I chose Physics because I wanted to gain a fundamental understanding of our world. Studying at Surrey also enabled me to take part in the Professional Training year, which I spent at Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS).
Could spaceships really travel faster than light? And what would happen in a real-life lightsaber fight? To mark the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Surrey experts in physics, space systems and engineering explore the facts behind some of the greatest fantasies in science fiction.
"The academic staff at Surrey have been extremely friendly, helpful and professional. They always have time to answer questions and provide feedback."
The Professional Training year was a big factor in my decision to study at Surrey and I would recommend taking up this option to anyone looking to study my subject. Getting a taste of the graduate world whilst you are still a student is so worthwhile.
Gayathri Eknath, BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics
Discover who inspired Professor Jim Al-Khalili to pursue his passion for physics and the mysterious world of quantum mechanics.
"My placement was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the key questions being answered in science through the use of innovative technology."
Find out why Polish physicist and chemist Marie Curie is Research Engineer Rosanna Kleeman's science hero.
We challenged our students to sum up the University of Surrey using just one word.
Our students explain why they decided to come to Surrey and share what they love about living and studying here.
Over the past five years, more than 2,300 partner organisations have worked with us to give students valuable experience in the professional environment.
Michael Hodgson, who completed his PhD in detector physics at Surrey and is now a Technical Manager at Centronic Ltd, has won the UK Nuclear Skills ‘Postgraduate of the Year’ award.
Academics from the University of Surrey will be telling the fascinating story of science in a variety of creative ways at this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival.
"I enjoy the wide range of the programme. I love that many of our lecturers are healthcare professionals themselves who come in to the University, as they can really give us a good insight into future career paths."
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The award of one of the UK’s most prestigious Fellowships for early career researchers will allow Dr Fabio Antonini to spend five years in Surrey’s Department of Physics, furthering his pioneering research on black holes.
“The research I’m conducting could assist and improve procedures for many patients; it’s a good feeling to be researching something that could make a difference!”
Over 700 members of the public and amateur astronomers descended on Stag Hill campus on 29 March for an evening of star gazing, hosted by Surrey’s Department of Physics and Astrophysics research group.
Find out what you could do with a degree in physics, and discover some of the jobs Surrey physics graduates have secured over the past few years.
Surrey's Photonics Group has played a pivotal role in understanding and developing compound semiconductors for use in photonic devices. The strained-layer quantum well technology developed by Surrey research is now incorporated in the vast majority of CD, DVD and Blu-ray systems, in telecommunications and the internet and in LEDs for solid-state lighting.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed an innovative new technique to mimic one of nature’s greatest achievements – natural structural colour.
University of Surrey professor Jim Al-Khalili has written one of a new Ladybird Expert series on Quantum Mechanics
We chat to Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE this morning about our new MSc Nuclear Science and Applications course, his new book ‘Aliens’, his new BBC4 programme on gravity and the associated Time Warper app, developed with some of our Computer Science students.
Four undergraduate students from the Computer Science Department have developed a smartphone app due to be used in a major BBC Four programme hosted by Surrey’s Professor Jim Al-Khalili early next year.
A medical physics graduate who was inspired to develop a cancer treatment solution having watched her father die from the disease has been awarded a 2016 Women in Innovation Award.
New research by the University of Surrey published today in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has shone light on a globular cluster of stars that could host several hundred black holes, a phenomenon that until recently was thought impossible.
Researchers at Surrey have demonstrated the feasibility of a new type of semiconductor laser – used to transmit internet signals – which is more energy efficient and temperature stable than conventional crystal-based lasers.
A Surrey Physics undergraduate has developed a new collimation device for explosives scanners and is now named on the patent application to protect his invention.
Showcasing the University’s research success – from foundational work to practical applications – FEPS held its first Festival of Research on 28th June.
It seems like the dream of science-fiction enthusiasts everywhere – the idea that objects can be in two places at once, performing two different tasks at the same time. Watch our video to see Professor Ben Murdin discuss this mind-bending theory and the race to build the world’s first quantum computer.
"Thanks to the additional knowledge I gained on the Masters programme, I have secured a promotion to the position of Radiation Physicist."
“I’ve found that the academic staff in the Department of Physics are friendly, enthusiastic, and always encourage you to do your best.”
“For me, Surrey was the best choice based on quality of education, reputation, environment and location.”
Silver nanowires are an ideal material for current and future flexible touch-screen technologies
Professor Zsolt Podolyak, Programme Leader for our MSc Radiation and Environmental Protection programme explains how a masters at Surrey can open up a world of possibilities for a career in physics.
A new Surrey research group is using an innovative approach to explore how cells’ behaviour in ‘non-optimal’ environments might help improve efficiency in fields including cancer treatment, industrial food processing and bio-fuel production.
A new two-part series presented by Surrey’s Professor of Theoretical Physics Jim Al-Khalili tackles the biggest subject of all – the beginning and end of our universe.
