radiation and Medical Physics Group.
We are ranked top ten in the UK for overall student satisfaction* in physics by the National Student Survey 2023 and 16th in the UK for physics in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
According to the Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA, 96 per cent of our undergraduate students and 100 per cent of our postgraduate and research students go on to employment or further study.
We are also a member of the Institute of Physics equality and diversity initiative, Project Juno, that rewards physics departments for promoting gender equality in physics, and have been awarded Juno Champion status.
*Measured by % positivity across all questions for all providers listed in the Guardian University Guide League Tables.
The wonder of physics
What science can’t answer, according to our Professor of Physics, Jim Al-Khalili.
The wonder of physics
What science can’t answer, according to our Professor of Physics, Jim Al-Khalili.
Studentships
Optimisation of radiation health monitoring through machine learning and data fusion
Funding information:
The funding offer includes 3.5 years of stipend (currently £18,622 per year) and tuition fees (at UK/home level) as well as travel allowance to attend conferences.Stellar Archaeology: the nuclear fingerprints of massive stars
Funding information:
Standard UKRI stipendChina Scholarship Council-Surrey Awards
Funding information:
Successful candidates will receive full cover of their tuition fee for overseas students for a duration of up to 48 months. Successful candidates will also receive a stipend as prescribed by the Chinese government, and international round trip air fare between China and the UK.Doctoral Training Centre