New research published today in the journal Physical Review Letters has described a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. The discovery could help improve the performance of a wide variety of everyday goods, from paint to sunscreen.
"The academic staff at Surrey have been extremely friendly, helpful and professional. They always have time to answer questions and provide feedback."
Discover which books our academics recommend and take the quiz to find out which one you should try first.
Researchers at the University of Surrey are exploring quantum computers – the technology of the future.
Nicolle Dunkerley will present a poster on her dissertation project, conducted in collaboration with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, at a special Houses of Parliament event.
A collaboration between Surrey and the Technische Universitat Munchen has developed tiny infrared lasers that are viable for use as sensors in smartphones.
Surrey’s Student Learning Advisors offer tips and advice on the things you can do throughout the year to help you make the most of your study time.
Find out what our students like about studying here and why they think Surrey was named 'University of the Year' and 'University of the Year for Student Experience' by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016.
Researchers from Surrey and the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) in Brazil have invented a magnetic carbon-based sponge that could revolutionise the way oil spills are recovered.
Could spaceships really travel faster than light? And what would happen in a real-life lightsaber fight? To mark the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Surrey experts in physics, space systems and engineering explore the facts behind some of the greatest fantasies in science fiction.
Part of the University’s strategic partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the joint Hyper Terahertz Facility will enable researchers to push the barriers of quantum technology.
"My placement was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the key questions being answered in science through the use of innovative technology."
Surrey has climbed two places in the Times Higher Education Table of Tables 2016, achieving seventh position.
New research published today in the journal eLife has demonstrated a new method for observing the behaviour of the protein Dystrophin in a living animal cell, in real-time. This breakthrough may provide a key to understanding how to treat the genetic disease, Muscular Dystrophy.
The University of Surrey has increased its position the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Surrey’s Professor Jim Al-Khalili joined comedians Ben Miller and Hugh Dennis to help demystify science on ‘6 Degrees of Separation’
The University of Surrey has been ranked within the top one per cent of universities in the world - and one of the top 20 institutions under 50 years old - by the QS World University Rankings.
Professor Stephen Sweeney serves as President of the Physics & Astronomy section of the British Science Festival 2015
Final-year students at the University of Surrey are still among the most satisfied in the UK, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).
96.9 per cent of graduates in work or further study, according to official figures.
The Complete University Guide 2016 reveals that nine of our Engineering and Physical Science subjects are in the UK top 20.
The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has formally signed a partnership agreement with the University of Strathclyde and the University of Surrey which will set a new strategic direction for the future of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
A paper published by arXiv.org reveals the discovery of celestial objects that may be rare satellite galaxies, which hold the key to understanding how larger galaxies form.
Ahead of the solar eclipse on 20 March, the University turns its attention to the sun and stars.
A new study published today in Scientific Reports has discovered that a material traditionally used in ceramics, glass and paint can be manipulated to produce an ultra-sensitive UV light sensor, paving the way for improved fire and gas detection.
The ‘Quantum Technologies Winter School’, organised by the University of Surrey and held at the Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Hampshire from 25–27 January 2015, saw 29 postgraduate researchers from prestigious UK universities learn about experimental and theoretical topics in quantum technologies.
The University of Surrey’s Astrophysics Research Group recently celebrated the announcement of its new learning and outreach telescope on Stag Hill campus by holding a live demonstration, night-time lecture and observation session for Surrey students, staff and the general public.
Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) has secured research backing from the Leverhulme Trust to develop novel X-ray detectors for medicine, security and personal safety industries.
Ground-breaking nuclear physics research that furthers our understanding of life on earth has been published in Physical Review Letters.
Tom Dyer’s research on verification of nuclear disarmament agreements scoops the SPIE Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications’ ‘Best Student Paper Award’.
"As part of my degree I participated in a Professional Training year at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, as a PR and Events Assistant"
Physics Professor and Radio 4 Life Scientific presenter Jim Al Khalili interviewed comedian and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax as part of Surrey’s first Mental Health Awareness Week.
Life on the Edge: The Coming Age of Quantum Biology explores some of nature’s best tricks and biggest secrets to give a new perspective on what life actually is.
Surrey’s Professor Jim Al-Khalili is one of many high-profile scientists to endorse the Lunar Mission One, which aims to survey the moon’s South Pole for a potential future human landing site.
An article on lasers and megawatt magnets, written by Surrey Physics undergraduate Laurence Stant during his final year project, has been accepted for publication by equipment and instrumentation software company National Instruments.
Findings published in the journal Nature Communications demonstrate how glass can be manipulated to create a material that will enable computers to transfer information using light.
The University of Surrey’s on-going collaboration with the University of Malaya (UM) has been further strengthened with the appointment of a second Surrey academic as an Academic Icon.
The Nobel Prize for Physics has been awarded to the creators of the now ubiquitous blue LED – an invention which is being further developed at the University of Surrey.
New research published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials suggests that graphene-treated nanowires could soon replace current touchscreen technology, allowing for more affordable, flexible displays and significantly reducing production costs.
Surrey’s Department of Physics wins £1.8m STFC research grant in order to explore nuclear structure and reactions.
Research published in the journal Nature Communications uncovers a new method to detect Majorana particles, a key element for a next-generation quantum computing platform.
Patented Surrey research could lead to the next generation of energy-efficient devices.
Surrey professors present innovative research at an international nuclear physics conference.
Revolutionary research stretches the limits of current healthcare by enabling medical professionals to measure their patients’ breathing, heart rate and movement with graphene elastic bands.
Professor Paddy Regan describes the poison linked to Alexander Litvinenko’s death.
“Since arriving in England, I have grown in confidence and learned to live on my own away from my home country.”
Three PhD studentships funded by Surrey and NPL will enable Surrey-NPL research into composite materials, cancer diagnosis and next generation wireless networks.
Professors Alan Woodward and Jim Al-Khalili support the TeenTech 2014 Awards, set up to nurture and celebrate young talent.
Surrey research reveals how ultrasonic waves can optimise the dispersion of nanomaterials, improving their chances of industrial application.
Professor of radiation and medical physics David Bradley has been named an Academic Icon by the University of Malaya.
New research suggests it may be possible to deliver energy through optical fibres or even across thin air – instead of flowing within copper cables.
Speaking at the Astroparticle Physics conference, Professor Justin Read reveals how precise data is enabling us to learn more about dark matter – the ‘glue’ that holds galaxies together.
PhD students receive prestigious science communication nominations from the South East Physics Network.
Dr Eran Ginossar has won an EPSRC first research grant to fund a project that could help improve the efficiency and speed of computers in the future.
Professor Jim Al-Khalili and Dr Radu Sporea receive significant EPSRC prize and nomination.
“My time at National Instruments has been an invaluable aid to my career prospects."
The RISE awards celebrate pioneering academics who are innovators in engineering and science research.
Celebrated Surrey academic shares his knowledge of the semiconductor laser with Radio 4 listeners.
Abbie Stone, currently on her Professional Training year at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), recently attended a special House of Commons reception.
A TV interview with Afghanistan-born Shakardokht Jafari highlights her achievements at Surrey and the journey that brought her here.
The first person to sit in the hot seat of the new ‘Jim Meets…’ series opens up about her career and being a female space scientist in a male-dominated environment.
University of Surrey academic recognised for research into semiconductor lasers.
Collaboration between the University of Surrey and the University of California @ Irvine (UCI) leads to research breakthrough.
New PhD funding targets some of the ‘grand challenges’ of physics.
New group set to explore the fundamental questions of the universe.
The proportion of women studying engineering and physical sciences at Surrey challenges the national trend in co-educational state schools.
The government’s investment of £270m in quantum technologies is a great boost for the University, which has recently developed a degree course in the specialism.
Professor Paddy Regan, NPL-Surrey Chair of Radionuclide Metrology, is soon to appear on a BBC Four programme examining the widespread use of radium in Edwardian households.
Physics undergraduate Michael Barton unlocks the mysteries of everyday expressions for those on the autistic spectrum.
Dr Izabela Jurewicz has won a grant to develop energy storage systems based on textiles – technology that could greatly improve the viability of Electric Vehicles.
A concept developed by Head of Photonics Professor Stephen Sweeney offers a solution to the energy consumption crisis being driven by the internet age.
Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute has been recognised for its pioneering 4G solar cell research with a prestigious Elektra Award nomination.
A Faculty for the Future grant is providing Medical Physics PhD student Shakardokht Jafari with the vital funding to take her ground-breaking radiotherapy research to the next level – bringing her vision of establishing a radiotherapy centre in Afghanistan closer to reality.
Chair of Surrey’s newly founded astrophysics group, Professor Mark Gieles has secured a prestigious Starting Grant from the ERC to fund research that will shed light on the evolution of the Milky Way and its globular clusters.
Inspiring scientific research with ‘Secrets of Cell Division’ seminar.
Professor David Bradley made national news in Malaysia following a visit to a rare earth processing facility located there.
Professor Alf Adams’ work on the strained-layer quantum-well laser has changed the world we live in. No wonder his work is regarded by experts as one of the top ten greatest UK scientific breakthroughs of all time…
Inspiring TV star physicist Professor Brian Cox recently returned to the University of Surrey to deliver a far-reaching lecture on quantum physics…
Medical physics PhD student Shakardokht Jafari has developed a way of monitoring radiotherapy doses using inexpensive glass jewellery beads, opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment around the world.
A team of physicists led by Professor Ben Murdin has reproduced the conditions of one of the galaxy’s most hostile environments, where the earthly rules of chemistry don’t apply…
